Chapter Text
A long, long time ago, the gods descended upon this world—the world of our children—seeking the one thing our eternal lives lacked: excitement. We decided then to reside here forever in the lower world, sealing away our divine Arcanum to embrace a life defined by hardship, beauty, and the "exquisite inconvenience" of mortality. To our children, we offered a single grace: the power to struggle, a blessing we call Falna. Those who receive it become our hands and feet; they become our Familia.
I had resigned myself to a quiet, solitary existence. In those early days, I truly believed my Familia was destined to remain a party of one—a tiny, flickering candle in the vast darkness of Orario. But that was before the world tilted on its axis. That was before he arrived.
The man who would eventually be crowned the King of Heroes didn't just walk into my life; he manifested within it.
At first glance, he bears no resemblance to the desperate, bright-eyed adventurers who flock to the Guild. To him, the perils of the Dungeon are not 'challenges' to be overcome, but tedious chores beneath his station. He is a man of impossible standards, possessed by a refined arrogance that many find grating, if not outright infuriating. He looks down upon the world not out of spite, but from the sheer, dizzying height of his own soul.
And then, there is his wealth. It is not the mere gold of merchants or the hoarded loot of veterans. It is a primordial, shimmering abundance that rivals—perhaps even surpasses—the treasuries of the gods themselves. He guards his wonders with a stingy, jealous hand, for he knows the value of every grain of sand in his kingdom.
Yet, beneath that gilded mask of indifference lies the heart of a true sovereign. He does not give his affection freely, nor does he suffer fools, but for those he deems his 'subjects,' he is an unbreakable shield. He is a King who demands excellence, but in return, he offers a loyalty that burns brighter than the sun.
This is the chronicle of an adventurer who entered the City of Monsters not to find fame, but to reclaim a throne. People laughed at his words once. They called his ambition a delusion. But as the shadows lengthen over Orario, they are beginning to realize the truth...
When a King speaks, the world has no choice but to listen.
— ⟡ —
The towering spire of Babel pierced the firmament, a white needle stitching the heavens to the earth. Standing a few paces from the massive city gates, a youth with hair of spun gold stood with his left hand on his hip.
His crimson eyes, sharp and judgmental, traced the staggering height of the distant monolith. From this distance, the city walls obscured the bustling streets, leaving only the shadow of the great tower to receive him.
He wore a simple white shirt beneath a dark, tailored jacket, paired with practical trousers and leather footwear—the attire of a refined traveler, not yet a common adventurer.
The dust of the road clung to the hem of his black jacket, a sharp contrast against the pristine white of his shirt. Standing a few meters from the towering main gate, the teenager looked up. From this distance, the Great Tree of Babel pierced the clouds like a needle stitching the sky to the earth. The massive city walls acted as a stone curtain, hiding the labyrinthine streets and bustling markets of Orario from the rest of the world.
He adjusted his collar, his crimson eyes narrowing as he took in the sheer scale of the fortification.
"Here I am, City of Orario. It was a pain in the ass walking all the way here."
His voice was smooth, lacking the typical arrogance one might expect from someone with his striking, golden appearance. He thought briefly of the Vimana, his soaring ark, resting silently within the depths of his soul. It would have made the journey a breeze, but he wasn't looking to start a war or invite a divine interrogation before he'd even cleared security.
Low profiles were hard to maintain when you owned the world, but he was willing to try.
"If I remember correctly, the power balance here is a mess. Zeus and Hera are long gone, banished into history. Now, it's Freya or Loki sitting on the throne. Or maybe both."
He shrugged, his expression shifting to one of utter indifference.
"Regardless of who claims the seat, the strongest in this city has just arrived. It makes no difference to me."
He wasn't a prince or a god. [Y/N] had been raised in the quiet solitude of an orphanage far from the cacophony of the Labyrinth City. He knew nothing of his parentage, but at the age of seven, his reality had shifted. He had discovered the Ripples—golden portals that manifested at his whim.
Initially, it was merely a silent, vacant dimension—a private storehouse. A cup, a training sword, a handful of coin; anything his hand graced could be tucked into that invisible treasury. The true revelation, however, came the day he sought to retrieve a blade in haste. Instead of sliding into his palm, the weapon had been launched, shrieking through the air like a bolt of lightning.
