GMOD At Danmachi

[System]

"Talking"

*Sound Effect*

--------------

~{GM_Orario}~

After securing most of the money in Paddy's inventory, we made our way through the deserted backstreets, eventually arriving at a seedy pub nestled between crumbling buildings. According to her, this was the place where I could purchase the fake identity card I needed.

Inside, the air was thick with the stench of smoke and stale beer. Lili's so-called "colleagues" were waiting, a motley crew of rough-looking thugs. Most of them sported eyepatches, and scars crisscrossed their faces and arms like badges of dishonor.

Their eyes were always on the bags Lili carried, and it seemed if I were not here being by her side they would rather take the money on Lili's hands by force rather than selling it.

And it is currently what they are doing, and it seems my present being here including the flying robot beside me does not scare them at all.

With a flick of my fingers, I applied just enough force to choke one of them. He clutched his neck, his face turning red before I let him drop to the ground gasping. The others scrambled for the door, tripping over themselves in their haste to escape.

By the time I was done, only one person remained: the beastman selling the identity card.

The beastman straightened his jacket, clearly rattled, but quickly trying to mask it. Across the table, Lili glared at him, the two locked in a tense standoff.

"How much?" Lili demanded, her voice sharp.

The beastman grinned, showing off sharp teeth. "For a fresh identity card? That'll run you a million valis."

"Liar!" Lili shot back, slamming her palm onto the table. "The standard price is 100,000 valis!"

He leaned back in his chair, his tail flicking lazily. "You think it's that simple? My spy risked his life infiltrating to find the perfect fake for you. You're paying for premium quality here. 900,000 valis!"

Right now Lily is negotiating with the person to lower the price, she is talented at negotiation and I can already tell she came prepared with information.

Lili crossed her arms, unshaken by his theatrics. She leaned forward slightly, her tone sharp. "Bah! There's always risk in everything. You can't expect money to flow into your pocket without effort. 850,000 valis!"

The beastman's ears twitched, and he raised a hand, gesturing as if to emphasize his point. "You know how dangerous it is to mess with the guild. Even Loki and Freya think twice about interfering! 840,000 valis!"

"And your specialty is selling fake identity cards," Lili countered smoothly. "That's why I came to you. If you're as good as you claim, 500,000 valis should suffice."

His expression soured. "750,000? I'll go broke at that rate!"

Lili shrugged, her voice calm but firm. "Then we're leaving." She started to rise, signaling the end of the conversation.

"Wait! Stop!" The beastman waved his hands in desperation. "Fine! You drive a hard bargain, little lady. 700,000 valis—no lower. But you'll have to wait until next week for the card to be ready."

Lili smirked, sitting back down. "Fine. We accept the offer. But we're paying half upfront. The other half comes when you deliver the identity card we need."

The beastman sighed, clearly frustrated but knowing he had little choice. "I can work with that. Here, take this as proof." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a card, sliding it across the table.

The beastman sighed, clearly frustrated but resigned. "I can work with that. Here, take this as proof." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a card, sliding it across the table.

I picked it up and examined it carefully. The craftsmanship was solid, but the details were unexpected. It read: Level 3 Archer from the Modi Familia, with a completely unfamiliar name.

I raised an eyebrow, locking eyes with him. "...Not my name?"

He shrugged, his tail flicking in irritation. "There's nothing I can do about that. It's an old identity card from an adventurer who retired from the Modi Familia due to injuries. It's not perfect, but it's the best I can manage with my influence right now."

He gestured for the card back, and I returned it. "As for the name, I've already contacted a friend and negotiated with the Modi Familia to borrow one of their adventurers' identities and have it replaced. The guy in question is currently living outside Orario, so I'll need a bit more time to finalize everything."

Lili frowned, folding her arms tightly. "But I thought you were going to create a new identity for Daniel, not recycle someone else's."

"You must have joking, there is absolutely no way that we can make a new sneak into the guild and make a new identity card without at least fame to be back. And besides the Modi familial is risking his life giving you his identity card, which is why the cost of it is high especially when he is level 3."

Lili grumbled under her breath beside me, clearly displeased but unable to argue further. As for me? It wasn't the perfect deal, but it would have to do for now since I got my identity card it's a win situation for me.

The beastman ignored her muttering and pulled out a piece of paper, sliding it across the table along with a pen. "Anyway, just write down your name here, and we'll finalize the process."

"Sure."

I looked down at the blank paper, hesitating for a moment before deciding on a name. Since it's going to be my identity card I might as well write my own name here.

----

Names: Daniel Robert Hayes

Age: 22

Class: Archer

----

There was also added information of when is my birthday, my blood type, and so much which I wrote as well.

The beastman took the paper, glanced at it, and nodded. "Hm... seems like nothing is wrong. I'll have it processed and contact you once it's ready."

