Watching the group of adventurers was interesting and even enjoyable. And Bell, such a cute and naive boy, I almost couldn't resist pinching him. Fortunately, I managed to pull myself together.
I followed them from a distance of several kilometres using magic. Only Hermes noticed my gaze, and after forty minutes of searching, he finally found the approximate direction. I wasn't really hiding.
And then, when the main character and his companions headed back to their camp, having finally bought everything they needed, the god and his companion broke away from the group.
"Ddraig, how's the digestion going?" I asked the dragon who was watching the process.
"Fine," the red dragon waved his tail. "Sorting through his memory, I learned that he could create illusions, not as cool as some, but you'll be able to surprise your enemies with a few tricks."
"How soon will the process be complete?"
"His soul is very, VERY large. For normal digestion without any consequences in the form of losses, it will take...," the red dragon calculated in his head, "about sixty days... maybe more, give or take. He's still resisting, slowing down the absorption."
"It was easier with Lyuts," I sighed mentally, nodding in agreement with the dragon.
"You seem to have accepted your deportation a little too easily," the suitcase chuckled thoughtfully.
"Why kill yourself? I didn't love Hela, yes, I liked her, but I'm not going to rush back for that. Phoenix... it's not even funny. But my fifth point is whispering to me that we'll meet again, and I'm inclined to believe it."
"You're so cold," the dragon began to sneer, "and she gave you her whole heart."
"Is that all you have to say?" I began to get annoyed. "Red, I understand everything, but don't annoy me. She's not my primary goal, she's not even on my list. So stop reminding me about the past." I ended the conversation with a steely tone. "Oh, here come our guests."
Without turning in their direction, I continued to stare at the cave ceiling, studded with glowing crystals.
"Young man," Hermes' voice rang out across the clearing, "you were watching our little company so intently that I took it as an invitation.Next to the blond man stood a charming girl with blue hair. The glasses she wore gave her a stern look and sparked my imagination of a strict teacher. Hmm, I already like her.
"Come on," I said, turning slowly and mirroring the smile of the merchant's protector, which had alerted him. "It was just curiosity. Such a... motley crew."
"We haven't introduced ourselves," said the blond man with a strange intonation. "My name is Hermes. I think you know me, I saw recognition in your eyes. And this girl is Asfi.
"Just Asfi?" I asked provocatively, beginning to study the girl's face, which froze into a tense statue. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, but you remind me of someone." "Yeah, an anime character."
"You haven't told me your name," Hermes reminds me.
"Ah, yes." I bowed perfectly in the European style. "Virgil Morning Star." Just Verg to my friends. I have no idea if the locals know about the Bible and Satan, but I'm not going to take any chances. They might think I'm some kind of evil genius. Although I did leave a big hint. But if things get boring, I can always reveal myself. The main thing is to wait until Mephisto has digested everything.
"So why were you following us, Vergilius?" asked the blond man.
"You see," I said, a little sheepishly, "there was some kind of anomaly, and I was thrown here," I gestured with my hand around the area under my companions' raised eyebrows, "Here I am standing with my friends, and here I am.
"How could that happen? Anomalies don't just appear out of nowhere," Asfi asked, folding her arms across her chest and clutching the daggers under her cloak.
"A glowing figure appeared, its aura very similar to yours, but much stronger, many times stronger, and it threw us into the portal. I wasn't even given a clear reason for this. I spread my arms and shrugged. By the way, where am I?
They were so taken aback that I could barely keep up my mask of a hapless wretch.
"You don't know about the dungeon? Didn't you hear what we were talking about when you were following us?" The god of trade managed to keep a straight face.
"You see," I rubbed my temples a little, "how can I explain... Well, I'm from a VERY distant land that can only be reached by magic. And there," I gestured around me, "there are no 'dungeons'. Nor is there any information about them.
"I can't even imagine where you came from," Hermes looked at me thoughtfully again.
