Chapter 6

The day had finally arrived. As I stared down at the sturdy leather and chainmail armor adorning my body, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation coursing through me.

"This is it," I murmured, my grip tightening around the tactical shovel I had chosen as my weapon. For weeks, I had been eagerly awaiting this moment, dreaming of the adventures that awaited me in the depths of the Dungeon. No more would I be confined to the monotony of my mundane life - today, I would become a true adventurer.

"David-kun?" Hestia's gentle voice broke through my thoughts, and I turned to see her standing beside me, her brow furrowed with concern. "Are you sure about this? The Dungeon is a dangerous place, and I worry for your safety."

I couldn't help but smile reassuringly at the petite goddess. "Hestia, don't worry. I've been preparing for this, and I promise I'll be careful. If things get too hairy, I'll high-tail it out of there faster than a Chienthrope on a sugar rush."

Hestia's expression softened slightly, but the worry lingered in her eyes. "I know you're eager to prove yourself, David-kun, but the Dungeon is no place for a novice. Promise me you'll come back to me safely, no matter what."

Reaching out, I gently placed my hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I promise, Hestia. I'm not going to do anything reckless. I'll be back before you know it, and then we can celebrate with a nice, hot meal and some of those delicious croquettes you sell."

Hestia's lips curved into a small smile, and she nodded. "Alright, David-kun. I trust you. Just... please, be careful, okay?"

I couldn't resist the urge to ruffle her hair playfully. "You got it, Hestia. Now, time to get going. The Dungeon awaits!"

I created a portal to Orario, and excitement was bubbling within me. This was my chance to prove myself, to show Hestia and the world that I had what it took to be a true adventurer.

Just as I was about to step through the portal, a sudden realization hit me. I frantically patted my sides, my eyes widening in horror as I couldn't feel the familiar weight of my trusty shovel.

"Oh no, no, no!" I exclaimed, whirling around to face Hestia, who had been watching me with a concerned expression.

"David-kun? What's wrong?" she asked, her brow furrowing.

"My shovel! I forgot my shovel!" I cried, panic lacing my voice. How could I have been so careless?

Hestia's eyes widened, and she quickly reached behind her, retrieving my shovel and holding it out to me.

"Here, David-kun! You must have forgotten it," she said, a small smile playing on her lips.

I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment as I took the shovel from her outstretched hands. "Th-thank you, Hestia," I stammered, suddenly feeling like a complete fool. "I don't know how I could have forgotten it."

Hestia let out a soft giggle, her blue eyes twinkling with amusement. "It's alright, David-kun. You must have been nervous. I'm just glad you noticed it before you went in without it."

I let out a sheepish chuckle, mentally berating myself for my forgetfulness. "Yeah, that would have been a disaster."

Hestia reached out and patted my arm reassuringly. "Well, now you have it, and you're all set. Go show the Dungeon what the 'Shovel Knight' can do!"

Feeling a renewed sense of determination, I nodded firmly. "You bet, Hestia. I won't let you down!"

With a deep breath, I turned back towards the portal, my grip tightening around the handle of my shovel. This was it - time to prove my worth and make Hestia proud.

…

I stepped out of the portal, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The familiar sights of Orario greeted me, the towering Babel in the distance a beacon that seemed to call out to me.

"Alright, David, time to put your adventuring skills to the test," I muttered to myself, gripping the handle of my trusty shovel tightly.

Just as I was about to head towards the Dungeon's entrance, a sudden movement caught the corner of my eye. I turned, only to collide with a woman who had been walking down the alleyway. We both let out surprised yelps as we stumbled, my shovel slipping from my grasp and clattering to the ground.

"Oh, goodness! I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there!" the woman exclaimed, her voice melodic and apologetic.

I quickly steadied myself, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "No, no, it's my fault! I should have been more careful," I said, bending down to retrieve my shovel.

As I looked up, I found myself captivated by the woman's appearance. She had striking silver-gray hair that framed a delicate, beautiful face, and her gray eyes held a mysterious allure that seemed to draw me in.

