Shadow's Call in Orario [[Damachi]]

As I trekked through the wilderness, Nyx quietly tucked away in my shadow, I took in the sights around me. Trees loomed overhead, their leaves rustling in the breeze, but what caught my eye was the underbrush. Nestled among the familiar Orario flora were plants and bugs that didn't belong at least, not in Danmachi.

A few herbs with distinctly vibrant green leaves poked out in the grass. I crouched down, examining them more closely. They looked like just like the herbs, the healing plants from Monster Hunter. Beside them near a tree, I spotted a mushroom, one I recognized immediately, a Blue Mushroom. There was no doubt about it, somehow it seemed like my wish had affected this world. 

Carefully, I started collecting. The herbs, the mushrooms, and even a shimmering insect that turned out to be Godbug. I placed them in my hand and mentally opened my inventory, stashing them away one by one. As each item slipped into my inventory, a soft, faint screen appeared in front of me, a crafting list, just like I'd seen in the game.

Herbs, Blue Mushrooms, Godbugs. The list seemed to tally them up, displaying combinations I could try, and the moment I noticed a "Combine" option beside "Herb + Blue Mushroom," I grinned.

"So that's how it works, huh?" I murmured, excitement bubbling up inside me.

With a quick tap of my fingers on the list, I chose to combine an herb with a blue mushroom. In an instant, the ingredients vanished from the inventory, and a small green bottle appeared in their place. It was a standard potion, the basic kind that hunters relied on for quick healing. But where did the bottle come from??

Satisfied, I continued my gathering. Every few steps, I found another herb, another mushroom, or the occasional Godbug. After some time, I paused, checking my inventory. I'd managed to gather enough to produce four potions. 

"Looks like gathering isn't too different from how it was in the game," I mused. The crafting system would definitely come in handy, especially once I found a few rarer ingredients. 

Then, as I looked back at the inventory screen, I noticed an option for an Energy Drink recipe: Honey + Nitroshroom. That would come in handy later, especially if I needed a stamina boost. I made a mental note to keep an eye out for Nitroshrooms and honey on my journey.

As I continued moving through the dense underbrush, I let my mind wander as I collected Honey that was dripping from a hive. I hadn't even noticed the small, scurrying sounds that grew louder, too focused on my surroundings and the plants around me.

A sudden hiss from Nyx jolted me back to awareness. I turned just in time to see her leap from my shadow, wooden katana in hand, striking the air between me and a filthy, gnarling creature, with green skin and twisted grin of a goblin. It staggered back, caught off guard by Nyx's attack. I took a shaky breath, trying to steady my nerves.

In the dim light filtering through the trees, Nyx, Her fur was dark, taking on the shadowy appearance I'd come to associate with Sung Jin-Woo's summons. She wore a simple outfit, reminiscent of a Monster Hunter Palico's starter gear from Monster Hunter Rise. Strapped to her side was a small, wooden katana.

Nyx hissed again as she pulled out her katana, stepping between me and the goblin, her stance low and her blade resting in her stance. The goblin's beady eyes narrowed, momentarily surprised by Nyx's presence but quickly refocusing on me. Two more goblins appeared from the underbrush, their eyes glinting with malice as they sized us up. My stomach twisted. This was bad.

Before I could even process my options, one of the goblins lunged at me, screeching. Nyx intercepted it with a swift strike of her wooden katana smacking it hard in the head and knocking it back, but another goblin was already closing in on my left. I barely had time to raise my fists, instinct kicking in as I swung wildly. My knuckles connected with its rough, grimy face, sending a sharp pain through my hand, but the goblin stumbled back, dazed.

The third goblin moved in fast, swinging a crude club toward my side. Just below the ribs, and a jolt of pain shot through my body. I gasped, stumbling backward, the wind knocked out of me. Desperation flooded my senses, I'd never fought before, but survival had a way of forcing you to act.

With my fists clenched tight, I squared off against the goblin that had struck me, ignoring the throbbing in my side. I lunged forward, swinging at its face again, this time aiming for its nose. My fist connected with a sickening crunch, and the goblin shrieked, blood trickling from its nose as it staggered backward.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Nyx darting around the first goblin, her katana smacking, slashing, and thrusting into the goblin. She was nimble, sidestepping each of its attacks, though the wooden blade didn't seem to be doing much more than keeping it at bay. 

