Hestia's Shrine – Early Morning
Orcbolg woke before dawn, as he always did.
Years of habit dictated his actions. Before the sun rose, he checked his equipment—his sword's edge, his armor's straps. Even in a world without the same dangers, he maintained his discipline.
Hestia, however, was not as accustomed to early mornings.
From her small bed in the corner, he heard a soft groan. Then, a rustling of blankets. Then—
"...Five more minutes…"
Orcbolg turned slightly, watching as Hestia curled deeper into her sheets.
He hesitated.
Then, after a moment, he reached down and nudged the blanket up, covering her better.
Hestia made a pleased sound, a small smile forming on her lips.
Orcbolg stood, silently stepping outside to prepare for the day.
Guild Headquarters – Afternoon
"You're going in alone again?"
Eina Tulle sighed as she glanced up from her paperwork.
Orcbolg nodded. "I work alone."
"You keep saying that, but…" She shook her head. "Never mind. If you're heading back into the Dungeon, at least take this."
She placed a small pouch on the counter.
"More potions?"
"Yes. And a small emergency dagger. Just in case."
Orcbolg stared at the pouch for a moment, then nodded. "Understood."
Eina leaned forward, giving him a long look.
"...Has anyone ever told you you're difficult to deal with?"
"Yes."
Eina sighed. "Of course."
Dungeon – Third Floor
The third floor was darker, the air thicker with the scent of monsters.
Orcbolg moved cautiously, his skill Relentless Pursuer sharpening his senses. The presence of enemies was more frequent now, their movements faster.
A goblin rushed him.
Not the kind from his world.
Not a demon.
Just a beast.
Orcbolg sidestepped its clawed strike, driving his sword through its chest in a single, practiced motion.
It dissolved.
He collected the magic stone, scanning his surroundings.
Still clear.
They are different.
The thought echoed again. But it changed nothing.
He was still hunting.
Hestia's Shrine – That Night
Orcbolg returned after sunset, stepping inside the small shrine.
Hestia, sitting cross-legged on the couch, perked up immediately.
"Welcome home!" she said with a grin.
Orcbolg stopped.
The words caught him off guard.
Home.
He had never thought of this place as such. It was merely a shelter, a place to rest and prepare for the next hunt.
But Hestia said it so naturally, as if it were obvious.
"...I see," he finally said, closing the door behind him.
Hestia pouted. "You really don't talk much, do you?"
He said nothing.
She sighed but didn't seem annoyed. Instead, she shuffled over, patting the space next to her.
"C'mon, sit. You're always so serious—relax a little!"
Orcbolg hesitated, then sat down.
Hestia grinned. "See? Not so bad, right?"
"...No."
She laughed. "Wow, I actually got a response this time!"
There was a comfortable silence after that.
Then, after a moment, Hestia leaned forward slightly.
"So, how was the Dungeon today?"
Orcbolg thought for a moment. "Efficient. No injuries."
Hestia rolled her eyes. "That's all you have to say?"
He glanced at her. "What else?"
Hestia sighed dramatically. "I dunno! Maybe something about what you saw? What you thought? Did anything interesting happen?"
Orcbolg was quiet for a moment. Then, he spoke.
"...The goblins are different."
Hestia blinked.
"You've mentioned that before," she said, tilting her head. "It really bothers you, huh?"
He nodded.
Hestia leaned back, staring at the ceiling. "You must've gone through a lot before coming here."
Orcbolg didn't answer.
She glanced at him, then softened.
"...You know," she said quietly, "you don't have to carry everything by yourself."
Orcbolg turned to her.
Hestia smiled, but it wasn't her usual playful grin. It was gentle, understanding.
"You have a Familia now," she continued. "Even if it's just me, you're not alone anymore."
Orcbolg was silent.
Not alone.
The words felt… foreign.
But not unwelcome.
Hestia stretched, then suddenly grinned. "Anyway! Since you're back early, let's have dinner! You're probably hungry, right?"
Orcbolg hesitated. "...Yes."
Hestia's eyes lit up. "Then leave it to me! I'll make something delicious!"
She rushed off to the small kitchen, already humming to herself.
Orcbolg watched her go.
For the first time since coming to this world, he let his guard down.
Just a little.
And for the first time in a long while, something in his chest felt… lighter.
He closed his eyes, exhaling slowly.
Maybe, just maybe—
This place wasn't so bad.