"I-I'm David," I stammered, straightening up and offering her a sheepish smile. "I'm, uh, new to Orario, and I guess I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."

The woman returned my smile, her expression warm and understanding. "It's a pleasure to meet you, David. I'm Syr, and I work at the Hostess of Fertility tavern. Are you an adventurer?"

When Syr introduced herself, I felt a jolt of recognition. She was the kind, enigmatic waitress from the Danmachi anime I loved so much! My heart raced as I realized I was standing in front of a character I had only ever seen on a screen.

"Syr..." I breathed, struggling to maintain my composure. "It's, uh, it's nice to meet you."

Syr tilted her head slightly, a small smile playing on her lips. "You seem a bit flustered, David. Is everything alright?"

I inwardly cursed myself for my obvious reaction. "Oh, yeah, I'm fine!" I said quickly, forcing a casual laugh. "Just, you know, a little overwhelmed being in Orario for the first time. It's all so... new."

Syr's smile widened, and she nodded in understanding. "I can imagine. It must be quite an adjustment, coming from the mortal realm." She paused, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Are you a new adventurer, then?"

"Y-yes, that's right," I stammered, suddenly aware of the weight of my shovel in my hand. "Today's my first day. I'm, uh, still trying to figure everything out."

Syr's warm smile widened as she looked at me. "Well, David, since you're new to Orario, you should definitely stop by the Hostess of Fertility sometime. We have the most delicious food and drinks, and the atmosphere is quite lively. I'd be happy to show you around and introduce you to the other waitresses."

I felt my heart skip a beat at her invitation. The Hostess of Fertility was a famous tavern in the Danmachi world, known for its charming staff and excellent cuisine. The thought of being welcomed there by Syr herself was both exciting and a little overwhelming.

"The Hostess of Fertility, huh?" I said, trying to sound casual. "I've heard a lot about that place. It's, uh, one of the most popular hangouts for adventurers in Orario, right?"

Syr nodded, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "That's right. It's a gathering spot for many of the city's adventurers, as well as those who just enjoy good food and company. I think you'd fit right in."

I couldn't help but smile back at her. "Well, in that case, I'd be honored to visit. When I have some free time, I'll be sure to stop by."

Syr seemed pleased by my response. "Wonderful! I look forward to seeing you there, David." She glanced towards the towering Babel in the distance. "But for now, it seems you have some adventuring to do. Good luck out there!"

I nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "Thanks, Syr. I'd better get going. It was great meeting you, and I'll definitely take you up on that offer soon."

With a final wave, I turned and headed towards the Dungeon's entrance, my mind already racing with thoughts of the challenges that lay ahead. The Hostess of Fertility would have to wait for now, but I couldn't help but look forward to visiting the charming tavern and seeing Syr again.

Syr watched as David left, a small smile playing on her lips. "How an interesting child," she murmured, her voice suddenly carrying a different quality - one that was deeper, more alluring. It was the voice of Freya, the Goddess of Beauty, peeking through Syr's gentle facade.

Syr's gray eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as she turned and headed back into the Hostess of Fertility. There was something about this new arrival that had piqued her interest, or rather, Freya's interest. What plans might the goddess have in store for the young adventurer? Syr could only imagine the intrigue that was about to unfold.

…

I approached the entrance to the Tower of Babel, my eyes widening at the sheer scale of the structure. Adventurers bustled all around me, some heading in, others emerging from the depths below. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of trepidation as I gazed down the ominous staircase leading into the Dungeon.

"Alright, David, this is it," I muttered to myself, mustering up my courage. "Time to prove your worth as an adventurer and make Hestia proud."

With a deep breath, I began my descent, each step echoing in the cavernous space. As I made my way down, I couldn't resist the urge to poke a little fun at my own expense.

"Yep, that's me, your friendly neighborhood 'Shovel Knight,' about to take on the big, bad Dungeon," I chuckled, the nickname Hestia had given me still bringing a smile to my face. "Just a regular guy with a tactical shovel, ready to take on whatever horrors lie in wait."

I paused for a moment, glancing around at the seasoned adventurers around me, their gear and weapons far more impressive than my humble shovel.

