Living My Third Life In Danmachi

Chapter 10: Conversion

To make money outside of dungeons, you have to sell something. However, in a place like this without the internet, if I want to strike it rich, I'd need to sell equipment or items.

But that's not my specialty, so it's out of the question.

If that's the case, I'll plagiarize like in my previous life. Of course, works like the Index series or the Monogatari series wouldn't fit here, given the different setting and time period, so those are ruled out.

What novels do I know that could be useful here…?

"Something like Across Dimensions… but the Tolkien Estate might come after me."

"Let them try if they can. I've got a daughter now, so I'll do whatever it takes, just like Yabuki-sensei."

I finally understand the sentiment behind Yabuki-sensei's statement, 'I'll draw anything for my daughter.' It's a lifelong pass for his actions.

The Silmarillion is too much. I don't even remember the full scope of its content.

But The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit? Those are well-known, and I can recall enough of the plot to pull it off.

Tolkien's world doesn't have beastfolk, but it does have elves, dwarves, and hobbits—making it feel somewhat similar to this one. As for the beastfolk, I'd need to tweak the story and figure out how to incorporate them.

…Suddenly, I feel guilty toward Tolkien. But if it's for Lili, I'll even become a devil.

"It'll be a bit tough writing by hand, but I can manage. I should have a decent draft ready in a month."

"Will you be okay? With your training time added, you won't have much time to sleep."

"Thanks to Rank-Up, my body has improved a lot. I won't get tired easily."

I also need to explore below the 11th floor and learn about the middle floors.

There's so much to think about.

I'm even considering sending Lili to a place called the Scholar District. It might be better for her to join a guild and become a receptionist rather than staying an adventurer.

First, I need to go to Soma Familia and handle Lili's withdrawal.

Surely their god won't be so unreasonable as to say, "No, not allowed," when she wants to leave, right?

"You're planning to go there yourself?"

"Yeah, I can't risk something unexpected happening."

"Then I'll go with you."

"...Is that okay?"

Susanoo rarely goes out. He once mentioned that he's not a god of this world and has no connections with the other gods here.

He's always stayed quiet to avoid unnecessary trouble or causing chaos that could spiral out of control.

"I heard something interesting. Among the kids here, the Pallum revere a goddess named Fianna. But apparently, no such goddess exists among the gods who descended to the lower world."

"What are you talking about?"

"It's the classic question—did gods exist first and create the world, or did humans exist first, and their faith gave birth to gods? I, for one, fall into the latter category."

Susanoo smiled as he spoke.

"I'm a kind god who always sides with humanity. I can't walk the path you need to take, but I can at least clear the obstacles in your way."

His demeanor shifted.

For the first time, I saw a glimpse of Susanoo's overwhelming presence. It wasn't something I even felt when he used his powers—this was the undeniable aura of a god.

Unlike the other gods you see strolling around town, he was completely different.

"...I feel like I'm being crushed under the pressure," I muttered.

"These gods may have lived for millions of years more than me, but when it comes to battle experience, I have them beat. That's why if I don't properly suppress my divine aura, it can become incredibly threatening."

Even if I reach LV.5, could I ever face such a presence without fear? The sheer strength radiating from him feels absurdly overpowered.

An unrestricted god walking around the lower world—what kind of broken balance is this? If this were a game, it'd be completely busted.

Still, he's so reliable that I couldn't help but smile as I called out to Lili.

"Alright, Lili! Let's go quit your Familia!"

The destination was the Soma Familia's home.

The Soma Familia operates with its god, Soma, and his followers earning money primarily through dungeon exploration and alcohol sales.

However, their reputation isn't great. That's the reason Lili has been suffering so much.

"What brings you here?"

"We're here because of an issue with one of your members, related to 'conversion.' I'd like to speak with Soma."

Susanoo stepped forward, taking the lead. It was as if he intended to handle all the troublesome matters himself. With his divine aura, he overwhelmed the Soma Familia member blocking the way.

This wasn't the usual divine aura that simply signals, "Oh, that's a god." It felt more like the pressure of someone who's survived countless battles on the frontlines, leaving no room for argument or defiance.

"I am Susanoo, god of the Susanoo Familia. Open the way, children. I have no reason to waste my time talking to you."

Speaking softly yet firmly, Susanoo's words left the gatekeeper frozen in place. Without a word, they automatically moved aside, clearing the path.

Thanks to him, even as a member of a different Familia, I was able to enter the Soma Familia's home.