He had spent years perfecting the Gate of Babylon. He had traveled, fought, and hoarded every scrap of gold to fill his void with the finest steel he could procure. Every blade fired was a blade reclaimed—a cycle of endless weaponry that made him a one-man legion. Eventually, a wandering god had told him of Orario—the only stage where a man with his particular hunger could truly be tested. To an adventurer with an infinite arsenal, it sounded like the only place worth being.
"I wonder whose Familia I should join? I don't want to attract too much attention, so I should probably look for an unpopular one."
He usually kept his power hidden. During his travels, he never opened many gates at once, usually relying on just one to use his favorite weapon: Enki. He loved it for its versatility, acting as both tonfas and a bow. While it wasn't his most valuable treasure, it was his most trusted. As for his truly powerful weapons, he had decided he would never use them unless he faced a truly worthy opponent in a grand battle.
With a heavy sigh, he joined the end of the long, winding line of hopefuls waiting to enter the gates.
"This is going to take some time."
He muttered this to himself as he shuffled into the long line of adventurers waiting for entry. When he finally reached the front, he paid the entrance fee to the guard—a member of the Ganesha Familia, the city's standing security force.
As he stepped through the gates and into the city proper, he took in the sight of the bustling streets. A small smile crossed his face.
"Not bad. Maybe I should take a look around first before heading to the Pantheon."
He spent the next few hours sightseeing, exploring the different districts to understand the layout of the city. Eventually, he stopped at a café to rest. As he sat there, a familiar sensation washed over him—the feeling of being watched.
'I have been within these walls for less than a day, and already someone dares to shadow me', He thought.
He didn't move to confront them. He couldn't feel any ill intent coming from the person watching him, so he decided to let it slide for now. He finished his rest and began making his way toward the Pantheon, having already spotted the building during his walk.
[Y/N] navigated the bustling streets with a steady stride until a massive, temple-like structure came into view. Its architecture was grand, meant to represent the authority of the gods who governed the city's pulse.
"If I remember correctly, the Guild should be... right there."
The Pantheon—or simply "The Guild"—was the heart of Orario. It was more than just a building; it was the administrative hub that managed every registered adventurer. Here, magic stones were traded for currency, quests were posted, and the lifeblood of the city was meticulously supervised.
As [Y/N] stepped inside, he was met with a wall of noise. Adventurers of all races—humans, dwarves, prum, and beastfolk—were scattered throughout the hall. Some were huddled in deep conversation with their advisors, while others double-checked their gear before heading into the abyss.
"Hello there."
[Y/N] turned toward the melodic voice and found a female elf standing beside him. She was professional and elegant, her green eyes scanning him with a mix of curiosity and duty.
"I haven't seen you around before. How can I help you?"
"Oh, yeah. I actually just arrived in the city a few hours ago. I'm looking to register as an adventurer."
The elf offered a polite, practiced smile.
"I see. May I ask which Familia you belong to?"
"Well, I actually don't have one yet."
"Is that so? That's a shame," she replied, her tone softening with a hint of sympathy. "You need to be a member of a Familia and receive a Falna before you can officially join the Guild's ranks. But don't worry, I can recommend a few Familias that might take you in... Mr?"
"[Y/N]".
"Mr. [Y/N]. Just give me a moment to check the listings."
"Just '[Y/N]' is fine," he corrected smoothly. "And you are...?"
She let out a small, musical giggle. "Eina Tulle. In that case, you can just call me Eina as well. Do you not have a family name, [Y/N]?"
"No. I was raised as an orphan," he said, his voice flat but not unkind. "I've never felt the need for one."
"I understand." Eina murmured, her gaze softening as she turned her attention to the file in her hands.
Eina began flipping through the documents she held against her chest. [Y/N] watched her, his mind wandering. He knew that as a newcomer with no history, many of the prestigious Familias would likely turn him away. He could easily demonstrate his power to prove his worth, but he knew exactly what that would lead to: a massive commotion that would have every God in the city breathing down his neck. That was a headache he wasn't ready for.