"Hmm," I pretended to be thinking, "How about a deal?" I saw the god's eyebrow rise and continued, "You, that is, your company, help me, and I'll help you. I'm strong and skilled in many things, I'm a first-class teacher, both in magic and in the use of all kinds of weapons. What I'm getting at is..." I cleared my throat. "Help me settle down for a while (while I digest the demon) on the surface, legalise me, and in return, I can help you. Or to the fair-haired young man you've been watching.
At my last words, the blond grimaced slightly, and Asfi, standing next to him, tightened her grip on the daggers.
"I'm not threatening or hinting at anything bad. — I sigh heavily. — Why does everyone have to react like this? What I mean is, since he's so important to you, I can teach him many warrior skills. He's still young, so he has no experience.
"You look like a teenager yourself," Andromeda interjected, noticing her patron's "silence" signal too late, which made her blush slightly and take a step back.
"One of us is a god. And I don't believe that his 'divine eyes' haven't examined me yet. You can see what they cannot. — I nod towards the blue-haired girl. — Mortals.
After my last word, the princess in glasses frowned. Cute.
"I don't sense any lies in you," the god continued to stare at me, "but I can't believe you either.
"I'm not hurting you, I'm helping you, and in return I get what I need." I shrugged, holding out my right hand with my palm open.
"The contract can be circumvented," the blond shook his head. "Distort its essence. Remove its chains."
"Options? If you reject them, make your own. — I waved my hand, creating a modern and comfortable chair for myself. — In the end, I can get out of the dungeon anyway. But it's more fun with company.
We all fell silent, each thinking our own thoughts. Hermes was thinking about how to turn everything to his advantage, Andromeda was staring at me, figuring out how to kill me most efficiently if necessary. And I... I wanted to eat. Interdimensional travel makes you ravenously hungry.
"We're at a dead end," Hermes said after a while. "I don't believe in your altruism, and I don't agree to sign any contracts.
"The god of trade doesn't want a deal?" I raised my eyebrow dramatically and added surprise to my voice. "That's as strange as Zeus preaching sexual abstinence." I snorted, noticing the twitch of my interlocutor's lips. "But if you don't want to, who am I to argue?"
Standing up, I push the chair aside and slowly walk around them in an arc to hide in the forest. As soon as I disappear, Asfi speaks up.
"Are we just going to let him go?" The girl frowned.
"Yes," replied the guardian seriously. "And we won't touch him." His eyes met hers, causing Andromeda to pale noticeably. She had never seen Hermes so sombre and focused before.
"But why?
"He's strong enough to kill everyone on this floor. Including the adventurers and their boss." The man ran a weary hand over his face, releasing the tension. "I looked at him with my gaze. More precisely, he didn't resist or prevent me from doing so. In short, he's a monster. I have no idea where he came from, but we must inform the other gods about him.
"Is it really that serious?
"As long as we don't touch him, he won't touch us. But the guild and our brave leader must know about him. And we're going now." He looked sternly at Asfi. "Go to the camp and tell them it's time to go. But don't mention him, there's no need to raise a fuss. 'Verg' — the god made quotation marks," — he wasn't lying when he said he was relatively peaceful. So let's not stir things up. Once they come out of the dungeon, we can deal with it.
"I understand," the girl nodded nervously. "Then I'll inform the camp that we're leaving."
"Not a word about him to anyone," Hermes said sternly, without a hint of a smile.
"Yes." Just as the girl was about to turn away and go to her friends, the wind carried a soft, melodious laugh to them. "What was that?"
"They heard us," the god sighed and bit his lip. "The plans remain unchanged. Hurry." Asfi nodded and ran at full speed towards the camp.
***
Hah, Hermes turned out to be even more paranoid than I expected. It looks like he's going to turn me in to Uranus. And that's not good. But! If they attack, I can defend myself. And devouring souls enhanced with divine energy will be oh so delicious, it gives them a spicy taste.
"I'll never stop telling you this, but... You're sick, partner. No one in their right mind would think about the 'taste' of souls," the dragon scolded me.
