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

Chapter 58: The Gathering Storm

A little surprised at the Amazons’ words—though, in hindsight, I really shouldn’t have been, given everything I knew about them—I also noticed the way the women behind me were moving. Slowly, deliberately, they began to form a circle, cutting off any easy escape.

So I would have to confront them if I wanted to leave here.

“May I know your intentions?” I asked politely, keeping track of everyone as best as I could, though my focus remained primarily on Aisha, who still wore that confident smirk.

“Hoh, isn’t that obvious?” Aisha purred, one hand resting on her hip. “We’re going to tie you up and have our way with you, of course~”

She giggled, eyes gleaming with mischief as the other Amazons joined in, closing in around me.

“You don’t mind, do you?”

Behind her, the Renard, whose name I still didn’t know, blushed furiously, covering her face with her hands, though she left just enough space between her fingers to peek through.

“I’m sorry, ladies, but I’ll have to resist,” I said with a small shake of my head, earning amused giggles from all around.

“I’m not in the habit of forming that kind of relationship with women I don’t personally know and love.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the Renard stiffen slightly, her gaze turning almost… awed.

“Huhuhu, we weren’t asking~” Aisha declared.

Then, all at once, they moved.

My vision sharpened.

Hands blurred as I deflected, evaded, and redirected every incoming strike—punches, kicks, blades—each one flowing into the next. My Divine Protections handled the strain effortlessly, keeping me from being overwhelmed despite the sheer number of attackers.

“Hahahaha~ You’re strong! This is exciting!” Aisha laughed, her greatsword carving through the air as she pressed in.

“He’s as strong as the rumors said~”

“What a man~”

“I want him even more now~”

“He’s so cool and hot~”

The battlefield turned into a strange dance, me at the center, the Amazons circling, striking, testing. I couldn’t overpower them without escalating things unnecessarily, but holding back meant this could drag on far longer than I liked.

‘At this rate, we’ll be here for another half hour,’ I thought with a quiet sigh.

“Reinhard. Fight. Or I will take care of the ecchi girls.”

Est’s voice cut through my thoughts, sharp and irritated.

That decided it. It wasn’t often that my cute Est got irritated at anything and it would be best if I handled matters instead of my irritated spirit sword. At least that way, they would only come off of this with a few bruises instead of broken bones based on her tone.

Letting out a small breath, I leapt back, creating distance. The Amazons paused, turning toward me in unison.

“What’s wrong, handsome?~” Aisha teased, slowly walking forward, hips swaying. “Getting tired? You could always just give up, you know~ We’ll make sure you have a splendid time~”

“I apologize,” I said, my tone shifting as I straightened. “But I’ll be ending this now.”

“I still have friends waiting for me.”

“Huhuhu, that’s the spirit, Reinhard~!” Aisha called out, eyes lighting up as she and the others lunged again with renewed enthusiasm.

This time, however…

The results were completely different.

Using my full speed, at least to the level of a typical Level 5 Adventurer, I blurred forward and began dispatching the Amazons one by one. Each strike was precise: a blow to the solar plexus or a quick chop to the back of the neck, just enough to render them unconscious while minimizing any real harm.

As I moved, Aisha immediately took charge, her voice cutting through the chaos, showcasing her impressive leadership skills.

“Attack him together! He can’t take us all out if he has to focus on more than one target!”

The Amazons responded instantly, their teamwork on full display as they coordinated their attacks in unison.

“Excellent plan, Aisha,” I said lightly, a small smile forming. “However…”

In the next instant, I moved faster.

To them, I might as well have been invisible.

I weaved through their formation like a phantom, striking two, sometimes three, at a time. Bodies dropped in quick succession, the rhythm of battle ending almost as soon as it began.

“…It won’t work on me.”

I straightened as the last of them collapsed, leaving only Aisha standing before me.

A thin sheen of sweat had formed on her skin, but her expression, if anything, looked even more exhilarated.

One of the Amazons I had just knocked out mumbled something about “definitely being pregnant,” which made me blink in mild confusion… before deciding it was best not to think too deeply about it. Since her words had rung out as untrue, I didn’t have to worry about accidentally hitting a pregnant woman.

“Huhuhu… magnificent~”

Aisha suddenly burst into laughter, clutching her stomach as she bent forward slightly.

“Fine, I admit defeat.”

She drove her greatsword into the ground beside her, signaling her surrender.

“Thank you for surrendering,” I replied with a nod, allowing my stance to relax—

Only for her to suddenly step forward, grab my coat, and pull me down.

