The city gates of Orario loomed ahead — tall stone walls etched with age, sunlight catching on the divine banners that fluttered above them.
It was loud. Alive. And completely foreign.
I adjusted the worn leather bag over my shoulder and stepped forward.
"So this is the world I got thrown into."
There was no booming voice. No system window. No guidebook on how to survive in a city run by literal gods. Just a second chance — dropped into my hands without explanation. Only a vague sense of which world I was in.
[Danmachi]
It was weird. I didn't die or anything. One moment I was buying groceries, and then — like what happened to Subaru Natsuki — I was here, in this world.
The feeling was foreign, almost painful, during the transfer from my world to this one. Midway, I felt many needles piercing my body, almost as if they were enhancing me.
And then I appeared near this place with clothes and a leather bag. My modern clothes had been stripped away, and I was wearing a leather suit.
I stood near the gate as the guards looked over everyone. Those who looked suspicious, carried bulk cargo, or wore hoods were stopped and questioned, but those who didn't appear suspicious were allowed to pass through.
One of the guards gave me a once-over as I passed through the gate. No questions. Just another face in the crowd.
I stood still for a moment, watching people pass by. Merchants yelling. Adventurers laughing. A child chasing their mother, wooden sword in hand.
I walked through the city, looking around, amazed at where I was. Many stalls and shops lined the streets; it was a very lively place.
That was to be expected, since Orario was a trading center for merchants and businessmen.
What caught Cael's eye was the massive tower in the middle of the city, its top almost touching the sun.
Drawn to it, he walked toward it — like a moth to a flame.
After a few minutes of walking, he entered the tower and saw the guild receptionist. He walked toward her.
The Guild's receptionist smiled too brightly when our eyes met.
I walked toward her.
"First time in Orario? You've got a calm look, newbie — careful, that gets you noticed."
I nodded, not answering. Her voice blurred behind the faint pounding in my head. It wasn't pain — not really. Just a hum. A quiet tension, coiled and patient, like a string pulled taut.
I was treated like a newcomer looking to join a Familia. Understandable — what else was I here for?
I wanted a chance to become stronger. It was every person's dream to wield magic and swords, and here I was. It would've been foolish to miss this opportunity. If I ended up in danger from monsters in the Dungeon, I'd simply run and escape. If I died, then no problem — everyone has to die one day. Death is unexpected. It could come when you're still in your mother's womb or when you're deep in the Dungeon.
But to die in battle… that thought made my heart race.
Even in my previous world, I did everything I could at my age of 14. I was a wrestler. A boxer. I fought in tournaments and won them. I knew what I was doing.
Even if I found myself in a dangerous situation, I could stay calm. I wouldn't cry like a child.
I'm not a pushover.
She handed me a basic map and a list of unaffiliated Familia.
"Most gods won't pick up solo wanderers unless you've got a trick. Got anything special?" she asked with a playful wink.
I looked at my hands.
"…No."
It wasn't a lie. Not yet. Once I received a Falna, I'd get abilities. If not, I'd still grow stronger through the excelia earned in the Dungeon — even if it was slow.
I wandered for hours until I found the run-down church at the edge of the district. Small. Forgotten. Quiet.
Hestia — my favorite goddess from the anime. She felt like a mother when she was serious, and well… I was also a man — her assets were noteworthy.
If she already had Bell, I'd try Hephaestus. If not, maybe Loki. And if that didn't work, then perhaps Freya. I didn't mind her either.
I knocked once.
The door creaked open, and a pair of wide blue eyes blinked up at me. A girl no taller than my chest, with twin blue ribbons and an oversized smile.
"Are you… here for a Familia?"
"…I don't have one, so yes" I replied softly.
She tilted her head.
"Then you are lucky, maybe you were meant to find mine."
I followed her inside.
It was rundown. Completely ruined. Cracks along the walls, everything broken down. Only a bed, a couch, and a small bathroom.
"Do you have anyone in your Familia?" I asked her.
She averted her gaze.
"W-well, you're the first person to ask to join my Familia, so… haha." She laughed awkwardly and scratched her cheek in embarrassment.
Then she looked at me with a serious gaze, surprising me.
"But if you join my Familia, I'll support you wholeheartedly."
"D-does that make you not want join my familia ?" she asked nervously, head down as if she'd already given up trying.
Well it was to be expected since a familia member needs support, financially, he needs equipment, potion everything to survive in a dungeon.
It was common for adventures to join a strong familia to have support. And was common to reject small familia or a familia with no one.
I looked at her. So I'm the first person to join her Familia?
Well, that's what I wanted. So it was in my favor.
"Yes, Goddess Hestia, I want to join your Familia," I said with a smile.
When she heard my words, she went from staring at the ground to locking eyes with me, wide-eyed in disbelief. As if she hadn't heard me right.
She was in shock.
"Goddess—"
Before I could say anything more, she launched at me, suffocating me in her bosom.
And that's how Cael Ardent became the first member of the Familia of Goddess Hestia.