"Oh, as if you didn't consume them. At least don't lie to me. I know about your turbulent youth," I rolled my eyes at his remark.
"Tsk. I'm not lying. But I've gotten rid of that addiction, so to speak," the lizard said with a hint of pride.
"Yeah, but only after you died," I grunted, listening to his incomprehensible muttering.
"Okay, forget it," the red one gave up. "You've been thinking about this world. Want to share?"
"Considering my memories, I dare say that within a month or two after today, a goddess will appear in the city who will want help."
"And then what?"
"The point is that she's trapped inside a monster that's draining her power. She'll be looking for a helper, who will turn out to be..."
"The main character of this world?" the red-haired man replied sarcastically.
"Generally speaking, yes, according to the canon. But he can be replaced. I'll kill her myself by devouring her soul. She may be a good woman, but... I don't give a fuck about the beauty of her soul. I need strength to kill Trikex."
"Okay," nodded the dragon. "And why do you think she'll choose you as her companion? There's already a main character here who's a jack of all trades."
"There will be some kind of test, and the winner will be chosen. I don't know the details, but don't you think I can bend the rules?"
"Hmm," he scratched his skull with his claw. "Do what you have to do. By the way, we're here."
Indeed. My feet led me to the Loki family camp, where the adventurers and Bell and his company were now resting.
My appearance could not go unnoticed, because I was not hiding. Therefore, someone came towards me, and not just anyone, but the captain of the family himself, the hobbit Finn, accompanied by Amazons, an elf, a werewolf, and a blonde. Aiz was fine, but his face lacked emotion.
They looked at my smiling face suspiciously, but were in no hurry to start a conversation. They were sizing me up. So we stood there, fifty metres apart, attracting the attention of those around us, who were already gathering in groups and discussing what was going on.
Asfi had already run off, because I couldn't hear her at all. Oh well, I'll have to adjust my power level to match the locals. Level five or six should be enough to be taken seriously right away.
"Greetings, my name is Virgil," I said, raising my hand in a gesture of peace. "Can you help a lost traveller?"
"Greetings, I am Finn, captain of the Loki family," says Finn. "I'm sorry, but you don't look lost, you're too clean and neat.
"Magic," I shrugged. "I just need a place to stay for the night, I can even pay." I summoned a gold bar into my hand, surprising the local magicians, especially a green-haired royal. Riviera, I think. "I swear I mean you no harm." I put my hand on my chest.
"We don't need your money," the hobbit smiles, a little falsely, but never mind. "We adventurers must help each other in the dungeon. Come in, you'll be our guest. You can repay us for your lodging with your help."
"Well," my smile became even kinder, "My sword is yours. I'll be happy to help you protect every member of your family."
"Can you?" spat the dissatisfied... um, wolf-man? What's his name? Bete?" "I don't like him, he looks and feels weak.
"Finn, can I call you that?" "Nod," "How about a sparring match to prove your worth?""Hmm..." The hobbit put his hand on his chin. "Sure. But with whom?"
"Oh, can we?" the Amazons volunteered. "Please!"
"Both of you?" Finn raised his eyebrows and looked in my direction. "I actually wanted Bete to do it himself, since he doesn't believe your words, but... Are you sure?"
"No," I shook my head. "Right here, right now?"
"Yes.
Everyone stepped aside, making even more room. The girls smiled sweetly, took out their monstrous weapons of destruction, and, swinging them deftly, prepared for battle.
***
Today, Finn was not himself. All day long, his instincts told him that something was about to happen. The hobbit didn't say anything to anyone, blaming his paranoia on Hermes' imminent return, but when Andromeda appeared from the depths of the forest and said she was returning to the surface with Hermes, it set off alarm bells. She rarely behaved like this, so Finn was mentally prepared for anything. He even made his closest companions prepare for a possible attack.
Time passed, and then a figure dressed in a dark coat appeared from the depths of the forest. His eyes, burning with bloody gold, did not seem frightening to him. The guy himself was ordinary, too ordinary for a place like a dungeon. But no one felt any danger from him, and that was alarming.
