Chapter 2

I hurried over to the phone, my fingers trembling with excitement as I dialed the familiar number of my convenience store manager. The phone rang a few times before he picked up.

"Hello, this is David. Listen, I need to request a leave of absence. Something incredible has happened, and I need to take some time off to explore it further."

My manager's voice sounded troubled. "A leave of absence? David, you know we're short-staffed as it is. Is everything alright?"

I didn't give him a chance to say anything else. "Don't worry, everything's fine. Better than fine, actually. I promise I'll make it up to you when I get back. This is just something I have to do. Thanks for understanding!"

Before he could protest, I quickly hung up the phone, my heart racing. I sank down onto the sofa, staring at my hands in wonder. The power to create dimensional rifts, to travel to any world I could imagine - it was almost too much to believe.

I leaned back, closing my eyes as my mind raced with the endless possibilities. Where would I go first? The sleek, high-tech world of Marvel's Avengers? The iconic galaxy far, far away of Star Wars? Or perhaps the vibrant, Devil Fruit-powered realm of One Piece?

I imagined myself soaring through the skies in an Iron Man suit, repulsor beams blazing as I took down villains. Then, I pictured myself wielding a glowing lightsaber, deflecting blaster bolts and battling fierce Sith Lords. Finally, I envisioned myself unlocking the secrets of a powerful Devil Fruit, its abilities coursing through my veins as I explored the vast oceans of the One Piece world.

The possibilities were truly limitless. I could gain incredible powers, meet fascinating new people, and experience the most incredible adventures. All I had to do was step through those dimensional portals and let my imagination guide the way.

A grin spread across my face as I opened my eyes, filled with a renewed sense of purpose. No more wasting away in a dead-end job, no more feeling ashamed to face my family. This was my chance to become what I always dreamed of being.

I stared down at the palm of my hand, flexing my fingers in awe. The power to create portals to any world I could imagine – it was both exhilarating and terrifying.

"Okay, David, think this through," I murmured to myself. "Sure, I can go anywhere, but that doesn't mean I can just waltz in and take whatever I want."

I recalled the worlds I had dreamed of visiting – the high-tech marvels of the Marvel universe, the laser-wielding Jedi of Star Wars, the Devil Fruit-powered pirates of One Piece. But the harsh reality set in – those were not my worlds. I was just a normal guy, with no special training or resources to tap into.

Getting an Iron Man suit? Good luck stealing from Tony Stark. Having a lightsaber? Good luck finding one without facing a Jedi. Having a Devil Fruit? Those things were rare as fuck, and I had no idea how to even begin searching for one.

I sank back onto the couch, my excitement turning to trepidation. "What was I thinking?" I muttered. "I'm not a superhero. I'm just... me. David Miller, convenience store clerk extraordinaire."

The weight of my situation began to sink in. I had stumbled into these incredible worlds, but I had no idea how to navigate them. I couldn't just waltz in and expect to be treated as an equal. I was an outsider, a stranger in strange lands.

My mind raced with all the challenges I would face. How would I survive in these dangerous worlds? How would I even begin to acquire the powers and items I so desperately desired? I didn't have any special abilities, no training, no resources to draw upon.

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "What have I gotten myself into?"

Slowly, I lifted my head, staring at the shimmering portal that still hovered in the middle of my living room. The gateway to endless possibilities – and endless peril.

"Alright, David," I said, steeling my resolve. "You've come this far. Time to figure out how the hell you're going to make this work."

I sat there on the couch, staring at the shimmering portal in the middle of my living room, my mind racing with all the possibilities - and the risks. Getting superpowers would be incredible, but I couldn't just go around willy-nilly, grabbing powers that weren't meant for me.

I thought back to some of my favorite superhero stories. Becoming Spider-Man by getting bitten by a radioactive spider? Yeah, right. That worked for Peter Parker, but for me, it would probably just end with me getting killed. The Marvel universe wasn't exactly known for its mercy towards random civilians.

And Chainsaw Man? Forget about it. That world was way too dangerous for a regular guy like me. I'd probably get my head ripped off by some crazed Devil before I even had a chance to make a contract.

I sighed heavily, running a hand through my messy hair. "Cultivating in one of those Cultivation worlds? Now there's an idea..." I murmured to myself.

But even that seemed like a long shot. I had no idea if my body would even be capable of cultivating. Those worlds were built on a foundation of qi and inner strength that I knew nothing about. I'd probably just end up as some hapless cultivator who got trampled by the big shots.

"Dammit, why does this have to be so complicated?" I groaned, flopping back against the couch.