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms. "Just make sure I get the card. If I get caught because of a shoddy card, we'll be having another conversation. One you won't enjoy."

The beastman gulped and offered a nervous chuckle. "I-I understand"

"Good." I pushed the chair back and stood, adjusting my cloak. "I expect results by next week. Don't disappoint me."

Just as I was about to turn for the door, he hesitated, speaking up. "Wait... why do you need a new identity card anyway?"

I stopped mid-step, glancing over my shoulder. "Isn't it the rule of the underworld not to pry into your client's business?"

"Normally, yeah," the beastman admitted, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. "But you're not exactly normal. From your aura alone, you're at least a Level 4. Maybe even Level 5, considering how easily you took down my friend who was around level 3."

Level 3? That guy was Level 3? Seriously? How could someone so weak have a?

I smirked faintly but didn't let him see. "And you'll never know why I need it. Stay curious. Goodbye."

As I stepped out of the dingy pub, the beastman's faint muttering reached my ears.

"...Why did I take this job again?"

I chuckled softly but didn't respond, the sound of our footsteps echoing through the quiet, shadowy streets.

/

Lili had been unusually quiet since we left the pub, her gaze flickering between the bag of money I'd handed her and the ground beneath her feet. Finally, she broke the silence.

"...Lily is fine if the money that was given was not 10% but only 0.5% of it."

I blinked, caught off guard by her words. "Huh? Why?"

I can tell she's been eying the Vallis with greedy fascination ever since I offered her 10% of the loot I sold. So why the hesitation now, when everything's about to be wrapped up?

"Lili never expected to receive this much money," she says, her voice trembling slightly. "And… Lili feels she doesn't deserve such a huge amount."

Ah. That's what it is. She genuinely doesn't believe she's earned this much money.

I sigh and crouch down in front of her, lifting her chin so our eyes meet directly.

"Lili." My tone is firm but not harsh.

Her wide eyes blink up at me, startled as if she doesn't know how to react.

"There's one thing I'll never do," I said, each word deliberate. "I will never break a promise I make." I held her gaze, wanting her to feel the sincerity behind my words. "Understand?"

She hesitates, then nods slightly, her voice barely audible. "Y-Yes, Mister Daniel."

"Good," I said, straightening up. "Then, as promised, the rest of the valis in your hands is now yours."

Her hands tightened around the bag, and she whispered, "T-thanks..."

I raised an eyebrow at her reaction and crossed my arms. "Hm? We're not done yet with your reward, Lili."

She looked up at me, confused. "Eh?"

I smirked. "That's only for the fake identity card expense. Now we're adding the profits from earlier when you sold all the loot. Altogether, you've managed to earn a total of 15 million valis."

Her eyes widened as she stared at me in disbelief, I gessture Paddy to drop in the money and he did drop the rest of the money as a bag in the pouch that was so huge that it was similar to the bags Lili carries right now.

She stares at the bag of money beside me "1-15 m-million v-valis?!"

"Yes," I reply, raising an eyebrow. "Is there something wrong?"

"Of course, it's wrong!" she exclaims, her voice cracking. "There's no way 10% is 15 million valis!"

"I see..." I mutter, turning to Paddy. "Say, Paddy, how much is 80 million vallis when it's cut by 10%?"

"...It's 15 million valis," Paddy replies confidently.

I pause, staring at him before glancing back at Lili who looks at us in disbelief. "...And there you have it. Looks like there's nothing wrong with the calculation," I mutter sarcastically, shaking my head. "Like geez how can you not count Lili."

Before I can say anything else, Lili suddenly steps back, and unexpectedly she pulls out a red dagger tightly and points at me. Her glare could probably cut as sharply as the blade she holds.

"What is it that you adventurers want?!" she shouts, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and defiance. "Why are you giving Lili such a huge amount of money? Lili has nothing to offer… other than her body!"

Whoa... okay... That escalated quickly, the amount of distrust that she is facing now to reject free money now that's a first.

Honestly, I get where she's coming from. If someone handed me an astronomical sum out of nowhere, I'd be suspicious too.

"Your body?" I echo, raising an eyebrow. A dry chuckle escapes my lips. "Don't make me laugh."

Lili flinches at my response, and I quickly continue before she gets the wrong idea.

"Relax," I say, my voice softer but firm. "You're so small and petite—it's not even remotely appealing to me."

Her face flashes with anger. "Then tell me, what's your reason!" she snaps, her voice sharp.

I let out a slow sigh, fine if this is how she wants to play so be it.

"Reason? It's simple. I pity you."

She freezes, her eyes narrowing. "...Pity me?" she echoes, her tone laced with disbelief.

