Chapter 20 - My SI Stash #20 - Member of Miachs Familia by NakaruSoul (Danmachi) (2/2)

”Most certainly.” I replied with a grin and started rattling off the directions that they would need to take in order to reach the Twilight Manor.

The girls thanked me and started making their way there. Just as they were leaving, I remembered something important and call out to them before they got too far. ”Oh hey! If you do see their pet dog, do give it head pats and tell him he's a good boy for me yeah? I haven't been able to visit him lately so he must've been lonely while I was gone. He's easily recognizable by his gray hair and bad attitude.” I shouted.

I can tell that they're obviously confused by my sudden request but agreed to do so nonetheless. I watched them go, thinking that this will be the last I will see of them.

With that dealt with, I began my trek home. Since it's still rather early, I'm thinking that I'll put in some time to properly maintain my equipment for once least they break down again in the worst time possible and replenish my smoke bombs- Wait, wasn't there a sales going on in the market today?

-0-

Orario- Blue Pharmacy

-0-

”I'm home.” I called out tiredly as I push open the door to the medicine shop that I've been living in for the past 14 years.

After a grueling battle with crazy housewives and occasional grandmas, I managed to buy enough supplies that will last us for a while so I wouldn't have to worry about us running out of food for the time being.

It was a battle of epic proportions; things were flying everywhere while people charged into the melee, using whatever means they could to reign supreme in a death match that challenges one's mettle and wits. Old ladies were performing amazing feats of acrobatics and flying everywhere, housewives were using toddlers as makeshift shields and their shopping bags as weapons and one guy got a leek stuck up his a_s_s for trying to clam them down.

Truly, it's an epic that will be recorded down in the annuls of history where our descendants will read about in awe.

”Welcome back, Nii-san.” Came the warm greeting from behind the counter of the shop. I look towards the source and saw a little girl a year younger than me sitting behind it with a small smile on her face. From seeing such a small shift in her expression alone, I can tell that she's obviously relief to see me back safe and sound as she's one to rarely show much emotion on her face.

That, my friends, is the girl that I came to think of as my little sister during my life in this world, Naaza Erisuis.

If any of you weebs have any l_e_w_d thoughts about her, I swear by Apollo's limp d_i_c_k that I will find a way to cross over to your side and kill you…. Then I'll steal your computers or console because damn do I miss video games.

Naaza here is a Chienthrope, one of the many races that exist in this world, meaning that she has dog ears and tail. She used to have very long hair but it's much shorter now due to reasons and purple eyes. She's wearing a shirt that has it's sleeve longer on it's right side while the other is short. It may look like she's wearing a silver gauntlet on her right hand right now but in actuality, she's not. Her entire right arm is a prosthetic silver arm that she can move around just like a regular arm.

Best part is, it also grows alongside it's owner. If you ask for how that works than I'll answer with 'Magic!' because I don't freaking know. As for why her arm is like that, well...it's a s_e_n_s_i_t_i_v_e topic, fresh too for the both of us so maybe I'll explain it next time?

”How's business today?” I ask her as I enter the shop and close the door, adjusting the bags of groceries in my arm so that the contents doesn't spill.

”The usual.” She replied in her usual soft spoken manner and I nodded. Usual meant absolutely not a f_u_c_k_i_n_g customer. Being someone close to her, I can tell that she's rather upset by it judging by how her ears just drooped.

Noticing that she's in low spirits, I went to cheer her up. I put the bag down and move behind the counter so I could ruffle her head. ”Don't worry about it, someone would come in eventually. Even if no one did we'll still be able to get by with the money I've earned by adventuring.” I told her as I continued to make a mess of her hair.

Naaza seem to frown at the mention of my current profession but didn't say anything about it. Instead, she tilt her head to look at me and gave me a small glare that has no heat in it. ”I told you to stop doing this.”

”So you say, but yet you're wagging your tail like you're enjoying it.” I replied. Smugly of course.

”N-no I'm not.” She tires to deny it, eyes darting away from mine and using her hands to keep her traitorous tail in check. Fufufu, don't you know that the more you deny it the more obvious it is to me?

It was then did the door swings open and in comes a dude that looks like he has a permanent scowl on his face.

