In Danmachi with A Jujutsu Kaisen System

Chapter 12: New Chapter 12: Recruitment Day (1)



AN: Even though this was edited, I may have still missed some mistakes. I am one person after all! Sorry if I did miss any and I'll come back to fix but there shouldn't be anything major in mistakes.

------

[Third Person POV]

"I can't believe it!" A male adventurer, let's call him Adventurer A, was surrounded by his friends as they stood in front of the gates of the Artemis manor, waiting for the recruitment test to start. It was currently noon, with the sun at its peak. The test would start any minute now.

"For real! I thought it was a joke at first, but to think that an all-girls Familia would finally welcome us men!" Adventurer B, a friend of Adventurer A, also expressed his disbelief. However, he welcomed the chance to meet and be part of a Familia with cute girls—a desire he kept deeply to himself.

"What do you think caused the change? Do you think Artemis-sama perhaps found a lover or maybe she found someone she couldn't let go of?" Adventurer A was genuinely curious. It wasn't every day that major changes like this happened!

"Hmm." Adventurer B thought for a moment, then blurted out loudly, clearly unaware of his surroundings, "She definitely found a lover!"

The surroundings immediately went silent. Adventurers A and B were confused as to why, as it was natural to be curious, but then a cough caught their attention.

"Ahem!" The duo looked up at the sound and were met with the cold stare of Captain Rethusa, known to attack if her goddess was insulted or disrespected. Artemis, with an uncertain gaze, stood beside Rethusa. The uncertainty stemmed from the question loudly voiced by Adventurer B, which had left her unsure about her feelings toward a certain someone.

That someone, with long green hair braided like Artemis's, stood confidently on her left. He caught everyone's attention, especially as he looked at Adventurers A and B with disgust. His cold blue eyes, which resembled the Arctic more than the sky, intensified the chilling atmosphere. What made it worse was that he was shirtless, his upper body looking as if it was crafted by the gods, with black markings contributing to his cold, overbearing gaze!

Unfortunately for Adventurers A and B, they weren't going to live past this day. Unless they proved themselves worthy, that is—then this little matter could be swept under the rug. However, to Enkidu, loose ends always had to be dealt with, no matter how insignificant. If these idiots bore hatred for this Familia and then joined a dark or evil Familia, they could incite more hate later, which would be disadvantageous down the line.

[Artemis's POV]

'H-How do I feel about Enkidu?' The mere thought of him brought me joy, and I could now tell that it wasn't the "connection" pushing me to feel this way. After spending more time with him, I've been able to distinguish my own feelings from those brought on by our—or my—connection to him! If only he could experience the pain of feeling this connection, which brought just uncertainty and strange emotions that didn't calm down.

Never mind, I wouldn't want him to deal with the strangeness of this pathway only I can feel. If he ever did, he might leave, which wouldn't be good! I've known him only for a week, but his presence has allowed me to grow more than in the last few years combined. I'm not sure if it's his natural aura of confidence or his mystical aura when he's lost in thought, but having him here has brought me to new places!

'Oh, the speech!'

"I'm sorry, everyone. It seems we have two people who are a little too excited, but that is understandable! This is a first for us, as it is for many of you. Some of you may already be familiar with the recruitment process of other Familias, but ours is going to be different.

There are both men and women here today who will face different tests in some areas and the same tests in others! You will also face different benchmarks and requirements based on a variety of factors: Physical, Mental, and Character!

These three factors will be the main points we are looking for. Now, if you have something unique or special about yourself, that will be tested separately to respect the privacy of whoever may bear this uniqueness!

To my right is my Familia's Captain, Rethusa, who will test the physical ability of people of all levels. She will also coordinate with other members to help test the character of the females. Now, as for the men, if you have a level, you will spar with her up to level 3. If by chance any of you here are at a higher level than that, you will fight the man to my left.