"Since you're new, I would recommend the Miach, Takemikazuchi, or Apollo Familias," Eina suggested. "If you're more interested in the business side of things, Hermes is a good fit. Or if you prefer the forge, Hephaestus is the best choice for smithing. Oh! And—"
"Hold on a second, Eina."
Eina blinked, pausing mid-sentence. "Hmm?"
"Are you sure any of them would actually let me in? I'm just a guy off the street to them."
Eina sighed, closing her file with a look of regret. "Well... adventurers around here can be pretty prejudiced toward newcomers," Eina admitted, looking a bit sheepish. "Some of the larger groups have even been known to target rookies for their own gain."
"I figured as much. Is there a Familia around here that isn't... well, well-known? Something a bit more under the radar?"
Eina hesitated, her expression becoming complicated. "There is one, actually. It's just..."
"It's just what?"
"This Familia is quite poor, and honestly, they're considered the weakest in Orario right now. There's only one member."
[Y/N] leaned in, his interest finally piqued. "Really? What's the name?"
"It's—"
"MISS EINA!"
A frantic voice cut through the air, and the Guild's heavy doors swung open. A young boy stood at the entrance, gasping for air as he called out to her.
"Oh, it's Bell—EEeeek?!!"
Eina's professional composure vanished instantly. She shrieked as her files and papers went flying, scattering across the floor like leaves in a storm. The boy—Bell—was a mess. He was covered from head to toe in fresh, crimson blood, looking like he had barely escaped a slaughterhouse.
[Y/N] stood by, looking genuinely baffled by the sight of the blood-soaked kid.
"Please!" Bell shouted, ignoring his own state. "Tell me everything you know about Miss Aiz Wallenstein!"
— ⟡ —
After a much-needed cleanup, the boy was currently being cornered in the lounge area. [Y/N] sat on a nearby sofa, resting his chin on his hand as he watched the scene play out.
"You know better than that!" Eina scolded, her voice echoing through the lounge. "Going straight down to the fifth floor already?"
"I'm sorry..." Bell mumbled, looking like a kicked puppy.
"It's dangerous enough to go into the dungeon alone without a party! I've told you this before: an adventurer shouldn't be too adventurous!"
[Y/N] couldn't help but chuckle from his seat. 'How does that make any sense? If you aren't adventurous, what's the point of the job?'
Bell looked over at her, defeated. "Yeah... sorry."
"Bell, you are amazingly lucky," Eina continued, turning back to the boy. "Not many Level 1 adventurers who've only been at it for two weeks would survive a Minotaur attack."
"A Minotaur?" [Y/N] raised an eyebrow. "That was a high-tier threat for a beginner".
"Anyway, I'm just glad you're safe," Eina sighed, reaching out to flick Bell's nose. "Be more careful next time. And try not to run through the streets soaked in blood, okay? It scares the locals."
"Right! So... about that information on Miss Aiz?"
Eina groaned. "Don't tell me you've fallen in love with Lady Wallenstein just because she saved you?"
"Well, um..."
"You have, haven't you?"
"Yes!" Bell practically shouted, his face turning bright red.
"Aiz Wallenstein. She's part of the Loki Familia and currently a Level 5," Eina explained.
"Level 5, huh?" [Y/N] mused. "She sounds like she actually knows how to swing a sword."
"She's said to be one of the strongest swordsmen in Orario," Eina added. "The gods even gave her the title 'Sword Princess.'"
"Even I know that," Bell said, leaning in. "I meant more like... what does she like? What's her favorite food? And, um... does she have a special someone?"
"Realistically? Your chances are zero," Eina said bluntly.
Bell's spirit seemed to physically leave his body as he slumped over.
"Ouch". [Y/N] muttered. "Brutal."
"Look, Bell. You've already received the blessing of the Goddess Hestia and joined her Familia, right?" Eina said gently. "There are a lot of reasons why a newcomer and a leader of the Loki Familia wouldn't exactly... mix. You understand that, right?"
Bell nodded sadly. Eina patted his shoulder. "Come on, cheer up. Go trade in the magic stones you earned today for some money."