”Oh.” I let out as I stop rubbing Naaza's head so I could address him properly. ”Well, if it isn't the perpetually angry mutt. What brings you here today Bete-kun?”

That guy there is Bete Loga, a level 3 from Loki's Familia that's well known for his rough personality. He's a werewolf so the ears and tails of a wolf's is a given. Bete has gray colored hair along with amber eyes and the first thing one would notice about him when you're speaking with him face to face is that he has a blue tattoo on the left side of his face that looks like a lightning bolt.

He's currently wearing a gray furred jacket that's currently open with no undershirt underneath, along with black trousers and boots. I'm also not sure why he's even wearing a jacket in the first place if he's going to be showing off his entire c_h_e_s_t to everyone like a flasher. Who knows, maybe it's a werewolf thing.

”Tsk. I'm here to buy potions obviously. Why else would I enter a shop specialized in them?” He replied as he walk towards the counter.

”I see. Oh, by the way, did you guys receive the gift that I sent your way?” I asked him, placing both my hands on the counter as I lean forward with a smirk on my face. Bete's eyes twitched and his scowl seem to deepen, giving me all the answer that I needed.

”What gift?” Naaza question with a puzzled look as she look between us.

”Just something I found on the way back and decide to sent over to Loki's Familia. So, how are they?” I told Naaza before turning back to Bete.

”They're a pain in the ass. You sure have a lot of guts to sent something so troublesome to my home.” Came Bete's irate answer.

”Really? They seem like good people to me.”

”The entire courtyard got destroyed during their spar.” Bete's ear twitched at the reminder he gave himself, most likely thinking about the cost it would take to repair all the damage.

”At least they're strong right?” I tried again and the werewolf sighed, shoulders slacking slightly.

”Yeah. Can't deny that.” He muttered.

”Neat. Did you get to fight them?” I asked in curiosity, wondering how well they did against him.

Bete shook his head, looking disappointed. ”No, Finn and Gareth were the ones that took them down. I didn't even get to see the fight because it was already over when I got there.”

I nodded with a slight frown on my face, disappointed that I wouldn't be able to get first hand account of the fight. What a shame. ”I'm guessing that they're part of your Familia now right?”

”Yes.” Bete answered testily. ”Loki-sama was more than happy to add two scantily clad girls into our ranks.” I smiled and nodded to myself. Yep, that's Loki alright.

”You seemed rather annoyed Bete-kun, is something wrong?” I asked him, trying to sound concern but failing as I have an idea as to why he's so worked up already.

”Apparently, someone told the Amazons that Loki's Familia has a pet dog and ask them to give him head pats when they see him so he wouldn't be lonely. Something that Tiona is more than happy to do after she finally realized that you were referring to me after asking around for our pet dog that doesn't exist.” He growled at me and I grinned widely.

”So one of them actually did it? Wow, who would've thought.” I stated in genuine surprise. I thought they would forget about it by the time they reached the manor. ”By the way, who's Tiona?”

Bete paused for a moment, looking like he's trying to recall the image of the one we're talking about. ”Short hair and looks like a sack of bones.”

”Ah.” I let out in understanding, finally able to put a name to the face that I've met earlier. ”What about the other one?”

”Tione.”

”Now that's just lazy writing.” I muttered to myself.

Now, one may wander just how I am able to converse with someone of such high social status despite being nothing more than a lowly level 1 and is able to dash out jibes without getting my face pound in; well here's the exposition for you curious viewers and I'll keep it short as always.

It all started out many years ago where we bump into each other by chance. I was 9 and he was 12 and just arrived in Orario all lost and clueless and he's all angst and angry from having his entire clan wiped out by monsters. He didn't like the way I looked and I didn't like the way he smells so we fought (verbally) until he I managed to convinced that being all angst isn't going to help with his situation.

That got him out of his funk and he started doing something about his situation, mainly finding ways to get stronger so a tragedy like that doesn't happen to him again. I helped by looking for a Familia for him to join as well as providing some basic necessities which I have to force onto him because of his stubbornness. We remain in contact afterwards and hang out from time to time just to trade barbed words with one another.

It all worked out great for him...until he did a Sasuke last year after becoming a level 3 and went to kill the monster that destroyed his clan. He came back after successfully completing his mission only to find that his Familia got shot to hell in the Dungeon when he was gone and had left Orario. I was the one who had to break the news to him.