"Oh, who am I kidding? I'm probably going to get myself killed down here," I sighed dramatically, shaking my head. "But hey, at least I'll go out with a smile on my face, right?"

With a nervous laugh, I continued my descent, determined to face whatever challenges the Dungeon had in store for me, even if I had to do it with little more than a shovel and a prayer.

Stepping into the Dungeon's first floor, I had to admit I felt a bit like a fish out of water. The place was straight out of some fantasy storybook, with those eerie blue walls and the glowing ceiling mosses casting an otherworldly glow. It was all a bit much for a regular guy like me, but hey, I'd come this far, so might as well see it through.

"This is charming," I muttered, glancing around at the empty hallway. "Just the kind of cozy, welcoming atmosphere I was hoping for."

As I made my way down the Beginning Road, I couldn't help but feel a little out of my element. All around me, seasoned adventurers strode with purpose, their weapons and armor gleaming. Meanwhile, I had my trusty shovel and a whole lot of optimism.

"Alright, David, time to channel your inner hero," I said, trying to psych myself up. "You've got this. Just gotta keep an eye out for any...you know, monsters or whatever."

A sudden scuttling sound from the shadows made me jump, and I tightened my grip on the shovel's handle.

"Goblins or Kobolds, huh?" I laughed nervously. "Well, I've always wanted to try my hand at pest control."

Steeling my nerves, I crept forward, ready to face whatever the Dungeon had in store for me. After all, how hard could it be to take on a few measly goblins with a good old-fashioned shovel?

I continued to move forward, keeping my distance from the other adventurers. As much as I wanted to make some new friends, I couldn't help but feel a bit paranoid. Who knows, maybe one of them would try to steal my kills or stab me in the back? Better safe than sorry, I suppose.

Suddenly, a section of the wall in front of me opened up, and out popped a goblin. Yep, just like the ones I'd seen in all the fantasy stories – only somehow even more disgusting and smelly in real life.

"Well, hello there, ugly," I quipped, tightening my grip on my trusty shovel. "If Goblin Slayer were here, I bet he'd be having the time of his life."

The goblin let out a feral snarl, its beady eyes locking onto me. Without a moment's hesitation, I swung my shovel, connecting with a satisfying thud. The goblin let out a pathetic squeal as it disappeared in a puff of black smoke, leaving behind a tiny magic stone.

"Huh, so that's what those look like," I mused, carefully picking up the stone and tucking it into my pouch. "Not bad for my first kill, if I do say so myself."

Feeling a little more confident, I continued my trek through the Dungeon, keeping an eye out for any more unsavory creatures that might try to cross my path. Who knows, maybe I'd even get good enough to take on an entire horde of goblins someday. Though, if I'm being honest, I'd much rather avoid that particular scenario if at all possible.

As I rounded the corner, I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. "Looks like the 'Shovel Knight' is still standing. Take that, Dungeon!"

As if on cue, I heard another rustling sound from the shadows. Turning around, I spotted a Kobold - a bipedal, dog-like creature with a mean set of claws and fangs.

"Oh, great," I muttered, tightening my grip on the shovel. "Just when I was feeling all proud of myself."

The Kobold let out a menacing growl, its beady eyes fixed on me. I steeled my nerves, determined not to let this scrawny little creature get the best of me.

"Alright, you overgrown mutt, let's see what you've got," I taunted, swinging my shovel in a wide arc.

The Kobold darted forward, its claws raking across my arm. I let out a yelp of surprise, more than anything else, as I felt the sharp sting of its attack.

"Ouch! Hey, that's not fair!" I cried, backpedaling quickly. "I thought we were just going to have a nice, friendly chat, you know?"

The Kobold didn't seem interested in idle chit-chat, though. It lunged at me again, its fangs bared. I managed to bring my shovel up just in time, blocking the attack, but the force of the impact sent a jolt of pain through my arms.

"Oof, okay, so you've got a bit more bite than that goblin," I grunted, gritting my teeth. "Guess I underestimated you, huh?"

