DanMachi: Dungeon X Chaos

Chapter 11: Gatcha, Synergy, & More

Chico stood by the open window, golden light filtering through the sheer curtains. Demeter leaned against the edge of a nearby table, arms folded, watching him with soft curiosity as he gathered his thoughts.

"I figured it was time to tell you more," he said, turning to face her. "About my abilities—the ones that showed up on my Falna."

Demeter's expression brightened with intrigue. "All right. I'm listening."

Chico raised a hand, ticking them off one by one. "First—Weather. It's an ability. I can tell what the weather will be like, down to the hour if I focus. Whether it's sunny, raining, windy… I just know. Not just for the day, either—I can read the whole week in a given area."

Demeter's eyes widened slightly. "That's an interesting survival tool. Not to mention how useful that would be on the surface."

"Huh…didn't think it to be any useful to be honest, but I guess it's definitely helpful when you're living without a roof," he said with a half-smile. "Next is Masochist Soul. The worse shape I'm in, the faster I recover. Bleeding, poison, fatigue, illness…even curses. They don't drag me down—they fuel me."

Demeter tilted her head. "So pain becomes power? That's…grimly poetic."

Chico shrugged. "It works."

He continued. "Conditioning is a passive ability. My body's constantly improving—even when I'm not training. It's like I'm always recovering from a perfect workout. My strength, endurance, and agility are slowly moving toward their peak. And when I do train, the gains are faster. And the possibility of the falna becoming more…efficient, isn't off the table."

Demeter's brows lifted. "A passive grind. Efficient. Powerful, long-term."

"Exactly." Chico nodded. "Then there's Lightning Spear. I conjure a spear of lightning. It's not subtle, but it hits hard. Better the range, bigger the blast." 

"Definitely sounds like a crowd-clearer," she said, eyes sparkling.

"Works best against dragons." I smirked

"Next, Barrier of Light. Creates a magical barrier—not the toughest barrier out there, but it's quick to deploy. It's especially good at repelling curses, spirits, and negative status effects."

Demeter smiled gently. "Protection and cleansing. A fitting touch."

Chico rubbed the back of his neck. "One of my traits is also worth mentioning. It makes it nearly impossible for me to lose games of chance. Cards, dice, coin tosses…I can practically feel the outcome before it happens, makes me very lucky. I also believe that most things involving chance will be played in my favor."

Demeter blinked, then laughed softly. "Now that is dangerous, if you ever go to a casino, please bring someone along."

He grinned. "You already know me so well."

She tilted her head with playful suspicion. "Any other traits?"

Chico froze, blinking. Then his face turned a bit red.

"Ahem." He coughed into his hand and looked away. "There are…but they're embarrassing. Therefore, I will not answer at this moment."

Demeter gave a mock pout and lightly tapped her foot. "You tease."

He chuckled trying to hide his embarrassment. "I'll tell you someday."

She narrowed her eyes, then laughed again, letting the moment settle into something easy.

After a beat, Demeter asked more seriously, "So what's next? What will you be doing these next few days?"

Chico's gaze grew focused. "First, I'll register at the Orario Guild. Then I'll need to make up for lost time, push my physical training further—really push it. Sword drills, conditioning, test how the Falna changed me."

She nodded silently, listening.

"I also need to prepare for the dungeon—study maps, read monster reports, terrain data. I'm not going into the dungeon blind. I'll be cautious."

"And if things go sideways?" Demeter asked, softly.

Chico met her eyes. "Then I'll do whatever it takes. I won't bite off more than I can chew."

Demeter stepped closer, placing a warm hand over his chest. "Just be careful, as long as you make it back…that's all that matters."

"I'll do my best," Chico said, his voice lower.

They stood there for a moment—Goddess and Adventurer. Bonded not just by fate, but by understanding.

The road ahead was steep, yet clouded. But Chico was no longer walking it alone. With these powerful gifts, he'll be able to find whatever he's truly after.

