Danmachi: silver lining

Darkness enveloped Asriel's vision, an abyss of shadows so thick and oppressive that he couldn't move. His limbs felt leaden, his body frozen within the suffocating blackness. Suddenly, a tiny spark flickered through the void, a fragile ember struggling to stay alive. It grew larger, its heat reaching out to Asriel, initially offering a comforting warmth. However, the flame didn't stop growing. In an instant, it transformed into a wrathful inferno, spreading with a relentless hunger.

The inferno surrounded Asriel, forming a blazing ring of fire. The searing heat began to ease as the flames revealed the tips of buildings, then the entire Lion Kingdom, consumed by flames, its majesty reduced to a burning ruin. Asriel's heart raced as he took in the devastation. Amidst the chaos, he looked down to find his sister in his arms, her life slipping away with every agonizing breath. Despair overwhelmed him, his heart breaking as he felt emotions he had long suppressed surging to the surface.

With a gasp, Asriel awoke, drenched in sweat and trembling. The nightmare had faded, but the memory of the day he lost everything lingered, searing into his soul. "Another nightmare," Asriel whispered to himself. He lay back on the old couch he slept on, his eyes fixed on the cracked ceiling of the abandoned church basement. The remnants of his dream weighed heavily on his mind.

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After bathing and washing his clothes in the forest water, Asriel groggily said his good mornings to Artemis and Hestia as they woke. "Good morning, Asriel. You're up early," Artemis said.

"Yeah, I had a nightmare and couldn't sleep much last night," Asriel replied.

"Oh, you were having nightmares?" Hestia asked.

Asriel nodded. "I have nightmares from time to time."

"Are you okay?" Artemis asked, concerned about the nightmares. She moved closer to Asriel and touched his hand gently.

"Yes, I've gotten used to them," Asriel said, offering a small smile.

"Oh, I see. Well, is there anywhere you need to be?" Artemis asked as she walked back to Hestia, who was getting out there work uniforms.

"I can't go to the dungeon until tomorrow…" Asriel started, then suddenly remembered his plans. "Oh, I almost forgot! I need to meet someone," he said, jumping up quickly.

"Take care, Asriel," Hestia said with a smile.

"Thanks, I will," Asriel replied, feeling a rush of energy as he prepared to meet Rose.

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Rose waited in front of the western entrance of Babel, her golden eyes scanning the crowd for the silver kitten. She wore a chic black and white outfit, complete with a ruffled top, thigh-high stockings, and a pleated. Her appearance was a striking blend of elegance and allure, catching the eye of passersby.

Asriel hurried over, slightly out of breath. "Oh, ms.Rose, sorry I'm late," he panted, his gaze immediately drawn to her.

"You're not late at all; you're just in time," Rose replied, her werewolf tail swayed slightly. Asriel took a moment to fully appreciate her appearance, stunned by how beautiful she looked. Her outfit highlighted her slender figure, and the way the skirt swayed with her werewolf tail as she moved added a graceful charm to her demeanor.

His admiring stare did not go unnoticed. "Do you like what you see?" Rose teased, a playful glint in her eyes. "I thought I'd wear something different since it's my day off."

"You look younger somehow," Asriel blurted out.

Rose smiled, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "I'm still 28," she said, stepping closer to him. She reached out, grabbing his hand and pulling him into a warm embrace, pressing him against her chest. "But thank you for the compliment."

Asriel felt his heart race, his face heating up from the close contact. The softness of her touch and the scent of her perfume made his head spin slightly. He could feel the steady beat of her heart through the thin fabric of her blouse, a rhythm that seemed to calm his nerves.

"Well then," Rose said, pulling back slightly but still holding his head, "let's get going."

They headed towards Babel Tower, a sense of excitement mingling with Asriel's confusion. "Um, Rose, are you sure we can go to Babel Tower? Isn't it a bit too expensive for me?" he asked, casting a hesitant glance at the towering structure.

"How much do you have?" Rose inquired.

"About 35k valis," Asriel replied.

"Yeah, that should be good enough for where we're going. Just follow me," she said confidently, striding ahead.

Asriel, still puzzled but trusting Rose, followed her to a magically powered elevator that whisked them up to the 8th floor of Babel. "Lady Hephaestus rents out floors four to eight for all of her smiths. Floor 8 is for newer smiths. The prices are low so new smiths can sell their weapons and armor and have their work evaluated," Rose explained as they ascended.

Unlike the pristine, expensive stores they passed on floor four, the 8th floor had a more rugged charm. Dozens of lower-level smiths displayed their wares, each eager to make a sale. The air was filled with the clang of metal and the hum of conversation. "I had no idea all these shops were up here, Rose," Asriel remarked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

As they wandered through the bustling floor, Asriel spotted a dingy shop with unsold, cheap equipment. Intrigued, he stepped inside. he noticed two people talking to the clerk. One of them smelled distinctly like a deity. She had crimson eyes, fiery red hair that reached her neck, a sharp face, and a slender body. An eyepatch covered her right eye, but it did not reduce how strikingly beautiful she looked. The other woman had mocha skin, long black hair, red eyes, and an eyepatch covering her left eye.

