The evening sun cast long shadows across Shrek Academy as the newly admitted students were led to their dormitory assignments. Lin Tianyu followed Dai Mubai through the winding paths between the academy's modest wooden buildings, taking note of the various training areas and facilities they passed along the way.
"Here we are," Dai Mubai announced as they stopped before a small but well-maintained building. "The first-year dormitories. Since you five represent the strongest incoming class in years, you get some special accommodations."
He gestured toward the building's entrance. "Tang San, you'll be rooming with Oscar in room three. Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong will share room five. Zhu Zhuqing gets room seven to herself since we have an odd number." He turned to Lin Tianyu with a slight grin. "And you, as the highest-ranked new student, get the privilege of a private room as well. Room one, right here at the front."
Lin Tianyu raised an eyebrow. "Private rooms? That seems quite generous."
"It's practical," Dai Mubai explained. "Students of your caliber need space for advanced cultivation and training. Plus, the academy learned long ago that putting too many monsters in one room can lead to... explosive results during practice sessions."
As they entered the building, Lin Tianyu could see it was simply but comfortably furnished. The common area featured several chairs and tables for studying or socializing, while a small kitchen area would allow students to prepare their own meals when needed.
Dai Mubai led him to room one and handed over a key. "Your room. It's got a bed, desk, storage chest, and enough space for cultivation practice. Nothing fancy, but it's functional. Dinner is served in the main hall at sunset, and classes begin tomorrow morning after breakfast."
Lin Tianyu unlocked his door and stepped inside, immediately appreciating the clean, organized space. The room was indeed simple but adequate, with a sturdy bed, a writing desk positioned near the window for good lighting, and enough open floor space for physical training or meditation. A small wardrobe and storage chest completed the furnishings.
"Thank you, Dai Mubai," Lin Tianyu said. "This will work perfectly."
After Dai Mubai left to help the others get settled, Lin Tianyu began unpacking his belongings using his storage ring. The convenience of the dimensional storage made the process incredibly quick - within minutes, he had arranged his extra clothing and various personal items throughout the room.
From the hallway, he could hear the animated voices of his friends as they explored their own accommodations. Xiao Wu's excited chatter mixed with Ning Rongrong's more measured responses, while Tang San and Oscar seemed to be having a lengthy discussion about food preservation techniques. Even Zhu Zhuqing could be heard moving around her room, though she remained as quiet as ever.
Lin Tianyu smiled at the familiar sounds. After six years of sharing cramped dormitory space at Notting Academy, having his own room felt luxurious. More importantly, it would give him privacy for activities that required discretion.
As evening settled over the academy, Lin Tianyu joined his friends for dinner in the main hall. The simple but hearty meal provided an opportunity for the new students to bond with the existing academy members and learn more about what their education would entail.
"The curriculum here is quite different from what you're probably used to," Oscar explained between bites of his own questionable sausage creations. "Morning classes focus on theory - spirit lore, tactics, continental politics, that sort of thing. Afternoons are for practical training, which usually means getting beaten up by the teachers until you improve."
"Beaten up?" Ning Rongrong asked with concern.
Dai Mubai chuckled. "He's exaggerating, but not by much. The instructors here believe that real strength only comes through genuine challenge. You'll be pushed to your absolute limits and then expected to surpass them."
"That sounds exactly like what we need," Tang San said approvingly. "Comfort breeds complacency."
After dinner, the students returned to their dormitories to prepare for the next day. Lin Tianyu bid his friends goodnight and settled into his room for the evening.
As he lay down on his bed, Lin Tianyu felt an unexpected stirring in his consciousness. The familiar presence of his Quantum Dimensional Simulator was activating on its own, which had never happened before since it first awakened. Instead of the usual interface for text-based simulations, something entirely new was manifesting.
[Congratulations, Host!]
[Major milestone achieved: Admission to elite cultivation academy]
[Avatar Simulation System has been unlocked!]
[This advanced feature allows you to transfer your consciousness into a newly created body within alternate worlds, experiencing them directly with full sensory immersion.]
