Journey to Planar World

Generally speaking, people tend to feel sluggish after eating. This phenomenon is scientifically known as postprandial somnolence, or food coma, and it’s a normal biological reaction.

That’s exactly what Charlie was feeling right now.

”I don’t want to do anything... I just want to lie here all day...” He muttered to himself, leaning deeper into the tree trunk.

With no urgent tasks at hand, boredom began creeping in. He didn’t know what to do with his free time.

Suddenly, he remembered the goddess who had given him the Falna—Hera.

”How is Goddess Hera doing? It’s been such a long time since I last saw her—maybe over half a year?”

His sense of time was completely distorted. He had repeatedly left this world to fulfill Quests from Gaia and Alaya, experiencing significant time dilation.

To Hera, the moment she granted Charlie the Falna might have only occurred about two months ago. But for Charlie, the time that had passed since receiving the Falna felt more like eight to ten months.

Curious, he decided to check on Hera’s condition.

”Let’s take a look at Goddess Hera’s life.”

He focused his mind and activated his Senrigan. The distinctive black crescent moon pattern appeared in his pupils, ready to pierce through space and time. However, for the first time since gaining this ability, his vision failed to work as intended.

”Huh? It failed?” Charlie murmured in astonishment.

The Senrigan, which should have allowed him to witness any event in the past or present across the entire world—like a giant surveillance camera—had failed for the first time.

After a moment of contemplation, a theory emerged.

”Hmm... I think I know why. Most likely, my Senrigan can’t penetrate the barrier surrounding Olympia. After all, the energy source powering that barrier must be the Heavenly Flame—the power of the True Gods.”

”My Senrigan is based on Eida’s version, an android created by Amado. Before the true power of the gods, this human-made ability appears powerless.”

Of course, this was merely speculation without concrete proof, but Charlie felt it was close to the truth.

”Perhaps only the legendary Senrigan of Otsutsuki Shibai could penetrate the barrier over Olympia.”

This unexpected discovery was a harsh wake-up call. It made him realize that the upper limit of power in this world was far greater than he had imagined.

Until now, he had unconsciously looked down on the world of Danmachi. The strength of adventurers here indeed felt ’underwhelming’ compared to other anime worlds.

No adventurer here possessed mountain-level destructive power—most could barely reach the level of destroying a small town.

Meanwhile, Charlie, by using Spirit Arts to mimic area-of-effect techniques from various powerful characters, had already achieved mountain-level destructive power in a single attack.

Deep down, he hadn’t taken seriously the so-called powerful individuals of this world—Ottar (Level 7), Riveria, Finn, and other Level 6 adventurers.

Could any of them unleash a city-destroying attack in a single strike?

The answer was no.

”The gods are the true upper limit of power in this world. For them, destroying the world might be nothing more than a matter of will. Without realizing it, I’ve become arrogant, huh...”

Charlie acknowledged his arrogance.

”I thought I could do anything in this world because I felt strong—strong enough to fear no one. But if a god were determined enough, even at the risk of being banished back to Heaven, and decided to use their true power against me... it would be too late for regrets.”

This reflection was an unexpected and valuable lesson, sparked merely by his idle desire to check on Hera. His arrogance faded, replaced by newfound respect for the true powers governing this world.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Charlie spent his free time lazily lying on a tree branch. The gentle breeze made him drowsy, but just as he was about to drift into sleep, a rough male voice shattered his drowsiness.

”Finally, we’ve found you, Charlie-dono!”

Charlie frowned, his half-closed eyes snapping fully open. Peering through the leaves, he saw Ouka standing below, her face tense. Behind her, Mikoto, Chigusa, and the other members of the Takemikazuchi Familia gathered, their expressions equally anxious.

With a light, albeit still sluggish movement, Charlie leapt down from the tree, landing silently in front of them.

”Do you need something from me?”

”Charlie-dono, please help us. Hestia-sama has been kidnapped!”

Mikoto cut straight to the point, without hesitation.

”Hah? Seriously? Someone actually dared to kidnap a goddess?”

Charlie thought he must have misheard.

It was almost unthinkable. Gods and goddesses were revered beings, respected by everyone in the Lower World. No matter how evil or depraved a person might become, they would never dare harm a deity. Even Evilus, publicly regarded as the worst of villains, would never lay a hand on a god.

”It’s hard to believe, but it’s true! Apparently, someone bears a grudge against Bell Cranel. They kidnapped Hestia-sama so that Bell would go to a location they’ve set.”

Mikoto briefly explained the cause and effect behind Hestia’s abduction.

Charlie sighed, beginning to grasp the situation. ”I see. They’re using Hestia as bait. So, what do you want from me?”

Ouka stepped forward, her face filled with genuine concern.

”Charlie-dono, we want to help Bell. We suspect this isn’t the work of just one or two individuals. No weak adventurer could easily reach Floor 18. Our strength alone might not be enough. We need your help. With you as... insurance, our chances of success would be much greater.”

The other members of the Takemikazuchi Familia nodded earnestly. Having personally witnessed Charlie’s incredible power, they were confident that as long as he was willing to assist, any enemy standing in Bell’s way could be overcome.

They looked at Charlie with burning hope, waiting for his answer.

”Sure. I’m also curious to see what kind of person dares to kidnap a goddess. How reckless. If the other gods learn that one of their own has been harmed by mortals, they might punish the culprit severely.”

Even as he said this, Charlie inwardly doubted the likelihood.

Based on his understanding of the gods’ mentality—always craving entertainment and excitement—as long as the people of the Lower World didn’t actually injure or kill a god, the deities were surprisingly tolerant. In fact, they might even view such an incident as an entertaining drama to watch.

”Thank you, Charlie-dono!” Mikoto exhaled in relief, her tense shoulders relaxing slightly. ”Then let’s depart immediately. Bell has already gone ahead to the location they specified. We’re worried something terrible might happen to him if he’s alone!”

And so, they hurried toward the location set by the kidnappers for Bell.