DanMachi: It's destined to lose its self.

Kopii awoke, feeling truly refreshed, as if someone had reignited a bright light within his soul. It was as if a long, exhausting journey, full of hardships and accomplishments, had finally come to an end, leaving behind only the quiet joy of returning home, like a warm blanket enveloping someone coming in from the cold. His body felt light, almost weightless, as if he were on a cloud, and his head was free of the usual jumble of thoughts and worries. Only peace and clarity, like on a clear day when nothing troubles the mind.

He lay still, not hurrying to open his eyes, savoring this new, unfamiliar state, which, like the gentle chirping of birds, was awakening him from sleep. The sun softly filtered through the loosely drawn curtains, painting the cozy room in warm, golden tones, as if inviting him to a new day. The air was filled with the light aroma of freshly brewed coffee, enveloping him, awakening his appetite, and promising a good morning full of hopes and possibilities.

Slowly, stretching with pleasure and contentment, Kopii finally opened his eyes. The world around him, which usually seemed familiar and even mundane, suddenly appeared brighter and sharper than ever before. Objects that he saw every day seemed to acquire new, vivid outlines and saturated colors. He noticed a dust mote dancing in a sunbeam and suddenly felt an inexplicable admiration for the simplicity and beauty of this unpretentious moment.

Getting out of bed, Kopii went to the window and threw it wide open, allowing the fresh morning air to burst into the room, filling it with the magical scents of grass and flowers. Somewhere in the distance, birds chirped merrily, greeting the new day, as if reminding him of the joys of life. He took a deep breath, feeling life filling his every cell, as if he were being filled with the energy of nature itself.

Today promised to be special, and perhaps even fateful. Kopii didn't know what lay ahead, but he felt ready for anything fate might have in store for him. He was full of strength and energy, ready to create and build, like a master creating his masterpiece. And this feeling was truly wonderful and inspiring.

Kopii left the room and went downstairs. As always, he had a hard time getting a sleepy "good morning" from Naaza, who seemed a bit out of sorts. He wished her "good morning" and went outside. And then Kopii suddenly understood why Naaza was so upset: as always, Miya was surrounded by girls exuding light and attractiveness, like flowers in a meadow. This wasn't an unusual sight, and Kopii didn't pay much attention to it, preferring to go for a run. Orario was already full of life, like a pulsating organism.

During his run, Kopii felt the urge to go down to the second floor of the dungeon again, wanting to experience the feelings that arise in a world full of adventure. However, Kopii noticed that he had forgotten his mask. And, without hesitation, he ran back to the "Blue Pharmacy". Entering the familiar door of the "Blue Pharmacy", Kopii immediately felt at home, like an old friend returning to a cozy nest. The soft light, the muffled voices, the familiar smell of herbs and potions – everything here was infinitely close and dear to him. He nodded to Naaza, still frowning behind the counter, and headed to his room. The mask was lying on the table, next to a stack of papers and an unfinished book. Perhaps he should clean up, but Kopii postponed these thoughts for later, giving preference to his current desire.

Quickly putting on the mask, Kopii jumped out onto the street again, feeling the adrenaline, like a life-giving energy, already beginning to bubble in his blood. The dungeon beckoned, promising new trials and discoveries, like an unexplored country full of secrets. He knew that the second floor didn't pose any particular danger. The difference from the first was only the number of monsters, and all he had to do was be careful and prepared.

Reaching Babel, he went inside and noticed a large number of people. From the conversations, he understood that the Loki Familia was preparing for an expedition. He knew that the Loki Familia was one of the strongest and most influential families in Orario, and seeing them for the first time, he felt a slight tremor. Perhaps he had seen them before, but simply hadn't paid attention. Kopii glanced at them and didn't linger, slipping past the bustling adventurers, trying not to attract attention. He didn't want to get involved in other people's business, especially when it came to such large-scale undertakings. His goal was more modest – simply to explore the second floor of the dungeon and grow stronger.

Descending the stairs, Kopii felt the familiar rush of energy, like a breath of fresh air after a long wait. The dungeon always had an exciting effect on him, as if inviting him to adventures. The dark corridors, the ominous silence, the expectation of danger around every corner – all this stirred his blood and made him feel truly alive. He walked, carefully looking around, ready for any surprises that might be lurking in the shadows.

Kopii walked along the first floor and suddenly heard a familiar sound. He saw a Kobold, having seen it for the first time on the first floor, but he knew that they also lived here. Spending a moment on it, he picked up the magic stone and, satisfied, continued to the descent to the second floor. The descent to the second floor was the same as always – dark, damp, and a little scary, like the prelude to something amazing. Along the way, he killed a small number of monsters, feeling the adrenaline tearing him from excitement.