The stranger introduced himself as Virgil, who had accidentally ended up on this floor. This was not as unusual as many people think, because you never know what awaits you around the corner — it could be a monster, a trap, or a passageway that will send you to another floor.
The guy offered to help in exchange for a place to sleep. Finn would have gladly accepted, because the strength that the guy radiated was slightly greater than his own, and that was already an indicator.
But Loga intervened, speaking out against the idea and calling the brunette a weakling. The captain decided to give in and test the stranger. The Amazons, the family's two best fighters, capable of clearing several floors on their own, came out against him. Tione and Tiona were the best duo in all of Orario. Their task was to test the stranger's abilities without harming him.
"You may begin whenever you wish," said the brunette with golden eyes, bowing slightly. He made a fatal mistake, in the opinion of many, losing sight of the girls.
In an instant, they closed the distance between them and their enemy, but he was no longer where he had been.
"What?" Tione began to look around. "Where is he?"
"Behind you!" her sister shouted, but it was too late. A powerful blow to the back of her head literally knocked the girl into the ground, creating a crater beneath her.
"Too fast!" thought Riviera, Gareth, and Finn, biting their lips in tension. For some reason, they thought the brunette could have killed the girl with that blow.
The guy himself landed neatly in front of them, folded his arms behind his back, and waited for further action.
"But he's not even armed," flashed through the minds of the observers.
Tiona lunged at her opponent, putting all her emotions into the blow, but it had no effect. The brunette disappeared from her field of vision and, appearing behind the girl, grabbed her by the ankle, knocking her to the ground. His hand ran along the Amazon's thigh, reddened from the contact, and, grabbing a dagger hidden under her skirt, pressed it against her throat.
"I won." The stranger's eyes stared unblinkingly at the girl beneath him, waiting for her response. But she was too shocked by what was happening; no one had ever defeated her or her sister in combat so easily... so effortlessly.
The Amazon's cheeks flushed fiercely, though it was barely noticeable due to the colour of her skin.
"You won," she croaked, to the surprise of everyone present.
"I hope you're all right?" asked the stranger with undisguised concern.
"Yes, I'm fine. I'll take my sister to the tent," the girl replied a little too quickly, picking up her relative and leaving the battlefield with quick steps.
"What interesting people," the stranger muttered under his breath, but he was overheard.
"And so are you. Few can defeat two fifth-level adventurers so easily and simply." Finn stared at him, trying to see something. But apparently he found nothing and smiled, spreading his arms. "I would be glad to accept the help of such a strong warrior. By the way, where is your weapon?"
"It's always with me," the brunet smiled mysteriously, catching the green-haired elf's searching gaze. "Don't worry, I have everything with me."
"Then, allow me to introduce you to everyone present," the hobbit beckoned to his companion, "this is my deputy..."
***
The introductions were quick. I was introduced to the main members of the family, that is, the main strike force led by Finn, as well as the friendly family of Gestia and Takemikazuchi. I found them much more interesting, since the main character was hanging around there, and that meant that wherever he was, there were problems.
By a strong decision, collectively, after consulting with the red one, my cockroaches, and Mephisto, who was howling in pain from the splitting of his soul, I decided to stay with them until I had digested the demon and grabbed the captive goddess's free soul for myself.
"Ooh! I am so impressed by your skill and strength!" exclaimed Bell, bowing slightly. "I have never seen people capable of such a thing!"
Standing next to us were his friends, namely Welf, the blacksmith, and Lily, the loli loot collector. A few steps behind them were members of the Takemikazuchi family (God, what names).
"That was cool," nodded Crozzo, who was with Welf. "It's not every day you meet such strong personalities. By the way, what family are you from?"
"Never mind," I waved my hand in front of me, "I'm just an ordinary wanderer, one of many in the vast universe. As for your question about my family..." I put on a thoughtful expression and paused for a moment, causing everyone who was listening to us to lean in closer to hear better. "I do not serve the gods, nor do I worship them. My strength is mine alone and no one else's." Everyone was taken aback by this answer, and the blue screen began to reflect in their eyes.