I stared up at the ceiling, trying to come up with a plan. I had this incredible power to travel between worlds, but I couldn't just jump in and expect to become a hero. I was still just David Miller, a regular guy with no special abilities or training.

I flopped back against the couch, staring up at the ceiling in frustration. "Dammit, why does this have to be so complicated?" I groaned.

Suddenly, the TV flickered to life, playing the episode of Danmachi I had been watching before all this craziness started. I must have hit the remote by accident when I was lost in thought.

As I watched the adventurers in the show delve deeper into the Dungeon, an idea started to form in my mind. "Wait a minute..." I murmured, sitting up straight. "That's it!"

I leaned forward, eyes glued to the screen as the characters discussed the power of the Falna - the divine blessing granted by the gods that allowed adventurers to grow stronger. "That's what I need!" I exclaimed, a grin spreading across my face.

…

Falna is a blessing from the gods. It creates a tattoo on your back, written in the language of the gods. It tells them everything about you - your strength, your speed, your magic, your skills. It is like a leveling system but different. Your stats could only be upgraded when the god who gave it to you updated it.

The basics are simple. There are five core abilities: strength, endurance, dexterity, agility, and magic. They're ranked from I to S. When you level up, these reset, but there's an invisible base that affects how you grow.

Then there are development abilities - special skills you pick up through your experiences and achievements.

Your magic and skills are tied to the Falna too. They're unique to you, a reflection of who you are and what you've been through. These can make or break an adventurer, set them apart.

To get stronger, you need to gather excelia - experience points you earn by fighting monsters or training. There are two kinds - regular excelia that your god can use to improve your stats, and high-rank excelia that they can use to level you up.

Leveling up is no easy feat. It takes more than just grinding through battles - you need to do something truly remarkable, something that even the gods would be impressed by. When you do, your deity can grant you a level up, a big boost in all your abilities that opens up new possibilities.

…

As I watched the Danmachi characters discuss the divine blessing, the gears in my mind started turning. If I could somehow gain a Falna, I'd be able to join a Familia and start building my power. And what better Familia to join than the Hestia Familia? Not only would I get to rub shoulders with the gods, but I'd get to meet the lovely goddess Hestia herself.

I paused, a grin spreading across my face. "Hestia," I murmured, picturing the petite, buxom deity. "If I play my cards right, maybe she'll even let me join her Familia."

The thought of being part of Hestia's Familia filled me with a sense of excitement and anticipation. I'd be able to grow stronger under her guidance, and maybe, just maybe, I'd even catch her eye. After all, I was no Bell Cranel, but I had my own charm and wit that I was sure could win over the goddess.

I didn't waste a second - I opened up a portal right then and there. Striding over to the shimmering gateway, I felt my determination solidify. "Alright, David, time to make your mark on the world of Danmachi," I said, taking a deep breath before stepping through the dimensional rift.

I emerged from the portal, my feet landing firmly on the cobblestone street of Orario. A sense of excitement and wonder washed over me as I took in the bustling city around me. Towering above it all was the magnificent Tower of Babel, its spire piercing the sky.

As I gazed up at the towering spire of the legendary Tower of Babel, I couldn't help but chuckle to myself.

"Alright, David, time to put my plan into action," I said, addressing the unseen audience that seemed to be following my every move. "First stop, the Guild at the Tower of Babel! That's where I'll register as an adventurer and start gathering intel on the Hestia Familia."

With a spring in my step, I made my way towards the imposing structure, my mind racing with all the possibilities that lay ahead. "Just wait, Hestia," I mused, "once you see what I'm capable of, you'll have no choice but to let me join your Familia!"

As I navigated the crowded streets, I couldn't help but gawk at the diverse array of people and creatures surrounding me. Humans, elves, dwarves, and beastmen all mingled together, each sporting their own unique adventuring gear. My eyes darted from one person to the next, admiring the intricate designs and enchantments that adorned their weapons and armor.

"Wow, look at that sword!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my fascination as a towering warrior strode past me, a massive blade slung over his shoulder. "I wonder if I'll be able to wield something like that one day."

As I continued my brisk pace towards the towering spire of the Tower of Babel, I couldn't help but notice the curious stares of the people around me. Their eyes seemed to linger on my attire, which stood out like a sore thumb amidst the more practical and rugged adventuring gear that adorned the locals.

"Huh, what's with all the attention?" I muttered, glancing down at my casual jacket, printed t-shirt, and well-worn jeans. Compared to the elaborate costumes and armor sported by the denizens of Orario, I must have looked like a complete oddball.

Feeling self-conscious, I quickened my steps, eager to reach the entrance of the Tower of Babel and escape the curious stares. As I approached the grand structure, I could see a steady flow of people entering and exiting, each one carrying themselves with an air of purpose and confidence that I couldn't help but envy.