“Mmph!”

Before I could react, her lips crashed against mine in a forceful kiss.

Somewhere in the background, I heard a sharp gasp, but it barely registered.

Caught off guard and sensing no hostility, I had lowered my guard, and this was the result.

It took me a moment to recover. Her lips carried a faint, fruity sweetness, strangely familiar of our time at the Kaios Desert, before I placed my hands on her shoulders and firmly pushed her back.

“That’s enough, Aisha.” My tone turned more serious, even as I inwardly winced at Est’s furious rant echoing in my mind. “I thought I made my stance on relationships clear.”

Aisha only laughed again, licking her lips slowly in a way that made my composure slip for just a second.

“You taste delicious~” she purred, completely unbothered. “Just because I surrendered today doesn’t mean I’m giving up on you~”

Her eyes gleamed with playful intent.

“Now that I’ve had a taste… I’ll be coming after you even more aggressively~”

Feeling my face warm slightly, I let out a quiet sigh and took a step back. Being this close to her, smelling her perfume, seeing the steady rise and fall of her breasts, was… distracting.

Not to mention, if I let my guard down again and allowed her to kiss me once more, I had no doubt Est would materialize, and then things would truly descend into chaos.

My silence only seemed to amuse Aisha further as she laughed again.

“Huhuhu, and don’t think I’m the only one. My fellow Amazon sisters are interested in you now too, especially Lena. I’ve never seen her act like that around another man before~”

She gestured to the side, where an Amazon with long black hair and a slender figure lay unconscious, a faint blush still on her cheeks and, somehow, a satisfied smile on her face.

…Best not to question it.

Not knowing how to respond, I simply closed my eyes for a brief moment. When I opened them again, my expression had returned to normal, the earlier embarrassment gone.

I turned and began walking away.

“Have a pleasant day, Aisha. While I cannot stop you from pursuing what you said, please understand that my decision will not change.”

“That just means I have to make you fall in love with me, right~?” she called after me playfully.

I chose not to respond, which only earned another amused laugh from behind.

As I passed by the still-flustered Renard, I paused.

…There it was again.

That inconvenient habit of mine.

Suppressing a quiet sigh, I stopped and turned toward her, causing her to squeak softly in surprise. Aisha’s gaze sharpened slightly behind me, clearly interested.

Reaching into my pouch, I pulled out several Ambrosia potions and held them out under Aisha’s watchful eye.

“Pardon me, Miss. Would you be kind enough to give these to your companions? Since I was the one who rendered them unconscious, I believe it is my responsibility to ensure they recover quickly, especially given that we are still inside the Dungeon.”

The girl blinked up at me, her embarrassment momentarily forgotten, replaced by clear awe. After a brief pause, she hurriedly lowered her hands and accepted the potions.

“T-Thank you, Reinhard-sama. You’re too kind.”

She bowed gracefully, her movements refined, and noble.

Smiling softly, I gave her a gentle pat on the head as I stepped past her.

She stiffened instantly.

“Think nothing of it. Take care of yourself.”

I lifted a hand in a small wave as I walked away, not noticing the way she froze in place, one hand slowly rising to touch where I had patted her, her face now even redder than before.

“You’re really not helping your case, handsome~ I’ll be seeing you later!” Aisha called out behind me.

I let out another quiet sigh.

‘Why do I feel more in danger from her than when I’m fighting monsters…?’

As if sensing my thoughts, Est answered immediately.

“I’m telling the others. Reinhard is in danger.”

Her tone was completely serious.

A bead of sweat rolled down my neck.

‘…Yep. That’s why.’

Images of several reactions flashed through my mind, a few girls especially sticking out, Hestia, Artemis, Lili, Rem, Ram…

…I just hoped Syr/Freya, didn’t hear about this.

Because if she did…

I had no idea what she might do honestly, which was even more worrying.

=====

Several Hours Later

After picking up Rem and Marie on the 18th floor, we didn’t waste any time and quickly made our way out of the Dungeon. I also made sure to skillfully evade any questions about what had taken me so long.

They would find out eventually, of course.

…but if I could delay that moment by even a few hours, I would gladly take it, especially since I knew Est was absolutely going to expose everything the moment we got home.

Marie, meanwhile, was experiencing the surface for the very first time, and it showed.

She was practically glowing with excitement, her eyes sparkling as she took in everything around her. Every few steps, she would tug on my arm, pointing at something new that caught her attention, which, given her boundless curiosity, was nearly everything.