——————————————————————

The sun had long since dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in quiet hues of blue and purple. The soft flicker of lanternlight filled Demeter's quarters with a warm glow as the air between them gradually mellowed into comfortable fatigue.

Chico let out a small sigh and stretched his arms over his head. "So, uh…one last thing. Where am I sleeping?"

Demeter blinked. "Oh."

He tilted his head.

She laughed nervously, hand sliding behind her neck. "I…may have forgotten to arrange a proper room for you."

Chico raised a brow. "Seriously?"

"I was a little distracted," she admitted with a sheepish grin. "New Familia member, exciting revelations, glowing status—it's been a day!"

"Well, I can just find an inn or something," Chico offered, half-turning toward the door.

"No." Her voice sharpened.

He paused. "No?"

"You're staying here," she said firmly, pointing to the lavish bed behind her. "Just for tonight. The bed's big enough for the both of us to be perfectly comfortable."

Chico blinked and furiously blushed. "Would that be…appropriate?"

"Of course," she said, arms crossed now.

"…Can I at least take the floor?"

Demeter gave him a long, slow deadpan stare. "Do I look like the kind of woman who lets people sleep on the floor under her roof?"

"…No, Demeter-sama," he said, resigned.

"…When we are alone you may refer to me as "Demeter" if you'd like." Demeter said, surprising Chico. 

"If that is your wish…you may also refer to me as "Chico," in fact I would prefer it." Chico responded, feeling a bit more comfortable. 

And so the pair began their nightly routine. With Demeter entering her bathroom, Chico just grabbed some clothes from his belongings and changed while he was alone in the room.

Moments later, Chico finished, dressed in a plain white tee and a pair of comfortable black shorts. He walked over, eyed the enormous, feather-soft bed, and—after a moment of internal conflict—flopped onto it with a quiet groan of bliss.

It was easily the most comfortable bed he had ever laid on. Soft, warm, just the right amount of give. He barely registered the gentle shifting of the mattress as sleep overtook him almost instantly.

And so, he missed it.

He missed the moment when his goddess, Demeter, quietly returned to the room. Missed the way she stood at the doorway for a second, glancing at his sleeping face with a teasing expression. Missed the vision of divinity itself: Demeter, dressed in a sheer white nightgown that clung to her curves and left precious little to the imagination.

A mortal man might've wept.

But Chico?

He was already deep in the best sleep of his life.

"Mou…you really are no fun…Chico." 

And just like that, she climbed into bed, and the night ended.

——————————————————————

My morning started very similarly to that of my first day in Genkai. I awoke to an unexpected surprise from the Gatcha, and after reading my 'feat'…I may have nearly panicked.

Feat Achieved! Sleep with a Goddess!

Description: In just your 1st night in Orario, you've managed to sleep with a goddess! There were even some cuddles involved!

…

You only slept in the same bed…get your mind out the gutter.

Reward: Silver Trait Gatcha Ticket

'Gods dammit Gatcha.'

'Also…cuddles…?'

I brought my attention to the warm pillow that I held in my grasp. Only…it was not a pillow. I was in a very…very intimate position with my goddess. I held her close to my chest, I could feel her impossibly soft orbs on stomach, and I could smell nature itself rolling off her scalp. 

'Oh Chico…you've done it now.'

I may or may not be a little handsy in my sleep, more meaning that I usually hold something close to me when I sleep. Usually a pillow. Not a person.

'Now how am I going to get out of this?' 

I decided that swiftness was my best option, I quickly removed my hands from her back, then steadily moved my own body away from her. Apparently I drifted to her side of the bed, thankfully that option worked, as I was able to free myself from that position very easily.

Now a comfortable distance away…well as comfortable as being in the same bed kind of distance. I rolled my Gatcha.

'Roll Gatcha.'

Rolling…

Golden Shot (1.2 Rarity, 0.24% odds)-Common Trait-

Your little swimmers are the strongest in the world, any woman you cum inside of WILL get pregnant, even if they are more barren than the arid deserts your semen does not care.

