DanMachi: The Epic of the Heroic Spirits of Emiya Shirou

Shirou seems capable of inheriting the justice of the Astrea Familia in his place... Ryu thought with relief, but why did he feel uneasy?

Listening to Liu's speech, Seele couldn't help but facepalm: What are you so happy about? This useless fairy has no idea what happened. Even now, you're still thinking about your "legacy of justice"?

If things continue like this, your future will only lead to a "loser" ending, becoming the tragic heroine who hides under the covers and secretly wipes away tears every day!

As the leader of the "Shirou Party" at the "Abundant Mistress" tavern, Seele is currently facing a major headache. As Shirou becomes an adventurer, he'll be meeting more girls, and this useless fairy has absolutely no initiative...

Seele Frova: This useless fairy is incompetent; it seems I must step in!

Seele is Ryu's most steadfast supporter.

At least for now.

The girl clenched her small pink fist: "Shirou-kun, I will protect Ryu's happiness!"

Shirou, confused, asked, "Huh? Um, good luck?"

·

The residence of the Loki clan, the Mansion of Dusk.

"Raul, you're finally back. Why are you so late?" The black-haired cat-girl squinted. "You didn't go to the entertainment district again, did you?"

The girl's name is Anachiti Ottom, a Level 2 adventurer with the strength of a Level 4, and a core member of the second unit of the Loki Familia. She is affectionately called "Angie" by her companions.

She joined the Loki Familia around the same time as Raul, so she assisted Raul, who was in charge of the second team. Angie's physical and mental strength are top-tier among level 4 adventurers. Her fighting style is elegant and sharp, earning her the title of "Lady Cat."

It's worth mentioning that Angie values ​​responsibility and discipline very much. She disapproves of the overly carefree nature of her fellow cat-girls and has even trained them to stop their habit of adding "meow" to the end of sentences.

"No!" Raul cried out, "I just took a detour to the 'Abundant Mistress' tavern for dinner."

Because he had heard passersby repeatedly saying, "I really want to eat the stew from the 'Abundant Mistress's' house," Raul unknowingly started craving it too. And what's more, he had a good time at the tavern—he was struck up a conversation with a lovely waitress!

I couldn't help but brag about my many adventurous experiences, which earned me an admiring look from the lovely waitress... Oh dear, could it be that my spring as a "superhuman" is finally here?

"Tsk, you have that dreamy look on your face, but you actually went to the entertainment district, didn't you?" Angie crossed her arms and accused her coldly.

Raul couldn't help but retort, "I already said no, and getting to the entertainment district doesn't happen that quickly. 'Ordering' takes more than that!"

"Heh, so you know so much about Pleasure Street, Raul." The girl's expression grew colder: "Why don't you explain what 'ordering' means first?"

"Um... this..." The man stammered, realizing he had said the wrong thing.

The cat-girl shook her head: "What an idiot... The captain is looking for you, come to the office right now."

"Okay, thanks, Angie."

Raul followed Angie, and the two went together to the office of the clan leader.

"Oh, Raul's back. You've had a hard day's work. Angie, please find a chair and sit down." The blond dwarf male put down the documents in his hand and said in a gentle tone.

Although he appears to be just a young boy, he is in fact the leader of the Loki Familia, whom his members rely on.

Finn Danner, a Level 1 adventurer with the strength of Lv.6 and the title of "Hero", is actually much older than he appears. He is a "senior" who has been active in Orario for decades. Due to the blessing of the gods, his body has been modified and he retains the appearance of a legitimate young boy due to the racial characteristics of the dwarf race.

There was another woman in the room.

She was tall and slender, with emerald-green hair tied in a ponytail that reached her waist. She had eyes of the same color, pointed ears, and a beauty that would make even the gods envious. She wore a green dress with yellow trim, a white cloak over it, and black leggings and brown boots.

Riveria Lyos Alfre, the vice-captain of the Loki Familia, of royal lineage among the elves, the strongest mage in Orario, and an adventurer with LV.6 strength.