What should have been a short walk from Babel to Hearth Mansion turned into a slow, meandering trip that lasted over an hour, as Rem and I did our best to answer her endless stream of questions.

Not that I minded.

If anything, I was more than happy to indulge her. Moments like this… they mattered.

Watching her reminded me almost perfectly of Wiene’s first time on the surface. The same wonder. The same innocence.

They were definitely going to get along.

Both of them were just… too pure for this world.

I also learned that while I had been away, Rem had already taught Marie how to properly use the Shroud. She had even gone as far as helping her absorb and recreate her clothes with it, making them far more comfortable.

Which was a relief.

The last thing I needed was for Marie to suddenly decide her clothes were too itchy and remove them in the middle of a crowded street.

After praising Rem for her foresight, we continued our little tour, picking up snacks along the way whenever Marie’s curiosity got the better of her, which was often.

Eventually, we started heading home, and I made sure to take the most direct route possible.

I really didn’t want to run into Syr.

I was already in enough trouble as it was. Adding her into the mix would only make things… significantly worse.

Unfortunately, luck wasn’t on my side today.

Walking straight toward us, as if summoned by my own thoughts, was none other than Syr herself, accompanied by Ryuu, both carrying bags of groceries.

…Of course.

Keeping my expression calm, I watched as Syr’s gaze immediately locked onto me with terrifying precision.

Then she smiled.

And picked up her pace.

Ryuu, caught off guard, hurried after her as the two of them closed the distance between us, until we finally met in the middle of the street.

“Reinhard-kun~ I didn’t see you this morning. Were you trying to avoid me?~”

Syr casually set the grocery bags down before launching herself into my arms, giggling happily as she looked up at me.

I sent Ryuu a polite smile as she caught up, receiving one in return, while ignoring Rem’s quiet grumble and Marie’s curious gaze.

Right now, I had bigger problems.

“Hello, Syr. And you as well, Ryuu,” I greeted with a calm smile, returning Syr’s hug causing her to giggle happily and hug me tighter. “And of course not. I simply had something important to take care of this morning, so we headed into the Dungeon earlier than usual.”

“Hmm~ That sounds like an excuse to me~”

Syr tilted her head thoughtfully… then blinked.

Before I could react, she leaned closer, right into my chest, and sniffed.

Once.

Twice.

Several times.

I froze.

After a few seconds, she pulled back.

The playfulness in her eyes was gone.

In its place was something calm… and quietly terrifying.

“This ‘important thing’ didn’t happen to involve a bunch of Amazons, did it?” she asked sweetly.

Internally, I panicked.

Externally, I remained perfectly still thankfully.

“…Amazons?” Ryuu murmured, glancing between us in confusion.

Beside me, Rem and Marie also turned my way. A moment later, Rem’s eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at me expectantly.

‘What is this… some kind of sixth sense? The dreaded women’s intuition?’

Syr lightly poked my chest, her smile never wavering.

“Well, Reinhard-kun? I’m waiting~”

“I want to hear too, Reinhard-kun,” Rem added, a small frown forming.

…There was no way out of this.

Especially not with Rem able to tell if I lied due to our connection with the Shroud.

Letting out a quiet sigh, I gave in.

“I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it,” I began calmly, “but while I was killing monsters on my own, I was attacked by a group of Amazons.”

The reaction was immediate.

Syr, Rem, and even Ryuu all sharpened, their expressions darkening.

‘Please don’t do anything drastic, Syr…’

For a brief—very brief—moment, something murderous flashed across Syr’s face.

Then it vanished as if I had imagined it.

“Haah… I had a feeling some vultures would get bold eventually, with how famous you’ve become lately,” she pouted, returning to her usual demeanor as she finally let go of me and crossed her arms over her ample chest.

“Are you alright, Reinhard?” Ryuu asked, stepping closer as she carefully inspected me for injuries.

“Tsk. I’m never leaving you alone again,” Rem muttered, crossing her arms.

And then—

“Are Amazons bad, Reinhard?”

Marie’s innocent voice cut through everything.

That was the moment Syr and Ryuu finally noticed her.

Both blinked.

“It’s okay, everyone. Really.” I reassured them with a calm smile. “They didn’t manage to hurt me at all.”

I raised my arms slightly, gesturing to my spotless appearance.

That seemed to do the trick, Ryuu and Marie both visibly relaxed.

“And no, Amazons aren’t bad, Marie,” I added, turning to her. “They’re just… very passionate.”

Marie nodded slowly, clearly trying to process that.