"Alright, David, time to put on your game face," I said to myself, squaring my shoulders and plastering on a confident grin. "Just act natural, and they'll never know you're not from around here."

With a deep breath, I marched up to the entrance, determined to blend in with the seasoned adventurers. As I neared the massive doors, I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer size and grandeur of the Tower of Babel. The intricate carvings and glowing runes adorning the structure seemed to radiate an air of power and authority, and I couldn't help but feel a tinge of intimidation.

"Well, here goes nothing," I muttered, steeling my nerves as I stepped through the threshold and into the bustling interior of the Tower.

I took a deep breath and stepped through the massive doors of the Tower of Babel, my eyes immediately drawn to the bustling activity within. Rows of adventurers lined up at various reception desks, each one exuding an air of purpose and confidence that I couldn't help but envy.

As I scanned the room, my gaze landed on a familiar face - Eina Tulle, the half-elf adventurer advisor from the anime. Her long, flowing brown hair framed her delicate features, and her bright green eyes held a warmth and kindness that immediately put me at ease. Dressed in the Guild's standard white blouse and blue vest, she carried herself with a poise and professionalism that commanded respect.

"This is it, David," I muttered to myself, steeling my nerves as I approached Eina's desk. "Time to put on the charm and get myself registered as an adventurer."

With a friendly smile, I stepped up to the counter, clearing my throat to catch Eina's attention. "Excuse me, miss," I began, trying my best to sound confident and self-assured. "I'd like to register as an adventurer with the Guild."

Eina looked up from the papers she was reviewing, her brow furrowing slightly as she took in my rather unconventional appearance. "Ah, I see," she said, her voice soft and melodic. "And what is your name, adventurer?"

"David," I replied, leaning against the counter in what I hoped was a casual, charming manner. "David Miller, at your service."

Eina nodded, her gaze sweeping over me once more, and I couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious under her scrutiny. "Well, David, it's a pleasure to meet you; my name is Eina Tulle," she said, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "I'll need to see some identification and get a few details from you before we can complete the registration process."

I nodded eagerly, already digging through my pockets for my wallet. "Of course, of course," I said, trying to sound nonchalant as I fumbled with the worn leather. "Here you go, everything you need."

Eina accepted the wallet with a graceful nod, her slender fingers deftly flipping it open to examine the contents. As she reviewed the identification, her brow furrowed once more, and I could see the confusion etched on her face.

"I'm afraid I don't recognize this... 'driver's license' you've provided," she said, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Is this some sort of identification from a different region?"

I felt my heart sink as I realized my mistake. Of course, a driver's license from Earth wouldn't be recognized in the world of Danmachi! Cursing my own foolishness, I quickly snatched the wallet back, trying to come up with a plausible explanation.

"Ah, yes, well, you see, I'm, uh, from a... a very distant land," I stammered, mentally kicking myself for the lame excuse. "My identification might be a little different, but I assure you, I'm more than ready to become an adventurer here in Orario!"

Eina's expression shifted from confusion to one of polite skepticism, and I could practically feel the eyes of the other adventurers in the room boring into me. Panic began to set in as I realized I might have just blown my chance at joining the Hestia Familia before I even got started.

But to my surprise, Eina's expression softened, and she gave me a gentle smile. "I see. Well, no matter, we can work around that." She reached below the counter and pulled out a stack of papers. "Here's the registration form. Just fill this out to the best of your ability, and we'll get you started."

I blinked, stunned by her understanding. "Really? You don't mind?" I asked, hardly daring to believe my luck.

Eina shook her head, her long brown hair swaying with the motion. "Not at all. Many adventurers come to us without proper identification. As long as you're willing to join and contribute to the city, that's all that matters."

I felt a swell of gratitude towards this kind-hearted woman. "Thank you, Miss Eina. You have no idea how much this means to me." I eagerly took the papers and began filling them out, my handwriting a bit shaky with excitement.

As I scribbled down the requested information, I couldn't help but steal glances at Eina. She truly was just as warm and compassionate as her anime counterpart. I had to resist the urge to reach out and hug her, afraid I might startle the poor woman.

When I finished the paperwork, I handed it back to Eina, a smile plastered across my face. "There you go! I hope everything is in order."

Eina reviewed the forms, nodding approvingly. "Excellent. Everything looks good." She paused, her brow furrowing slightly. "Ah, but I don't see any payment here. How will you be covering the registration fee?"

My heart sank as I realized my oversight. Of course, there would be a fee involved! I frantically patted my pockets, only to find them completely empty. "Oh no, I... I don't have any money on me," I admitted sheepishly.