…

…

…

'Bad, Ecchi Gatcha. Hentai. Pervy Gatcha. Hachiman.'

Wait, Hachiman isn't an insult.

…

Yeah, I'm gonna head on out, get started with my day…

Perverted Gatcha.

——————————————————————

I didn't waste time after my…eventful morning.

Grabbing a clean set of clothes and my status sheet, though I cut off my skills and magic, just in case, I made my way through the manor's winding halls in search of the bathhouse. I was lucky—nobody else was inside. Just me, the hot water, and enough internal screaming to make even a god wince.

The bath was short. Efficient. I was clean, dressed, and moving again within ten minutes.

My next destination? The dining hall.

There weren't many people inside when I arrived. A few early risers, a couple of half-asleep adventurers poking at their plates. It was quiet. Calm.

I grabbed a tray and lined up for breakfast. Nothing fancy—scrambled eggs, sliced bread, sausage, and a handful of fruit. My kind of start. I took a seat at an empty table, and I didn't mind the solitude. I was used to it.

The food was good. Warm. Homey. Which was weird, considering I was still mentally reeling from a trait that basically made me a walking fertility potion.

"Pervert Gatcha," I muttered under my breath.

With breakfast over, I stepped outside and started making my way south—straight toward the Tower of Babel.

It didn't take long before I was swallowed up by the morning rush. Orario's streets buzzed with life. Vendors shouting, adventurers laughing—or bickering—many of them moving toward the same destination as me: the Dungeon or the Guild.

I blended in and kept pace, eyes scanning the scenery. It took a long while before the Guild's towering doors came into view. It was…impressive.

Much different from Trellis.

The inside was vast and well-lit, built with shining stone and high ceilings. Marble floors clicked beneath boots and heels as adventurers moved in and out. There were more people here than the entire staff of the Trellis Guild—easily. It wasn't chaotic, but it was busy. Streamlined, like a machine in motion.

Two lines had formed at the front, snaking toward two familiar receptionists.

A half-elf with glasses: Eina Tulle.

And a short, pink-haired girl bouncing on her heels: Misha Flott.

I knew their names, because I've seen them, before I came into this world

I was about to pick a line when I noticed her—off to the side. A redhead, with eyes like sharp steel and two wolf-like ears atop her head. She had the air of someone who didn't want to be bothered. Cold. Focused. There was no line at her desk.

Worth a shot.

I approached. "Excuse me, are you available to help with adventurer registration?"

She looked up. Her expression didn't shift. If anything, I felt the temperature drop a few degrees. But she gave a short nod and stood, picking up a stack of forms. "This way."

Her voice was brisk, clipped. Efficient.

She led me to one of the private booths on the side, then sat down and started arranging papers. "Name?"

"Francisco 'Chico' Sol."

"Proof of identification?"

I handed her my Trellis Guild ID.

Her eyes flicked across it, and then up to me. "Demeter Familia?"

I blinked. "Yeah. How'd you—"

"Lady Demeter was here just over a week ago," she said, voice smooth and professional. "She submitted a formal request for temporary leave. Her listed destination was Trellis. Recruitment purposes."

Huh. Nice to know I guess

The redhead finally looked me in the eyes. "My name is Rose Fannett. I'll be processing your paperwork. Since you already have a Familia, the rest should be quick."

I nodded. "Nice to meet you."

She didn't respond to that.

But hey, that was alright. At least she was competent.

"Do you have your Falna status with you?"

I readily handed it to her. 

"…" she quickly looked over it, deeming it as proof, she efficiently wrote over the registration papers, the process was quick, it barely took over 5 minutes.

"Alright Sol-san. Once I send these in you'll be officially recognized as an adventurer of the Orario guild. Before that, would you like to request a dungeon advisor? We also provide a starter pack for new adventures, a choice of iron weapons and an iron chest plate for armor."

"None of that will be necessary for the moment, Fannett-san." 

She just gave off an even colder look, and with a small sigh I nearly missed, she continued.