Shifting my grip, I swung the shovel around, aiming for the Kobold's flank. This time, I connected with a satisfying thud, sending the creature tumbling across the floor. It let out a yelp of pain, but quickly regained its footing, its eyes now filled with pure rage.

"Uh-oh, I think I made it mad," I chuckled nervously, backing up a few steps. "Maybe I should have just stuck to pest control, huh?"

The Kobold charged at me again, its claws slashing through the air. I managed to dodge most of the attacks, but a few got through, leaving shallow scratches on my skin. Gritting my teeth against the sting, I swung my shovel with all my might, finally connecting with the Kobold's head.

With a pathetic whine, the creature collapsed, disappearing in a puff of black smoke. I stared at the magic stone left behind, letting out a long, shaky breath.

"Whew, that was a little tougher than I was expecting," I admitted, wiping the sweat from my brow. "But hey, at least I'm still in one piece, right?"

I picked up the Kobold's magic stone, examining it closely. The smooth, glowing surface felt warm in my palm, a testament to the creature's defeated power. Tucking it safely into my pouch, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.

"A goblin and a kobold down," I said, a small grin spreading across my face. "I seem to be getting the hang of this."

As I stood there, surveying the empty hallway, I couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence. Sure, these were just minor monsters, but hey, I was still standing, and that was more than I could have said when I first set foot in this place.

"Maybe this whole 'adventurer' thing isn't so bad after all," I mused, tightening my grip on my trusty shovel. "I mean, how hard can it be to keep taking down these pesky little critters?"

I continued my trek through the Dungeon, my confidence growing with each defeated goblin and kobold. The creatures didn't stand a chance against my trusty shovel, and I couldn't help but feel a little thrill every time I watched them disappear in a puff of smoke.

"Hah, looks like the big, bad Dungeon is no match for David Miller," I chuckled to myself, giving my shovel a little twirl. "Maybe I should start charging admission for these monster-slaying services."

As I reached the second floor, I couldn't help but notice that it looked almost identical to the first. Same eerie blue walls, same glowing ceiling moss – it was like the Dungeon was stuck in some sort of never-ending loop.

"Well, this is certainly...cozy," I remarked, glancing around at the empty hallway. "I guess the interior decorators down here don't really believe in change, huh?"

Shrugging, I pressed onward, keeping my eyes peeled for any more unwelcome guests. To my surprise, the second floor seemed even quieter than the first, with nary a goblin or kobold in sight.

"Huh, did I scare them all off with my dashing good looks and impeccable shovel skills?" I mused, unable to keep the grin off my face. "Maybe they realized they were no match for the mighty David Miller and decided to throw in the towel."

As I ventured deeper into the second floor, a sense of unease began to creep up my spine. The eerie silence was almost deafening, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was lurking just out of sight.

"Alright, David, keep it together," I muttered to myself, tightening my grip on the trusty shovel. "You've got this. Just gotta keep your eyes peeled and—"

My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a chorus of snarls from the shadows. I whirled around, just in time to see three Kobolds emerge, their beady eyes fixed on me with murderous intent.

"Oh, you've gotta be kidding me," I groaned, my heart pounding in my chest. "Three of them? Really?"

The Kobolds wasted no time, charging at me with their claws bared. I swung my shovel, managing to knock one back, but the other two were relentless, slashing and snapping at me.

"Whoa, whoa, easy there, guys!" I cried, backpedaling frantically. "Can't we talk this out? Maybe over a nice cup of tea or something?"

The Kobolds, unsurprisingly, were not interested in diplomacy. They continued their onslaught, and I quickly realized that I was horribly outmatched.

"Okay, okay, this is bad," I panted, my arms aching from the strain of blocking their attacks. "Time for a tactical retreat, I think!"

With a desperate cry of "NIGERUNDAYO!", I turned and bolted down the hallway, the Kobolds hot on my heels. My lungs burned, and my legs felt like lead, but I pushed on, determined to make it back to the relative safety of the first floor.

Finally, I burst out of the stairwell, gasping for breath. The Kobolds, thankfully, had given up the chase, and I was left standing there, sweaty and disheveled, but mercifully alive.