His name is Ryomen Enkidu; he doesn't care how you address him as long as it's with respect. If you have a problem with anything he says, take it up with him! Anyway, if you are over level 3, he will test you, and if you are more of a mage or a type fitting into that category, he will test you. As for how he grades you, I've left that power up to him; he is someone I trust, so don't worry about any bias ruining your chances.

If you don't feel comfortable going up against my captain for whatever reason, Enkidu has also agreed to take on those people. This goes both ways as well; if you are a woman and don't feel comfortable going against Enkidu, then you can switch! The max number of people we will be taking in is 80, and with the numbers I see, that means only 40% will make it.

That's all, and good luck to everyone!"

I gave a slight bow to show thanks for the great turnout, then I left to go to the testing area, which was an open section of the manor that was massive, as I originally had nothing planned to do with it. How did I get something like this in this city? I just bought the other manors around and got rid of them.

[Testing Area]

An hour had passed since the testing started, and Enkidu was to my right. Originally, we had planned to do all the testing at the same time, but he pointed out that it would interfere with Rethy's side of things, so he was letting her finish first. So far, she had only passed 8 people and had gone through three groups of ten! Fortunately for me and Enkidu, she was testing their minds and character at the same time, so it was saving us both time.

'Wait... why did I bring h-him up?! Ugh! Get out of my mind!' Now that I was not standing in front of everyone but more to the side, my thoughts were acting up. This stupid guy just doesn't understand what he has done to me! Hmph!

[Enkidu's POV]

'Why the hell is she staring at me like that?' Artemis was acting strangely, but I'll just chalk it up to her being nervous. This was a big and life-changing event for the Familia, after all!

"Artemis, are you alright?" She kept staring at me, so I felt the need to ask. I didn't mind the stare, but it wasn't likely just nervousness. Once again, it's that strange connection she feels. I've noticed it more than ten times this week. Maybe I shouldn't doubt that she likes me, but it doesn't make sense how one can fall for another so quickly.

Whether it's romantic or just a deep trust, I'll have to figure it out later. Right now, she has a Familia to run. I need the name and brand, so I can avoid the constant, "ArE yOu In a FaMiLiA?" questions.

I genuinely might kill a whole section of a city if that annoying-ass question keeps being asked. Fortunately, it hasn't happened too many times! Only twice at the guild before they finally remembered me!

Anyway, I brought my attention back to Artemis, who still hadn't answered my question. She was just staring blankly. This woman is confusing... I guess my existence has altered her beyond my understanding. What am I supposed to do? Die? Hell no, did it once, was not fun... minus the transmigration.

"Artemis~!" I playfully waved my hand in front of her face, mimicking Satoru's move against Jogo. Still, no response. Time for a more hands-on approach.

"AH~!" I pinched her arm! She jolted, her blank stare replaced by an angry gaze.

"You awake? I don't know what's got you so lost in thought, but you do have to maintain a certain image."

"Oh yeah? Then why the hell did you pinch me? That ruins my image, making me seem like a goddess who lets someone from her Familia walk over her!" She had a point but missed one thing.

"Trust me. No one thinks they can take advantage of you! You made it clear that I hold a special level of trust in your heart!" I said it to tease her. You'd think she'd be better at controlling her expressions by now, but she'll get there eventually.

'I'm starting to see why smart harem or romance protagonists enjoy teasing. Truly, a medicine for the heart! 

Her face flushed pink, barely noticeable from a distance. She has gotten better after all! Funny to think if I hadn't helped her Familia, we wouldn't be having this friendly conversation. She might have continued as that man-hating goddess. Thinking about it, she never really felt like a man-hater, just uncertain about them. My interpretation could be wrong!

I'm thankful she was the first goddess and Familia I ran into. Others might have used me or tried to kill me since I wasn't a citizen of Orario yet. They could have easily taken me out without a trace. Would they have beaten me? Hard to say; it depends on who I would've fought!