"Then I assume you'll be headed straight for the dungeon?"

I blinked and quickly shook my head. "No, I don't plan on going until I feel I'm ready."

Her eyes lost a bit of that cold temperature, and she raised an eyebrow at that.

"…How responsible. Most young adventurers just jump into the maw of the dungeon as soon as they register." 

"I don't wish to be too reckless, I'll be training for the time being." 

"…Very well, though I recommend a dungeon advisor, they are not required. You may leave now."

"Thank you for your assistance, Fannett-san." I got up from my chair to leave, but then I remembered where I wanted to train, atop of the Orario walls.

"Uhm…this may be an odd question, but how many kilometers in length are the walls of Orario?"

"…You are right, that is an odd question. I believe I've read that it's somewhere between 100-150 kilometers, though I could be wrong."

"Wow…I knew it was massive, but that big?" I said more to myself than her. "Thank you for the insight Fannett-san. I'll be going now, have a nice day." 

She again didn't respond to that…at least right away, I left after a few moments. I made it out of the guild, and began walking. I was going to go the same way I came, so the distance to The Wheat Manor would be on my way back home.

It was going to be a long walk to reach the walls. Though most of the paths are straight forward, I'm sure I'll find my way atop the walls soon enough… Now that I think about it, if the guild is near Babel, and Babel is the center of Orario, that means I'll have to walk almost 50 kilometers, which is around 30 miles…I guess this will start as my training. Yeah this is gonna suck.

Before I begin my run…I think I should try out my synergy. 

Let's try and combine M. Soul  and Conditioning.

Temporarily combine Masochist Soul & Conditioning? 

'Accept.'

Temporary Ability Unlocked! Feat Achieved! 

Elite Ability: Relentless Vessel

Type: Passive / Regenerative

Description:

You are the embodiment of unyielding growth. Relentless Vessel fuses the regenerative defiance of Masochist Soul with the ever-evolving adaptation of Conditioning—creating a body that not only endures pain, but uses it to ascend.

When injured, cursed, fatigued, or otherwise afflicted, your body instantly begins hyperadaptive regeneration. This not only heals you faster the worse your condition becomes—it also reinforces the affected systems. 

Outside of combat, your body continues refining itself, fueled by residual stress and microtrauma—even from daily wear or mild discomfort. Training becomes exponentially more effective, while rest compresses recovery time into mere hours.

Feat Achieved: Combine two abilities with the same rarity to increase the combined ability by one rank.

Reward: Random Silver Advantage Gatcha

'Let's roll this first and start the workout.'

Rolling…

Strong Legs (2.4 Rarity, 0.95% odds)-Uncommon Trait-

Your legs are stronger and tougher than average, slightly enhancing your speed and increasing the power behind your kicks substantially.

Or

X - Wheel of Fortune (2.5 Rarity, 0.96% odds)-Uncommon Item-

Tarot Card - Temporarily swaps all active powers with random powers of the same rarity for 1 hour, (For writing: done by rolling the gacha that corresponds with said rarity). 120 Hour Cooldown

I think I'm going to go with the trait. While I am a gambling man, I don't like replacing all of my powers, if luck wasn't on my side…it could spell disaster.

'Select Strong Legs.'

Selecting Strong Legs. Confirm? Y/N

'Confirm.'

Choice confirmed.

Feat Achieved! 

Another one? But I didn't do anything…Wait, why am I complaining?

Pulled 10 Total Traits From the Gatcha

Reward: Silver Trait Advantage Gatcha

Next Reward at 20 Total Traits Pulled

Damn…another advantage Gatcha. Let's hope for something good. 

'Roll Gatcha.'

Rolling…

Last Stand (3.5 Rarity, 0.21% odds)-Rare Trait-

When your health is down 10% or when you are on the brink of death your physical stats increase by a stage.

