DanMachi: Cheat? What's a Cheat?

Chapter 23 - Morning Encounters

This world is cruel. But not because of monsters, but because reputation can be ruined in one run.

But hey, at least I'm still alive, even if my walking style looks like a cold chicken.

Those adventurers looked at me with a mixture of sympathy and frustration.

"Hey, buddy," one of them approached me.

A big guy with worn leather armor.

"You pissed off too, huh? I see you're even getting chest pains."

"Huh?" I looked at him confused.

I'm clearly having stomach pain, not chest pain.

"Yeah, you keep holding your chest. Must be so pissed your heart hurts. I get it, bro. I'm about to blow my top too."

I glanced at my hand still holding my stomach. From his angle, it probably did look like I was holding my chest.

"Oh, this..." I was about to explain, but he cut me off.

"My advice, just quit being an adventurer if you have heart disease. It's dangerous, bro. Too much stress can make you drop dead."

He patted my shoulder with excessive sympathy before leaving to join his group who were still busy cursing about the monster shortage.

I stood silent for a moment.

Did he think I was upset because floor 1 was empty so I had a heart attack?

But even though he said that, I don't hate him anyway.

He said it with good intentions.

Then I laughed a little.

"Heart disease," I muttered while shaking my head.

If he knew I was the one who cleaned out all the goblins, what would his expression be?

After a short rest near the adventurers who were gathered and discussing.

Occasionally I heard swearing.

After resting a bit I continued my journey out. The cramp in my stomach was starting to ease, though it still felt uncomfortable.

The sun was still low when I exited the dungeon.

Around 6 AM, judging by the sun's position.

I went in at 4, so total about two hours inside.

Orario was coming alive with morning activity.

Merchants opening shops, other adventurers preparing to enter the dungeon, sounds of conversations.

Very lively.

I walked with normal steps, enjoying the fresh morning air after the suffocating humid dungeon air.

Suddenly I saw two girls walking past me.

One had gray hair in neat braids, dressed like a tavern waitress.

The other had green hair in a more elegant style, like... wait.

Green eyes. Green hair. Familiar posture.

Ryuu Lion.

And the other one... gray hair in braids, gentle blue eyes that were almost gray.

Syr Flova.

Or... maybe what's actually Freya in disguise.

My heart pounded, but not from stomach cramps this time.

This is the DanMachi world. A world where gods and goddesses walk among humans.

Where gods seek pleasure in the lower world.

A world where fate can change with one wrong decision.

And I'd just seen two very important characters in this story.

They walked casually, not realizing someone was watching them from behind with a mixture of awe and paranoia.

I didn't follow them.

Didn't approach.

Didn't do anything except watch their backs as they walked away.

Too dangerous.

Too risky.

I prayed not to attract Goddess Freya's attention.

I wiped the sweat from my forehead nervously, after making sure Goddess Freya didn't notice me.

I let out a long breath.

"Focus on the goal," I whispered to myself. "Guild. Exchange magic stones and go to the dungeon."

I continued my journey to the Guild with lighter steps, though my brain was still busy processing what I'd just seen.

The Guild was getting busy when I arrived.

Adventurers of various levels gathered, some just back from the dungeon, some preparing to leave.

The sounds of conversation, laughter, and chatter mixed together.

I headed to the exchange counter with my bag containing magic stones from my hard work... and tactical retreat.

"Good morning," the receptionist girl greeted with a friendly smile. "Want to exchange magic stones?"

I felt like the person manning the exchange was different from yesterday who I met, seems like they work in shifts.

"Yes," I poured the contents of my bag onto the counter.

"All of this."

She counted quickly and carefully. "Total 8,200 valis. Not bad for a new adventurer."

8,200 valis.

Not bad for a morning that started with the effort I put in.

I was just about to leave the Guild when someone entered through the front door.

Short, neat brown hair. Round glasses that gave an intellectual impression.

Neat and clean Guild official clothes.

Eina Tulle.

Our eyes met as she walked towards the employee counter.

"Good morning, Eina-san," I greeted with a polite smile.

"Good morning, Kaen-kun," she replied with a warm smile.

"Kaen-kun, did you just come from the dungeon?"

I saw the surprised look in Eina's eyes.

Her gaze was fixed on my shirt that was torn from the senior goblin's attack.

"How was the dungeon today?"

"Not bad. Floor 1 was kinda empty, but I still got something." I didn't mention the senior goblin or about floor 1 that I cleaned out.

"Thank goodness. New adventurers must always be careful." Her tone was like a worried sister.

"Are you going to the dungeon again?"

"That's the plan."

"Wait a moment," she said like that then left with hurried steps.

"Don't leave yet."

She almost ran to the employee area, leaving me standing confused near the door.

A few minutes later she returned with a book in her hands. A rather thick book with a brown leather cover.

"This," she offered the book. "Basic guide for beginner adventurers. Contains information about monsters, fighting strategies, and survival tips."

I received the book with a feeling that was... warm.

I know books like this aren't given to beginner adventurers.

"Thank you, Eina-san. Very helpful."

"You're welcome. Read it when you have time. Knowledge can save lives." She smiled before looking at the wall clock.

"Sorry, I actually wanted to chat with you. But I still have a lot of business. It's still morning, but the Guild is already getting busy."

"It's okay. Thanks again."

She nodded and hurried to the employee counter, leaving me with a new book and a strange feeling.

Is this what it feels like to receive a love letter?

But sadly, that's not a love letter.

I stared at the book in my hands.

Maybe there's information about the senior goblin I met earlier. Or at least tips on how to face stronger monsters without having to use the "scream loudly then run away" strategy.

With a thin smile, I left the Guild and started walking to find a bread seller.

This morning was productive enough. Time to rest, read books, and plan a more... dignified strategy before entering the dungeon again.

Though, that running away strategy was pretty effective.

That's because the senior goblin didn't chase me, if he'd chased me there's a good chance he would've caught me.

Anyway, at that time I couldn't run fast.

I have to be more careful, speaking of which, it's time I bought some potions.