From his conversation with Maria, Charlie understood that most of the children in this orphanage were orphans, abandoned after their parents died in the Dungeon.
Don't be deceived by Bell Cranel's rapid progress, as if the Dungeon were a harmless place—this would be a grave mistake. Bell was the Son of Destiny this world; no matter how severe the incidents he experienced, even if they nearly claimed his life, he would never truly die. Even if he did die, somehow, he would return to life. This was known as plot armor.
But ordinary adventurers? They don't have such privileges. Dead is dead
Though his time as an adventurer hadn't even reached two months, Charlie had already seen fresh corpses firsthand during his explorations in the Dungeon.
While the exact mortality rate wasn't officially stated, it was common knowledge that a large number of adventurers died every day in Orario, with newcomers facing the highest risks—especially on the Upper Floors, where powerful monsters and faster spawn rates increased the danger.
According to Rose, the Guild receptionist, the death rate for adventurers within their first ten years reached 73%—one reason why Guild advisors tended to keep their distance from adventurers.
The high fatality rate was evident in the existence of orphanages for children of deceased adventurers and the numerous missing members from Familias lost during conflicts.
"Big brother Charlie! These potato chips are so delicious! This is the best food I've ever eaten!" Shouted a boy with his mouth full of chips.
"It tingles on my tongue, but it doesn't hurt—it feels refreshing! This drink called Pepsi is so addictive! Where did you buy it, big brother Charlie?" Asked another child, sipping the carbonated beverage.
"So sweet~ This chocolate is even better than the ones sold in stores…" Murmured a little girl, her eyes sparkling.
The children looked happy as they enjoyed the snacks Charlie had given them. After all, modern civilization's rich, flavorful snacks clearly surpassed the bland treats of medieval European civilization.
"I'm glad you like them. Don't eat too fast—when you finish, I'll give you more. I still have plenty in stock."
Seeing their bright, joyful faces, Charlie smiled gently.
In the Space-Time Cache—a silver bracelet-shaped storage item on his wrist—he carried food and drinks he had taken from a convenience store during his Quest in the Planar World: Gotoubun no Hanayome. Rather than let them gather dust, Charlie decided to share them with the children at this orphanage.
"Everyone, what should you say in this situation?" Maria gently reminded them.
"Thank you, big brother Charlie!" The children chorused in unison, their voices pure and harmonious.
"You're welcome." Charlie replied with a faint smile.
In his previous life, he had never had the chance to experience being a father. Now, strangely, he felt calm playing with children.
Meanwhile, Aishia was surrounded by little girls, awestruck by her.
"Big sister Aishia, your hair is so soft! How do you do it?" Asked a curious little girl.
"Your skin is as smooth as silk! What lotion do you use?" Added another, carefully touching Aishia's hand.
"Are you really a fairy? You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen!" Exclaimed a third, eyes shining.
"Do you have a beauty secret?" Asked a bolder teenage girl. "I want to be just like you when I grow up."
Aishia, normally almost expressionless, looked slightly flustered by all the attention.
"I… don't do any special care." She answered in her usual flat tone, though her eyes showed a hint of softness. "This… is natural."
Her honest answer only made the children more enchanted, believing Aishia's beauty was something surreal. They continued to surround her, asking innocent questions about how to become as beautiful as she was.
"..."
Charlie watched the scene with a gentle smile.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Charlie and Aishia spent the day at Maria Orphanage until evening. The children's laughter filled the air, making the old, run-down church feel alive.
When the boys learned that Charlie was an adventurer who mastered magic, they immediately asked him to demonstrate his skills.
This simple request was easily fulfilled. Charlie used Spirit Arts to create beautiful, harmless magic effects.
For example, colorful streams of light danced through the air, forming intricate patterns like eternal fireworks, light butterflies fluttering around, or tiny sparkling crystals that rained down before vanishing.
The children were amazed, their eyes wide with wonder at the miracles unfolding before them.
Possibly inspired by the heroic tales they often read, most of the boys dreamed of becoming adventurers when they grew up.
This wasn't surprising—Charlie understood their enthusiasm. Many people's initial aspirations were shaped by epic tales of heroes from the Age of Heroes, before the gods descended to the Lower World. Bell Cranel was the perfect example.
"..."
Meanwhile, Aishia was surrounded by little girls carefully weaving a flower crown for her. They picked the most beautiful flowers from the small garden in the church and arranged them into a perfect crown.
In short, the children at Maria Orphanage experienced the happiest time of their lives thanks to Charlie and Aishia's presence. After all, no one usually cared about a group of orphans in Daedalus Street.
"Haaah… So they finally couldn't resist? But they actually dared to do it here? Well, expecting them not to use despicable methods would be asking too much."
Charlie suddenly sighed, speaking to himself.
"What are you talking about, big brother Charlie?" Asked a little girl, her face full of confusion.
*SWISHHHHHH—*
Soon after, without warning, the air in the orphanage changed. Invisible gas began filling the room. Within less than half a minute, Maria and all the children began staggering and collapsing unconscious, one by one.
"Charlie."
"I know, Aishia. It's just sleeping gas. Sister Maria and the children are fine. Otherwise, I wouldn't have allowed them to act."
Charlie raised his hand, signaling Aishia not to worry.
*BANG!*
The front door was kicked open violently, and two menacing-looking men swaggered in.
"Hah? Oi oi oi, what happened? That knockout gas can even knock out an elephant! Did they have an antidote?"
"Tsk, this is troublesome. Whatever. Our priority hasn't changed. Kill the man and take the woman."
Both were Level 3 adventurers—top-tier strength in a small Familia, mid-tier in a top-tier Familia. Their power surpassed 90% of adventurers in Orario, so it was no wonder they were arrogant.
Unfortunately for them, this time they had kicked a steel plate. Charlie wasn't some weakling like the Level 1 adventurers who hadn't leveled up after years of effort. On the contrary, he was an anomaly surpassing even the world's Son of Destiny.
*CRACK!*
A snapping sound echoed, and suddenly, Charlie was already behind one of the men. He snapped the other's neck before he could react, then dropped the lifeless body. The tattooed man collapsed silently to the ground.
"Eh? That's impossible…"
The scar-faced man stared at his instantly killed companion, eyes wide with horror.
"You talk too much."
Charlie said coldly, his eyes as icy as winter.
This was precisely why Charlie had allowed the sleeping gas to take effect—he didn't want the children to witness the murder and suffer nightmares.
"AAAAAHHHH!!!"
Realizing Charlie's strength far exceeded their expectations, the scar-faced man panicked. The thought of fighting never crossed his mind—only escape. He turned and ran toward the door with all his might.
"Showing your back to an enemy. How foolish."
*BUZZ!*
Before Charlie could move, Aishia had already raised her hand. Using Spirit Arts, she froze the man into a perfect ice statue, his expression of terror still frozen on his face.
Aishia walked toward Charlie, staring at him expressionlessly, as if blaming him.
"I'm not a flower vase. Charlie doesn't need to do everything himself."
"I never thought that."
Charlie turned away, a faint smile forming as he heard her protest.