Bell trudged over to the counter and returned a moment later with a small pouch of coins. It wasn't much—hardly a fortune—but it was his day's work.
"Okay, I'll be leaving now," Bell said.
"Bell," Eina called out as he reached the door. "Listen... girls like guys who are strong and can protect them. If you keep working hard and get stronger, she just might notice you."
Bell's eyes lit up instantly. "Yeah! Thank you, Miss Eina! I love you!"
He bowed and bolted out of the building, leaving Eina standing there with a deep blush on her face while a few nearby adventurers whistled and teased her.
"Maybe I was a little too nice..." she whispered.
[Y/N] stood up and walked over to her. "My first day in Orario and I've already witnessed a tragedy and a comedy at the same time."
"Yeah... sorry about that," Eina sighed, rubbing her temples.
"You look like you care a lot about him. Is there something going on there?"
"No!" Eina squeaked, her blush returning. "It's not what you think!"
"Chuckle. Relax, Eina, I'm just playing with you. So, that kid is Bell, right?"
"Yes," Eina said, regaining her composure. "He started a few weeks ago. He's the only member of the Hestia Familia."
"Hestia, huh?"
"That's the one I mentioned earlier," Eina noted. "The weakest Familia in the city."
[Y/N] looked toward the door where the boy had disappeared, a thoughtful smirk appearing on his face.
"Alright. I've made up my mind."
"Hmm?"
"I think I'll join that Familia."
Eina looked at [Y/N] with a worried expression.
"Are you sure about this? That Familia is incredibly unpopular. Most people avoid doing business with them because they're so poor. You might find it hard to even get basic supplies."
[Y/N] offered her a small, confident smile as he adjusted his jacket.
"I'm sure. After all, everyone has to start from the beginning. No one is already at the top the moment they start the climb. Even the most magnificent palace begins with a single foundation stone. No one sits upon a throne the moment they begin their ascent. I shall see what this Goddess has to offer".
Eina stared at him for a long moment, searching for a hint of hesitation, but she found only the hidden, terrifying strength in his gaze. "If that's your final decision, then very well," Eina replied, giving in to his resolve. "You can find Bell and Hestia at an abandoned settlement not far from here. They've made their home in an old, ruined church."
"Got it. Thanks, Eina."
"Oh! And after you've received your Falna, come back here immediately so we can finalize your registration."
"I'll be here."
[Y/N] gave her a casual wave over his shoulder before stepping out of the Pantheon and heading toward the edge of the city.
The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in bruises of purple and orange. [Y/N] walked through the silent streets of the abandoned district, where the buildings stood like hollow skeletons, either crumbling from neglect or long ago destroyed.
Finally, he found it: a small, weathered church tucked away from the main road.
"By the gods," he muttered, his voice echoing through the desolate street. "The elf warned me they were poor, but this... this is bordering on an insult. To think a Goddess dwells in such squalor. This is just... sad."
He walked up to the heavy wooden door and knocked firmly. He waited for a few minutes, but silence was his only answer. Shrugging, he raised his fist and knocked much louder this time, the sound echoing sharply through the empty corridors of the church.
— ⟡ —
Deep beneath the rotting floorboards, in a hidden basement, two pairs of ears perked up.
"Did you hear that, Bell?"
Hestia froze, her eyes wide as she looked toward the entrance.
"Yeah, Goddess. Someone is knocking at the door."
"Who could it be?" Hestia whispered, her voice trembling with sudden paranoia. "You don't think it's a thief, do you?!"
Bell gave a small, weary smile. "Thieves don't usually knock on the front door, Goddess Hestia."
"But still! No one ever comes to this district except for us. It's suspicious!"
"Anyway, we should go answer it," Bell said, standing up. "We can't just leave them hanging out there. We should at least see who it is."
Hestia grumbled but followed close behind him. "Alright, fine..."
Bell pulled the door open, revealing the stranger standing on their doorstep. He immediately recognized the blonde hair and the sharp, crimson eyes from the Guild earlier that day.
"Yes? Can I help you?" Bell asked tentatively.
"Bell, right?"
"Yeah, that's me."
"I'm here to see the Goddess Hestia."
