Chapter 5
Reset
The sun was setting and the moon came out. The evening ended and the sun once
again exposed its face from the eastern skies.
If it was the usual, I would still be inside our headquarters at this time. However, I
had arrived at the entrance of Babel today.
During the entire dungeon exploration process yesterday, the man that wanted to
trap Lili was always lingering in my mind, and it made me get a little nervous. I
was also conscious about how I made Lili feel unease.
Although in order to not let her worry, I did not tell her about the situation.
However, I, who had constantly confirmed the perimeter for safety, Lili had been
secretly watching me with an uneasy and helpless expression.
“……”
I, who was afraid that Lili would be wrapped up by some concerns, hurried off to
the meeting location early in the morning and slowly looked at the blue sky. My
head was displaying scene yesterday as if it was to fill this time gap, .
When I had come back from the dungeon to the hidden room inside the church, I
decided to talk with Kami-sama about Lili’s situation.
After hearing the situation, could you at least let Lili hide in our headquarters until
I could determine there is no danger, that was what I thought at that time.
“Bell-kun. That Supporter-kun, is she really a trustworthy character?”
“Eh……”
Kami-sama, who listened to me quietly, asked me slowly.
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At first, I did not understand what I was being asked. When I understood, I was
prepared to say something, but facing Kami-sama’s quiet eyes, I was not able to
speak out the second sentence.
“According to you, that Supporter is very suspicious. Also the time when you lost
my dagger……Ahah, I am not blaming you, so you do not have to be afraid…….it
makes people think that that was the reason she worked together with you on that
day.
A sudden encounter, it could be because of her <Familia>’s isolated and
unintelligible situation, and the existence of Adventurers targeting her……Kamisama
reversed everything I had said, and revealed the truth under the gray surface.
Towards me, who was unable to refute and could only remain silent, Kami-sama
lowered her eyebrows in guilt.
“Sorry, I said such a thing. But after all, I do not know that child, so I can only
objectively evaluate. Perhaps your judgment is correct as you have directly met
that child before……However, I am willing to play the bad guy.”
Because I am worried about you, she said. Kami-sama seemed to wrap herself in
divinity as she inquired like a child again.
“What the male Adventurer you said was suspected of……No, could it be that
behind the scenes, she was secretly stealing?”
You should also understand, Kami-sama seems to have seen through my thoughts
as declared.
……Perhaps these things will only be treated as unnecessary thoughts inside my
head.
Lili, who had helped me in many occasions as a Supporter, and had even saved my
life from the hands of the Monsters, did I become blind.
I, who had Kami-sama’s gaze directly pierced through me, temporarily stopped my
actions and recalled all the expressions that Lili had shown to me up to now. The
small portion of true expressions of Lili that I had seen accidentally, all of it, I
recalled once again.
“Kami-sama, I……”
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“Bell-sama?”
“!”
My thinking was interrupted.
Due to the voice that was calling my name, my consciousness flew back from
yesterday’s memory.
“Ah……L…Lili, good morning.
Gently expelling the floating memories away from my head, I made a belated
answer.
Lili looked at me, and quickly revealed a smile underneath her bangs.
“Good morning, Bell-sama. I did not expect that Bell-sama would arrive at this
time, Lili was almost skeptical of Lili’s eyes.”
“Ahaha, that is true. After all, Lili was always earlier than me”
For the time being, I felt at ease after seeing that nothing serious had happened to
Lili.
Just as I expected, that male Adventurer will not make any moves to attack Lili
above the ground.
It will be difficult to survive in this town if Adventurers caused an incident and
was blacklisted by the guild. If it was as a punishment and their registration as an
Adventurer was cancelled, they could no longer trade Magic Stones and Loot.
They will be rejected by the shop owners with no room for discussion. As a chain
effect, they would also have to leave the <Familia>——And also the possibility of
being abandoned by the God-sama exists.
If they had gone overboard and violated the laws, in the worst case scenario, they
will have to go to jail and suffer punishment.
Although the laws for Adventurers, who overlooked nothing, were just a piece of
paper in front of them. However, even when the guild should act, yet they do not
take action. It means that there was no sense of fear. It is easier to understand if
you treat it as management of crime.
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Yes, that is precisely why. If they cause trouble such as attacking others, by
treating it as self-defense due to being mixed up with a monster, they can justify it
as long as there was no third party present. That was the premise as long as it was
in the dungeon.
“Bell-sama”
“Ah, sorry. What happened?”
“Today do you want to try to go down to the 10th floor?”
“Eh……”
Towards me, who was currently immersed in my own thoughts, Lili suddenly
threw out an unexpected proposal.
I stared at Lili, who had her eyes blocked by her bangs and hood, in surprise.
“Why, suddenly proposing this kind of ……”
“Bell-sama, do you think that Lili will not notice? Bell-sama had already obtained
the strength to break past the 10th floor right?”
“……”
I quickly understood the strength that Lili mentioned was referring to the <Status>.
Indeed, the current me with <Agility> in the lead, my other basic abilities had
already broken into the A or B rank. According to the reference values that was
provided by the guild for dungeon raiding, it had already passed the requirements
for the lowest floor, 11th and 12th floor, that a Lv.1 Adventurer could raid.
Even though it was like this, the reason for this delay was that I was alone played a
major part for it. The dungeon’s nature becomes even more sinister from the 10th
floor and below.
Saying that the terrain was beginning to reveal its fangs was fine. Anyways, using
the ability ranked at G to challenge the 7th floor and using abilities ranked at A to
challenge the 12th floor, the difficulty was completely different.
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Truthfully, I had already effortlessly increased the floor reached to the 9th floor.
Based on this tempo, even if we leave 11th floor aside, the 10th floor should still
be fine. Lili probably judged it like this.
To be honest, I also felt that I was feeling great. Perhaps it was a little selfconfidence,
but I also believe that I was able to do it.
Having said that, the reason I did not easily enter the 10th floor was that.
It will appear inside the 10th floor.
What will not appear on the earlier floors, A <Large-Sized Class> Monster.
……Yes, just like the Minotaur.
“……But didn’t I nearly die on the 7th floor? If I run down to the 10th floor like
this……”
“Although that is correct, but because you have the experienced being careless,
which led to your failure, the current Bell-sama will not be that arrogant? If I have
to say it, Bell-sama, who have learned from this mistake, had improved his
qualities as an Adventurer. This is what Lili thinks.
“……”
“And Bell-sama have also obtained <Magic>. That Magic is very amazing. There
should be no dead angles for the current Bell-sama”
Yesterday I had let Lili see the situation of using <Fire Bolt>.
It was not really a show, but rather to improve my <Magic> ——Yesterday I had
let Kami-sama update my <Status>——After thinking that I wanted to get used to
it a bit more, that idea was becoming more intense, and was praised by Lili.
This property of <Speed Cast Magic>. It was very valuable for me who entered the
dungeon alone.
“Even Lili, who had gone to the 11th floor before when following other
Adventurer-sama’s party, can guarantee it. Bell-sama can easily raid the 10th floor.
Absolutely”
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Before obtaining Magic, I had already been permitted by Eina—san to entered the
10th floor (Although I had to seriously pay attention). If I think about it like that,
then just like Lili had said, perhaps I, who had obtained Magic, should really be
able to raid the 10th floor.
Should I enter, or should we maintain at our current situation.
“……Truthfully, Lili had recently needed to acquire a large sum of money”
“…! Could it be that……”
“I can not say the specifics of the circumstances. Only that it was related to Lili’’s
<Familia>……”
Lili explained her own situation as if she was depriving me the margin to think.
Yesterday’s scene of Lili being surrounded by three Adventurers instantly
reawakened.
My consciousness drifted away and my neck suddenly hurts.
“How about it, could you listen to Lili’s selfish request, Bell-sama?”
Lili bowed down and looked at me usually while turning her eyes.
……If it really is the <Familia>’s regulation, my interference……towards Lili
may push the necessary burdens towards myself……it may not be good for Lili.
To the members of the <Familia> that do not take responsibility and help, but was
accepted by others, it may harm that <Familia>’s reputation. It could also be called
as a shame.
I did not have the means to confirm Lili’s situation. If I ask, Lili will also not tell
the truth.
In the same situation, I would also be the same.
I tightly gripped my right hand and decided.
“I understand. Let’s go to the 10th floor.”
Just when I said that, Lili’s face had a smile blooming upon it. “Thank you very
much!”. She nodded excitedly several times. I frowned as I revealed a wry smile.
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“Do we head out now? Or shall we head over to Babel to replenish our items just
in case?”
“Lili had already prepared all the items yesterday. Compare to that, Bell-sama, do
you wish to try using this?”
“……This is”
Lili took out a black short sword from her backpack that was placed on the ground.
If the blade of <Goddess’s Dagger> was 20 centimeters long, this sword had 50
centimeters.
A Short Sword……No, was it a double-edged short sword?
The rod-shaped handle portion and the blade were constructed on an opposing
configuration. The shape was a simple Short Sword.
“What is this, this thing?”
“Although I feel that it is rather rude to Bell-sama, but I had prepared this in
advance. If you were to fight against Large-Sized Monsters, then Bell-sama’s
weapon range is too short. Even if that’s not the case, Lili have considered that
having a longer range would be better from a long time ago.”
“You want to give this to me? Even though just taking this is a bit……”
“After all, you took care of Lili’s selfishness, it can be said this is my gratitude.
Please accept it”
“……If that’s the case”
I pulled out the <Short Sword> from its sheath.
The silver-white blade edge was extremely slim. It was extremely light and could
be even said to be an extension of a dagger. Although I had never used a Sword
before, it felt that I could use it successfully……
“Is this really okay? After all, I have never used this type of weapon before……”
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“Shouldn’t it be fine as long as you test it out before we reach the 10th floor? Isn’t
it just right to try it on the Monsters up to the 7th floor. And if Lili’s eyes were not
mistaken, Bell-sama and this Short Sword should be a good match.”
Lili’s eyesight was genuine as she had formed a party with numerous Adventurers.
So far, all my accusations were shot down.
I confidently accepted Lili’s argument.
“Ah……I am not equipped with a swordbelt……”
Just like this, I just remembered that I did not carry any equipment that could hang
a sword.
If that’s the case, the sheath would be in the way……
“Bell-sama, Bell-sama”
“?”
“If Lili remembered correctly, can’t that hand armor store a weapon?”
Ah, I forgot about it. Even though I was the one that said it.
I temporarily took out <Goddess’s Dagger> from the hand armor and after
adjusting the device, I placed the <Short Sword> inside No problem. It was easy to
get.
“Thankfully, Lili, you remembered. I completely forgotten about it”
“Ehehe. Lili also just thought about it right now”
Lili, who placed a hand onto her head, revealed a shy expression.
I, who revealed a slight smile towards Lili’s expression, quickly recognized that I
do not know where I should place the <Goddess’s Dagger>.
“……”
Abruptly, the words of Kami-sama resounded inside my head.
——That Supporter-kun, is she really a trustworthy person?”
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Right now by holding the <Goddess’s Dagger>, it seems to be recounting it, the
voice of Kami-sama inside my memory, was inquiring me once again.
“……”
I seem to request for permission as I quietly closed my eyes.
The next moment when I opened my eyes, I placed the <Goddess’s Dagger> inside
the pouch on my thigh.
Towards the pouch that was holding different sized tubes, I placed the sheath and
the dagger inside.
“……”
Lili was silently watching me and slightly bowed down her head.
“Then it’s about time, shall we go?”
Lili raised her face towards my confirmation. She revealed a weak, weak smile and
nodded her head as she said “Okay”.
× × ×
“Please, Tulle. Although it was only an inspection, but you don’t have to go
overboard and strictly manage it.”
“Yes, I understand”
Eina, who was watched by her superior as she left the guild headquarters, headed
off to North-West Main Street.
Today, Eina was to go to the guild-managed Babel in the form of an business
inspection. She had to ensure that there was nothing unpeaceful in the guild
managed area of the skyscraper facility. She had to enter various rented
<Familia>’s shops and inspect them.
Holding an armband that served as proof that she was an inspector and with a blue
scarf outfit, she headed out a few minutes later than the other guild employees,
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who went over first. In the morning period that was still considered very early,
Eina walked towards the center of the town.
(In the end, I did not see Bell-kun……)
Eina had continued to think about the information inside her head that she had
gotten from <Loki’s Familia> yesterday.
The final advice that Loki had mentioned to her was clenched tightly inside her
chest. Eina, who was worried about Bell’s situation, started to feel restless.
A feeling of remorse surged through her. It was to the extent that she felt that she
should have gone to see him yesterday, even if she had to forcibly find him.
(Although the sequence is backwards……However, I should still find Goddess
Hestia and explain the situation first)
Today, during her inspection, she was going to go to <Hephaestus’s Familia>’s
rented area. Eina decided her path while recalling the appearance of the Goddess
that seems to be working there. Mixing of private and public affairs and misusing
the position’s authority. Although these phrases passed through her mind, however,
she threw them away as no one would know about it.
“Ah”
“……?”
While walking for a short period of time from the Main Street into the Central
Plaza.
On the contrary of the direction of North-West that she was walking out from, she
met up with Aizu Wallenstein who approached nearby from the North Main Street
direction.
“……G…Good morning, Wallenstein”
“……Good morning”
Towards Eina, who wavered before she greeted, Wallenstein listlessly hung her
head. The golden-colored hair that seems to be mixed with a sandy gold color
shook following her actions.
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Although she did not how to react for a moment, but since she had only introduced
herself yesterday. So she felt that something was wrong even today when she was
in front of her. Eina talked to Aizu.
“Wallenstein, what are you planning to do today?”
“Going to buy items”
“Then, are you heading towards Babel?”
While she continued to talk with Aizu, who was nodding her head, it seems like
she was going to enter the dungeon afterwards.
Although Eina was a bit suspicious that she did not go to the same shop as Riveria
yesterday to buy the items, but after looking at Aizu, who was equipped with
weapon and armor, she quickly understood.
Although it was hard to imagine from this beautiful appearance, but she also holds
the name of the <Sword Princess>, and because she was always fighting, she was
also crowned the title of <Valkyrie> by the Adventurers.
(……Looks like she still does not have any spirit)
Eina, who knew the depressed expression of Aizu yesterday, could observe this
through the lack of dominance in her voice and her slightly lowered face.
Probably, she suffered a considerable blow by the incident of the male that she was
concerned about fleeing from her.
While thinking that she really wanted to see what kind of guy would run away
from this beautiful girl, Eina decided to help her lovely brother a bit.
“Wallenstein, I am very grateful about the incident a few days ago. Thankful for
saving the Adventurer that I am responsible for”
“……?”
“Did you forget it. A few days ago, you defeated a runaway Minotaur on the 5th
floor and you lent him a helping hand just in the nick of time”
“……Mino…taur”
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“Yes. The Adventurer’s name is Bell Cranel. He was really thankful to you……”
Bell, the instant she heard this name, Aizu’s head trembled terribly. Looking at
such overwhelmed reaction, Eina, who planned to convey the intentions of the boy,
suddenly became speechless.
The time passed temporarily in silence, and until they reached Babel, Aizu
revealed a slightly bitter expression on her thin face and her lips were slowly
moving.
“……Did I…scare him?”
“E…Eh……?”
Towards the somewhat puzzled voice, Eina could only let out a meaningless
response.
“——?”
At that moment, a certain scene entered Eina’s eyes.
Staring at a broadleaf tree in the corner, there were currently around 4 Adventurers
hiding behind the tree roots.
On the armor of three of them, there was a cup-shaped crescent mark engraved
onto it……It was the symbol of <Soma’s Familia>.
Eina reflexively used her lip reading skills to read the lips of the group of people
directly in front of her.
“——Just as planned——Get Rid of——“ “Understood——On Arde’s side……”
Although due to the distance, there was parts that were omitted. However, Eina’s
jade-colored eyes could still see through those words.
Although they did not directly mention Bell’s name, but they indeed said out the
name of the Supporter that the boy had hired.
Soon they will probably split and head towards Babel that was standing tall. They
were probably going to enter the dungeon.
“……Did something happen?”
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Noticing Eina’s abnormal behavior, Aizu raised her head and initiated a
conversation.
Eina, who was revealing a perilous expression, looked at Aizu with hesitant eyes
for a while. Then as if she was attempting to get rid of her bewilderment, she
lowered her head towards her.
“Although I know that this is a rude request but please allow me to explain. Please
help the Adventurer that I am responsible for, Bell Cranel”
“……”
“Perhaps I am overthinking it, but I’m afraid that he is already involved in some
trouble. Although I know that this is a shameful behavior, but please lend me your
strength”
“That was yesterday’s……”
Aizu, who was listening in the reception room yesterday night, quickly understood
what Eina was saying. Eina, who raised her face, nodded and carefully revealed the
whole story, including what she had just seen earlier about the <Soma’s Familia>’s
team heading off.
Aizu, who finished listening to Eina’s explanation, said “I understand” and nodded
her head.
“May I trouble you with this?”
“Yes……I also still did not apologize”
Although she was confused about the last sentence, Eina still moved out of the way.
She originally planned on seeing Aizu leave, but at the first last moment, she
remembered it. And she shouted towards the back of the golden-hair.
“About that, Wallenstein”
“……?”
“Bell-kun, he……Bell Cranel said that he was extremely grateful that you were
able to help him!”
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Towards the sentence that Eina had conveyed to her, Aizu slightly widened her
eyes.
Then afterwards, the corner of her eyes dropped down and she revealed a small
smile.
× × ×
The scenery and terrain of the 8th to 9th floor of the dungeon changes dramatically.
First, the number of rooms will increase and will also become wider. The path that
connects each room becomes extremely narrow and has a ceiling not higher than 3-
4 meters. Inside the room, the ceiling will also only approach 10 meters.
The wood-color walls will be covered with moss and the ground will also become
a grassy field with many short grass. From the strong phosphorescence coming
down from above like the sunlight, it gives out the illusion of entering a wide
grassy field.
The monsters that appeared are the combined monsters that have appeared before.
Although there are no new types of monsters, but as a replacement, the Goblins
and Kobolds appear in a more powerful state. Although it is necessary to properly
estimate the opponent’s strength in order to fight like before, but the 8th and 9th
floor was still a relatively easy floor to raid.
The best evidence is that we only used a few days’ time to finally reach the
staircase that connects to the next floor.
Then, it is the crucial 10th floor.
This floor……
“Mist……”
Although it was not thick, the white mist filled the dungeon and was enough to
interfere with the vision.
The 10th floor dungeon structure was still the same and inherited the same form as
the 8th and 9th floor. Only that the light source coming from the ceiling was not as
bright, and the brightness could only remind people of morning mist.
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It was the first time I’ve encountered vision obstruction since I entered the
dungeon.
“Lili, don’t go too far”
“……Okay”
I had warned Lili again using the words that I do not know how many times I
repeated.