Or

Lese Majeste (3.2 Rarity, 0.31% odds)-Rare Trait-

Your chutzpah and boldness are perceived as more charming rather than irreverent or disrespectful by people in positions of power, in addition, people in power like nobles, bosses, royalty, etc. find themselves more attracted to you.

Two rare traits, what is my luck today? And there's still my daily training to do. 

Anyway…wow, I think the choice is obvious, Last Stand is probably one of the best possible traits I could've hoped for. Should I ever find myself in a near death situation, I know that this will be a huge crux, and an even bigger advantage. 

'I choose Last Stand.' 

Choosing Last Stand. Confirm? Y/N

'Confirm.'

Choice Confirmed.

Alright then.

"Time for hell." And just like that. I started running.

——————————————————————

Almost. 3. Hours…

It took me almost 3 hours to reach the wall. I'm a little thankful for Strong Legs, the slight speed boost actually saved some good time. I originally decided to pace around 10 miles per hour, but with my new trait I bumped it up to 11 miles per hour comfortably. 

The wall stood like a titan's spine along the edge of Orario—smooth pale stone stacked to near-perfection, its sheer height enough to humble any who dared glance upward for too long. Chico finally reached it after nearly three hours of running, legs burning and shirt clinging to his back. His breath misted slightly in the shade of the looming barrier.

"Godsdammit…of course there'd be stairs."

He found a narrow, reinforced doorway nestled against the side of the wall, slightly ajar. Behind it? A spiral of stone steps that stretched endlessly upward. Chico stared for a moment. Then sighed.

"My oldest enemy…stairs."

Despite the mental groaning, his body didn't waver. Relentless Vessel pulsed quietly beneath his skin, washing away fatigue before it had the chance to settle in. His legs still felt warm from the run, his heart strong and steady. And thanks to Strong Legs, the climb felt less like a death sentence and more like a nuisance.

Ten minutes of steady ascent later, Chico emerged at the top—and was greeted with one hell of a view.

From this height, Orario looked like a living tapestry. Rooftops glinted beneath the sunlight, cobbled roads teemed with movement, and the Tower of Babel soared like a divine spear straight into the heavens. Only the red-light district's infamous spire outshone this perch in height, nestled provocatively off-center like a temptress among saints.

But he wasn't here for the view.

He dropped his pack, stretched out his arms, and cracked his neck. "Time to go for broke."

No half-measures. Not today.

Three hundred pushups. Three hundred sit-ups. Three hundred squats.

He powered through them all, muscles trembling, breath ragged, but never once did he stop. He wanted to hit 500, but even he knew his limits. Barely.

By the time he completed the last squat, the stone beneath his feet shimmered slightly from his sweat, and the air around him tasted of ozone and blood.

Collapsing flat onto his back, Chico stared at the sky. Completely exhausted. Yet…

Feat Achieved!

Completed your Daily Workout x3

Reward: Random Silver Advantage Gatcha Ticket

He laughed. Or maybe wheezed. Same thing.

"Yeah…that's…the last time…I do that…" I kept on huffing, that workout was absolutely insane, I just hope this Gatcha will be worth it.

'Roll Gatcha.'

Rolling…

Golden Shot (1.2 Rarity, 0.24% odds)-Common Trait-

Your little swimmers are the strongest in the world, any woman you cum inside of WILL get pregnant, even if they are more barren than the arid deserts your semen does not care.

Or

Super Absorbant Sponge (1.4 Rarity, 0.36% odds)-Common Item-

Terraria - A sponge that can hold approximately 1,000,000,000 liters of water inside of it, don't ask how it doesn't change in size or weight regardless of how much is inside of it.

THAT WAS SO NOT WORTH IT. HOURS OF MY TIME WASTED.

"Haaaaah…" Looks like my luck today has finally run out. Though I have no right to complain, I mean my luck has been insane on most of these Gatchas. Then again pulling two of the same traits in the same day? That's gotta be rare.

I may as well select the duplicate, maybe the upgraded trait might be useful? Though it's just a common trait, the hell could be so useful about that?

