Danmachi: Scavenger

"An idea came to me about how to make this event special," Apollo announced, his smile radiant with excitement. "How do you like it? Dressing up the ones we hold most dear and bringing them to our Celebration—what could be more delightful?"

Quite a few other gods agreed with him, erupting into cheers and applause. It took a few seconds for the noise to die down before Apollo continued. "Seeing so many of my kin and the faces of their beloved children fills me with great joy. Tonight is a night destined to be filled with grand opportunities and new meetings. I have foreseen it."

His gaze swept the crowd, his smile widening. "The night is young. I have assembled only the finest wines and freshest food. So, by all means, wine, dine, and enjoy yourselves!"

He raised his arms high into the air as the last echoes of his voice reverberated through the ballroom. Another cheer erupted, mostly from the male deities, and wineglasses of all designs were filled and clinked as the party officially began.

'Finest wine, my ass,' Rex thought, though he wasn't judging fairly. The wines were actually high quality—that is, if you didn't compare them to even Soma's failed wine. 'Let's find Hyakinthos, greet him, and get out of here.' Soma was staring at him as if telling him to get this over with.

Rex quickly scanned the ballroom. All 100 or so members of the Apollo Familia were dressed in their uniforms, serving as attendants for the guests. Apollo himself was surrounded by other deities, greeting and chatting, while Hyakinthos never left his side.

'It's going to be hard to get to them,' Rex thought, glancing at Hyakinthos' status. '...Wow, he's pretty strong.' Hyakinthos was a high-Level 3, with his highest stat—Dexterity—at B, while Strength and Endurance were both C. 'How did Bell even manage to beat him?'

Rex couldn't remember the fight or how the war game had gone, but looking at Hyakinthos' stats, Bell shouldn't have stood a chance. Bell's highest stat right now is Dexterity at C, and even after training with Ais before the War Game and pushing it to S, he wouldn't have matched Hyakinthos' overall stats. Not even close.

Even Rex's current base stats, without any buffs, would barely allow him to compete with a mid-Level 3 in raw stats. Not only that, Hyakinthos had the Development Ability Hunter, meaning he was an exceptional fighter even as a Level 1, surpassing 90% of other adventurers. 

With years of experience over Bell's barely two months, plus his magic and personality, there was no reason he should have lost. 'Arrogance? Plot armor?' Rex didn't care much, but looking at Hyakinthos' stats, one thing became clear. 

'I want him.'

A Level 3 with stats that high meant he was close to becoming a Level 4, and having a Level 4 in the Soma Familia would make things easier in the future if the Familia ran into trouble. 

'Not just him,' Rex scanned the ballroom and checking the stats of all the Apollo Familia members. 'Most of them are solid investments.' There were some Level 2s with stats high enough to reach Level 3 after a strong push, and even Level 1s who looked ready to advance soon. 

'Their Familia spread out after the War Game, so how should I make it so they all come to the Soma Familia?' Rex tried to think of a plan, but this wasn't his strength. 'I should speak to Zanis about this.'

He looked back to see Hyakinthos still with Apollo, and just then, Hyakinthos glanced at him. They locked eyes, and the captain gave him a small nod of acknowledgment. This was their cue to leave.

'But…' Rex looked back at Hephaestus. 'I need a way to speak with her.' 

He needed the goddess to acknowledge his deed and promise him a weapon or something. Even if she didn't make it personally and had Tsubaki handle it, he didn't mind. He just needed something high-quality and cheap.

'Should I just walk by and have them see me?' He tried to rack his brain on how to approach them but couldn't think of anything that wasn't awkward. The only good way was for them to come to him. 'Hmm… Yeah, let's just walk up to them.'

He pushed himself off the pillar. 'Why should I be scared?' All he had to do was walk up and greet Bell or something, ask him how he'd been doing since the 18th floor, and then steer the conversation to Hephaestus—

Suddenly, a wave of sound erupted from all directions as every eye in the ballroom turned toward one spot. Rex followed their gaze and instantly found the source of everyone's excitement: a giant Boaz and the silver-haired goddess standing beside him.

'Goddess Freya.'

Long, silver hair draped over smooth shoulders, framing a face blessed with flawless symmetry. Long lashes surrounded her calm, silver eyes that radiates confidence, while her skin glowed pale and radiant like fresh snow and just as soft. Her figure embodied the golden ratio: a full bust leading into a slender waist before flaring at the hips.

She wore an ankle-length black gown with deep red accents, the neckline dipping low to reveal her pale cleavage and the middle of her chest. A thick black belt cinched her midsection, accentuating her slender figure, before the skirt fanned out in layered folds of black and deep red. She wore a long white gloves that ended near her shoulders, a black choker around her neck, two flower-shaped ornaments rested at her temples, and black shoes.