Of course, fear caused by the mist exists, but I was more wary of the sudden attack
from the male Adventurer yesterday. Before coming to this floor, I had also
continuous confirm Lili’s safety, to the extent that it was paranoia. Perhaps she was
already completely annoyed.
(But then again……I have an unexpected affinity with this)
While I noticed Lili’s breathe within the corner of my consciousness, I looked
towards the <Short Sword> I held in my hand.
It was useful. Although I was slightly clumsy about grasping the sense of distance
due to the effects of the dagger, but it was definitely more than enough to pass.
Even the Killer Ants was easily defeated with it.
Having the attack range become longer was really refreshing. It gave off an feeling
of being able to continuously attack from a safety area.
Although it’s power is not able to match <Goddess’s Dagger> as expected, but I
should not ask for too much.
“……!”
Walking out from the passage, the vision suddenly become open and clear.
A room where the grassy view extends endlessly. The mist also spread from the
center of the room to the surrounding space, but it allowed the vision to clear up a
bit.
“……”
Towards the group of tree that stands annoyingly inside the mist, I frowned.
Anyways, we should head to the center of the room to avoid the monsters that are
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produced from the wall. Approaching a dead tree that was nearly two meters tall,
the tree’s outer skin unexpectedly still exists. From the trunk to the top, it gradually
became thinner. It was obviously an abnormal structure.
——Ahah, as expected it was like this.
After browsing the trees, I had a bitter mood and turned to look in the direction of
Lili.
“What should we do. Shall we first cut it down?”
“No need, we do not have that much leisure”
Lili, who was in front of me, sighed.
I felt a sense of nervousness behind me while walking and I turned to face the rear.
A huge shadow flickered across the fog. A huge footstep sound impacted my
eardrums, and the constant trembles of the ground passed through my shoes and
spread through my entire body.
I wore a face as if I was enduring while I was being pulled, and mercilessly
clenched my teeth.
“BUGUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU……”
Following the deep groan, a large-sized monster “Ogre” appeared.
Above the brown colored skin, was a pig’s head. The faded old hide covered the
waist, as if it was like a ragged skirt. It’s height was probably over 3 meters tall. It
was even taller than the Minotaur.
Compared to the ox monster that only had relatively tight muscle physique, the
ogre was definitely much rounder. It was a stock body.
“As I expected, it is very big, isn’t it……”
“We can’t escape, Bell-sama?”
This was a path that could not be passed through if we escape. While being said
that by Lili, I swallowed and nodded.
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That was correct, if I could not defeat this ogre, then the large-size Monsters that
will continue to appear in front of me……such as the Minotaur, I will never be
able to defeat it in this lifetime.
After all, it was far larger than me, how is it possible to not be afraid.
I took a deep breath then I widened my eyes.
“BUGIIIIIII, BUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO……!”
Using its ferocious yellow eyes, the ogre looked straight towards me and Lili.
As if the pig-like Monster had found its prey, it roared as it headed towards the
gaps between the trees and stretched out its hand.
Following this, the huge wrist pulled up——an entire tree.
Originally, the dead tree was part of the natural environment of the dungeon, but in
that instant, it became a bones club.
<The Dungeon’s Arsenal>
It was a tricky characteristic of the dungeon.
This is a dungeon with its own life, it will provide natural weapons to the
wandering Monsters inside the dungeon.
In the 10th floor, it was the very first time that the terrain had the effects that could
greatly enhance the abilities of the Monsters.
Even if it was possible to defeat the Monster in its unarmed stated, but after
achieving the support of the dungeon, one or two of them may change.
“It was bad timing……”
Although <The Dungeon’s Arsenal> could be destroyed, but it will automatically
be repaired after a period of time since it was part of the dungeon. It is the same
even if it was used by the Monsters. This dead tree will probably grow back again
in the original spot quickly.
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Normally, if there is free time, they should destroy <The Dungeon’s Arsenal>,
even if it was only to prevent the monsters to grow a tiny bit stronger……but the
timing was really bad.
Towards the ogre that was fully armed, I maintained a bit of the distance and
confronted it.
“……”
The breathing interval of the disorganized Ogre was shortening.
Its ugly eyes sparkled as if it wanted to rush over right now.
It was my first time fighting against large-sized Monsters. A sudden sense of
nervousness.
While I used my willpower to suppress my heart that seems to be exploding, I
brought out some power from my shoulders.
Then, the Ogre issued out a large roar.
“BUGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!”
That was the signal that indicated the start of the battle.
Hearing this, I rushed towards the Ogre.
(I can’t attack it!)
Just by the difference in the physique, I can’t defend against the Ogre’s attack.
If it hits, then I will be blown away on the spot. Even if I use the armor to defend it,
it is futile.
(Conversely, if I snipe it from here……!)
First it is the lower body. Especially the two feet that were tightly pressed on the
ground.
Although I said this, I still do not have any way to do it. No, to be honest, I had
always been afraid of that size, a huge monster is still a huge monster, it is fated to
be unfavorable.
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Since its head is so big, it will have difficulties when rapidly turning around.
It is even more so for slow Monsters like the Ogre. Its excessive weight could
easily cause it to lose balance.
One attack.
Just one attack.
As long as I can dodge the opponent’s attack, then I will be leading.
The Ogre in my vision was gradually approaching.
“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
I sprinted at full speed towards the Ogre that had mounted the club.
It swung down the abnormally large roots club from above.
If it swings it down, then it means……!
“!”
I fearlessly rush forward.
The attack of a weapon that was swung down was very narrow compared to the
attack that was swung perpendicular. As long as you could see through the
trajectory, then avoiding it was simple. Because it will only knock down onto the
floor, there was no need to worry about continuous attacks.
Until it raises the club again, the opponent will be filled with gaps.
In one breath, I’ll turn!
“BUGUUUUUUUU!”
“Success!”
“GEBUOOOAAAAAAAA?”
I dodged the club that was swung down with a large margin.
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I did not slow down my momentum and rushed towards the side of the Ogre and
assaulted it. The moment I brushed passed it, I let out a slash along the side of its
abdomen.
From the torn abdomen, green blood spattered and the Ogre let out a piercing
scream.
The grassy area was filled by a layer of thick green lquid.
“Fu!!”
From the unprotected back, I followed my predetermined target and aimed at the
right leg.
Sticking close to the ground as if it was sucking up the howls of the wind, I slashed
upwards.
The blade of the Short Sword, that I was holding with two hands, cleaved off the
grassy areas and following it, the silverfish-white blade pierced into the thick short
legs of the Ogre.
“————————————————!?”
A loud yell impacted the eardrums.
The <Short Sword> that cut through the knees and slid inside was suddenly
stopped. It was the feelings of the tough bones, following the pressure that the
Ogre had placed all its weight on it. The blade was completely unable to move.
However, I only clenched my teeth tighter.
As if I was trying to lift the Ogre up, I used all my strength and let the <Short
Sword> pierce through.
“You…Bastarddddddddddddddddddddd!!”
It was cut off.
Through the momentum, the Short Sword flew out from the right leg. Quickly, the
Ogre, that lost one of its leg, fell down onto the grassy area.
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The collapsing scream became a tremor that affected the entire room. Although the
Ogre was struggling in pain, I did not stop my actions.
Da, Da, just like this! I flew to the large back of the Ogre, then rushed towards the
back of the head and thrust the tip of the <Short Sword> downwards and suddenly
inserted it.
Following the dull sound, the blade pierced through the Ogre’s head.
“Gi, Gooo……”
“Bell-sama, another one is coming!”
“!”
I raised my head from the Monster that was having a spasm and was going to die
soon. Just like what Lili had said, I confirmed that there was another Ogre that
walked in here from the opposite path of ours. Did it hear the sound of battle, while
it was currently in an excited state, it walked through the mist. It still had not
equipped itself with the surrounding natural weapons.
I stretched out my right hand on top of the Ogre’s body that had already stopped
breathing.
It was impossible to miss.
Using my two eyes to aim at that massive target, I pulled the trigger of my magic.
“<Fire Bolt>!”
“FUGEEEAAAAAAAAAAA!?”
The lightning-like flame spear directly hit the chest of the Ogre.
Although the Ogre howled and recklessly stepped forward, but that was it.
Although the chest had become charred and was worn, it was not to the extent
where it was defeated.
It really was because I had just learnt it right. Right now, I am still not able to use
Magic to defeat the Ogre in one attack. The power of <Fire Bolt> was still too low.
But——
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“——Fire Bolt!!”
Consecutive Attacks.
The consecutive release of the <Speed Cast Magic> headed towards the Ogre once
again.
The Ogre, that was hit in the same spot again, had its chin flew up due to the
massive explosions on its chest. It maintained a posture where it stared at the
ceiling and stumbled backwards a few steps……and it stopped moving.
“……”
Wordlessly, the Ogre became grey ashes.
After being hit by two direct <Fire Bolts>, the chest had opened an air hole. The
<Magic Stone> that was supposed to be inside had also completely disappeared.
I witnesses the end of what was the Ogre till the very end, then I violently breath
and slowly lowered my arm.
(I won……)
I can do it.
Whether it was using sword, fighting methods or Magic.
Towards the large-sized Monster that was far more enormous than myself, just like
the Minotaur.
I regained my calmness inside my heart and this time, it gradually began to burn.
A sense of accomplishment and presumably fulfillment.
Because the corner of my mouth could not help but get raised up by the fiery
feelings, I tightly clenched my teeth.
“Lili, it was successful, oh……”
With a face filled with happiness, I turned around and there was only the white
mist in my vision.
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The partner that I had always worked together with until just now……had
suddenly disappeared.
The feelings I had up to now instantly vanished.
“Lili!?”
A somewhat lamenting voice came out from my throat.
I turned my face left and right as if I was in disarray and glanced around the entire
room. In the vision that was filled with mist, there was no trace of Lili.
Although the worst case appeared in my mind, but I quickly calmed down my
mind and rejected it.
If she was to be attacked by that male Adventurer, Lili should have at least called
out in resistance. The thought that it was due to the Monsters was more reliable.
I constantly searched inside the vast squared-shaped room with low visibility.
“……?”
I anxiously ran through the gaps of the dead trees, then suddenly a stench headed
towards my nose.
I used my palm to cover my mouth and glanced at my surroundings. Effortlessly, I
quickly found the source of the stench.
Near the roots of the trees, fresh meat was scattered on the ground.
“This is……bait to attract Monsters?”
While squatting down, I stared at the meat with fat that was specially processed.
I can’t be wrong. The item shop will indeed sell this. Among the many
Adventurers inside the Dungeon, it is a trap item to lure Monsters in order to
increase the efficiency of hunting……
Why would it be here now……
“——“
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A powerful tremor entered my ears. It is an Ogre.
Moreover, the footstep sounds was absolutely telling that it was not only one. It
seems to be a clumsy melody that overlapped each other.
Then I noticed it. The stinky, shining meat was currently scattered all over the
surrounding area.
After I stopped thinking for a moment, I was speechless to the numerous odor of
those that were approaching.
“……Are you kidding?”
——There were four.
Towards the group of Ogre that approached together with a good relationship, I
was stunned and whispered.
It took great pains to get even rid of one enemy, but now there was actually four. It
can’t be possible to defeat. I will quickly be surrounded and be taken out. Even if I
wanted take on only one of them, with their giant body, they will be able to use
natural weapons with a wide range. I will certainly be caught.
I have to escape. I must escape.
If it is only me, I will not be able to break through this situation.
But what about Lili?
What if she was hurt or for some other reasons and could not be able to move from
this room?
Do I have to throw Lili away?
The group of Ogre that gathered here together due to the smell of the bloody meat
had already noticed me and had created an uneasy atmosphere. The muscles in
their thick arms expanded and the green veins were also prominent.
It had already approached to a distance where I had to fight, but even so, I still did
not move.
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Just at this moment, from outside my field of vision, I heard the sound of the sharp
wind.
“When!”
Bachin! A sound seems to come from something that hit my left leg and the pouch
that I carried threw through the air. The dagger was still inside that pouch.
The leggings of the pouch was suddenly shot by a metal arrow.
While I opened my eyes in surprise, the Ogres seem to use that as the start signal
and rushed over.
“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOO!!”
“!?”
The two Ogres that was equipped with natural weapons let off substantial attacks.
I desperately jumped to the sound and escaped from that location.
There was no time to rest. The two Ogres took huge strides with their clumsy
footsteps greedily eroded the distance between us. In the blink of an eye, they
nearly caught me.
“Nnn, UWAHHH!?”
Towards the meaty wrist that brushed past my face, I could not help but cry out.
This is really not a joke! How should I deal with such a thing!?
It was the drawback of working alone. I have never experienced such things. The
monster’s rampage did not even give me time to take a breath as I anxiously and
desperately dodged.
Then, just when the club attack flashed through, at that moment.
Through the gaps of the giant body of the Ogres, I noticed Lili, who was leisurely
walking.
“Lili!?, Nnn, UWAHHH?”
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At the same time I yelled out, the Ogre’s attack passed near my body. I cannot be
half-hearted.
Between that time, Lili briskly picked up the pouch that was flung over and took
the <Goddess’s Dagger> from inside.
After carefully examining it, she turned to my side and let out her usual smile.
“Sorry, Bell-sama. This is the end”
“Lili, what are you saying!?”
“……Lili feel that Bell-sama should learn how to suspect others more”
Towards my cries of dismay, Lili tilted her head cutely.
Her eyes peeked out through her bangs and hood, and the small lips depicted a
smile.
That, too, was also a bit lonely.
“Please watch for the correct timing to escape”
As if she was leaving her final suggestion, Lili said towards the group of Ogres.
She took the backpack and placed it back on her shoulders again. Then she turned
her back to me.
“Goodbye, Bell-sama. We probably will never meet again.”
In the end, she turned her head over to this side and Lili disappeared in the depths
of the sea of mist.
“Lili, Lili! ——Ah, Ah, forget it, this is really annoying!!”
“BUGYOOO!?”
× × ×
“You’re too nice, Bell-sama”
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Lili was currently running along a path while carrying a luggage that was
unimaginable for ordinary people.
Her hands clutched onto the backpack strap on her two shoulders, and she unhesitantly
moved forward down the path of the dungeon.
Lili had said two lies to Bell.
One of them was that she was not a Supporter who was troubled with money
problems.
Lili is a thief. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to describe her as a fraudster.
Using Adventurers, the highest income career, as her target, she was a thief that
steals their high-priced equipment and expensive items.
For example, she had targeted Bell as her target because of the <Hephaestus’s
Familia>’s dagger and had moved together with him up to today.
Acting as a poor Supporter was all in order for her to approach Bell.
Then, there is another——
“Nnnnn”
From the wind pressure, her hood was blown off from her head. The fluffy hair
from her beastman ears was exposed.
Lili touched her ears gently with her small hand and quietly muttered a <Chant>
silently.
“<Echo is the Signal at Midnight>”
As if it was filled with grey ashes, a grey light covered Lili’s head.
Without a trace of sound, the light gradually dissolved and in the meantime, the
ears on her head also disappeared.
Following it, the bangs that covered her eye and the tail on her waist, all of it
completely disappeared.
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“Seems like I should not completely transform my entire body. It is more efficient
to just change a part.”
If Bell was here, he would be absolutely stunned.
Her huge, maroon color eyes and the pleasant and cute appearance. There was
absolutely no trace of the beastman child any more.
This was Lili’s other lie. That is, that identity was a lie.
In order to avoid being pursued by Adventurers who was chasing the impression of
the extremely strange Hobbit, she used the Transformation Magic ——<Cinder
Ella> that she had mastered, in order to disguise her appearance.
Lili had used this magic and had already deceived numerous Adventurers.
While the Adventurers victims were furiously pursuing the thief, that person had
already become unrelated to Lili, and it was impossible to catch her. A rumor
circulated among the Adventurers that there is a <Dishonest Hobbit that is a
Habitual Offender>. That was the result of Lili’s Magic.
She would sometimes become a Supporter. Sometimes she would become a
harmless citizen.
Not only did she transform into someone else, by using the Magic effect that
surpasses the physical characteristics of races, Lili had continuous done bad things
up till now.
(As expected, it was a failure to have let that Adventurer see the process of me
using Magic……)
The man that was chasing her in the alley was also one of the Adventurers that Lili
stole all his belongings. He just happens to witness the activation of <Cinder Ella>
and seen through her true identity. This is the truth of the drama where she was
being pursued in the alley.
Although it was not exposed at that time, but now, that Adventurer seems to have
said some excessive words to Bell.
It had begun from yesterday after she saw Bell and that man having a secret
conversation. That boy’s attitude had changed considerably towards Lili. He would
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frequently confirm her appearance and again and again, secretly peek over to her
side. In short, it was like he was suspecting Lili and conducting an investigation, or
perhaps he was alert about the hidden identity of hers.
She had made the judgment that it was time to stop, there was nothing wrong with
it.
(……Just like this, It is already)
What a waste, she felt regretful for plundering from Bell for her own benefit.
It is all over but she still has feelings of being concerned about that boy.
As a thief, she could not completely understand the other her inside her heart.
Even though she already knew.
No matter how intense these contradictory thoughts were, after all, it was all in
vain and was useless.
It is already impossible to continue the relationship with that boy.
She could not do things that may be potentially dangerous.
After all, knowing the truth, Bell will absolutely never forgive Lili.
“……”
Lili’s face darkened. Then she soon sighed and shook her head back and forth.
What is it, it is already like that. She should just throw her guilt away. Being
tangled up by Adventurers was really funny.
After all, Adventurers are all of the same stock.
Inside Bell’s heart, he must have treated Lili as an idiot. Mocking her as a person
who could only simply wear a backpack, he would never stand on Lili’s side.
Lili twisted wildly and frowned.
(A mere Adventurer, Just a mere Adventurer……!)
282
Lili is a child born from a couple, who were a member of <Soma’s Familia>. In
other words, from the moment of her birth, it was her duty to join the <Soma’s
Familia>.
Thus, while Lili is still Lili, perhaps there was something that disagrees with her.
The world was not gentle to Lili.
Her hobbit parents did not care about the young Lili, and urged her again and again
to earn money. They did not care about themselves and by the time they noticed,
they were already dead. In order to pursue for money——<God’s Wine(Soma)>,
they entered a floor in the dungeon that they were unfit for, and was simply killed
by the monsters.
In the <Soma’s Familia> that were competing for the God’s Wine (Soma), Lili was
obviously isolated and became alone. The comrades inside her <Familia> always
bullied the thin Lili. The painful experiences had continued every single day.
Then after she drank the God’s Wine that was distributed to the faction, she had
acquired that Magic.
There were no trustworthy companions. She had struggled alone and fought alone
and finally found a path to earn a prominent amount of money. However, it was all
in vain. Lili did not have the talent as an Adventurer. She could only change her
career into a Supporter.
Then Lili began to steal.
While acting as a Supporter for an Adventurer team, they had continuous said.
Stealing Magic Stone. Secretly Pocketing Money. This is a Punishment. We will
not give any Money to You.