The home, which also doubled as a wine storage facility, felt eerily empty. The chilly atmosphere seemed to reflect the current state of the Soma Familia.

We headed toward the tower at the heart of the home, where Soma himself resided.

"I apologize, Lord Susanoo," a man with slanted eyes and an unsettling expression blocked the entrance to what appeared to be Soma's chamber.

Though his demeanor was polite, it felt more mocking than respectful, as if his courtesy was just a façade for his disdain.

"Zanis... sir."

"You know this guy, Lili?"

"Yes, this is Zanis Lustra, who ranked up to LV.2 last year. He has practically taken control of our Familia and is on the verge of succeeding the captain's position, giving him as much power as Soma-sama, who rarely involves himself."

"So, in short, a piece of trash."

Susanoo didn't seem the least bit impressed as he cast a cold glance at Zanis.

"Soma-sama is currently busy and unavailable to meet. If you have any business, I can relay the message for you," Zanis said with a smug smile, one that clearly wasn't rooted in kindness but rather in mockery.

Without saying a word, Susanoo walked straight up to Zanis, meeting his gaze head-on.

Instead of releasing his full divine aura, Susanoo simply directed a concentrated amount toward Zanis, making his intent clear with a single phrase.

"Get lost, you piece of trash."

"H-hiiiii?!?!"

Zanis collapsed on the spot, trembling uncontrollably. A dark stain began to spread between his legs, revealing his utter defeat.

Wow, Susanoo's basically a walking Deus Ex Machina. Well, I guess that's fitting, considering he's literally a god.

Thanks to his overwhelming presence, we were able to enter Soma's quarters without any resistance.

The room was a chaotic blend of shelves filled with wine bottles, books, potted plants growing various herbs, and scattered flasks and tools for research. It was clear that this space was solely dedicated to his work, with no signs of personal preferences or hobbies beyond that.

At the center of the room stood a man exuding the divine presence unique to gods. He was completely absorbed in his research, shaking a test tube filled with liquid without so much as acknowledging our entrance.

"Let's talk, Soma," Susanoo said.

"…Who are you? I've left all the bothersome matters to Zanis. Speak to him."

"We want to transfer one of your members to our Familia. Consider this a formal request for 'conversion.'"

"That's too troublesome."

"She's your follower. Take some responsibility."

"I don't see the need. Whether I care or not, what difference does it make?"

...This is the point where I'm allowed to be angry, right?

Sure, there's a rule that mortals in the lower world shouldn't harm gods, but do I care?

One of my skills is capable of harming gods, and while it might not kill them completely, I could definitely hit hard enough to send them back to the heavens.

"Soma-sama, may I say something? Lili is part of your Familia. Don't you think you should care for her even a little?"

"It wouldn't make much of a difference... and it's meaningless. Why should I bother?"

"Please don't answer a question with another question, Soma-sama."

He's gloomy, uncooperative, and outright pessimistic. I want to punch him so badly, but I hold back—for Lili's sake.

For Lili, for Lili, for Lili... They say if you repeat the word patience three times, you can avoid murder.

"They're so obsessed with my divine wine that they lose themselves completely. Why should I listen to what such people say?"

At those words, Lili, who was standing next to me, began to tremble.

Now that I think about it, I never fully understood why the Soma Familia was so fixated on earning money.

"That child has already tasted my divine wine once and fallen into its clutches. Listening to the complaints of such weaklings is honestly tiring and annoying."

"He's... not wrong," Lili whispered.

Like with drugs, it seems possible to break free of the divine wine's effects if you don't consume it for a long time. If that weren't the case, Lili wouldn't be dreaming of a normal life now.

But if she ever drinks it again, I'm not sure she could resist. People who relapse into addiction often face tragic outcomes.

"Then you'll listen to what I have to say, right? Release Lili from your Familia. Grant her 'conversion,' Soma-sama."

"You?"

"I'm not about to fall for something ridiculous like your divine wine, so don't worry."

At that, Soma-sama chuckled softly and rose from his seat. He walked over to a cabinet filled with wine bottles.

Soma retrieved a bottle of wine and a small glass from the cabinet, uncorking the bottle and pouring its contents into the glass.

As soon as the liquid began to flow, the rich aroma of the wine spread through the air, creating the illusion of standing in a vibrant orchard.

The clear, pristine liquor swirled enticingly in the glass, almost as if it were trying to lure me in.

"Drink it. If you still insist after tasting it, I'll grant your request," Soma said, holding the glass out to me.

But you know what?

"A god of wine may know how to make good alcohol, but you clearly know nothing about drinking etiquette!"