Eina's expression softened, and she waved a dismissive hand. "Not to worry, the registration is free for new adventurers. Consider it a... welcome gift, if you will."

I felt a lump form in my throat, overwhelmed by Eina's kindness. "You... you're too kind, Miss Eina. I don't know how to thank you." I blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill from my eyes.

In that moment, Eina seemed to glow with an ethereal light, and I swore I could see a pair of pure white wings sprouting from her back. She truly was an angel, sent to guide me on my journey. "It's my pleasure, David," she said, her voice like a soothing melody. "Welcome to Orario. I'm sure you'll do great things here."

I nodded, my heart swelling with gratitude and determination. "I won't let you down, Miss Eina. I promise!"

Eina's lips curved into a warm smile. "I'm glad to hear that, David. Now, do you have a particular Familia in mind that you'd like to join?"

I paused, my mind racing as I tried to come up with a convincing answer. "Well, to be honest, I'm not entirely sure," I admitted sheepishly. "I mean, there are so many amazing Familias to choose from, I'm a bit overwhelmed!"

Eina nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I see. Well, if you're looking for an exploration-focused Familia, I might recommend the Loki or Freya Familia. They're both quite renowned for their adventuring prowess."

I couldn't help but grimace at the thought of joining either of those intimidating Familias. "Ah, well, I'm not sure I'm quite up to that level just yet," I said, chuckling nervously. "I was actually hoping to start a bit smaller, you know, get my feet wet before diving in too deep."

Eina's brow furrowed slightly. "I see. In that case, you might consider the Goibniu or Hephaestus Familia. They're excellent choices for those interested in crafting and smithing."

I felt my heart sink as I realized those options were also out of my league. "Oh, um, well, those sound amazing, but I'm not sure I have the skills to keep up with them, either," I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck sheepishly.

Eina studied me for a moment, her green eyes filled with a hint of amusement. "Well, David, it seems you have quite a humble opinion of your own abilities," she said, her tone playful. "Tell me, is there a particular Familia you had in mind?"

I felt my cheeks flush as I realized I'd been cornered. "Uh, well, actually, I was kind of hoping to join the Hestia Familia," I blurted out, my voice betraying my eagerness.

Eina's brow furrowed in confusion. "The Hestia Familia? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with that particular Familia," she said, her tone polite but puzzled.

My heart sank as I realized Eina didn't recognize the name. "Wait, you've never heard of the Hestia Familia?" I asked, my voice tinged with disbelief. "But they're one of the most famous Familias in Orario!"

Eina shook her head, her long brown hair swaying gently. "I'm afraid not," she replied. "There are many Familias in Orario, but I don't recall ever hearing of one led by a goddess named Hestia."

I felt my confidence start to crumble. "But... but what about Bell Cranel?" I asked, desperately trying to salvage the situation. "Surely you must know who he is!"

Eina's expression remained puzzled. "Bell Cranel?" she repeated, her brow furrowing even deeper. "I'm afraid I don't recognize that name either. Should I know who he is?"

I stared at Eina in disbelief, my mouth hanging open. How could she not know about Bell Cranel, the protagonist of the entire Danmachi series? This didn't make any sense! I felt a growing sense of panic as I realized that perhaps the world I had stumbled into wasn't quite the one I had expected.

"I'm sorry, but I'm not familiar with this 'Bell Cranel' you mentioned," Eina said, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Is he a member of a Familia I'm not aware of?"

I swallowed hard, trying to collect my thoughts. "Uh, well, you see, he's, um, the most famous adventurer in Orario," I stammered, hoping my flimsy explanation would somehow make sense.

Eina's expression softened, and she gave me a sympathetic smile. "I understand you're eager to join a Familia, David, but I'm afraid I don't have any information about one led by a goddess named Hestia." She paused, her gaze turning thoughtful. "Let me check my records just to be sure."

I watched nervously as Eina rifled through a large catalog on her desk, her fingers deftly flipping through the pages. After a few moments, she looked up, her eyes filled with an apologetic expression.

"I'm sorry, David, but there doesn't seem to be any mention of a Hestia Familia in my records," she said, her voice tinged with regret. "The only goddess I'm aware of who has recently descended to Orario is Hestia, but she hasn't formed a Familia yet."

I stared at Eina in stunned silence, my mind reeling with the implications of what she had just told me. Hestia hadn't formed a Familia yet?

This was both exciting and terrifying. On one hand, I had the chance to become Hestia's first child, to be there from the very beginning as her Familia grew. But on the other hand, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

"So, you're telling me that Hestia is here in Orario, but she hasn't started a Familia yet?" I asked, my voice tinged with disbelief.