He disappeared after that and I had to look all over for him, fearing that he might commit sudoku-I mean seppuku, and eventually found out that he got into some trouble in a pub and ended up joining Loki's Familia the next morning for my effort. I punched him in the face for worrying me when I saw him again and that did almost no damage at all. My hand was the one that got hurt instead. Damn him and his ridiculous resilience against my attacks. How am I suppose to show that I cared if I can't hurt him with my punches? That's like, the only few ways us guys use to show affection to one another.

We still kept in contact afterwards just so we could snub at each other like always and I'd like to think that we're friends at best or frenemies at worst. Still, it's good to see that he's a lot better now.

”Putting all that aside, what can I get for you today Bete-kun?”

”One small bag of the lowest quality potions you've got.” Bete told me, straight to the point as always.

I nodded and turn around to get what he requested. Naaza is keeping quiet the entire time during our pleasantries mostly because Bete scares her even if I had told her plenty of time before that he's a big softly deep down in his heart. Shielded by multiple defensive layers of pain, remorse and his self-hate of his own weakness of course. Sign, nothing's ever simple with Adventurers.

I got the potions and place them all in a potion bag that could hold a total of 10 before placing them on the counter. ”Here you go, that would be 10000 Valis total.” I informed him with a grin.

Bete's eyes narrowed when I mentioned the obviously ripoff price but he just let out an affirmative grunt and place the money on the counter before taking the bag and started walking away.

”Don't let the door hit your a_s_s on your way out mutt!” I shouted to him as he left through the door.

”Don't slam your d_i_c_k on the toilet seat when you're taking a piss, twat!” He shot back and close the door while I just laughed. Ah, good old Bete.

With Bete gone, Naaza finally spoke up. ”Why do you two keep insulting each other like that?” Her extremely puzzled expression told me that she had been wanting to ask that particular question for a while now.

”It's just how we guys show affection to one another.” I simply replied with a smile.

She stared at me with those stoic eyes of hers, searching my expression for any sign of deceit. After finding none, she simply sighed in defeat. ”Boys are weird.” She concluded and I just let out another laugh. ”Still, I just don't get it.”

”What don't you get?” I asked while rising a curious eyebrow.

”Why does Loga-san keeps coming over to buy low quality potions from us? Someone of his caliber shouldn't have any need for them and he didn't question the ridiculous price you were charging him. Only a fool would think that 10000 Valis is normal for 10 low quality potions.”

I let out a thoughtful hum as I scratch my chin, thinking about the best way to explain this situation to her. Knowing how Bete is like, I figured that the best way to do this is to go over a scenario that has probably already happened while I was away. ”Well….judging by what you've said, Bete-kun has came to our shop before while I was away, yes?”

Naaza looked puzzled at my question but replied nevertheless. ”Yes.”

”I'm assuming that he bought the same thing as he did today right?”

Naaza nodded again.

”How did you charge him then? Normal or overcharged?”

”The normal price of course. We're running a business here you know.”

I smiled at her answer because I can easily predict what Bete would do afterwards. ”And I'm guessing that he payed way more than he needs to and told you to keep the change, adding in some kind of snide comment about not being able to return them right?”

Naaza's eyes widen slightly at my words. ”How did you know?” She asked, looking a bit astonished at my ability to tell what had transpired with so little information.

Feeling rather proud that I got it right, I began explaining to Naaza the secret of understanding how Bete ticks and started assuming a lecture pose. It has me standing straight with my hand on my elbow and a finger waving in the air. ”You see, that's just how Bate-kun is. News about our Familia's situation has probably spread to all of Orario by now so it wouldn't be weird that Bete-kun has heard about it. Being such a nice friend that he is, he probably thought about helping us but didn't know how. He wouldn't just come up and give us some money because it would be awkward for him due to his personality so he went with the next best think he could think of. In other words, he does so by buying things from us and paying us way more than what the items costs and refuse any change.”

”I already realized just what his game is the moment he asked for the potions so by charging him by that amount, I also effectively told him that I know what he's up to and set a limit to how much he can give us as donation. It wouldn't do if he keeps giving us too much money after all. He's a level 3 and he needs the money to keep himself and his gear maintained.” I told my little sister and she just stares blankly at me. ”He knows that I knows that he knows that I'm onto him but didn't say anything because he just wants to save face. He's too proud to say it by he actually does care. Besides, it's not like the potions are going to waste; they'll most likely be passed out to their low level Familia members during training or something.” I concluded my explanation with a nod and let my hands down.

