Multiverse: In DanMachi, I'm the Strongest Summoner

Raven glanced at the members of the Familia wearing equipment bearing the elephant-head crest.

He knew exactly what was inside those black iron cargo boxes.

They contained the monsters captured for the upcoming Monster Festival.

This annual celebration would be held in the arena.

The event featured tamers from the Ganesha Familia handling savage monsters brought from the Dungeon.

However—

The objective wasn't to defeat them.

Instead, the taming process would be showcased as a performance for the audience.

Many had voiced concerns over this Guild-sponsored event.

Some questioned the contradiction of advocating for peace while bringing dangerous creatures above ground.

Wasn't that putting the cart before the horse?

In truth, the Ganesha Familia was simply fulfilling their god's will—

Participating solely to entertain the public and assist the Guild.

Still, there were those who traveled from outside the city just to witness the spectacle.

...

Exiting the first underground floor and ascending to the ground level—

Sunlight streamed in, and several elevator lifts lined the area.

Raven approached one of the lifts and pressed a few buttons on the control panel.

"Mr. Raven, are you heading to the upper floors of Babel Tower?" Lefiya asked curiously.

"Yeah. I rented the 19th floor a while ago."

"When my shop opens, you're all welcome to visit."

Raven's lips curled into a faint, ambiguous smile.

"…Raven, opening a shop?" Ais blinked in disbelief, stunned.

An adventurer opening a store instead of exploring?

"Is that so?" Riveria didn't show much emotion, but she quickly made a connection in her mind:

He must be extremely wealthy.

For the newly established Hestia Familia to rent such a high-value commercial space in Babel Tower—

It could only be due to Raven's influence.

"All right, the lift is here. I'll see you tomorrow."

Bidding them farewell, he headed up to the 19th floor and entered.

"Lord Raven?"

"You've returned?"

Haru, wearing an apron and cooking dinner in the kitchen, greeted him with a smile.

"L-Lord Captain… welcome home~~"

Cassandra, who was helping wash vegetables, also emerged happily.

"Mm, did you two not go out today?" Raven asked curiously.

"No… we stayed home and rested," Cassandra replied, shaking her head.

"Where's Daphne?" he asked, glancing around.

But the black-stockinged teammate was nowhere in sight.

"Lady Daphne went out to buy some fish. She should be back soon."

"Lord Raven, will you join us for dinner tonight?" Haru asked sincerely.

"Sure."

Truthfully—

Raven had long wanted to taste Haru's homemade cooking.

Back at her shrine homeland, she had helped with cooking duties since childhood alongside Chigusa and the others.

Haru had a knack for turning limited ingredients into exquisite dishes using creativity and care.

She wasn't just skilled in the kitchen; her serious personality and natural beauty made her even more charming.

Raven definitely liked her.

...

Evening fell gradually.

In the spacious reception hall—

Raven sat on an exquisitely luxurious golden dragon-carved chair, brewing tea on the table as he waited for dinner.

Cassandra, done with her chores, hesitantly stepped into view.

"What's wrong?"

"Do you need something?"

Seeing her unease, Raven took a sip of black tea and looked at her with curiosity.

"L-Lord Captain…"

Cassandra's voice was like a faint mosquito buzz as she lifted her triangular eyes slightly.

"I had a dream last night…"

"Do you… believe in prophetic dreams?"

She asked nervously.

"No need to be so tense. Just tell me about it…"

"Come, sit down and have some tea."

Raven gestured gently.

Cassandra took a deep breath, her nerves easing a bit as she sat down across from him on the golden sofa.

"I… saw a paradise in my dream."

"Paradise?" Raven raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"Mm… there were clouds everywhere. The scene looked so dreamy…"

"But…"

Her voice faltered.

Raven remained silent, listening intently.

"There was a terrifying dragon that emerged from the clouds…"

"Then the paradise… turned into a dark hell."

Cassandra swallowed hard, her face pale and voice trembling.

"Blood spilled… entrails flew… corpses littered the ground…"

"Daphne, Lady Haru… and even you, Lord Captain…"

"A black underworld, symbolizing despair, devoured everything…"

She clutched her head in pain, her lips trembling uncontrollably.

Clearly—

It was a terrifying nightmare for her.

"You okay?"

"Here, have some tea."

Raven quickly stood and offered her a cup, gently patting her back.

Based on her description, he had a rough idea—

An expedition to the unexplored floors.

Her slender body suddenly reacted, clinging to Raven's arm.

"L-Lord Captain… do you really believe in my prophetic dream?"

"I do."

Raven gently stroked her hair with his other hand, offering comfort.

"I… I don't know when it will happen."

"Let's not go to any place with clouds, okay?"

"Alright, I promise."

"Th-Thank you, Lord Captain…"

Cassandra let out a sigh of relief.

Touched by his kindness, her cheeks flushed faintly.

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