The next morning, gentle sunlight filtered through the wooden house window, casting a warm glow over the eager light in Kanae Kocho's eyes.
After a full night's rest, not only had her body recovered to peak condition, but her spirit was reinvigorated with the clarity of her goal to grow stronger.
Once everything was prepared, Phaethon took Kanae to the Guild for her adventurer registration—
The first official step in integrating into Orario and beginning her Dungeon journey.
But before leaving the house, Phaethon solemnly instructed his first Familia member:
"Kanae, there's one thing you must remember.
No matter what—don't tell anyone, be they adventurer or god, that you're from another world."
Seeing the hint of confusion in her eyes, Phaethon patiently explained:
"Not all the gods in Orario are as friendly as they appear. Some are nosy, even malicious, and love to pry into others' secrets.
If they discover I have the ability to connect with other worlds, it'll only bring endless trouble and interference.
While I'm not afraid of them, I prefer not to be tangled in unnecessary chaos."
He paused, then continued, "So if anyone asks about your origins—
Just say you're an adventurer from the Far East, here in Orario to seek fortune. Understand?"
Bright and perceptive as ever, Kanae instantly grasped the critical point and nodded earnestly.
"I understand, Lord Phaethon. I'll never reveal anything to outsiders."
Satisfied, Phaethon nodded approvingly.
The two then departed their base and made their way toward Babel Tower in the city's heart.
Along the way, Kanae looked around with wide-eyed wonder at the fantastical city around her.
From the uniquely styled buildings lining the streets to the various demi-human races they passed, everything was novel and fascinating to her.
Before long, they arrived at the Guild's main headquarters.
There, the one handling new adventurers was once again the knowledgeable and composed half-elf advisor, Miss Eina.
When Eina saw Phaethon accompanied by a gentle, elegant young woman, and learned she was his first Familia member—
Her face lit up with astonishment.
"Lord Phaethon… You've finally found someone willing to join your Familia?"
To her surprise, Phaethon responded only with a calm smile and gestured gently for Kanae to step forward.
Guided by Eina, Kanae smoothly registered under the background of a Far Eastern adventurer and officially became a Guild-certified adventurer.
Eina dutifully explained many foundational details and safety protocols for exploring the Dungeon.
After exiting the Guild, Phaethon and Kanae headed straight to the Dungeon's entrance.
Standing before the vast, mysterious cave mouth, Kanae took a deep breath, then turned to Phaethon:
"Lord Phaethon, I'd like to go in alone.
You can go back and rest. I'll be careful—Miss Eina taught me a lot just now."
She was bursting with eagerness to begin her adventure—to earn the strength that could change fate.
But Phaethon shook his head, his face relaxed with a smile.
"This is your first time entering the Dungeon. I'll feel better if I accompany you—
I'll take on the role of a supporter."
Kanae blinked in confusion.
"Eh? Supporter? But… gods are forbidden from entering the Dungeon. Miss Eina even stressed that just now."
"Heh, don't worry. I have my own way around that."
Phaethon grinned mysteriously, offering no direct answer.
Instead, he flipped his palm and—like magic—produced a half-meter-tall, adorably designed rabbit plush toy.
Snow-white all over, with long ears and big round eyes, it looked soft and irresistibly cute.
Phaethon handed the plush to Kanae:
"Take this. His name is Bombu. Keep him with you and you'll understand soon enough."
Kanae accepted Bombu curiously. Its touch was plush and comforting.
She had no idea what this charming toy had to do with divine presence in the Dungeon.
But trusting Phaethon completely, she nodded and cradled Bombu gently in her arms.
With a mix of nervousness and excitement, she stepped into the Dungeon's first floor.
The world ahead opened up—a massive cavernous space.
Faintly glowing moss on the stone walls provided natural illumination.
The air carried an odd, earthy smell laced with faint decay.
From a distance, the growls of monsters echoed—reminding her this was no place of safety. This was the first floor Eina had described.
As Kanae scanned her surroundings, tensed for danger, Bombu stirred slightly in her arms.
Then—his beady eyes lit up with a gentle golden glow.
Zwoosh!
Bombu suddenly leapt from her arms, spun midair with agility, and landed gracefully on the ground.
Facing Kanae, he spoke in a warm, familiar voice—gentle and soothing:
"All right, Kanae. No need to be so nervous—I'll be here watching over you."
That voice… unmistakably belonged to the god she had just parted from!
Kanae was stunned. Her wide eyes stared in disbelief at the talking rabbit toy.
"L-Lord Phaethon… what is this?"
Bombu—more precisely, Phaethon's consciousness projected into Bombu—
Lifted a fuzzy paw like a gentle pat, smiling as he explained:
"No need to be surprised. This is one of my unique abilities, which I call the Light of Bombu.
Using this special plush as a vessel, I can project a strand of my consciousness into it.
This way, I can accompany my Familia without breaking the rules—observing your adventures and offering guidance or aid when needed."
"A-Amazing!"
Kanae's eyes sparkled with admiration and awe.
Indeed, the powers of a god were beyond what mortals could imagine.
She knelt to pick up Bombu, holding him tenderly once more.
The unease from facing an unknown world alone melted away, replaced by warmth and assurance.
She couldn't help but nuzzle her cheek softly against Bombu's plush fur, her voice full of joy and trust:
"With you by my side, Lord Phaethon, I feel so much more confident!"
Feeling the same warmth emanating from Bombu that she associated with Phaethon himself, Kanae hugged him tightly, reluctant to let go.
Phaethon's voice reminded her gently:
"Kanae, remember—do not reveal my identity as a god inside the Dungeon."