But my attention snapped back to the goblin in front of me as it lunged, claws outstretched. I threw my arm up to block, feeling its filthy nails dig into my skin and slashing its way out. Gritting my teeth, I slammed my knee into its gut, forcing it to release me. Blood trickled down my arm, the sting mingling with the adrenaline coursing through me.

Another goblin closed in, swiping at my leg. I kicked out, catching it in the chest, but it only snarled, unfazed, and clawed at my legs its claws scraped against my leg, leaving another trail of blood. I could feel the fatigue setting in, my breaths coming in ragged gasps.

Nyx struck out again, her katana catching one goblin in they eye, sending it reeling back with a pained yelp. One goblin, its face twisted in anger, swung its crude club directly at her. She leaped back, narrowly avoiding the hit, but I saw her falter slightly as she landed. These creatures weren't strong, their low growls filling the air as they pressed in from all sides.

Desperation clawed at me, and without thinking, I reached into my inventory and grabbed a potion, uncorking it with trembling hands and gulping it down. A cool sensation spread through my body, dulling the pain in my side, arms, and legs. I watched the wounds heal as I clenched my fists, refocusing on the goblin before me.

It snarled, swiping at me with its claws again, but this time I sidestepped, bringing my fist down on its head with all the strength I could muster. The goblin let out a garbled screech as it fell dead on the ground.

I felt the soreness in my muscles, the ache of every bruise and cut, but I couldn't stop now. I was in a real fight for survival, and if I lost focus for even a second, I'd be dead. My breath came in sharp, shallow gasps as I dodged and swung, each punch and kick landing harder than the last.

Nyx darted back toward me, her wooden katana striking one of the goblins that had cornered me. Her fierce little yowl gave me a sliver of confidence. 

But the goblins kept coming. One managed to claw at my leg, drawing blood, and I stumbled, With no other option, I pulled another potion from my inventory, downing it quickly. The cool rush of healing washed over me again.

It was a desperate, brutal exchange. My fists ached, my skin stung from shallow cuts, and sweat dripped down my forehead as I fought on. Finally, with a guttural scream, I threw myself at the last goblin, landing a punch squarely in its face, my knuckles cracking against its bony skull. The creature slumped to the ground, as I landed on top of it and kept hitting it over and over again.

I took a shaky breath, as I slowly got up, but the adrenaline was beginning to wear off, and the exhaustion crept in, tugging at my limbs. I reached into my inventory, pulling out my last potion. The green liquid sloshed gently in the bottle. My hands shook as I uncorked it and drank, feeling the familiar cool sensation ease the aches and pains, though it couldn't fully erase the fatigue settling deep into my bones.

But as I glanced around at the mess of goblin bodies strewn across the clearing, I realized that survival wasn't the end of my worries. I needed to find a way to make this battle worth something; I couldn't afford to let the struggle go unrewarded. My mind drifted to the city in the distance, Babel Tower looming in the skyline. Would I need funds if I wanted to get in? And judging by the goblins I'd just fought, perhaps there was a chance these creatures had some value.

I crouched down beside one of the goblins, grimacing as the smell hit me. It was a mix of blood, sweat, and something sour, a stench that made my stomach twist. I swallowed hard, trying to suppress the queasy feeling building in my gut. Survival demanded sacrifice, I reminded myself. If I was going to make it in this world, I couldn't be squeamish.

Nyx tilted her head, watching me closely as I reached for one of the goblins' crude knives lying beside its fallen form. It was a rough piece of stone, jagged and sharp. But it would have to do.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself, and plunged the knife into the goblin's chest, wincing as the blade met resistance before cutting through. I worked slowly, carving into its flesh, and as I moved deeper, I caught a faint glimmer, a small, pale crystal embedded within the creature's body. It was faintly translucent, about the size of a pebble, glowing dimly with a dull light.

