Path

Six months had passed since Shiro had been rescued by the Artemis Familia, and in that time, his world had been transformed. The memories of his past lives still haunted him, lingering like shadows at the edge of his consciousness. Yet, those memories no longer controlled him. He had healed, not just in body but in mind and soul as well. Shiro had spent countless days reflecting on his past, his present, and the uncertain future that lay ahead. The pain of his losses still weighed on him, but there was something else now—an unyielding resolve.

Shiro had made a decision. He couldn't stay in the protective cocoon of the Artemis Familia forever. As much as he had grown to care for the people who had saved him, and as much as he respected Goddess Artemis, he knew that his path lay elsewhere. There was something he needed to do—no, something he was destined to do. He needed to become stronger. He needed to repay his debt to Artemis, to save her from her inevitable fate. She had become a beacon of light in his darkest hour, and now, he wanted to be that beacon for her. But for that, he needed power, and power in this world was synonymous with the Falna—the blessing of a god.

Receiving Falna from Artemis was a tempting thought. She had a very favorable impression of him, and he knew she would likely grant him her blessing if he asked. But Shiro understood that staying with Artemis, no matter how comforting, would limit his growth. The only place where he could truly become strong was Orario, the heart of the world, where adventurers sought glory and gods meddled in the affairs of mortals.

Shiro also yearned to explore this world—to see it with his own eyes and experience it beyond the confines of the narrative he once knew from Earth. This was no longer just about repaying a debt or changing someone's fate; those things would come naturally in time. Shiro was confident in his abilities. He was no longer the worthless Kaizen Santos, nor was he the shackled Shiro from *Tensura*. He was Shiro of *Danmachi*, a young man on the cusp of an adventure that would define his life. *Is it wrong to pick up girls in the dungeon?* he mused, recalling the famous line from the story he now inhabited. If so, he would do just that.

---

The day had finally come for Shiro to say his goodbyes. He met with Goddess Artemis and her Familia, the people who had nursed him back to health and provided him with the support he needed to recover. The air was thick with emotion as he stood before them, his heart heavy with gratitude.

"Thank you, Goddess Artemis," Shiro began, his voice steady but laced with emotion. "Thank you all for the care and support you've given me. I don't think I can ever repay you for everything you've done."

Artemis, her green eyes fixed on Shiro, remained silent, listening intently.

"I've decided to leave," Shiro continued, causing a ripple of surprise to pass through the group. "I'm going to Orario. I need to carve my own path, to become strong. I want to be someone you can be proud of, someone who can repay the debt I owe you."

Artemis's expression darkened slightly. "Orario is a dangerous place, Shiro. The dungeon is not something to be taken lightly. You're not a child, but—"

"I know, Goddess," Shiro interrupted, his voice firm. "I'm not a child anymore. I've grown. I need to do this. I want to stand on my own two feet, to face the challenges of this world head-on. I promise you, I'll make you proud."

The silence that followed was tense. Artemis looked at Shiro, her heart conflicted. She had grown fond of him, more than she had ever expected, but she knew she couldn't keep him by her side forever. She saw the determination in his eyes, the strength of his resolve. Finally, she nodded, though it was clear she was reluctant.

"Very well, Shiro," Artemis said, her voice soft but resolute. "If this is what you truly want, I won't stop you."

She stepped forward, surprising everyone—including Shiro—by placing a tender kiss on his forehead. Then, she pulled him into a tight hug. The gesture left the members of her Familia dumbfounded. The renowned goddess who was known for her disdain for men had just kissed and hugged one.

"You've grown," Artemis whispered as she released him. "You're not a kid anymore. You've grown into a fine man."

Shiro stood there, stunned, his face reddening with embarrassment. He quickly recovered, though his heart was still racing from the unexpected display of affection. Artemis turned away, a faint blush on her own face, though she hid it perfectly from everyone's gaze.

After the goodbyes were said, Artemis, Shiro, and the rest of the Familia took one last walk through the city together. It was a bittersweet moment for Shiro. The streets of the Amusement City Santorio Vega bustled with life, the lively atmosphere contrasting sharply with the solemn mood of their group. The city, known for its vibrant entertainment and attractions, seemed to mirror the excitement and trepidation Shiro felt about the journey ahead.

Despite Shiro's initial protests, Artemis and her children insisted on outfitting him with everything he would need for his journey. They visited shops, purchasing equipment, food, potions, and other supplies. Shiro, being the only male among the group, attracted quite a bit of attention from passersby. Some looked on with jealousy, while others gave him approving nods and thumbs up. Shiro, who preferred to stay low-key, couldn't help but feel shy and embarrassed by the attention. But he accepted the help graciously, knowing that this was their way of showing their support.

As the day drew to a close, Shiro stood at the gates of the city, fully equipped and ready to begin his adventure. The members of the Artemis Familia gathered around him one last time, offering words of encouragement and farewell.

"Take care of yourself, Shiro," one of the Familia members said, clapping him on the back. "And don't forget to write!"

"We'll miss you," another added, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

Shiro smiled at them, his heart swelling with gratitude. "I'll miss you all too. Thank you for everything."

Artemis stepped forward, her expression serene but her eyes betraying a hint of sadness. "Remember, Shiro, the path you've chosen is not an easy one. But I believe in you. You have the strength to overcome any obstacle that comes your way."

"I won't let you down, Goddess Artemis," Shiro replied, his voice filled with determination. "I'll make you proud."

With one final look at the people who had become his family, Shiro turned and began his journey. As he walked away from the city, the reality of what lay ahead began to sink in. He was leaving behind the safety and comfort of the life he had known for the past six months, stepping into a world filled with danger and uncertainty. But Shiro wasn't afraid. He was excited, eager to face whatever challenges awaited him.

As the city faded into the distance, Shiro looked up at the sky, the setting sun casting a warm glow over the landscape. A sense of purpose filled him, a profound realization blooming within his soul. He was no longer the lost, broken soul he had been when he first arrived in this world. He was Shiro of *Danmachi*, a young man on a journey of self-discovery and growth. And no matter what the future held, he knew he would face it with courage and determination.

---

The road to Orario was long and arduous, but Shiro found solace in the journey. Each step brought him closer to his goal, each mile a testament to his resolve. As he traveled, he couldn't help but reflect on the events that had led him to this point. The memories of his past lives were still there, but they no longer held the power they once did. They were a part of him, but they didn't define him. He was Shiro, a new man in a new world, and his destiny was his own to shape.

As the towering walls of Orario came into view, Shiro felt a surge of excitement and anticipation. This was it—the place where his adventure would truly begin. The city of adventurers, the home of the dungeon, the heart of the world. Shiro took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenges that lay ahead.

He could feel the weight of the future pressing down on him, but he welcomed it. This was his path, his journey, and he was ready to face whatever trials awaited him. With one last glance at the road behind him, Shiro stepped forward, ready to carve his own destiny in the city of Orario.