She took one step forward, and every eye in the room locked onto her. Another step, and the gazes followed. Even with Indomitable Will negating the passive charm she exuded, she was beautiful enough for Rex to be instantly smitten. He was, after all, still a man. She was so stunning that he felt jealous that she was obsessed with Bell.

He almost wanted to say, 'Hey Freya, take a look at this,' and point to his soul. 'How do you like the soul of an otherworlder, babe?' Then he will grab her choker and pull her to himself, saying, 'You're mine now, bitch~.'

Who wouldn't want such a beautiful, country-toppling goddess to love and obsess over them? But of course, he didn't do that. He currently enjoyed his relatively quiet life, and having the attention of Freya—and her entire Familia—would make things very, very hard for him. 

He moved his eyes from the woman and landed on the towering 210 cm (6'11") Boaz demi-human behind her. His frame is packed with dense, corded muscle, with dark skin and rust-colored hair that matched his eyes, and a pair of short, boar-like ears poked through his hair. 

He wore a three-piece suit: a deep red blazer with black lapels and pockets, a matching vest, and a crisp black shirt with a bowtie of the same dark hue. His trousers continued the deep red theme, the suit tailored to accommodate his muscular build without appearing baggy. Black gloves covered his hands, and polished black dress shoes completed the look.

'King Ottar.' Rex glanced at the man's status. "Level seven." A level he wouldn't reach for a while. 'Bell might even reach that level before me.'

The effectiveness of Scavenger would continuously decrease the higher his level became. The Deep Floors that Level 5 and 6 adventurers found hard to solo were only filled with Level 4 mob monsters, so he wouldn't be able to effectively farm SS+ stats when he became level 4. 

Scavenger just confirmed that the first level 5 mob monster appears on Floor 45, but even the Loki Familia needed an entire expedition to reach down there. He doubted he'd be stronger than the entirety of the Loki Familia at Level 4, meaning his solo journey would likely stop by the time he became Level 5.

'No, it might even stop when I become Level 4.' By then, his growth would slow so drastically he'd probably have to spam Indomitable Will's growth effect to match Bell's speed. 'That thought is for the future.'

He pushed that thought to the back of his mind for now as he noticed Freya moving toward the protagonist group. He decided he wouldn't approach them anymore. Throughout the night, her eyes would probably be on the group, and he didn't want her attention.

 Rex walked up to Soma, whose head was bobbing back and forth like he was about to fall asleep, and lightly patted the god's shoulder. The god snapped out of his daze and sat straight, looking around as if he'd been attacked before glancing up at Rex.

"It's time to go," Rex said, and Soma let out a small sigh.

"...Finally." The god immediately stood from his seat and began walking toward the door.

They were going to pass the protagonist group, but they were so occupied by the arrival of Loki and Ais that they wouldn't even notice him. However, as they passed, Loki—who was arguing with Hestia and looked like she was about to start a fight—glanced in their direction. She looked back at Hestia for a moment, then immediately turned her whole head toward them.

'???' Rex noticed this from the corner of his eye.

Loki seemed to instantly forget about the still-shouting short goddess as her eyes widened, sparkling like a child who saw their Christmas present. She immediately sprinted toward them, much to everyone's surprise. The goddess reached them in an instant, dropped to her knees, and slid toward Soma, hugging his legs.

"SOMA!" she shouted like a girlfriend meeting her long-distance boyfriend.

Soma simply glanced down at the goddess. "Loki…" he mumbled, his black eyes looking down at the flat-chested, red-haired goddess dressed in a crisp black suit.

"If I'd known ya were comin', I'da brought the dang ring!" she said, grinning up at Soma like a fool. "So, what's yer answer? Ya gonna marry me or what?"

"?!" Rex almost coughed up blood in surprise, as did everyone else in the surrounding area. 'WHAT?' he shouted internally at this sudden turn of events.

"Is that Soma?"

"First time I've seen him."

"He's never attended one of the other gods' Celebrations, not even other social calls."

"Why is he here?"

"I heard the Soma and Apollo Familia are allies. I guess it makes sense for him to attend."

"What's this talk about marriage?"

Rex realized he and his god had become the center of attention. He slowly moved away, trying to leave Soma to his fate, but the god seemed to sense this and glanced at him from behind his bangs. Those eyes told him not to leave and he sighed in his heart and stood his ground as Soma returned his attention to Loki.

"I refuse." A direct reply.

