The dim glow of dungeon moss cast flickering shadows along the stone corridors of the fifth floor. Felis and Narissa walked in steady rhythm, their return from the deeper floors nearly complete. The day had been grueling—ten straight hours of combat, training, and measured progress. Narissa was still learning, still adapting to her new magic.
That was why when the fanged rat emerged from the darkness ahead, they both noticed something was off.
It was large. Much larger than normal—easily the size of a wolf. Its red eyes gleamed with something beyond mere animalistic hunger, and as it bared its yellowed fangs, its thick muscles rippled beneath matted fur. Felis' golden eyes sharpened, his ears flicking slightly as his tail stilled.
'A variant?'
Before he could voice the thought, the creature threw its head back and let out an ear-piercing screech.
Narissa flinched, her violet eyes widening at the sheer volume. The sound bounced off the dungeon walls, reverberating down the corridors like an unnatural alarm. For a fraction of a second, confusion flickered across her face.
Then Felis' urgent voice cut through the ringing in her ears.
"Shield!"
Narissa didn't hesitate. Her lips moved automatically, the words coming as naturally as breath.
"O light that never wavers, bearer of hope and guardian of bonds—
In your radiance, let shields rise, let blades strike, let hearts mend!
By the ties that bind, by the love that endures—
Shine forth, Lux Aeternum!"
A warm glow burst to life around them just as a swarm of fanged rats lunged from the shadows.
The shield formed in an instant—golden, translucent, pulsing with energy. The first wave of rats slammed into it, their claws scraping uselessly against the surface. Fangs snapped in vain as the magic absorbed every impact, nullifying the force entirely. The light shimmered with each collision, yet held steady, absorbing blow after blow as more bodies crashed against it.
Narissa's breath came fast, her heart hammering. Twenty. There were at least twenty rats. If they hadn't reacted in time…
She swallowed hard, forcing herself to focus. The weight of the shield pressed against her mind like an unspoken burden, but she could hold it. She would hold it.
Beside her, Felis shifted his stance, his sword gleaming in the dungeon's eerie light.
"Good timing," he murmured, eyes locked on the creatures beyond the barrier. His tail flicked, his stance coiled like a spring. "Now… let's clean this up."
Narissa exhaled, steadying herself. The battle had just begun.
Felis moved like a shadow through the swarm, his blade a glinting arc of silver. The fanged rats barely had time to react before their limbs were severed with precise, effortless strikes. Crippled, they writhed and snapped their jaws, their movements reduced to weak spasms on the dungeon floor.
With one final step, Felis appeared before the oversized rat that had screeched earlier. Its beady red eyes flicked to him, its muscles tensing—but before it could react, his sword carved through its neck in a clean, decisive stroke. The creature collapsed instantly, its head rolling to the side before its body flickered into black ash.
He exhaled slowly, golden eyes narrowing as he surveyed the battlefield. 'So it really was the one calling them.' Though he didn't know the exact nature of its ability, it was clear from their brief encounter that this larger fanged rat had been the source of the swarm. But now, it was nothing more than dust.
Behind him, Narissa took a steadying breath and raised her hand. The shimmering golden shield surrounding them pulsed once before shifting—light condensing and reshaping into sharp, radiant blades. With a flick of her wrist, lances of light shot forward, skewering the crippled fanged rats. One by one, they burst into black dust, unable to resist in their weakened state.
The air finally stilled.
Narissa lowered her hand, her violet eyes flicking toward Felis. "Need a heal?" she asked, voice casual.
Felis gave her an amused look, rolling his shoulders. "Me? Against that?" He gestured at the pile of dissolving ash.
Narissa stared at him for a moment, then shrugged. "Yeah… I forgot you're as resilient as a cockroach."
Felis placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. "Uwah, that's how you talk to your leader?"
"Yeah. A leader with just one member."
"It's still a leader, though."
She sighed, shaking her head as she dispelled her magic. "Sure, sure."
Felis grinned, sheathing his sword. "Come on. Let's get out of here before the dungeon decides to throw something we actually need healing for."
With that, they resumed their trek upward, the faint echoes of the battle fading behind them.
---
Guild Headquarters – Orario
The moment the news broke, murmurs swept through the halls of the Guild. A single sheet of parchment, pinned to the announcement board, carried a name that sent shockwaves through Orario's divine and mortal circles alike.
Felis Veltheris – Hestia Familia – Rank Up to Level 2 in 43 days
---
The Hostess of Fertility was alive with its usual evening crowd—adventurers laughing, boasting, and drinking away the fatigue of another day in the dungeon. The scent of ale and roasted meat thickened the air, while the sound of clinking mugs and raucous banter filled the space.