"A magic crystal?" I murmured, more to myself than anything. I'd read enough to know that Dungeon creatures held these in their cores, little shards of condensed magic that could be traded for valis. Given these goblins were far weaker than anything in the Dungeon, their crystals would probably be worth about the same as the ones from the first floor if not less. But it was something.

I pulled the crystal free, holding it up to the light, examining the way it faintly pulsed in my hand. It wasn't much, but at least it was tangible proof of my struggle. My stomach twisted as I realized I'd have to repeat this process with each goblin. I was in desperate need of funds, and every crystal counted.

Moving to the second goblin, I set to work, slicing through its rough skin, feeling the resistance as the blade struggled to cut. The smell was overpowering, sour and metallic, and each cut seemed to release another wave of foul air. By the time I pried out the second crystal, I could feel the nausea creeping in, bile rising in the back of my throat. I forced myself to breathe slowly, focusing on the task.

 I moved on to the third goblin, carving into its flesh with the same methodical approach. My stomach clenched, and before I could stop myself, I doubled over, retching into the dirt. The taste of bile burned in my throat, and I gasped, trying to steady myself, but my body rebelled, overwhelmed by the sheer horror of it all. I retched again, my stomach twisting and heaving until there was nothing left.

I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, breathing heavily. Nyx padded over, her gaze soft as she nudged my leg. "Im alright Nyx" I said as I patted her head.

After a moment, I took a shuddering breath, collecting myself. The crystals lay in my hand. They might not be worth much, For now, I tucked the crude knife away, along with the crystals, and glanced back toward the city in the distance. Babel Tower rose high above the trees.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm, fading light over the trees, I felt the weight of time pressing down on me. I couldn't afford to linger in the forest, not after what happened with the goblins. Gathering supplies had been nerve-wracking, but I'd managed to scrape together ten healing potions and five energy drinks after a solid hour of searching. The potions glowed faintly in my hand, a soothing green that was distinctly different from what I imagined Orario's adventurers were used to seeing.

With a sigh, I stowed them carefully into my inventory. I didn't have a bag or pack, so each time I wanted to check my supplies, I'd have to open the interface manually. And with sunset approaching, I couldn't risk being caught out here without a proper means of defense, not after that brutal fight with the goblins. Nyx waited patiently in my shadow, hidden away, as I started making my way back toward the city.

After a few minutes of walking, I spotted the main road. Ahead, a line of people stood waiting to get through the city gates. I could see guards inspecting everyone, checking belongings, and unfortunately, charging each person for entry. I watched carefully as I approached, observing how each person handed over what I assumed were valis, small coins I'd seen mentioned in books about this world. My heart sank slightly. 

Glancing down the road, I noticed a few adventurers lingering nearby, some chatting, others inspecting their weapons or waiting for companions. An idea sparked. I might be able to sell a few potions to them, enough to scrape together the entry fee. I walked closer to a group standing by the roadside, pulling a few potions from my inventory as I went, hoping I looked at least somewhat competent.

"Excuse me," I began, clearing my throat. A few of the adventurers turned to look at me, their expressions ranging from mildly curious to outright dismissive. I felt a flicker of nerves but pressed on, holding out one of my green potions. "I'm... new around here. I crafted some potions, and I was hoping to sell a few for entry money."

One of them, a slender elf with sharp, attentive eyes and long silver hair, stepped forward, eyeing the green potion in my hand with an expression of intrigue. She studied the potion with a discerning gaze, as if analyzing every aspect of it.

"That's an unusual color for a healing potion," she observed, her voice soft but carrying a certain authority. "Typically, healing potions here are red. Yours is… green. Are you certain it works as you claim?"

My face flushed slightly. "Yes, it does. I've used it myself. It's just… well, a different kind of recipe." I didn't want to give away too much about its origin, not yet.

The elf raised a slender brow, her gaze never leaving mine. "Interesting. But I'm not about to pay for something unproven. Perhaps a sample, if you're so confident?"

I hesitated but realized I didn't have much of a choice. Earning her trust would be essential if I wanted to make this sale, so I handed her one of the green potions. She uncorked it, sniffing carefully, before taking a small sip. After a moment, she gave a slow nod, her eyes flickering with what might have been approval.

