Chapter 17
I woke up to the sight of Hestia sleeping peacefully beside me, her raven hair framing her delicate features. A soft smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I gazed at her serene expression. She always looked so content and at ease when she was with me, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and affection wash over me.
Careful not to disturb her slumber, I quietly slipped out of the bed and made my way to the kitchen. I needed to start my usual morning routine - a brisk run through the bustling streets of my hometown. It was the best way for me to clear my head and prepare for the day ahead.
As I stepped outside, the crisp, early-morning air hit my face, instantly invigorating me. The city was still relatively quiet, with only a few early risers and joggers like myself dotting the sidewalks. I took a deep breath, savoring the familiar scents of my neighborhood, and then set off at a steady pace.
My feet pounded against the pavement as I weaved through the tranquil streets, passing by the familiar storefronts and apartment buildings. This was my time to reflect, to let my mind wander without the distractions of the day.
As I rounded the final stretch of my route, I could feel the familiar burn in my muscles, a testament to the distance I had covered. Slowing to a jog, I took one last deep breath, letting the fresh morning air fill my lungs.
I arrived at the familiar junkyard, the crunch of gravel beneath my feet as I made my way to the secluded area I had claimed as my practice grounds. Ever since gaining these ghost powers, I had been eager to hone my abilities, to push the limits of what I could do.
With a deep breath, I felt the familiar tingle of energy coursing through my veins as I transformed into my spectral alter-ego. The world around me seemed to sharpen, the colors more vibrant, the shadows more defined. I flexed my fingers, feeling the power at my fingertips.
Focusing my gaze, I conjured a blast of icy energy, watching as it shot forth and encased a discarded refrigerator in a thick layer of frost. A grin spread across my face as I felt the chill radiating from my hands. Cryokinesis - one of the many abilities I had discovered when I practiced.
Shifting my stance, I unleashed a barrage of icy projectiles, each one finding its mark and freezing the surrounding debris. The satisfying crunch of the ice echoed through the junkyard, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at my progress.
As I continued to experiment with my cryokinetic powers, I noticed that I could also focus the energy into my eyes, firing concentrated beams of icy energy that could freeze targets from a distance.
I continued to push the limits of my cryokinetic abilities, freezing larger and more complex targets with each passing minute. The junkyard had become my personal playground, a canvas for me to experiment and hone my newfound powers.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, I knew it was time to head back. Hestia and Lunamon would be waiting for me, and I couldn't keep them worrying.
With a final flourish, I unleashed a concentrated beam of ice, shattering a rusted car into a thousand glittering shards. Satisfied with my progress, I allowed the ghostly energy to dissipate, reverting back to my human form.
The walk back to my apartment was a leisurely one, filled with a sense of accomplishment. I couldn't wait to share my experiences with Hestia and Lunamon, to see the look of awe and pride on their faces.
As I stepped through the door, I was immediately greeted by the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Hestia stood in the kitchen, her face lighting up as she saw me.
"David-kun! You're back!" she exclaimed, rushing over to embrace me. "I was starting to worry. How did your practice go?"
I grinned, already eager to recount the morning's events.
"My practice went well this morning!" I said, beaming with excitement. "I've been practicing my ice powers, and I think I'm making some great progress."
Hestia's eyes widened with wonder, and a proud smile spread across her face. "That's amazing, David-kun!" She gestured to the breakfast spread on the table. "Now come, let's eat before it gets cold."
Lunamon greeted me with a serene smile. "Welcome back, David." She took a sip of her coffee, her large, expressive eyes twinkling.
We sat down together, the aroma of the freshly cooked meal filling the air. As I took my first bite, the flavors burst on my tongue, and I couldn't help but let out a satisfied hum. Hestia and Lunamon watched me with warm expressions, eager to hear more about my morning.
As I savored the delicious breakfast, my mind began to wander to the future. Hestia, Lunamon, and I had formed a close-knit Familia, and I couldn't help but imagine what it would be like when we had more members.