Knowing that she did not do any of these things, Lili desperately tried to explain.
However, they only revealed a nasty smile and pushed her away. Even when Lili
was about to be killed by Monsters, they did not bother to care about her.
Obviously, they did not heal her either. If she had lost her luggage, she would be
kicked on the spot.
She could not expect much from the <Soma’s Familia>’s members. After returning
from the dungeon, they would only turn ugly and try to snatch their rewards.
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(Lili hates Adventurers. Yes, absolutely hate them!)
After earning the Magic from God’s Wine, she had once escaped from the
<Familia> while she was crying rains of tears.
Discarding the title of a member of a <Familia> and becoming a normal person to
find work, she was finally able to have a stable live, but it, too, was only a fleeting
dream. It just happens that her companions in the <Soma’s Familia> wanted to ruin
the tiny happiness of Lili.
Where did you hear this place from, the cheeky and fierce Adventurers who found
Lili stole her money. Her own residence was also completely destroyed. Even the
old couple in the flower shop, who treated Lili gently before, pushed her away. As
if she was dirt in their eyes, this memory of Lili was still fresh.
The <Soma’s Familia> had cornered Lili to this extent.
Lili hated the Main God Soma. Why did you have to create this kind of <Familia>.
Soma had no ill intents. He did not mean any harm either. Ultimately, he was not
even interested in Lili. There was no concern at all.
Soma did not do anything and will not do anything. What did the current state of
his <Familia> become to, whether if he knows it or not, nobody knows.
Perhaps it was wrong to hate him. From the great father (God)’s perspective,
children will probably do things that others would feel pity for their stupidity.
However, Lili still could not conceal her hate towards her own Main God.
As a result, Lili had no other choice but to survive as a Supporter in the <Soma’s
Familia>. If she was to make a foolish choice——Even if she was to act obedient
to her faction, and was not trapped in a cage——she would bother and trouble her
surroundings. Even if she would be seen as a good income by a few <Familia>
members and even if she was forced to work for nothing.
That’s right, Adventurers are all of the same stock.
They had done terrible things to Lili who was weaker than them.
Even if it is that boy, he will, he must……
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(Even if it is Bell-sama……Even if it is Bell-sama!)
Even if it is that gentle boy, there will be one day where he betrays her. That was
absolutely right.
Betraying him before he betrays her, what is wrong with that?
She recalled the final glare of the old couple, who treated her as a granddaughter.
That’s right, she would eventually be discarded anyways. Being helplessly
discarded.
Towards the throbbing pain in her chest that went contrary to her will, Lili could
only give up and desperate fill it by running away.
× × ×
“Today, the guild is coming for an inspection. Do not cause any troubling things,
newcomer”
“Okay”
After being nagged by the half-dwarf manager, Hestia returned to her own job.
Towards the shop employees, who do not treat and respect her as a Goddess, this,
she had already figured out. She only moved her twintails back and forth while
engaging in her work.
Hestia, who was primarily responsible for the reception of the guests, soon went
out to meet the arrival of the inspector. She remembered seeing that half-elf girl
from somewhere before.
“Ah, you are……”
“I am Eina Tulle from the guild. According to the schedule, I am here to inspect
today.”
Towards Eina, who revealed a business attitude, Hestia led her inside the shop
while thinking that it was certainly the right thing to do.
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After greeting and confirming the things with the shop manager, she was
completely faithful to her duties and she picked up a parchment with one hand and
a pen on the other while inspecting the shop.
“Goddess Hestia”
“Eh?”
“I wish to talk with you for a while. Are you free?”
After checking the weapon rack and the air conditioning Magic Stone unit, Eina,
who walked over to Hestia’s side, did not look at her directly and slightly
whispered. Hestia revealed a bit of surprise, then she looked around. Pretending
that she was still leading the person, she brought Eina to the corner of the shop.
“I was shocked when you suddenly talked to me. You really do not know how to
observe other people’s expressions, advisor-kun”
“I am extremely sorry”
While maintaining a line of sight that did not intersect, the two of them continued
to talk in a state as they pretended to work.
After confirming Eina’s “is it okay?”, Hestia moved the items on the shelves while
she nodded.
“This is related to the Supporter that Bell Cranel hired”
Hestia’s shoulder suddenly shook and she stopped the task at hand. She then turned
around to face Eina.
“I will talk jointly about the <Soma’s Familia> she is affiliated with as well, please
be careful to not miss anything.”
After listening to the matter that happened in the <Loki’s Familia>, Hestia’ face
began to become more and more sinister as the topic progressed.
Although the possibility that the Supporter, Lili, that Bell hired would drink God’s
Wine (Soma) was extremely low, but she seemed to have a purpose——A plan
that seems to plunder something from his body——to approach him.
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Prior to the big event from happening, they should break off any contact with her,
Eina expressed this opinion.
“Goddess Hestia, can you please help convince him to do so? I’m relying on you.”
Eina, who was watching this side with her jade eyes.
Hestia only silently looked up.
× × ×
The room that she split away from Bell and the stairs that connected to the upper
floors were not far apart. Lili effortlessly escaped the 10th floor, entered the 9th, 8th
floor and continued to successfully move up.
Lili had already investigated the geographic terrain up to the 11th floor thoroughly.
The method that she used as a trap for Adventurers was basically the same as what
she had done to Bell. Creating a sudden, man-made situation and took advantage of
the chaos to steal their belongings. Then swiftly running away (or when did they
still did not notice).
By that time, waiting for them to chase after her was not the same child. Lili could
use a flexible and perfect escape route, which was ensured by the floor maps from
the guild and has been engraved into her head.
Even if she encounters Monsters, Lili can still use her specialty of shifting it to
other Adventurers and continue to escape. Rather, she had always trained this type
of technique.
After she had finished handling the stolen goods and turned back to Lili, the people
that were chasing after her could not find her anymore.
Sinister, Offhanded, and also as a person who cannot do anything, this was the plan
that Lili had thought up through her own efforts.
If you had to ask for the reason why Lili was trying to harm these Adventurers, it
was all for vengeance and revenge.
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She had already decided to allow them to experience the pains she had felt, and
take back everything that she had lost. Even inside the <Soma’s Familia>, many
people have fallen into her hands.
Lili firmly believed that this behavior is a legitimate right of hers.
Adventurers are like all other Adventurers. This was an unshakable view that she
had up till now and will have towards the foreseeable future.
……Even if it was the face of the boy that was completely different than the others.
Even if she was to feel guilty, she would still turn her eyes away.
(But this way, the target amount of gold is only……)
She did not care about God’s Wine. Instead, it was a taboo and she hated it. In her
heart, she was even unconsciously afraid of it.
Although she had tasted the true flavor of it, but she was not willing to be
controlled by the crazed, beast-like magic power of the wine again.
So she stole in order to accumulate money she stole in order to free herself.
One day, she would use that large amount of money as a bargaining chip to leave
the <Familia>.
Strictly speaking, Lili is a item privately owned by Soma. Even if she was to
request help from the non-charitable organization, Guild, she would still not be
freed. Thus, she had to contribute a large sum of money to Soma in order for him
to let her go. Then she will finally achieve freedom.
Using her own hands to liberate herself. This was what she decided.
“Nnnnnnnnn!”
Stepping onto the tall weeds, Lili suddenly stopped running.
In the room ahead of her, there was only one exit. A Floor 8 version of a Goblin
was currently wandering around aimlessly.
There were no signs of other Adventurers. Because it had occupied the path in
front, it was impossible to avoid.
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Heading back and selecting another route will waste a lot of time. There is
probably around half-quarter of an hour left of time before Bell will free himself
from the constantly emerging monsters. After including the sudden accident into
her calculations, Lili decided to break through here.
“Please do not do any barbaric acts to Lili’s body, okay?”
While she said this, she rolled up the right-sleeves cuffs on the cream-colored coat.
What appeared to be attached to her arm was a small-sized hand crossbow.
(Using the Magic Sword for the Goblin is too much of a waste!)
She took a step forward with her right foot and positioned the crossbow.
In general, the Hobbit race had extremely good eyesight. The round maroon eyes
became sharp and shot straight directly at the Goblin. The enemy also noticed this
side.
“Ba—kyun!”
The metal arrow was shot from the hand crossbow at a frightening speed.
The high-speed arrow pierced through the air and directly entered the Goblin’s
right eye.
“Gigiyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!”
“Excuse me!”
From the right side of the Goblin that was yelling while clutching his right eyes,
Lili escaped from the room.
Lili had also tried to think of a way to fight. Although it mostly relies on the
performance of weapons and the behavior of items, the cost of fighting a monster
should not be too uneconomical.
In the end, she would only fight when it was limited to self-defense.
“Lili feels envious about Bell-sama, who is able to do everything!”
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With the Magic <Cinder Ella>, Lili’s power was not suitable to battle. Lili herself
is incapable.
Even the Magic, that she had learned only because she had vowed to retaliate
against Adventurers, could not change her expectations of her weak self. She was
very disappointed when she knew the limitations of it.
However, to Lili, who was gradually able to determine what she could do and what
she can’t do, she was able to push her abilities to the best direction where she could
fully utilize them.
The best evidence was to use this ability to steal things, and she had indeed
succeeded.
Right now, she could mock the pitiful and weak self that she was before. Lili had
grown up.
(The 7th Floor!)
Rushing towards the stairs that was buried in the walls, she had went up by another
floor.
The dungeon’s wall color was still light green color, Lili continued to maintain her
speed as she ran forward.
(As long as I get pass this floor, then the rest will be easy)
Judging from the tendency of the monsters, she cannot take this 7th floor lightly.
If she was able to pass through here, then she could do whatever she pleases. Lili
slightly relaxed the corner of her mouth and entered the room that was in her sight.
“This really makes one happy, isn’t this the jackpot”
“Eh?”
Through the narrow path, a body flew into the room in the next moment.
Sticking his feet from the side, and causing it to stumble against the petite body of
Lili’s knees.
Lili lost her balance and flew grandly towards the ground.
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(W…What……?)
Although she attempted to lift herself up with her hand as a support, a tall and long
shadow covered Lili.
Before she could raise her head and sigh, she was forcibly pulled up and her face
was severely hit with a punch.
“Fugi!?”
“If you want to apologize, it is still possible, right? ……You god damn Hobbit!”
Her nosebleed was still constantly gushing out, another fist filled with power
pounded her cheeks.
Her vision was wavering and she was unstably looking at her feet. The two
shoulder strap backpack slowly slipped off her back and headed towards the floor.
Then as if it he wanted to add an additional blow, his toes pierced through her
abdomen.
“——Ah!?”
As if she was like a ball, she bounced once, twice on the floor.
Until the momentum had finally subsided, Lili was overwhelmed by a whirlpool of
pain and could not do anything.
“Ah, uwaa, nnnnn…….!?”
“Hahahahahaha! You deserve that, you thief!”
Through the constantly flickering vision, Lili was still able to clearly see the owner
of that voice.
It was a human Adventurer. The male that contacted Bell yesterday. Lili’s original
employer.
The male raised the corner of his mouth to the extent where it was ugly and smiled.
“I was just thinking that it was about time for you to abandon that brat? So we
opened up a big net in order to definitely meet you again!”
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“Ah, net……!?”
“In this incredibly large dungeon, if I was to wait for you in ambush, it will be a
boring gamble. Thus, I gathered collaborators and assigned them to each key area”
The area of the dungeon was extremely large. Although the 5th floor already
exceeded the area of the central square, but there were only 3 or 4 routes that can
lead on to the next floor.
The male had gathered collaborators and assigned them to each path and waited in
ambush for Lili to appear.
Unfortunately, among all of these, Lili still chose the route that he was responsible
for guarding.
“When I saw the shorty cling towards the white-haired brat that I have an
impression on, I was really shocked…….How is it, did that brat carry something
shiny or glittering? You wouldn’t have made such a mistake, right?”
“……!”
“Well, I’ll just let that matter as it is. Before killing you, as compensation for
stealing my sword, let me use it for a while……”
I’ll plunder everything you have, this was what the sadistic eyes were saying.
Stretching his hand towards Lili, who had a nosebleed that was constantly flowing
out, he ripped the coat off and dug out the equipment inside. Lili, who had become
only wearing cloth-made clothes, could not even do a decent resistance.
“Magic Stone, Gold Watch……He hey, you even brought a Magic Sword!?
Haaahahahahahaha! This is also stolen, right!”
The man was extremely pleasant about the existence of the expensive Magic
Sword.
Looking at the beautiful shining dagger, his mood was extremely well.
The man single-handedly played with the red dagger. Then he clenched his teeth
and no longer showed an evil smile.
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“Kukuku……! Fine, I’ll forgive you shitty Hobbit. Since I got such a gift from you,
I should also show some kindness……Right, ah?”
“Uggggh!?”
A second kick headed towards her abdomen, Lili almost fainted.
Bad, bad, bad. Her small chest has a sense of anxiety swelling outward.
If she does not think of a way to escape, what will meet her will only be a tragic
end. She understood this from the never-ending violent atmosphere.
Before she sucked in a few breathes, she heard the distant sound of a man.
“Not bad, Boss Gedo”
A third person’s voice was sent here.
“……!?”
“Oh, it really is early”
Looking towards the direction of the sound, in the entrance of the room, there was
a man that she seemed to remember.
He was a member of a group that wanted to seize the Lili’s wealth a few days ago.
Up till now, they had already plundered from her numerous times, and had bullied
her many times. The Adventurers from <Soma’s Familia>.
Lili finally understood. The collaborators the man had talked about were from the
<Soma’s Familia>. Probably, after contacting with Bell yesterday, they believed
that they could use these people, who had a conflict with her, and went to assist
them.
“Listen, Kanu. This fellow even brought a Magic Sword. Just as you guys expected,
it seems like she is hiding a lot of money, Ku haha”
“……Is that so”
The man who was in a good mood and was talking —— Gedo, and the middle
aged beastman, who was known as Kanu, seemed to have narrowed his eyes. It
seems that Gedo, who was in a good mood, did not notice it.
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“Boss Gedo. I have a proposal……”
“What, you want the Magic Sword? Hey hey, but I caught this Hobbit, if it’s this
degree, then……”
“No, ah. Not only the Magic Sword, I want you to leave everything you have
stolen right here”
Ha? Gedo, who was frozen with half a smile and was about to question. But Kanu
threw the item that he was hiding behind his back over. Boto, towards the rolling
piece of item in front of her eyes, Huh, Lili let out a scream.
“K…Killer Ant……!?”
In order to allow easier transportation, the lower half of the body was cut apart. It
was a half-dead Killer Ant. Its body was filled with cracks. Purple monster blood
was oozing everywhere from the monster. It seems to repeatedly close and open its
mouth while waving back and forth with what seems to be the remnant of its claws.
“We originally intended to use all our members to attack together. After all, Boss
Gedo, who had reached a further floor, is probably stronger. However, there is still
this method”
Boto, boto. Just like this, he threw the remaining half of the Killer Ant.
It was unknown when the other two Adventurers, working together with Kanu,
appeared from different entrance and imitated the same actions as him. Altogether,
a total of three Ant pieces were thrown and the curse-like groan was constantly
echoing inside the center of the room.
Lili … Gedo also…. instantly turned pale.
In their dying state, Killer Ants will release a special hormone. It was a special
rescue signal that called for their companions.
Even if it was the pieces of Ants that were about to become a corpse, it is
undoubtedly a timed bomb that would summon an army of insects.
“A…Are you for real, you guys,
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!?”
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Three sets of hormones were released outwards, how many insects would it call
out.
Although Gedo’s screams were still echoing, but the expression of Kanu and the
others did not change.
The obsessive dedication to money. The madness that imprisoned people caused
by the <God’s Wine>. The pale Lili understood it correctly.
“You still want to waste time with us, do you wish to become food for these guys
as well, Boss?”
“Huh!?”
From the entrance towards the back of Gedo, 5 Killer Ants stuck their head out at
the same time.
This room had a total of four entrance. Three of them were blocked by Kanu and
the others. The remaining one was also occupied by the Monsters. Due to the rage,
fear and shock, Gedo, whose face was constantly changing, clenched his teeth, and
threw everything he stole from Lili to the ground.
“Y…You bastards!?”
With a thin smile, Kanu opened up the path and Gedo passed through, escaping
from the room.
Shortly after, the beast-like screams echoed. After fighting something noisily for a
while, it suddenly disappeared. What had happened in the path that was filled with
Killer Ants, the stunned Lili did not have any means to confirm it.
“Gi……!”
“!?”
Suddenly, one of the Killer Ants among the rest that started to flood into the room,
approached in front of Lili.
The heavily injured body could not move as expected. Following the monster’s
claws that were approaching, blood splashed everywhere.
The Killer Ant that was cut apart suddenly scattered.
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“Are you alright, Arde?”
“Kanu…san?”
Lifting the sword that was wet with purple blood onto his shoulders, Kanu let out a
sinister smile towards Lili.
“It came, but in order to save you? After all , we are <Familia>’s companions”
Towards the man that was speaking shameless in front of her, Lili bit her lips and
clenched her fist.
The surrounding partners were currently resisting against the Killer Ants, causing
the monsters to be outside of the defense encirclement.
“That’s right, we’ve come, Arde? Specially for you, regardless of any dangers,
we’ve come to this place?”
“……Yes”
“……What we want to say, do you understand?”
The somewhat acting voice bounded Lili to bow down her head.
Kanu’s eyes that were staring at Lili’s trembling shoulders did not, in fact, see her.
What he saw was money. Strictly speaking, what was in front of him was <God’s
Wine>.
From a glance, you may see Kanu’s exceptionally calm face, but inside of it, there
was a degree of fear that had reached to the stages of terrible.
“Hey, quickly now! Or it really is terrible!”
“I know! ……You, didn’t you say you have no money? It’s no use to make stories
now, if you still want to hide the truth……”
“I understand! I already understand!?”
Towards the barely rational expression, Lili shook her head.
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This is already not the time to have a grudge, while thinking about this, she handed
out a small key jewelry towards the man.
“What is this?”
“Located at the east side of Orario, the key to the rental safe for the Gnome……”
“You mean a safe? How much money could be placed inside the tiny box……”
“What is inside are Gnome’s gems……”
“……I see”
The gems and minerals of Gnomes are all extremely expensive. There is a definite
value and credibility to it. Lili turned the difficult to carry money into generally
accepted gems and just incase, hid it into a rental safe.
Kanu, who revealed a thin smile, nodded and grabbed onto Lili’s skirt to carry her
up. Then, she moved that light body in front of her eyes.
“K…Kanu-san……? Is there anything…….!”
“This looks a bit bad. Look at that side. It is already surrounded”
There were a group of almost over twenty Monsters that were gradually
surrounding Lili and them. Luckily, there was still one exit that was still not
blocked.
Lili, who was hanging from his shoulders could only, patapata, move her slender
legs, but she could only swim in the air.
“Go be bait for me”
“!?”