After hearing what I have to say, Naaza just kneaded her temples like she's having trouble grasping how the being known as Bete works. ”Why does he have to be so complicated? Can't he just be honest and tell us he's giving us money to help us?” She complained with a bit of annoyance in her voice.

I just chuckled at her reaction. ”He wouldn't be Bate otherwise. That's how he is, a typical tsundere.” 80% tsun, 20% dere to be exact.

Naaza quirked a lone eyebrow slightly. ”What's a tsundere?”

”Well, my young pupil, a tsundere is someone who is shown to be cold and doesn't care about other people but deep down, they're just someone who has trouble showing how they really feel and actually cares a lot. That's what Bete-kun is, a tsundere. While you, on the other hand, can be considered as a Kuudere.”

”A what?”

”A Kuudere. Cold, blunt or cynical on the outside but warm and caring on the inside, just like I know you are.” I began cooing as I started scratching the bottom of her chin like how one would with a puppy.

”Stop that.” She w_h_i_n_ed in protest but I noticed that she's not really doing anything to stop me and despite having a cool and calm facade, her tail was wagging frantically at being c_a_r_e_s_s by me.

”Your lips says no but your body seems to be saying yes.” I let out an evil laugh. Man, that sounded so wrong when I said it out loud. I thought to myself as I added an extra attack by patting her head as well.

I felt her ears twitched when my hand landed on her head before her entire body relaxes as I started stroking her head. I could feel Naaza basically melting into a puddle in my hands as she looked lost to the world with an expression of absolute bliss on her face.

Best. Stress reliever. Ever.

”Glad to see you two are getting along as always.” Someone said as they entered the shop.

”Oh! Welcome back Miach-sama!” I greeted him with a grin as I let go of Naaza. With my hands gone, she finally snapped out of her stupor and realized that our God has return.

”M-Miach-sama!?” She yelped, face burning red with embarrassment from being seen in such a state.

”I'm home.” Miach replied with a warm smile on his face. If you couldn't tell by the name of my Familia, this guy here is my God. He has long dark blue hair and dark blue eyes and he usually wears a black robe with a tan brown stole that reaches down past his shoulders, and brown shoes. He's also criminally beautiful to the point that I'd often wonder if I'd have to fend off a horde of horny ladies one day to keep Miach's purity safe.

”So where've you been Miach-sama?” I asked him. Probably off unintentionally seducing girls again with that beautiful face and caring personality of his no doubt. Chicks just digs that.

Miach let out a tired sigh that made me wonder what could've gotten him so down. ”Well, I remembered that there was a sales today in the market so I went out as quickly as I could before things were all sold out. But when I got there, I was already too late and everything was already gone.” He told me in obvious disappointment.

”Oh, I've already went there and bought what I could so don't worry about it.” I Informed him and pointed to the bags on the counter.

”You have?” He asked before seeing the bags and a small smile broke out across his features. ”I see. Thank you for doing so Cain-kun.”

”Since you're back, I guess I'll take a shower first before working on dinner.” I said as I took the bags from the counter and walk towards the kitchen in the back. I've always been working as a cook for this Familia since I was young and that hasn't change even after I became an Adventurer. I started out my day by cooking breakfast and lunch and I always made sure to come home before dark so I could cook for Dinner them. It's my favorite hobby as it lets me do things while letting my mind wonder and relax, and watching people enjoy what I've made always makes me happy too.

”Do you want me to-” Miach began speaking but was cut off.

”Nope! Just sit down and relax while I work Miach-san.” I answered him quickly. Was I being disrespectful? Yes, probably. But Miach was about to suggest helping me in the kitchen and I can't have that. The kitchen is my sanctuary, my personal happy place and experimentation area for new dishes. If Gods have can dominion over things and places then the kitchen is mine and I will protect it till my dying breath. Trespassers will be dealt with via leeks being shoved into their anuses.

”You too Naaza-chan.” I said as I saw her wanting to get up and offer her help as well. ”The ban is still in place remember.” I reminded her and her ears flatten against her head with a small pout on her face.