"But how!" exclaimed the swordswoman with a katana from the Takemikazuchi family, Mikoto, I think. "It's impossible to achieve such a level of power without the help of the gods!"
"Well," I said thoughtfully, "You're right," I nodded to the girl, who had calmed down and blushed slightly from her outburst, "Once, a long time ago..." My eyes cloud over with memories. "I served a 'god'," I spit out the last word as if it were a curse, causing those around me to recoil in shock. "I'm not keeping it a secret, so I can tell you, but my story is not a happy one. But if you want, I can tell you."
"I'm sorry for making you remember something bad!" Rabbit (Bell) bowed on behalf of everyone. "We couldn't have imagined that your story was so..." He hesitated, searching for the right word.
"It's frankly awful," I muttered, looking at his red face. "But what's done is done." I patted the guy on the shoulder. "No need to get down on yourself. They say you're the quickest in the level set. How do you do it?" Oh yes, I'm a master at changing the subject.
"Well..." The white-haired boy scratched the back of his head. "It just happens, I don't know how."
"Ha! I like you, you're so straightforward and pure. You remind me of my brother Mikhail." I smile cheerfully at the teenager, who blushes even more at the comparison. "Fancy a bit of exercise?"
"Wh-what are you talking about!" he waved his hands in front of him, "I can't handle you, you're on a completely different level!
"We'll help you catch up," I shrugged. "How about a couple of lessons from someone who has mastered all kinds of weapons? I can also teach you some magic. A couple of lessons from me and you'll be able to shoot lightning, fire and even heal a little."
"How?" Liliraka didn't understand. "Doesn't magic take at least a few years to learn?"
"I'm a good teacher." I smiled mysteriously, remembering how I had taught Gasper by pumping knowledge directly into his head. And the seventy-two demons had undergone a similar "crash course." "All my students can tear sheets of steel with their bare hands and destroy small armies with magic.
"That's impossible," Riviera's voice came from behind me. "Magic is a science that takes decades to learn. Your words are too fantastical."
"Ho?" I looked her in the eyes. "It all depends on the school. The one you are familiar with is different from the one I use, but... Let's do this: if I can teach Bella magic in a minimum amount of time, say a week, then you will grant me one wish. Nothing disgraceful, of course. Everything within reason."
Behind one of the tents, Finn, who was holding back Lefia, Riviera's student, from making rash moves towards me, choked.
The elf herself gave me an unreadable look, but after a minute of thought, she slowly nodded.
"It's a deal. We're leaving tomorrow at dawn, so the countdown will start when we leave. Mr. Cranell, do you agree to take part in our contest?
"Well, I don't know," the guy hesitated, not noticing Gestia approaching him from behind, glaring menacingly at everyone present, and me in particular.
"What are you going to do with my Bell-kun?" Lolya asked, putting her hands on her hips.
"I suggest training him to become a real warrior. A hero." I flashed my eyes, pressing on the right points of her and his character. "Just imagine," I turned completely to the little goddess. "I'll give him strength he couldn't achieve in the next decade." I whispered, bringing my face close to hers. "I'll give him eternal life. He won't die of old age, only an enemy can take his life. You can be with him forever." My eyes began to burn. Damn, that was accidental.
"And..." Hestia hesitated, trying to digest my words. "What do you want in return?"
"He's very much like my younger, idealistic brother. — I add bitterness to my voice, which should tug at the heart of the goddess of the family hearth, "Our father used mind-altering magic on him when I wasn't around. That day, I lost my real brother, who was replaced by another personality... And I'm not lying, something similar happened after Biblian sealed my memory and erased it from Mikhail's mind after closing the gates to the World of Shadows. But while my personality remained almost unchanged, my brother's was completely rewritten, even if it retained its core.
My face became expressionless, and my eyes lifeless. Now the main thing is not to overdo it.