"Ms. Rose, I'm going to check in the back," Asriel said eagerly, feeling a pull towards the hidden treasures that might lie there.

"Okay, I'll wait here," Rose replied, her eyes following him with a hint of amusement.

As Asriel moved to the back of the shop, the two women who had finished talking to the clerk turned their attention to him. Unbeknownst to him, their eyes followed his every move with keen interest.

In the back, Asriel began testing various weapons: axes, swords, daggers, knives, and more. Each time he picked up a new weapon, he instinctively adjusted his stance and changed his style to match the weapon's unique characteristics. With each one, he practiced his moves for a minute, showcasing a fluidity and precision that spoke of deep expertise.

The blacksmith goddess and the top blacksmith in orario observed with growing curiosity and admiration. They could easily distinguish between novices and experts based on how they handled their weapons, and Asriel's performance left no doubt. Despite his seemingly unassuming appearance, he demonstrated advanced skills and techniques that might even surpass those of first-class adventurers from top familias.

Every piece of weaponry in his hands was displayed with remarkable skill. As he swung a sword, his movements were precise and controlled, each strike carrying power and accuracy. When he tested a pair of daggers, his agility and speed were evident, his strikes quick and deadly. Even with heavier weapons like axes, he moved with surprising ease, his strength and technique perfectly balanced.

The blacksmith goddess and her companion exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and intrigue. It was clear that Asriel was no ordinary adventurer. His ability to adapt to different weapons and his mastery over each one hinted at a background of intense training and experience.

As Asriel continued his practice, lost in the rhythm of his movements, he remained unaware of the silent appraisal from the two women. To them, he was an enigma, a warrior whose skills belied his humble demeanor.

Asriel's eyes glowed with intensity as he examined each weapon for strength and durability, his Aether Eyes ability allowing him to scrutinize the iron and craftsmanship with unparalleled precision. His keen senses and practiced hands quickly discerned the quality of each piece. He moved from one weapon to the next, assessing their balance, weight, and sharpness with the expertise of a seasoned warrior and expert blacksmith.

"Boy, have you decided what you want?" The store clerk suddenly popped up from an aisle, maneuvering around the two astonished blacksmiths. He grunted in disapproval when he saw the mess of weapons haphazardly scattered across the floor.

Asriel finished a precise swing with a short dagger and looked up with a sheepish smile. "Hehe, yes, I found some equipment I want."

The clerk grunted again, eyeing the disarray. "You're cleaning this mess. Ring me up at the desk when you're done," he said curtly, then turned and left.

Asriel quickly began to organize the weapons, placing them back in their designated spots with care. The blacksmith goddess and her companion continued to watch, their interest piqued by his meticulousness and skill.

After cleaning up the mess he made, Asriel selected a spear, four dull but durable daggers, and a half plate armor. As he turned around, he bumped into someone. "Ah, sorry for crashing into you," Asriel apologized, looking up.

"Oh no, it's my fault," the red-haired woman said. Asriel was momentarily mesmerized by her beauty, unable to look away.

Rose, hearing Asriel's voice, approached and recognized the woman. "Oh, goddess Hephaestus," she said respectfully.

Asriel's eyes widened in surprise. "Goddess… Hephaestus?" He was taken aback by the smile on the redhead's face. "I am sorry?"

"Yep, that's me. Are you disappointed?" Hephaestus asked with a playful grin.

"No, not at all. I am just surprised. I thought a smithing goddess would have huge muscles like Mamma Mia." Asriel pictured a giant dwarf in his head hammering a weapon at a forge. "I thought you might be a goddess of beauty."

Hephaestus blushed slightly before replying, "Thank you for the compliment, but I am indeed the smithing goddess Hephaestus."

"My bad," Asriel said, feeling a bit awkward. "Excuse me," he added, intending to walk to the counter.

"Wait, I wanted to ask you some questions," Hephaestus said, stopping him in his tracks.

Asriel turned back, intrigued and slightly nervous. "Sure, what do you want to ask?"

"I see that you have some dull daggers with you," Hephaestus said, her gaze sharp and curious. "Having trouble choosing a weapon?"

"A bit," Asriel admitted. "I can't afford to spend too much, so I chose some dull daggers."

"Why?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I have a sort of power that lets me sharpen my weapons, add more strength to them, more power," Asriel explained. "So I chose dull weapons for now."

"I see," Hephaestus said thoughtfully. "Someone of your skill doesn't have a blacksmith to craft his weapons?"

"I'm only level one," Asriel replied gloomily.

"Bullsh—" coughed the mocha-skinned woman beside Hephaestus, cutting herself off.

Hephaestus shot her a side-glare, which effectively shut her up. "That's interesting," she said, turning back to Asriel. "Would you be interested in getting one of my blacksmiths to be your personal smith?", Hephaestus wanted to give asriel to one of her blacksmith that has been having trouble.

"It's a tempting offer," Asriel said, hesitating slightly. "But I'm actually a blacksmith myself."

Hephaestus' eyes widened in surprise. "A blacksmith, you say? Now that's intriguing. I'd love to see your work sometime."