"Who is it, Bell?" Hestia asked, peeking out from behind the boy's waist.
[Y/N] looked down at the short girl, then glanced back at Bell.
"Who's the kid?"
Hestia's face turned bright red in an instant, her eyebrows twitching with irritation.
"What?! Who are you calling a kid, Blondie? For your information, I am a Goddess!"
[Y/N] let out a short, dry chuckle. "Yeah, sure. And I'm a demigod. Now, can I see Hestia or what?"
"I am the Goddess Hestia!"
"Look, kid," [Y/N] sighed, crossing his arms. "I have no qualms with a good joke, but my time is not a commodity to be wasted. I have matters of importance to attend to than dealing with a spoiled brat."
Hestia's temper finally snapped. "You insolent punk!"
"What did you call me? You little brat!"
The two of them began glaring at each other, sparks practically flying between their eyes. Bell jumped in between them, waving his hands frantically to keep the peace.
"H-hey! Calm down, Goddess! And look, Mister... it might be hard to believe, but this really is the Goddess Hestia."
Hestia crossed her arms over her chest with a defiant "Hmph!"
[Y/N] blinked, looking her up and down once more. "Really? I thought all gods and goddesses looked like adults. I never expected one to look like a loli."
"You are completely wrong," Hestia said, her expression shifting into a smug, superior look. "But I suppose I can't expect a common mortal like you to understand our divine forms."
'This Goddess is really starting to get on my nerves'. [Y/N] thought to himself. He looked back at her with a taunting smirk. "Is that really it? Or are you just so weak that your body stayed the size of a child's?"
"Gah! Why you—! I'll have you know I am considered one of the most charming and radiant beauties in all of Orario!"
Hestia looked like she was about to explode. Bell just sweatdropped, watching the chaos unfold.
"Anyway," Bell interrupted, trying to steer the conversation back to safety. "You're the person who was talking to Miss Eina earlier, right?"
"That's correct. I just arrived in the city today, and I'm looking to become an adventurer."
"Do you have a Familia yet?" Bell asked, his voice full of hope.
"No. I'm actually looking for one right now."
Hestia paused her ranting, her eyes widening as the gears turned in her head. "Wait... so the reason you came all the way here is to..."
"That's right."
Bell and Hestia froze, their faces lighting up with a level of pure joy that was almost blinding. They leaned in, waiting for the words.
"I would like to join your Familia," [Y/N] said with a smile.
"WE'D LOVE TO HAVE YOU!" they both screamed in unison.
Before [Y/N] could react, they each grabbed one of his hands and began dragging him into the church, unable to contain their excitement.
"Come on in! Hurry, hurry!" Hestia cheered.
"Woah, woah!" [Y/N] laughed, stumbling slightly as he followed. "Alright, alright, calm down you two."
"We finally have another member! Isn't that great, Goddess?"
"The best!"
The three of them descended into the hidden basement where Bell and Hestia actually lived. It was a cramped, humble space, but it was clean.
"This is where we stay," Hestia said, her voice dropping a bit as she looked around the room. "Sorry if it's not much. We're a bit... well..."
"It's fine," [Y/N] interrupted gently. "As long as I have a place to sleep instead of an expensive inn or the cold street, this is more than enough."
Inside, he felt a pang of sympathy. He watched them with a calculating eye. He had enough gold within his Gate to purchase a palace in the center of the city, but he understood the game. If a nameless rookie suddenly bought a mansion, every god in Orario would descend like a vulture to find the source of his wealth. For now, he would hide his treasure in the shadows of this basement until the world was ready for it.
"So, what's your name, Mister?" Bell asked.
"You don't have to call me 'Mister.' I'm only eighteen."
"But still, you're older than me."
"Even so, we're in the same Familia now. No need for formalities. My name is [Y/N]."
"Okay, [Y/N]!"
Hestia scurried over, holding out a plate. "Here! Have some fried potato puffs!"
"Thank you."
"To celebrate our newest member, we're having a party for dinner!" Hestia declared, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'm not letting either of you get a wink of sleep tonight!"
