Danmachi : Ashen Knight

The small room of the Hestia Familia was quiet, lit only by the dim glow of the lantern on the table. Hestia sat on the bed, gripping the fabric of her dress as she watched Orcbolg prepare his equipment. He moved with his usual precision—tightening straps, checking weapons, making sure everything was secure.

But this time, something felt different.

Her voice was small when she spoke. "Do you really have to go?"

Orcbolg didn't stop adjusting his gauntlets. "Yes."

Hestia's fingers curled into fists. "You've been going into the Dungeon every day, but this time… this time it's different."

She looked at him, blue eyes clouded with worry. "You're going after Evilus, aren't you? That's not just monsters—it's people. Dangerous people."

Orcbolg paused for a moment, then continued checking his sword. "I know."

She stood up suddenly. "Then why?! You've done enough, haven't you? You don't have to be part of this!"

He finally turned to face her. Behind the visor of his helmet, his eyes were steady, unreadable. But his voice was quieter when he spoke. "I choose to go."

Hestia's heart clenched.

Hestia turned away, pressing a hand over her chest. She felt something sting in her eyes.

"...You could die."

The words came out in a whisper.

Orcbolg stared at her.

Then, finally, he spoke. "I won't."

She let out a shaky laugh. "You always say that."

A tear slipped down her cheek before she could stop it. She wiped at her eyes quickly, looking away. But before she could say anything else—

She felt something firm and steady pull her closer.

Her breath caught.

Orcbolg had stepped forward, his arms wrapping around her in an awkward but deliberate motion.

For a moment, she was too surprised to react.

The cold of his armor pressed against her, the scent of iron and leather familiar yet oddly comforting. His grip wasn't tight, just enough to hold her there.

She closed her eyes.

Her hands, which had been trembling, slowly reached up. And then, when she realized she was being hugged—

She tightened her arms around him.

She clung to him, burying her face into his chest, trying her best not to let out a sob. They stayed like that for several minutes, neither speaking, neither moving.

Orcbolg was the first to shift, pulling away slightly. But as soon as he did, Hestia's grip tightened, keeping him close.

"Just a little longer," she whispered.

He didn't argue.

Eventually, Hestia loosened her hold, taking a shaky breath. When she pulled back, her eyes were red, but her voice was steady.

"At least let me say something cool, like a real goddess," she muttered, wiping her face.

Orcbolg tilted his head slightly.

Hestia placed her hands on her hips, forcing a small, wobbly smile. "When you return victorious, your goddess will be waiting with open arms! So… so don't keep me waiting too long."

Orcbolg was silent for a moment. Then, he gave a small nod.

"I won't."

And with that, he turned toward the door, leaving for the battle ahead.

Hestia watched him go, her arms still feeling the warmth of his embrace.

"Idiot," she murmured.

The Guild's meeting hall was filled with adventurers. The air was tense, the murmurs of conversations blending into a low hum. Only high-rank adventurers had been summoned, which made Orcbolg's presence stand out even more.

Clad in his usual armor, helmet secured tightly, he stood near the entrance, unmoving. His presence went unnoticed at first, but as more adventurers realized a Level 1 had been invited, whispers began to spread.

"Who's that?"

"Never seen him before…"

"Is he lost?"

A few scoffs followed.

Orcbolg ignored them. He had faced worse.

At the center of the room, members of Loki Familia stood with confidence. Ais, Bete, Tiona, Tione, and Lefiya were all present. But beyond them, other Familia representatives were there as well—Ganesha Familia, Hephaestus Familia, Takemikazuchi Familia, and a few from other mid-sized groups.

The discussion about Evilus had already begun when Orcbolg entered. A burly dwarf from Ganesha Familia crossed his arms, eyeing him with open skepticism.

"Oi, Loki, what's with the newcomer?" he grunted. "This ain't the time for bringing in rookies."

A few others nodded in agreement.

A member of Hephaestus Familia adjusted her glasses. "I don't recognize him. What Familia is he from?"

"Hestia Familia," Lefiya supplied hesitantly.

Silence.

Then, a few chuckles.

"You're telling me we're letting a Level 1 from a one-man Familia join a hunt for Evilus?" one adventurer scoffed. "Is this a joke?"

Even Bete sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Tch. Knew this would happen."

Before more complaints could be thrown, a soft voice cut through the tension.

"He's capable."

The room turned toward Ais Wallenstein. Her golden eyes were calm, but her tone was firm.

Orcbolg glanced at her but said nothing.

Ais continued. "He fought with us in the Dungeon. He's strong. His tactics… they're effective."

Some looked at her with hesitation, but her reputation carried weight. If Ais Wallenstein vouched for him, then he wasn't a complete liability.

Still, doubt lingered.

One of the adventurers, a lean man from Takemikazuchi Familia, narrowed his eyes. "I don't doubt your word, Sword Princess, but strength alone isn't enough. We need cooperation."

"Then test me," Orcbolg said simply.

The room fell silent again.

It was the first time he had spoken. His voice was steady, his tone unreadable under the helmet.

The adventurers exchanged glances. He didn't waver, didn't flinch under the scrutiny.

Finally, the dwarf from Ganesha Familia grunted. "Fine. Just don't slow us down."

The meeting continued. Plans were made, strategies laid out. Evilus's hideout was somewhere within the lower levels, but its exact location was uncertain.

Teams were formed. The strongest members of Loki Familia would lead one group. Another squad from Hephaestus and Takemikazuchi Familia would provide support. And for reconnaissance—

Orcbolg found himself paired with a cloaked figure.

She stood slightly apart from the others, her face obscured by a hood. But beneath the shadow, he could see sharp green eyes studying him.

He know her.

He already meet her once.

Ryu Lion.