"I refuse yer refusal!" Loki barked, clinging to his legs tighter as he tried to shuffle away. "Marry me, ya idiot! I'm beggin' ya here!" 

Ais quickly ran forward and grabbed her goddess, pulling the thrashing woman away. "No, let me go!" Loki screeched. "Why's Ishtar gettin' yer wine and not me!? I asked ya first, dammit! Is it my body ya want? Fine, take it!!!" she hollered, flailing as Ais carried her further and further away.

'So this is about Soma's wine,' Rex thought. Then he realized he'd gotten Freya's attention. Like most people in the ballroom, Loki's little act had drawn the goddess's gaze. 'Scavenger, she's used her soul sight on me.'

Scavenger judged this as low quality. 'Oh, thank god.' Rex saw Freya return to talking to the other gods around her and decided to leave when a voice called from behind him.

"Wait!" Rex stopped and turned, finding the small goddess hurrying toward him, her twin black pigtails bouncing with each step. "Thank you for saving Bell's life," she said with a bow.

"Don't worry about it," Rex replied, noticing their group starting to approach, except for Hephaestus, who was talking to an old god named Goibniu. "I couldn't just let them die down there."

The goddess nodded at this. "But..." She straightened up and pointed a finger at him. "Don't think for a second that means I forgive you! You sent that Minotaur straight to Bell! He nearly died because of you!"

"Yeah, that was my bad," Rex admitted, placing his palm on Soma's shoulder to stop the god from sneaking away. "And I apologize for that."

Hestia stared at him and then lowered her head again. "But… even if I can't forgive you for what you did, I still have to say it again." She looked up at him, genuinely grateful. "Thank you. If it weren't for you, Bell would have died. So… thank you for saving him."

"Don't worry." He said as he extended his hand to the goddess. "Think of it as payment for putting his life at danger the first time."

"... Yes." Hestia nodded and took his hand.

"That means you have forgiven me for putting Bell's life at risk right?" Rex asked with a smile as they released eachother's hand. "After all he could have run but stayed and fought which allowed him to level up."

"Hmph!" She pouted, looking away and folding her arm under her massive breast causing it to look even bigger. "Only if you get me that watch like you did for Hermes." She joked.

'Damn, those breast!' He thought, her big cleavage reflecting on his pupil. He started to regret not joining her familia. If he did, he would have been able to see this more, and maybe he could let his inner creep win and... 

He didn't continue that thought, and before he could reply to her joke, Hermes shouted as he approached: "Are you guys leaving so soon?"

"Yes, we merely came to exchange pleasantries," Rex replied, glancing at the messenger god. "We will be on our way now."

"Come on, the night is still young." Hermes said as he came around and slung his left arm around Soma's neck, Rex's former watch now on his wrist glinting in the light. "There's a lot to do at this party. Drink, eat, enjoy yourself. Socialize with other adventurers, Rex. You might need allies in the future!"

"Release me…" Soma tried to wiggle out of the god's arm, but Hermes wasn't letting go.

"HAHAH, let's drink, Soma!" he shouted, pulling the god away as Asfi followed after them.

Rex watched them go, then a voice spoke up. "Um, thanks for saving Bell after what we put him through."

He glanced at the bowing Mikoto, her face flushed with embarrassment. "It was nothing, really," He smiled at the young girl. 'I was the one who put you guys in that situation, after all.'

She nodded and straightened up, meeting his eyes with a smile. "I'm Yamato Mikoto of the Takemikazuchi Familia." She extended her gloved right arm. "Nice to officially meet you, Sir." 

"Rex Magnus of Soma." Rex took her smaller hand and shook it. "A pleasure meeting you, Miss Mikoto."

Naaza said hello from beside Miach while the four deities started talking. She wore a simple soft red dress that flowed down to her ankles, with only one sleeve on her right arm—a deep burgundy long sleeve that stopped at her wrist—and a white glove on that hand.

"…Do I look nice?" She lightly pulled the skirt of her dress out to the sides with her fingers and did a little curtsy, her face as sleepy as ever.

"Of course," Rex nodded, causing her tail to flick happily back and forth beneath her dress. 'Cute fucking dog!' He wanted to pet the dog before him, but he held back and turned to Bell and said, "You too, Bell. You look handsome."

Bell blushed and looked away. "Y-you too…" He struggled to meet Rex's eyes, red meeting amber. "You look, um, handsome too…" He said as he eyes Rex's body.

He thought nothing of the young boy's homosexual reaction and asked, "How have you been after the event? Did you heal well?"

They ended up talking for a while, with Bell praising Naaza and Miach's capabilities and how they helped him recover fully. "You should visit Lord Miach's store. All their potions are high quality and cheap."