— ⟡ —
The plates were cleared, but the air in the cramped basement remained warm with the smell of fried potato puffs. Hestia sat on the edge of the bed, carefully updating the Falna on Bell's back.
"Bell, you're far too idealistic about the Dungeon," Hestia sighed, her fingers tracing the ink on his skin. "You'll never pick up the girls you're looking for in a brutal place like that."
"Oh..." Bell's shoulders slumped.
"Take this Aiz Wallenstein girl, for example. If she's really that strong and beautiful, there will be dozens of guys after her. She's bound to have a man or two she already likes!"
Bell looked back over his shoulder, a hint of confusion in his eyes. "Are you upset for some reason, Goddess?"
"I most certainly am not!" Hestia squeaked, her face reddening.
"Is something wrong?"
"No! Listen, Bell. You need to pay more attention to what's around you," she said, leaning in close. "The girl you're looking for might be right in front of you! In fact, you've probably already met a wonderful girl who'll love you and hold you gently. I'm sure of it!"
"Have I really?" Bell asked, sounding genuinely puzzled.
"Well, since she's in the Loki Familia, there's no way you could marry that Wallen-whatsit girl anyway. You should forget about her and look for the happiness that's right here!"
"You're really mean today, Goddess," Bell mumbled. He took the parchment she handed him and scanned the numbers. "Wait! My Agility has gone up a lot!"
"Let me see," [Y/N] leaned in, curious to see how the local power system actually functioned.
"Yeah. It's probably because you had that Minotaur chasing you around the floors," Hestia noted.
"And my Magic power is still zero, huh?" Bell's voice dipped with disappointment. "Am I ever going to be able to use magic?"
"I don't know that myself," Hestia admitted.
[Y/N] offered a reassuring nod. "I'm sure you can. It might take some time and training, but I'm willing to bet you'll learn soon enough."
"Thanks, [Y/N]!" Bell's spirits lifted instantly, but then he blinked. "Oh, Goddess? What's with this line on the page under 'Skills'?"
Hestia's eyes shifted to the side. "Oh, my finger just slipped a little. It's empty, like always."
"Of course it is," Bell sighed, seemingly used to his lack of unique abilities.
"Alright, [Y/N]. It's time for your Falna," Hestia said, her tone shifting to something more official. "Take off your jacket and shirt and lie face-down so I can make you an official member of the Hestia Familia."
[Y/N] nodded, shedding his black jacket and white shirt. His frame was clearly that of a warrior; while he didn't have a shredded six-pack, he possessed a powerful, broad chest and muscular shoulders that spoke of years of physical labor and combat.
Hestia's face flushed a deep shade of pink at the sight. She shook her head to clear her thoughts and produced a silver needle, carefully puncturing her thumb. As she pressed a drop of her divine blood onto his back, the golden ripples of his spirit seemed to react. The Hestia Familia crest—the flaming pit—etched itself into his skin.
As Hestia scanned his status through her magic sphere, her eyes widened. She began to murmur to herself, her confusion growing by the second.
'He's Level 1, as expected... but these skills... and his Mana...'
"Well, you're still Level 1," Hestia said aloud, trying to keep her voice steady. "But you aren't exactly a normal human, are you? You have an incredible amount of skills for a rookie, and you can manifest magic even without the blessing's help."
[Y/N] felt a strange sensation—a warm surge of energy that felt like a tide rising within his veins. 'So this is the Falna', he thought. 'It feels like it's trying to categorize what I already own'.
'This skill has a weird name' Hestia thought. 'Level Rejection? What is that?'
She finished the transcription and pressed a fresh sheet of paper onto his back, letting the ink transfer. "It's done."
She sat back as [Y/N] sat up, pulling his shirt back on. He took the paper and looked at the stats.
[Y/N]
Level 1
STR: B (750) VIT: C (625) DEX: S (929) AGI: C (675) MAG: B (804)
Skills:
Charisma: Increases party's combat morale and effectiveness.
Golden Rule: A destiny of wealth; increases magic potency for a duration.
Treasury of Babylon: Enhances the precision and lethality of projectiles.
Magic Resistance: Provides a natural shield against arcane interference.
