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[16] The Wolf and the Pretender
🕑 Added 2025-07-08 21:33:26 +0000 UTC(Riven POV – Orario Main Street)
All in all, I’d call the trip a success.
I helped Naaza fix the dual potion formula, walked away with six free potions, and Great Sage has already analyzed the medium potions. 'Once I get the right ingredients, I can craft higher-quality versions for myself.'
As for the emotional damage I may have caused Naaza… I choose to ignore it for now.
'She’ll be fine… probably.' I reassure myself.
I mean, who quits their entire profession just because someone else did it better?
A few people might… but definitely not her. She doesn’t seem like the type to give up that easily.
Pushing the thought aside, I shift focus to what’s next on my to-do list.
‘I need to pick up some materials for making clothes, like threads and fabrics.’
I'd have bought drop items, like Almiraj Fur or Minotaur Skin if I had more money, but I could always farm those on my own later.
The thought hums pleasantly in my mind as I merge into the tide of pedestrians flowing down West Main Street, making my way toward Babel.
The sun sits comfortably in the sky now, casting a gentle golden hue across the stone roads. A light breeze weaves through the crowd, cool against my skin, carrying the mingled scents of fresh bread, metal, and sweat.
Shops and stalls form a chaotic patchwork on either side of the street, with vendors shouting prices, adventurers bartering over gear, and townsfolk going about their day.
I slow my pace slightly, letting myself observe the world around me.
A trio of Cat People argue animatedly with two Dwarves over an axe. A tall, loud Amazoness is berating her much shorter Pallum partner, who seems to be trying, and failing, to stay calm. A group of Chienthrope kids dart between adults’ legs, getting scolded and laughed at in equal measure.
It’s chaotic, but there’s warmth to it.
‘Not a bad place to just… walk.’ I admit.
My gaze lifts, drawn once again to the towering spire of Babel. It looks almost unnatural in how it stretches toward the heavens, like a spear striking towards the heavens.
'It’s strange how quickly I’ve grown used to seeing it.' Even stranger how comfortable I’ve become in this world.
I watch a team of adventurers moving briskly past me, lightly armored and armed, their faces tense with focus. Their eyes are locked on the Dungeon, filled with grim determination.
Some laugh, some chat, but most march in heavy silence.
There’s a hidden weight behind the laughter as they hide their fears and worries behind smiles.
‘Most adventurers don’t want to be adventurers. As for why they do it…'
Survival. Some of them were born into it. They didn't get to choose whether to enter the Dungeon… it was their only path.
Money. For many, adventuring is the only way to claw their way out of poverty. If you risk your life, you scrape enough together to make it to tomorrow… then repeat the cycle.
Strength. This world respects power above all else. Without it, you’re just prey waiting for someone stronger to decide your fate.
'What about me?' I wonder.
At first, money was a major motivator. I joined a struggling Familia.
'Good food wasn't even guaranteed.' I reminisce, even if it was only 2 days ago.
But now, with Great Sage and Predator, I could make a small fortune crafting high-end potions, gear, and even magic tools. I wouldn’t need to step foot into the Dungeon again.
‘And I could still grow stronger without risking my life… Exelia isn’t only earned through battle.’
Smithing, crafting, training… anything that could be considered a life experience can earn Exelia.
It’d be slow… safe… and much smarter.
And yet…
A quiet chuckle escapes me as I weave around a vendor trying to push a cart of meat into the crowd.
‘It’s empty.’
That kind of life doesn’t call to me.
When I first arrived here, adventuring was the obvious route. Get strong. Make money. Survive.
But now that I’ve got a moment to breathe and things are going well… I’m questioning why I would keep going back into the Dungeon.
It's not just about survival. It's not only for riches. And it's not just to gain strength.
‘I simply enjoy it.’
I enjoy the unknown.
I enjoy putting my life on the line and fighting.
I want to see what lies beneath the surface. Not just the upper floors of the Dungeon—but the depths. The deep floors most people never even get to see.