“Arde, if you were to divert the group of insects, then we will be able to go out
from the passage. Once we get there, there will not be a lot. As long as we were
willing to take some time, we would be able to dispel them.”
She used fearful eyes to stare at Kanu.
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Suddenly, she turned to the surrounding men, they, too, had a despicable smile on
their face.
“You are useless if you do not have money. At the very least, you should still
support us, right Supporter?”
She was thrown.
She depicted a parabola in the air and flew past the heads of the Killer Ants.
The Monsters made a sensitive reaction to Lili, who was flying past them, and
stared at her.
Time had already stopped for Lili as she watched her companions escape with a
big smile. Soon, she hit the ground.
Although the impact caused her breathing to stop, but that was it.
“……Ha…hahaha”
While lying down onto the ground and staring at the dungeon’s ceiling, Lili issued
out a broken laugh. The Killer Ants move their claws towards her and turned
around.
Finally, this last old trick, Lili could not help but want to laugh.
As expected, Adventurers are not to be trusted.
If this is how you treat me, who had done the same acts, then it has gone too far.
This is what Lili thought.
(……Ahhh, but)
This, if it was the punishment for deceiving that youth, perhaps it may not feel as
bad.
If it was retribution for that boy Adventurer that does not seem like the
Adventurers Lili knew, she made be able to calmly accept it. If that’s the case,
perhaps it would be alright.
“Giiahhh……!”
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Countless Killer Ants were crowding towards her like a wave.
At the location where she was thrown to, there was already no escape path for Lili.
She could only stare at the empty space between the wall.
In the form of side walls, Lili, who was lying down, was surrounded by Monsters.
“……I don’t want to accept it”
The quiet mutter was also destroyed by the sound of the Killer Ant’s footsteps.
A Professional Supporter. An object that they scorn.
Even if it ruins the Adventurers, but yet these people simply carry the luggage
without any pain. They were completely useless in the battlefield.
The career of Lili, that could not do anything by herself. Simply, it was Lili herself.
The slow Lili.
Lili absolutely hated herself.
“God-sama, why……”
Who would call for Lili. Who would rely on Lili.
Not being used, but treated as if she was necessary.
She was disgusted by her weak self. She hated herself for being used by others.
Lili wanted to become someone other than Lili.
After learning Magic, perhaps this thought had materialized.
“Why did you make Lili, create Lili like this……?”
Up till now, she did not know how many times she wanted to die.
Wanting to go back to the side of the Gods, she could not recall how many times
she had wished for everything to reset.
Lili was not praying for her current self, but the other, more reliable Lili.
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The cowardly Lili still had not taken a step forward in the end.
Inside Lili’s heart, there was still a continuous longing for her own reset.
“Gigi……!”
“……That’s right. It already does not matter”
The semicircular space created by the Monster slowly and slowly shrunk.
Boto, Lili, who had her cheeks stick tightly on the ground, revealed a smile filled
with despair.
From her sideway’s vision, the Killer Ants were gradually become bigger.
The final moment has arrived.
“……Really lonely”
Lili was shocked towards the lightly blurt out words she said.
The final and last true thoughts came out from her chest.
So this was it, she was actually extremely lonely.
She was already accustomed to not being needed by anyone.
Although she was accustomed to it, the feeling of loneliness was not completely
eliminated.
So lonely.
Towards not relying on others and being relied upon, she felt loneliness.
Although she was accustomed to being alone, she felt loneliness.
“So this is it, Lili……”
Wanted to live with someone else.
Lili was happy that she was finally able to recognize the feelings inside her chest.
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“SHIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA”
The Killer Ants swung their claws. Bathed by the light descending from the ceiling
of the dungeon, it was brightly gleaming.
It was over.
She could finally die. She could finally finish everything. She was finally able to
return to Heaven.
Finally and finally, she would be able to reset it.
She will not be able to do anything and not be able to be herself. She would finally
end her weak self.
Her thin and weak self that was not able to help, the invaluable her and the lonely
her.
She would finally be able to reset it.
(Ahhh, Lili finally is……)
…….Finally, she will be able to find someone who is willing to live with her.
(Finally……Am I dying?)
Lili cried as she exposed her tears.
Following,
“Fire Bolttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt!!”
An explosion.
“……Eh?”
Scarlet flames were rising from inside the room.
× × ×
“It’s no use”
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Hestia stared at Eina and replied with a sigh.
“Ha……?”
“It is really no use. Bell will not abandon that Supporter-kun, this was what he
decided”
While Eina was still in a state where she was unable to react due to the unexpected
response, Hestia sighed again.
Hestia slightly lowered her eyelids and recalled the scene last night.
“Kami-sama, I……Even if it is like that, that child is still in trouble, I want to help
her out”
Bell, who was reminded about how that girl was not credible, gave off such a
response afterwards.
Towards Hestia’s stubborn tone of “did you not listen to me”, he still did not
change his views. No, he hadn’t changed it. He desperately explained.
“That child. It seems like she is very lonely. Although she seems to be very slow in
this regard, although she still hasn’t seem to notice it, and was just smiling cutely
like an idiot……Even if she was showing an indifferent expression.”
Bell told her everything he had seen, over and over again recounted the things that
Hestia had not seen.
Above that, he even revealed his own thoughts.
“Didn’t Kami-sama help the lonely me?”
Before encountering Hestia, he was wandering around Orario alone and was
almost destroyed by the anxiety and loneliness. The loneliness at that time was
seen by her as well.
“It is not a problem if it is a mistake, but if it isn’t a mistake……this time, I wish to
help that child.”
Just like Kami-sama, who saved him. Bell ended the conversation like this.
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“……That child, Bell-kun, he is the type that would give the gentleness that he
received to other children. Because he had also experienced that pain, so he would
be able to notice it.”
Hestia, who was staring at the ground, raised her head to stare at Eina again.
“Don’t look at him like that, but Bell-kun is actually very stubborn? He would not
be shaken, that child.”
Towards Hestia, who informed her with huddled shoulders, Eina revealed a
puzzled expression in a panic. From the corner of her mouth, she seemed to have
something she wanted to say.
“Do you refuse to accept it?”
“No, if it’s Bell-kun’s words……If it was him, he might have really said this. But
what is the basis for it……”
Towards Eina, who revealed her uneasiness, Hestia slowly folded her arms.
As if she was extremely regrettable for saying the words she was going to say, she
pouted and said.
“And, Bell’s insight on the opposite sex is genuine. Just like a God, that must be
true.”
× × ×
“Liliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!”
The voice that called for Lili torn through the group of Killer Ants.
A roar that was composed of explosions inside of explosions. Towards the sudden
sneak attack that came from the rear, the Killer Ants attempted to turn around, but
they could not move due to them being crowded together.
Continuous burst of flames seemed to drill through the group of insects, the
moment when Lili’s eyes widened and clearly see the lightning flames……A
white-haired boy cut through the monsters’ wall and flew through it.
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“GET AWAY FROM MEEEEEEEEEEE!”
“GIGAAAA!?”
The boy wielding the dagger and short sword, Bell, roughly dispersed the group of
giant ants.
He maintained a fixed wrist posture at Lili’s side to keep the Killer Ants in place.
If they move, he would cut off their heads.
“Lili! Are you okay!? Do you recognize me!?”
The person who held her own body, Lili did not react initially.
The crimson eyes were quivering anxiously. The fingers clasped onto her
shoulders were tightly grasped to the extent where it is painful.
He hurriedly pulled out a recovery potion and lifted it near her mouth.
Lili, who was being stared at as if he would never let his eyes go away from her,
slowly opened her mouth and drank the blue liquid.
Quickly, cough, cough, her cute cough sounds echoed.
“……Bell-sama?”
“Yes. Are you alright?”
Bell, who was just like Lili who had her face filled with tears, smiled and raised his
tone.
Right now, what was frozen inside Lili’s chest seemed to be held tightly that it
hurts and became very hot.
After Bell confirmed the safety of Lili, he soon raised his face.
Facing the sharp eyes of the group of Killer Ants.
Lili unconsciously moved her petite hands and handed out the pitched-black
dagger that was hidden inside her bosom towards Bell.
His expression did not change and he accepted the <Hestia’s Dagger>
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“Just wait there like always?”
He said this at the end and Bell stood up.
Angry roars echoed throughout the room. The scattered smoke from the flickering
flames were the remains of the fire from Bell.
There was no situation that was more isolated than this.
The number of monsters that surrounded Bell was around 30. And through the
entrance, more and more were constantly coming.
Towards the clumsy action of the group of Monsters that want to rush over, Bell
was not afraid.
A few days ago, Bell will still be afraid of this amount of enemies. No, even if he
was to face them head on, there was no guarantee for him to win.
However, right now, Bell has <Magic>.
“Let’s go……!”
He took out an citrus-orange color liquid tube from his pouch around his leg.
Knowing the existence of Magic being restricted by the Mental Power, Bell
decided to use his trump card that he purchased with the resolve of death at the
price of 8700 Varisu.
<Magic Recovery Potion>. A potion that recovers Mental Power.
Bell unplugged the embolus and drank it in one go.
“……SHIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!”
“!”
The moment one of the Killer Ants rushed forward, Bell also positioned his right
wrist in front.
“Fire Bolt————!!”
The instant the light burst from the lightning, the Killer Ants was also blown away.
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Towards the Killer Ants that moved together, Bell continuously roared.
Rapid-fire of lightning flames.
Each time Bell called out, the raging flames would gush out and illuminate the
dungeon.
The scarlet lightning indeed sent one Killer Ant to the grave, and occasionally, it
would puncture two of them.
Due to the aftermath of the explosive cyclones, the Killer Ants were unable to
approach Bell.
The difference of overwhelming numbers were covered by using Magic from the
Grace.
“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!”
Towards the group of Killer Ants that were decimated, Bell wielded his weapons.
His two hands respectively held the <Hestia’s Dagger> and the <Dagger>. He
headed towards the enemy forces that were covered with wounds.
Each time the dagger reflected a brilliant flash of purplish-blue, the Killer Ant’s
head and body will flew into the air.
“……”
Lili could only stare at the scene in a daze.
The white figure swiftly tore through the monsters and shortly, the decapitated
body’s fluids splashed everywhere.
Swift, Sharp, Strong.
When she noticed it, the large group of Killer Ants were already silenced. What
was standing in the room was the boy.
Bell placed the two daggers back into their sheaths, turned around with a worried
expression and jogged towards Lili.
“……How did you find this place”
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“It is not that, there were a lot of Monsters gathered, probably by other
Adventurers. The mist was too thick so I could not see carefully, but the amount of
monsters really decreased……”
That’s why he could quickly catch up to Lili, this exposed the truth of being able to
catch up to her that was originally impossible.
Towards Bell, who placed his hand on top of his head as if nothing had happened,
Lili felt that something inside her body was broken apart.
“……y”
“Eh? What is it, Lili?”
“Why?”
When she noticed it, Lili’s mouth had already arbitrarily moved.
Even though she had something she wanted to say to him, but what she said was
something completely different.
“Why did you save Lili? Why didn’t Bell-sama abandon Lili?”
“……Ehhh?”
“You can’t possibly haven’t discovered that you were lied upon, right? In order to
steal the dagger, Lili surprised Bell-sama. You can’t possibly still be thinking
about such foolish things, right?”
Towards the stupid face made by Bell, Lili’s voice gradually became more violent.
Feelings that she could not suppress gushed out from her mouth.
“WHAT ON EARTH IS BELL-SAMA? IS YOUR NERVES TOO BIG FOR
YOU!? IS THAT HEAD ON YOURS JUST AN INCOMPARABLY IDIOTIC
PUMPKIN!?
“Idiotic…..!? Huh, Lili, calm down……!?”
“IMPOSSIBLE!! BELL-SAMA MUST NOT HAVE NOTICED ANYTHING
YET!? WHEN EXCHANGING FOR MONEY, I DID SOMETHING BEHIND
THE SCENES! BELL-SAMA AND LILI DID NOT SPLIT THE MONEY IN
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HALF, BUT RATHER 4 TO 6! WHEN I GOT CARRIED AWAY LATER ON,
IT WAS EVEN 3 TO 7 A FEW TIMES! EVEN WHEN I REQUESTED YOU TO
USE AN ITEM, I HAD LIED ABOUT THE PRICE BEING SEVERAL TIMES
HIGHER! IN TOTAL 12 TIMES! WHEN SEEING THAT THERE WAS
NOTHING VALUABLE TO STEAL IN THE EQUIPMENTS OR ITEMS, I WAS
VERY DISAPPOINTED!!”
The truth that was exposed continuously caused Bell to tightly close his lips.
Lili’s voice did not stop. Although her brain desperately told her to <Quickly Shut
Up>, but her confession did not stop.
“DO YOU UNDERSTAND NOW!? LILI IS BAD! LILI IS A THIEF! SHE IS
THE WORST HOBBIT THAT DESTROYS THE PRIDE OF SUPPORTERS
AND HAD LIED TO BELL-SAMA!”
“T…That……”
“Even if it is like that……Even if it is like that, Bell-sama will still save Lili?”
“Nnn, yes”
“WHY!?”
Lili watched Bell with bated breath.
What Lili was expecting from the next sentence from the boy, she did not know.
Only that her heart was throbbing like an idiot.
Bell, who seemed to be oppressed by Lili’s menacing expression, slightly panicked.
Just like a reflex, he uttered that sentence.
“B…Because you’re a girl?”
——Kaa, her entire body begins to become heated.
When her eyebrow was lifted to the angle where she was angry.
Although she did not know the reason, her body was boiling up.
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Although she did not know the reason, the feelings that she could not explain using
words continued to gather.
The unknown meaning of discontent exploded outwards.
“IDIOT! BELL-SAMA, YOU IDIOT!! YOU ACTUALLY SAID THESE
WORDS AGAIN, ISN’T IT THE SAME AS THAT TIME!? SO AS LONG AS
THE OTHER SIDE IS A FEMALE, BELL-SAMA WILL HELP THEM OUT!? I
CAN’T BELIEVE IT, YOU’RE THE WORST!! BELL-SAMA, YOU LADYKILLER,
WOMANIZING SCUM, PERVERTED MALE, PUBLIC ENEMY TO
FEMALES!!”
She did not know why she had the impulse of wanting to burst into tears while she
was screaming.
Even though she shouldn’t have the stance to say such words, she still wanted to
pour out her dissatisfaction towards the boy in front of her.
Dissatisfied. It feels that she was somewhat dissatisfied.
He had already came to save her, what else is there to be dissatisfied about.
In the end, what did the scream inside her chest wanted to tell him.
She already did not understand.
Bell only accepted this storm of condemnation in fear. Shortly after, Lili began to
gradually calm down.
From below his eyebrows, a smile emerged. He placed his hands on top of Lili’s
head, where the animal ears had already disappeared.
“Then, it was because it was Lili”
“————“
Her maroon eyes widened to its very limits.
“Because it was Lili, I would lend out a helping hand. Because it was Lili, I did not
want to you disappear”
“Fu, eh……”
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“I can’t find a more suitable reason. To save Lili, and still be saying that there
needs to be a reason……”
Her tear glands began to burst out tears.
Large tears began to overflow from her watery eyes one by one.
Lili could not endure it anymore and let out a large crying sound
“Uuuuu, UUUUUUUUUUUUUUuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu……!”
“Lili, if there is anything bothering you, then tell it to me. Because I am an idiot, if
you don’t tell me, I won’t understand”
“HIIIII……! Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu……!?”
“I will definitely help you”
She tightly held the boy’s abdomen.
Although the iron-colored armor hindered the hug, but it was still okay. The hand
that went around the back continued to hold tightly.
The palm that was placed on the back of her head and back, allowed Lili to
continue to sob.
I know. I noticed.
Bell was thinking about her when he rushed over.
The light equipment had many holes and was broken everywhere.
The pale-colored skin had many bruises.
He must have forcibly defeated the monsters, crossing through many obstacles to
desperately approach this place. This matter, she already knew.
She wanted to call out. Wanted to talk. Wanted to confirm.
Lili wanted to accept the Lili that she hated.
“Sorry, Sorry……Very…Sorry……”
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“……Yes”
No matter when, no matter where, her tears did not stop.
In the corner of the dungeon that had an unpleasant scene of large giant ants
corpses, a place filled with many broken Magic Stone pieces, then one by one, a
part of the Monsters turned into ashes and drifted into the air by the remaining
flames.
The ashes slowly danced as it fell on top of the crying girl’s head.
The human that was tightly holding the small Hobbit, although he had a wry smile,
but his face always had a blooming smile.
× × ×
The clear blue skies.
The cloudless sunny day, just like the day where he was suddenly talked to by a
certain person,
While allowing his white hair to be bathed by the sun’s rays, Bell walked towards
Babel.
It had been two days after that.
After separating from Lili, there had been no contact.
Up till now, even the room that she was living at was completely emptied, there
was no news of her. Even if he headed to <Soma’s Familia>, there will be no
reward. Lili had disappeared in front of Bell.
He felt worried and anxious.
Aimlessly walking back and forth to look for her, he did not know how many times
this thought had appeared.
However, at the same time, Bell would think of this without any reason.
They will meet again soon, this thought.
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It was a thought that had no reasoning behind of it, but if it was like that, he would
be able to find traces of his Supporter one day.
Just like when he was found.
“!”
Bell stopped. Then quickly moved again.
Facing towards the western Babel door, a tiny figure was standing there with a
cream-colored coat.
Her hands was holding onto the strap of the backpack that she was carrying, and
she bowed down her head.
Her bangs were swept to one side, and her round cute eyes were currently exposed
to the sunlight.
Restraining from walking at a faster pace, he walked towards the girl. Being
careful not to frighten her and being careful not to irritate her.
Shortly, the Hobbit also noticed the existence of this side.
Her shoulders were quivering and her petite body was constantly trembling.
“……”
“……”
They had reached a position where both sides could touch if they stretched out
their hands.
Lili raised her head and tried to speak numerous times, but she quickly bowed
down again.
As if she did not know how to be the first to speak. It was unlike her.
Although Bell was already prepared to receive Lili’s gunfire-like chattering
offensive, he soon revealed a wry smile and began to speak from his side.
“Supporter-san, Supporter-san. Are you looking for an Adventurer?”
“Eh?”
Lili raised her head.
Bell smiled towards the seemingly surprised maroon eyes.
“Are you still confused? But the current situation is very simple? The
unexperienced Adventurer wants to borrow a Supporter to lend a helping hand, and
came to advertise himself”
Lili also seems to have noticed.
Her cheeks flushed and her moist eyes began to overflow with joy.
Bell seems to be trying to be polite, but in reality, he was very embarrassed. He
stretched out his right hand.
“Do you want to come with me to the dungeon?”
Starting today, it begins again.
Bell and Lili will really join forces, and belong to a tiny team that consist of two
people.
A reset of the two people’s relationship.
It will once again start.
“——Okay, please bring Lili!”
A sunflower-like smile emerged on her face, and Lili stacked her own hand on top
of the outstretched hand.