"It's stronger than the standard low-grade healing potion," she murmured, studying the vial with a renewed interest. "This would be classified as mid-grade here. It has a noticeable effect." She capped the bottle, her gaze meeting mine again. "Normally, a mid-grade potion like this would sell for around 800 valis."

I blinked, a mix of surprise and relief washing over me. "Really? I… wasn't expecting that."

The elf's lips curved into a faint smile. "You're lucky I'm in a good mood today. And as for this 'energy drink' you mentioned...?" She gestured toward the yellow bottle still in my hand.

"Oh, right," I stammered, holding it out for her. "This one helps with stamina. It's new, something I came up with myself."

She took the yellow potion, examining it with the same thoroughness as before. "There's nothing quite like this in Orario," she mused, her interest clearly piqued. "If it works as you claim, adventurers could find it quite useful." She eyed me again, that familiar glint in her gaze. "Perhaps you'd be willing to provide a sample for this as well? Just so I know its effects before recommending it to others."

I bit back a sigh, handing her the yellow potion and watching as she took a cautious sip. Her eyes widened slightly as the drink's effect seemed to take hold, a faint spark of energy returning to her gaze. She capped the bottle, her smile more apparent now.

"This is amazing," she admitted, Looking at me and then back to the bottle. "I would say you've crafted something unique. Potions like this would easily go for 1,000 valis."

I had something valuable on my hands. But as much as I wanted to start haggling for high prices, I knew I needed to sell quickly if I was going to get into the city before dark. Besides, I was an unknown here, and asking for too much might make others wary.

"Thank you," I said, my voice steady despite the excitement bubbling beneath the surface. "Would you be willing to buy a couple of each? I'll offer a discount since they're new."

The elf considered for a moment then nodded. "I'll take two healing potions and one energy drink. I'll give you 1,500 valis for the lot, considering you're willing to undercut."

I agreed, grateful for the chance to make a sale, and accepted the coins she handed me. She gave me a final, approving nod before moving on, clearly satisfied with her purchases. After she left, a few other adventurers came forward, intrigued by the unusual green and yellow potions, and I managed to make a few more quick sales, each time accepting slightly lower amounts just to guarantee the transaction.

By the time I'd sold a handful of potions, I'd managed to gather over 3,500 valis. It was more than enough to get into the city and cover any immediate needs I might have inside. I pocketed the coins, feeling a surge of relief. 

As I approached the city gates, I handed the guard 100 valis, watching as he barely glanced me over as all I had was my thin clothes. Nyx remained hidden in my shadow, As I stepped through the city gates and into Orario, a wave of excitement flooded through me. I'd made it!

The legendary city of adventurers, gods, and the Dungeon itself sprawled out before me. I could hardly contain the giddy thrill bubbling up inside. I took a deep breath, savoring the scent of freshly cooked food wafting through the air, the chatter of people passing by, and the distant clatter of carts. The street near the gate was filled with vendors, each one calling out to advertise their wares. Unlike what I'd expected in a place as dangerous as this, I didn't see any weapons or armor on display. I supposed that made sense, equipment would be sold deeper into the city.

The vendors here were selling all sorts of things: fruits, skewered meats, warm pastries, and various street foods I'd never seen before. My stomach growled, reminding me that I hadn't eaten since I arrived in this world. The thought of a proper meal, or at least a snack, was incredibly tempting, and I figured a small indulgence wouldn't hurt. I still had a decent amount of valis from the potions I'd sold.

I approached a stall where a cheerful older man was grilling skewers of meat, their delicious scent drifting through the air and drawing in a steady crowd. He noticed me looking, a friendly smile breaking across his face.

"Hungry, miss?" he asked, gesturing to his selection of skewers. "Freshly grilled, just one of these will fill you right up!"

I nodded, glancing at the prices displayed on a small chalkboard next to him. It was a bit steep for street food at 50 valis per skewer, but it looked worth every coin. "I'll take one, please," I said, pulling a few coins from my pocket.

