The next day.
Raven Eltharion slowly opened his drowsy eyes.
He rubbed them, then glanced at the clock on the wall.
"...It's only five thirty?"
"It's still early. I'll sleep a bit more."
The worn-out magic lamp on the ceiling continued to emit a faint ghostly glow.
Hestia was still snuggled into Raven's chest, sound asleep.
She was very light.
The two of them squeezed into the same bed, sleeping while holding each other—it was both warm and comfortable.
Raven wasn't like Bell from the original story, who chose to sleep alone on a hard, broken sofa.
Only an idiot would do that!
Just then, Hestia stirred slightly, and a soft sensation instantly pressed against him.
A sweet, pleasant fragrance wafted from her body.
In her sleep, Hestia looked completely relaxed.
Like a baby, she nuzzled her face into Raven's chest.
Her chest, of overwhelming quality, was already flattened against him.
She was just too cute!
Raven couldn't help but feel a sense of peace.
Morning.
Raven woke again.
Opening his eyes, he saw Hestia's sapphire-like eyes gazing right at him.
"Raven-kun~"
She blinked a couple of times, her tone incredibly sweet. "Good morning~~"
"Good morning, Lady Goddess."
Raven smiled gently. "Um… I'm going to get up."
Still clinging to him in bed, the blue-ribboned goddess resembled a spoiled kitten, stuck to him tightly.
"You're heading out?" Hestia asked, puzzled.
"Yeah," Raven replied thoughtfully. "I'm going to the dungeon."
"Hunt some monsters and earn a little valis at the Guild."
"I'll come back in the evening and we'll have a feast together!"
"You're going that soon?" Hestia sighed lightly upon hearing this.
Her eyes flashed with concern.
After all…
Raven was still a rookie, just starting out—no mentor to guide him.
Hestia didn't want to say goodbye now…
And then lose one of the rarest magic users she'd ever met in the Lower World.
That was why she was worried.
Better safe than sorry!
The dungeon beneath Orario was the source of all ferocious monsters on the continent.
In short, it was an extremely dangerous place!
Currently, the only public entrance to the Orario Dungeon was beneath Babel Tower.
Once inside, a single misstep could mean death.
But for adventurers, it was both a challenge and an opportunity!
Most adventurers weren't satisfied living ordinary lives forever.
They entered the dungeon to seek fame, status, and fortune!
According to the Guild's records—
Countless adventurers entered the dungeon daily, never to return.
Many went missing or died heroically.
Especially…
First-timers without experience were usually the quickest to die.
"Sigh~"
"If only I could use my divine powers~~" Hestia looked at Raven, a hint of guilt in her heart.
Divine power, also known as omnipotence, could only be used by gods.
But in the Lower World, gods were forbidden from using it except under special circumstances.
If discovered using it, they'd be deported back to the heavens by the Guild.
Raven gently patted her head. "Don't worry, Lady Goddess."
"I'll be extremely cautious once I enter the dungeon."
"If I don't push myself, my talent will go to waste, right?"
"So please rest assured, I'll be fine."
Raven had no intention of being a flower in a greenhouse.
Without enduring wind and rain, how could one grow strong?
Hestia thought of his amazing spells and skills, and hesitated no more.
With a cheerful smile, she said, "Raven-kun, how about this!"
"I'll go ask a friend and have someone from their Familia guide you inside to get familiar with the place."
"That way, I'll feel at ease."
Her so-called friends—
Raven guessed they were Miach, Takemikazuchi, or Hephaestus.
Just imagining the blue-ribboned goddess having to bow and plead with them—
Raven quickly shook his head. "No need, no need."
"I'll be fine on my own."
After some back and forth, Hestia was helpless in the end.
"Raven-kun, you're just… too stubborn!"
Left with no choice, she agreed to let him experience the dungeon himself.
Before leaving—
After receiving countless reminders from her:
Only go to the first floor, never explore other levels.
If in danger, run first—above all else.
After hearing all that, Raven solemnly promised to return safely.
Only then did Hestia reluctantly let go.
After getting up—
Raven freshened up quickly and waved goodbye, heading out of their base.
Watching his empty-handed figure walk away, Hestia made a silent decision.
"Sigh~ What an adorable child."
Propping her chin up, she said, "I need to do something for Raven-kun too."
With that, she headed toward her part-time job.
After parting with his goddess—
Raven arrived at the bustling main street.
Stone-built shops lined the road on both sides, business booming.
Many demi-human adventurers browsed various magic stone products.
Along the way—
Raven didn't glance at any of the dazzling items on display.
Though he wanted a cloak, he was flat broke...
Suddenly—
A gaze filled with near-tangible killing intent locked onto him.
Raven's expression froze. He quickly turned around to look behind him.
He scanned around—
But found no one who seemed to be watching him.
Yet the sensation remained—as though his body and soul had just been violated.
It was the kind of dominating, appraising stare people gave to objects.
Very domineering!
Raven had a good guess—
No doubt, the person watching him was the goddess of beauty—Freyja!
Shaking his head, Raven didn't dwell on it.
He continued walking toward the Guild.
Just then—
"Um…"
A soft, sweet girl's voice called from behind.
Raven turned slightly to glance at the girl now standing close behind him.
She wore a pale green employee uniform.
Her dusky gray hair was tied into a bun, somewhat like a high ponytail.
She stood about 168 cm tall, with smooth, fair skin—
Her delicate face was as soft and pale as milk.
Innocent-looking, with a charming aura—utterly cute and endearing.
This girl was…
Syr Flova!