"Yeah," I reply. My voice drops, my expression serious. " When I heard your background I can't help but pity you, after all around the age of 12 to 15 years old, you've been forced to carry the weight of your parents' debt just because they—" I pause, feeling the weight of what I'm about to say. "...just because they died in the line of duty."

Lili's gaze sharpens, confusion flickering across her face. "...Line of duty?"

I sigh again, scratching the back of my head. "Ah, sorry. I mean they died in the dungeon chasing after that so-called legendary wine the Soma Familia is obsessed with."

I can see her hands trembling around the hilt of the red dagger, her body stiffening as I continue.

"And because of that pity, I came to you. After all, It's just plain wrong to saddle a kid with a mountain of debt. Children are meant to smile, to go to school, to make friends—not to be buried under their parents' mistakes."

Her eyes glisten with the threat of tears, and slowly, almost reluctantly, she lowers the red sword in her hand.

"...Lili is not a child," she whispers, her voice barely above a murmur. "Lili is 16 years old. She's an adult. She can take care of herself. Lili doesn't need your pity, Mister Daniel."

I crouch down to meet her eyes. "Sixteen, huh? You're still a kid in my eyes—but that's not the point here, Lili. The point is, because of this pity I want to save you from this hellhole. Not because you're weak. Not because you're useless. But because you deserve a better life."

Her gaze falters, and I notice her lips trembling. 

"Kids are supposed to be having fun and enjoy life. That's why since I pity you, I want to save you from the hell you are facing, from the hands of the Soma Familia, From everyone who's treated you like nothing more than a tool."

I place a gentle hand on her head, feeling the tension in her body as she trembles beneath my touch. Her eyes are glistening now, and she quickly drop down the dagger and try her best to swipes the tear threatening to fall from her cheek.

"This is your way out, Lili. The chance you've been waiting for. So I'll ask you again Lili, do you want to stay trapped in that nightmare—or do you want to be free?"

For a moment, there's only silence. Her body shakes with the effort of holding back her emotions, but her lips barely part, the words almost lost in the air.

"...I want to leave," she whispers, her voice so quiet I almost don't hear it.

"I can't hear you."

Her tears fall freely now as she shouts, "I WANT TO BE FREE!"

"Good," I say with a firm smile, standing back up. "Then stop crying. Show me the determination to chase that freedom I've handed you. The Soma Familia doesn't own you anymore. Prove that you're ready to take your life back."

Her eyes meet mine, still wet with tears, but now there's something different in them—a flicker of resolve, the beginnings of something stronger than the helplessness I'd seen earlier.

It was hope.

Seeing her eyes, I take my cue to leave before I take one last look at her, letting the silence hang for a moment.

"Say ,Lili."

"Hm?" She tilts her head, her large eyes still glistening from the tears that haven't fully dried.

"When you leave the Soma Familia… I have a request."

She blinks, clearly surprised. She wiped out the tears in her eyes and tried to calm herself down "A-A request? What is it, Mister Daniel?"

I meet her gaze with a steady, sincere look. "If you don't have any other Familia to join… I want you to consider joining the Hestia Familia."

Her expression softens with curiosity, and she furrows her brow slightly. "The Hestia Familia?" she repeats, the name unfamiliar to her. "Why would you want me to join them?"

"Well even though they may not be rich, have the resources or maybe reputation of Loki or Freya's Familia." I pause, smiling faintly. "But they're a loving Familia. They'll care for you once you join their familia, it's not mandatory that you have to join Hestia Familia, but consider it as my wish for you to have a happy life."

Lili looks down, holding the pouch of money tightly to her chest. "..Y-yes, Lili will join the Hestia familia."

"Good," I reply. "The next time we meet, I hope I never see you cry again."

As I turn to leave, Paddy, who has been eerily quiet the whole time, floats up beside me, his mechanical voice breaking the silence.

"Confirmation: Is User certain about leaving the designated individual, Lili, with the funds?"

I smirk, glancing back at her one last time. "In my eyes, she's a smart girl with good instincts. She'll figure this out. It would be strange if the girl can't recover from this when she has a ton of money."

"...Is the user absolutely sure?"

"Yes of course, after all her options before were limited because she lacked resources. But now, with 15 million valis in her hands? She has countless ways to free herself. She can buy her way out of the Soma Familia, hire a strong adventurer to force her captain's hand, or find other paths entirely."

I heard the captain of Soma Familia was level 2, so if the information was correct then with the amount of funds she earned she could easily leave the familiar with ease.

Paddy processes this for a moment. Then, he shifts his focus back to me.

"Query: What is the User's next objective?"

"Now? What else?" I grin mischievously. "Time to have some fun. Come on, Paddy! Let's go cause some chaos!"

/

ANDDD CUT!

Since the previous chapter was a bit short, I add another chapter today.

Anyways, thanks for reading, and if you want to see the next chapter, go to my patreon.

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With that said see you all next week byee.