Danmachi: A Despicable Stranger

Chapter 60: If you care too much, you will become stupid~

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"Huh? You're making that face! How could I possibly think that?"

Hearing Izzy's comment, Loki rolled her eyes in irritation.

Did he really think she was the type to overthink things? There were plenty of beautiful girls waiting for her attention; she didn't have time for such nonsense.

"I'm just preparing for the next update," she explained with a sigh. "Every expedition involves a lot of bloodletting. If I don't get ready beforehand, I'll end up pricking my fingers with needles over and over again!"

"Isn't now a good time to update your ability values anyway? I figured I could handle the preparations while doing that. Efficiency, you know?"

She could tolerate pricking her finger once or twice to draw blood.

But dozens of times?

That was sheer torture.

In the mortal world, where gods couldn't use their divine powers, they were no different from ordinary people. Injuries healed as slowly for them as anyone else.

Under those conditions, would she be so foolish as to remain unprepared?

After learning her lesson from the very first expedition, Loki had never forgotten to plan ahead.

"I see," Izzy said, nodding in understanding. "That makes sense. But... where did the kitchen knife come from?"

"Well... that's just a minor detail, a tiny thing~ Don't worry about it~"

"...Right."

"Oh, by the way," Loki added, as if remembering something, "there's a Familia celebration tonight. Everyone has to be there, including you. Don't forget, Izzy."

"Me too? Isn't that a bit inappropriate?" Izzy asked, pointing at himself in surprise.

It was customary for the Loki Familia to host a grand banquet to celebrate after an expedition.

Izzy was well aware of this tradition, as well as the details surrounding it.

In the name of comforting her children, Loki—who loved drinking more than anyone—would lead the festivities, and the members would enjoy a day of merriment.

The celebrations usually took place at the Hostess of Fertility, with feasts of wine and meat.

However, members who hadn't participated in the expedition were typically excluded, instead remaining at headquarters to rest and guard against intrusions.

After all, it was an expedition celebration. Non-participants would simply wait their turn for the next opportunity.

The roster rotated for each expedition, except for the core members.

Logically, Izzy considered one of the stay-behind members this time. Wasn't it inappropriate for him to attend the celebration?

"What's the big deal?" Loki said with a carefree shrug. "Isn't it worth celebrating that our Izzy defeated an Strengthen pterosaur? It's just a nice bonus to add that to the party~"

"Did you just come up with that reason?"

"Hey, don't sweat the small stuff! Overthinking will make you stupid. Just remember to come tonight, Izzy-chan."

"...Fine, I get it. Anything else? If not, I'll be heading out now."

"Nope, go ahead~"

Although Loki was an easygoing god, she rarely changed her mind once she'd made a decision.

Izzy sighed quietly to himself, casting a glance at Loki, who was still carefully extracting her own blood. After offering a quick farewell, he left the shrine.

---

On his way downstairs,Izzy ran into Raul and Anakitty, who were heading upstairs, their arms laden with supplies.

"Izzy!" Raul called out, his expression a mix of relief and concern. "Nothing happened to you in the dungeon, did it?!"

As soon as he saw Izzy, Raul approached him eagerly.

"Uh… Brother, are you hoping to get me into trouble in the dungeon?"

Hearing this, Izzy offered an awkward but polite smile.

"Ahem, of course not… I just couldn't help feeling a little worried. After all, Izzy, you're so strong and talented. Trouble in the dungeon shouldn't even be a concern for you."

Realizing his words sounded off, Raul scratched his head awkwardly.

Sure, brother, if you're going to talk, just say more!

"Izzy, I heard from Loki that you ventured down to the fifteenth floor. Is that true?"

Beside him, Anakitty flicked her black cat tail, her curious eyes fixed on Izzy.

"Well… I took a look," Izzy answered somewhat cryptically.

"Really? That's amazing! I spent half a year wandering around the upper floors before I even dared to step into the middle layer, and that was only with my Familia members!"

Anakitty didn't doubt Izzy's words for a second. Upon hearing his confirmation, her admiration for him grew immediately. The cat ears on either side of her head twitched slightly, reflecting her excitement.

"Well, I had Companion's too…"

"Eh? A Companion from outside the Familia?"

"Yes."

"What kind of person? Can you tell me about them?"

"A cool person… Hmm, an elf~"

Naturally, Izzy and Anakitty fell into a lively conversation.

"???"

Raul, however, was left with a big question mark plastered across his face.

What's going on?

Why had he been so abruptly and naturally ignored?

As a Level 4 member of the Loki Familia and one of the core figures of the second echelon, did Raul Nord really have such a low sense of presence?

It stung.

And to make it worse, why had they walked off mid-conversation, completely forgetting about him?

"Hey! Wait for me!"

Realizing that and Anakitty had wandered some distance away, Raul hurriedly grabbed the supplies and ran after them.

---

Izzy's plan to sleep that afternoon was completely ruined.

After chatting with the cat girl, he had somehow been roped into helping with the aftermath of the expedition.

Is this the charm of cat-eared girls?

It had somehow compelled Izzy to work willingly.

---

That afternoon, thanks to a nudge from a certain god, news of Izzy's recent exploration of the fifteenth floor—and his triumph over the "Strengthen" pterosaur—spread quickly among the Familia members.

For those hearing about it for the first time, the news left them stunned and speechless.

The way they looked at Izzy changed completely.

In addition to the initial friendliness shown to new Familia members, there was now a sense of awe.

Becoming an adventurer for only half a month and already reaching the middle floors, let alone defeating a dangerous Strengthen species? That was a feat they couldn't afford to underestimate.

As for doubters?

There were none.

The news came directly from Loki and Finn. Questioning it would mean doubting their own god and leader—a risk no one would take.

Finn's prestige within the Familia left no room for skepticism.

By the time the aftermath of the expedition was dealt with, the sky had begun to darken. The eastern horizon shifted to the pale blue hue unique to nightfall.

Izzy, Raul, and Anakitty set out together, heading toward West Street.

Everyone had their own role in handling the expedition's aftermath. After finishing their tasks, they regrouped on West Street, ready to head to the agreed-upon location.

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