”It was just one time.” She muttered softly in discontent.

”Yes, I know. But you have a tendency to mix whatever you want just to see what would happen. Useful trait for potion making but absolutely horrible when it comes to cooking. So unless you learn to control yourself young lady, you're not stepping into the kitchen.” I told her as I walked away, doing my best not to let her pitiful w_h_i_n_es affect me resolve.

-0-

Dinner went by normally, it was a routine as it could get to be honest. We ate and talk about our day, chatting about nonsensical topics to pass the time. It used to be many of us but now it's just us three; it's quieter than before but I don't mind.

Then we went and did out own things, Naaza went to make more potions to replenish the ones we've sold today and Miach is watching over her so she doesn't make any mistakes. I, on the other hand, went to make more smoke bombs and turning my broken sword into a dagger by filing it down the jagged tip with a whetstone until it became a single point.

Afterwards came the routine that I do every night; updating my status.

”Yo, Miach-sama. I've come to get my status updated.” I said as I opened the door to my God's room. It was already dark and the only source of light in the room were the magic lamps in the room.

”Cain-kun. How many times have I told you to knock before entering.” My God admonish me like a disappointed parent would but directed me to take a seat nonetheless. It looks like he was expecting me already and have prepared the things necessary for my update.

I sat down on one of the only two chairs in the room and took off my shirt. Miach took a seat behind me and I heard the familiar cl_i_c_k_i_n_g sound of a small box being opened. I watch over my shoulder as Miach took out a small needle from the box and prick his finger with it. I turn back around and felt his blood dropping on my back before the usual glowing began. I could feel his finger touching my back as he began working on my Falna.

As someone who has received a blessing from a deity called Falna, I can become stronger than any average humans in the way of video game like stats. There are 5 basic abilities that can be increased with this blessing and they are very typical in any RPG games; Strength, Endurance, Dexterity, Agility, and Magic.

It's very self explanatory. These stats can be increased further with excellia. The more excellia, or exp as I'd like to call it, that I earned while diving in the Dungeon, the more my stats will be increased.

Now, Dungeon diving isn't the only way one can gain exp, you can gain them from everyday life too. Be it running around, doing manual labor or even playing, you'll still get exp from doing all those things. But the amount you can earn by doing those is almost nonexistent so the Dungeon is always the main location to gain exp for Adventurers. The only exceptions where one can gain large amount of exp while outside of the Dungeon is fighting against monsters from the surface and other Adventurers. To my knowledge at least. There could be more but I sure as hell don't know about them.

”Did something happened in the Dungeon today Cain-kun?” Micah suddenly asked as he continued to move his finger around on my back.

I tried really hard not to flinch before addressing him. ”Whatever do you mean Miach-san? Nothing happened today.” I replied in a nonchalant manner.

”Oh? Then explain how you managed to buy the groceries today?”

”I went over there and bought them obviously.” I replied, trying my best to remain inconspicuous.

”But Cain-kun, if you returned from the Dungeon by your usual time then you wouldn't have made it to the market sale before everything is gone. Since you did so, that meant you returned from your trip early. I know you well enough to know that you would never do something like that unless something has happened. So don't try and lie your way out of this one young man, tell me what happen and don't leave anything out.”

I winched at his words, feeling rather dumb that I thought I brush aside what happened today without anyone knowing. ”I really can't hide anything from you now can I?” I said as I look over my shoulder at him. Miach most likely suspected something after I told him about my shopping trip but he waited until we're alone so he would question me without Naaza knowing. Smart move on his part. Naaza would've exploded with worry if she had known.

Miach has a small smile on his face that looked almost sad in my eyes. ”We deities have a lot of experience in reading people Cain-kun. We have lived a very long time after all.”

I just heave out a sigh, knowing that I can't get away from this and face forward, not daring to see my God's expression as I told him about the mistake that I've committed today.

As I recount my tale, I felt his finger stopped moving at the part where I got myself trapped at a dead end before moving again moments after I told him how I managed to get away.

After I finished, Miach let out a sigh of his own. ”Cain-kun, I know what I want to tell you will be pointless since you most likely already took the mistake you've made to heart. But please, do be more careful. If something happened to you as well….” He trailed off as his eyes seem to lose some of it's usual l_u_s_ter as he seem to be thinking of memories of the past.

