Chapter 93 Epilogue (Book 1)

It had been a week since the amphitheater incident, an event named by the locals of Orario after the Evilus attack. Rebuilding efforts were in full swing, with survivors now recovered and actively participating in the reconstruction process.

However, August Kaiser, the adventurer hailed as the hero of Orario for his brave actions, remained unconscious inside the Heracles familia's manor. Despite his physical recovery, he showed no signs of waking up. In August's room, Heracles, along with Denki and Hestia, sat in solemn silence. Sunlight streamed through the open window, casting a serious tone on their faces.

"The healer mentioned that there's nothing wrong with his body now," Denki spoke, his voice laced with confusion. "His injuries have healed, and even his mana has recovered... I-I don't understand... Why isn't he waking up?"

"...." Heracles sighed, his gaze fixed on August's unconscious form. He harbored two theories, ones he refrained from sharing until he was certain. Either August was being kept by Beowulf, aiming to weaken his spirit and take over his body, or the spear was training August inside its domain. Either explanation would likely plunge the gods into heightened paranoia, surpassing their current state.

"Denki," Heracles turned his serious eyes towards the young samurai, causing Denki to gulp nervously. "Until August awakens, you will act as the captain of this familia. Many adventurers lost their falna when their gods returned to heaven due to Evilus' attack. I'll begin recruiting additional members."

Heracles paused, his hand resting on his chin as he contemplated. "Considering August's performance in the tournament and his growing status as the hero of Orario, swarms of unrecruited adventurers will likely apply to join our familia."

Heracles had forethought, intending to bolster his familia's numbers as insurance against potential challenges from greedy gods engaging in war games.

....." Denki didn't answer right away, this was a huge responsibility. 'Can I do this?' he thought to himself. 'I'm not really the leading type, and I'm much more comfortable in receiving orders than giving it... What if I made the wrong call inside the dungeon? What if I get everyone killed?' The pressure was getting into his head, as beads of sweat started to pool on his forehead. 'They likely would've wanted the captain to be the one leading them... Would they even listen to me? If lord Heracles is right, the adventurers who'll join the familia are likely joining because of the captain... I-I can't do-'

While Denki hesitated, grappling with the weight of this newfound responsibility, Heracles placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, conveying his trust. This snapped the young samurai out of his stupor.

"Breathe..." Heracles spoke calmly, his hands pressing Denki's shoulder firmly as his eyes stared at his with calm understanding.

Denki nodded, his determination shining in his eyes. "I won't let you down, Lord Heracles. I'll do my best for the captain and every member who joins our familia."

Heracles nodded approvingly, his confidence in Denki evident. "Hmmm. You have my utmost trust."

With newfound resolve, Denki straightened his posture, ready to face the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, outside the window, the sun began to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the city of Orario. In that quiet room, a new chapter began for the Heracles familia—one that would test their strength, unity, and belief in each other.

Hestia seeing this couldn't help but smile, she knew Heracles since he was still mortal, she was the first god who talked to him when he ascended into divinity. Seeing her friend open up and be a good father figure to both August and Denki made Hestia's heart swell. She knew the pain Heracles had suffered when he was still mortal, all the trial he had faced.

She was happy for her friend, he had come a long way. Her smile was a mixture of pride and warmth, a silent acknowledgment of Heracles' growth and the trust he had in his chosen children for his familia. Hestia was still a bit jealous though, after months of staying in Orario, she still has no member of her own familia. 'How did the big muscle head gorilla have such great and wonderful children?' he asked herself while pouting.

Amidst it all, August remained unconscious, a silent observer of the familia he had fought for, his presence a beacon of hope and a reminder of the unwavering bonds holding them together.

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The setting sun bathed the streets of Orario in an orange hue. City guards, most of them members of Ganesha familia, patrolled the weary streets.

"Finally! My shift is over!" exclaimed Lindo, a youthful guard, stretching his tired limbs. He looked forward to going home and unwinding.

"You sound like an old man," teased Hobbs, a middle-aged guard, his sheepish smile belying his weariness. "You sound even older than me."

Lindo chuckled, too tired to be annoyed. "What can I say? I'm an old soul. After what we've been through, a good rest sounds heavenly. Maybe even a hot bath."

"I couldn't agree more!" Hobbs chimed in. "Those damn Evilus bastards really did a number on us! Fucking Evilus!" he spat, his anger evident.

Lindo's expression darkened as he recalled the events of the past week. The city guards had tried their best to protect the civilians, but many lives had been lost. When the creature appeared, their efforts had been futile.

The guards felt a deep sense of failure; their purpose was to protect Orario and its citizens. The fact that the Hero of Orario, August Kaiser, remained unconscious only deepened their guilt.

They sighed as the city gates came into view, signaling the end of their shift. Relief washed over them, and they looked forward to heading home.

"Let's not dwell on that day," Lindo said, his eyes fixed on the gate.

"Agreed... Let's finish this day so we can get the rest we deserve," Hobbs sighed, walking alongside Lindo.

At the gate, they were met by Ilta Farna, the vice-captain of Ganesha familia. She had been posted at the gates under Ganesha's orders, given the shortage of hands after many adventurers were killed in the attack.

