Is It Wrong to Explore the Dungeon Even Though I’m Overpowered? (Danmachi SI- WC) (Patreon)

Chapter 12: The Party Grows

‘Damn it! I’m so flustered that I don’t know what to say now!’

Luckily before I ended up looking like an idiot for just staring at Rem’s beautiful face for far longer than I should have, a voice interrupted our tender moment.

“Fufufu and there he goes again effortlessly winning the heart of another maiden~”

That was the only warning we got before me and Rem got swarmed by everyone as they pulled us in for a group hug with us stuck in the middle as they offered their own support to us.

Looking down at Rem who ended up being pressed up to my chest, I saw her already looking up at me with an embarrassed blush on her cheeks. Deciding to just go with the flow, I offered her a smile and pulled her in for a proper hug ignoring the cute squeak she released as I did and only smiling wider when I felt her hug me in return moments later.

Once everyone had calmed down minutes later me, Est and the twins were now heading to pick up Naaza while chatting happily and telling the twins all the hotspots in the city.

“I still can’t believe that actual Gods and Goddesses are living with regular people in this world.” Ram commented as she walked to my right with Est between us.

“Yes, so please be careful when you talk to one. Some of them are just as depraved as a Witch Cultist.” I warned in a whisper getting them to narrow their eyes and nod their head.

“How do you know when you’re talking to one though Reinhard-kun?” Rem who was walking to my left with a small smile on her face, asked me curiously with her head cutely turned in my direction.

Seeing her smile, I couldn’t help but smile back at her. “Yeah, a smile definitely suits you better Rem.” My mouth betrayed me and the words were out of my mouth before I could hope to stop them.

Upon hearing my words, Rem’s face lit up in a rosy blush causing her to look away in embarrassment which caused me to feel embarrassed as well.

“Reinhard is not being fair right now.”

Est’s soft voice snapped me out of my embarrassment as I felt her tugging my right hand and looking down at her I saw that she was lightly pouting.

“Who knew Reinhard-sama would be such a smooth talker, if I would’ve known I would have warned Rem beforehand.” Ram’s teasing voice came next who while she appeared as she always did, there was no mistaking the slight jealousy I could feel coming from her.

“Ahem, I apologize that just slipped out without my knowing.” I tried to excuse only to feel Rem’s embarrassment and happiness spike at what I said and for the other two’s jealousy to do the same.

“Not that I don’t think the two of you aren’t also cute of course.” I hurried to add and felt my shoulders slightly relax when I saw the small smirk in Ram’s face and how Est’s eyes shined in a satisfied manner.

“Going back to your question Rem,” I moved the conversation along turning to Rem again who hearing my voice made sure to pay attention. “The divine actually give off a slight aura that should be easily discernable from other people. Once you meet one you will know immediately and the only reason you didn’t yet with Hestia-sama and Artemis-sama is because my power muffles that feeling.”

“I see, thank you Reinhard-kun~” Rem smiled at me in thanks before blinking and turning in a certain direction.

Looking at where she was looking at, I spotted a woman with black hair, green eyes and a green dress that I somewhat recognized.

“…I see what you mean now. It really is impossible to not look at her and think that there is something special about her.”

“There goes another one.” Ram spoke next looking at another direction spotting someone with brown hair with their back turned to us that I wasn’t able to recognize this time.

‘Then again, the anime showed a lot of unknown deities every time they held that meeting of theirs or that one time when Hestia went to the baths.’

Before too long we reached the Blue Pharmacy and headed inside where we found Naaza already waiting for us it seems as she was seated to the side with a small backpack and her weapon. When she saw us come in her eyes lit up in joy before she blinked as she beheld the three girls at my side.

“Hello again Naaza.” I greeted the girl with a smile before offering her a small bow of the head. “I apologize for making you wait but if you are ready, we can leave now.”

“Oh no no, please don’t apologize!” Seeing me bow caused her to panic and she was quick to stand from her seat waving her hands back and forth. “You already explained yourself earlier so there’s no need to worry. Besides this serves as our home too so I had nothing better to do.” She rambled.

“That’s good, I would have felt terrible for making you wait too long.” I let out in relief before straightening myself and giving Naaza a smile that she returned. “Now before we depart let me introduce you to my companions.”

“First we have Rem and Ram who I told you about earlier,” I paused as the twins chose that moment to bow in unison and offer their own greeting before turning to Est. “And this is Est who is my companion in battle.” I finished a little mysteriously much to Naaza’s confusion as she looked down at the short girl by my side who hadn’t let go of my hand this entire time.

“In battle?” She asked curiously making Est puff up her small chest in pride only confusing her more.