Lin Tianyu's eyes snapped open in amazement. This was exactly what he had been working toward in his previous life - true consciousness transfer technology. The quantum consciousness simulation engine he had died creating was finally manifesting in its complete form, allowing him to actually live in other realities rather than just observe them.
[Activating Avatar System tutorial...]
[Avatar Simulation Mechanics:]
[Time Dilation Effect: 1 hour in the real world = 1 year of Avatar time. This allows extensive experiences within compressed timeframes.]
[Pause Function: You may withdraw your consciousness at any time, returning to your original body. The Avatar world pauses during your absence, resuming exactly where you left off upon your return.]
[Cost Structure: Initial Avatar creation costs 360 simulation points. Returning to an existing Avatar costs 30 points per session.]
[Special Bonus: As a first-time user, your initial Avatar creation is FREE!]
[Available Worlds: Danmachi World (Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?)]
Lin Tianyu felt his heart race with anticipation. Danmachi had been one of his absolute favorite series in his previous life, and the prospect of actually experiencing that world firsthand was almost overwhelming. The timing was perfect as well - a full night in the real world would give him years of Avatar time to explore and develop.
[Physical Status: Your Avatar will begin as a new body without any cultivation.]
[Ready to proceed with Avatar creation?]
"Yes," he whispered. "Begin Avatar creation."
[Avatar creation initiated...]
[Consciousness transfer beginning in 3... 2... 1...]
Lin Tianyu's consciousness faded from his original body and transferred across dimensional boundaries.
* * *
When awareness returned, Lin Tianyu found himself standing on a hillside overlooking the massive city of Orario. The sight took his breath away - the towering white walls, the central spire of Babel reaching toward the sky, the countless buildings sprawling in all directions. This was the city he had imagined countless times while reading and watching the Danmachi series, but experiencing it with his own eyes was profoundly different.
The Avatar body felt completely natural, as if it had always been his. Testing his movement, he found that his physical capabilities from the bloodlines had transferred perfectly. His Elven heritage provided improved grace and magical sensitivity, while the Space Dragon bloodline granted strength and space awareness.
Most remarkably, he could sense his martial spirits have turned into soul-bound artifact equipment that hide inside his body, ready to be manifested at a moment's notice. Concentrating briefly, he summoned his Merchant's Blade into his hand, marveling at how the familiar weapon had adapted to this new reality. The blade hummed with contained power, and he could feel the shadow-based abilities from his soul rings waiting to be activated.
Dismissing the sword back into his soul space, Lin Tianyu began making his way down the hillside toward Orario's gates. The afternoon sun cast warm light across the landscape, and he could hear the distant sounds of the bustling city carried on the breeze.
As he approached the city walls, Lin Tianyu was struck by the sheer scale of everything. The gates towered above him, while guards in polished armor stood watch over the steady stream of adventurers, merchants, and civilians entering and leaving the city. The diversity was remarkable - humans mixed with animal-people, elves, dwarves, and other races in a cosmopolitan blend that spoke to Orario's role as the center of the civilized world.
"First time in Orario?" asked a cheerful voice beside him.
Lin Tianyu turned to see a young human adventurer with bright eyes and enthusiastic bearing. The man's equipment was clearly new and of modest quality, marking him as either a beginner or someone with limited resources.
"That obvious?" Lin Tianyu replied with a smile.
"The expression gives it away," the adventurer laughed. "I had the same look when I first saw the city. I'm Marcus, by the way. Been here about three months now."
"Lin Tianyu. Just arrived today, actually."
"Well, welcome to the adventure capital of the world! Have you given any thought to which familia you want to join? That's usually the first priority for new adventurers."
Lin Tianyu nodded thoughtfully. He had indeed been considering his options during the walk to the city. His knowledge of the various familias and their gods would give him significant advantages in choosing the right fit, but he also needed to consider how his presence might affect the storylines he remembered.
"I'm still researching my options," he replied diplomatically. "Any advice for someone just starting out?"
