DanMachi: Cheat? What's a Cheat?

Chapter 5: The Eyes of a Consultant

POV Eina

I watched Kaen's back as he walked away from the Guild, carrying the beginner gear I'd just lent him.

There was something different about this new adventurer—a kind of honesty that's rare among the glory-seekers who usually come to my desk.

Most rookie adventurers show up with sparkling eyes, heads full of fantasies about wealth and fame. They think the Dungeon's like some gold mine just waiting to be dug up.

But Kaen... he didn't even try to hide how helpless he was. Actually admitted it with this kind of sad laugh.

"Poor and honest," I muttered while organizing his paperwork.

"That's a rare combo."

I went back to my desk, but my mind was still stuck on our conversation earlier. The way he listened carefully to every word of my warnings, how he didn't interrupt with arrogant questions about "when can I go to the lower floors" or "how long until I'm strong like high-level adventurers."

Most beginners treat safety advice like it's boring stuff.

They wanna know quick strategies, shortcuts, or secret techniques. But Kaen actually asked about the beginner equipment program. Practical. Realistic.

"Eina-chan!"

I looked up. Misha was jogging over to me with this big smile.

"I saw you with that new adventurer earlier. The brown-haired guy in shabby clothes. Who's he?"

"Kaen," I answered briefly.

"Just joined Hestia Familia."

Misha's eyes went wide. "Hestia Familia? The goddess who lives in that old church?"

I nodded. "Why? Is there a problem?"

"No, no!" Misha put both hands up.

"It's just... it's super rare for anyone to wanna join her familia. I mean, Hestia-sama's really nice, but..."

"But she doesn't have any facilities," I continued.

"I know."

Misha sat down in the chair next to my desk. "You know, a few months ago there was this adventurer who tried joining her. But after he saw the condition of the church... he just left."

I rolled my eyes. "Of course. People want instant results without the struggle."

"But that adventurer earlier... Kaen, right? He seemed... different."

I stopped writing and looked at Misha. "What d'you mean?"

"He didn't look greedy. Even his appearance was super simple. And earlier when he left the Guild, he stopped in front of this food vendor. I thought he was gonna buy something, but he just kept walking with this... sad expression."

This weird feeling bubbled up in my chest. Pity? Or... sympathy?

"He said he hasn't eaten since yesterday afternoon," I said quietly.

Misha went silent for a moment. "Wow... that's... really rough."

I looked out the Guild window. The sun was starting to set, and the magic lamps were beginning to light up along the street.

Food vendors were already starting to prep their evening dishes. The smell of toasted bread and warm soup drifted faintly through the air.

"Eina-chan?" Misha was looking at me with this curious expression. "You thinking about something?"

"No," I answered quickly. But that lie felt awkward on my tongue.

Misha smiled. "You're worried about that new adventurer, aren't you?"

"Of course I'm worried," I said, trying to sound professional. "That's part of my job as an advisor. Making sure adventurers don't die from stupid mistakes."

"But this is different," Misha teased.

"Usually you only worry once they've entered the Dungeon. This is just day one and you're already—"

"That's enough, Misha."

She laughed softly, but didn't continue her teasing. We went back to work in silence, each finishing up administrative documents. But my mind kept wandering.

I remembered Kaen's face when he accepted the beginner equipment. Not an arrogant expression or overconfidence. But... grateful. Like that shabby leather armor and thin steel sword were the greatest gifts in his life.

When was the last time I saw an adventurer act like that?

Most of them come with high expectations. They want high-quality armor, mithril weapons, or at least gear that's "not embarrassing." But Kaen... he accepted whatever he could get.

"Eina-chan," Misha tapped my shoulder.

"You're spacing out again."

I shook my head quickly. "Sorry. Just thinking about tomorrow's work schedule."

"Really?" Misha grinned.

"Or thinking about that new adventurer?"

I stared at her with a flat expression. "Misha, you know I don't—"

"Relax, relax." She raised her hands.

"I'm just kidding. But... seriously, Eina-chan. I rarely see you this worried about a new adventurer."

I let out a long sigh. "Maybe because... he reminds me of myself."

"What d'you mean?"

"When I first started working at the Guild. I didn't know anything either. Scared, nervous, but trying hard not to look stupid. The difference is, I had decent housing and food on the table."

Misha went quiet. Her expression turned more serious.

"You're really worried he won't make it, huh?"

"The statistics aren't good,"

I said while opening my notes.

"Rookie adventurers without strong familia support have a 40% death rate in their first month. Especially those who start without capital, without connections, and without experienced mentors."

"But he's got Hestia-sama."

"Hestia-sama's a new goddess. She's kind-hearted, but doesn't have experience guiding adventurers. And more importantly... doesn't have the resources to help if there's an emergency."

Misha nodded slowly. "So... you gonna do something?"

I looked at her.

"What can I do? My job's just giving advice and processing paperwork. Nothing more."

"But you care."

"Of course I care. I care about all the adventurers registered with the Guild."

"This is different and you know it."

I went quiet. Misha was right, but I didn't wanna admit it. There was something about Kaen that made me... connected. Maybe because of his honesty. Maybe because he wasn't trying to be someone he wasn't.

Or maybe because I saw shadows of my past self in him.

"Alright," I said finally.

"Maybe I'll... keep a closer eye on him. Make sure he doesn't make any fatal mistakes."

Misha smiled.

"That's what I like about you, Eina-chan. You never give up on people who really need help."

I rolled my eyes, but couldn't hide a small smile. "Don't be so dramatic, Misha."

"How about tomorrow you check on his condition? Maybe give him some extra tips?"

"I'll see." I went back to my documents.

"If he comes in for a report after his first exploration."

"And if he doesn't come?"

I stopped writing. That question made my chest feel tight. If Kaen didn't come... it could mean two things. He gave up and went back to his village, or...

"He'll come," I said confidently.

"He's not the type to give up easily."

Misha nodded. "I hope you're right."

We continued working until the Guild closed. While getting ready to leave, I glanced toward the window. Night had already fallen, and the streets were starting to empty. Food vendors were already beginning to pack up their wares.

I wondered if Kaen had eaten dinner. Whether Hestia-sama had enough food for both of them. Whether he was already asleep, or still awake from worrying about tomorrow.

"Eina-chan," Misha called to me.

"Let's go home."

"Yeah, just a sec."

I grabbed my coat and got ready to leave. But before leaving my desk, I looked at Kaen's file one more time. His ID photo was right there—a young face with honest eyes and a simple smile.

"Good luck," I whispered.

Tomorrow, I'll be waiting for him to come with his first exploration report. And I'll make sure he doesn't make mistakes that could end his life.