“Hmhmhm you will understand soon, I promise.” I assured with a gentle smile already deciding to tell her the truth about Est before turning to the girls behind me missing Naaza’s blush.

“Everyone this is Miss Naaza Erisuis, a level 2 adventurer and the person who kindly decided to show us the ropes on how the dungeon works so please be sure to listen to her.”

“Pleasure meeting you Naaza-san, we will be under your care.” The twins spoke in unison with a small bow embarrassing the girl.

“T-thank you for having me.”

With introductions out of the way, we finally made our way to the dungeon greeting a passing Miach on the way who was returning from somewhere much to Naaza’s embarrassment since the man had asked me to continue taking care of her which I had immediately agreed to.

When we entered the dungeon minutes later and encountered our first monster that was when I immediately noticed it.

Naaza began trembling terribly as she held her bow staring at the simple kobold in front of us in fear as she unconsciously hid behind me.

‘I was afraid this might happen.’ Casting a worried glance the girl’s way, I looked to Est and nodded my head with the girl transforming into her sword form a moment later with a flash of light that managed to catch Naaza’s attention.

“There’s no shame in being afraid after having a brush with death Naaza.” I encouraged with a smile on my face as I stepped forward with the twins behind me and Naaza staring at our backs in surprise.

“Instead, be thankful that you managed to survive such an ordeal and keep moving forward. That’s the only path forward for us mortals.” Raising Est to the air I swung down with the force of my swing being strong enough that it sent a slash of wind that bisected the Kobold in half.

“If you need time to get over your fears, then you can count on us to be there for you until such a time comes that you feel comfortable walking besides us.”

With that said I nodded to the twins and we proceeded to systematically slaughter everything that stood before us in either blasts of wind, simple slashes of a sword or turning the monsters into mincemeat with the use of a flail.

Throughout it all, Naaza stood rooted in her spot watching us(me) fight with a look of wonder on her face not even noticing that she had stopped shaking.

=====

(Same Day, Afternoon)

Coming out of the dungeon after exploring it for the past six hours or so, we made small talk with Naaza commenting excitedly about our skills.

“I still can’t believe that you have a Spirit as a companion like those heroes of old, Reinhard-san. No wonder you are so strong.” Naaza complimented me quietly to make sure our group was the only one who heard our talk.

“Now that I think about it, all of you are actually really strong. Does Rem-san and Ram-san also have Spirits as well?” Turning to the twins again, she saw them walking to my sides without a care in the world with their uniform looking spotless despite all the monsters they had turned into chunks of meat.

“I’m sorry to say we have no such companion Naaza-san.” Ram denied with a shake of her head.

“Indeed, and you are incorrect about another thing.” Rem continued walking with a small skip in her step. “Reinhard-kun has always been really strong even without a spirit. Having one just makes him more amazing, that’s all~”

“Mn, Reinhard is strong and I’m glad having him as my partner.” Est finally chimed in giving the hand she was holding a small squeeze.

“Thanks for the compliments everyone but I think what’s more amazing is that Naaza managed to mostly conquer her fears in just one day.” I turned the conversation around and brought attention Naaza’s way again causing her to blush in embarrassment.

The first few hours had been bad I could freely admit as Naaza couldn’t even manage to raise her weapon against a monster. With my encouragement and that of the twins though (mostly Rem’s since Ram didn’t really care) Naaza managed to kill a monster again, this time a Killer Ant.

After that it got easier and easier for Naaza to kill monsters that by the end of our trip, she was almost back to normal. Rose had even congratulated me for finding someone else to go to the dungeon with me not to mention having a higher ranked adventurer as a mentor.

Poor Naaza had been so embarrassed I had only been able restrain myself from teasing her.

“It was only because of everyone’s encouragement that I was able to pull through so thank you. Even when I’m supposed to be the mentor here, I had to rely on everyone else to protect me. So, thank you, from the bottom of my heart.” Naaza bowed her head at us.

Without really thinking about it, I patted Naaza’s head with my fingers brushing against her cute dog ears much to my hidden joy. “Don’t mention it. I’m just glad it helped.”

Blushing in embarrassment Naaza thanked me again quietly before politely dismissing herself with the promise to meet us again tomorrow leaving us alone.

“I must say, while she started out looking more like a mouse, she managed to pull herself together in the end.” Ram commented from my side getting a nod from Rem.

“She had all of her limbs eaten by monsters and just barely survived as her teammates carried her through the dungeon.” I revealed quietly to the twins since I had never told them her story.

“I see. I take back what I said then. It’s a surprise she even had the courage to enter the dungeon at all.” Ram complimented in a surprised tone.

“I think that was because Reinhard-kun, her hero, was there for her in case something happened.” Rem looked up at me and gifted me a smile causing my cheeks to slightly redden.