Chapter 5
Reset
The sun was setting and the moon came out. The evening ended and the sun once
again exposed its face from the eastern skies.
If it was the usual, I would still be inside our headquarters at this time. However, I
had arrived at the entrance of Babel today.
During the entire dungeon exploration process yesterday, the man that wanted to
trap Lili was always lingering in my mind, and it made me get a little nervous. I
was also conscious about how I made Lili feel unease.
Although in order to not let her worry, I did not tell her about the situation.
However, I, who had constantly confirmed the perimeter for safety, Lili had been
secretly watching me with an uneasy and helpless expression.
“……”
I, who was afraid that Lili would be wrapped up by some concerns, hurried off to
the meeting location early in the morning and slowly looked at the blue sky. My
head was displaying scene yesterday as if it was to fill this time gap, .
When I had come back from the dungeon to the hidden room inside the church, I
decided to talk with Kami-sama about Lili’s situation.
After hearing the situation, could you at least let Lili hide in our headquarters until
I could determine there is no danger, that was what I thought at that time.
“Bell-kun. That Supporter-kun, is she really a trustworthy character?”
“Eh……”
Kami-sama, who listened to me quietly, asked me slowly.
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At first, I did not understand what I was being asked. When I understood, I was
prepared to say something, but facing Kami-sama’s quiet eyes, I was not able to
speak out the second sentence.
“According to you, that Supporter is very suspicious. Also the time when you lost
my dagger……Ahah, I am not blaming you, so you do not have to be afraid…….it
makes people think that that was the reason she worked together with you on that
day.
A sudden encounter, it could be because of her <Familia>’s isolated and
unintelligible situation, and the existence of Adventurers targeting her……Kamisama
reversed everything I had said, and revealed the truth under the gray surface.
Towards me, who was unable to refute and could only remain silent, Kami-sama
lowered her eyebrows in guilt.
“Sorry, I said such a thing. But after all, I do not know that child, so I can only
objectively evaluate. Perhaps your judgment is correct as you have directly met
that child before……However, I am willing to play the bad guy.”
Because I am worried about you, she said. Kami-sama seemed to wrap herself in
divinity as she inquired like a child again.
“What the male Adventurer you said was suspected of……No, could it be that
behind the scenes, she was secretly stealing?”
You should also understand, Kami-sama seems to have seen through my thoughts
as declared.
……Perhaps these things will only be treated as unnecessary thoughts inside my
head.
Lili, who had helped me in many occasions as a Supporter, and had even saved my
life from the hands of the Monsters, did I become blind.
I, who had Kami-sama’s gaze directly pierced through me, temporarily stopped my
actions and recalled all the expressions that Lili had shown to me up to now. The
small portion of true expressions of Lili that I had seen accidentally, all of it, I
recalled once again.
“Kami-sama, I……”
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“Bell-sama?”
“!”
My thinking was interrupted.
Due to the voice that was calling my name, my consciousness flew back from
yesterday’s memory.
“Ah……L…Lili, good morning.
Gently expelling the floating memories away from my head, I made a belated
answer.
Lili looked at me, and quickly revealed a smile underneath her bangs.
“Good morning, Bell-sama. I did not expect that Bell-sama would arrive at this
time, Lili was almost skeptical of Lili’s eyes.”
“Ahaha, that is true. After all, Lili was always earlier than me”
For the time being, I felt at ease after seeing that nothing serious had happened to
Lili.
Just as I expected, that male Adventurer will not make any moves to attack Lili
above the ground.
It will be difficult to survive in this town if Adventurers caused an incident and
was blacklisted by the guild. If it was as a punishment and their registration as an
Adventurer was cancelled, they could no longer trade Magic Stones and Loot.
They will be rejected by the shop owners with no room for discussion. As a chain
effect, they would also have to leave the <Familia>——And also the possibility of
being abandoned by the God-sama exists.
If they had gone overboard and violated the laws, in the worst case scenario, they
will have to go to jail and suffer punishment.
Although the laws for Adventurers, who overlooked nothing, were just a piece of
paper in front of them. However, even when the guild should act, yet they do not
take action. It means that there was no sense of fear. It is easier to understand if
you treat it as management of crime.
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Yes, that is precisely why. If they cause trouble such as attacking others, by
treating it as self-defense due to being mixed up with a monster, they can justify it
as long as there was no third party present. That was the premise as long as it was
in the dungeon.
“Bell-sama”
“Ah, sorry. What happened?”
“Today do you want to try to go down to the 10th floor?”
“Eh……”
Towards me, who was currently immersed in my own thoughts, Lili suddenly
threw out an unexpected proposal.
I stared at Lili, who had her eyes blocked by her bangs and hood, in surprise.
“Why, suddenly proposing this kind of ……”
“Bell-sama, do you think that Lili will not notice? Bell-sama had already obtained
the strength to break past the 10th floor right?”
“……”
I quickly understood the strength that Lili mentioned was referring to the <Status>.
Indeed, the current me with <Agility> in the lead, my other basic abilities had
already broken into the A or B rank. According to the reference values that was
provided by the guild for dungeon raiding, it had already passed the requirements
for the lowest floor, 11th and 12th floor, that a Lv.1 Adventurer could raid.
Even though it was like this, the reason for this delay was that I was alone played a
major part for it. The dungeon’s nature becomes even more sinister from the 10th
floor and below.
Saying that the terrain was beginning to reveal its fangs was fine. Anyways, using
the ability ranked at G to challenge the 7th floor and using abilities ranked at A to
challenge the 12th floor, the difficulty was completely different.
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Truthfully, I had already effortlessly increased the floor reached to the 9th floor.
Based on this tempo, even if we leave 11th floor aside, the 10th floor should still
be fine. Lili probably judged it like this.
To be honest, I also felt that I was feeling great. Perhaps it was a little selfconfidence,
but I also believe that I was able to do it.
Having said that, the reason I did not easily enter the 10th floor was that.
It will appear inside the 10th floor.
What will not appear on the earlier floors, A <Large-Sized Class> Monster.
……Yes, just like the Minotaur.
“……But didn’t I nearly die on the 7th floor? If I run down to the 10th floor like
this……”
“Although that is correct, but because you have the experienced being careless,
which led to your failure, the current Bell-sama will not be that arrogant? If I have
to say it, Bell-sama, who have learned from this mistake, had improved his
qualities as an Adventurer. This is what Lili thinks.
“……”
“And Bell-sama have also obtained <Magic>. That Magic is very amazing. There
should be no dead angles for the current Bell-sama”
Yesterday I had let Lili see the situation of using <Fire Bolt>.
It was not really a show, but rather to improve my <Magic> ——Yesterday I had
let Kami-sama update my <Status>——After thinking that I wanted to get used to
it a bit more, that idea was becoming more intense, and was praised by Lili.
This property of <Speed Cast Magic>. It was very valuable for me who entered the
dungeon alone.
“Even Lili, who had gone to the 11th floor before when following other
Adventurer-sama’s party, can guarantee it. Bell-sama can easily raid the 10th floor.
Absolutely”
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Before obtaining Magic, I had already been permitted by Eina—san to entered the
10th floor (Although I had to seriously pay attention). If I think about it like that,
then just like Lili had said, perhaps I, who had obtained Magic, should really be
able to raid the 10th floor.
Should I enter, or should we maintain at our current situation.
“……Truthfully, Lili had recently needed to acquire a large sum of money”
“…! Could it be that……”
“I can not say the specifics of the circumstances. Only that it was related to Lili’’s
<Familia>……”
Lili explained her own situation as if she was depriving me the margin to think.
Yesterday’s scene of Lili being surrounded by three Adventurers instantly
reawakened.
My consciousness drifted away and my neck suddenly hurts.
“How about it, could you listen to Lili’s selfish request, Bell-sama?”
Lili bowed down and looked at me usually while turning her eyes.
……If it really is the <Familia>’s regulation, my interference……towards Lili
may push the necessary burdens towards myself……it may not be good for Lili.
To the members of the <Familia> that do not take responsibility and help, but was
accepted by others, it may harm that <Familia>’s reputation. It could also be called
as a shame.
I did not have the means to confirm Lili’s situation. If I ask, Lili will also not tell
the truth.
In the same situation, I would also be the same.
I tightly gripped my right hand and decided.
“I understand. Let’s go to the 10th floor.”
Just when I said that, Lili’s face had a smile blooming upon it. “Thank you very
much!”. She nodded excitedly several times. I frowned as I revealed a wry smile.
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“Do we head out now? Or shall we head over to Babel to replenish our items just
in case?”
“Lili had already prepared all the items yesterday. Compare to that, Bell-sama, do
you wish to try using this?”
“……This is”
Lili took out a black short sword from her backpack that was placed on the ground.
If the blade of <Goddess’s Dagger> was 20 centimeters long, this sword had 50
centimeters.
A Short Sword……No, was it a double-edged short sword?
The rod-shaped handle portion and the blade were constructed on an opposing
configuration. The shape was a simple Short Sword.
“What is this, this thing?”
“Although I feel that it is rather rude to Bell-sama, but I had prepared this in
advance. If you were to fight against Large-Sized Monsters, then Bell-sama’s
weapon range is too short. Even if that’s not the case, Lili have considered that
having a longer range would be better from a long time ago.”
“You want to give this to me? Even though just taking this is a bit……”
“After all, you took care of Lili’s selfishness, it can be said this is my gratitude.
Please accept it”
“……If that’s the case”
I pulled out the <Short Sword> from its sheath.
The silver-white blade edge was extremely slim. It was extremely light and could
be even said to be an extension of a dagger. Although I had never used a Sword
before, it felt that I could use it successfully……
“Is this really okay? After all, I have never used this type of weapon before……”
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“Shouldn’t it be fine as long as you test it out before we reach the 10th floor? Isn’t
it just right to try it on the Monsters up to the 7th floor. And if Lili’s eyes were not
mistaken, Bell-sama and this Short Sword should be a good match.”
Lili’s eyesight was genuine as she had formed a party with numerous Adventurers.
So far, all my accusations were shot down.
I confidently accepted Lili’s argument.
“Ah……I am not equipped with a swordbelt……”
Just like this, I just remembered that I did not carry any equipment that could hang
a sword.
If that’s the case, the sheath would be in the way……
“Bell-sama, Bell-sama”
“?”
“If Lili remembered correctly, can’t that hand armor store a weapon?”
Ah, I forgot about it. Even though I was the one that said it.
I temporarily took out <Goddess’s Dagger> from the hand armor and after
adjusting the device, I placed the <Short Sword> inside No problem. It was easy to
get.
“Thankfully, Lili, you remembered. I completely forgotten about it”
“Ehehe. Lili also just thought about it right now”
Lili, who placed a hand onto her head, revealed a shy expression.
I, who revealed a slight smile towards Lili’s expression, quickly recognized that I
do not know where I should place the <Goddess’s Dagger>.
“……”
Abruptly, the words of Kami-sama resounded inside my head.
——That Supporter-kun, is she really a trustworthy person?”
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Right now by holding the <Goddess’s Dagger>, it seems to be recounting it, the
voice of Kami-sama inside my memory, was inquiring me once again.
“……”
I seem to request for permission as I quietly closed my eyes.
The next moment when I opened my eyes, I placed the <Goddess’s Dagger> inside
the pouch on my thigh.
Towards the pouch that was holding different sized tubes, I placed the sheath and
the dagger inside.
“……”
Lili was silently watching me and slightly bowed down her head.
“Then it’s about time, shall we go?”
Lili raised her face towards my confirmation. She revealed a weak, weak smile and
nodded her head as she said “Okay”.
× × ×
“Please, Tulle. Although it was only an inspection, but you don’t have to go
overboard and strictly manage it.”
“Yes, I understand”
Eina, who was watched by her superior as she left the guild headquarters, headed
off to North-West Main Street.
Today, Eina was to go to the guild-managed Babel in the form of an business
inspection. She had to ensure that there was nothing unpeaceful in the guild
managed area of the skyscraper facility. She had to enter various rented
<Familia>’s shops and inspect them.
Holding an armband that served as proof that she was an inspector and with a blue
scarf outfit, she headed out a few minutes later than the other guild employees,
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who went over first. In the morning period that was still considered very early,
Eina walked towards the center of the town.
(In the end, I did not see Bell-kun……)
Eina had continued to think about the information inside her head that she had
gotten from <Loki’s Familia> yesterday.
The final advice that Loki had mentioned to her was clenched tightly inside her
chest. Eina, who was worried about Bell’s situation, started to feel restless.
A feeling of remorse surged through her. It was to the extent that she felt that she
should have gone to see him yesterday, even if she had to forcibly find him.
(Although the sequence is backwards……However, I should still find Goddess
Hestia and explain the situation first)
Today, during her inspection, she was going to go to <Hephaestus’s Familia>’s
rented area. Eina decided her path while recalling the appearance of the Goddess
that seems to be working there. Mixing of private and public affairs and misusing
the position’s authority. Although these phrases passed through her mind, however,
she threw them away as no one would know about it.
“Ah”
“……?”
While walking for a short period of time from the Main Street into the Central
Plaza.
On the contrary of the direction of North-West that she was walking out from, she
met up with Aizu Wallenstein who approached nearby from the North Main Street
direction.
“……G…Good morning, Wallenstein”
“……Good morning”
Towards Eina, who wavered before she greeted, Wallenstein listlessly hung her
head. The golden-colored hair that seems to be mixed with a sandy gold color
shook following her actions.
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Although she did not how to react for a moment, but since she had only introduced
herself yesterday. So she felt that something was wrong even today when she was
in front of her. Eina talked to Aizu.
“Wallenstein, what are you planning to do today?”
“Going to buy items”
“Then, are you heading towards Babel?”
While she continued to talk with Aizu, who was nodding her head, it seems like
she was going to enter the dungeon afterwards.
Although Eina was a bit suspicious that she did not go to the same shop as Riveria
yesterday to buy the items, but after looking at Aizu, who was equipped with
weapon and armor, she quickly understood.
Although it was hard to imagine from this beautiful appearance, but she also holds
the name of the <Sword Princess>, and because she was always fighting, she was
also crowned the title of <Valkyrie> by the Adventurers.
(……Looks like she still does not have any spirit)
Eina, who knew the depressed expression of Aizu yesterday, could observe this
through the lack of dominance in her voice and her slightly lowered face.
Probably, she suffered a considerable blow by the incident of the male that she was
concerned about fleeing from her.
While thinking that she really wanted to see what kind of guy would run away
from this beautiful girl, Eina decided to help her lovely brother a bit.
“Wallenstein, I am very grateful about the incident a few days ago. Thankful for
saving the Adventurer that I am responsible for”
“……?”
“Did you forget it. A few days ago, you defeated a runaway Minotaur on the 5th
floor and you lent him a helping hand just in the nick of time”
“……Mino…taur”
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“Yes. The Adventurer’s name is Bell Cranel. He was really thankful to you……”
Bell, the instant she heard this name, Aizu’s head trembled terribly. Looking at
such overwhelmed reaction, Eina, who planned to convey the intentions of the boy,
suddenly became speechless.
The time passed temporarily in silence, and until they reached Babel, Aizu
revealed a slightly bitter expression on her thin face and her lips were slowly
moving.
“……Did I…scare him?”
“E…Eh……?”
Towards the somewhat puzzled voice, Eina could only let out a meaningless
response.
“——?”
At that moment, a certain scene entered Eina’s eyes.
Staring at a broadleaf tree in the corner, there were currently around 4 Adventurers
hiding behind the tree roots.
On the armor of three of them, there was a cup-shaped crescent mark engraved
onto it……It was the symbol of <Soma’s Familia>.
Eina reflexively used her lip reading skills to read the lips of the group of people
directly in front of her.
“——Just as planned——Get Rid of——“ “Understood——On Arde’s side……”
Although due to the distance, there was parts that were omitted. However, Eina’s
jade-colored eyes could still see through those words.
Although they did not directly mention Bell’s name, but they indeed said out the
name of the Supporter that the boy had hired.
Soon they will probably split and head towards Babel that was standing tall. They
were probably going to enter the dungeon.
“……Did something happen?”
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Noticing Eina’s abnormal behavior, Aizu raised her head and initiated a
conversation.
Eina, who was revealing a perilous expression, looked at Aizu with hesitant eyes
for a while. Then as if she was attempting to get rid of her bewilderment, she
lowered her head towards her.
“Although I know that this is a rude request but please allow me to explain. Please
help the Adventurer that I am responsible for, Bell Cranel”
“……”
“Perhaps I am overthinking it, but I’m afraid that he is already involved in some
trouble. Although I know that this is a shameful behavior, but please lend me your
strength”
“That was yesterday’s……”
Aizu, who was listening in the reception room yesterday night, quickly understood
what Eina was saying. Eina, who raised her face, nodded and carefully revealed the
whole story, including what she had just seen earlier about the <Soma’s Familia>’s
team heading off.
Aizu, who finished listening to Eina’s explanation, said “I understand” and nodded
her head.
“May I trouble you with this?”
“Yes……I also still did not apologize”
Although she was confused about the last sentence, Eina still moved out of the way.
She originally planned on seeing Aizu leave, but at the first last moment, she
remembered it. And she shouted towards the back of the golden-hair.
“About that, Wallenstein”
“……?”
“Bell-kun, he……Bell Cranel said that he was extremely grateful that you were
able to help him!”
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Towards the sentence that Eina had conveyed to her, Aizu slightly widened her
eyes.
Then afterwards, the corner of her eyes dropped down and she revealed a small
smile.
× × ×
The scenery and terrain of the 8th to 9th floor of the dungeon changes dramatically.
First, the number of rooms will increase and will also become wider. The path that
connects each room becomes extremely narrow and has a ceiling not higher than 3-
4 meters. Inside the room, the ceiling will also only approach 10 meters.
The wood-color walls will be covered with moss and the ground will also become
a grassy field with many short grass. From the strong phosphorescence coming
down from above like the sunlight, it gives out the illusion of entering a wide
grassy field.
The monsters that appeared are the combined monsters that have appeared before.
Although there are no new types of monsters, but as a replacement, the Goblins
and Kobolds appear in a more powerful state. Although it is necessary to properly
estimate the opponent’s strength in order to fight like before, but the 8th and 9th
floor was still a relatively easy floor to raid.
The best evidence is that we only used a few days’ time to finally reach the
staircase that connects to the next floor.
Then, it is the crucial 10th floor.
This floor……
“Mist……”
Although it was not thick, the white mist filled the dungeon and was enough to
interfere with the vision.
The 10th floor dungeon structure was still the same and inherited the same form as
the 8th and 9th floor. Only that the light source coming from the ceiling was not as
bright, and the brightness could only remind people of morning mist.
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It was the first time I’ve encountered vision obstruction since I entered the
dungeon.
“Lili, don’t go too far”
“……Okay”
I had warned Lili again using the words that I do not know how many times I
repeated.
