High School DxD: “The future Harem King”

"Are you interested in dungeons?"

"I advise you not to be too reckless. Dungeons are far more cruel than you think. Before venturing inside, it's best to team up with other adventurers."

"And remember—don't go too deep. For someone at your current level, anything below the second floor is too dangerous!"

As Su Hai turned to leave, Hephaestus—Goddess of Smithing and Crafts—spoke with a serious tone.

To her, Su Hai was like any other newcomer who had just received a divine blessing. Many rookies romanticized the idea of dungeon exploration, and it was often that naivety that led to their untimely demise.

"Thank you for the reminder, Lady Goddess. I'll be careful."

Despite Su Hai's confidence in his abilities, he appreciated Hephaestus' concern. So, instead of explaining himself, he simply nodded in acknowledgment.

Satisfied with his response, Hephaestus made no further attempt to stop him.

As Su Hai exited the goddess' villa, his gaze shifted toward the towering dungeon at the heart of Orario—the Labyrinth City.

Without hesitation, he began walking toward it.

Upon reaching the entrance, he observed adventurers moving in and out—some limping and injured, supported by their companions.

"Hey, little brother! First time in Orario, huh? Just became an adventurer, didn't you?"

Su Hai turned toward the voice and saw a group of four approaching him.

"We're rookies too—just joined the Loki Familia a few months ago. Since the stronger members are off exploring the deeper floors, we're planning to stick to the first and second floors. What do you say? Wanna team up with us?"

"Of course, any drops from the monsters will be split evenly among everyone!"

The leader, a werewolf boy named Bete Loga, stood at the forefront. Behind him stood a burly human man carrying a massive shield almost as tall as himself—a clear tank of the party.

The remaining two were human girls. One held a staff, suggesting she was a mage, while the other—an Amazon with tanned skin and revealing armor—gripped a broadsword, her stance exuding the aura of a warrior.

"Oh?" Su Hai raised an eyebrow. "We've never met before. How did you know I'm a rookie adventurer?"

Bete smirked, tapping the armor and weapons of his party members before pointing at Su Hai, who stood empty-handed, dressed more like a tourist than an adventurer.

Su Hai chuckled at the unspoken implication but made no effort to change his appearance. Armor had never suited his style.

"Thanks for the offer, but I prefer to explore alone. Sorry about that."

Offering a polite apology, Su Hai stepped past the group and toward the dungeon entrance.

Watching his figure disappear into the depths, Bete hesitated, as if considering whether to say something else. Ultimately, he could only sigh.

"You're too soft, Bete," the tank commented, shaking his head. "Rookies like him never appreciate advice until they've tasted defeat firsthand."

The two girls exchanged knowing glances, clearly familiar with this scenario.

"Maybe you're right," Bete replied, adjusting his mindset and addressing his team. "Alright, let's get going!"

Though their party hadn't needed an extra member, Bete had reached out purely out of kindness. After all, many rookies had fallen to their arrogance.

Meanwhile, Su Hai descended the dungeon's long stone staircase, eventually reaching the first floor.

Narrow corridors stretched ahead, flanked by walls of dark brown earth.

"Oh? Looks like it's showtime," he murmured as cracks formed in the walls ahead.

From within, a horde of goblins emerged, eyes gleaming with primal aggression as they charged toward Su Hai.

"Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!"

Without a trace of panic, Su Hai's left hand moved slightly, summoning his Nichirin Blade—crafted with Hephaestus' divine blacksmithing—from his system space.

Gripping the hilt, he assumed a drawing stance, waiting until the lead goblin lunged toward him.

In an instant, Su Hai vanished, replaced by a streak of yellow lightning that tore through the horde.

By the time he reappeared at the corridor's end, he was already sheathing his blade, as though it had never been drawn.

The goblins stood motionless, their roars abruptly silenced. A moment later, they collapsed into ash, leaving behind only purple magic stones shimmering faintly on the dungeon floor.