Marcus launched into an enthusiastic overview of Orario's major familias, providing useful information about their reputations, recruitment practices, and general philosophies. Lin Tianyu listened attentively, comparing the external perspective with his insider knowledge of the various gods' true natures.
As they passed through the gates and entered the city proper, Lin Tianyu was amazed by the vibrant atmosphere that permeated every street and alley. Adventurers in gleaming armor strode purposefully toward the Dungeon entrance, while others returned bearing the spoils of successful expeditions. Merchants hawked weapons, armor, and supplies from countless shops and stalls. The air was filled with the sounds of commerce, conversation, and the occasional clash of weapons from training yards.
"The Guild headquarters is just ahead," Marcus explained, pointing toward an impressive building that dominated the central plaza. "That's where you'll want to register as an adventurer and get your official status. They also provide maps, monster information, and other services that are essential for Dungeon diving."
Lin Tianyu thanked Marcus for the guidance and made his way toward the Guild building. The massive structure was even more impressive up close, with polished stone facades and banners displaying the Guild's official emblems. Adventurers of all levels moved in and out of the building in a constant stream of activity.
Inside, the Guild headquarters buzzed with energy. Reception desks staffed by professional Guild employees handled everything from registrations to quest postings to equipment sales. Information boards displayed current Dungeon conditions, party recruitment notices, and various announcements relevant to the adventuring community.
As Lin Tianyu approached one of the registration desks, he caught sight of a familiar figure across the hall. A young man with white hair and red eyes was speaking animatedly with one of the Guild receptionists, his earnest expression and nervous energy immediately recognizable.
Bell Cranel.
The protagonist of the Danmachi series stood just meters away, apparently in the middle of some kind of discussion with what appeared to be his Guild advisor. Lin Tianyu felt a surge of excitement at seeing the character he had followed through so many adventures, though he was careful to maintain his composure.
The timing was perfect. If Bell was still at this early stage of his development, it meant Lin Tianyu had arrived near the beginning of the main storyline. This would give him maximum opportunity to influence events and form relationships with the key characters.
As he waited in line for his own registration, Lin Tianyu began planning his approach. Bell's earnest nature and determination had always been admirable traits, and his rapid growth potential made him an excellent candidate for partnership or mentorship. However, Lin Tianyu also needed to consider how his presence might affect Bell's relationship with Hestia and his development as an adventurer.
More importantly, he needed to establish his own position within Orario's complex social structure. His crafting abilities would make him valuable to any familia, while his combat potential would ensure he could contribute meaningfully to Dungeon expeditions. The question was which god would provide the best fit for his goals and temperament.
"Next!" called the Guild receptionist, interrupting his thoughts.
Lin Tianyu stepped forward to begin his official registration as an adventurer. The receptionist, a professional-looking woman with kind eyes, smiled as he approached her desk.
"Welcome to the Guild. I'm Eina Tulle, and I'll be helping you with your registration today. Is this your first time in Orario?"
"Yes, I just arrived this afternoon," Lin Tianyu replied politely.
"Wonderful! Let me explain the basics then. The Guild serves as the official regulatory body for all Dungeon-related activities. We handle adventurer registration, provide maps and information about monster threats, exchange magic stones for currency, and offer various support services."
Eina pulled out a standard registration form and began filling in the basic information. "Name?"
"Lin Tianyu."
"Age?"
"Twelve."
Eina paused, looking up at him with surprise. "Twelve? You're quite young to be starting as an adventurer. Do you have parental consent?"
"I'm an orphan," Lin Tianyu said simply, which was technically true in this world. "I've been traveling on my own for some time."
"I see." Eina's expression softened with sympathy. "Well, you'll need to join a familia before you can be officially registered as an adventurer. The gods' blessings are required for Dungeon diving - it's both a legal requirement and a practical necessity for survival."
"About that," Lin Tianyu said. "I'm still researching which familia might be the best fit. Do you have any recommendations for someone just starting out?"
