Chapter 19: [19] Flag
Aiden couldn't shake off the nagging thoughts about his current situation... only two days into arriving at Orario, and the startup funds provided by the system were dwindling. Damn, could this really be the fate of the Sparda family? Indeed, there was a limit to being a Sparda demon. Unless transcending the Sparda demon... no more living like a pauper, Dante!
Tucking away his purse, Aiden checked once more the supplies he had prepared for venturing into the dungeon tomorrow. He gently patted his cheek, attempting to steady his wandering thoughts. "I should get some sleep. Tomorrow, I'll head into the dungeon, slay monsters, and gather magic stones. There'll be money eventually." Maintaining good habits, he brushed his teeth, washed his face, and climbed into bed.
Despite the considerable amount of physical activity he'd had throughout the day, Aiden lay in bed tossing and turning, unable to drift off to sleep. Various thoughts plagued his mind.
Ah, without Jojo to watch, I'm as good as dead.
With no leave of absence, and without logging in for so long, I've probably been kicked out from the clan.
It's only been two days, so my Clash of Clans friends probably haven't removed me yet. But what's the use? I can't play anymore.
With Stormbreaker in hand, Thor nearly defeated Thanos after collecting all the Infinity Stones, and Captain Marvel defeated the Guardians of the Galaxy's Ronan the Accuser. With these two powerhouses, along with Tony Stark returning to Earth and the original Avengers reuniting, there shouldn't be any more sacrifices in Avengers 4, right?
Maybe I'll have missions in the Marvel in the future. I'm really looking forward to it.
Sigh...
No phone, no internet. This feels terrible.
System, can you give me a phone that connects to the internet?
The system seemed non-existent, not responding with a single word.
...
The following morning, at the new residence of Hestia Familia, Aiden woke up refreshed. The previous night's exercise hadn't left him tired; instead, it invigorated him.
Today marked his first foray into the dungeon. Despite testing his strength and various physical parameters the previous night, Aiden had never killed or fought before, except for bugs and insects. Hence, he felt somewhat uncertain. He didn't know if he would adapt to dungeon combat, if he would get injured, or how far he would progress.
Therefore, Aiden decisively put on the armor he had bought the day before... chest plate, arm guards, shoulder pads, and leg guards.
Looking at his reflection in the mirror, Aiden, clad in silver armor, saw himself with silver hair and silver armor, a combination that didn't diminish his handsomeness one bit. If Aiden in a black trench coat exuded both style and the traditional charm of the Sparda family, then this silver armor showcased his heroic temperament.
Stepping out of his room and descending the stairs, Aiden was surprised to find Hestia, who was known for her habit of staying in bed, already seated in the living room, wearing a serious expression.
Seeing Aiden coming downstairs, a smile played on Hestia's lips. "Good morning, Aiden-kun. That armor looks very handsome on you. What would you like for breakfast?"
Aiden couldn't help but feel a bit puzzled. Was this still the same lazy Hestia? Of course, he wouldn't ask directly like that. "Good morning, Hestia. Why are you up so early? Do we have something planned for today?"
"Today is Aiden-kun's first day exploring the dungeon. As a family member, I naturally want to support you." Hestia said, hands on her hips.
"Thank you, Hestia. Let's have bread, fried sausages, and milk for breakfast." Aiden smiled, thinking about the ingredients he bought yesterday.
"Sure, Aiden-kun, just wait a moment~☆" Hestia cheerfully as she walked into the kitchen.
"Alright, I'll double-check the supplies to bring." Aiden gave one final inspection before leaving.
Not long after, Hestia arrived in the dining room with breakfast in hand.
"Aiden-kun, breakfast is ready~"
Despite Hestia's reputation for laziness, objectively speaking, breakfast was quite good. Otherwise, she wouldn't be working at the potato ball stand.
After breakfast, before departure.
"Listen carefully, Aiden. The dungeon is no child's play. It represents the greatest malice of this world towards the inhabitants of the lower world."
"From the moment you step into the dungeon, it has its eyes on you. It continuously spawns monsters, fearless of pain or death, relentlessly aiming to inflict even the slightest wound on adventurers."
"Although you have the constant powerful skill, you should be able to handle the monsters on the first ten levels. However, you're not yet a true Level 2 adventurer. There's still a considerable gap between you and higher-level adventurers."
"So, don't be arrogant. Caution is key. Adventurers cannot afford to take risks. Promise me you'll come back unharmed, alright?"
Hestia's tone was solemn and filled with heartfelt concern.
Seeing Hestia, who despite her youthful appearance, wore a serious expression, resembling a cute attempt at acting grown-up, Aiden smiled and gently patted her head. "I promise, Hestia. I'll come back unharmed."
Yet, internally, he couldn't help but think, Ah, this is just like the death flag's line, "After this war ends, I'm going back home to get married." Let's hope it doesn't come true.
"... Here I come, dungeon." Aiden opened the door.
Stepping out of his home, onto the street.
Unlike the impoverished district where the decrepit church was located, although there weren't many people around, the cobblestone pavement, wide streets, trees standing on either side, and gentle breeze gave a serene feeling, unlike the desolation of the slums.
At six in the morning, with the sun rising, the sky was already glowing faintly. Though it was early, groups of adventurers were already heading towards the dungeon.
As the dungeon was close to home and he expected to return by noon, Aiden didn't bring much. He only carried a small bag containing some potions and a water bottle as he arrived at the entrance of Babel Tower.
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