"Whew, that was...that was not fun," I wheezed, leaning against the wall and sliding down to the floor. "I think I just discovered the worst form of exercise – Dungeon running with a high chance of death."

I let out a weak chuckle, running a hand through my sweat-damp hair. "Hestia's gonna kill me if she finds out I got my butt kicked by a bunch of mangy Kobolds. Though, to be fair, there were three of them, and I'm just a humble Shovel Knight, so..."

I groaned, letting my head fall back against the cool stone wall. "Maybe I'm just not cut out for this whole 'adventurer' thing after all," I lamented. "At this rate, I'll be lucky to reach Level 2 before I'm old and gray."

I glanced down at the handful of magic stones in my palm, the fruits of my hard-won battles. "Not exactly the heroic tales of conquest and glory I was hoping for," I muttered. "More like the pitiful misadventures of a guy with a shovel."

Sighing, I pocketed the stones, already mentally calculating how much Valis they might fetch. "If this keeps up, I'll be lucky to afford a decent meal, let alone any fancy adventuring gear," I grumbled.

Casting a wistful look towards the ominous stairwell, I shook my head. "Face it, David, you're no Bell Cranel. You don't have any of that fancy 'Liaris Freese' skill that makes him grow faster compared to others." I chuckled humorlessly. "Nope, just good old-fashioned determination and a whole lot of luck. And, well, look where that's gotten me."

Pushing myself to my feet, I brushed the dust off my pants and readjusted my grip on the shovel. "Alright, I think it's time for a tactical retreat," I declared, already picturing Hestia's disappointed expression. "Time to cash in these stones and figure out a new game plan."

…

As I trudged into the imposing Tower of Babel, my shovel felt heavier than ever. The dismal results of my first foray into the Dungeon weighed heavily on my mind, and I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that I had somehow let Hestia down.

"Ah, there you are, David!" a familiar voice called out, and I turned to see Eina, the half-elf receptionist, approaching me with a warm smile. "How did your first adventure in the Dungeon go?"

I sighed, running a hand through my disheveled hair. "Well, let's just say it didn't exactly go as planned," I admitted, mustering a sheepish grin.

Eina's brow furrowed with concern. "Oh dear, what happened?" she asked, her tone gentle and sympathetic.

"I, uh, well, I kind of got my butt kicked by a bunch of Kobolds," I confessed, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. "Three of them, to be exact. Didn't even manage to land a decent hit with my trusty shovel."

Eina's expression softened, and she placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Don't be too hard on yourself, David," she said. "It's completely normal for first-time adventurers to struggle, especially against multiple enemies."

I shuffled my feet, staring down at the floor. "I know, I know, but I just... I really wanted to impress Hestia, you know?" I admitted. "I didn't want to let her down."

Eina gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Hestia will understand," she assured me. "The most important thing is that you made it back safely. Rushing into the Dungeon without proper preparation can be incredibly dangerous."

I nodded reluctantly, my grip tightening on the shovel's handle. "I guess you're right," I conceded. "I just wish I could've done a little better, that's all."

Eina offered me an encouraging smile. "Orario wasn't built in a day, David," she said. "Take it one step at a time, and don't forget to value your life above all else. Becoming a successful adventurer takes time and patience."

With a resigned sigh, I made my way to the Guild's counter, where I traded in the meager collection of magic stones I had managed to gather. To my disappointment, the total amounted to only around 3,000 Valis – hardly a fortune, but at least it was something.

"Well, it's not exactly the kind of haul that's going to make me a wealthy man," I muttered, pocketing the coins. "But I guess it's better than nothing."

Eina gave me an understanding nod. "Don't be discouraged, David," she said. "Every journey starts with a single step. Just focus on improving, and the rest will follow."

I nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope amidst the disappointment. "Thanks, Eina," I said, mustering a small smile. "I'll keep that in mind."

With a newfound determination, I turned and headed back towards my apartment.

I made my way to a secluded corner of the Tower of Babel, making sure no one was watching. Taking a deep breath, I opened a shimmering portal, the familiar sensation of weightlessness enveloping me as I stepped through.