"That depends on what you're looking for," Eina replied thoughtfully. "The major familias like Loki Familia or Freya Familia are incredibly powerful, but they're extremely selective and rarely accept beginners. The mid-tier familias might be more accessible, though they still have high standards."
She glanced around the busy Guild hall before lowering her voice slightly. "To be honest, many of the smaller familias are desperate for new members. Some gods have been in Orario for years without gaining a single follower. They might be more willing to take a chance on someone young but promising."
As if summoned by their conversation, a commotion erupted near the Guild's entrance. A petite goddess with long black hair tied in twin tails burst through the doors, her blue eyes scanning the crowd with desperate determination. She wore a simple white dress that emphasized her dramatically disproportionate figure, and her expression carried the barely contained panic of someone facing a serious crisis.
"Excuse me!" the goddess called out to anyone who would listen. "Is anyone interested in joining a familia? Anyone at all?"
Most of the adventurers in the area either ignored her completely or actively moved away, clearly recognizing her as one of the gods who had been struggling to attract followers. Lin Tianyu, however, felt a surge of recognition and excitement.
Hestia, goddess of the hearth and home, was exactly as Lin Tianyu remembered her from the series - energetic, determined, and currently facing the desperate situation of having no familia members while being heavily in debt to Hephaestus for her living arrangements.
The petite goddess stood before him, her abundant curves straining against the confines of her white mini-dress adorned with blue ribbon trim. Her disproportionately large breasts bounced slightly with each enthusiastic movement as she tried to attract potential recruits.
Despite her childlike stature of 140 cm and youthful appearance that suggested an age in the late teens, Hestia's alluring womanly figure stood out starkly. Her long black hair swayed as she turned around energetically to face them, twin tails held securely by her signature blue ribbon. As she spoke, her ample bust threatened to spill out from her deep V-neckline dress which barely contained her voluptuous 88 cm E-cup chest.
Lin Tianyu couldn't help but notice how each part of her fitted outfit clung tightly to her womanly curves accentuating their nearly unnatural proportions on her compact frame at every turn - her chest drawing attention even above the intricate details of others' outfits around him.
"Lady Hestia," Eina called out with professional courtesy. "Are you still looking for potential familia members?"
Hestia's face lit up as she rushed over to the registration desk. "Yes! Absolutely! I've been searching for months, but everyone keeps choosing the more established familias." She looked directly at Lin Tianyu with hopeful eyes. "Are you perhaps interested in joining a familia?"
"I might be," Lin Tianyu replied carefully. "But I should probably learn more about what that would involve first."
"Of course!" Hestia said eagerly. "A familia is like a family - I would grant you my blessing, which allows you to grow stronger through your efforts in the Dungeon. In exchange, you would represent my familia and help build our reputation together."
"What about living arrangements and support?" Lin Tianyu asked, though he already knew the answer.
Hestia's enthusiasm dimmed slightly. "Well, our accommodations are... modest. We're currently living in the basement of an old church. And our budget for equipment and supplies is somewhat limited at the moment."
"I see." Lin Tianyu pretended to consider this information while actually planning how to handle the situation diplomatically.
Before he could respond, another voice interrupted their conversation.
"Excuse me, miss..." The white-haired boy Lin Tianyu had spotted earlier approached their group hesitantly. Up close, Bell Cranel looked even younger than his canonical age, with an earnest expression that radiated both determination and nervousness.
"Lady Hestia," the goddess introduced herself quickly. "Are you also interested in joining a familia?"
Bell's face showed a mixture of hope and embarrassment. "I've been trying to find a familia for weeks, but... well, most gods aren't interested in someone with my level of experience and abilities."
"What kind of abilities do you have?" Hestia asked, though her desperation was obvious enough that she would probably accept anyone willing to join.
"I'm... not very strong yet," Bell admitted honestly. "I don't have any real combat experience, and my status is pretty basic. Most gods have told me to come back after I've proven myself somehow."
Hestia's expression grew indignant. "That's ridiculous! How are you supposed to prove yourself if no one will give you a chance to start? The whole point of joining a familia is to grow stronger together!"