Of course, fear caused by the mist exists, but I was more wary of the sudden attack
from the male Adventurer yesterday. Before coming to this floor, I had also
continuous confirm Lili’s safety, to the extent that it was paranoia. Perhaps she was
already completely annoyed.
(But then again……I have an unexpected affinity with this)
While I noticed Lili’s breathe within the corner of my consciousness, I looked
towards the <Short Sword> I held in my hand.
It was useful. Although I was slightly clumsy about grasping the sense of distance
due to the effects of the dagger, but it was definitely more than enough to pass.
Even the Killer Ants was easily defeated with it.
Having the attack range become longer was really refreshing. It gave off an feeling
of being able to continuously attack from a safety area.
Although it’s power is not able to match <Goddess’s Dagger> as expected, but I
should not ask for too much.
“……!”
Walking out from the passage, the vision suddenly become open and clear.
A room where the grassy view extends endlessly. The mist also spread from the
center of the room to the surrounding space, but it allowed the vision to clear up a
bit.
“……”
Towards the group of tree that stands annoyingly inside the mist, I frowned.
Anyways, we should head to the center of the room to avoid the monsters that are
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produced from the wall. Approaching a dead tree that was nearly two meters tall,
the tree’s outer skin unexpectedly still exists. From the trunk to the top, it gradually
became thinner. It was obviously an abnormal structure.
——Ahah, as expected it was like this.
After browsing the trees, I had a bitter mood and turned to look in the direction of
Lili.
“What should we do. Shall we first cut it down?”
“No need, we do not have that much leisure”
Lili, who was in front of me, sighed.
I felt a sense of nervousness behind me while walking and I turned to face the rear.
A huge shadow flickered across the fog. A huge footstep sound impacted my
eardrums, and the constant trembles of the ground passed through my shoes and
spread through my entire body.
I wore a face as if I was enduring while I was being pulled, and mercilessly
clenched my teeth.
“BUGUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU……”
Following the deep groan, a large-sized monster “Ogre” appeared.
Above the brown colored skin, was a pig’s head. The faded old hide covered the
waist, as if it was like a ragged skirt. It’s height was probably over 3 meters tall. It
was even taller than the Minotaur.
Compared to the ox monster that only had relatively tight muscle physique, the
ogre was definitely much rounder. It was a stock body.
“As I expected, it is very big, isn’t it……”
“We can’t escape, Bell-sama?”
This was a path that could not be passed through if we escape. While being said
that by Lili, I swallowed and nodded.
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That was correct, if I could not defeat this ogre, then the large-size Monsters that
will continue to appear in front of me……such as the Minotaur, I will never be
able to defeat it in this lifetime.
After all, it was far larger than me, how is it possible to not be afraid.
I took a deep breath then I widened my eyes.
“BUGIIIIIII, BUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO……!”
Using its ferocious yellow eyes, the ogre looked straight towards me and Lili.
As if the pig-like Monster had found its prey, it roared as it headed towards the
gaps between the trees and stretched out its hand.
Following this, the huge wrist pulled up——an entire tree.
Originally, the dead tree was part of the natural environment of the dungeon, but in
that instant, it became a bones club.
<The Dungeon’s Arsenal>
It was a tricky characteristic of the dungeon.
This is a dungeon with its own life, it will provide natural weapons to the
wandering Monsters inside the dungeon.
In the 10th floor, it was the very first time that the terrain had the effects that could
greatly enhance the abilities of the Monsters.
Even if it was possible to defeat the Monster in its unarmed stated, but after
achieving the support of the dungeon, one or two of them may change.
“It was bad timing……”
Although <The Dungeon’s Arsenal> could be destroyed, but it will automatically
be repaired after a period of time since it was part of the dungeon. It is the same
even if it was used by the Monsters. This dead tree will probably grow back again
in the original spot quickly.
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Normally, if there is free time, they should destroy <The Dungeon’s Arsenal>,
even if it was only to prevent the monsters to grow a tiny bit stronger……but the
timing was really bad.
Towards the ogre that was fully armed, I maintained a bit of the distance and
confronted it.
“……”
The breathing interval of the disorganized Ogre was shortening.
Its ugly eyes sparkled as if it wanted to rush over right now.
It was my first time fighting against large-sized Monsters. A sudden sense of
nervousness.
While I used my willpower to suppress my heart that seems to be exploding, I
brought out some power from my shoulders.
Then, the Ogre issued out a large roar.
“BUGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!”
That was the signal that indicated the start of the battle.
Hearing this, I rushed towards the Ogre.
(I can’t attack it!)
Just by the difference in the physique, I can’t defend against the Ogre’s attack.
If it hits, then I will be blown away on the spot. Even if I use the armor to defend it,
it is futile.
(Conversely, if I snipe it from here……!)
First it is the lower body. Especially the two feet that were tightly pressed on the
ground.
Although I said this, I still do not have any way to do it. No, to be honest, I had
always been afraid of that size, a huge monster is still a huge monster, it is fated to
be unfavorable.
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Since its head is so big, it will have difficulties when rapidly turning around.
It is even more so for slow Monsters like the Ogre. Its excessive weight could
easily cause it to lose balance.
One attack.
Just one attack.
As long as I can dodge the opponent’s attack, then I will be leading.
The Ogre in my vision was gradually approaching.
“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
I sprinted at full speed towards the Ogre that had mounted the club.
It swung down the abnormally large roots club from above.
If it swings it down, then it means……!
“!”
I fearlessly rush forward.
The attack of a weapon that was swung down was very narrow compared to the
attack that was swung perpendicular. As long as you could see through the
trajectory, then avoiding it was simple. Because it will only knock down onto the
floor, there was no need to worry about continuous attacks.
Until it raises the club again, the opponent will be filled with gaps.
In one breath, I’ll turn!
“BUGUUUUUUUU!”
“Success!”
“GEBUOOOAAAAAAAA?”
I dodged the club that was swung down with a large margin.
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I did not slow down my momentum and rushed towards the side of the Ogre and
assaulted it. The moment I brushed passed it, I let out a slash along the side of its
abdomen.
From the torn abdomen, green blood spattered and the Ogre let out a piercing
scream.
The grassy area was filled by a layer of thick green lquid.
“Fu!!”
From the unprotected back, I followed my predetermined target and aimed at the
right leg.
Sticking close to the ground as if it was sucking up the howls of the wind, I slashed
upwards.
The blade of the Short Sword, that I was holding with two hands, cleaved off the
grassy areas and following it, the silverfish-white blade pierced into the thick short
legs of the Ogre.
“————————————————!?”
A loud yell impacted the eardrums.
The <Short Sword> that cut through the knees and slid inside was suddenly
stopped. It was the feelings of the tough bones, following the pressure that the
Ogre had placed all its weight on it. The blade was completely unable to move.
However, I only clenched my teeth tighter.
As if I was trying to lift the Ogre up, I used all my strength and let the <Short
Sword> pierce through.
“You…Bastarddddddddddddddddddddd!!”
It was cut off.
Through the momentum, the Short Sword flew out from the right leg. Quickly, the
Ogre, that lost one of its leg, fell down onto the grassy area.
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The collapsing scream became a tremor that affected the entire room. Although the
Ogre was struggling in pain, I did not stop my actions.
Da, Da, just like this! I flew to the large back of the Ogre, then rushed towards the
back of the head and thrust the tip of the <Short Sword> downwards and suddenly
inserted it.
Following the dull sound, the blade pierced through the Ogre’s head.
“Gi, Gooo……”
“Bell-sama, another one is coming!”
“!”
I raised my head from the Monster that was having a spasm and was going to die
soon. Just like what Lili had said, I confirmed that there was another Ogre that
walked in here from the opposite path of ours. Did it hear the sound of battle, while
it was currently in an excited state, it walked through the mist. It still had not
equipped itself with the surrounding natural weapons.
I stretched out my right hand on top of the Ogre’s body that had already stopped
breathing.
It was impossible to miss.
Using my two eyes to aim at that massive target, I pulled the trigger of my magic.
“<Fire Bolt>!”
“FUGEEEAAAAAAAAAAA!?”
The lightning-like flame spear directly hit the chest of the Ogre.
Although the Ogre howled and recklessly stepped forward, but that was it.
Although the chest had become charred and was worn, it was not to the extent
where it was defeated.
It really was because I had just learnt it right. Right now, I am still not able to use
Magic to defeat the Ogre in one attack. The power of <Fire Bolt> was still too low.
But——
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“——Fire Bolt!!”
Consecutive Attacks.
The consecutive release of the <Speed Cast Magic> headed towards the Ogre once
again.
The Ogre, that was hit in the same spot again, had its chin flew up due to the
massive explosions on its chest. It maintained a posture where it stared at the
ceiling and stumbled backwards a few steps……and it stopped moving.
“……”
Wordlessly, the Ogre became grey ashes.
After being hit by two direct <Fire Bolts>, the chest had opened an air hole. The
<Magic Stone> that was supposed to be inside had also completely disappeared.
I witnesses the end of what was the Ogre till the very end, then I violently breath
and slowly lowered my arm.
(I won……)
I can do it.
Whether it was using sword, fighting methods or Magic.
Towards the large-sized Monster that was far more enormous than myself, just like
the Minotaur.
I regained my calmness inside my heart and this time, it gradually began to burn.
A sense of accomplishment and presumably fulfillment.
Because the corner of my mouth could not help but get raised up by the fiery
feelings, I tightly clenched my teeth.
“Lili, it was successful, oh……”
With a face filled with happiness, I turned around and there was only the white
mist in my vision.
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The partner that I had always worked together with until just now……had
suddenly disappeared.
The feelings I had up to now instantly vanished.
“Lili!?”
A somewhat lamenting voice came out from my throat.
I turned my face left and right as if I was in disarray and glanced around the entire
room. In the vision that was filled with mist, there was no trace of Lili.
Although the worst case appeared in my mind, but I quickly calmed down my
mind and rejected it.
If she was to be attacked by that male Adventurer, Lili should have at least called
out in resistance. The thought that it was due to the Monsters was more reliable.
I constantly searched inside the vast squared-shaped room with low visibility.
“……?”
I anxiously ran through the gaps of the dead trees, then suddenly a stench headed
towards my nose.
I used my palm to cover my mouth and glanced at my surroundings. Effortlessly, I
quickly found the source of the stench.
Near the roots of the trees, fresh meat was scattered on the ground.
“This is……bait to attract Monsters?”
While squatting down, I stared at the meat with fat that was specially processed.
I can’t be wrong. The item shop will indeed sell this. Among the many
Adventurers inside the Dungeon, it is a trap item to lure Monsters in order to
increase the efficiency of hunting……
Why would it be here now……
“——“
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A powerful tremor entered my ears. It is an Ogre.
Moreover, the footstep sounds was absolutely telling that it was not only one. It
seems to be a clumsy melody that overlapped each other.
Then I noticed it. The stinky, shining meat was currently scattered all over the
surrounding area.
After I stopped thinking for a moment, I was speechless to the numerous odor of
those that were approaching.
“……Are you kidding?”
——There were four.
Towards the group of Ogre that approached together with a good relationship, I
was stunned and whispered.
It took great pains to get even rid of one enemy, but now there was actually four. It
can’t be possible to defeat. I will quickly be surrounded and be taken out. Even if I
wanted take on only one of them, with their giant body, they will be able to use
natural weapons with a wide range. I will certainly be caught.
I have to escape. I must escape.
If it is only me, I will not be able to break through this situation.
But what about Lili?
What if she was hurt or for some other reasons and could not be able to move from
this room?
Do I have to throw Lili away?
The group of Ogre that gathered here together due to the smell of the bloody meat
had already noticed me and had created an uneasy atmosphere. The muscles in
their thick arms expanded and the green veins were also prominent.
It had already approached to a distance where I had to fight, but even so, I still did
not move.
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Just at this moment, from outside my field of vision, I heard the sound of the sharp
wind.
“When!”
Bachin! A sound seems to come from something that hit my left leg and the pouch
that I carried threw through the air. The dagger was still inside that pouch.
The leggings of the pouch was suddenly shot by a metal arrow.
While I opened my eyes in surprise, the Ogres seem to use that as the start signal
and rushed over.
“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOO!!”
“!?”
The two Ogres that was equipped with natural weapons let off substantial attacks.
I desperately jumped to the sound and escaped from that location.
There was no time to rest. The two Ogres took huge strides with their clumsy
footsteps greedily eroded the distance between us. In the blink of an eye, they
nearly caught me.
“Nnn, UWAHHH!?”
Towards the meaty wrist that brushed past my face, I could not help but cry out.
This is really not a joke! How should I deal with such a thing!?
It was the drawback of working alone. I have never experienced such things. The
monster’s rampage did not even give me time to take a breath as I anxiously and
desperately dodged.
Then, just when the club attack flashed through, at that moment.
Through the gaps of the giant body of the Ogres, I noticed Lili, who was leisurely
walking.
“Lili!?, Nnn, UWAHHH?”
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At the same time I yelled out, the Ogre’s attack passed near my body. I cannot be
half-hearted.
Between that time, Lili briskly picked up the pouch that was flung over and took
the <Goddess’s Dagger> from inside.
After carefully examining it, she turned to my side and let out her usual smile.
“Sorry, Bell-sama. This is the end”
“Lili, what are you saying!?”
“……Lili feel that Bell-sama should learn how to suspect others more”
Towards my cries of dismay, Lili tilted her head cutely.
Her eyes peeked out through her bangs and hood, and the small lips depicted a
smile.
That, too, was also a bit lonely.
“Please watch for the correct timing to escape”
As if she was leaving her final suggestion, Lili said towards the group of Ogres.
She took the backpack and placed it back on her shoulders again. Then she turned
her back to me.
“Goodbye, Bell-sama. We probably will never meet again.”
In the end, she turned her head over to this side and Lili disappeared in the depths
of the sea of mist.
“Lili, Lili! ——Ah, Ah, forget it, this is really annoying!!”
“BUGYOOO!?”
× × ×
“You’re too nice, Bell-sama”
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Lili was currently running along a path while carrying a luggage that was
unimaginable for ordinary people.
Her hands clutched onto the backpack strap on her two shoulders, and she unhesitantly
moved forward down the path of the dungeon.
Lili had said two lies to Bell.
One of them was that she was not a Supporter who was troubled with money
problems.
Lili is a thief. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to describe her as a fraudster.
Using Adventurers, the highest income career, as her target, she was a thief that
steals their high-priced equipment and expensive items.
For example, she had targeted Bell as her target because of the <Hephaestus’s
Familia>’s dagger and had moved together with him up to today.
Acting as a poor Supporter was all in order for her to approach Bell.
Then, there is another——
“Nnnnn”
From the wind pressure, her hood was blown off from her head. The fluffy hair
from her beastman ears was exposed.
Lili touched her ears gently with her small hand and quietly muttered a <Chant>
silently.
“<Echo is the Signal at Midnight>”
As if it was filled with grey ashes, a grey light covered Lili’s head.
Without a trace of sound, the light gradually dissolved and in the meantime, the
ears on her head also disappeared.
Following it, the bangs that covered her eye and the tail on her waist, all of it
completely disappeared.
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“Seems like I should not completely transform my entire body. It is more efficient
to just change a part.”
If Bell was here, he would be absolutely stunned.
Her huge, maroon color eyes and the pleasant and cute appearance. There was
absolutely no trace of the beastman child any more.
This was Lili’s other lie. That is, that identity was a lie.
In order to avoid being pursued by Adventurers who was chasing the impression of
the extremely strange Hobbit, she used the Transformation Magic ——<Cinder
Ella> that she had mastered, in order to disguise her appearance.
Lili had used this magic and had already deceived numerous Adventurers.
While the Adventurers victims were furiously pursuing the thief, that person had
already become unrelated to Lili, and it was impossible to catch her. A rumor
circulated among the Adventurers that there is a <Dishonest Hobbit that is a
Habitual Offender>. That was the result of Lili’s Magic.
She would sometimes become a Supporter. Sometimes she would become a
harmless citizen.
Not only did she transform into someone else, by using the Magic effect that
surpasses the physical characteristics of races, Lili had continuous done bad things
up till now.
(As expected, it was a failure to have let that Adventurer see the process of me
using Magic……)
The man that was chasing her in the alley was also one of the Adventurers that Lili
stole all his belongings. He just happens to witness the activation of <Cinder Ella>
and seen through her true identity. This is the truth of the drama where she was
being pursued in the alley.
Although it was not exposed at that time, but now, that Adventurer seems to have
said some excessive words to Bell.
It had begun from yesterday after she saw Bell and that man having a secret
conversation. That boy’s attitude had changed considerably towards Lili. He would
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frequently confirm her appearance and again and again, secretly peek over to her
side. In short, it was like he was suspecting Lili and conducting an investigation, or
perhaps he was alert about the hidden identity of hers.
She had made the judgment that it was time to stop, there was nothing wrong with
it.
(……Just like this, It is already)
What a waste, she felt regretful for plundering from Bell for her own benefit.
It is all over but she still has feelings of being concerned about that boy.
As a thief, she could not completely understand the other her inside her heart.
Even though she already knew.
No matter how intense these contradictory thoughts were, after all, it was all in
vain and was useless.
It is already impossible to continue the relationship with that boy.
She could not do things that may be potentially dangerous.
After all, knowing the truth, Bell will absolutely never forgive Lili.
“……”
Lili’s face darkened. Then she soon sighed and shook her head back and forth.
What is it, it is already like that. She should just throw her guilt away. Being
tangled up by Adventurers was really funny.
After all, Adventurers are all of the same stock.
Inside Bell’s heart, he must have treated Lili as an idiot. Mocking her as a person
who could only simply wear a backpack, he would never stand on Lili’s side.
Lili twisted wildly and frowned.
(A mere Adventurer, Just a mere Adventurer……!)
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Lili is a child born from a couple, who were a member of <Soma’s Familia>. In
other words, from the moment of her birth, it was her duty to join the <Soma’s
Familia>.
Thus, while Lili is still Lili, perhaps there was something that disagrees with her.
The world was not gentle to Lili.
Her hobbit parents did not care about the young Lili, and urged her again and again
to earn money. They did not care about themselves and by the time they noticed,
they were already dead. In order to pursue for money——<God’s Wine(Soma)>,
they entered a floor in the dungeon that they were unfit for, and was simply killed
by the monsters.
In the <Soma’s Familia> that were competing for the God’s Wine (Soma), Lili was
obviously isolated and became alone. The comrades inside her <Familia> always
bullied the thin Lili. The painful experiences had continued every single day.
Then after she drank the God’s Wine that was distributed to the faction, she had
acquired that Magic.
There were no trustworthy companions. She had struggled alone and fought alone
and finally found a path to earn a prominent amount of money. However, it was all
in vain. Lili did not have the talent as an Adventurer. She could only change her
career into a Supporter.
Then Lili began to steal.
While acting as a Supporter for an Adventurer team, they had continuous said.
Stealing Magic Stone. Secretly Pocketing Money. This is a Punishment. We will
not give any Money to You.