"He already comes, Bell…" Naaza said, the white-haired boy turning to her with a questioning 'eh?' expression.

"Didn't I say we have a new loyal customer keeping us afloat?" Miach added with a light laugh. "If not for him, we wouldn't have been able to afford the clothes and the carriage we used to come to this party."

'Praise me more, brokie,' Rex thought but kept his smile humble. "Well, like Bell said, the potions are high quality and cheaper than those sold elsewhere, so I don't see myself buying from anywhere else soon." 

He turned to Hestia, who was talking to Takemikazuchi, and said, "It's thanks to Hestia that I found your store."

"Eh?" The small goddess heard her name and turned. "Me?" She asked, pointing to herself with a question mark above her head.

"Yes?" Rex blinked. "I came to buy Jagamarukun, and you recommended I go to Miach."

"It turns out Hestia is our savior." Miach said with a smile. 

"Hahaha~" The goddess chuckled nervously and scratched the back of her head, trying to remember Rex. She had recommended a lot of people to the store, but no one ever went because of how shady it sounded—and Rex hadn't particularly stood out. 

"You don't remember me, goddess?" Rex asked, feigning sadness.

"Now Bell!" Hestia quickly warped her arm around Bell's arm, her breast squishing on his arm. "Let me introduce you to my other divine friends!" She pulled him away to get away from the awkward position.

"I will see you guys later!" Bell waved as he was pulled along by the goddess.

Rex watched in silence, almost feeling like the meme 'It should have been me, not him!' He really wanted to switch places with that lucky boy. 

Takemikazuchi then stepped towards' Rex with a smile. "It's great meeting Bell's savior." He said, extending his hands as Rex shook it. "Mikoto told me a lot about you, Red Dragon Rex. "

*Poof!* Mikoto's face practically explodes, smoke rising from the top of her head with a deep red blush on her face. 

"She praised you—" Before Takemikazuchi could say more, Hestia rushed from beside Naaza, where she had been talking, and pulled the laughing god away. Mikoto, still holding Naaza's hand, inadvertently dragged the Chienthrope along, causing Miach to chase after them. This left Rex alone.

'Well,' he cracked his neck. 'Let's find somewhere to hide until the party is over—'

"So, you're Welf's savior." Rex turned to see Hephaestus approaching him, a glass half-filled with red wine in her hand.

"Ah, Lady Hephaestus." Rex smiled politely at the crimson-haired goddess. "To what do I owe the honor?"

"I wanted to see my child's savior for myself," she said, stopping before him. "I'm grateful for that, but," She gave an exaggerated sigh, "please tell me you didn't just save him because you wanted something from me." 

"Not really," Rex shook his head, meeting her crimson eyes. "You weren't on my mind back then, but after seeing you a few minutes ago, the thought of coming up to you and asking for payment did cross my mind." 

He decided to get straight to the point and not sugarcoat it. The goddess didn't seem like the type to beat around the bush—at least, not from what he remembered in the show.

"Ah, it would be stupid not to take advantage of it now, wouldn't it?" She smiled slightly before continuing, "Welf was thinking of making you something, but I'll repay you in my own way." 

She took a sip of her wine. "How about this? Next time you want a customized weapon, just come to me, and I'll have one of my best smiths make it for you at twenty-five percent off."

"I'm grateful for that, goddess." He bowed. "That's more than enough."

"Well then," she waved as she walked away, "I'll be off. Enjoy the party."

"You too, Lady Hephaestus," he called after her as she gave him a backward wave. When she was gone, he grinned. 'Fuck yeah!' He clenched his fist.

He had gotten what he wished for—a gift from the goddess. A 25% discount might not seem like much, but it was fucking awesome. After all, if he ordered a 100-million-valis first-class weapon, he'd only have to pay 75 million. That was a lot of valis saved! He was even surprised she offered 25% off; he'd been expecting something like 15%.

He was a bit disappointed she hadn't specifically mentioned Tsubaki's name, but Hephaestus was part of the 'good guys,' so she definitely wouldn't rip him off and send a mediocre smith his way. She'd said one of her best, so she would likely deliver.

'And she mentioned something about Welf wanting to repay me?' Rex had to find a way to get in contact with that Crozzo and see if he could get the guy to forge him a magic sword. "Wait, what happened to my old magic sword?"

[Author's Note: Sorry for not posting yesterday as I needed to get these two chapters done and just post them at once as not to make things drag on. Also, should Rex ger himself a new weapon from Hephaestus now or when he becomes a higher level? Also, if you have idea for 'realistic' magic weapons he should get, let me no.

Thanks for reading this and I hope you also enjoy the next one~]