Danmachi: A Despicable Stranger

Chapter 75: Being spied on...

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In a dimly lit chamber, a magician draped in a jet-black robe gazed intently into a crystal, observing the blond-haired boy and his spiky-haired companion as they approached "Them."

"What's wrong, Fels?"

"…Izzy Alyward of the Loki Familia seems to have discovered 'Them,'" Fels replied in a measured, deep tone.

This was the "prayer hall," a secluded chamber beneath the guild headquarters.

The stone chamber, dominated by dim light, relied on four torches for illumination. In the center, on an altar resembling the ruins of an ancient temple, the old god Ouranos sat regally upon a massive throne, exuding an unshakable aura of authority.

Fels, Ouranos's trusted aide and known as the "Sage," was monitoring the migration within the 22nd floor of the "large Tree Labyrinth" through the crystal placed on the pedestal.

It was during this observation that Fels noted the unusual behavior displayed by Izzy.

"Loki Familia? Are you certain he discovered something?"

Ouranos's question was sharp, cutting through the gravity of the situation. He had no patience for ambiguity—either Izzy had discovered the truth, or he hadn't.

"There was no direct contact," Fels answered after a brief pause, "but judging by Izzy Alyward's behavior, it seems he has noticed something."

Fels's words were chosen carefully, but his answer carried an undeniable weight. He had closely monitored every moment of the migration, leaving no detail unchecked. His vigilance over the situation was absolute.

Fels was no ordinary observer. Known as the "Sage," he had long placed magical surveillance tools—known as "Eyes"—across the various levels of the dungeon.

These "Eyes" relied on twin crystals, magical artifacts imbued with unique properties. Whatever one crystal saw, the other could display, no matter the distance.

This twin crystal system was a rare treasure, the only magical communication method known to exist. Even the most skilled mages had failed to replicate it, as its creation required exceedingly rare materials. Without them, not even Fels could craft another.

In addition to these crystals, Fels also utilized a loyal familiar—an owl outfitted with a magical prosthetic eye. The owl had once been gravely injured and left for dead, but Fels had saved it by replacing its missing eye with a twin crystal lens.

This owl was not merely a companion; it served as a vital surveillance tool. Its magical eye allowed Fels to monitor dangerous individuals or suspect activities within the dungeon and city.

It was this very lens that allowed Fels to observe Izzy and Raul during the migration.

As Ouranos's direct subordinate, Fels operated as a secret branch of the guild's authority. Even guild staff were unaware of this hidden "Anbu." While Fels occasionally overlooked certain cases or individuals with special circumstances, his vigilance over both the dungeon and the city was unwavering.

After Fels explained the situation, Ouranos fell into a contemplative silence.

Moments later, his deep, resonant voice filled the chamber once more.

"Keep a closer watch on Izzy Alyward. It is crucial that we ascertain whether he truly knows anything."

The urgency in Ouranos's words was palpable. In truth, the situation was even more dire than he let on.

For Ouranos and Fels, this moment felt like standing precariously on a fragile wooden scaffold, with flames roaring just beneath their feet, ready to consume them at any moment.

The secrets they safeguarded—the actions they had taken—ran counter to the world's accepted truths.

Should these secrets ever come to light, the consequences would be devastating. Even as the god who had founded the Adventurer's Guild, Ouranos would not escape unscathed from the wrath of exposure.

If it were anyone else, they wouldn't merit such meticulous attention.

But because Izzy was a member of the Loki Familia, he couldn't be underestimated.

What if he truly knew something and reported it to Loki? That would spell trouble.

Among all possible outcomes, the best-case scenario would be the goddess herself storming in to demand answers.

"I understand."

Fels, grasping the gravity of the situation, responded with a resolute tone.

Meanwhile, the very subject of their discussion, Izzy, was deep in the Big Tree Labyrinth, thoroughly enjoying his battle against a horde of ferocious monsters.

"GRAAAAWR!!"

"Guh!?"

Mad beetles, bug bears, dragonfly monsters, and other creatures surging from the depths of the maze fell one after another to Izzy's spear.

With his silver-gray weapon gripped tightly, Izzy moved like a storm through the battlefield. Mysterious patterns etched along the spear flickered with an otherworldly light, enhancing its power. The tip of the spear radiated a faint blue aura, its glow ominous yet mesmerizing.

Simultaneously, two of his inherent abilities came into play:

Heart of the Earth

When in contact with the ground, stamina and mental strength regenerate automatically.

Entering combat mode significantly enhances strength and durability.

Morning Star

Upon entering battle, this skill grants temporary "Intuition," allowing insight into enemy actions.

As combat progresses, the skill strengthens acquired abilities, enabling a surge in overall power.

These skills seamlessly supported Izzy's combat prowess. With "Intuition" guiding him, his every move was precise—no wasted steps, no hesitation. Each strike, dodge, and counterattack was executed with flawless timing.

Thanks to his exceptional combat skills and Lv.2 stats, Izzy faced off against a swarm of Lv.2 monsters, yet the battle remained entirely one-sided.

Perhaps no one else in all of Orario could replicate his performance.

With every swing of his spear, sharp winds accompanied by an aura of dominance tore through monster after monster. Bodies were split cleanly in half, or their vital points were struck without mercy.

The dark blue brilliance of his spear flashed rapidly, cutting through formations and clearing pathways with overwhelming efficiency.

When flames suddenly erupted from a firebird, Izzy reacted instantly. He kicked a Bug bear's massive corpse into the advancing flames, using the recoil to leap away in a smooth, practiced motion.

In the same moment, he unleashed an orb of shimmering, star-like water droplets into the air.

"Starfall!"

The celestial projectile collided with the firebird mid-flight, exploding upon impact. The monster's charred remains tumbled to the ground amidst the aftermath of starry flames.

Unlike dragonfly monsters, whose attacks could be blocked by shields, the firebird's scorching flames presented a greater threat. Even with protection, Izzy could feel the searing heat—a discomfort he preferred to avoid unless absolutely necessary.

Thus, eliminating the firebird became Izzy's top priority.

Exploring the Large Tree Labyrinth demanded constant vigilance, as the need for simultaneous ground and aerial combat significantly increased the risk of injury. No other floors posed such unique challenges.

But thanks to Raul's supportive containment and Izzy's extraordinary performance, the battle was soon over.

As the final monster let out a strangled cry and collapsed, pierced through the chest by Izzy's spear, the chaotic battlefield fell silent.

All that remained were glittering blue-violet magic stones and "dropped items," their faint light reflecting the aftermath of the fierce battle. These remnants, scattered across the clearing, silently bore witness to Izzy's victory.

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