"J-Just go and test those people! Rethy looks like she needs a break!"

I glanced at Rethusa, who looked completely fine. She's level three; I doubt she'll get tired soon, but I should respect Artemis in public. She's right; if we continue too long, people might think she's super friendly, which could cause problems. Artemis wasn't Hestia in that regard!

"Artemis wants us to switch out, so let me take the lead," I said.

Rethusa looked at me, then at Artemis, seeking confirmation. She clicked her tongue and nodded, not wanting to cause a scene. Neither did I.

Walking over to the open area, I could feel the confused eyes of all the applicants. Among the puzzled faces, I noted a few keen eyes who didn't wait for me to finish walking over. These were the ones with potential, ready to strike the moment I gave the go-ahead.

Pah~

I stomped my foot to snap them out of their daze. The sound echoed, and they quickly refocused their attention.

"I'm going to keep it simple! We originally separated you, but forget that. Ten of you, step out and get ready! Don't worry about losing; it's natural to lose to me. Just try your best!"

"..."

'Why are they all so silent?' I was genuinely confused. Did I say something wrong? The silence continued for a little before I felt a little irked.

"Look, you all have 10 seconds to attack, or I'll beat your asses and then fail you!" I spoke with an angelic smile, which was a contrast to my words; however, this was the point. If none of these idiots moved after hearing my words, then they were useless!

'Oh?'

One elf, a female, around 5'7" or 5'8" with long white hair and deep blue eyes, charged in! I couldn't help but be surprised that a woman was the first to make a move. Now, there isn't anything wrong with that; I was just hoping the men present wouldn't be cowards, but whatever, I'll just focus on her for now!

"Hah!" She threw a straight punch at my face, clearly a test of my prowess, so I entertained her. I threw out a quick punch with my left hand curled into a fist. The sound of our flesh hitting each other reverberated through the surroundings!

A smirk formed on my face, and I spoke, "I see at least a level 2!" The woman in question was stunned, seeing me effortlessly match her prowess. Presumably, she must have thought I was a normal level 1. Unfortunately for her, my race's body is stronger than normal human and elf abilities. How did I know this? I didn't! I found out just now. Well, unless her stats before becoming level 2 weren't at their max, my race was naturally stronger.

'Anyway...' I kicked her in the stomach with my right leg, doing a semi-spin and sending her flying toward the pond that was still until she landed in it.

Splash~!

"Now, who's next?" Hearing my words and seeing the woman get dealt with easily, the rest, numbering nine, all charged toward me. Feeling no fear, I dashed to the right, as the person in question was dressed in mage attire, so I had to get rid of him. His appearance wasn't worth mentioning, unlike the woman who challenged me first!

"Sorry man, but it is what it is," I spoke words of solace to the mage and then hit him with a cursed energy-infused punch, completely knocking the wind out of him. I made sure not to send his body flying. He wouldn't have survived the sheer impact of colliding with whatever he could have collided with; he wasn't lucky like the woman, as she had water to help her!

"Bastard!"

"Got you!"

'Haha, a perfect time to reveal my cursed form since Artemis and I decided to keep Cleave and Dismantle a secret!' She referred to the two abilities as wind magic, but that was pointless to say since either way, I wasn't using the techniques in public.

Pah! Pah~!

Two arms manifested on my back and caught the two absolutely ridiculous attempts at an attack. These pathetic weaklings could never have hurt me with such an attack.

'I should show them the power of a cursed spirit!' I strengthened the two hands on my back that were holding the idiots in place and threw them up in the sky with great force, sending them 20 meters up!

Three more came in to attack, but now with four arms and four eyes—four Six Eyes—I easily noticed their approach. Another pathetic display of force!

"All of you except that woman should be ashamed to call yourselves adventurers. You all are better off crippling yourse—?! That could have been dangerous, and I don't want unsavory rumors yet!" I almost activated Cursed Speech and crippled these ants. It was truly beneath me to stop, but I can't ruin my plans just yet.