“Ahem, anyways what did you think of the dungeon?” I attempted to redirect the conversation again getting knowing looks from the twins but thankfully they played along.

“Weak.” Ram shrugged her shoulders uncaringly.

“I can’t say I’m impressed either, they died so easily.” Rem said next not looking impressed either.

“Well, I can’t say that I disagree with you but you have to keep in mind that we only traversed the first 12 floors. The monsters will only get stronger from here on and there are 100 floors in total.” The Zeus and Hera Familias had only managed to reach the 71st floor after all before they were wiped out by the Black Dragon.

“Noted.”

“How about I treat you girls to a snack for a job well done today?” I asked looking down at them and immediately catching their attention, especially my gluttonous Est.

“I suppose I wouldn’t mind.” Ram turned her head away from me in embarrassment but not being fast enough to hide the small smile on her face.

“I would love to Reinhard-kun~” Rem agreed immediately with a happy smile. “This would also give me the opportunity to know where the market area is located so I can complete my maid duties.”

“I want cake Reinhard.”

“Hahaha sure Est, whatever you want.”

With a hearty laugh and smiles shared by everyone, we headed off into the Market Area after a hard day’s work.

=====

(Three Days Later)

A whole five days had passed since arriving in Orario and in that time we had developed somewhat of a routine that we followed.

Wake up at dawn, check to make sure we have enough potions and items in my inventory and then head to the dungeon with Est and one of the Oni twins after picking up Naaza. The other one staying behind for the day usually alternating between each other to handle the duties as a maid.

Rethusa and Lante on the meantime had taken it upon themselves on going out into the city in the Company of Artemis in search of new Familia members while Hestia stayed behind with a twin supervising the work being done to the church.

We would then come home at around 5 or 6 in the afternoon where I would cook for everyone and we would have dinner together. Using the OP ingredients grown in the Sage’s house everyone had been steadily growing in strength without even having to do anything with those weaker showing more improvement which still surprised them to this day.

As far as progress was concerned though all of my stats were not at B or to be more specific, I had 800 for each one including magic. In just two days if I continued growing as I did, they would be at SS or 1200 which was what I was aiming for before leveling up.

My rate of growth had astounded Artemis and Hestia and that was partly the reason why Artemis was out searching for more Familia members, in her own efforts to support me if the need ever arose which I was immensely grateful for even if I felt guilty.

The only one who seemed to have about the same growth as me when it related the Falna was Est since she had the upgraded Falna that the quest granted us. It made it so every monster from floor 0-9 gave out 1 point, 10-19 2 points, 20-29 3 points, 30-39 4 points etc.

As it was Est had a total of 500 for each stat which was still amazing since we had only been going to the dungeon for a total of 4 days now. The twins didn’t have very impressive stats to be honest but then again it was not like they needed them with their already monstrous strength augmented by my Shroud.

At the insistence of everyone though I was taking a day off today and so I found myself roaming the streets by myself for a change.

The girls had decided to have a girl’s day to themselves too even if I found it a little weird as they seemed too serious about the fact as if they had something important to discuss. Even Est had decided to join in which spoke volumes that something was up.

“Reinhard~”

Pulled from my thoughts I looked up and blinked as my feet had unconsciously led me to the closest route to the dungeon which happened to pass by the Hostess of Fertility.

In front of me in her usual green and white uniform was Syr. She had her hand raised in the air as she waved at me happily with a smile on her face that only got brighter once she caught my eyes.

“Good morning, Syr.” I raised my own hand in return and greeted her with a smile as I came to a stop in front of her just now noticing that she was holding a broom on her hand.

“Hihihi good morning~ Are you heading to the dungeon?” She tilted her head cutely her smile never leaving her face.

I shook my head in a negative. “I have a free day today so I was just wondering around and I guess my feet brought me here, this being the route I usually take to the dungeon.

Syr’s eyes seemed to sparkle at that bit of information which caused me to shiver for some reason. “So, you pass by here every morning? That’s great! I’ll make sure to be on the lookout then so I can say hello~”

“That’s very kind of you Syr but you don’t have to go out of your way for me.” I tried to play it down to no avail as Syr seemed as if she didn’t even hear me already muttering to herself quietly about sandwiches of all things.

‘Wait…’ I though in growing realization as I felt my stomach rumble in discomfort. ‘Don’t tell me she’s going to start cooking for me as she did with Bell?’

“Oh, are you hungry Reinhard?” Not seeing me shake my head she was already heading back inside the pub with a skip in her step. “Wait here for a moment. I have something to give you~”

‘I really hope my abnormal resistances and Divine Protections are enough for my stomach to net get upset. They have to, right?’