"Hahaha! The kids of Orario really are adorable—especially in bed! If you're up for it, even the gods are fair game!"
"Oh, and remember—don't tell Asfi."
Shaka squinted. "Wait… you're not talking about that goddess, right? The one running the red-light district? The ebony-skinned one?"
He suddenly pictured the sultry, golden-eyed Ista.
But then—
Join the Hermes Familia?
For a brief moment, Shaka's thoughts stopped. After arriving in the world of DanMachi, he had indeed planned to join a familia eventually.
And why not? Despite the world being somewhat of a "low-tier" isekai in terms of power scaling, the system of Falna—a blessing that turned one's life experiences into quantifiable strength—was, without a doubt, one of the best "starter cheats" in any multiverse.
Not to mention, the magical skills and abilities one could awaken were often completely personal and tied to the soul. If there was ever a dream system for a transmigrator, this was it.
But Hermes…
That god was, essentially, the ultimate support role. Charming and supposedly neutral, yes—but also manipulative and always scheming behind the scenes. He wasn't evil, but compared to other gods who treated their familias like family—like Blue Ribbon for example—Hermes was in a different league.
I wonder… has the Blue Ribbon descended yet? Or already formed her first familia?
Just as his mind raced, a voice—cold and sharp as steel—cut through the air from behind:
"Hermes-sama~~ What is it that you didn't want me to hear?"
A chill ran down Shaka's spine.
"Are you thinking unclean thoughts again? Or worse—recruiting another stray child?"
Shaka looked around in panic. The voice was dangerously close, but he couldn't see anyone.
Hermes, on the other hand, had completely frozen. His hearty laugh died in his throat.
Then—BOOM.
A sudden, explosive blow hit Hermes square in the gut. The god was slammed straight into the ground with bone-rattling force, forming a human-shaped crater beside Shaka.
Gulping, Shaka stared at the god twitching at the center of the impact.
Even a god like Hermes… can tank that kind of hit and not die?!
For the first time, Shaka truly grasped the gap in strength between himself and the beings of this world—especially the high-level adventurers.
The killing intent was immediate. Shaka stood ramrod straight and raised both hands in surrender.
"Forgive me, mighty warrior! I'm not even close friends with this god!"
Just then, the air shimmered before him—and a composed young woman with short blue hair and silver-rimmed glasses stepped forward, removing her mask.
Asfi Al Andromeda.
Known as the [Trickster], one of the few holders of the mysterious attribute called [Mystery]. Rumored to be a royal from some faraway maritime kingdom.
Also, she was—unfortunately—deeply in love with her god.
And judging by the dark circles under her eyes, she had become the de facto manager and pack mule of the Hermes Familia. A certified, full-time Overworked Chosen One.
Hermes—miraculously unharmed—rose to his feet and grinned, as if nothing had happened.
"So, what do you think, Shaka-kun? Want to join my familia?"
Join a group of professional errand-runners?
Shaka laughed nervously. "I'd like to get to know this world better first, before making that decision."
"Fair enough," Hermes shrugged. "We're heading to the City of Forged Steel. You okay with that?"
Not Orario? Shaka paused, then nodded. "Yeah. No problem."
Though obscure to most fans, Shaka knew this city.
The City of Forged Steel—a mecca for blacksmiths, the greatest producer of weapons and magical blades. In the original story, this was where Welf Crozzo, the famed magic swordsmith, settled after leaving the Kingdom of Rakia.
Asfi, arms crossed and eyes sharp, suddenly began sizing him up.
"Red hair… green eyes… you look familiar. Have we met before?"
Shaka chuckled awkwardly. "Probably just a coincidence."
"Hmm…" she didn't seem convinced but let it go. "You're injured. Come here."
From beneath her cloak, she pulled out a vial, dabbed some of its contents on his forehead—and to Shaka's surprise, the wound healed almost instantly.
"This is…"
"Just a basic healing potion. Also—did you collect your loot yet? Surface monsters are weak, sure, but they still drop magic stones and loot now and then."
She extended her hand, revealing a few tiny shards of magic stone and a shriveled goblin finger. Barely even qualified as a drop.
Shaka accepted the loot, and the three of them packed their things and headed to a nearby caravan. As they traveled, Shaka asked questions—most of which Hermes answered with half-truths and exaggerated tales.
The night passed.
By midday, they arrived at the City of Forged Steel.
As they passed through the towering gates, flanked by bustling demi-humans and elves, Shaka clenched his fists.
"This is it… my isekai adventure begins now."
After entering the city, Asfi handed Shaka a small pouch filled with gold coins.
"This is the payment for the goods you sold Hermes-sama. About 50,000 Valis. Should last you half a month, if you spend carefully."
Shaka nodded and tucked the pouch into his backpack.
She added, "Take a few days to look around. If you decide to join the familia, come back here in three days. We'll be heading out after that."
Shaka could sense her internal conflict—Asfi clearly didn't want him in the familia. Maybe she was worried Hermes would drag yet another innocent soul into one of his schemes.
Before he could reply, a lazy voice chimed in from the side.
A short-haired canine girl with a casual slouch and arms behind her head said, "Honestly, even if Hermes-sama insists, you're not really suited to our familia, Shaka."
She grinned. "Usually, you'd need to pass a test to join. At least show some talent for thievery."
Apparently, their entry test involved tracking a hidden coin through a sleight-of-hand game—proving one's potential as a rogue or scout.
Not really Shaka's style.
"If you ask me," she added, "you'd be better off joining another familia."
Asfi pushed her glasses up coldly. "Mind your own business, Lulune."
"Yes, ma'am." Lulune shrugged and walked off.
Asfi turned to Shaka, a conflicted expression on her face.
"Don't take it personally. Honestly, I don't want you in the familia either—not if it's going to happen that way… But I won't go against Hermes-sama's will."
Shaka blinked.
Are you talking about your god trying to drag me to the pleasure district? Hey—he was the one being shady! I'm the victim here! Don't blame me!
Resigned, Shaka nodded politely. "Thank you. I understand."
As Hermes and the others left to sell their goods, Shaka stepped into the bustling streets of the city, his eyes gleaming with determination.
He hadn't come here on a whim.
He was looking for someone.
No—some god.
"From what I gathered from Asfi, it should be around three years before the main story begins. If that's true… they should be here right now."
Mentally replaying every detail he knew, Shaka made his way through the city, quietly asking around.
After spending 10,000 Valis at a bar, he finally got a lead—and wasted no time.
He arrived at a weapon shop tucked away in a corner of the city. Just as he stepped forward to push open the door—
A familiar voice froze him in place.
"Asfi…? What are you doing here?"
She raised an eyebrow. "Delivering a letter to an old friend. And you, Shaka-san… what are you doing here?"
The sunlight glinted off her glasses, hiding her expression.
Shaka suddenly felt like a man caught cheating red-handed.
Like a guilty husband caught visiting a mistress, he smiled stiffly.
And silently prayed for mercy.