"LINDO KATO!" "HOBBS BECKMAN!" they saluted, their voices ringing out in unison. "WE HAVE COMPLETED OUR PATROL AND ARE RETURNING!"

"At ease," Ilta said, nodding at them. "Any issues?" She asked, keeping her eyes at the mountain of papers that were slumped on her table.

"No problems in the southern district, ma'am!" Lindo reported with discipline.

"The same for the Academy district, no issues on my patrol, ma'am!" Hobbs added, echoing Lindo's tone.

"Good to know. If I recall correctly, this marks the end of your shifts, correct?" Ilta inquired, her eyes flicking between the two guards. She juggled paperwork, trying to manage the shortage of personnel.

"YES, MA'AM!" they answered simultaneously, attempting to hide their relief behind their disciplined facade.

"Well, in that case, of—"

A loud shout interrupted her, capturing the attention of everyone at the city gates.

"CARAVAN SPOTTED! HEADED STRAIGHT FOR ORARIO!" yelled a guard from the tower, pointing toward the approaching carriages.

"They've arrived earlier than expected," Ilta mused, standing up and walking toward the gate. "Looks like it's overtime for you boys." She glanced back at Lindo and Hobbs, a playful smile playing on her lips.

The two guards stifled groans, maintaining their discipline while hiding their annoyance.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Go and see who those people are!" Ilta ordered, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. Despite their efforts, their emotions were not entirely concealed from her observant eyes.

"YES, MA'AM!" they answered in unison, hurrying toward the gate.

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*Bell Cranel's POV*

Dusk settled as we approached Orario. The caravan I traveled with consisted of four carriages from our mountain village, laden with produce such as pelts, wheat, and barley. Alongside me were men and women, all sharing the dream of becoming adventurers in the famed dungeon city of Orario.

My heart raced with excitement as I neared the city Grandpa had so often told me stories about.

I'm finally here, Grandfather.

The orange rays of the setting sun illuminated the city's skyline, casting a majestic glow. A smile crept onto my lips as I marveled at the sight.

As we approached the city gates, I hurriedly checked my belongings to ensure I had everything I needed. My provisions were meager: a few sets of clothes, a dagger gifted to me by Grandfather, and some valis from our savings.

I nod and took the bag and placed it snuggly on my back as we prepared for the upcoming inspections of the guards.

"All set back there!?" the carriage driver asked.

"Yup! All set!" I answered, Excitement palpable in my voice.

Well here goes nothing—the beginning of my adventure.

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*August Kaiser's POV*

Numbness spread through my muscles as I deftly intercepted an onslaught of arrows and magic, my body enveloped in red lightning. For seventy years, this had been my life—relentless fighting, countless faceless enemies attacking from all directions.

I had lost count of the faceless figures I'd killed, the times I'd been killed and brought back by this cursed entity. My teeth ground together as I dashed forward, my spear slicing through everything in my path.

In an instant, pain flared as I was struck from behind. I moved, dodging a sword aimed at my midsection. With a fluid motion, I struck behind me, my senses sharp from the mana dome I had set up.

But before I could catch my breath, another wave of faceless figures surged toward me. I fought desperately, but soon found myself lying in the abyss, weapons embedded in my body. The pain was overwhelming.

"Again!" Beowulf's voice echoed in my ears. I felt my body healing as the weapons were forcefully removed.

In a blink, I was back, facing countless faceless enemies, their weapons poised for a killing blow. They surrounded me, their intent palpable.

I gritted my teeth, my grip on my weapon tightening as red lightning coiled around me. I charged forward, meeting them head-on.

"Again!"

I felt my head getting severed as a sword sliced it clean off.

"Again!"

Magic bombarded my body, as sharp stones and ice pierced me all over.

"Again!"

A spear pierced my heart, a massive creature crushing my skull.

"Again!"

My skin burned as unimaginable pain enveloped me, my eyes melting from the heat.

"Again!"

I was cleaved in two by a giant axe.

"Again!"

"ARGHHHH!!!" I roared as red lightning followed my trail, I rampage and killed everything only for an arrow to pierced straight to my eyes.

"Again!"

I breathe heavily as I stood on top a pile of corpses, below me are countless more, marching towards me, brandishing their weapons and magic. All with the goal of killing.

"Again!"

I spat out blood as I felt my intestine being pulled out of my body, the pain now getting numb.

"Again!"

Again and again, Beowulf's voice taunted me. I felt myself being killed, only to be resurrected and forced to endure the agony once more.

I could feel my self getting stronger, my move getting faster, my reflexes, sharper than ever before. But more enemies had been added everytime I made progress, stronger creature arrived to rid me of my life. More powerful magic bombarded me in every direction.

And everytime I grow stronger, so does the countless if faceless figure that laid before me.

And endless loop of fighting and dying, dying and fighting, over and over and over again.

"Again!"

"Again!"

"AGAIN!!!"

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Chapter 93 is done now, how do you guys like the story so far?

By the way, no chapters for next week. I'll be rewatching Danmachi since in the next chapter I'll now be proceeding to incorporate canon into this story. I hope you can understand.

Please leave a comment, a review and feedback so I can improve on writing this fanfic. every little thing helps as it allows me to see your preference on things and would help me write a better fanfic for you all to enjoy.

thanks for picking up this fanfic. hope you guys like it.

good day, love y'all.