Lin Tianyu found himself genuinely impressed by Hestia's response. Despite her own desperate situation, she was focused on the unfairness Bell was facing rather than just seeing him as a potential solution to her problems.
"Lady Hestia," Lin Tianyu said, making his decision. "I'd like to join your familia."
Both Hestia and Bell stared at him in surprise. Eina looked up from her paperwork with raised eyebrows.
"Really?" Hestia asked, hardly daring to believe it. "You want to join my familia? Even though we don't have much to offer right now?"
"I have a good feeling about you. Maybe it's destiny," Lin Tianyu replied with a smile.
Overwhelmed by emotion, Hestia flung her arms around Lin Tianyu in a tight hug. The warmth of her plump breast pressed against his chest as she buried her face into his shoulder. "Thank you," she whispered passionately. "You won't regret this, I promise! I'll do everything I can to help you become the best adventurer you can be!"
As the embrace lingered, Bell Cranel found his voice. "I... I'd also like to join your familia, Lady Hestia," he said, eyes wide and hopeful. His request hung in the air, a delicate offering of companionship and shared dreams.
Hestia's head snapped up, her blue eyes sparkling with incredulity and joy. "Really?" she breathed, looking between Lin Tianyu and Bell with an expression of pure wonder. "You both want to join my familia?"
Without waiting for a response, she extended her free arm and pulled Bell into their embrace, forming an exuberant tangle of limbs and laughter. "Yes, yes, yes!" Hestia squealed with delight, her heart brimming with gratitude and renewed determination.
The two boys were now cocooned within the goddess's enthusiastic hug, their bodies flush against her ample curves. Hestia's joy was infectious, and even the stoic adventurers around them couldn't help but smile at the rare spectacle of genuine happiness and camaraderie.
"My children," Hestia whispered, overcome with emotion. "We're going to be a real familia - together." Her voice trembled with the weight of her words, and as Lin Tianyu and Bell looked at each other over her shoulder, they shared a silent promise to make this dream a reality.
"Welcome to Hestia Familia," Hestia proclaimed, finally releasing the boys. Her eyes held a fiery resolve, a testament to her vow to guide her newfound family to greatness. "We've got a lot of work ahead of us, but with your strength and my blessings, we can't lose!"
Eina watched this exchange with a mixture of professional satisfaction and personal concern. "Well, this is certainly a positive development. However, I should mention that new adventurers will need basic equipment and should thoroughly understand Dungeon safety procedures before attempting their first expedition."
"About equipment," Lin Tianyu said thoughtfully. "I don't have much money yet, but I do have some crafting skills. Maybe I could make things to sell and help fund our equipment?"
Hestia's eyes lit up with hope. "You... you're willing to work to help support the familia?"
"We're family now, aren't we?" Lin Tianyu replied with a smile. "Family members support each other."
"This is wonderful!" Hestia exclaimed, bouncing slightly with excitement, her impressive chest bouncing along with her movements. "Our first familia meeting will be tonight! We can plan our initial strategies and get to know each other better. Oh, this is the best day I've had since coming to the lower world!"
"Congratulations to all of you," Eina said warmly, though she made sure to catch Lin Tianyu's eye. "I hope you'll allow me to serve as your Guild advisor. I have experience helping new adventurers navigate the challenges of Dungeon exploration safely."
"We'd appreciate that very much," Lin Tianyu replied. He had always respected Eina's dedication to adventurer safety in the series, and her guidance would be valuable for Bell's development.
As they completed the paperwork for both new familia members, Lin Tianyu reflected on how perfectly everything was falling into place. He was now officially a member of Hestia Familia alongside Bell Cranel, positioned to experience the Danmachi world storyline from the very beginning while potentially guiding events in positive directions.
"So," Hestia said as they finished their Guild registration, "shall we head home? I can perform the blessing ceremonies tonight, and tomorrow we can start planning your first Dungeon expedition!"
"Lead the way, Lady Hestia," Lin Tianyu said, genuinely excited about the adventures ahead.