Chapter 3

"So basically you are not allowed to go to a Dungeon unless you get a weapon and armor?"

I nodded.

"Well duh...of course you need a weapon and armor....were you trying to explore dungeon for the first time and on top of that without a weapon?"

I nodded again.

I was a bit careless....now that I think about it I really don't have an armor nor weapon....

"Hahaha! Sorry, Sorry that was my mistake to not give you a needed set of weapons."

Goddess bowed in apologetic tone while I tried to deny that.

"N-No! It was my fault for not thinking about my own set of weapons and armor and beside..." I scratched my cheeks and paused a bit. "... I'm thankful to you Loki-sama!"

I bowed and smiled with the most wide smile I could effort in that time.

I could swear that Goddess's cheeks got a bit redder...I wonder,why?

Still feeling a bit worried I decided to ask.

"G-Goddess,your cheeks seem to be red."

"Ah! Don't worry,Bell,dear it's just I have a good mood.... anyway,stay here for a moment I will be right back."

With the speed of a cart she raced out of the room towards unknown direction.

I was left all alone in Goddess's room...it was a huge square room with a huge king sized bed with fancy pillows and two wing chairs.

I wanted to sit somewhere but was too nervous... Goddess tried her best to make me feel comfortable in her familia but...guess unless I won't meet any Family members I won't be able to judge.

Speaking of which...seems that almost every members of Familia are now at expedition in dungeon....it seems that I'm now the weakest member of Loki Familia....

It wasn't good...I really wanted to show what I'm capable of...I wanna be strong.

With this in heart my inner thoughts didn't lasted long as—

*Slam* goddess entered bursting the door wide opened.

"I'm here!" With a bit strange face she screamed while in her hands she was holding a bag filled with something heavy inside.

"G-Goddess?"

"I was thinking hard about an equipment which is suitable for you so I now know what will be good for you."

Throwing the bag onto the floor she opened it wide,revealing the contents.

A metallic plate armor along with Gauntlets and  light greaves were shining before me.

"Wh-Whoah!"

My eyes shined...It was truly amazing armor.

"Try it in...I wanna see how you look."

I nodded as wore the armor on.

Now I was standing near goddess fully equipped and with determined face.

"Aww..."

Huh? Did she just said 'aww'???

Nah, maybe my imagination.

"It looks good on you....hmm here is the weapon for you."

She handed me a small dagger with a gray handle.

"A...dagger?"

I questioned confused...I think that sword might be a bit more suitable for me.

"Yup. Many people do think that swords or axes might be a great help in dungeons however it's not...well not quite I would say."

"I don't understand."

"Simply, dungeon floors get wider and bigger the more floors you pass...do you know what does that mean?"

I think I started to grasp the meaning behind her words...the longer the weapon the higher the chance of fail. After all distance plays a huge role in fighting and battles against monsters.... despite not wanting to be using daggers I still got it....it was a gift after all.

For some reason it felt natural on my hand...truth be told,even my grandpa always taught me how to use dagger so I was a bit accustomed with it.

Seriously...I am becoming too dependant on her.....it was so uncommon for me to be dependant on someone....

I bowed down so strong that I could swear that even air bended a bit.

"G-Goddess! I swear that I would never abandon your expectations!!!"

She didn't said anything...just softly smiled and nodded before slapping my back lightly.

"Now shu shu go away and get yourself your first mission in dungeon!"

Feeling fully motivated I smiled and nearly screamed;"Yes!"

Before running towards the Dungeon.

"Be careful."

She said to me at last. But I already was too far from her to hear anything.

                       × × ×

Here I am. The Babel Tower. The huge white building reaching all the way towards the sky.

I could swear that it nearly pierced the sky going all the way towards the stratosphere....maybe it was just my thoughts after all.

I entered in only to see bunch of stores which were selling goods...I was too motivated to grind in dungeon so I didn't even had time to look around quickly entering the dungeon I felt it....

....the atmosphere changed...it wasn't just the atmosphere but whole interior.

The name 'Dungeon' perfectly fitted it's title.

The walls made of a stone,the whole light was emitted by artificial magic crystals.

I felt a smell of blood still hanging in air. It was truly frightening place...But....

My body twitched...it wasn't fear...it was excitement.

I got my dagger out while tried to remember some of Grandpa's teachings.

He always told something like 'Be true to yourself.' or 'Keep calm as enemy awaits you to loose your mind.'

I can't deny that his teachings were wrong.

"PiiiiiIiiii"

Suddenly I hear a noise....a disgusting noise coming from dark part of the floor where I'm in.

I narrow my eyes seeing something straight ahead of me....the green skin,short height and pointy nose along with ears....Only one thing can fit these parameters.

A Goblin.

They are weak creatures which appear on first floor of the dungeon...you can call them the rightful inhabitants of this floor.

"Calm down Bell."

Shaking.

Yes I was shaking.

The creature was scary and frightening...I couldn't move a muscle.

Move!

Move,dammit!

My body can't even move a muscle....What is that? Am I scared?

It was my first time seeing something like that.

It was smirking while looking towards me.

What should I do?

Run back?

Yes.

Running is a best optio—NO! Only cowards run away!

I remembered something that Grandpa told me once.....

'Bell,You can run away if you need,You can be coward if it's necessary...but don't forget one thing....Your Pride.'

Yes! I will fight it.

I got my dagger out while was ready for the creature to strike.

It was holding a huge wooden club which was twice it's height.

It dashed forward towards me.

"PIIIIIIII!!!!"

It screamed....I didn't moved.

It was getting more closer...as well as it's tone was getting louder.

Finally it reached me close enough to leave a an attack but—

"I'm not weak!!!"

I got my dagger out as masterfully dodged it's attack with club.

I see it....an opening!

Quickly as possible I stab my dagger right towards it chin.

I can feel my dagger pierce Goblins mouth going all the way towards it's brain.

It fells down....not moving and with had bleeding.

I did it! I really killed it!

I felt happy,yet sad....maybe this Goblin didn't deserved such a painful death...but than again if I wouldn't had reacted I would be laying like this instead.

Feeling troubled I ran towards it.....

"I'm sorry...."

I say as place my dagger opening it's inside...why you ask? Obviously to extract a core from it.

Core is the reason behind Adventurers killing monsters....it was a highly valuable stones which were exchanged for vals(money currency in Orario)

Searching it's Guts and going all the way towards the heart I manage to extract it from the Goblin.

"Phew....."

I finally did it but—

I hear something more.

""""PIIIIIIIIII"""""

Swarm of Goblins are running towards me!?

One...err,no! Two! No....GAH! There are at least 30 of them!

What should I do?

Feeling again nervous I back up a bit.

*Stomp*

I finally feel that I stepped on something soft... finally looking down I see the breathless body of the Goblin which I slew earlier.

Huff Huff.

Heavy Breathing. I try to remember that feeling of victory.

"Ahhhh! Screw it! I'm gonna take you all down!"

That's right...how could I forget?

In tales...Heroes frequently faced opponents stronger than them by 4 or even 10 levels higher but they never ran away....so why should I!?!?

Getting Dagger which was gifted by goddess I dash forward as if cart which is pulled by horses of the most finest breed with strong legs.

"PIIIIIIIIIII"

The Goblins scream back.