The cozy apartment we currently shared felt comfortable, but I couldn't help but wonder if it would be big enough to accommodate a growing Familia. I pictured Hestia's bright smile and Lunamon's serene presence being joined by new adventurers, all of us working together to conquer the Dungeon and make our mark on Orario.
The thought of a larger, more spacious home filled me with excitement. Somewhere with enough rooms for everyone, a communal living area where we could gather and plan our adventures, and a kitchen large enough for Hestia to experiment with more of Earth's culinary delights.
I shared my vision with Hestia and Lunamon, watching their faces light up with enthusiasm. Hestia clapped her hands together, her eyes sparkling with delight.
"Oh, David-kun, that sounds absolutely wonderful!" she exclaimed. "Just imagine, a cozy little home for our growing Familia. We could have a room for each member, and a big kitchen for me to try all sorts of new dishes!"
Lunamon nodded in agreement, a soft smile on her face. "That would be lovely. I look forward to welcoming more companions."
Their excitement was contagious, and I couldn't help but share in their joy. As we finished our meal, I made a mental note to start looking into larger accommodations, eager to provide a comfortable and spacious home for our Familia's future.
On another note, I was also thinking about my level. I wanted to reach level 2 as soon as possible. Call it being competitive, but Aiz Wallenstein's record for reaching Level 2 was one year. As one of the most powerful adventurers in Orario, her feats were the stuff of legends. But with my newfound ghost powers and Lunamon's support, I knew I had a real shot at shattering that record.
"Hestia, Lunamon, I've been thinking," I said, my voice brimming with determination. "What if I set my sights on becoming the fastest adventurer to reach Level 2? Aiz for the Loki Familia did it in a year, but I bet with my powers, I can do it even faster."
Hestia furrowed her brow. "But David-kun, why the rush? You're already so strong with your abilities. There's no need to push yourself to the point of exhaustion."
I placed my hand over hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I know, Hestia. It's not that I'm in a hurry or anything. I just want to prove that I can do it, you know? Show everyone that I'm not just some ordinary adventurer."
Lunamon spoke up, her soft voice soothing. "David, I understand your desire to excel, but Hestia makes a good point. We should focus on growing stronger at a pace we're comfortable with, not rushing headlong into danger."
I couldn't help but feel a little restless. Sure, Hestia and Lunamon were right - there was no need to rush things. But deep down, I knew I was capable of so much more. I had these incredible ghost powers at my fingertips, and I couldn't help but feel like I was squandering their potential.
As I sat there, sipping my coffee, I couldn't help but think about all the amazing things I could do. I could fly through the skies of Orario, invisible to all, and reach the deepest, most treacherous levels of the Dungeon in record time. With my cryokinetic abilities, I could freeze entire hordes of monsters, clearing the way for my Familia with ease.
The more I thought about it, the more I felt a burning desire to push myself to the limit. I wanted to be the best, to show everyone what I was capable of. And reaching Level 2 faster than Aiz Wallenstein seemed like the perfect way to do it.
"Hestia, Lunamon, I know you're both concerned about me rushing things," I said, my voice laced with determination. "But I can't shake this feeling that I'm meant for more. I have these incredible powers, and I want to use them to their fullest potential. I want to be the best adventurer I can be, and I'm willing to work harder than anyone to make that happen."
I could see the concern etched on Hestia's face as I spoke of my ambitious goals. She knew I was capable, but the thought of me pushing myself too hard clearly worried her.
"David-kun, I understand your desire to be the best," she said, her voice soft and understanding. "But I can't help but worry about your safety. The Dungeon is a dangerous place, and I don't want to see you get hurt."
I reached across the table, taking her delicate hands in mine. "Hestia, I promise you, I'll always put safety first. I won't do anything reckless, I swear. But I have to at least try to reach Level 2 faster than anyone else. Can you understand that?"
Hestia sighed, her eyes searching mine. "Alright, David-kun. I trust you. But please, promise me you'll be careful. I couldn't bear it if something happened to you."
