Limitless Ascension:The System Chosen-Chapter 16: Rewards and Reflections

Ethan lay on his bed in the dim room of the old church, the scent of herbs and clean bandages drifting in the air. Hestia had just finished treating the scratches on his arms and shoulders. Her hands had been gentle, but her voice firm as she scolded him for pushing himself too hard.

"You need to take better care of yourself," she huffed as she adjusted the last bandage. "You're strong, sure—but don't act like you're invincible."

Ethan gave a tired chuckle. "Got it, Goddess. I'll be more careful next time."

Hestia pouted but nodded, finally satisfied.

Then, as she stepped away to clean up, Ethan heard a familiar chime echo in his mind.

Ding!

A translucent blue screen appeared in front of him, floating in the air.System Notification

Congratulations!

You have survived your first Dungeon dive.

Basic Combat Experience: +1

Dungeon Survival Instinct: +1

Dungeon Adaptation: Passive Unlocked.

Rewards have been added to your system inventory.

— 500 EXP

— Skill Fragment x1

— Title Gained: "First Step"

— Dungeon Evaluation: Grade C+Ethan blinked, his body jolting upright slightly.

"System... you're back?"

[System Online]Welcome back, Ethan.

First Dungeon Dive: Successful.

You fought with bravery and good instincts. More training required for deeper floors, but survival is commendable.Ethan sat still, reading every line carefully.Title Gained: [First Step]

Effect: Slightly increases EXP gain and Dungeon awareness on Floors 1-5.Passive Skill Gained: [Dungeon Adaptation Lv.1]

Description: Slightly improves your reaction time, balance, and danger sense while inside the Dungeon."Nice..." Ethan muttered under his breath.

The system had been quiet since he arrived in Orario, only reacting when he first entered this world. Now it was giving him something more—an actual sense of progression, even rewards.

He couldn't help but smile.

"Looks like I'm finally on the right track."

As the interface faded, he glanced at the small pouch sitting on the table beside his bed—the magic stones and monster drops he'd collected.

"I should go to the Guild before it gets too late."

A short while later, dressed in his slightly cleaner clothes, Ethan walked through the bustling streets of Orario, the sounds of adventurers, merchants, and city life filling the air.

The Guild Headquarters loomed ahead—an elegant structure at the base of the Tower of Babel. Its white walls and gold banners shimmered in the sunlight, a testament to the strength and order it brought to a city that teetered between civilization and chaos.

Inside, the hall was alive with adventurers of all ranks. Some were fresh-faced like him. Others wore battle-worn armor and carried bloodied weapons, clearly returning from the deeper floors.

Ethan stepped into line, waiting his turn until he reached the counter. A young female receptionist with short auburn hair looked up at him.

"Welcome to the Guild. Are you here to sell drops?"

"Yes," Ethan replied, handing her the pouch.

She opened it, eyes quickly scanning the contents.

"Hmm. Magic stones from Floor 1 monsters—goblins and kobolds. No rare drops. Basic quantity. Good quality, though."

She turned to her device, tapping a few buttons.

"Total value: 4,700 valis."

Ethan nodded. It wasn't much, but it was honest money—his first Dungeon earnings.

"Do you have a Familia registration?" she asked politely.

"Yes. Hestia Familia," he answered.

The receptionist's eyes widened slightly. "Oh! Lady Hestia. She doesn't have many members, does she?"

"I'm the first," Ethan replied, offering a small smile.

She smiled back. "Then you're carrying your Familia's name with pride. Keep up the good work."

With a small bow, she handed him a pouch of valis. "Good luck, Adventurer."

Outside the Guild, Ethan walked slowly through the city streets. He could feel the soreness in his muscles, the dull ache of his bruises, but his heart felt light.

I earned this. With my own hands.

He'd taken his first step into the Dungeon, faced monsters, felt fear, fought, survived—and now he'd come back with a reward.

It wasn't just money. It was proof that he was progressing.

That night, back at the church, Hestia made them a small meal with what little ingredients they had. They sat on crates, chatting, laughing.

"I told you not to go, but... I'm proud of you," Hestia admitted with a shy smile, her cheeks flushed.

Ethan looked at her, then back down at the food. "Thanks. I'll get stronger from here on out. I won't let you down, Goddess." freёnovelkiss.com

Hestia grinned. "You better not! I'm putting all my faith in you!"

As they ate, Ethan's mind wandered—not just to the next Dungeon dive, but to the next system notification, the next challenge, the future.

The world of Danmachi was dangerous, but it was also filled with opportunities.

And he had just taken his first real step toward greatness.

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