DanMachi: It's destined to lose its self.

I was balancing on the edge of desire – one more step, and I would proclaim myself an Adventurer, plunging into a world full of discoveries and unforgettable adventures. But my knowledge of the Guild, alas, was ridiculously meager, like dry leaves on an autumn day. Their goal, as it turned out, was only to contain the monsters that the Dungeon bred, a cruel and mysterious place. That's all. Noticing a clothing shop, I froze for a moment, as if in front of a mirror of fate, but then decided: a half-mask is a brilliant idea, a masterpiece on the way to a new life. Soon this modest attribute concealed part of my face, enveloping me in a veil of mystery and causing a slight thrill.

Having completed the purchase, I headed back to the Adventurer's Guild, full of determination and new hopes. The main building, proudly called the Pantheon, majestically towered before me, like a colossus in which the dreams of many seekers were intertwined. The majestic hall, where adventurers consulted with mentors at the counters, like priests at altars, exchanging information, like sacred knowledge, mysteriously and captivatingly. Small booths for private conversations allowed discussing delicate issues, as if whispering secrets in the ears of the gods. These morsels of wisdom, like precious stones, I collected along the way, questioning passers-by, like a pilgrim seeking enlightenment.

Entering the Pantheon, I headed to the registration desk, immersed in my thoughts. To my amazement, everything turned out to be ridiculously simple: no questions about rank, no pedigree checks, as if the world had opened its doors to me. The standard uniform of the Guild employees – black vests and trousers, snow-white long-sleeved shirts, and gray bow ties – differed only in minor details, according to gender. Waiting for my advisor, I felt a slight, nerve-tickling excitement, like an inexperienced actor before his first appearance on stage.

"Hello," she said warmly.

A beast-woman appeared before me. Long, red hair, like flames, fell on her shoulders, and she wore a Guild uniform, strictly emphasizing her individuality.

"Hello, are you my advisor?" I asked, feeling my heart beat faster.

"Yes, my name is Rosa Fannett, nice to meet you."

"Likewise, I'm Kopii," I introduced myself, trying to pronounce my name confidently.

She remained aloof and cold, as if to everyone, and her gaze was full of mystery. Perhaps I was just unlucky with my mentor, and her character was dominated by harsh notes.

"So, Kopii, what brings you to the Guild? Do you wish to register as an Adventurer?"

I nodded, filling with determination. Rosa handed me a form and pointed to the nearest free table, where I immersed myself in filling out all the necessary fields. Having filled out all the necessary fields with the concentration befitting a true seeker, I returned the document to the girl. She studied it carefully, making notes in her journal, and I felt the excitement grow.

"Everything is ready, you are accepted as an Adventurer," she said, as if proclaiming the beginning of a new era. "Before going down into the dungeons, visit the library and familiarize yourself with information about the monsters that inhabit the level you have chosen. Be careful."

"Okay, thank you for the advice," I exclaimed with enthusiasm. "Goodbye." My next goal is the Guild library, where I can study my potential enemies.

I found the library without difficulty, as if it was coming towards me. Crossing the threshold, I felt an intoxicating aroma of old books and parchment, as if I had taken a sip of history and wisdom. High shelves, lined with volumes in leather bindings, soared to the ceiling, like the walls of an ancient temple, storing boundless knowledge. In the twilight of the hall, illuminated by dim lamps, a few visitors leaned over the books, like priests performing their sacred ritual, immersed in reading. Silence and concentration, disturbed only by the quiet rustling of pages, created an atmosphere of peace and knowledge.

I headed to the information desk and asked the librarian where to find information about the monsters that inhabit the first level of the dungeons. Without looking up from his reading, he pointed to the far corner of the hall: "Bestiary Section. You'll find everything you need there."

Thanking him, I moved in the indicated direction, eagerly awaiting the discovery of new knowledge and secrets. My steps echoed softly in the spacious hall, and my eyes slid over the titles on the spines of the books, as if I were looking for treasures among the ruins. Finally, I found the right sign. "Bestiary: Dungeon Monsters." The shelves in this section were densely packed with books of different sizes and thicknesses, each of which could tell its own story. Some volumes looked ancient, with tattered pages and faded illustrations, as if witnesses of long past eras, ready to share their secrets.

I started browsing the books, pulling out the ones that seemed most suitable. One of the first that caught my eye was a voluminous book entitled "Creatures of the Dungeon: The Complete Adventurer's Guide." Opening it, I delved into reading, eagerly absorbing information about the monsters inhabiting the first level, like a traveler tormented by thirst, leaning to the source.

The book contained detailed descriptions of creatures, their appearance, habits, strengths and weaknesses, as if I were studying ancient scrolls of magic. On the first four floors lived goblins and kobolds, the evil spirits I was about to face. Having studied each description, I tried to imagine how I would fight them, what strategies to use, mentally playing out each battle, like a Shakespearean actor preparing for his role.

Gradually, I had a general idea of what awaited me in the dungeon, and I felt a rush of adrenaline. Now, armed with knowledge, it was time to test it in practice. Closing the last book, I headed towards the exit of the library, filled with determination and excitement, like a ship ready to set sail into uncharted waters. Adventure was waiting for me, like the final touch to a painting.