Gate of Babylon: Access to a localized spatial inventory.
Clairvoyance: Heightened instinct and sensory perception.
Level Rejection: [Information Hidden/Unknown]
[Y/N] stared at the sheet. 'It's strange', he thought. 'The status doesn't truly grasp the depth of my abilities. Clairvoyance lets me glimpse the future, not just sharpen my instincts. And the Gate... it doesn't mention that the objects are launched as projectiles. But maybe it's better this way. I don't need the world to know the true capacity of my treasury yet'.
His eyes lingered on the final skill. 'Level Rejection? What exactly is this system trying to tell me? Is this world attempting to limit my growth, or is my own soul refusing to be measured by such a primitive system?'
Bell peeked over his shoulder and nearly choked. "Woah! You have that many skills at Level 1?! That's amazing, [Y/N]!"
Hestia looked at him seriously. "[Y/N], I have to ask... have you used magic before?"
"Yeah. I've been able to use it since I was a kid."
"No way! Really?!" Bell looked like he'd just seen a ghost.
[Y/N] gave a small, amused huff. "What's so surprising? Plenty of people use magic, right?"
"Well, yeah," Bell explained, scratching his head. "But usually only after they get a blessing, or if they're from a magical race like Elves or Spirits. Humans aren't usually born with it unless they're incredibly skilled or have some ancient bloodline. You must be really special!"
[Y/N] chuckled, leaning back against the wall.
"I wouldn't say that. Even with all these fancy names on a page, I'm still a Level 1 rookie. I've still got a lot to learn about how things work in this city."
Bell leaned in closer to the status sheet, his finger hovering over the entry for [Y/N]'s primary ability.
"But still, these skills are so cool. What exactly is this 'Gate of Babylon'? Does it really just store items?"
"I'd like to know that myself," Hestia added, her curiosity getting the better of her.
[Y/N] offered a knowing smile. Without a word, he snapped his fingers. In an instant, a ripple of shimmering golden light tore through the air directly in front of their faces.
The sudden surge of magical pressure was so unexpected that both Bell and Hestia yelped, tumbling backward onto the floor.
"This portal," [Y/N] began, looking down at them as the golden light illuminated the basement, "is what I call the Gate of Babylon."
"So cool!" Bell breathed, his eyes wide with wonder as he stared at the undulating surface of the rift.
"So this is where you keep your gear? Impressive," Hestia remarked, dusting herself off. "Can we actually go inside?" She said while pointing at the golden ripple.
"You could, but there's nothing to see," [Y/N] explained. "To anyone else, the items inside are invisible—it's like a separate dimension. For you guys, it would just be an endless void."
He reached into the ripple, his hand disappearing for a moment before he pulled out an ornate, heavy jar made of polished gold.
"You guys want something to drink?"
"Yeah, sure!" Bell said, though he looked at the fancy container with suspicion. "But... what is it?"
[Y/N]'s smirk widened. "Alcohol."
"W-what? No! I can't drink that!" Bell waved his hands frantically.
"[Y/N], Bell is still a minor!" Hestia scolded, putting her hands on her hips. "Don't go corrupting my innocent child on your first night!"
[Y/N] let out a hearty, boisterous chuckle. "Relax, I'm just kidding. It's just fruit juice. No alcohol, I promise."
Hestia stepped closer, her eyes narrowing as she inspected the jar. "Wait... this jar. Is this actual gold?!"
"Now that you mention it, Goddess..." Bell's jaw dropped. "It really is real gold!"
[Y/N] shrugged nonchalantly. "Yeah. Why?"
"Does that mean you're actually rich?" Hestia asked, her eyes practically turning into Valis signs.
"I wouldn't say rich," [Y/N] lied smoothly. He had no intention of revealing the true extent of his wealth; in a city like Orario, being known as a walking gold mine was a death sentence. "I just managed to save some money during my travels to the city."
He saw a familiar, smug look crawl onto Hestia's face.
"So, you know, [Y/N]..." she started, her voice turning sweet and manipulative. "Since you've seen how we're living right now... could you maybe—"
"I refuse."
"I wasn't even done explaining!"