As he handed me a skewer, the smoky aroma wafted up, making my mouth water. I bit into the meat, savoring the rich, seasoned flavor, and couldn't help but let out a satisfied sigh. This wasn't just food; it was a small slice of comfort, grounding me in this strange new world.

After finishing my snack, I approached another vendor, a younger woman selling small pastries dusted with powdered sugar. They looked soft and pillowy, almost glowing in the afternoon sun. I couldn't resist and bought one for 30 valis. With my belly starting to feel comfortably full, I allowed myself a moment to simply enjoy the sights and sounds of Orario, soaking in every detail.

I still had a substantial amount of valis left after my small indulgence, more than enough for a comfortable night's stay at an inn and perhaps even some extra supplies if the need arose. As I made my way through the bustling streets, the crowd began to swell around me. Adventurers from all walks of life mingled together, their voices blending into a lively murmur of conversation, laughter, and the clinking of coins as merchants negotiated deals.

Each passerby caught my attention more than the last. Some wore striking robes adorned with intricate symbols and patterns, their fabrics shimmering in the fading sunlight. Others dressed in practical clothing, while others wore what seem as little amount of clothes as possible without being naked. Ah my race.... A few individuals were marked with elaborate tattoos or paint. The scene was a vivid tapestry of colors and personalities, a fascinating mix of cultures and backgrounds. 

Finally, after taking in the sights, I needed a place to stay, and I'd already decided on the Hostess of Fertility. I walked over to a nearby fruit vendor who looked friendly enough, hoping to get some directions. "Excuse me," I said, catching his attention. "Could you tell me how to get to the Hostess of Fertility?"

The man chuckled, wiping his hands on his apron. "Ah, you're not the first to ask! Head straight down this street, take the second right, and then keep going until you see a big sign with a large mug on it. Can't miss it, especially at this time of day."

I thanked him and started down the path he indicated, feeling a bit like a tourist lost in the wonder of it all. The city had its own unique rhythm that I wasn't expecting, a blend of hurried adventurers, laughing children, and the enticing smell of food at every corner. Everywhere I looked, there were new things to see, new voices to hear. My senses felt almost overwhelmed, but in the best way possible.

After following the directions and weaving through the crowd, I finally spotted the familiar wooden sign hanging above a cozy-looking building, painted with a large mug and a laughing figure. The Hostess of Fertility. 

As I stepped inside, the warm, lively atmosphere immediately hit me. The tavern was bustling with patrons, adventurers laughing and talking, mugs clinking together as servers rushed between tables, balancing plates piled high with food. The air was filled with the rich aroma of hearty meals, and I felt my stomach grumble, even though I'd just eaten. 

I moved toward the counter, hoping to arrange a room for the night, but a commotion near the back of the tavern caught my attention. My gaze drifted over, and I spotted a young man with white hair and red eyes, Bell Cranel. I recognized him immediately, even though he seemed a bit flustered, his face bright red as he stumbled through some sort of awkward exchange. 

I couldn't help but smile at the scene. It was surreal, seeing these characters in the flesh while I was setting out to start my own.

Finally, I pulled my gaze away from Bell and approached the counter, where a kind-looking server was polishing mugs. "Excuse me," I began, "I was hoping to rent a room for the night?"

She looked up, her smile faulting before she returned to smiling warmly. "Of course, we have rooms available. It'll be 300 valis for the night, and that includes a meal if you're hungry later."

I nodded, reaching into my pocket and counting out the coins. After handing her the payment, I'd have a place to rest. Plus, the included meal would help stretch my remaining valis.

She handed me a key, her smile genuine. "Your room's just up the stairs, second door on the left. Welcome to the Hostess of Fertility. I'm sure you'll have a good time here."

I thanked her, then headed up the stairs, feeling a strange mix of nerves and excitement. My very first night in Orario. I unlocked the door to my room and stepped inside. It was small but cozy, with a bed, a small table, and a window overlooking the street below. I set down my things, feeling the weight of the day catch up to me.

As the sounds of laughter and clinking mugs filtered up from below, I felt an overwhelming sense of contentment. Tomorrow would be another adventure. But for tonight, I allowed myself a moment of peace, lying back on the bed and listening to the comforting hum of the tavern below.