Apart from the dwarven warrior Grace Landrock, who was training in the dungeon, two of the three leaders of the Loki Familia were waiting for Raul's report.

Their focus was on the situation of the elven prodigy mage. For Finn, Lefia was the pillar of his clan's future, and for Riveria, Lefia was her important personal disciple.

Raul had a clear understanding of his mission and reported in great detail all the aspects of Lefia's first dungeon adventure after joining the Loki Familia.

“I see, so we’re reducing Lefia’s fear of monsters through ‘adaptation’ and ‘habit’… That boy has suggested a good method.” Finn nodded.

Riveria was a little worried: "But this feels like a temporary solution... I hope Lefia has the courage to face her fears, instead of just relying on others for protection."

Although mages are the protected role in a team, anything can happen in a dungeon, and no one can guarantee that there will always be a reliable vanguard in front of them.

“It’s better than doing nothing,” Finn said. “Take a positive view. I believe in the girl. She has the potential to overcome this.”

"Just like Ais, she used to cause us a lot of trouble, but now she's grown into a good girl, hasn't she?"

However, mentioning "Ais" immediately darkened Riveria's face: "No, that little rascal Ais is still causing us trouble!"

"During the last expedition, when we encountered a strengthened dragon-type monster, we lost our minds and charged down without obeying orders, almost causing a major disaster and forcing the expedition to end prematurely."

Because Ais rushed too fast, the other high-level adventurers had to keep up, causing the team to become separated. As a result, the expedition's supplies were wiped out by monsters that happened to spawn behind them.

Fortunately, with [Chongjie] Grace staying behind, there were no casualties.

Although Ais managed to slay the enhanced dragon monster and obtain extremely rare high-level magic stones and loot, this gain still couldn't make up for the losses. This expedition could be considered a complete loss. Such egregious out-of-control behavior undoubtedly ignited Riveria's rage.

"Ah, well..." Finn scratched his head, "Well, Lefia's problem is a bit smaller than Ais's..."

“From now on, without my permission, Ais is forbidden from entering the deeper levels of the dungeon, no, not even the lower levels,” Riveria said. “In the meantime, let her take Lefia to ‘get used’ to the monsters in the dungeon, like that child from the Hephaestus Familia did.”

"Will Lefia join the second team later?" Angie asked. According to her level, Lv.2 Lefia might join the second team, which would be under her and Raul's command.

“No, she will go directly into the first team. That child has a special talent; she can unleash firepower comparable to a level 1 adventurer at level 3,” Finn said. “We will need her strength for future expeditions.”

“Then—” Finn changed the subject: “I’m a little interested in that child from the Hephaestus Familia, whose name is ‘Emiya Shirou,’ right?”

“That’s right, that boy is really amazing,” Raul praised.

Finn narrowed his eyes. He could sense that Raul's attitude wasn't entirely the appreciation a senior had for a newcomer, but rather carried a subtle, heartfelt respect for the strong.

Many people think that [Superman] is a man lacking talent, but Finn understands that this second team leader he appointed has unique talents, especially in the field of command, where Raul has special insights and abilities.

Unlike Finn, he can't be all-encompassing and have a complete grasp of the overall situation. But Raul's strength lies in his ability to immediately identify the most important person in the team in the current environment and then do everything in his power to create opportunities for them to perform, wholeheartedly and tirelessly.

Finn believed that clearly recognizing one's own lack of talent, accepting this fact, and sincerely serving those who are capable was itself a remarkable quality.

“Projection magic, powerful archery, and ‘miraculous’ swordsmanship…” Finn pondered, “Raul, specifically, how do you view his combat strength and potential?”

“Although he’s only a Lv.1 newcomer, his combat strength is already close to Lv.2, just like Miss Ais back then. In terms of swordsmanship alone, he’s even better than Ais.” Raul said seriously, “I believe his potential is no less than Miss Ais’s.”

"Potential equal to Ais, and even stronger swordsmanship...that's quite an assessment—" Finn said, "In that case, let's maintain a good relationship between Lefia and him. Our clan may need his help in the future."