"There's no need," [Y/N] countered. "I know exactly what you're thinking. You want me to cough up some of that money, right?"
"Ehe." Hestia rubbed the back of her head.
"Sorry, Goddess, but I'm not that easy to manipulate. You'll have to give up on that dream."
"Oh, come on! You're part of the Hestia Familia now, and I'm your Goddess! It's only natural for you to share with the rest of the family!"
"Like I said: give it up. Now, if you're actually desperate—if we need to eat or if we need to buy essential equipment—then I'll gladly help out. But I'm not funding a spending spree."
Hestia huffed, turning to her first member. "Hmph! Bell, say something! Tell him that he's being mean!"
Bell looked between them and gave a sheepish shrug. "I'm sorry, Goddess, but he has a point. You do tend to spend a bit too much sometimes..."
"Grumble..."
"Look, Goddess," [Y/N] said, his tone becoming more serious. "There's a reason I want to keep our finances low-profile."
"Why is that?"
"Think about it. This Familia wasn't well-known before today. What do you think would happen if the 'weakest' Familia in Orario suddenly started throwing gold around and buying the most expensive gear in the city?"
The realization hit Hestia and Bell like a physical weight. Their eyes widened in sync.
'He's right,' Hestia realized. 'If we started buying high-end swords and armor, it would attract attention from every Familia in the city. We'd be targeted, and my children would be in danger. I can't let that happen!'
Bell's expression turning grave. "People would start to suspect us immediately."
"Exactly," [Y/N] smiled. "It's better for everyone if we keep my 'savings' a secret for now."
"Very well, [Y/N]," Hestia sighed, though she couldn't hide a small smile. "I agree. We'll keep it quiet."
"Thanks, Goddess."
"Although," Hestia added, her eyes twinkling, "if I really need some money, you'll still help me out... right?"
[Y/N] groaned, his face flat. "You really are a freeloader Goddess. No."
"Pouts!"
"I... I think I'll go brush my teeth now," Bell said, sensing the tension and deciding to make an exit.
As soon as Bell was out of earshot, the atmosphere in the room shifted. [Y/N] turned to Hestia, his eyes sharp and perceptive.
"Why didn't you show him his skill?"
Hestia flinched. "Hmm? What do you mean?"
"The faint words on his status sheet," [Y/N] said, his voice low. "That was a skill. Why are you keeping it from him?"
"I... I don't know what you're talking about."
"I'm a very perceptive person, Hestia. Don't lie to me."
"Eerk!" Hestia slumped her shoulders, defeated by his gaze. "Fine! Honestly... I'm just a little jealous."
"About what?"
"It bugs me that he gained a new skill because he met that Aiz Wallen-whatever woman! As his Goddess, I should be the one causing changes in my children. But we Gods are unchanging, while you people in the lower world change so easily."
[Y/N] looked at her for a long moment. "But as his Goddess—and his parent—shouldn't you just be happy for him? If you really care about your Familia, you have to support them. You want him to be happy, right? I know you're a kind Goddess, Hestia."
He knew the truth of this world. Many gods used their children as pawns for their own selfish games, never caring if they lived or died. But looking at Hestia, he could see she was different.
"I know," Hestia whispered, her voice soft. "I just... I can't help how I feel sometimes."
"Anyway, may I see the skill?"
"Okay. Sure."
Hestia pressed her fingers to the parchment, her divine will causing the hidden ink to manifest clearly.
"Realis Phrase," she read. "It allows him to grow at an accelerated rate. As long as his feelings remain strong, the effect stays active. The stronger his resolve, the faster he grows. Congratulations, Bell... you finally have a skill."
"That's an incredible ability," [Y/N] remarked. "In a tight spot, that kind of growth is a game-changer."
"Well, I think we should all get some sleep," Hestia said, standing up and stretching. "Tomorrow, you and Bell need to head to the Guild to finalize your registration."
"Yeah. You're right, Goddess."
[Y/N] looked at the golden ripple one last time before closing the Gate, the light fading into the shadows of the basement as silence reclaimed the room. A King, a Hero-in-the-making, and a Goddess with nothing to her name—it was an odd start, but he had a feeling things were about to get interesting.