I squeezed her hands reassuringly. "I promise, Hestia. No matter what, I'll always come back to you and Lunamon. You two are my family, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect that."
Lunamon placed a gentle paw on my arm, her large eyes filled with concern. "David, we're here for you. But please, don't push yourself too hard. We want you to grow stronger, but not at the expense of your well-being."
I nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude for these two incredible beings who had become such an integral part of my life. "I understand, Lunamon. I'll make sure to take care of myself, I promise."
With that, Hestia's face finally relaxed into a warm smile. "Alright, David-kun. I'll hold you to that promise. Now, finish your breakfast; you will need all the energy you have in the Dungeon."
As I dug back into my meal, I couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of determination. Hestia and Lunamon's support meant the world to me, and I was more determined than ever to become the best adventurer I could be.
...
I stood in my ghostly form, the familiar energy coursing through me as I gazed out at the 11th floor of the Dungeon. Lunamon stood by my side, her large eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger.
"Alright, Lunamon, let's do this," I said, my voice echoing with a slight otherworldly resonance. "Time to hunt some monsters and push ourselves to the limit."
Lunamon nodded, her expression resolute. "I'm right behind you, David. Just remember to be careful. The monsters on this floor are no joke."
I flashed her a confident grin. "Don't worry, I've got this. With my ghost powers and your support, we'll be unstoppable!"
I stood in my ghostly form, feeling the familiar energy coursing through me. I gazed out at the 11th floor of the Dungeon. Lunamon was by my side, her large eyes scanning for any danger.
"Alright, Lunamon, let's do this," I said, my voice echoing with a slight otherworldly resonance. "Time to hunt some monsters and push ourselves to the limit."
Lunamon nodded, her expression resolute. "I'm right behind you, David. Just remember to be careful. The monsters on this floor are no joke."
I flashed her a confident grin. "Don't worry, I've got this. With my ghost powers and your support, we'll be unstoppable!"
I figured I'd start hunting monsters on the 11th floor. Figured I could get enough Excelia to raise my stats a good bit. Might not be able to grow as fast as Bell, but I had to give it a try. Couldn't hurt to see what I was capable of. I also needed to earn more Valis to buy a new house. Maybe I could even renovate the old church. The Familia needed a base in Orario, not just on Earth.
Lunamon and I headed deeper into the 11th floor, senses on high alert. The air grew thicker with the stench of monsters. I tightened my grip on the trusty shovel, feeling the comforting weight in my hands.
Up ahead, I spotted a group of Orcs lumbering through the shadows. "There they are, Lunamon. Let's take 'em down!"
I charged forward, my ghostly form flickering as I closed the distance. The Orcs turned, their beady eyes widening in surprise. I swung my shovel, the metal clanging against their thick hides. Lunamon fired off a barrage of Tear Shots, the water blasts staggering the Orcs.
One by one, they fell to our relentless assault. I couldn't help but grin - this was exhilarating. The rush of battle, the thrill of victory, it was all so intoxicating.
We pressed on, encountering a nest of screeching Imps. The little buggers darted around, spitting acid and fire. I dodged their attacks, firing ectoplasmic blasts to keep them at bay. Lunamon's Lunar Claw sliced through them, her grace and precision a sight to behold.
Soon, the Imps were defeated, and we stood victorious, panting but unharmed.
I kept pushing deeper into the Dungeon with Lunamon by my side. We cut down any monsters that crossed our path, pocketing their magic stones as we went. Now and then we'd run into other adventurers, and we had to lay low to avoid showing off our powers.
Finally, we reached the 15th floor. A pack of minotaurs came charging at us, snarling and brandishing their weapons. But Lunamon and I were more than a match for them. We put them down without much trouble, as long as we stayed sharp.
Our bags were full of magic stones, so we decided to call it a day. We traded them in for some good Valis and headed back to the apartment.
…
After a month had passed, I stared at my updated Status in awe, a proud grin spreading across my face. It had been a little over a month since Lunamon and I had started delving deeper into the Dungeon, and the results were undeniable.