“That child probably possesses a rare skill, and possibly more than one,” Riveria analyzed calmly. “Like Ais and Lefia.”

For ordinary adventurers, having even one [magic] or [skill] is already quite remarkable, let alone [rare skills] or [unique skills], which are simply unthinkable.

However, for Finn and other top-tier members of the clan, rare skills are not rare at all. Apart from those who are "superhumans," who doesn't possess a unique set of abilities?

Finn has two spells, five skills, and five development abilities; Riveria has nine spells, two skills, and five development abilities... They were once geniuses, and they've long been used to the existence of geniuses.

"It's a pity that if they've already joined the Hephaestus Familia, then they're out of our reach..." Finn couldn't help but sigh, "Ais, Lefia, and this Emiya, one terrifying newcomer after another is popping up. I always feel like I'm falling behind the times."

Riveria: "You're already an 'old man'."

“Rivia, we’re adventurers from the same period…” Finn said.

"It's a pity that when you're so old that you've lost all your teeth and can't walk anymore, and can only reminisce about the past, I might still be on the front lines of an expedition."

"Is this the ease that elves have? It's practically cheating."

Riveria chuckled, "Just kidding. By the time you and Grace are too old to be adventurers, Ais and the others will have grown up. I should probably take advantage of my youth and travel the world."

Finn shook his head helplessly: "You elves have always had such an incomprehensible definition of 'youth'."

“By the way, don’t tell Ais about that child’s ‘swordsmanship’.” He looked at Raul.

"Given Ais's personality, if she knew about this, she would definitely cause trouble." Finn rubbed his temples.

[Sword Princess] Ais has a morbid pursuit of improving her strength. If she knew that the young man of the Hephaestus Familia might have a stronger swordsmanship than her, she would definitely do something very rude.

For example, you could ask to have a swordsmanship contest, inquire about how to become stronger, or even beg the other person to teach you swordsmanship.

Damaging the reputation of the Loki Familia is a minor matter; it would be terrible if it affected their relationship with the Hephaestus Familia.

Raul scratched his head: "Um, shouldn't we also inform Lefia?"

Finn's expression froze for a moment, then he felt a sharp pain in his thumb.

This is his talent; he can sense bad things will cause pain in his right thumb.

Finn gave a wry smile: "It's probably too late, Riveria. Please keep Ais in check..."

Riveria sighed and said, "Sigh, I understand."

【Fiora】Ais Wallenstein, Lv.5, is in her most rebellious and difficult-to-manage phase, and is thirteen and a half years old.

-

This chapter contains 5,000 words. The update for this afternoon is being released earlier than scheduled, combining the two chapters into one.

Chapter Twenty: Fake Spiral Sword

"Ah~ Miss Ais is so cute here!" Looking at the blonde girl in front of her, Lefia felt her heart melting.

The girl had long, dazzling golden hair that fell gently over her shoulders, shimmering with a soft sheen. Her golden eyes were clear and pure, seemingly containing the courage to face anything without fear.

Although her figure is still developing, her innocence and naivety only add to her adorable charm. At the same time, her delicate features already display a stunning beauty comparable to a goddess, foreshadowing her undeniable future brilliance. Her temperament is like that of a fairy from a heroic legend, possessing an untainted aloofness and nobility. She is always expressionless, and her cold demeanor commands respect from afar, yet it is impossible to look away.

【Sword Princess】Ais Wallenstein joined the Loki Familia at a young age and leveled up to Lv.2 in just one year, setting a historical record at the age of eight, which shocked the entire Orario and even the world. Not long ago, she even reached Lv.5 and is the object of Lefia's admiration.

At this moment, Ais was squatting in the confinement room of the Twilight Mansion, with a huge sign around her neck that read "I am guilty".

Because of her willful behavior during the previous expedition, Miss Ais is currently under strict house arrest.

He broke away from the group without permission and chased after the enhanced dragon-type monster, jumping into the deep cave. Although he successfully killed the dragon monster, he angered the Demon King, who was even more terrifying than the dragon.