But the triumph of knowledge quickly dissipated, giving way to disappointment, as a shadow moves away from the light. The day was drawing to a close, painting the sky in crimson tones, like a painting on the wall of a gallery. And I heard that at night in the dungeons it is more dangerous than during the day, like a hunter protects his prey. The idea failed, and I felt the weight of disappointment. Frustrated, I went home, resigned to the fact that the conquest of the dungeons was postponed, like an abandoned dream.

On the way, I pondered the plan for tomorrow. Get up early to get to the dungeon before dark, when the world is filled with mystical fear. Check the equipment and, perhaps, buy something necessary. For example, torches, which I completely forgot. Although, Naaza will most likely give me potions… I hope her wisdom will not deceive me.

Returning home, the first thing I did was check the sword. The blade was sharp, like the bonds of fate, but it would not hurt to sharpen it a little, so that it shone like a lunar sickle illuminating the night sky. Then I began to study the map of the city, figuring out where to find a store with the necessary equipment, as if looking for a key to new doors. Remembering the junk shop on the outskirts, I decided to look there tomorrow morning, hoping to find real treasures. You can always find something interesting and at an affordable price, like a find in a dusty attic.

Having finished with the preparation, I decided to relax a little and read a book on tactics of warfare in dungeons, to be ready for anything. Knowledge is power, and the more I learn, the more chances I have to survive, the brighter my fire of hope will burn in the dark, like a torch in the vast expanses of the night. Immersed in reading, I did not notice how it got dark, how the day was leaving. It's time to sleep, so that tomorrow with renewed vigor to go to meet the adventures that beckoned me so much.

Falling asleep, I imagined how I would fight goblins and kobolds, explore the dungeon and find treasures, like a hero of ancient legends, knowing no fatigue. Dreams of glory and wealth did not give rest, beckoned, like the light of a distant star, calling to itself. Tomorrow should be the beginning of a new life — the life of an Adventurer, ready for all the trials.

Waking up with the first rays of the sun, I felt a surge of energy and anticipation of a new day, like a spring wind that burst into my life, bringing with it new opportunities. After a quick breakfast, I carefully checked the equipment: a sword, a half-mask, and some food. Not forgetting to take a map of the city with me, I left the house and headed to the junk shop, full of determination.

The street was still quiet and deserted, only occasionally carts passed, and belated passers-by ran, like shadows sliding on the gray canvas of the morning. Reaching the shop, I looked inside, like a treasure hunter casting a last glance at the store. The junk dealer, as always, sat behind the counter, sorting through old things, like an alchemist looking for the philosopher's stone. Seeing me, he smiled kindly.

"Hello, young man! Looking for something?" asked the junk dealer in a creaky voice, like the rustling of dry leaves under his feet.

"Yes, I need torches - simple but important."

The junk dealer examined me carefully and smirked, as if he knew more than I did.

"Torches? And why do you need them, young man?"

"To explore the dungeons," I replied, burning with desire.

"And why do you need torches if it's light there?" he suddenly threw out, grinning.

"What?" I asked in confusion, not understanding his best hints.

"Didn't you know?"

Walking down the street, I wondered how I could have missed such basic information about the dungeon. Adjusting my half-mask, I headed to the guild, pondering this. Naaza gave me two potions, I think that will be enough. The Guild was bustling with its usual morning activity, like an anthill. Seekers scurried back and forth, actively discussing plans and equipment, like enchanters preparing for the appearance of monsters. At the registration desk was the same Rosa Fannett, gloomily accepting new adventurers, like a gatekeeper who does not let the unworthy pass. I nodded to her in greeting, full of hope and excitement, and headed to the notice board, hoping to find new information about the dungeons.

But I didn't find anything useful, as if all the treasures had been carried away.

This time I focused on tactics and strategy of combat in dungeon conditions. It turns out that crystal lighting creates its own peculiarities, and darkness penetrates there in a different way. Monsters accustomed to twilight become more aggressive and unpredictable, as if torn from the darkness. You need to be extremely careful and not lose vigilance, like an experienced hunter tracking down game.

Armed with new knowledge, I felt confident in my abilities, like a knight clad in shining armor, ready to enter the battle. This time I will not make the same mistakes, and my path will lead me to success. Checking my equipment and making sure it was suitable, I headed towards the exit of the Pantheon, full of determination, like a wolf preparing to hunt.

Some time later, I was standing in front of the entrance to the dungeon, full of anticipation and anxiety.

The entrance to the Dungeon is located on the first underground floor of the Tower of Babel. In the center of the room is a gaping hole about ten meters across, leading into the very bowels of the Dungeon, like a guardian protecting its secrets. In the circular room, columns stand at equal intervals, and above stretches an amazing azure painting of the sky, so realistic that it seems as if you are soaring under the very dome of the heavens, as if the light itself illuminates the path. Gentle staircases, smoothly curving around the columns, descend into the dark maw of the Dungeon, to which fate beckoned me.