Golden Shot has been pulled multiple times from the Gatcha. Golden Shot has been upgraded to Epic trait: Divine Shot

Divine Shot: Your little swimmers are the strongest in the world, any woman you cum inside of WILL get pregnant, even if they are more barren than the arid deserts your semen does not care. Can impart Abilities, and traits to your children. Can even impregnate Goddesses.

A sharp gasp left my lips, my eyes widened, my mouth dropped, and my breath caught.

"Impregnate…goddesses…?"

A universal law…has been made obsolete. A mere upgraded common trait, now defies the laws imposed upon the Gods who left the heavens. 

Actual Demigods could be roaming around the lower realm in the future…

'What if myself and Demeter…'

NOPE! WAY TOO DANGEROUS!

This topic is way too dangerous. And…I would actually need to be in that kind of relationship for that to even be considered. No matter what…I would not abuse this trait…I will not use this to any advantage. Only if the love is true and genuine, will I ever consider using this.

'I do have fertility control…Gatcha, lower my fertility to 0.'

…

The Gatcha didn't respond, but I felt that a change was made. 

I must say…this has been the most eventful day since I've arrived here. And I have yet to even make it to the dungeon.

Regardless…it's time to go home, I'm starving, and mentally exhausted more than physically.

——————————————————————

You know…I left just before 10 AM. I finished my workout after about five hours. And it took me another hour to run back home. Thankfully, The Wheat Manor was only an hour away…by cart. I probably looked like a mess—my shirt clung to my body, sweat long dried, and I'm sure I didn't smell much better than I looked. First thing I did the moment I got back?

Straight to the bath.

I didn't bother checking who was around or what time it was. My legs were running on fumes, and my mind was half-lost in the clouds. The warm water hit like a spell—relaxing every muscle I didn't even realize I'd strained. I nearly passed out right there. My eyes kept closing, my head tilted forward…

But something in me kicked in just in time. Maybe instinct. Or something. I snapped awake before anything stupid happened.

Tired as I was, I still had enough sense to dry off and throw on one of the unused bathrobes hanging on the wall. I didn't have a change of clothes on me—everything was still in Demeter's quarters. So barefoot and half-dazed, I made my way to the dining hall.

It was much more crowded than it had been in the morning. Packed, actually. A few heads turned when I walked in wearing nothing but a bathrobe, damp hair clinging to my forehead, feet slapping quietly against the stone floor. I didn't care. I was starving.

I grabbed a tray and loaded it with everything I could reasonably carry—steak, roasted chicken, rice, grilled vegetables, fruit slices, even a slice of cake I spotted at the end of the buffet line. Every bite was heaven. I didn't even notice the stares anymore. I scarfed it all down like a man on his last meal.

Once I finished, I set the tray aside and made my way upstairs.

Demeter hadn't been around when I got back. I hadn't seen her in the halls, and she wasn't at dinner either. I figured she might already be in her quarters. So I walked down the familiar hallway, back to that set of ornate double doors, and knocked a few times—firm, but not aggressive.

No answer.

After waiting a moment, I decided to let myself in.

The room was empty. Still warm with the scent of flowers and old wood. I went straight to the corner where I'd left my things, dug out my sleepwear, and changed in a matter of minutes—black shirt, black shorts. Comfortable enough.

I intended to wait for her. Maybe catch up. Maybe ask how her day had gone.

But the bed…was just too comfortable.

I sat down.

Then leaned back.

Five minutes later, my eyes were still open—but only barely.

And then, nothing.

——————————————————————

When Demeter entered the room later that night, the first thing she saw was me—curled up asleep on her bed again. She didn't say a word. Didn't scold me. Just watched for a moment with a warm smile, then quietly went about her own nightly routine.

She returned from her bath in that flowing white nightgown, the one that shimmered faintly in the moonlight spilling through the tall windows.

She climbed into bed beside her newest child and let the quiet of the room settle once more.

And just like that…my second day in Orario came to an end.

Only seven days remained…until everything changed.

Chapter 11 End