The poor Sword Princess is now imprisoned in the castle by the Demon King.

"I want to find that child and test my swordsmanship—" he thought to himself as he jumped out of the window to escape, only to be grabbed by the head and dragged back into the solitary confinement room by Riveria who arrived just in time.

"A Level 5 challenging a Level 1? Do you want to make the entire Loki Familia a laughingstock?!"

And so, the Demon King imprisoned the princess once again and sent one of his own minions (Lefia) to guard her.

"Lefia, let me go—" Ais stared at Lefia, revealing a pitiful, animal-like expression.

I unexpectedly saw a different side of Miss Ais... but my admiration for her seems to have only grown stronger.

"Ah, although Miss Ais is very cute... but no way!" Lefia tried her best to resist Ais's charm, crossing her arms in front of her chest to make an X: "Lady Riveria's orders are absolute!"

As the vice-captain to the members, the teacher to the student, and the royalty to the subjects, for Lefia, Riveria's instructions were one of the few things that took precedence over Miss Ais's whining.

"Miss Ais needs to reflect on her actions here... Of course, even if she's confined, I'll still cheer her on!" Lefia encouraged Ais: "However, Lady Riveria specifically instructed that I cannot help Miss Ais write her self-criticism or copy the clan rules, but anyway, Miss Ais, do your best."

Ais: "Gu, just kill me..."

·

The next day, at the Hephaestus Familia's residence

Unaware of the gazes cast upon him by the top-tier familia, Shirou Emiya returned to his hectic daily routine of going back and forth between the workshop and the tavern the day after his dungeon adventure ended.

"Shirou, why are you suddenly researching wands?"

Seeing the boy intently flipping through a "magic wand encyclopedia," Tsubaki asked curiously.

Wand making is a relatively less proficient area for the Hephaestus Familia. This is partly because many high-end wands are made from spiritual wood, while the Hephaestus Familia is more skilled in metal forging; and partly because there are far fewer mages in the city compared to warriors, making the market insufficient.

Moreover, wands are less prone to damage than swords, so custom-made items and imported goods from the magic city are generally sufficient to meet the needs of mages.

“Lefia… she’s the Loki Familia elf mage who went to the dungeon with me before. Because I helped her a bit in the dungeon, she said she wanted to repay me,” Shirou Emiya explained. “Then, after learning that I’m a blacksmith, she said she wanted to buy equipment from me.”

"Oh, I see." Tsubaki suddenly realized, and she smiled and patted the boy's shoulder: "You got an order from a top-tier clan so quickly, Shirou is amazing."

The equipment of high-level adventurers in the Loki Familia is generally forged by the Goblin Familia, a top-tier forging family on par with the Hephaestus Familia, though much smaller in scale. Therefore, the Goblin Familia primarily focuses on customizing high-level equipment, while also undertaking construction projects.

As a purely production-oriented clan, the Goblin Familia does not engage in any adventuring activities, and there are no high-level adventurers within the clan.

Receiving an order from Loki Familia's Rising Star is a great opportunity for Shirou Emiya. It not only means a substantial income, but also an opportunity to market himself to Loki Familia.

For a new blacksmith like Emiya, Lefia's "gift of gratitude" was quite sincere.

"So, Shirou, are you planning to make a wand, or some other equipment?" Tsubaki asked.

"Personally, I was originally inclined to try making a wand, but it's more difficult than I expected," Shirou replied.

In terms of equipment crafting, Shirou Emiya is the strongest at forging "swords," followed by other types of weapons, and then armor and other equipment.

Even the ordinary longswords made as practice pieces are of remarkably high quality, in no way inferior to those made by experienced blacksmiths. However, the crafting of other equipment is still at the level of a novice.

After all, it's only been half a month since Shirou received the God's blessing.

However, because of the existence of the magic [Unlimited Blade Works], Shirou is destined to become the top blacksmith, a fact that neither Tsubaki nor Hephaestus doubts.