”Hey! I know that!” I quickly said something before he got too deep into his memories. The downfall of our Familia is still a very recent thing and my God is the one affected by it the most. Losing some of his children in the Dungeon, incurring a large debt and watching most of his children leave soon after; what Miach had experience would make anyone mortal man fall into a downward spiral of depression.

But yet he didn't, he continued to stay strong and with a smile on his face, just for us. He kept trying despite the state our Familia is in, working harder than he ever has before to provide for us and is actually hopeful that we could recover from this. He's a strong man and I respect that; that's why I'm doing this, fighting everyday and risking my life just so we could recover what we've lost just a bit faster.

”I'll be more careful, I promise. I'll get so strong that you won't ever have to worry about me getting hurt in the Dungeon ever again.” I told him confidently with a smile.

I don't know what's going on in his head but I seem to succeed in bringing him back to the present if the smile he return to me was anything to go by. Miach nodded and remove his finger from my back, signifying that he's done updating my status.

I got up from the chair and pick up the shirt that I had dropped to the ground. When I got straightened myself, I just so happen to be facing the mirror that Miach has in his room and I saw my own reflection in it.

With my shirt off, I looked like a scrawny child, something that I'm hoping to change in the future. There is already some noticeable development in my muscle mass, most particularly in the legs and arms. I looked up to see my own face and a pair of black iris met with mine and short, black hair sway gently in the air as I moved to put on my shirt.

They say that I've inherit my mother's looks and I can agree with them. She's from the Far East, some place where black hair and eyes were the most dominant trait there. My name on the other hand, is a mixture of western and eastern names because my parents had trouble naming me. My father is from Orario and he wanted dips on naming me, but sadly for him, so did mum. They argued about it but eventually reached a compromise by mixing the names that they have in mind. Cain is from my father and Musashi from my mother as it's her family name.

While I was examining my looks, Miach was busy writing down my status on a piece of paper. The reason for doing so is because the Falna on my back is written in the language of the Gods and I have no way of understanding them. Oh, and also because it's hard to read the thing on one's back.

”Here you go Cain-kun.” Miach said as he handed me the paper. I took it from him and quickly read what was written.

Cain Musashi

Lv. 1

Strength: H 150 → H 158

Endurance: I 80

Dexterity: H 189 → H 195

Agility: G 205 → G 215

Magic: I 0

Magic

[ ]

Skill

Stealth

[One with the shadows]

Makes one harder to detect

Effects increases when hidden in the shadows

Effects increases with one's experience

Let's see here, my stats didn't increase much but that's to be expected with how little I did today besides running for hours on end. I try my best to keep things balanced but with your life on the line, it's rather hard to do so.

I really need to catch up on lost time tomorrow and grind my stats but I need to be more careful at the same time as well. Sheesh, I wish I had some overpowered ability that would let me plow through enemies with ease like our main protagonist does. That way I don't have to keep worrying about possibly dying on accident.

Oh that's right, I forgot to mention that I actually have a skill.

It is said that discovering a skill is rare occurrence but I call BS on that. If I recall correctly, all the main casts has a skill or two in their disposal. Besides my skill is not that much of a big deal anyway. Stealth is a very easy skill to acquire. In fact, it's the most common skill out there for thieves and cutthroats. From what I've heard, in order to acquire it, one just has to spent a lot of time sneaking around and pray to RNGesus that it'll appear one day.

For me, it showed up when I got my Falna updated for the first time, which was 3 months ago for when I wanted to start going into the dungeon to earn money. Previously, there was never really a need to update my status as I wasn't doing much other than goof around like a brat that I am but when I set my goals to fighting monsters so we could afford living comfortably, I knew that I needed the boost in my status to help me through.

Miach theorized that I may have gotten it due to how sneaky I used to be back when I was younger. I've already been trained in the art of stealth in my previous life for assassination and espionage missions during WW3 so I have all this knowledge regarding stealth in the back of my head and no way to utilize it here. And so, I've made it my personal mission to sneak around and scare the other members of my Familia for shit and giggles. Their cries of shock and terror always do make me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I am smart enough not to do that to those who would enter the dungeon to collect materials of course. Their first instinct would no doubt be attacking the source of their scare and I prefer living thank you very much.

