The air was filled with a scent—a warm blend of coffee and vanilla—that gently invaded his senses.
For Liarn, who had just "crossed over" into this dungeon world, the familiar yet subtly unfamiliar fragrance gave him a strange sense of peace.
"Smells great."
That was the first thought that flashed through his mind—but it lasted no more than two seconds.
He looked up at the woman sitting across from him—Rui Kisugi.
Is this the legendary "Little Rui Sis"?
Startled, he instinctively straightened his posture, adopting a cautious yet respectful demeanor. Even if her current actions were out of goodwill, he couldn't afford to let down his guard.
"Well, I really appreciate it, Little Rui Sis,"
Liarn forced a grateful smile, trying to lighten the mood with his tone.
"But... things like this, it's better to leave them up to fate, right?"
He took a small sip of coffee while his eyes subtly turned toward the window. He needed to stay calm—this woman was a big deal in "Cat's Eye". Though she now seemed like a kind café owner, who knew what traps lay behind the scenes of this dungeon?
"That's fair."
Rui nodded gently, with understanding in her eyes.
"Coming back from the U.S. and now raising Ruiko by yourself... It must be hard on you."
That line made Liarn twitch slightly.
He knew exactly how cliché this "plot background" was. According to the system-generated identity, Ruiko Saten was his adopted "little sister," and they were a pair of orphan siblings who had grown up together.
A setup straight out of a soap opera—or worse, a cheesy teen drama.
Even more ironic, before the dungeon had fully activated, he and Ruiko had already met. She'd been confused and panicked at first, clearly shoved into this "isekai dungeon" without warning.
"She said she's a transfer student at Sakugawa Middle School..."
Liarn recalled their first encounter.
"Same as me—one nap, and boom, we're both players."
Though their time together was short, he was certain—Ruiko wasn't the troublesome type. She was smart, sensitive, and observant. And he—as her "brother"—felt an instinctive responsibility to protect her, beyond just what the system had assigned.
"So…"
Liarn looked at Ruiko, then at Rui, before putting on an even more pitiful face.
"I wasn't joking earlier. If you could take us in, I'd be endlessly grateful."
"Wait, seriously, Liarn? You're that down bad?"
Rui looked at him in surprise.
"Here's the truth,"
He sighed, pulling out his wallet and slapping it on the table.
"I've got 30,000 yen left. Ruiko's lease just ended. If we don't find a place by tonight, we'll be sleeping on park benches."
"Oh my…"
Rui's eyes shimmered with sympathy.
Meanwhile, Ruiko sat silently with her head down, inwardly impressed.
This guy's acting is insane. He's diving headfirst into this role like he's gunning for Best Actor. Even though we both know this is just a scripted system setup, he's selling it like it's real.
"In that case, you two can stay here for now,"
Rui finally spoke up, her voice soft yet firm.
"No need to pay for lodging. If you can't find work, just help out in the shop. We're short-staffed anyway."
"Really? Thank you so much!"
Liarn beamed with gratitude.
He knew it. Step One—penetrate the inner circle of Cat's Eye Café—complete.
Behind the bar, Hitomi Kisugi tugged gently on Rui's sleeve, whispering:
"Sis... are you sure this is okay? What if he... finds out our secret?"
"If he finds out, then all the better. We'll recruit him."
Rui smirked playfully.
"Besides, I think you want him to stay, don't you?"
"Wha—Who said that?!"
Hitomi blushed furiously and turned away.
Soon, Liarn and Ruiko moved into the attic room above the Cat's Eye Café.
All their possessions fit into a single suitcase—mostly Ruiko's schoolbooks and a few changes of clothes. They had virtually no personal items.
"Wow, this is awesome, Big Bro!"
Ruiko spun around the room, eyes sparkling.
"I thought we were gonna sleep on a park bench tonight!"
"Just luck."
Liarn chuckled, sitting down on the bed and pulling out a translucent crystal disc from his pocket.
"By the way, Ruiko, try opening your attribute panel. It's important."
He muttered: "System Panel,"
and a transparent holographic screen floated into view.
Player Name: Liarn
Race: Human
Rank: Beginner Divine Servant
Innate Abilities: Infinite Upgrade, Infinite Contract
Skills: None
Equipment: None
Game Points: 0
"Tch. Talk about bare bones."
Liarn frowned as he scanned the screen.
No weapon, no skills, not even basic gear. He was a total noob.
But then—his eyes gleamed at the two innate abilities.
Infinite Upgrade:
Allows limitless upgrades to self and possessed objects—including bloodlines, skills, gear, and even mundane items like teacups or brooms. Requires game points or substitute resources.
Infinite Contract:
Can contract an unlimited number of female-type units as divine subordinates. Gains partial abilities, bloodline traits, or attribute boosts from them.
Restriction: Only contracts with female entities allowed.
"Now that's interesting..."
Liarn smirked.
What did it mean?
Not only could he enhance himself endlessly—he could build an all-female divine army, a living library of skills, bloodlines, and boosts.
The system was busted... but also kind of awesome.
"Big Bro?"
Ruiko was also staring at something.
"I think... I can see mine too!"
Liarn peeked over her shoulder.
Player Name: Saten Ruiko
Race: Human (Awakened)
Rank: Beginner Apostle
Innate Abilities: Lightning Affinity, Enhanced Psychic Waves
Skills: Not yet awakened
Equipment: None
Game Points: 0
"You're starting out better than me,"
Liarn joked.
"Really? But I don't even have a skill yet."
Ruiko looked a little down.
"No worries."
He gently patted her head.
"We'll walk this path together. Once your skill awakens, you might end up stronger than me, you know?"
Ruiko broke into a soft smile and nodded.
Night fell on the dungeon world, but the lights in Cat's Eye Café glowed warmly as always.
And this twisted game of survival...
had only just begun.