At a corner table, a group of mid-level adventurers leaned in close, their voices hushed despite the lively atmosphere.
"Oi, did you hear the news from the Guild? Some no-name adventurer shot up to Level 2 in just 43 days!"
"Hah! That's a load of bull. Nobody gets that strong that fast."
"No, it's real! Felis Veltheris, Hestia Familia. The Guild even put up his damn picture."
The table fell silent for a moment, mugs halfway to lips.
"Hestia Familia? Who the hell is that?" a burly adventurer scoffed, slamming his tankard onto the wooden counter. The entire tavern had erupted into speculation the moment someone read the posted Guild notice aloud.
"I thought it was a mistake at first," a lanky rogue chimed in, idly tossing a dagger between his fingers. "Never heard of the guy. No big conquests, no duels, no major expedition feats."
Then, a gruff voice cut in. "Ironbark Familia."
The table went still. A scarred dwarf nursed his mug, smirking at their puzzled looks. "Ironbark lads were ranting weeks ago 'bout seein' some nutter go toe-to-toe with a Goliath they ain't never seen before. Back then, we laughed, same as now. 'Drunken tales,' we said. But the adventurer they described… feline ears, black hair, golden eyes."
"Of course we thought it was drunken tales! When adventurers get drunk, half of 'em claim they soloed a dragon!"
A chair scraped against the floor as another shifted uncomfortably. "Wait, wait. That doesn't make sense. If he fought a Goliath alone, he shoulda died! How the hell did he survive?"
"Healing magic." The dwarf tapped the parchment the Guild had posted earlier. "That's what's written right here. Says he's got some kind of healing spell, Aqua-somethin'."
More silence. Then a nervous chuckle. "So you're telling me this guy can fight like a beast and patch himself up like a damn cleric?"
Someone exhaled sharply. "If that's true… he's a freakin' monster. It's so unfair."
"What the hell are you talking about? Fairness against monsters?"
"I'm talking about us! We need to set aside money to buy potions, but he doesn't need to, you dimwit!"
"What? You want a go?! Let me fix you up so maybe you'll get a healing skill after that!"
"Come on, bastard! I'll hit you so hard you might awaken a regeneration ability!"
Of course, the fight never happened.
No adventurer was insane enough to start brawling in the Hostess of Fertility—not under Mama Mia's watchful gaze from the counter.
---
Syr, wiping down a mug, let out a soft chuckle. "They're getting all worked up again," she mused, glancing toward the rowdy table.
Ryuu, standing beside her, barely spared them a glance. "It was inevitable. News like this spreads fast."
Syr propped her chin on her palm, eyes twinkling with amusement. "A no-name adventurer suddenly shooting up the ranks… It's not every day you hear a story like that."
Ryuu's sharp blue eyes flickered toward the posted parchment behind the counter. "Felis Veltheris… If the reports are true, he isn't just fast—he's exceptional."
Syr hummed thoughtfully. "And dangerous?"
Ryuu set down a tray with practiced ease. "That depends. Strength alone doesn't make someone dangerous. But if he's really as strong as they say, there are plenty who will want to test him."
"Maybe I'll have to invite him over sometime," Syr mused, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Who knows? He might have a weakness for charming barmaids."
Ryuu exhaled through her nose, unimpressed. "If you're that curious, why not test his strength yourself?"
Syr giggled. "Oh, but wouldn't that be more your style? I'm not adventurer after all"
Ryuu shot her a flat look. "I don't entertain pointless fights."
Syr tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Oh? And here I thought you'd be the perfect one to see if he's worth all the hype."
Ryuu didn't respond immediately. Her gaze flickered toward the parchment again, a contemplative glint in her eyes. "Strength isn't everything. If he lets it get to his head, it won't matter how fast he leveled up."
Syr hummed. "True~ But that just makes it more interesting, doesn't it?" She leaned against the counter, idly polishing the glass in her hands. "Is he reckless? Arrogant? Or maybe he's just talented enough to break the rules of common sense."
Ryuu shook her head. "Either way, we'll find out soon enough."
Just then, a chair scraped loudly as one of the adventurers stood, throwing an arm around his still-seated friend. "Come on, let's get another round! Maybe if we drink enough, we'll wake up with a cheat skill too!"
Laughter rippled through the tavern, the previous tension forgotten as another night of drinking and stories carried on.
Syr smiled at the lively scene before turning to Ryuu. "Well, if he does show up here one day, I'll be sure to greet him properly."
Ryuu sighed, already predicting the trouble that would bring. "Just don't drag me into it."
Syr only laughed, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
---
Freya leaned forward on her throne, silver eyes gleaming with intrigue as she studied the guild notice. A lone cat-eared adventurer stared back at her from the mageograph, his golden eyes sharp yet unreadable.