Kopii spent the whole day in the dungeon, he roughly earned 40 small magic stones, which pleased him. Satisfied with his loot, Kopii decided to return. Climbing back to the surface, he reflected on the day. The second floor didn't present any particular surprises, but he gained the necessary experience and was very tired; his clothes were dirty and stained with monster blood, but he didn't pay attention to it. He would have to change clothes again, and he needed to buy himself light armor for more comfort.

Leaving Babel, Kopii headed to the guild to receive his merits for the magic stones. He talked to Rosa, and then he became curious.

"Madam Rosa, what is the record for level-ups? I know that it takes a very long time to raise them, but I don't know the record," Kopii asked cautiously.

Rosa waited a bit before answering and said, "It's Ais Wallenstein, she rose to the second level in one year."

"What? In one year!" Kopii exclaimed in surprise, as if struck by lightning.

Kopii matured for another question following the first news, and he asked:

"How old was she, if you know?"

"She was 7 years old," she said with a serious tone in her voice.

"7… years old," Kopii whispered, realizing the shock that some child could reach such a level, the very level he himself was trying so hard to reach. It seemed to him that his 3 months of training and raising his status a little higher than those was… efforts were simply useless in comparison with that girl's talent. Rosa noticed Kopii's hesitation and said:

"She's just an exception to the rule. She has a lot of talent, and you shouldn't, after my words, carelessly go down into the dungeon, thinking that if she could at 7, then you can too. Many thought so, and many of them died. There's no need to rush anywhere."

Kopii understood that Rosa was telling the truth, but he didn't want to admit it. After a while, he asked:

"How old is she now?"

"15 years old," she answered confidently.

Kopii fell into a stupor: she was only a year older than him. He, like many others, thought that she was very old, but in reality, no.

"What level is she now?" Kopii asked with a slight tremor.

"Level 5," she said with a sincere tone that spoke of competence.

Kopii talked to Rosa a little longer, and, upset, went home, reflecting on everything he had heard along the way. At 7, she reached the second level, and he, in his years, was still struggling with his own limits. He understood that the Loki Familia was one of the strongest, but for them to be so talented was even incomprehensible. Maybe she had a skill, a very strong one, and if so, why did his own skill seem so useless? Kopii didn't even know what it did or how to use it, and it was so hard.

Naaza and Miya were asleep when he got home; it was already late. He put the money where he always did, but the thoughts returned to him. Kopii felt broken. Rosa's words echoed in his head, reminding him of his own seemingly insignificant successes. He knew that comparing himself to Ais Wallenstein was pointless, but the feeling of his own worthlessness still gnawed at him from within. "Useless skill…" this thought stung especially painfully, like a sharp blade piercing his soul. What was the point of his abilities if they didn't bring tangible benefits in the dungeon? Throwing his dirty clothes on the floor, Kopii collapsed on the bed, staring at the ceiling, which seemed endless and oppressive. The room felt stifling, the walls seeming to close in, emphasizing his loneliness and powerlessness in this vast world.

He closed his eyes, trying to distract himself from the distressing thoughts, but they, like persistent flies, returned, painting in his imagination the image of Ais, strong and confident, conquering the dungeon with an ease unattainable to him.

A thought about training flashed in his mind. Maybe he wasn't diligent enough? Maybe he should spend more time in the dungeon, honing his skills, exploring new ways to use his magic? But then the question arose: was it worth it? Even if he trained day and night, would he ever be able to compare himself to Ais Wallenstein, whose successes were like stars, unattainable for the average person?

Doubts tormented Kopii, like a pack of hungry wolves, cornering him. He tossed and turned in bed, trying to find a comfortable position, but his body didn't obey, filled with leaden weight, as if the weight of the world rested on his shoulders. Fragments of phrases heard during the day swirled in his head: "exception to the rule," "great talent," "useless skill." All this added up to a depressing picture of his own imperfection, causing an inner storm.

In the end, Kopii couldn't stand it. Jumping out of bed, he silently left the room, trying not to wake Naaza and Miya, immersed in sweet sleep. The silence of the night was oppressive, but at the same time soothing, like a warm blanket. He went to the kitchen to pour himself a strong, invigorating coffee, and then headed to the window.

Orario slept under a blanket of stars, sheltering from all worries. In the distance, lights flickered, like distant luminaries, reminding him that life in this city doesn't stop for a minute, even in the hours of sleep. Kopii took a deep breath of the night air, trying to banish the dark thoughts burning his mind. He understood that Rosa was right: he shouldn't compare himself to others. Everyone has their own path, their own talents, their own shortcomings, and their own history to go through.

At that moment, Kopii felt a stubbornness awaken within him. Yes, he wasn't Ais Wallenstein, and he didn't have her talent, but he had his own strengths, his own unique opportunities, and he intended to develop them. He wouldn't allow the successes of others to break his will and ambition. Tomorrow he would go down into the dungeon again and train until his skill became truly useful. He firmly decided: he would prove to himself and the whole world that he was capable of more than he thought, and that his perseverance was the key to future victories.