"What?!"

I smacked the glass out of his hand, sending it crashing to the ground.

Then I snatched the bottle of divine wine still in his other hand.

"Everyone knows wine tastes best when you drink straight from the bottle!"

And with that, I took a hearty swig.

"Foolishness! Drinking that much at once—even a LV.3 adventurer wouldn't—!" Soma's words were cut off, drowned out by the overwhelming sensation of the liquid flowing down my throat.

The taste was heavenly, a symphony of flavors and aromas that transcended mortal comprehension.

The divine wine's effect was intoxicating, not just inebriating but utterly overwhelming. It threatened to make me forget myself entirely, blurring the boundaries of my consciousness with pure ecstasy.

From my throat to my stomach, the warmth spread like a gentle spring sun, radiating out to every limb. Even as the bottle emptied, my body cried out for more, desperate to experience that bliss again.

Ah, it felt like I was floating on clouds, losing myself entirely in this sensation...

As if I'd ever let that happen!!!

"RRRAAAAAAAHHHHHH!"

Crash!

The sound of shattering glass echoed through the room as I hurled the bottle against the floor with all my might, snapping myself out of the wine's grip.

Just as I was about to lose myself, my body acted on instinct. I inflicted pain on myself, smashing the wine bottle against my forehead and shattering it into pieces.

Not yet! The poison of this divine wine is still too strong!

Gripping the shattered bottle, I pressed the jagged edge against my wrist and began cutting.

Even at LV.2, where ordinary wounds wouldn't even scratch me, my own LV.2-level strength made it possible. It was like sawing into my flesh with the broken glass, forcing a wound open and flooding my senses with pain to counteract the wine's effects.

"Is this wine or some kind of drug? Damn it!"

"L-Luke-sama!"

"Leave me be! If you heal me now, I'll just end up dazed and completely drunk on this stuff!"

Dragging myself back from the brink of oblivion, I clung to my sanity with everything I had.

The hallucinations reminded me of the time I fought in that drug factory. I honestly thought I was going to die back there, too.

"You drank an entire bottle of divine wine... and you're still standing?! You managed to snap out of it?!" Soma's voice carried a mix of disbelief and astonishment.

"I had high hopes for your so-called divine wine, but what is this? It's no different from liquid drugs! Seriously, it's just drinkable narcotics!"

"Alcohol isn't supposed to be like this.

It's not enough for it to just taste good. Alcohol should be something that brings people together, something approachable and comforting."

"And you know what? It tastes awful."

"A-awful?"

"Is this even alcohol? This is nothing but a drug. It doesn't bring genuine happiness to the person drinking it, nor does it let them live properly. What kind of alcohol does that? I'm calling this stuff what it is: a drug."

Blood was pouring from my wrist. Between the wounds I sustained and the blood loss from my previous fights, I was dangerously close to passing out if I bled any more.

"Keep your promise. Grant Lili her 'conversion.'"

"...Fine," Soma said, defeated.

From there, everything went smoothly. Thanks to the collaboration between Soma and Susanoo, Lili successfully transferred to our Familia. All that was left was to finalize the paperwork back at home.

After the conversion, Soma's already gloomy demeanor became even darker. My words seemed to have struck a nerve.

"And the cost for Lili's 'conversion'...?"

"No need for that. I won't take anything," Soma replied in a resigned tone.

"I've seen another side of the mortals in this world. Not the disappointing side I expected, but something genuine. That's enough of a reward for me."

He smiled faintly at the end, though it was a weak and hollow smile, as if he'd given up on something.

With Lili's conversion complete, Susanoo, Lili, and I left the room to return to our Familia.

Before leaving, I decided to say one last thing.

"Soma-sama."

"What is it?"

"Your divine wine? It's a drug, and it tastes awful. But the alcohol I drank at a shop before? That was truly delicious."

And I meant it.

The taste and aroma of the shop's alcohol couldn't compare to the divine wine. But the joy of drinking it with others, chatting and laughing together, made it far better than the divine wine.

Divine wine only serves self-satisfaction. But ordinary alcohol? It brings people together and fosters connections. That's what makes it truly great.

For some, alcohol provides the vitality to face today. For others, it offers a chance to forget sorrow. It can be the courage to take a step forward or simply a source of joy.

That's the true meaning of alcohol.

"And yet, you dismiss those kinds of drinks as failures? Then why don't you take another look at what you once deemed a failure?"

With those parting words, I left the room.

...Wait a second. I think I'm about to pass out.

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