Danmachi: A Mage's Journey

Chapter 154: Fels' Inquiry

At noon, when the sun hung high in the sky like a blazing golden disc, Akira stepped leisurely out of the gates of the Stardust Garden.

His eyes shimmered faintly with curiosity as he surveyed the bustling streets of Orario, thoughts swirling in his mind. He had set his sights on exploring various parts of the city in search of rare materials suitable for crafting magic tools.

But truth be told, his current relaxed demeanor was hard-won.

Earlier that morning, Akira had been enthusiastically dragged to the training grounds by Alise and the others. Their eyes gleamed with unspoken intent—it was obvious they had something special in mind.

A "special sparring session," they had called it.

Apparently, everyone had been deeply impacted by the Juggernaut's incredible speed, and they all hoped to improve their ability to react under such pressure.

Their solution? Ask Akira to play the role of that very monster.

To fulfill their request, Akira had no choice but to switch into [Swift Master].

With his speed boosted to near-monster levels, Akira became a blur across the training grounds. His movements were ghost-like, his attacks a storm of flashes that struck from every direction.

The others could barely trace the trajectory of his assaults before being struck down, tumbling helplessly under his relentless assault. Though they tried to fight back, none could match the inhuman speed Akira displayed.heir gender.

Despite the eerie aura, Akira's nerves eased slightly.

His sharp gaze scanned the stranger, mentally recalling the many figures Astraea had warned him about during his earlier lessons.

Then, with cautious certainty, Akira spoke, "...You wouldn't happen to be the personal agent of the old god Ouranos, would you? The name's... Fels, right?"

As he spoke, he slowly sheathed his sword, though his eyes remained vigilant.

"I don't recall doing anything that would interest Ouranos. So, what business do you have with me?"

A dry, raspy laugh echoed softly.

"Wow. I'm honored you know me." The figure replied, their voice strange and hoarse, like wind rustling through dry leaves.

Of course Akira would recognize Fels. When he had first arrived in Orario and lacked common language knowledge, Astraea had taken the time to introduce him to the city's key figures, including the more mysterious ones.

"Please rest assured." Fels continued, raising a gloved hand gently. "I'm not here to cause any harm. I only came with a few questions. Nothing more."

Sensing Fels' sincerity or at least their restraint, Akira leaned casually against the nearby wall, expression cool and unreadable.

"Ask then." He said. "Depending on what it is, I'll answer."

Fels nodded.

"You and the Astraea Familia returned from the dungeon yesterday, correct?"

As they spoke, Fels pulled a worn notebook from within their robe, pretending to prepare for notes.

Akira raised an eyebrow, his expression turning vaguely amused.

"I suppose we did." He replied. "That's what the guild said when we came back."

"I see... Then, do you happen to know the reason behind yesterday's tremors in the dungeon?"

Fels' quill scratched across the paper as they asked.

Akira's reply was nonchalant. "How would I know? I'm just a level 2 adventurer. For answers like that, you'd be better off asking my captain."

Fels let out a long sigh—though it was hard to tell if it was from irritation or resignation.

"I thought so too... but Hermes insisted I speak to you directly. Said you were special, that you'd know something."

Akira's lips twitched. He sighed in annoyance.

"That damn god again. Even though Astraea-sama warned him, he just can't keep his mouth shut."

Fels chuckled awkwardly, their hand brushing the side of their hood as if wiping cold sweat that didn't exist.

"Well, that's Hermes for you. But... you really do know something, don't you?"

Akira gave them a long look, then exhaled slowly.

"I don't have the patience to go in circles. Astraea-sama already planned to visit Ouranos herself and explain everything. But since you've come all the way here..."

With a wave of his left hand, a notebook materialized in midair.

"!?" Fels's breath hitched.

They hadn't seen how Akira had summoned it. The transition was seamless, as if the object had always been there and simply chose that moment to reveal itself.

As expected—Hermes was right.

Morning Star wasn't just another rising adventurer... He was unusually "special."

(End of Chapter)

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