As I walked through the darkness (which wasn't that dark), I asked Nano to analyze the environment around me, since it could be useful in the future. Nano did as I asked, and I kept moving forward.
I reached the corridor Nano had mentioned and started walking through it. Unlike the hallway upstairs, there weren't many doors here.
However, as I walked, a warning from Nano appeared.
[There are several individuals sleeping within a maximum radius of 20 meters. Try not to make any noise.]
'Thanks for the warning, Nano.' I thanked her and kept moving, staying away from the doors and remaining alert for anything that might happen.
When I reached the service area, I found several things scattered around.
I didn't expect this place to be such a mess.
I looked at the door—the final barrier keeping me in this place.
'I still don't know exactly where I'll go after I leave, but I'm sure everything will be fine.'
I let out a sigh and approached the door.
I did the same thing I had done with my room door.
As soon as it opened, I felt a cold breeze hit my body.
I smiled widely and looked outside.
This area still belonged to the Loki Familia, but just breathing fresh air after so long made me incredibly happy.
'Alright, Nano, where should I go?'
[There are individuals to the right. Most likely guards. Avoid them if possible. Based on analysis, they are at your level or higher.]
'Got it.'
They probably don't know who I am, but I would likely be treated as an intruder and imprisoned again.
After sighing, I went left.
I felt a great sense of relief when Nano told me there was no one else nearby.
Everything was very quiet.
I quickly distanced myself from the Loki Familia house as I thought to myself:
'That was too easy. So easy that it feels strange.'
Nano said there was no one around and that everything was fine, but what if I had been watched the entire time?
What if they let me escape on purpose just to punish me later?
Would Loki do something like that?
I'm not sure.
'I should stop thinking about things like that and just move forward.'
I quickly moved away from the Loki Familia house, running as fast as I could.
I encountered people along the way, but they weren't members of the Loki Familia.
After hiding in a dirty, dark alley, I let out a long sigh.
"Where do I go now? Nano, do you have any ideas?"
I don't have a place to stay, and I don't have any money.
Besides, how am I supposed to earn money to survive in this place?
The easiest way would be to join a Familia and explore the Dungeon to earn money through the Guild.
But I refuse to join a Familia right now.
Maybe I never will.
I don't trust any of them. If they find out about Nano, they'll want to take advantage of it.
I refuse to be treated like a dog.
I'd rather grow stronger on my own with Nano's help and reach the top without relying on anyone else.
Trusting people in this world could end up screwing me over.
"Nano, from now on, it's just the two of us. Since I'm not strong enough, I'll rely on you for many things."
[Understood.]
Her response was cold and direct—just as an artificial existence would respond.
####
After staying in the alley for a few minutes, I asked Nano:
"Nano, do you know a way to make money without registering with the Guild?"
[Possible. There are alternatives to the Guild for earning income. Recommended options: (1) use the host's physical capabilities for manual labor with immediate payment; (2) use enhanced abilities for discreet services, such as deliveries or informal escort work; (3) collect and indirectly sell simple resources outside the Dungeon, avoiding Guild tracking. This unit can also analyze local opportunities and optimize decisions to maximize profit with minimal risk.]
'I didn't quite understand the last part, Nano. Do you mean I can collect magic stones and items inside the Dungeon and sell them somewhere other than the Guild? The first two options are out of the question.'
[Correct. It is possible to collect magic stones and items from the Dungeon and sell them outside official Guild channels through independent merchants or the informal market. Warning: this practice involves high risk, including reduced prices and potential unwanted attention. Caution and discretion are advised.]
'I see… that'll be simpler than I expected. But where would I find a proper place to sell them? Where are these places usually located?'
[Independent merchants and informal markets typically operate in alleys, less crowded taverns, and districts farther from the city center. Look for areas with less Guild presence and a higher concentration of low-level adventurers. This unit will analyze the surrounding environment and identify suspicious points of unofficial trade for the host.]
'I see… this world really is strange.'
I thought those merchants would be in poorer areas like Daedalus Street.
Besides the Tower of Babel, that's one of the few places I know from the story.
It's a rather humble residential area.
Since it's poorer, there might be an illegal market there.
Should I go?
After asking Nano to help me locate it, I started heading toward Daedalus Street while she analyzed my surroundings.
She was analyzing both the environment—looking for an illegal market—and the people, since they could pose a risk to me.
After walking for several long minutes, I finally found it.
Daedalus Street.
'This place is better than I expected. I thought it would be more run-down.'
With my hands in the pockets of my dirty shorts, I walked through the alleys while Nano conducted a detailed analysis.
However, as I walked…
Nano detected a threat.
####
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