"I was actually planning on renewing these," Asriel said, pulling out his six rusty daggers.

Hephaestus examined the daggers closely. There was something about them, a subtle power that seemed to be connected with Asriel. The craftsmanship, though aged and worn, hinted at potential.

"Huh, I see," Hephaestus mused, her interest clearly piqued. "Why don't you stop by my shop sometime? I could lend you some help and materials."

Asriel's eyes lit up with gratitude and excitement. "Thank you, Goddess Hephaestus. That would be amazing."

"Consider it an investment in a promising talent," she replied with a smile. "I look forward to seeing what you can do."

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"10,000 for the armor, another 10,000 for the spear, and 1,500 for each dagger," the clerk stated, his eyes fixed on Asriel.

"10,000 for the armor, 5,000 for the spear, and 1,000 for each dagger," Asriel countered, meeting the clerk's gaze with determination.

The clerk shook his head, unimpressed. "10,000 for the armor, 9,000 for the spear, and 1,400 for each dagger. Final offer."

Asriel furrowed his brow, considering his next move. "Alright, how about 10,000 for the armor, 7,500 for the spear, and 1,200 for each dagger?"

The clerk paused, weighing the offer. "10,000 for the armor, 8,500 for the spear, and 1,300 for each dagger."

Asriel sighed, sensing a middle ground. "Deal. 10,000 for the armor, 8,500 for the spear, and 1,300 for each dagger."

The clerk nodded, satisfied. "Done. You've got yourself a deal, kid."

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After paying for his new gear, Asriel and Rose stepped outside the bustling Babel Tower. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden hue over the city of Orario. The streets were still lively, with vendors calling out to potential customers and adventurers recounting their latest exploits. The air was filled with a mix of tantalizing aromas from various food stalls and the distant sounds of street performers entertaining passersby.

"Thank you for your help, Ms. Rose," Asriel said, genuinely grateful.

"It was nothing," Rose replied with a smile. "When are you going back to the dungeon?"

"Tomorrow," Asriel answered.

Rose took a moment, her eyes reflecting the fading sunlight. "Can you walk with me to my apartment?" she asked softly.

Asriel was a bit taken aback by her request but nodded. "Yes, I can take you."

They headed towards the Northern District of Orario. The walk was a peaceful silence, filled with the sounds of the city winding down for the night. The streets of the Northern District were lined with quaint shops and cozy inns, their windows glowing with warm light. Magic Lanterns hanging from posts cast gentle pools of illumination on the cobblestone paths, and the occasional laughter of children playing could be heard in the distance.

"I've seen a lot of adventurers come and go," Rose said, breaking the silence as they walked. "Some don't come back."

Her voice was tinged with a hint of sadness. "It was my primary reason I had never returned to the role of an Advisor," she continued. "The constant wondering if they had returned safely, retired, or left the city altogether, was too much to bear."

They stopped in front of a charming apartment building, its stone façade covered in ivy. Rose turned to Asriel, her golden eyes meeting his shades of blue. She blushed slightly. "Asriel, I'd like you to come back to me every time you return from the dungeon," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Asriel felt his face heat up a tiny bit. He nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "I promise, I'll come back to you," he said sincerely.

Rose's blush deepened, and she smiled warmly. "Thank you, Asriel. That means a lot to me."

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After parting ways with Rose, Asriel made his way back to his familia's home. As he walked, his mind drifted back to the nightmare that had haunted his sleep. The emotions he had long tried to suppress were bubbling up, the fear of losing those he cared about weighing heavily on his heart.

Entering the creaky door of the church, Asriel muttered to himself, "I really need to do something about our living conditions."

He descended the stairs to the basement, where Artemis and Hestia were sitting. "Hello, Lady Artemis, Lady Hestia," Asriel greeted them.

"Hello, Asriel," Artemis began, but then she paused, studying his face. "Are you alright, Asriel?"

"Um, yes?" Asriel replied, trying to muster a convincing smile.

"You don't look okay. You seem sad. Did something happen?" Hestia asked, her eyes full of concern.

Asriel's feelings about the nightmares were showing despite his efforts to hide them. "Oh, no, nothing happened," he said, trying to sound casual.

Artemis and Hestia exchanged a knowing glance before turning back to him. In unison, they said, "You can't lie to a diety."

Asriel sighed deeply, the weight of the truth pressing down on him. "Fine, it's the nightmare," he admitted, his voice tinged with fatigue.

Artemis' expression softened, but her concern remained evident. "Asriel, you said you were fine."

"I am fine," Asriel insisted, though his voice wavered slightly. "It's just that the nightmare got to me a little bit, but I can assure you, I'm fine." He tried to muster a reassuring smile.

Artemis sighed, her concern evident but accepting his words for now. "Okay then, if you're sure."

They went to sleep, each settling into their respective spaces in the humble confines of the abandoned church basement.

(Author note)

It was short but not rushed

I hope you liked it.

Check out my new stories that I have been working on.

The chapter won't be set to be every week anymore but I'll try to keep a constant updates on the stories.