Knowing that she did not do any of these things, Lili desperately tried to explain.
However, they only revealed a nasty smile and pushed her away. Even when Lili
was about to be killed by Monsters, they did not bother to care about her.
Obviously, they did not heal her either. If she had lost her luggage, she would be
kicked on the spot.
She could not expect much from the <Soma’s Familia>’s members. After returning
from the dungeon, they would only turn ugly and try to snatch their rewards.
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(Lili hates Adventurers. Yes, absolutely hate them!)
After earning the Magic from God’s Wine, she had once escaped from the
<Familia> while she was crying rains of tears.
Discarding the title of a member of a <Familia> and becoming a normal person to
find work, she was finally able to have a stable live, but it, too, was only a fleeting
dream. It just happens that her companions in the <Soma’s Familia> wanted to ruin
the tiny happiness of Lili.
Where did you hear this place from, the cheeky and fierce Adventurers who found
Lili stole her money. Her own residence was also completely destroyed. Even the
old couple in the flower shop, who treated Lili gently before, pushed her away. As
if she was dirt in their eyes, this memory of Lili was still fresh.
The <Soma’s Familia> had cornered Lili to this extent.
Lili hated the Main God Soma. Why did you have to create this kind of <Familia>.
Soma had no ill intents. He did not mean any harm either. Ultimately, he was not
even interested in Lili. There was no concern at all.
Soma did not do anything and will not do anything. What did the current state of
his <Familia> become to, whether if he knows it or not, nobody knows.
Perhaps it was wrong to hate him. From the great father (God)’s perspective,
children will probably do things that others would feel pity for their stupidity.
However, Lili still could not conceal her hate towards her own Main God.
As a result, Lili had no other choice but to survive as a Supporter in the <Soma’s
Familia>. If she was to make a foolish choice——Even if she was to act obedient
to her faction, and was not trapped in a cage——she would bother and trouble her
surroundings. Even if she would be seen as a good income by a few <Familia>
members and even if she was forced to work for nothing.
That’s right, Adventurers are all of the same stock.
They had done terrible things to Lili who was weaker than them.
Even if it is that boy, he will, he must……
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(Even if it is Bell-sama……Even if it is Bell-sama!)
Even if it is that gentle boy, there will be one day where he betrays her. That was
absolutely right.
Betraying him before he betrays her, what is wrong with that?
She recalled the final glare of the old couple, who treated her as a granddaughter.
That’s right, she would eventually be discarded anyways. Being helplessly
discarded.
Towards the throbbing pain in her chest that went contrary to her will, Lili could
only give up and desperate fill it by running away.
× × ×
“Today, the guild is coming for an inspection. Do not cause any troubling things,
newcomer”
“Okay”
After being nagged by the half-dwarf manager, Hestia returned to her own job.
Towards the shop employees, who do not treat and respect her as a Goddess, this,
she had already figured out. She only moved her twintails back and forth while
engaging in her work.
Hestia, who was primarily responsible for the reception of the guests, soon went
out to meet the arrival of the inspector. She remembered seeing that half-elf girl
from somewhere before.
“Ah, you are……”
“I am Eina Tulle from the guild. According to the schedule, I am here to inspect
today.”
Towards Eina, who revealed a business attitude, Hestia led her inside the shop
while thinking that it was certainly the right thing to do.
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After greeting and confirming the things with the shop manager, she was
completely faithful to her duties and she picked up a parchment with one hand and
a pen on the other while inspecting the shop.
“Goddess Hestia”
“Eh?”
“I wish to talk with you for a while. Are you free?”
After checking the weapon rack and the air conditioning Magic Stone unit, Eina,
who walked over to Hestia’s side, did not look at her directly and slightly
whispered. Hestia revealed a bit of surprise, then she looked around. Pretending
that she was still leading the person, she brought Eina to the corner of the shop.
“I was shocked when you suddenly talked to me. You really do not know how to
observe other people’s expressions, advisor-kun”
“I am extremely sorry”
While maintaining a line of sight that did not intersect, the two of them continued
to talk in a state as they pretended to work.
After confirming Eina’s “is it okay?”, Hestia moved the items on the shelves while
she nodded.
“This is related to the Supporter that Bell Cranel hired”
Hestia’s shoulder suddenly shook and she stopped the task at hand. She then turned
around to face Eina.
“I will talk jointly about the <Soma’s Familia> she is affiliated with as well, please
be careful to not miss anything.”
After listening to the matter that happened in the <Loki’s Familia>, Hestia’ face
began to become more and more sinister as the topic progressed.
Although the possibility that the Supporter, Lili, that Bell hired would drink God’s
Wine (Soma) was extremely low, but she seemed to have a purpose——A plan
that seems to plunder something from his body——to approach him.
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Prior to the big event from happening, they should break off any contact with her,
Eina expressed this opinion.
“Goddess Hestia, can you please help convince him to do so? I’m relying on you.”
Eina, who was watching this side with her jade eyes.
Hestia only silently looked up.
× × ×
The room that she split away from Bell and the stairs that connected to the upper
floors were not far apart. Lili effortlessly escaped the 10th floor, entered the 9th, 8th
floor and continued to successfully move up.
Lili had already investigated the geographic terrain up to the 11th floor thoroughly.
The method that she used as a trap for Adventurers was basically the same as what
she had done to Bell. Creating a sudden, man-made situation and took advantage of
the chaos to steal their belongings. Then swiftly running away (or when did they
still did not notice).
By that time, waiting for them to chase after her was not the same child. Lili could
use a flexible and perfect escape route, which was ensured by the floor maps from
the guild and has been engraved into her head.
Even if she encounters Monsters, Lili can still use her specialty of shifting it to
other Adventurers and continue to escape. Rather, she had always trained this type
of technique.
After she had finished handling the stolen goods and turned back to Lili, the people
that were chasing after her could not find her anymore.
Sinister, Offhanded, and also as a person who cannot do anything, this was the plan
that Lili had thought up through her own efforts.
If you had to ask for the reason why Lili was trying to harm these Adventurers, it
was all for vengeance and revenge.
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She had already decided to allow them to experience the pains she had felt, and
take back everything that she had lost. Even inside the <Soma’s Familia>, many
people have fallen into her hands.
Lili firmly believed that this behavior is a legitimate right of hers.
Adventurers are like all other Adventurers. This was an unshakable view that she
had up till now and will have towards the foreseeable future.
……Even if it was the face of the boy that was completely different than the others.
Even if she was to feel guilty, she would still turn her eyes away.
(But this way, the target amount of gold is only……)
She did not care about God’s Wine. Instead, it was a taboo and she hated it. In her
heart, she was even unconsciously afraid of it.
Although she had tasted the true flavor of it, but she was not willing to be
controlled by the crazed, beast-like magic power of the wine again.
So she stole in order to accumulate money she stole in order to free herself.
One day, she would use that large amount of money as a bargaining chip to leave
the <Familia>.
Strictly speaking, Lili is a item privately owned by Soma. Even if she was to
request help from the non-charitable organization, Guild, she would still not be
freed. Thus, she had to contribute a large sum of money to Soma in order for him
to let her go. Then she will finally achieve freedom.
Using her own hands to liberate herself. This was what she decided.
“Nnnnnnnnn!”
Stepping onto the tall weeds, Lili suddenly stopped running.
In the room ahead of her, there was only one exit. A Floor 8 version of a Goblin
was currently wandering around aimlessly.
There were no signs of other Adventurers. Because it had occupied the path in
front, it was impossible to avoid.
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Heading back and selecting another route will waste a lot of time. There is
probably around half-quarter of an hour left of time before Bell will free himself
from the constantly emerging monsters. After including the sudden accident into
her calculations, Lili decided to break through here.
“Please do not do any barbaric acts to Lili’s body, okay?”
While she said this, she rolled up the right-sleeves cuffs on the cream-colored coat.
What appeared to be attached to her arm was a small-sized hand crossbow.
(Using the Magic Sword for the Goblin is too much of a waste!)
She took a step forward with her right foot and positioned the crossbow.
In general, the Hobbit race had extremely good eyesight. The round maroon eyes
became sharp and shot straight directly at the Goblin. The enemy also noticed this
side.
“Ba—kyun!”
The metal arrow was shot from the hand crossbow at a frightening speed.
The high-speed arrow pierced through the air and directly entered the Goblin’s
right eye.
“Gigiyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!”
“Excuse me!”
From the right side of the Goblin that was yelling while clutching his right eyes,
Lili escaped from the room.
Lili had also tried to think of a way to fight. Although it mostly relies on the
performance of weapons and the behavior of items, the cost of fighting a monster
should not be too uneconomical.
In the end, she would only fight when it was limited to self-defense.
“Lili feels envious about Bell-sama, who is able to do everything!”
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With the Magic <Cinder Ella>, Lili’s power was not suitable to battle. Lili herself
is incapable.
Even the Magic, that she had learned only because she had vowed to retaliate
against Adventurers, could not change her expectations of her weak self. She was
very disappointed when she knew the limitations of it.
However, to Lili, who was gradually able to determine what she could do and what
she can’t do, she was able to push her abilities to the best direction where she could
fully utilize them.
The best evidence was to use this ability to steal things, and she had indeed
succeeded.
Right now, she could mock the pitiful and weak self that she was before. Lili had
grown up.
(The 7th Floor!)
Rushing towards the stairs that was buried in the walls, she had went up by another
floor.
The dungeon’s wall color was still light green color, Lili continued to maintain her
speed as she ran forward.
(As long as I get pass this floor, then the rest will be easy)
Judging from the tendency of the monsters, she cannot take this 7th floor lightly.
If she was able to pass through here, then she could do whatever she pleases. Lili
slightly relaxed the corner of her mouth and entered the room that was in her sight.
“This really makes one happy, isn’t this the jackpot”
“Eh?”
Through the narrow path, a body flew into the room in the next moment.
Sticking his feet from the side, and causing it to stumble against the petite body of
Lili’s knees.
Lili lost her balance and flew grandly towards the ground.
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(W…What……?)
Although she attempted to lift herself up with her hand as a support, a tall and long
shadow covered Lili.
Before she could raise her head and sigh, she was forcibly pulled up and her face
was severely hit with a punch.
“Fugi!?”
“If you want to apologize, it is still possible, right? ……You god damn Hobbit!”
Her nosebleed was still constantly gushing out, another fist filled with power
pounded her cheeks.
Her vision was wavering and she was unstably looking at her feet. The two
shoulder strap backpack slowly slipped off her back and headed towards the floor.
Then as if it he wanted to add an additional blow, his toes pierced through her
abdomen.
“——Ah!?”
As if she was like a ball, she bounced once, twice on the floor.
Until the momentum had finally subsided, Lili was overwhelmed by a whirlpool of
pain and could not do anything.
“Ah, uwaa, nnnnn…….!?”
“Hahahahahaha! You deserve that, you thief!”
Through the constantly flickering vision, Lili was still able to clearly see the owner
of that voice.
It was a human Adventurer. The male that contacted Bell yesterday. Lili’s original
employer.
The male raised the corner of his mouth to the extent where it was ugly and smiled.
“I was just thinking that it was about time for you to abandon that brat? So we
opened up a big net in order to definitely meet you again!”
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“Ah, net……!?”
“In this incredibly large dungeon, if I was to wait for you in ambush, it will be a
boring gamble. Thus, I gathered collaborators and assigned them to each key area”
The area of the dungeon was extremely large. Although the 5th floor already
exceeded the area of the central square, but there were only 3 or 4 routes that can
lead on to the next floor.
The male had gathered collaborators and assigned them to each path and waited in
ambush for Lili to appear.
Unfortunately, among all of these, Lili still chose the route that he was responsible
for guarding.
“When I saw the shorty cling towards the white-haired brat that I have an
impression on, I was really shocked…….How is it, did that brat carry something
shiny or glittering? You wouldn’t have made such a mistake, right?”
“……!”
“Well, I’ll just let that matter as it is. Before killing you, as compensation for
stealing my sword, let me use it for a while……”
I’ll plunder everything you have, this was what the sadistic eyes were saying.
Stretching his hand towards Lili, who had a nosebleed that was constantly flowing
out, he ripped the coat off and dug out the equipment inside. Lili, who had become
only wearing cloth-made clothes, could not even do a decent resistance.
“Magic Stone, Gold Watch……He hey, you even brought a Magic Sword!?
Haaahahahahahaha! This is also stolen, right!”
The man was extremely pleasant about the existence of the expensive Magic
Sword.
Looking at the beautiful shining dagger, his mood was extremely well.
The man single-handedly played with the red dagger. Then he clenched his teeth
and no longer showed an evil smile.
292
“Kukuku……! Fine, I’ll forgive you shitty Hobbit. Since I got such a gift from you,
I should also show some kindness……Right, ah?”
“Uggggh!?”
A second kick headed towards her abdomen, Lili almost fainted.
Bad, bad, bad. Her small chest has a sense of anxiety swelling outward.
If she does not think of a way to escape, what will meet her will only be a tragic
end. She understood this from the never-ending violent atmosphere.
Before she sucked in a few breathes, she heard the distant sound of a man.
“Not bad, Boss Gedo”
A third person’s voice was sent here.
“……!?”
“Oh, it really is early”
Looking towards the direction of the sound, in the entrance of the room, there was
a man that she seemed to remember.
He was a member of a group that wanted to seize the Lili’s wealth a few days ago.
Up till now, they had already plundered from her numerous times, and had bullied
her many times. The Adventurers from <Soma’s Familia>.
Lili finally understood. The collaborators the man had talked about were from the
<Soma’s Familia>. Probably, after contacting with Bell yesterday, they believed
that they could use these people, who had a conflict with her, and went to assist
them.
“Listen, Kanu. This fellow even brought a Magic Sword. Just as you guys expected,
it seems like she is hiding a lot of money, Ku haha”
“……Is that so”
The man who was in a good mood and was talking —— Gedo, and the middle
aged beastman, who was known as Kanu, seemed to have narrowed his eyes. It
seems that Gedo, who was in a good mood, did not notice it.
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“Boss Gedo. I have a proposal……”
“What, you want the Magic Sword? Hey hey, but I caught this Hobbit, if it’s this
degree, then……”
“No, ah. Not only the Magic Sword, I want you to leave everything you have
stolen right here”
Ha? Gedo, who was frozen with half a smile and was about to question. But Kanu
threw the item that he was hiding behind his back over. Boto, towards the rolling
piece of item in front of her eyes, Huh, Lili let out a scream.
“K…Killer Ant……!?”
In order to allow easier transportation, the lower half of the body was cut apart. It
was a half-dead Killer Ant. Its body was filled with cracks. Purple monster blood
was oozing everywhere from the monster. It seems to repeatedly close and open its
mouth while waving back and forth with what seems to be the remnant of its claws.
“We originally intended to use all our members to attack together. After all, Boss
Gedo, who had reached a further floor, is probably stronger. However, there is still
this method”
Boto, boto. Just like this, he threw the remaining half of the Killer Ant.
It was unknown when the other two Adventurers, working together with Kanu,
appeared from different entrance and imitated the same actions as him. Altogether,
a total of three Ant pieces were thrown and the curse-like groan was constantly
echoing inside the center of the room.
Lili … Gedo also…. instantly turned pale.
In their dying state, Killer Ants will release a special hormone. It was a special
rescue signal that called for their companions.
Even if it was the pieces of Ants that were about to become a corpse, it is
undoubtedly a timed bomb that would summon an army of insects.
“A…Are you for real, you guys,
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!?”
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Three sets of hormones were released outwards, how many insects would it call
out.
Although Gedo’s screams were still echoing, but the expression of Kanu and the
others did not change.
The obsessive dedication to money. The madness that imprisoned people caused
by the <God’s Wine>. The pale Lili understood it correctly.
“You still want to waste time with us, do you wish to become food for these guys
as well, Boss?”
“Huh!?”
From the entrance towards the back of Gedo, 5 Killer Ants stuck their head out at
the same time.
This room had a total of four entrance. Three of them were blocked by Kanu and
the others. The remaining one was also occupied by the Monsters. Due to the rage,
fear and shock, Gedo, whose face was constantly changing, clenched his teeth, and
threw everything he stole from Lili to the ground.
“Y…You bastards!?”
With a thin smile, Kanu opened up the path and Gedo passed through, escaping
from the room.
Shortly after, the beast-like screams echoed. After fighting something noisily for a
while, it suddenly disappeared. What had happened in the path that was filled with
Killer Ants, the stunned Lili did not have any means to confirm it.
“Gi……!”
“!?”
Suddenly, one of the Killer Ants among the rest that started to flood into the room,
approached in front of Lili.
The heavily injured body could not move as expected. Following the monster’s
claws that were approaching, blood splashed everywhere.
The Killer Ant that was cut apart suddenly scattered.
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“Are you alright, Arde?”
“Kanu…san?”
Lifting the sword that was wet with purple blood onto his shoulders, Kanu let out a
sinister smile towards Lili.
“It came, but in order to save you? After all , we are <Familia>’s companions”
Towards the man that was speaking shameless in front of her, Lili bit her lips and
clenched her fist.
The surrounding partners were currently resisting against the Killer Ants, causing
the monsters to be outside of the defense encirclement.
“That’s right, we’ve come, Arde? Specially for you, regardless of any dangers,
we’ve come to this place?”
“……Yes”
“……What we want to say, do you understand?”
The somewhat acting voice bounded Lili to bow down her head.
Kanu’s eyes that were staring at Lili’s trembling shoulders did not, in fact, see her.
What he saw was money. Strictly speaking, what was in front of him was <God’s
Wine>.
From a glance, you may see Kanu’s exceptionally calm face, but inside of it, there
was a degree of fear that had reached to the stages of terrible.
“Hey, quickly now! Or it really is terrible!”
“I know! ……You, didn’t you say you have no money? It’s no use to make stories
now, if you still want to hide the truth……”
“I understand! I already understand!?”
Towards the barely rational expression, Lili shook her head.
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This is already not the time to have a grudge, while thinking about this, she handed
out a small key jewelry towards the man.
“What is this?”
“Located at the east side of Orario, the key to the rental safe for the Gnome……”
“You mean a safe? How much money could be placed inside the tiny box……”
“What is inside are Gnome’s gems……”
“……I see”
The gems and minerals of Gnomes are all extremely expensive. There is a definite
value and credibility to it. Lili turned the difficult to carry money into generally
accepted gems and just incase, hid it into a rental safe.
Kanu, who revealed a thin smile, nodded and grabbed onto Lili’s skirt to carry her
up. Then, she moved that light body in front of her eyes.
“K…Kanu-san……? Is there anything…….!”
“This looks a bit bad. Look at that side. It is already surrounded”
There were a group of almost over twenty Monsters that were gradually
surrounding Lili and them. Luckily, there was still one exit that was still not
blocked.
Lili, who was hanging from his shoulders could only, patapata, move her slender
legs, but she could only swim in the air.
“Go be bait for me”
“!?”