The 18th Floor, lit by a crystal sky.
The Large Tree Labyrinth, with its living, wooden walls.
The Water City, and its sparkling Great Fall.
Even the fabled end of the Dungeon… if there is one.
My lips curl into a small smile.
There’s no logic behind this. No practical reason to chase something so uncertain. It's completely unnecessary…
But it feels right.
‘Yeah… that’ll be my goal.’
To reach the ends of the Dungeon.
To fight and defeat everything that stands in my way.
To uncover secrets no one else has touched.
‘I’ll become someone who’s seen more of this world than anyone else. Places even gods have never seen.'
The thought buzzes in my chest, my excitement burning strong.
I walk on with a little more energy in my steps… when—
“Hey! Excuse me!” A voice calls out, pulling me from my delusions.
I blink, glancing over my shoulder toward the sound, and my heart nearly stops.
'Shit…'
"Hello." I say with a polite smile, my mind finally realising where I am. "Were you calling out to me?"
‘I knew this was going to happen eventually… I just hoped it didn't happen while I was distracted.’ I sigh inwardly.
Standing in front of me is what, at first glance, seems like an ordinary girl.
Bluish-gray eyes. Hair tied back into a tidy ponytail. Soft peachy skin. A white blouse tucked into a leaf-colored skirt that falls just past her knees, a long apron wrapping neatly around her waist, and brown boots over black stockings complete the look.
Everything about her says sweet, innocent barmaid.
"Yes!" She says brightly, beaming with enthusiasm as she clasps her hands together. “Are you Riven?”
There’s a shy, almost flustered smile on her lips as she looks away slightly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
‘If I didn’t know better, I’d be completely fooled. Great Sage… how screwed am I?’
[Answer: The individual currently utilizing the persona “Syr Flova” is the Goddess Freya.]
‘Of course it’s not Horn…’ I sigh internally, keeping my expression calm.
"Yeah, that’s me." I reply casually. “But I don’t think we’ve met before?”
My voice comes out naturally, slightly curious, without sounding stiff, and just enough confusion to be authentic.
‘Shit. I just lied.’ I realise.
I've technically crossed paths with Freya… and made eye contact. But does that even count as having met?
Still… if she can see my emotions, I’m probably radiating wariness like a beacon. She wouldn't even need me to lie to find me suspicious.
"Yes, this is our first time meeting." She confirms with a polite bow, eyes twinkling with girly excitement. “I’m Syr Flova. I work at the Hostess of Fertility. The others mentioned you—the handsome customer I missed the last two times you visited.”
She says it casually, like the words just slipped past her lips.
Then her eyes widen, her whole face going crimson, and she starts stammering. “Ah! I-I mean—handsome?! I didn’t mean to just say that! I mean, you are handsome, b-but I just meant your hair and eyes! They’re really… striking and stand out!”
She squeals and covers her face with both hands, looking absolutely mortified.
‘And the Oscar goes to…’ I joke.
If I didn’t have IronHeart, I’d probably be red-faced too. Out of sheer secondhand embarrassment, if nothing else.
"Hmm? Well, I’m happy to be called handsome." I chuckle lightly, playing along. “Nice to meet you, Syr. I’m Riven Alaric.”
Her head pops up instantly, eyes bright again. “It’s so nice to meet you too!”
Then, tilting her head slightly, she asks, “You’re an adventurer, right? Were you on your way to the Dungeon?”
I shake my head. “It's my day off today. I was just running some errands and looking for gear.”
She nods seriously at that, as though I’ve said something profound. “That’s good. It’s important to rest and take breaks.” Her voice softens, and a warm smile crosses her lips. “And if you're resting... why not stop by the Hostess?”
Without wasting a moment, she steps in closer and gently takes my hand in both of hers. Her touch is light, inviting, and would probably disable anyone she tried it on. The motion is so smooth it’s almost imperceptibly rehearsed.
She tugs gently, trying to pull me forward, and…
I don’t move an inch.