Eina nodded, her expression sympathetic. "That's correct. As far as I know, Hestia is a relatively new arrival in our city. She hasn't established a Familia or taken on any members yet."

I felt a surge of excitement at the prospect. "Do you know where I can find her?" I asked, leaning forward eagerly. "I'd love to be the first one to join her Familia!"

Eina's brow furrowed slightly. "I'm afraid I don't have any specific information on Hestia's whereabouts," she admitted. "The gods and goddesses tend to keep a low profile when they first arrive in Orario."

My shoulders slumped in disappointment. "Oh, I see," I murmured, my enthusiasm deflating.

Eina must have sensed my dejection, because she quickly added, "But I can certainly keep an eye out for any news or information regarding Hestia and her future Familia. If I hear anything, I'll be sure to let you know."

I perked up at that, a grateful smile spreading across my face. "Really? You'd do that for me?" I asked, my voice filled with hope.

Eina nodded, her own lips curving into a warm smile. "Of course. It's my duty to assist adventurers like yourself, and I'd be more than happy to help you connect with the goddess Hestia."

"Thank you, Miss Eina!" I exclaimed, my heart swelling with gratitude. "I really appreciate it. I'll be sure to check back with you regularly, just in case you hear anything."

Eina chuckled softly. "Very well, David. I'll be on the lookout for any news about Hestia and her Familia."

I nodded eagerly, already mentally preparing myself for the challenges that lay ahead. If I could somehow become Hestia's first child, it would give me a huge advantage in the world of Danmachi. I'd be able to grow alongside Bell Cranel and the rest of the Familia, rather than trying to catch up.

"Oh, and one more thing, Miss Eina," I added, a thought suddenly occurring to me. "If you happen to come across a young man named Bell Cranel registering as an adventurer, would you mind letting me know?"

Eina blinked in surprise, but then her expression softened. "Of course, David. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for him as well."

"Thank you, thank you so much!" I exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. "You're the best, Miss Eina. I really appreciate all your help."

Eina chuckled, waving a dismissive hand. "It's my pleasure, David. Now, go forth and make your mark on Orario. I'm sure great things are in store for you."

With a renewed sense of determination, I bid Eina farewell and turned to leave the Tower of Babel, my mind racing with the possibilities that lay ahead. This was my chance to make a difference, to be a part of something truly special. And I wasn't about to let it slip through my fingers.

…

I set out into the bustling streets of Orario, my mind racing with possibilities. If Hestia hadn't formed her Familia yet, that meant I had a chance to be her very first child. The thought filled me with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

As I wandered the crowded thoroughfares, I couldn't help but remember the details Eina had shared about Hestia's situation. She had mentioned that the goddess was currently living and "mooching off" of Hephaestus, before eventually getting kicked out. That meant Hestia was likely trying to make ends meet on her own, which gave me an idea of where to start my search.

I recalled the descriptions I had read about Hestia in the Danmachi series - a petite goddess with long, flowing black hair and a rather distinctive bust that often drew attention. With that in mind, I began scouring the city, my eyes peeled for any sign of a diminutive deity peddling croquettes, as Eina had mentioned.

After hours of searching the crowded markets and bustling streets, I finally caught a glimpse of a familiar figure - a young woman with long, raven-colored hair cascading down her back, her small frame clad in a simple white dress with blue ribbon accents. As I drew closer, I couldn't help but notice the most striking feature about her: her sizable bust, which was accentuated by the tight-fitting bodice of her dress.

There was no doubt in my mind that this was the goddess Hestia, working tirelessly at a small croquette stand, her bright blue eyes scanning the crowd with a mixture of hope and weariness.

I took a step back, my mind racing with the possibilities that lay before me. Hestia, the goddess of the hearth and home, was right there in front of me, selling croquettes to make ends meet. The sight of her diminutive frame and voluptuous figure was both endearing and a little comical, given what I knew of her true divine nature.

As I watched her work tirelessly, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. This was not the powerful deity I had read about, but a goddess struggling to survive on her own, without the support of her Familia. It was then that I knew I had to approach this situation with the utmost care and consideration.

Stepping back into the crowd, I kept a close eye on the croquette stand, waiting for Hestia to finish her work. I knew that once she was free, I would have my chance to introduce myself.

The minutes ticked by, and I watched as Hestia served customer after customer, her expression never wavering from one of determined focus. Finally, as the sun began to set, she began to pack up her stand, her movements slow and weary. This was my chance.

Taking a deep breath, I steeled my nerves and stepped forward, ready to make my introduction and put my plan into action.

///

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