“Arde, if you were to divert the group of insects, then we will be able to go out
from the passage. Once we get there, there will not be a lot. As long as we were
willing to take some time, we would be able to dispel them.”
She used fearful eyes to stare at Kanu.
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Suddenly, she turned to the surrounding men, they, too, had a despicable smile on
their face.
“You are useless if you do not have money. At the very least, you should still
support us, right Supporter?”
She was thrown.
She depicted a parabola in the air and flew past the heads of the Killer Ants.
The Monsters made a sensitive reaction to Lili, who was flying past them, and
stared at her.
Time had already stopped for Lili as she watched her companions escape with a
big smile. Soon, she hit the ground.
Although the impact caused her breathing to stop, but that was it.
“……Ha…hahaha”
While lying down onto the ground and staring at the dungeon’s ceiling, Lili issued
out a broken laugh. The Killer Ants move their claws towards her and turned
around.
Finally, this last old trick, Lili could not help but want to laugh.
As expected, Adventurers are not to be trusted.
If this is how you treat me, who had done the same acts, then it has gone too far.
This is what Lili thought.
(……Ahhh, but)
This, if it was the punishment for deceiving that youth, perhaps it may not feel as
bad.
If it was retribution for that boy Adventurer that does not seem like the
Adventurers Lili knew, she made be able to calmly accept it. If that’s the case,
perhaps it would be alright.
“Giiahhh……!”
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Countless Killer Ants were crowding towards her like a wave.
At the location where she was thrown to, there was already no escape path for Lili.
She could only stare at the empty space between the wall.
In the form of side walls, Lili, who was lying down, was surrounded by Monsters.
“……I don’t want to accept it”
The quiet mutter was also destroyed by the sound of the Killer Ant’s footsteps.
A Professional Supporter. An object that they scorn.
Even if it ruins the Adventurers, but yet these people simply carry the luggage
without any pain. They were completely useless in the battlefield.
The career of Lili, that could not do anything by herself. Simply, it was Lili herself.
The slow Lili.
Lili absolutely hated herself.
“God-sama, why……”
Who would call for Lili. Who would rely on Lili.
Not being used, but treated as if she was necessary.
She was disgusted by her weak self. She hated herself for being used by others.
Lili wanted to become someone other than Lili.
After learning Magic, perhaps this thought had materialized.
“Why did you make Lili, create Lili like this……?”
Up till now, she did not know how many times she wanted to die.
Wanting to go back to the side of the Gods, she could not recall how many times
she had wished for everything to reset.
Lili was not praying for her current self, but the other, more reliable Lili.
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The cowardly Lili still had not taken a step forward in the end.
Inside Lili’s heart, there was still a continuous longing for her own reset.
“Gigi……!”
“……That’s right. It already does not matter”
The semicircular space created by the Monster slowly and slowly shrunk.
Boto, Lili, who had her cheeks stick tightly on the ground, revealed a smile filled
with despair.
From her sideway’s vision, the Killer Ants were gradually become bigger.
The final moment has arrived.
“……Really lonely”
Lili was shocked towards the lightly blurt out words she said.
The final and last true thoughts came out from her chest.
So this was it, she was actually extremely lonely.
She was already accustomed to not being needed by anyone.
Although she was accustomed to it, the feeling of loneliness was not completely
eliminated.
So lonely.
Towards not relying on others and being relied upon, she felt loneliness.
Although she was accustomed to being alone, she felt loneliness.
“So this is it, Lili……”
Wanted to live with someone else.
Lili was happy that she was finally able to recognize the feelings inside her chest.
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“SHIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA”
The Killer Ants swung their claws. Bathed by the light descending from the ceiling
of the dungeon, it was brightly gleaming.
It was over.
She could finally die. She could finally finish everything. She was finally able to
return to Heaven.
Finally and finally, she would be able to reset it.
She will not be able to do anything and not be able to be herself. She would finally
end her weak self.
Her thin and weak self that was not able to help, the invaluable her and the lonely
her.
She would finally be able to reset it.
(Ahhh, Lili finally is……)
…….Finally, she will be able to find someone who is willing to live with her.
(Finally……Am I dying?)
Lili cried as she exposed her tears.
Following,
“Fire Bolttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt!!”
An explosion.
“……Eh?”
Scarlet flames were rising from inside the room.
× × ×
“It’s no use”
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Hestia stared at Eina and replied with a sigh.
“Ha……?”
“It is really no use. Bell will not abandon that Supporter-kun, this was what he
decided”
While Eina was still in a state where she was unable to react due to the unexpected
response, Hestia sighed again.
Hestia slightly lowered her eyelids and recalled the scene last night.
“Kami-sama, I……Even if it is like that, that child is still in trouble, I want to help
her out”
Bell, who was reminded about how that girl was not credible, gave off such a
response afterwards.
Towards Hestia’s stubborn tone of “did you not listen to me”, he still did not
change his views. No, he hadn’t changed it. He desperately explained.
“That child. It seems like she is very lonely. Although she seems to be very slow in
this regard, although she still hasn’t seem to notice it, and was just smiling cutely
like an idiot……Even if she was showing an indifferent expression.”
Bell told her everything he had seen, over and over again recounted the things that
Hestia had not seen.
Above that, he even revealed his own thoughts.
“Didn’t Kami-sama help the lonely me?”
Before encountering Hestia, he was wandering around Orario alone and was
almost destroyed by the anxiety and loneliness. The loneliness at that time was
seen by her as well.
“It is not a problem if it is a mistake, but if it isn’t a mistake……this time, I wish to
help that child.”
Just like Kami-sama, who saved him. Bell ended the conversation like this.
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“……That child, Bell-kun, he is the type that would give the gentleness that he
received to other children. Because he had also experienced that pain, so he would
be able to notice it.”
Hestia, who was staring at the ground, raised her head to stare at Eina again.
“Don’t look at him like that, but Bell-kun is actually very stubborn? He would not
be shaken, that child.”
Towards Hestia, who informed her with huddled shoulders, Eina revealed a
puzzled expression in a panic. From the corner of her mouth, she seemed to have
something she wanted to say.
“Do you refuse to accept it?”
“No, if it’s Bell-kun’s words……If it was him, he might have really said this. But
what is the basis for it……”
Towards Eina, who revealed her uneasiness, Hestia slowly folded her arms.
As if she was extremely regrettable for saying the words she was going to say, she
pouted and said.
“And, Bell’s insight on the opposite sex is genuine. Just like a God, that must be
true.”
× × ×
“Liliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!”
The voice that called for Lili torn through the group of Killer Ants.
A roar that was composed of explosions inside of explosions. Towards the sudden
sneak attack that came from the rear, the Killer Ants attempted to turn around, but
they could not move due to them being crowded together.
Continuous burst of flames seemed to drill through the group of insects, the
moment when Lili’s eyes widened and clearly see the lightning flames……A
white-haired boy cut through the monsters’ wall and flew through it.
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“GET AWAY FROM MEEEEEEEEEEE!”
“GIGAAAA!?”
The boy wielding the dagger and short sword, Bell, roughly dispersed the group of
giant ants.
He maintained a fixed wrist posture at Lili’s side to keep the Killer Ants in place.
If they move, he would cut off their heads.
“Lili! Are you okay!? Do you recognize me!?”
The person who held her own body, Lili did not react initially.
The crimson eyes were quivering anxiously. The fingers clasped onto her
shoulders were tightly grasped to the extent where it is painful.
He hurriedly pulled out a recovery potion and lifted it near her mouth.
Lili, who was being stared at as if he would never let his eyes go away from her,
slowly opened her mouth and drank the blue liquid.
Quickly, cough, cough, her cute cough sounds echoed.
“……Bell-sama?”
“Yes. Are you alright?”
Bell, who was just like Lili who had her face filled with tears, smiled and raised his
tone.
Right now, what was frozen inside Lili’s chest seemed to be held tightly that it
hurts and became very hot.
After Bell confirmed the safety of Lili, he soon raised his face.
Facing the sharp eyes of the group of Killer Ants.
Lili unconsciously moved her petite hands and handed out the pitched-black
dagger that was hidden inside her bosom towards Bell.
His expression did not change and he accepted the <Hestia’s Dagger>
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“Just wait there like always?”
He said this at the end and Bell stood up.
Angry roars echoed throughout the room. The scattered smoke from the flickering
flames were the remains of the fire from Bell.
There was no situation that was more isolated than this.
The number of monsters that surrounded Bell was around 30. And through the
entrance, more and more were constantly coming.
Towards the clumsy action of the group of Monsters that want to rush over, Bell
was not afraid.
A few days ago, Bell will still be afraid of this amount of enemies. No, even if he
was to face them head on, there was no guarantee for him to win.
However, right now, Bell has <Magic>.
“Let’s go……!”
He took out an citrus-orange color liquid tube from his pouch around his leg.
Knowing the existence of Magic being restricted by the Mental Power, Bell
decided to use his trump card that he purchased with the resolve of death at the
price of 8700 Varisu.
<Magic Recovery Potion>. A potion that recovers Mental Power.
Bell unplugged the embolus and drank it in one go.
“……SHIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!”
“!”
The moment one of the Killer Ants rushed forward, Bell also positioned his right
wrist in front.
“Fire Bolt————!!”
The instant the light burst from the lightning, the Killer Ants was also blown away.
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Towards the Killer Ants that moved together, Bell continuously roared.
Rapid-fire of lightning flames.
Each time Bell called out, the raging flames would gush out and illuminate the
dungeon.
The scarlet lightning indeed sent one Killer Ant to the grave, and occasionally, it
would puncture two of them.
Due to the aftermath of the explosive cyclones, the Killer Ants were unable to
approach Bell.
The difference of overwhelming numbers were covered by using Magic from the
Grace.
“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!”
Towards the group of Killer Ants that were decimated, Bell wielded his weapons.
His two hands respectively held the <Hestia’s Dagger> and the <Dagger>. He
headed towards the enemy forces that were covered with wounds.
Each time the dagger reflected a brilliant flash of purplish-blue, the Killer Ant’s
head and body will flew into the air.
“……”
Lili could only stare at the scene in a daze.
The white figure swiftly tore through the monsters and shortly, the decapitated
body’s fluids splashed everywhere.
Swift, Sharp, Strong.
When she noticed it, the large group of Killer Ants were already silenced. What
was standing in the room was the boy.
Bell placed the two daggers back into their sheaths, turned around with a worried
expression and jogged towards Lili.
“……How did you find this place”
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“It is not that, there were a lot of Monsters gathered, probably by other
Adventurers. The mist was too thick so I could not see carefully, but the amount of
monsters really decreased……”
That’s why he could quickly catch up to Lili, this exposed the truth of being able to
catch up to her that was originally impossible.
Towards Bell, who placed his hand on top of his head as if nothing had happened,
Lili felt that something inside her body was broken apart.
“……y”
“Eh? What is it, Lili?”
“Why?”
When she noticed it, Lili’s mouth had already arbitrarily moved.
Even though she had something she wanted to say to him, but what she said was
something completely different.
“Why did you save Lili? Why didn’t Bell-sama abandon Lili?”
“……Ehhh?”
“You can’t possibly haven’t discovered that you were lied upon, right? In order to
steal the dagger, Lili surprised Bell-sama. You can’t possibly still be thinking
about such foolish things, right?”
Towards the stupid face made by Bell, Lili’s voice gradually became more violent.
Feelings that she could not suppress gushed out from her mouth.
“WHAT ON EARTH IS BELL-SAMA? IS YOUR NERVES TOO BIG FOR
YOU!? IS THAT HEAD ON YOURS JUST AN INCOMPARABLY IDIOTIC
PUMPKIN!?
“Idiotic…..!? Huh, Lili, calm down……!?”
“IMPOSSIBLE!! BELL-SAMA MUST NOT HAVE NOTICED ANYTHING
YET!? WHEN EXCHANGING FOR MONEY, I DID SOMETHING BEHIND
THE SCENES! BELL-SAMA AND LILI DID NOT SPLIT THE MONEY IN
307
HALF, BUT RATHER 4 TO 6! WHEN I GOT CARRIED AWAY LATER ON,
IT WAS EVEN 3 TO 7 A FEW TIMES! EVEN WHEN I REQUESTED YOU TO
USE AN ITEM, I HAD LIED ABOUT THE PRICE BEING SEVERAL TIMES
HIGHER! IN TOTAL 12 TIMES! WHEN SEEING THAT THERE WAS
NOTHING VALUABLE TO STEAL IN THE EQUIPMENTS OR ITEMS, I WAS
VERY DISAPPOINTED!!”
The truth that was exposed continuously caused Bell to tightly close his lips.
Lili’s voice did not stop. Although her brain desperately told her to <Quickly Shut
Up>, but her confession did not stop.
“DO YOU UNDERSTAND NOW!? LILI IS BAD! LILI IS A THIEF! SHE IS
THE WORST HOBBIT THAT DESTROYS THE PRIDE OF SUPPORTERS
AND HAD LIED TO BELL-SAMA!”
“T…That……”
“Even if it is like that……Even if it is like that, Bell-sama will still save Lili?”
“Nnn, yes”
“WHY!?”
Lili watched Bell with bated breath.
What Lili was expecting from the next sentence from the boy, she did not know.
Only that her heart was throbbing like an idiot.
Bell, who seemed to be oppressed by Lili’s menacing expression, slightly panicked.
Just like a reflex, he uttered that sentence.
“B…Because you’re a girl?”
——Kaa, her entire body begins to become heated.
When her eyebrow was lifted to the angle where she was angry.
Although she did not know the reason, her body was boiling up.
308
Although she did not know the reason, the feelings that she could not explain using
words continued to gather.
The unknown meaning of discontent exploded outwards.
“IDIOT! BELL-SAMA, YOU IDIOT!! YOU ACTUALLY SAID THESE
WORDS AGAIN, ISN’T IT THE SAME AS THAT TIME!? SO AS LONG AS
THE OTHER SIDE IS A FEMALE, BELL-SAMA WILL HELP THEM OUT!? I
CAN’T BELIEVE IT, YOU’RE THE WORST!! BELL-SAMA, YOU LADYKILLER,
WOMANIZING SCUM, PERVERTED MALE, PUBLIC ENEMY TO
FEMALES!!”
She did not know why she had the impulse of wanting to burst into tears while she
was screaming.
Even though she shouldn’t have the stance to say such words, she still wanted to
pour out her dissatisfaction towards the boy in front of her.
Dissatisfied. It feels that she was somewhat dissatisfied.
He had already came to save her, what else is there to be dissatisfied about.
In the end, what did the scream inside her chest wanted to tell him.
She already did not understand.
Bell only accepted this storm of condemnation in fear. Shortly after, Lili began to
gradually calm down.
From below his eyebrows, a smile emerged. He placed his hands on top of Lili’s
head, where the animal ears had already disappeared.
“Then, it was because it was Lili”
“————“
Her maroon eyes widened to its very limits.
“Because it was Lili, I would lend out a helping hand. Because it was Lili, I did not
want to you disappear”
“Fu, eh……”
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“I can’t find a more suitable reason. To save Lili, and still be saying that there
needs to be a reason……”
Her tear glands began to burst out tears.
Large tears began to overflow from her watery eyes one by one.
Lili could not endure it anymore and let out a large crying sound
“Uuuuu, UUUUUUUUUUUUUUuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu……!”
“Lili, if there is anything bothering you, then tell it to me. Because I am an idiot, if
you don’t tell me, I won’t understand”
“HIIIII……! Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu……!?”
“I will definitely help you”
She tightly held the boy’s abdomen.
Although the iron-colored armor hindered the hug, but it was still okay. The hand
that went around the back continued to hold tightly.
The palm that was placed on the back of her head and back, allowed Lili to
continue to sob.
I know. I noticed.
Bell was thinking about her when he rushed over.
The light equipment had many holes and was broken everywhere.
The pale-colored skin had many bruises.
He must have forcibly defeated the monsters, crossing through many obstacles to
desperately approach this place. This matter, she already knew.
She wanted to call out. Wanted to talk. Wanted to confirm.
Lili wanted to accept the Lili that she hated.
“Sorry, Sorry……Very…Sorry……”
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“……Yes”
No matter when, no matter where, her tears did not stop.
In the corner of the dungeon that had an unpleasant scene of large giant ants
corpses, a place filled with many broken Magic Stone pieces, then one by one, a
part of the Monsters turned into ashes and drifted into the air by the remaining
flames.
The ashes slowly danced as it fell on top of the crying girl’s head.
The human that was tightly holding the small Hobbit, although he had a wry smile,
but his face always had a blooming smile.
× × ×
The clear blue skies.
The cloudless sunny day, just like the day where he was suddenly talked to by a
certain person,
While allowing his white hair to be bathed by the sun’s rays, Bell walked towards
Babel.
It had been two days after that.
After separating from Lili, there had been no contact.
Up till now, even the room that she was living at was completely emptied, there
was no news of her. Even if he headed to <Soma’s Familia>, there will be no
reward. Lili had disappeared in front of Bell.
He felt worried and anxious.
Aimlessly walking back and forth to look for her, he did not know how many times
this thought had appeared.
However, at the same time, Bell would think of this without any reason.
They will meet again soon, this thought.
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It was a thought that had no reasoning behind of it, but if it was like that, he would
be able to find traces of his Supporter one day.
Just like when he was found.
“!”
Bell stopped. Then quickly moved again.
Facing towards the western Babel door, a tiny figure was standing there with a
cream-colored coat.
Her hands was holding onto the strap of the backpack that she was carrying, and
she bowed down her head.
Her bangs were swept to one side, and her round cute eyes were currently exposed
to the sunlight.
Restraining from walking at a faster pace, he walked towards the girl. Being
careful not to frighten her and being careful not to irritate her.
Shortly, the Hobbit also noticed the existence of this side.
Her shoulders were quivering and her petite body was constantly trembling.
“……”
“……”
They had reached a position where both sides could touch if they stretched out
their hands.
Lili raised her head and tried to speak numerous times, but she quickly bowed
down again.
As if she did not know how to be the first to speak. It was unlike her.
Although Bell was already prepared to receive Lili’s gunfire-like chattering
offensive, he soon revealed a wry smile and began to speak from his side.
“Supporter-san, Supporter-san. Are you looking for an Adventurer?”
“Eh?”
Lili raised her head.
Bell smiled towards the seemingly surprised maroon eyes.
“Are you still confused? But the current situation is very simple? The
unexperienced Adventurer wants to borrow a Supporter to lend a helping hand, and
came to advertise himself”
Lili also seems to have noticed.
Her cheeks flushed and her moist eyes began to overflow with joy.
Bell seems to be trying to be polite, but in reality, he was very embarrassed. He
stretched out his right hand.
“Do you want to come with me to the dungeon?”
Starting today, it begins again.
Bell and Lili will really join forces, and belong to a tiny team that consist of two
people.
A reset of the two people’s relationship.
It will once again start.
“——Okay, please bring Lili!”
A sunflower-like smile emerged on her face, and Lili stacked her own hand on top
of the outstretched hand.