[David Miller
Lv.1
Strength : B(783)
Endurance : B(704)
Dexterity : B(728)
Agility : B(740)
Magic : B(753)
Skill:
World Traveler - Allows to travel to different worlds and dimensions. Can convert to any currency. Can speak, read, and understand any language.
Ghost Manifestation - Turns the user into a half-ghost.
Magic:
-
-
-]
My stats had all risen significantly, and I could feel the difference in my abilities. The countless battles we'd fought, the monsters we'd defeated - it had all paid off. Lunamon and I made a formidable team, and I was grateful to have her by my side.
Lunamon's status was also not far behind mine. I glanced over at her, impressed by her growth. We had been pushing ourselves to the limit, and it showed.
"Can you believe how far we've come, Lunamon? We are nearly close to reaching S on all of our stats!"
Lunamon returned my smile, her large eyes shining with a mix of pride and determination. "It's all thanks to our hard work, David. We've pushed ourselves to the limit, and it shows."
I chuckled, giving her a gentle pat on the head. "Right! Now, let's continue hunting more monsters!"
...
I spotted a group of adventurers stumbling down the hallway, their clothes tattered and their faces etched with exhaustion. Something must have happened to them in the Dungeon. Without hesitation, I hurried over to see if I could help.
"Hey, are you guys alright?" I asked, my voice laced with concern as I reverted to my human form. "You look like you've been through hell."
Lunamon quickly retreated back into my Digivice, sensing the need to remain hidden. I couldn't risk exposing her or my powers to these strangers, not when they were already in such a vulnerable state.
I rushed over to the battered group of adventurers, my heart racing with concern. "Hey, are you guys alright? You look like you've been through hell."
One of the men, a gruff-looking fellow with a mischievous glint in his eye, stepped forward. "Actually, we could use a hand. One of our guys took a nasty spill down there. Think you could help us get him topside?"
I glanced at the injured man, noticing his friends already moving to support him. "Of course, let me give you a hand." I moved in to assist, unaware of the sinister smiles that had crept across the faces of the Soma Familia members.
As we made our way through the dimly lit corridors of the Dungeon, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. These men seemed a bit off, but I pushed the feeling aside, focused on getting the "injured" adventurer to safety.
"So, what happened down there?" I asked, trying to make conversation.
The man beside me chuckled darkly. "Oh, you know, the usual - monsters, traps, the whole nine yards. But this one," he gestured to the man being carried, "he's a tough one. Took a nasty hit, but he'll pull through."
I nodded, my eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger. "Well, I'm glad I could lend a hand. Wouldn't want anyone to get left behind down here."
The men exchanged a look, their smiles widening. "Oh, don't worry, you're not going anywhere."
As we continued down the dimly lit corridors, I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. Something wasn't right about these men, and every instinct was telling me to get out of here as fast as possible.
We arrived at a remote location, far from the main paths of the Dungeon. The men surrounding me suddenly stopped, their expressions shifting from feigned concern to something much more sinister.
"Alright, boys, looks like we've got ourselves a good Samaritan here," the gruff-looking man said, his voice dripping with malice.
My eyes darted around, searching for an escape route, when suddenly I noticed a glint of metal out of the corner of my eye. Without hesitation, I quickly dodged to the side as a knife came hurtling towards me.
I dodged the knife just in time, the blade clattering against the wall behind me. My heart pounded in my chest as I turned to face the group of Soma Familia members, their true colors now on full display.
"Why are you doing this?" I demanded, my voice quivering slightly. "I was just trying to help."
The gruff-looking man, the apparent leader of the group, let out a harsh laugh. "Help? Don't make me laugh, kid. We noticed you seemed to have a heavy pouch there. We want what you've got - those magic stones you've been collecting."
I felt a chill run down my spine. They were after my hard-earned spoils from the Dungeon. "And what if I refuse?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
The man's expression darkened. "Then we'll take them by force. And maybe we'll take something else while we're at it." He brandished a wicked-looking knife, the blade gleaming in the dim light.