”Thanks a lot for the update Miach-sama. I'll be heading off to bed now so good night.” I told him as I kept the paper to burn later. It wouldn't do if someone got their hands on it after all.

”Good night, Cain-kun. Sweet dreams.”

-0-

I was awoken from my slumber when I heard the door to my room creek open. I didn't move an inch nor did I open my eyes to show that I was alerted to the intruder's presence. My instincts from the war came flooding through my body and it automatically readys itself to attack anyone that could be coming to end my life. I was ready to fight, the moment the intruder came within a few meters to slid my throat, I would reach for my knife I have strapped on me and strike first-

My brain finally caught up from it's restful state and is in full alert. I remembered that I'm no longer in that hellhole, I'm in the Blue Pharmacy, my home, somewhere where I'm safe. I force my body to relax and kept my ear out to hear whoever just entered my room. There's only two other people here so it really isn't that hard to guess who had entered.

She has done this many times before after what happened to her in the Dungeon after all. I peek open a lone eye and confirmed that it is indeed who I thought it is and I close it again.

I kept myself still, breathing evenly as I hear Naaza's attempt at being sneaky as she move towards me.

I could feel her climbing onto my bed slowly and steadily. Once she's on, she lay down and place her head against my shoulder, trying to make herself comfortable as much as she could without disturbing me. I could feel her breath against my skin and the heaving of her c_h_e_s_t as she tried to go back to sleep but the shaking of her body told me that she's having trouble in that regard.

”Nightmares again?” I suddenly spoke up without opening my eyes and I could feel the girl went stiff.

Naaza has been suffering constant bouts of nightmares after the incident. I would normally find her crying in her bed at night and will always try my best to comfort her. It makes my heart wrench whenever I saw her in that state and a feeling of uselessness assaults me when I realized that I can't do anything about it at all. There was nothing that I could do to make the nightmares go away and when morning comes around, she would look like a shambling corpse.

I found that being by her side usually helps so I did so as often as I could, sitting by her bedside and talking to her until she falls asleep. This went on everyday and eventually, I find her climbing onto my bed to sleep with me like what she's doing right now. The nightmares were especially bad during the first few days but gradually lessen in intensity. Now though, she managed to go four days without having one so it's an improvement.

After a moment of asking my question, she eventually nodded.

There was silence for a moment as I ponder on what to do. ”Do you want me to sing a lullaby like last time?” I asked her.

Another pause, another nod.

I wrap my arm around her and pull her close, she didn't resist and lean her body against me more. I took a deep breath and began humming a melody. I began humming the lullaby that my mother used to put me to sleep with my past life as it's the only one that I know by heart. 'Wanderer's Lullaby'. Just listening to it always calms me down so I hope it would have the same effect for Naaza.

Eventually, the little girl fell asleep and I stopped. I carefully sat up and adjust her position so that she'll be sleeping in a proper position. I watch over her as she slept and realized that she had been crying again before coming over to my room as I noticed the dried tears at the edge of her eyes.

I move my hand onto her head and began stroking it. Naaza shifted a bit in her sleep but remained asleep. Many thoughts were going through my mind at the moment but the most prominent one that kept making it's way to the forefront of my mind is the one telling me to keep this little one safe and secure. The little girl that I've come to view and love as my own little sister. The only way I can do that is to provide her with a better life where she doesn't have to worry about anything and live as a normal girl.

The best way to do that is to get stronger so I can earn money faster.

Being an Adventurer, it's a dangerous life where one could die from a single mistake. Who knows when I'll die in the Dungeon, could be tomorrow, or years later but it'll happen the moment I let my guard down and become careless. The Dungeon is said to be a living entity that hates all living beings and will do everything in it's power to eradicate us like insects. I don't disagree with that notion. But the money one could earn just from simply killing monsters in the dungeon often outweigh the risks.

With that money, I could help Miach pay off his debt, allow Naaza to live more comfortably. They'll be able to live out their lives unburdened and free.

And for that reason alone, I'll keep on fighting. I'll keep on staining these hands with blood and gore as I crawl upon another mountain of corpses. I'll survive whatever it is that the Dungeon will throw my way and I'll come back home to my Familia at the end of the day, alive and smiling.

For their sake, there can be no other outcome.