I just smile back politely. “Sorry. I can’t right now. I’m quite busy and have somewhere I need to be soon.” My tone is apologetic, but firm.
Her head droops just slightly, her smile faltering into a heartbroken one.
But then—she gathers herself. Lifts her head. Smiles again, with just a touch of bittersweet resolve. The perfect picture of a delicate girl doing her best to stay cheerful in the face of overwhelming disappointment.
“Then… maybe you could visit us another time?” She asks softly, her voice barely above a whisper. It’s pleading… hopeful. I'd almost feel bad rejecting her…
Almost.
‘But turning her down is dangerous. Both in the short, and long term.’ I glance past her, casually scanning the entrance of the Hostess.
A few of the other waitresses are peeking through the doorway.
But it’s Mama Mia that really catches my attention—standing there with a smirk on her lips as she just so happens to be cracking her knuckles.
‘Rejecting Syr leaves the potential to get a beating before being forced to accept. It also might force Freya to use more… direct means. On the other hand, accepting means dealing with Freya playing coy as I sacrifice my mental health.’
‘Both options suck, but one's much better than the other.’
Besides, if Freya’s using Syr to approach me, that means she won’t make any direct moves on me. And if I play it right… I might be able to benefit a bit before things go south.
"Sure." I say with an easy smile. “I’ll stop by sometime when I’m free.”
Her expression lights up instantly. “Really? That would be wonderful! Make sure to pass by on your way to the Dungeon!” She says brightly, her hands still holding mine for a moment longer before finally letting go.
'And she's forced a time I can't avoid on me.'
“Be safe on your errands, Riven.” She bows again slightly, her voice calm and sweet.
“You too, Syr.” I nod politely. “Take care.”
I turn and continue on my way, my posture relaxed… but my thoughts are anything but.
'The game's begun.'
(Syr POV – Hostess of Fertility)
The moment I step back inside the tavern, the teasing begins.
"You done flirting?" Mama Mia smirks from behind the bar, arms crossed, her eyes gleaming with amusement. “You were blushing like a maiden seeing her first love.”
“I was not blushing!” I protest, though the heat rushing back to my face doesn’t do me any favors.
“Oh? You sure about that?” Anya purrs, tail flicking behind her as she hops down from her seat and saunters over. “Because your face was the exact shade of a tomato. A really ripe one~”
I clear my throat, stiffening. “I-I was just a little flustered, that’s all! It’s perfectly normal to blush a tiny bit during a conversation.”
“Sure.” Lunoire says with a slow nod as she sweeps lazily. “Especially when you call your crush handsome out of nowhere.”
“C-crush?!” I choke, latching onto the word. “I—I don’t have a crush! I was just being polite! Friendly!”
“Totally.” Chloe drawls from across the room, her smirk as playful as ever. “That must be why you gave him the ‘please don’t leave me, I’ll be sad and lonely’ look.”
“I did not—!” I squeak, throwing my hands up and covering my face.
“She’s doing the thing again!” Anya gasps, pointing dramatically. “She’s flustered and smitten~!”
Smack!
“Ease up.” Ryuu says flatly, lowering her hand after giving Anya a light chop on the head. “She might actually faint.”
Laughter rings through the tavern—teasing, warm, and familiar.
It’s always like this. No matter what face I wear, no matter what truths I hide, this chaotic little corner of the world… feels safe.
So I pout. I stammer. I let my cheeks redden a little more and squeeze the tray I’m still holding like a shield.
It’s all part of the act that at some point, became more than just a game.
But beneath the surface… I’m still thinking about him.
'Riven Alaric… how much do you really know?'
I saw you long before he arrived—lost in thought, your soul alight with purpose and passion. And then… you saw me.
And just like that, the brightness vanished. Snuffed out in an instant, replaced by that same flicker of wariness you hide so well.
Most would be flattered or happy when a cute girl gives them attention.
But you weren’t.
You smiled. You played along. You even flirted back slightly. But your heart… your soul didn’t move the way it should’ve.
You knew.
