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As Damien turned to leave the battlefield, he noticed Mikoto standing a few meters away, still trembling from adrenaline. Her eyes darted between him and the shadows behind him.
"W-Were those… monsters? Fighting with you?" she asked, voice tight with disbelief.
Damien rubbed the back of his neck."Ah, shit…" he muttered as one by one his soldiers dissolved and crawled back into his shadow like ink returning to a well."Yes, they were."
Mikoto blinked, processing that. Then—unexpectedly—her expression softened.
"Oh… I see. Wonderful. I never imagined an ability that could turn monsters into allies," she said, sounding genuinely impressed. She breathed in, then bowed deeply. "And for that… thank you. You saved us. We are eternally grateful."
"Oh, don't worry about it," Damien waved off with a smile. "Just spread the word that the Hestia Familia is a good Familia."
"Of course! I will personally tell my god—Lord Takemikazuchi—that Hestia's Familia was the reason we survived today!" said Mikoto with unwavering sincerity.
Damien exhaled in relief."Actually… can I ask another favor?"
"Anything, for our savior," she replied immediately.
"Can you not tell anyone about what you saw? The monsters, I mean. I want to keep that ability hidden for now. Less trouble that way."
Mikoto placed a hand against her chest and nodded."Absolutely. If you wish to keep your power concealed, it isn't my place to expose it—least of all the power of the one who saved my life."
Damien smiled lightly—but then saw the rest of the party approaching in the distance. Chigusa and Asuka were supporting Ouka on their shoulders; the tank limped forward, bruised but conscious.
When they reached Damien, they bowed in perfect unison.
"We thank our savior!"
Damien blinked, taken aback.
'Guess that's the Japanese roots for ya…'
"H-Hey, no need to bow. Really. I was just doing my job as a fellow adventurer. I believe all of you would've done the same if I were in trouble."
Ouka lifted his head, shame flickering behind his stern eyes."Well spoken… friend. As Captain, I feel disgrace for allowing my Familia to fall into such a state. So I thank you—from the bottom of my heart." He stiffened, then asked, "May I know the name of our savior?"
"I'm Damien Ardent," Damien replied. "Captain and… only current member of the Hestia Familia."
They all gasped.
Mikoto nearly jumped."You're the rookie tournament winner! Amazing!"
Damien grinned. "Guilty as charged."
"Oh—right!" Mikoto straightened and introduced herself properly. "I am Yamato Mikoto. Please just call me Mikoto."
The girl with short black hair and a fringe covering one eye stepped forward shyly."Hitachi Chigusa," she said, bowing politely.
The healer followed, fidgeting with the white cloth covering her hair."I'm… Asuka. Just Asuka…"
And finally, Ouka placed a hand on his chest."Kishima Ouka. Captain of the Takemikazuchi Familia. It is an honor to meet the Hero of the Tournament."
"Pleasure's all mine," Damien replied with an easy smile. "I heard there's a bar on the 18th floor. How about we continue this conversation there? Drinks are on me."
The group brightened instantly.
Mikoto nodded eagerly."That sounds perfect!"
...
As they stepped through the entrance of the Under Resort, Damien's eyes widened. Suspended high above the dome-shaped cavern was a massive white crystal, glowing like a miniature sun that bathed the entire floor in warm, steady light. The place felt alive—vibrant in a way he hadn't expected.
Dozens of tents formed makeshift districts. Smoke drifted from cooking stalls, laughter burst from open-front bars, and the metallic clang-clang of blacksmiths echoed across the cavern. It felt like an underground city.
And yet, for all the liveliness, Damien noticed the guards standing alert near the entrance. Even here, danger wasn't nonexistent. Monsters from the upper floors couldn't descend—but Floor 18's monsters still wandered through occasionally, always in small, manageable groups.
"Wow… This place is incredible," Damien murmured, taking it all in. "Shops, bars, blacksmiths—this is like a whole town."
Mikoto walked beside him, hands tucked behind her back as she watched his reaction with amusement.
"Is this your first time entering the Under Resort, Damien?"
"Yeah. I only recently hit Level Three, so this is the first floor break I've come across."
Mikoto smiled proudly. "Then allow me to guide you. I'll make sure you know everyone here by the end of the evening!"
And she delivered on that promise.
For the next hour, she introduced him to blacksmiths who hammered away with soot-covered faces, to bartenders in makeshift taverns lit by glowing stones, and even to groups of long-term residents—adventurers who had grown so fond of the Under Resort's peace that they'd built comfortable tent quarters and stayed for years.
Eventually, they arrived at a large blue tent with a freshly-stitched symbol of Takemikazuchi.
"This is our home base," Mikoto said proudly. "Asuka and Chigusa made the tent themselves. We've prepared space for five people tonight—you're welcome to stay with us."
Damien blinked. "Really? I don't want to impose—"
"Nonsense," Mikoto cut in. "You saved our lives. Besides…" Her lips curved into a mischievous smile. "I still need to show you a secret location. But you must promise not to tell anyone."
"A secret location?" Damien grinned. "Alright, now I'm interested."
She led him past the last ring of tents, deeper into the forest surrounding the camp. The noise of the Under Resort faded behind them until the only sounds left were rustling leaves and distant dripping water.
Then they stepped into a clearing—and Damien froze.
A small waterfall cascaded over smooth stone, steam rising from the pool below. Warm mist drifted into the air, carrying the faint scent of minerals.
"Is this…?" Damien began.
"Yes!" Mikoto declared proudly, hands on her hips. "A naturally occurring onsen! My eastern senses discovered it! Hot springs like these are common back home—after a long day of battles, nothing feels better. Asuka and Chigusa helped me fix it up."
Damien looked closer. She had arranged smooth stones around the pool, placed wooden planks for sitting, and even carved a small channel for fresh water to drain.
"This is amazing… You really put work into this."
Mikoto puffed her cheeks in playful pride. "Of course I did! And I came prepared."She dropped her backpack, rummaged inside, and pulled out two towels. "We can shower under the waterfall first, then enter the bath."
She held out the towel with a bright smile.
"Let's go!"
Damien blinked. "W–Wait. Both of us?"
"Oh?" Mikoto tilted her head. "I suppose mixed bathing isn't common in Orario… but it's normal in the east. We can use towels, of course. I don't mind if you don't."
Damien rubbed the back of his neck. "Well… why not? I'll head over there and let you finish showering first."
"Alright!" she chimed, walking toward the waterfall with her towel.
Damien stepped back into the trees to give her privacy, leaning against a trunk as warm mist drifted through the forest air.
"An onsen in the Under Resort… seriously?" he muttered with a grin. "This feels too good to be true. Must be that Hestia luck working again…"
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If you Like this story! Check out my other story's ! Sukuna in DC! and Dragon Slayer in Marvel!
AND
If you wish to read more or simply support me just because ? than check out my patreon at
"https://www.patreon.com/Riadooo"
You can Get Access to 3 More Chapters OR 7 More Chapters if you want !