Danmachi: Valkyrie Oratoria

Chapter 5: Pink Pallum and Toad

Sigrid's PoV

''I still can't believe that you are the aqua princess, Siri.'' Alise said as we wander around the 9th floor.

Two months had passed now since they joined the familia. Alise, Kaguya and I went into the dungeon almost every day. I introduced them to Rose-neechan to be their adviser, as well as my friend Ardi. We explored as a party for two weeks until Ardi continued adventuring with Shakti-neechan and their familia.

''It's understandable, after all,'' Kaguya added. ''No one expected a 9-year-old to reach Level 3.''

As the months passed, I grew really close to them. We often ate together at the tavern with Astraea-sama too. I heard rumors that Kaguya could have a foul mouth sometimes, but I never witnessed it myself. Though sometimes when adventurers came to tease us at our table, Alise would cover my ears until they left. I think Kaguya may have said something to scare them off, but I couldn't hear through Alise's hands.

In any case, I was proud to call them my friends, Familia and party members. Together, the three of us kept getting stronger!

Suddenly, a few killer ants came running toward us. Alone they weren't too dangerous, but in a group they could overwhelm newbie adventurers.

''Leave it to me, I'll take care of it!'' Alise said, unsheathing her rapier and charging forward to engage them.

I looked over at Kaguya, noticing her hair had grown longer. ''Kaguya.'' I called out. She turned to me with a gentle smile. ''Yes?''

''Are you trying to grow your hair out?'' I asked. She nodded.

''Yes, I've never grown it out during my time in the far east... and there's another reason too.''

''Another reason?''

Kaguya smiled gently and patted my head. ''You once complimented how beautiful my black hair was and said I'd look even more beautiful if I grew it long... so take responsibility, Siri''

''Oh yeah! Your hair is so pretty. I'll take responsibility if anything happens to it while it's growing!'' I said proudly.

Kaguya giggled. ''That's not quite what I meant, but I enjoy your innocence. Perhaps you'll understand better when you're older.'' I didn't fully get it, but I was glad Kaguya was following my suggestion! Her hair was the most beautiful.

Alise was starting to look overwhelmed by the growing swarm of killer ants.''Hey, quit being so lovey-dovey over there and help me out!'' she cried.

''We're coming!'' I called back, taking out my sword. Beside me, Kaguya readied her katana.

Together the three of us fought seamlessly, watching each other's backs. It was like a dance, the way we moved around each other, striking and parrying as one united front. Within minutes, the last ant fell.

Alise sheathed her rapier with a sigh. ''Thanks for the assist. You two were too busy flirting to notice I needed help!''

''We weren't flirting!'' I said, cheeks warm.

Kaguya just smiled serenely. ''Apologies, Alise. It seems Siri's enthusiasm is rather infectious.''

''Anyway, let's head to floor 10-'' I began, but suddenly cut myself off. From the corners of my vision, I saw movement. War shadows spawned from the left and right walls!

I felt a strange sense of déjà vu, but pushed it aside. Focus, Sigrid!

I dashed left as fast as I could, swinging my sword to take down the two shadows near Alise. But more were appearing! Without hesitation, I bounded up the wall, using it to launch myself across the room toward Kaguya on the right.