In Danmachi with My System

I leaned against the railing of the park and looked up at the Babel Tower, which stood imposingly in the distance. Many couples were having their rendezvous here, next to the many fountains that spewed water here and there. It was a good day for a date.

A date?

My attention was drawn to the figure that would soon appear on the horizon. Rose. Our first date. Well, I didn't really know if it was a romantic date or just a chance meeting. I didn't know what to expect, but I was determined not to mess it up.

I looked at the sun in the sky and my internal clock read 3:57 pm. Three minutes before the appointed time. I straightened my shirt for the umpteenth time and felt like an idiot.

Why was I so nervous? I had faced killer ants and a boss in the dungeon, even in my previous world I managed to get into this world on my own, but a date with a girl was getting on my nerves.

"Hello... Sorry I'm late."

Just then I heard Rose talking behind me. I jumped forward, startled. What the hell?! Even with my high perception, I completely missed her. It could have been because I was deep in thought and not even paying attention to my surroundings. It could also have been because, as a werewolf, she had this kind of natural ability to go unnoticed when she wanted to.

I cleared my throat and put on my best smile.

"No problem. I just got here, too."

If she were a goddess, she would have known I was lying. I had been there for twenty minutes, but I didn't want her to know that I was worried.

"Is that so? Then we should get going. We have a lot of things to do today."

Then I noticed her current appearance. Her slim figure looked confident. She was wearing somewhat more relaxed attire, but her presence was still imposing. She wasn't wearing her work uniform, just a simple jacket and comfortable pants, but she was still that Rose. Serious and cold. But for some reason she seemed a little softer this time. A little.

"You look amazing. And, um. You look great."

Oops, I said too much. Her expression quickly changed to a frown. For a moment it looked like she was going to scold me, but in reality a small blush appeared on her cheeks.

"It says 'better,' but thanks."

We walked to a crepe stand near the fountain. The aroma of sweet crepes filled the air and my stomach growled in response. I bought two and invited Rose to join me.

Taking a bite, she looked radiant.

"Adorable."

"Shut up."

Her temper was as unusual as ever.

After an awkward moment, she cleared her throat. "So, are you ready to go shopping for your armor?"

"Well, yeah. Sure."

To be honest, her words ripped my heart out and threw it to the ground. I mean, was it necessary to clarify that we weren't on a date? I felt like I had misread the whole situation. As we walked side by side, my shoulders slumped a little as I watched the couples around us. Holding hands, arm in arm, whispering things into each other's ears. It all seemed pretty romantic to me.

I guess that would be too much for Rose. She'd probably beat the crap out of me. I imagined her rolling those golden eyes at me and then clawing at my face. It was the kind of reaction I expected from her.

"Yi~, what's that look, were you thinking of something rude?"

"Ehh, what, no. I was just thinking about my armor getting old."

Damn a woman's perception. Rose read it very well.

"Well, you're very unusual. I don't see any armor on your body."

"Ah, right, mages don't wear armor."

"Really? Let me think... Ah, yes. I'm sure you took a dagger when you ordered the newbie pack on day one. Are you sure you can even throw a fireball?"

Rose sighed at my answer. I regretted it a little.

It seemed that this was the reason why she decided to accompany me to buy something. In the eyes of this beautiful wolf girl, she'll probably only see a fool running around without armor. I definitely don't see anything romantic in this meeting!

"Okay, tell me." I said, adjusting my hair. "About the armor—is there any consideration as to where you want to take me?"

"I've visited many stores, and I wouldn't advise you to go to any one in particular. I'll just go in and take you to the best one."

"It's impossible to refuse such a good offer!"

"Don't even think about it. You're a foolish rookie in the middle of an apocalyptic situation with little gold. Things are worth dearly in this city. It costs a hundred Valis for every grain of sand."

Hey, don't exaggerate.

"And what's the best store in your eyes? Not that I'm picky, but I'm definitely going to need some style and comfort when it comes to fighting, so preferably the best, and..."

She looked at me for a moment, but I couldn't read the emotion behind her golden eyes. Her mouth was tightly pursed.

"You know, you'll pay for whatever you're going to buy. This is not a favor or a gift."

"Uh, uhmm, that's right."

"Well, I can only think of one place. One that's worth it."

"Oh, and that is..."

"Hesphaestus Familia. At the Tower of Babel."

My eyes widened.

Oh shit!

Hephaestus Familia? That meant quality, but it also meant that my wallet would suffer a slow and painful death.

Ugh. As I thought, I'd better farm bugs to get equipment.

"Surprised? Don't worry, they won't rip your head off for getting in. But you might get ripped off when you see the prices."

Are you having fun! Hey, you silly, cute wolf.

"By the way, that was a joke." Maybe it's just me, but I was sure that a joke wasn't told with such a stiff face.: "Since I was the one who invited you, I won't be so mean as to make you buy. I'll pay for you this time."

What? Did I mishear? Is she... is she going to pay?

"Wait, wait. What do you mean, you'll pay?"

That wasn't in the script. Rose wasn't the type to do favors out of the blue. There was definitely a trick involved.

Or am I really so special to her that she would be so considerate of me?

She looked at me with those golden eyes, her ear and wolf tail twitching, and then let out a sigh.

"Don't get your hopes up, silly. I'm not inviting you because I'm being generous. I'm inviting you because if you go on without proper armor, you'll die in the dungeon, and I won't have time to explain to your corpse how stupid you were."

That sounded like a "I'm going to save you because you're a mess" to make me feel special.

"Well, I won't complain if it means I won't go broke. Thanks, I guess."

"Don't thank me yet." Her face was so empty when she said those words, but her eyes softened somehow: "Just make sure you don't die down there. It's bad enough having to deal with you up here."

I didn't know whether to take that as some kind of twisted compliment or a simple statement of fact.

"Besides..." She averted her gaze and said, "I'm the one who should be grateful to you."

***

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