Then I paused, realizing something.

“Ah, right. My apologies. I haven’t introduced her yet.”

I gently patted Marie on the head, earning a soft giggle from her as she leaned into my hand.

“Ryuu, Syr, this is Marie. She’ll be a future member of the Hestia Familia from today forward.”

“Hello everyone~ N-Nice to meet you~” Marie said, waving shyly, her earlier nervousness still lingering at meeting other’s that weren’t her kin, but bolstered by mine and Rem’s presence.

“Greetings, Marie-san. You’re in good hands,” Ryuu replied with a calm nod.

“Ara ara~ Your Familia certainly keeps gathering cute girls, doesn’t it, Reinhard-kun?” Syr said, covering her mouth lightly as she studied Marie with mild curiosity, and just a hint of jealousy.

“You’re quite lucky, Marie-san. Reinhard-kun’s Familia doesn’t accept just anyone, so you must be something special~”

“Hihihi, I already know Reinhard is the best~”

Marie beamed and wrapped her arms around me in a hug, prompting slight reactions from both Syr and Ryuu, but neither commented, likely choosing to attribute it to her innocent nature.

“Anyway,” Syr continued, shifting her attention back to me, “please be careful from now on, Reinhard-kun. I only know a few goddesses with multiple Amazons in their Familia… and none of them have a good reputation.”

“Thank you for the warning, Syr. I’ll keep it in mind,” I replied with a small nod. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we should be heading home. It’s been a long day, and I’d like to get some rest. I’ll visit the Hostess again soon.”

“Mou, you’re already leaving?” Syr pouted cutely, only to smile again as she stepped forward and hugged me once more before pulling back with a faint blush. “Alright, we won’t keep you. But next time you go to the Dungeon early, let me know, okay? I want to prepare your bento~”

“Syr was pouting all morning when you didn’t show up,” Ryuu added plainly.

“R-Ryuu! You weren’t supposed to tell him that!” Syr protested, face turning bright red as she covered it with her hands.

I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Very well. Since you’re putting in that much effort, it would be rude of me not to accept.”

That only made her blush deepen.

“Hmph. Rem’s bentos are better than that amateur’s,” Rem muttered under her breath.

Syr didn’t respond, but I did notice her fingers twitch slightly.

…Noted.

“We really must be going now. Please excuse us.”

I placed a hand on both Rem and Marie’s backs, gently guiding them away before things could escalate.

“Take care, Reinhard. Rem-san, Marie-san,” Ryuu said with a polite nod, stepping aside.

“Bye, Reinhard-kun~ Don’t forget your promise!” Syr waved cheerfully, all embarrassment gone in an instant.

We walked away.

And just before we turned the corner…

I missed it.

The moment her smile vanished and was replaced with an expression carved from stone.

=====

Feeling mentally exhausted after the long day I’d had, I felt a wave of relief when the gates of the Hearth Mansion finally came into view.

We barely made it a few steps past the gates before the front doors burst open—

—and a blue blur shot straight toward me.

Already expecting it, I smiled and subtly guided Rem and Marie a step behind me before catching Wiene mid-charge, hands steady just below her arms as she collided into me.

“Reeeinnn~ I missed you!”

Wiene happily buried her face into my neck, nuzzling against me as I gently patted her back.

“I missed you too, Wiene,” I murmured, smiling softly before setting her back down.

She beamed up at me—

Then blinked.

Her gaze shifted to Marie, who was tilting her head curiously right back at her.

For a brief moment, the two simply stared at each other.

…Yeah, they were definitely going to get along.

I was just about to introduce them, but stopped when heard footsteps approaching us.

Looking up, I saw Artemis and Hestia approaching.

Both of them were frowning.

That alone was enough to set off alarms in my mind.

Strangely, it wasn’t Hestia who reached me first.

It was Artemis.

She stepped forward and pulled me into a firm hug.

“Reinhard… we’ve got trouble,” she whispered against my chest.

I froze for a fraction of a second before returning the embrace.

“…What is it?” I asked quietly, pulling back just enough to meet her gaze.

Her aqua eyes were filled with concern.

“Emma and some of the girls haven’t come back yet,” Artemis said softly. “And they didn’t go to the Dungeon today.”

My eyes widened slightly.

Emma… missing?

That didn’t make sense.

She might be energetic—chaotic, even—but she was surprisingly a responsible girl.

Reliable.

Which meant—

‘…Her sister.’

The thought came immediately.

And with it…

A bad feeling settled in my chest.