Is It Wrong to Explore the Dungeon Even Though I’m Overpowered? (Danmachi SI- WC)
Chapter 63: Into the Flames
As I stood there thinking about the attacks taking place outside, Hestia’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.
“This has to be the work of another Familia,” Hestia said calmly, her tone serious and devoid of her usual playful demeanor.
“I concur.” Artemis nodded beside her with an equally grave expression. “The only question is, who would be bold enough to launch an attack like this?”
Almost as if Artemis’s words had triggered something in my memory, I suddenly recalled a certain silver-haired waitress looking distinctly unhappy when I had explained that I was assaulted by a group of Amazons in the Dungeon.
More specifically, I remembered the brief flash of murderous intent that had appeared on her face before vanishing as if it had never been there.
A bead of nervous sweat rolled down my neck as the pieces slowly began falling into place.
Without thinking, my gaze drifted toward the distant silhouette of Babel.
‘She wouldn't actually do something this reckless just because I was assaulted... right?’ I asked myself.
The answer came almost immediately.
‘...Of course she would.’
I closed my eyes for a moment and let out a quiet sigh.
‘What am I even thinking? The moment I told her what happened was probably the moment she decided the Ishtar Familia had outlived its usefulness.’
A small frown formed on my face.
‘I can't exactly say I'm not partly to blame for this.’
Then another image surfaced in my mind.
A shy blonde Renard with innocent eyes hiding behind a veil.
My hands slowly tightened into fists.
‘The least I can do is make sure innocent people like her don't get caught up in whatever happens next.’
My resolve hardening, I lifted my head and turned back toward Hestia and Artemis.
“Hestia, Artemis. I—”
I didn't get the chance to finish.
Both goddesses were already looking at me with knowing expressions.
“You want to go out there, don't you?” Hestia asked softly.
I blinked in surprise.
The reaction only caused both of them to giggle.
“Why so surprised, Rein?” Artemis asked gently. “The moment we saw that look on your face, we already knew what you were thinking.”
A fond smile appeared on her lips.
“You're a Hero, after all.”
I stared at them for a moment before shaking my head.
“I don't know if I'm a Hero or not,” I admitted honestly. “But I do know that there are innocent people caught up in this. At the very least, I want to make sure they don't come to harm.”
“Hihihi, spoken like a true Hero,” Hestia laughed warmly.
Before I could react, she grabbed the front of my shirt and pulled me down to her height before pressing a soft kiss against my lips.
“It's alright,” Hestia whispered after pulling away. “Go do what you need to do and know that you have my full support.”
Still blinking from the sudden kiss, I was immediately caught by another gentle hand.
A moment later, my vision was filled with beautiful blue hair before another pair of soft lips met mine.
Artemis pulled away shortly afterward, a loving smile on her face.
“Just make sure you return safely to us, alright?” she asked softly.
Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, and definitely not because I was distracted by how soft both of their lips had been, I smiled gratefully at them.
“Thank you, Artemis. Thank you, Hestia.”
“Hihi, of course.” Hestia placed her hands on her hips and nodded firmly. “Just make sure to take the twins with you. We know you're strong, but there's no such thing as being too careful.”
“We'll let everyone else know that you've stepped out to handle something important,” Artemis added.
“I will.” I nodded once, my expression hardening once more.
“Thanks again.”
=====
Minutes Later
Jumping from rooftop to rooftop at incredible speed, little more than blurs to anyone below, Rem, Ram, and I quickly made our way toward the explosions still echoing throughout the Entertainment District.
Glancing at the twins from the corner of my eye, I could tell they weren't exactly thrilled about accompanying me on this particular mission.
Neither had objected, however.
Most likely because they shared the same concern.
Namely, that if I was left unsupervised, there was always the possibility of more Amazons deciding to assault me.
Something I personally considered highly unlikely given the current circumstances, but since I had long since accepted that I didn't fully understand how girls thought, I wisely kept that opinion to myself.
Another reason was probably the fact that I would be entering the Red-Light District alone.
That alone was enough to earn immediate disapproval from both twins and several of the other girls back home if they found out.
Even Est had spent the entire trip grumbling through our connection.
Apparently, she had developed a strong dislike for Amazons.
Or more specifically, their extremely flirtatious behavior bordering on sexual assault.
At our current speed, it didn't take long before we finally arrived.
Coming to a stop atop one of the taller buildings overlooking the district, we quickly surveyed the situation.
My gaze swept across the battlefield, immediately picking out several areas where intense fighting was taking place.
Sure enough, members of the Freya Familia were clashing with the Amazons.
The first group I spotted consisted of four Pallums dressed in matching armor, differentiated only by their color schemes.
Despite their size, they were effortlessly cutting through dozens of Amazons.
Next, I spotted a Cat Person wielding a spear.
Moving with unbelievable speed, he appeared and disappeared across the battlefield like a phantom, dropping Amazons faster than most could even react.
Finally, my gaze settled on the most recognizable figure present.
A massive Boaz built like a walking mountain.