‘Is he like that with all girls?’ I’d wondered. But no. His emotions are calm even with others. I've been observing him, so I know… with me, he's cautious and guarded. Only with me.
He lied. Not with his words—those were flawless. But the little slip up he made when he claimed we’d never met. The moment of panic that disappeared as soon as I saw it.
'He became more careful after that.' I hum in thought.
So cautious.
So guarded.
So perfect…
'It’s honestly adorable.'
He doesn’t hate me. He didn’t recoil when I touched him. He’s just… cautious. Wary, like I’m a wolf circling a sheep—when in truth, I don’t want to hurt him.
'Not unless it’s good for him.'
He’s strong. I see that his Vessel is anyway pushing past the limits… maybe SS rank now?
He's growing far too quickly. His rate of growth… it’s unnatural.
'Wonderful.'
He resisted my charm completely. And he’s smart, so he’ll never tell anyone. It’s fine, really. I don’t mind him knowing.
As long as he keeps coming back and I get to talk to him more.
‘I’ll make something for him… a meal for when he enters the Dungeon. Something warm. Something just for him.’ I muse softly, already planning recipes.
“Genkai to Syr~” Anya’s voice breaks through my reverie as she waves a hand in front of my face. “You’re spacing out again.”
“Eh?! I-I was just… thinking about cleaning the back room!” I blurt, clutching my tray like a lifeline as I scramble for the first excuse that comes to mind.
“Cleaning?” Chloe snorts. “Now I know you’re in love.”
“I can be diligent! Love has nothing to do with this!” I huff, cheeks puffed, storming past them toward the kitchen like a retreating kitten.
The laughter follows me. But I don’t mind. It’s familiar, grounding.
Still…
Even as I flee their teasing, I can’t quite shake the feeling lingering at the edge of my thoughts.
'Riven… how long do you intend to keep playing this game of pretend?'
Because sooner or later…
'I won't want to just pretend.'
****************
A/N: Hello Everyone. So yeah... I failed to write 2 chaps today. Kinda finished this one, and wasn't satisfied, and kinda restarted, but I think that turned out well.
So, in essence, what goes around, comes around. Riven have Naaza stress, and his retribution came quite quickly.
Freya/Syr combinwas surprisingly fun to write. She's similar to Riven in a way, so it's fun. And I decided not to make Riven perfect. I could do Great Sage being able to manipulate his soul to hide his emotions from Freya (but that'd mean she should be able to disable IronHeart too), but even without that, I kinda want this to be a flaw of his. He's a perfect pretender and actor, but he'll always be seen through by her.
Most might not like that, but I'm doing it as a way to build connection between the 2. Both are aware of each other's hidden sides, and yet maintain this game and balance of theirs. Until she? I don't know. But it'll be fun. They're having fun (not so much Riven [but he had his moment when she was embarassing herself]), I'm having fun, and hopefully you are too.
Anyway. That's all from me. It's midnight, and I'm going to sleep, so I won't reply to much for a few hours, but I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. Also hope you all have a great night/day.
![[16] The Wolf and the Pretender](https://img5.patrefans.com/storage/6/vz/pt/563145-019e907f-50f9-7ce0-b341-4a88d6fe9ac0.jpg)
Comments
AMV Weakly
I was wondering where you were🤣
pEmKayS
Thanks for the chapter! Somehow I missed the notification 😓
AMV Weakly
Oh yeah, thanks. That was my mistake🤣. I'll fix it just now
Legnas
Merci pour le chapitre. Un moment Anya dit "Terre à Syr" pour la faire revenir de ces pensées. ça devrai être "Genkai à Syr" si c'est bien le nom du monde de Danmachi.
AMV Weakly
Hope you enjoyed it😁
Aus234
Thank you for the chapter.
AMV Weakly
Freya's wild 🤣. Personally, I love the part where she says she doesn't want to hurt him... Unless it's good for him🤣.
Ray
Yeah a wolf circling a sheep is a pretty good analogy for this situation XD