I knew I couldn't trust these men. They were lying through their teeth, and if I complied, they would likely kill me anyway. I had to think fast, but with Lunamon hidden away in my Digivice, I was on my own.
"I don't think so," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. "You're not getting your hands on my magic stones."
The leader of the Soma Familia gang sneered at me. "You really think you can take on all four of us, kid? You're more arrogant than I thought."
The supposedly "injured" man straightened up, revealing his ruse as he joined his cohorts in surrounding me. "You've got a lot of nerve refusing us, you little punk. Now hand over those magic stones before we take them by force."
I stared down the group of Soma Familia members, my heart racing but my resolve unwavering. "You just made a big mistake," I said, a glint of determination in my eyes.
Without warning, I felt the familiar tingle of energy coursing through my body as I transformed into my ghostly alter-ego. The Soma Familia members recoiled in surprise, their eyes widening at the sight of my spectral form.
"What the-?" the gruff-looking leader exclaimed, his knife trembling in his hand.
I didn't give them a chance to recover. Using my ghost powers, I launched myself forward, my fists crackling with ectoplasmic energy. The Soma Familia members scattered, scrambling to defend themselves against my barrage of attacks.
One of the men tried to flank me, his knife poised to strike. Quickly, I phased through his attack, grabbing him by the collar and shoving him towards his comrades. "Nice try, but you'll have to do better than that!"
The leader snarled, his eyes narrowing in rage. "Get him, you idiots!" he yelled, his voice echoing through the Dungeon's corridors.
The remaining three Soma Familia members converged on me, their weapons glinting menacingly. I braced myself, ready to unleash the full force of my ghostly abilities.
Suddenly, an idea struck me. I reached out, focusing my energy, and felt a connection to the mind of the leader. With a triumphant grin, I possessed his body, taking control of his movements.
"What the-?" the leader cried out, his voice laced with panic as he watched his own body turn against his comrades.
I manipulated the leader's body, using his knife to fend off the attacks of the other Soma Familia members. They stared in disbelief, their coordination and teamwork faltering as they struggled to comprehend what was happening.
"This can't be happening!" one of the men shouted, his voice cracking with fear.
I continued my assault, using the leader's body to deliver powerful blows and expertly dodge their clumsy attacks. The tide had turned, and the Soma Familia members were now the ones fighting for their lives.
As I pushed them back, I couldn't help but feel a surge of triumph. These thugs had made a grave mistake in targeting me, and now they were paying the price.
I watched with satisfaction as the Soma Familia members crumpled to the ground, their bodies battered and bruised from my relentless assault. The leader, still under my control, stared at me with a mixture of fear and disbelief.
"How...how are you doing this?" he stammered, his voice trembling.
I allowed a smug grin to spread across my face as I released my hold on his body, letting him slump to the floor. "Simple. I have powers you could only dream of."
Lunamon's concerned voice echoed from within my Digivice. "David, are you alright? I could sense the danger, but I didn't want to intervene without your command."
"I'm fine, Lunamon," I reassured her. "These guys didn't stand a chance against me."
I turned my attention back to the Soma Familia members, who were struggling to their feet, their expressions filled with a newfound respect and caution.
"So, what do we do with these guys?" Lunamon asked.
I looked down at the battered Soma Familia members sprawled at my feet, their expressions a mix of fear and begrudging respect. A part of me wanted to just leave them here, let the Dungeon's monsters have their way with these lowlife thugs. They certainly deserved it after trying to ambush and rob me.
With a shrug, I turned my back on them. "Their fate is in the Dungeon's hands now." I couldn't bring myself to feel any sympathy for their situation. They had made their choice, and now they would have to face the consequences.
As I walked away, I could hear their muffled shouts echoing behind me, pleading for help that would never come. I quickened my pace, eager to put this unpleasant encounter behind me. Lunamon remained silent within my Digivice, sensing that I needed a moment to process what had just occurred.
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