Two enormous greatswords rested on his back, though he wasn't even bothering to use them as he fought barehanded against dozens before running into what I could only describe as a frog-like woman.
“So it really is the Freya Familia,” Rem muttered while observing the battle below.
She seemed remarkably unconcerned about the chaos unfolding around us.
“That Boaz practically gave it away,” Ram said flatly. “He's considered the strongest adventurer in Orario. Everyone in the city would know of his appearance.”
Her eyes rolled slightly when she said strongest.
“What’s the plan, Reinhard-kun?” Rem asked with a cheerful smile and tilted head.
Just as I was about to answer, a flash of blonde and red caught my attention.
Immediately turning my gaze, I focused on the distant figure and quickly identified the person I had been looking for.
The veiled Renard.
And leading her through the district was none other than Aisha.
My decision was made instantly.
Turning back toward the twins, I gave my instructions.
“I want both of you to spread out and make sure no civilians are harmed. If possible, provide first aid to anyone suffering serious injuries.”
The twins immediately nodded.
“I'll do the same,” I continued. “Let's regroup here in thirty minutes.”
Both sisters frowned.
Apparently they didn't approve of that plan.
“But if we leave your side, who is going to watch over you, Reinhard-sama?” Ram asked sternly while placing her hands on her hips.
“The women here cannot be trusted around you whatsoever.”
Rem immediately nodded in vigorous agreement.
“And you're far too nice to properly tell them to fuck off,” Ram finished.
I smiled nervously.
I was about to point out that I could take care of myself when our final companion suddenly spoke up.
“I will look after Reinhard.”
Est's voice echoed through our connection, causing all three of us to blink and glance toward the sword hanging at my waist.
“Don't worry,” Est continued in an adorably serious tone. “I won't let any floozies near him.”
Immediately reassured, the twins nodded in unison.
“Alright then~ We'll leave Reinhard-kun in your hands, Est-chan,” Rem declared happily.
“I'm counting on you,” Ram added with a serious nod.
‘These girls really have no faith in me,’ I thought with a slightly depressed sigh.
Still, now wasn't the time to dwell on that.
“Very well.” I straightened slightly and looked out across the burning district.
“Let's move.”
And in the next instant, the three of us vanished into the night in different directions.
=====
With Rem
Following her beloved Reinhard-kun’s instructions, Rem spread her senses and made her way toward the areas where the largest groups of civilians had gathered.
Fortunately, very few people actually required her assistance.
Other than moving some fallen debris and helping a handful of frightened visitors find safety, there wasn't much for her to do.
The only injured individuals she had encountered so far appeared to be members of the Ishtar Familia.
Rem chose to ignore them.
None of them looked to be in any real danger of dying anyway.
Eventually, her search brought her to the eastern side of the Entertainment District.
Having just finished healing one of the district's visitors, even if she found little pleasure in doing so, Rem prepared to move on.
Then she suddenly stopped.
Four figures landed on the rooftops surrounding her.
Two in front.
Two behind.
Leaving her standing in the center.
Looking up, Rem immediately recognized them as Pallums.
More specifically, members of the Freya Familia.
“What do we have here?”
“Did we miss one?”
“Hmm, she looks familiar.”
“Wait, isn't she one of those weaklings everyone keeps talking about from the Hestia Familia?”
Rem frowned slightly at their words but ultimately chose to ignore them.
Turning around, she began walking away.
Only to stop again when the four Pallums blocked her path.
Two in front.
Two behind.
Surrounding her completely.
“And where do you think you're going?”
“That's right. We don't recall giving you permission to leave.”
“As expected from a member of that Familia.”
“Why don't you stay and play with us for a while?”
Rem's brow furrowed.
She quietly shifted her stance and prepared herself for anything.
Still, she made no move to draw her weapon.
The last thing she wanted was to create trouble for her Reinhard-kun.
“Rem is not here to fight,” she stated calmly while keeping every Pallum within her senses.
“Rem is here under her Master's orders to help innocent people. That is all.”
Unfortunately, her response only seemed to irritate them further.
Even beneath their helmets, she could practically feel their sneers.
“Hah? The way you said that makes it sound like you think you're stronger than us.”
“Master? You mean that useless Goddess of yours?”
“No, she's obviously talking about that upstart captain.”
“I still can't believe people think he'll become the strongest when we still exist.”
“I guess weaklings like him need to be reminded of their place.”
Rem lowered her head.
Insults directed at her were easily ignored. The moment they insulted Hestia-sama, anger flared within her.
Still, she endured it.
Her teeth ground together so hard she nearly cracked them, but she endured.
Then they insulted Reinhard-kun.
And everything changed.
A murderous expression crossed her face.
Hidden only by the shadows cast over her eyes from her bangs.
“…Take it back.”
Her voice was so quiet they almost didn't hear it.
“Huh? What was that?”
“You trying to say something?”
“Hahaha! She's too scared to speak properly.”
“As expected from a weak Familia.”
“I said...”
Rem's voice rose slightly.
Then she slowly lifted her head.
The moment the Pallums saw her expression, their smiles disappeared.
A soft pink light began glowing from her forehead.
