Danmachi: The Focalors Familia Starting from the Dungeon

Though Robin and Tifa never mentioned it, Aiden knew deep down they probably wanted to go home. They didn’t bring it up because they were kind and knew it wasn’t easy—at least not yet.

Fortunately, the system had informed them that time in their original worlds was static relative to this one. They didn’t have to worry about returning to a world where everyone they knew was gone. This was the main reason they could stay here with peace of mind.

If time was frozen, then having a fantasy adventure and saving a world along the way wasn’t a bad choice. As for Aiden, he wasn’t in a rush. If the system wouldn’t help him, he’d work for it himself. He’d get strong enough to break the walls between worlds. Maybe one day, they could even travel to different worlds together like a proper Astral Express Crew.

As they chatted and gathered fruit, a distinct splash of water echoed from a nearby thicket. Their conversation stopped instantly. They shared a silent, knowing look. Robin took the fruit from Aiden’s hands while Aiden’s hand dropped naturally to the hilt of his Fire Spirit Sword II.

Even if this was a safe floor, threats existed. Monsters that wandered in from other levels were often more crazed. And in the Dungeon, sometimes adventurers were more dangerous than monsters.

Especially for Robin. Her skill, [Tonal Resonance], was too high-profile. Since her title, Saint of Battle Rhythm, was announced, eyes had been on her. The Focalors Familia had already faced several ambushes from ”out-of-towners” trying to kidnap her—the ”human cheat code” who could boost experience gain.

Aiden signaled Robin to stay back. He moved like a ghost, silently creeping toward the sound. He peeled back a large fern leaf, and the sight before him made him freeze.

It was a crystal-clear stream. And in the stream was an elf.

She was completely unclothed, her snow-white skin glowing under the dappled sunlight. Her slender yet toned back was turned toward Aiden. She was bathing. She cupped the water in her hands, carefully washing her long, silky hair.

Aiden blinked, making sure he wasn’t seeing things. Someone was definitely bathing here.

See no evil, see no evil... Aiden thought, preparing to back away quietly.

”Who’s there!”

A sharp, cold shout rang out. A silver light sliced through the air—a blade flying straight toward Robin’s head as she peeked out from behind Aiden.

Aiden’s expression shifted. Before his mind could register it, his body reacted. He reached out and caught the flying kodachi by the blade. The sharp edge sliced into his palm, blood dripping onto the grass.

”Ah!” Robin gasped, dropping the fruit.

The elf in the stream had one hand covering her chest and the other still in a throwing pose, her eyes cold and murderous. But when she saw who it was, her killing intent vanished, replaced by shock.

”Mr. Aiden? Miss Robin?”

”Don’t look! Turn around!” Robin reacted faster than anyone, grabbing the stunned Aiden and forcing him to face the other way.

She quickly pulled a healing spray from her pouch. The cooling mist hit Aiden’s hand, and the deep cut healed before their eyes, leaving only a few red smudges.

The elf took the chance to scramble out and dress in record time.

”Miss Ryuu, what are you doing here?” Robin asked, looking at the elf who had finished dressing.

It was Ryuu Lion, the ”ice beauty” waitress from the Hostess of Fertility. Her dark green hair was still damp, giving her a rare, soft appearance.

”I apologize... I almost...” Ryuu didn’t answer directly, her face full of guilt. If Aiden hadn’t been incredibly fast, Robin would have been dead.

”It’s okay. We surprised you while you were bathing, so that reaction is normal,” Robin said kindly. She wasn’t one to hold a grudge, especially with a friend. She glanced at Aiden, who was trying his best to look invisible. Her lips curled into a tiny, knowing smirk. Her Captain had seen quite a bit. A little cut was just the ”ticket price.”

”You’ve arrived already?” Ryuu’s voice was cool again. She took her kodachi back from Aiden, washed his blood off in the stream, and sheathed it. ”Mr. Aiden is already Level 3... so fast. I thought more time had passed.”

”The scenery is beautiful here, isn’t it? Many adventurers like to camp here.” She spoke as if nothing had happened.

”It is,” Robin nodded. ”We’d love to stay for a few days. Did you come here for a specific reason, Miss Ryuu?”

Aiden spoke up tentatively. Ryuu nodded slightly. ”Yes. I have some personal business.”

But Robin noticed that Ryuu’s pointed ears were tinged with a very cute shade of pink. The elf was nowhere near as calm as she looked.

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