"Felis Veltheris…" she murmured, testing the name on her tongue. "A nameless Level One just days ago, now suddenly a Level Two?"
She tilted her head, a smirk playing at her lips. "Interesting… I didn't pay him any mind before, but perhaps I should have."
Ottarl, standing nearby, gave a slight nod but remained silent. Freya's eyes lingered on the image. 'What kind of brilliance lies beneath that exterior?' she mused. She had no attachment to the boy—yet. But perhaps, in time, he would prove himself worthy of her gaze.
---
Dian Cecht scowled as he read the report, tapping his fingers against his desk. "A self-sustaining healing ability?" His voice held a sharp edge.
his most trusted subordinate, frowned as she peered over his shoulder. "Aqua Benedicta… It sounds like an Adventurer's version of [Dia Panacea]."
Dian Cecht clicked his tongue. "That's exactly the problem! If his magic is effective and can be cast quickly, then what's stopping adventurers from relying on him instead of my potions?" He tossed the paper aside in irritation. "I don't care if he's some upstart in Hestia's Familia—he better not get in the way of my business."
she shook her head. "If he's really that good, it might already be too late."
---
The small, candlelit room was filled with murmurs as Takemikazuchi's children gathered around the mageograph, expressions a mix of shock and admiration.
"It's him," Chigusa whispered, her eyes wide. "The one who fought the Goliath variants."
Ouka furrowed his brows, his grip tightening around the paper. "Yeah… We only saw him from a distance, but I remember his face. He fought alone against those monsters and survived."
Mikoto crossed her arms, nodding firmly. "To think he was only Level One back then. That level-up is well deserved."
Takemikazuchi, standing nearby, chuckled. "I should've expected this from someone under Hestia's care." His gaze softened with nostalgia. "That kid… He, Miach, Hestia, and I shared drinks once. I remember telling him to look after my children if they ever crossed paths."
His expression turned more serious. "If he's truly this capable, then I'm glad my words weren't wasted."
Ouka exhaled, his respect evident. "If we meet him again, I'll thank him properly. If not for him, we might've been the ones forced to fight that monster."
Mikoto's eyes flickered with something unreadable. "I… would like to see his strength up close."
Takemikazuchi grinned. "Then let's hope the Fates align."
---
Miach Familia - Miach and Nahza
Miach hummed thoughtfully, holding the guild notice between his fingers. "So that's why he never bought any of my potions."
Nahza let out a short laugh. "You mean all those times he came here just to sell monster drops and left without a single potion? That actually makes sense now."
Miach smiled. "A healing magic that lets him fight without relying on items… That's a rare gift." He placed the paper down and stretched. "Well, that just means he was never in need of my services."
Nahza shook her head. "It's a little frustrating… but also kind of impressive."
---
Loki lounged on her sofa, legs kicked up as she lazily scanned the Guild report. Then she blinked.
"…Wait, what?"
She bolted upright, nearly spilling her drink. "That cat bastard ranked up already?!"
The recent nightmare came rushing back—the week of pure hell where Riveria had locked her in the office, forcing her to drown in paperwork without a single sip of alcohol. All because of one slip of the tongue.
"I don't wanna grow old all alone like Riveria~"
The moment those words had left her mouth, Riveria's wrath had descended. And Loki had suffered.
The second she was free, she had thrown herself into gathering intel. She found out that Felis Veltheris was Hestia's only child—a nobody adventurer who had suddenly skyrocketed to Level 2.
She glanced around, but the manor was eerily quiet. Her children were still away on their expedition.
Loki groaned, rubbing her temples. "Tch… If Ais-tan saw this, she'd storm the Guild to find out how he did it."
Then another thought hit her, and she scowled. "Ugh… Just thinking about my Ais-tan getting close to that loli cow's Familia makes me angry!"
With a huff, she slumped back into the couch and took a long swig of her drink, muttering under her breath.
"Hestia, you little gremlin… what kind of miracle fertilizer did you dump on this kid?"
---
In a dimly lit tavern, Hermes leaned back in his chair, swirling his drink as he lazily skimmed through the Guild report. Then, his eyes sharpened.
"Felis Veltheris?" He muttered the name, a smirk forming.
A lone adventurer from Hestia's Familia, ranking up already? That was fast—too fast. Hermes hadn't even heard of the kid before, yet here he was, making waves.
"Hah~ That loli goddess really pulled a fast one on us," he mused, tipping his hat. "I wonder… what kind of adventurer are you, Felis?"
He set the report down, eyes gleaming with intrigue. This was worth looking into. A dark horse appearing out of nowhere always made things more exciting.
"I think it's time I checked in on Hestia… and her little rising star."