"Consider... that I want to spend time with someone who reminds me of my family. — I feel Welf squeezing my shoulder in support, as does Bell, whose face is contorted with anger at my father, the Bible. — So, do you agree?
"Only if nothing happens to my family member. Judging by her emotions, the goddess is barely holding back her feelings. Ha-ha, well, for someone who cherishes family, such stories are very unpleasant. But I was able to deceive the deity, even if she is a little naive.
"I promise," I smiled sweetly, "I'll bring him back safe and sound. After all, he'll become incredibly strong."
We talked a little more before we were called to dinner. And while we were eating, Finn came up to me and sat down next to me.
"Virgil," he nodded. "Have you decided to stay with the Hestia family?"
"Yes, I want to train the boy.
"Then..." He paused for a moment. "Help them. We're leaving and won't be able to help if they're in danger. You're strong enough to do it. You'll repay us by protecting this little family.
"Let me guess," I squinted my eyes, imitating Hermes, "You decided on this after talking to a certain blonde?" I glanced meaningfully at Aiz, who had given herself away by eavesdropping, her ears turning slightly red.
"Not entirely," the hobbit snorts, "but mostly."
"Okay," I agree easily. "It's no trouble. Once I get out of the maze, I wouldn't mind going to the pub with your team and Rabbit's guys. It's my treat, I haven't had a proper drink in ages." Life teaches me nothing. But I want to! There's nothing more interesting than drunken adventures.
"You're on my word. — Finn shakes my hand and gets up to return to his team. — See you later, then.
Dinner lasted another hour, and after that, everyone went to bed. I was given a place to sleep in Welf's tent, so I had someone to talk to before going to sleep.
But an hour later, I remembered.
"Hermes has left, and no one will hire people to steal Hestia and provoke Bella into rescuing her. That means she won't use her power, after which the dungeon will spawn a powerful boss," the thoughts raced through my head.
"And what do you suggest... Oh no. Why would you do that?" The dragon rolled his eyes.
"First, I want to check how monsters are created in this place. Second, I'll check the approximate power level of the local gods. And third, I'll build a reputation for myself by killing a monster."
"Why do you need a reputation?" Ddraig didn't get it.
"It will provoke the 'families' to recruit me. And if I refuse, some of them will resort to aggressive actions, which will give me free rein. Under the guise of retaliatory measures, I will be able to study the natives with the blessing of the gods. And the local gods too. Ishtar or Apollo themselves may well take part in my recruitment."
"And since they can't use their powers to their full extent without the threat of deportation, you can study them in peace," concluded the suitcase.
"Exactly," I smiled toothily. "Ideally, I could stab them with my artefact knife, but I don't know how the other gods would react. And I don't want to go to war against the city. I'm too lazy."
"You're too lazy to fight?" The red man's stunned expression was indescribable. "Are you sick? Are you okay? It's not hot. That's strange."
"Don't be silly, why fight if you don't have to?"
"How... deep," said the dragon emperor, making a gesture with his hand to his face. "That phrase straightened out a few of my brain cells. What are you going to do now?"
"I'll use magic and illusions to carry out the canon, of course." I rubbed my hands conspiratorially. "Tomorrow morning, after the Loki family leaves, but before the Rabbit rises, the goddess will have a surprise. Kidnapping! Mwah-ha-ha-ha!" My sinister laughter was ignored by the red one, who simply curled up into a ball.
"Do whatever you want, just wake me up when the fight starts," he said and fell asleep, the pest. Instantly.
***
The next morning.
"Welf!" Liliruka ran into the tent. "Mr. Bell is missing!"
"Huh? What?!" The blacksmith, who had just woken up, didn't immediately understand. "What do you mean? How is that possible?" He turned to me. "Verg, we need help."
"I'll help as best I can." I left my warm and cosy sleeping bag. "Lead the way." I materialised Excalibur under the stunned gaze of the others. "There's no time to lose."
"I'll show you where he went. The Takemikazuchi family and Lady Ryu are already waiting for us." The girl ran ahead of everyone.
***
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