'This isn't as fun as I imagined, so I guess I'll deactivate my beautiful form.' The arms and eyes disappeared, replaced by my normal appearance! Using that form was quite fun, and it felt good releasing some of my held-back arrogance. When I'm in the dungeon, I'll make sure to use that form more!

'That makes seven, leaving three more in this batch.'

"—are the avatar of hellfire. Sweep completely, bring a close to the great war. Burn them through, Sword of Surtr—my name is Alf!"

'What the?!' A chant entered my ears at the last second; I was too lost in arrogance to notice that the woman from before, with her white hair and blue eyes, had recovered. She actually caught me off guard!

'What the?!' A chant entered my ears at the last second; I was too lost in arrogance to notice that the woman from before with her white hair and blue eyes had recovered. She actually caught me off guard!

A wide area-of-effect flame magic came hurling toward me, but the problem here was that this woman didn't give a damn about the surroundings.

'Tch! What should I counter with? Wait, I could just use a burst of cursed energy to collide with the spell. However, that will cause an explosion in and of itself! Well, good luck, everybody else!'

Using a normal but powerful output of Cursed Energy that I concentrated at my fingertips, a sickly green color shot toward the incoming wave of flames! In seconds, the two attacks made contact, resulting in a deafening boom.

BOOM~!

Dust and smoke covered the testing area, which was actually 15 by 15 meters; however, we were only using about half that. Having the Six Eyes was great in a situation like this because even in this smoke and dust, I could see that everyone was fine, and the woman was only exhausted! This whole experience did leave a bitter taste in my mouth, though.

'Even with an advantage of abilities, the level difference still limits me! I utilized about 90% of perfectly controlled cursed energy, and it was only able to stop the attack. I didn't even break through it!' I thought, but I didn't dwell on it too long as I didn't want to be left in smoke and dust in case somehow an enemy did manage a sneak attack. Of course, I didn't have any enemies yet, and they would more than likely just target Artemis/

As the dust began to settle, I noticed the elf woman was still standing, though barely. Her chest heaved with each breath, and sweat dripped down her face, but her eyes were still fierce. I couldn't help but feel a bit of respect for her tenacity.

"Not bad," I said, stepping closer to her. "But next time, try not to involve the bystanders in your attack. You could've hurt someone, including yourself."

She glared at me, clearly not in the mood for a lecture. "I... won't lose," she panted, struggling to keep her stance.

I smirked. "You're tough, I'll give you that. But strength isn't everything. You need control, too."

Her eyes widened slightly, but she didn't respond. Instead, she collapsed onto the ground, the exhaustion finally catching up to her.

I looked around at the remaining applicants. Most of them were still recovering from the shock of the explosion, but a few seemed ready to continue. I decided to wrap things up quickly.

"Alright, listen up!" I called out, getting their attention. "This was just the first round. If you want to be part of this Familia, you're going to have to do better than this. We need people who are not only strong but smart, disciplined, and capable of working as a team. If you're here just to show off, you're in the wrong place."

I glanced back at Artemis, who was watching with a thoughtful expression. She seemed pleased with how things were going, which was a relief. I didn't want to disappoint her, especially not in front of so many people.

"Take a break," I told the remaining applicants. "We'll start the next round soon. Use this time to think about what you did wrong and how you can improve."

With that, I turned and walked back toward Artemis and Rethusa, who were waiting on the sidelines.

"You handled that well," Artemis said, a hint of admiration in her voice.

I shrugged. "They have potential, but they're still rough around the edges. We'll see if they can shape up."

Rethusa nodded in agreement. "They'll need to. The dungeon isn't forgiving."

Artemis smiled. "I trust your judgment, Enkidu. Let's see what the next round brings."

As we prepared for the next phase of the test, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. This was just the beginning, and there was still much work to be done. 'Especially with what I've in mind.' 


Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.