Danmachi: Valkyrie Oratoria

Chapter 4: New Familia members!

Sigrid's PoV

One week has passed since my epic battle with the two-headed black infant dragon in the dungeon. Though I slept for nearly two days after pushing my body past its limits, the memories were still vivid in my mind.

When I finally awoke, Astraea-sama informed me I was under house arrest for another week - no dungeon delving allowed! At first I puffed my cheeks out in a pout, but deep down I knew she was right to ground me after such a close call. I did push myself pretty far after all.

Still, I don't regret facing that dragon. As I recovered, I remembered something Papa used to say when I was little - that our struggles help define who we are. Fighting that fire-breather let me find my answer when Astraea-sama asked what it means to be a heroine of justice.

Even if I have to wait a bit longer, I can't wait to get back to exploring the dungeon and protecting everyone with my sword! But for now, I'll be a good girl and listen to Astraea-sama. No use arguing when she's just looking out for me!

I was daydreaming about adventures when suddenly, my bedroom door swung open with a 'bang!'' In popped the coolest lady ever - Shakti-neechan, with her short azure hair! And there was Astraea-sama and my new friend Ardi too. 

How did I meet them? Well, after my big fight with the two-headed black dragon, I passed out from exhaustion. When I woke up, Astraea-sama told me that Shakti-neechan was the amazing adventurer who carried me back safely!

Ever since, she's come to visit me whenever she has time between quests. And she always brings her little sister Ardi along too. I may have only known Ardi for a week, but we get along so well! We love talking about all our favorite fairy tales, especially the one about the brave Valkyrie heroine.

''Siri-chan!'' Ardi squealed as she pounced on me, rubbing her cheeks against mine. I couldn't help giggling at how ticklish it felt. ''Hehehe, stop Ardi, that tickles!''

''Your cheeks are the best - so soft!'' Ardi gushed. ''I still can't believe a cute girl like you, who's only one year younger than me, is already Level 3!''

Shakti-neechan sighed and gently pulled Adi off me by the back of her collar. ''Can't you see she's still resting, Ardi? Don't overwhelm the poor girl.''

''Aww but she looks all better to me!'' Ardi protested.

I smiled watching Ardi and Shakti-neechan bicker playfully. They got along so well - it made me hope that one day, when my baby brother Bell is older, we'll be just as close.

''I hope you'll learn to be a bit less reckless in the future, Siri-chan.'' Astraea-sama said gently. I nodded in response.

Shakti-neechan also took the time to give me lots of helpful adventuring advice. ''Never go into the dungeon unprepared. Always gather information about the floors you plan to explore first. Have an escape strategy just in case...''

It was quite different from my usual spontaneous style of just rushing in!

Also, I decided to rank up a few days ago since I was satisfied with how much my status had grown.

Flashback

Astraea-sama was examining my falna markings on my back. ''Siri-chan, your stats have increased greatly. But please continue trying to be less reckless, child. Though it seems you're becoming a bit more mature after facing death in the dungeon''

I held my shirt in front of me modestly, feeling a tiny bit shy being so exposed even though Astraea-sama has seen me without clothes lots of times for falna readings. It's still a little embarrassing!