An overwhelming aura exploded outward.
The four Pallums instantly tensed.
But it was already too late.
Rem vanished.
BOOM!
One moment she stood in the center of the street.
The next, her fist slammed into the nearest Pallum with enough force to send him flying through multiple buildings.
“TAKE IT BACK!”
She spun like a dancer.
Her leg lashed out.
Another Pallum disappeared into the distance.
Without slowing down, she seized a third by the face and hurled him across the district.
“TAKE BACK WHAT YOU SAID ABOUT REINHARD-KUN!”
Rem's voice thundered through the night as her Berserker State fully activated.
“TRASH LIKE YOU DOESN'T DESERVE TO EVEN UTTER HIS NAME!”
The final Pallum lunged at her with a roar, swinging his massive axe.
Rem casually caught the weapon with one hand.
The Pallum's eyes widened.
CRACK.
The axe shattered like glass.
“W-What are—”
He never finished.
Rem's kick connected with his side.
The resulting impact launched him into the distance just like his brothers.
Silence returned.
Rem stood alone.
Breathing heavily.
Her eyes darted around the area, searching for additional enemies.
Several long moments passed.
Finding none, the pink glow faded from her forehead and her horn slowly disappeared.
“Haah... haah...”
Rem took a deep breath.
Then another.
Eventually, her expression softened.
But the anger remained.
“As long as Rem lives...” she muttered quietly.
“She will never allow trash to disrespect the man she loves.”
With one final huff, Rem turned and resumed her mission.
Leaving four unconscious Pallums scattered across the Entertainment District.
=====
With Ram
Opposite of her little sister, Ram focused her search on the western side of the Entertainment District.
Moving swiftly from street to street, she occasionally stopped to help trapped civilians, pull unfortunate bystanders out of collapsed buildings, or extinguish fires before they could spread any further.
Despite carrying out her task diligently, Ram had only one real goal in mind.
She wanted to finish as quickly as possible and return to Reinhard-sama’s side.
The sooner she could leave this filthy district behind, the better.
Just hearing from Rem how Reinhard-sama had been assaulted by those shameless Amazons a few days ago had been enough to make her blood boil. Being forced to walk through their territory now brought her no pleasure whatsoever.
Those women should consider themselves fortunate.
If Reinhard-sama had not been so kind-hearted, Ram would have happily reduced the entire Entertainment District to rubble along with their disgusting Goddess.
As she moved through the district, Ram paid little attention to the gratitude she received from the people she helped. Their thanks, their questions, and their attempts at conversation were all ignored as she continued onward with her usual blank expression.
Just as she was about to continue her search, Ram suddenly came to a stop when she felt a very familiar aura erupt from the eastern side of the district.
Turning her head in that direction, she immediately recognized the source.
"...Rem."
Closing her eyes for a moment, Ram activated her Clairvoyance and synchronized her vision with her sister’s.
It did not take long to discover what was happening.
Through Rem’s eyes, she saw her little sister standing in the middle of the street with her horn activated while four defeated Pallums lay scattered around the area. The sight only lasted a few moments before Rem deactivated her horn and continued on her way.
Ram tilted her head thoughtfully.
"If she used her horn, then those idiots must have insulted Reinhard-sama."
A brief use of Synesthesia quickly confirmed her theory as she felt the lingering emotions flowing through her sister. The overwhelming anger was impossible to miss, and neither was the satisfaction Rem felt after dealing with the source of that anger.
"Hmm."
Ram nodded to herself before shrugging lightly.
"Oh well."
Her expression never changed.
"At least they should consider themselves lucky."
If those Pallums had encountered her instead of Rem, they would have needed someone to identify the remains after she finished reducing them into chunks of meat.
After all, Ram shared the exact same opinion as her little sister.
Anyone foolish enough to insult Reinhard-sama deserved whatever happened to them afterward.
With her curiosity satisfied, Ram resumed her patrol and continued helping those she came across.
Several minutes passed peacefully before she came to another stop and turned her head toward a nearby rooftop.
"Are you planning to say something anytime soon?" Ram asked dryly. "Or are you going to keep following me around like some creepy stalker?"
The only response she received was silence.
Ram scoffed at that.
"I see."
Turning away dismissively, she waved a hand.
"Then Ram is leaving."
With a subtle use of Wind Magic, her body vanished from sight so suddenly that the person hidden in the shadows visibly startled.
A moment later, a black-haired Cat Person stepped out from his hiding place and stared at the spot where Ram had been standing only seconds earlier.
Allen Fromel frowned as his yellow eyes swept across the empty rooftop.
"Tsk."
Clicking his tongue in annoyance, he crossed his arms.
"What the hell was that?"
His gaze lingered on the area for several moments.
"Is that girl really Level 3?"
Naturally, no answer came.
After a moment, Allen dismissed the matter and shifted his attention toward the center of the Entertainment District.
A massive pillar of light suddenly pierced the night sky, illuminating the district for a brief moment and signifying the return of a deity to Tenkai.
Watching it silently, Allen narrowed his eyes before turning away.
"So it's finished."