The moment I emerged in my apartment, a blur of blue and white collided with me, nearly knocking me off balance. "David!" Hestia cried out, wrapping her arms around me in a desperate embrace. "You're back! Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

Her hands frantically roamed over my body, searching for any sign of injury. I chuckled nervously, gently prying her hands away. "Hey, Hestia, I'm fine, really," I reassured her. "Just a few scratches, nothing serious."

Hestia's eyes widened in alarm as she noticed the small cuts on my arms. "Oh no, oh no!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with exaggerated concern. "We need to treat this right away! Where's your first aid kit?"

Before I could even respond, she was already darting around the apartment, rummaging through drawers and cabinets, muttering under her breath. I watched in amused bewilderment as she finally emerged triumphantly, holding a small box in her hands.

"Aha! Found it!" she declared, quickly opening the kit and pulling out an assortment of ointments and bandages. "Hold still, David-kun, I'll have you patched up in no time!"

I chuckled and complied, allowing Hestia to fuss over me. As she gently applied the ointment and carefully wrapped the bandages around my arms, I couldn't help but marvel at the contrast between her frantic panic and her surprisingly delicate touch.

"There, all done!" she announced, leaning back with a satisfied smile. "Now, you just rest up and let those wounds heal. No more adventuring for you today, mister!"

I couldn't help but laugh at her motherly scolding. "Yes, ma'am," I said, playfully saluting her. "I'll be sure to take it easy from now on."

Hestia nodded, her expression softening. "Good," she said, her voice laced with relief. "I'm just glad you're safe, David-kun."

As Hestia fussed over me, gently applying the ointment and bandages, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of embarrassment over my lackluster performance in the Dungeon. I knew she was worried about my safety, but I also didn't want to disappoint her.

"So, how did it go?" Hestia asked, her brow furrowed with concern. "Were you able to explore the Dungeon and collect lots of magic stones?"

I let out a sheepish chuckle, averting my gaze. "Well, the truth is, it didn't exactly go as planned," I admitted. "I, uh, kind of got my butt kicked by a group of Kobolds."

Hestia's eyes widened, and for a moment, I feared she might scold me. Instead, she pulled me into a warm embrace, her small frame enveloping me in a comforting hug.

"Oh, David-kun, I'm just so glad you're safe," she murmured, her voice laced with relief. "I know how eager you were to prove yourself, but your life is the most important thing. I couldn't bear the thought of you getting hurt."

I felt a lump form in my throat as I returned the hug, her words resonating with me. "I'm sorry, Hestia," I whispered. "I didn't mean to worry you. I just wanted to make you proud, you know?"

Hestia pulled back, her bright blue eyes shining with understanding. "David-kun, you could never disappoint me," she said, her hand gently caressing my cheek. "Just the fact that you're here, safe and sound, is enough to fill my heart with joy."

I felt a warmth spread through my chest, and I couldn't help but lean into her touch. In that moment, I knew that Hestia's care and acceptance were worth more to me than any grand adventure or heroic conquest.

"Thank you, Hestia," I murmured, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "I'm grateful to have you in my life."

Hestia beamed, her own smile radiating with pure happiness. "And I'm grateful to have you, David-kun," she said, her voice soft and sincere. "Together, we'll grow stronger, one step at a time."

I sank down onto the couch, my mind racing as I tried to figure out how I could become a stronger adventurer. Guns would be an easy solution, but acquiring one legally in this world seemed like a real headache. And let's be honest, I'd probably end up shooting my own foot off.

Sighing, I glanced around my meager apartment, taking in the sparse furnishings and lack of any real adventuring gear. The truth was, I was flat broke. Becoming a successful dungeon crawler was going to take more than just a trusty shovel and a prayer.

"Maybe I could just start throwing rocks at the monsters?" I mused aloud, chuckling at the mental image of me pelting a Minotaur with pebbles. "Yeah, that'll really strike fear into their hearts."

I thought before that I could go to different worlds and gain some power or items. It seems I needs to do it even if I have to risk my life. I now wonder what worlds could give me power.

///

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