CH 4

Chapter 4

The Meaning of an Adventure

Un,un.

At the same time she hugged her knees and sat onto the armchair, Aizu was

immersed in silent distress

Surrounded by the warm-colored spacious room, numerous round tables and sofa

were place within it. Aside from Aizu, there were many other people that stretched

out their legs, relaxing.

The location was <Loki’s Familia> headquarters. Reception Room.

“I say, Aizu, what are you thinking so deeply of?”

A girl with wheat-colored skin and black hair asked while she was attempting to

peek through Aizu’s face that was deeply buried into her knees.

Her upper body was only wearing a shirt that covered only her chest. The healthy

skin was exposed a lot. It seems like an outfit that was worn by dancers.

Towards the Amazon girl that was wrapped with a beach towel around her waist,

Aizu raised her head.

“Tiona……”

“Recently, you’ve always had a depressed expression, Aizu. If there are any

troubles, you can discuss it with me—”

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Facing the girl that revealed a kind smile, Tiona, Aizu’s face relaxed slightly.

Thank you, after she said this, she slowly continued to open her mouth.

“It’s best to forget it, Aizu. Discussing with Tiona won’t solve anything. It is best

to save your strength.”

“Who told you to blab, Bate! I am currently talking with Aizu, there is no room for

you to interrupt!”

“Meh, although I am sorry to say this, but Bate’s words are still reasonable.”

“Wait a minute, Tione—!? It’s fine to say something bad, but why are you

standing on Bate’s side—”

She was interrupted by the beastman youth with long gray hair and another

Amazon girl.

The people known as Bate and Tione each stuck with their own views and loudly

expressed their own opinions.

“Speaking of which, Aizu, haven’t you run around recently? You’ve disappeared

early in the morning. Even yesterday, you were not in the headquarters the entire

day.”

“WAHH, did you hear that Tione? Bate seems to be secretly investigating Aizu’s

movements. Even when she is not at the headquarters, he had investigated it clearly.

How disgusting.”

“Bate is only suffering from a disease of overly-protective, and it only works

towards Aizu. Isn’t it quite cute.”

“Annoying, you two unbalanced Amazon!? Didn’t I already say that I was only

worried about the <Expedition> that was coming and hoped that there will be

nothing that causes problems!”

“Isn’t it fine, it is only to this extent. It isn’t like how Aizu would run off to the

Dungeon by herself before. I believed that aside from that, there is absolutely no

problem……Also, don’t you say unbalanced!!”

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Although Aizu was slightly troubled due to her being the source of the argument

between Tiona and the others, but knowing that if she was to say anything, it

would only further ignite the conversation, so she decided not to speak.

She could only temporarily watch over them quietly. After she heard the sound

coming from another direction, she turned her gaze towards that side.

KachaKachi, currently by borrowing the chessboard on the table, a fierce battle

was undergoing by a tall and beautiful elf and a male Hobbit.

The two demi-race that had a difference of one or two heads in terms of height.

One had a serious expression while the other was leisurely playing the game.

“Checkmate.”

“Muuuu……”

As the male Hobbit moved the piece, he said this at the same time. The beautiful

elf’s glamorous eyebrows twitched slightly.

After thinking about it in silence for a few seconds, she sighed and rested her

hands on her lap.

“There is nothing I can do, right. It’s my loss.”

“That is really straightforward, Riveria. Why not resist it for a bit longer?”

“As expected, I also hate a game that I cannot win, Finn.”

Calling out the respective name of the elf and the Hobbit, the opposite expression

was revealed and stared at each other.

Shortly after, the elf, Riveria, noticed Aizu’s gaze. She swung her long, jadecolored

hair and asked “What is it?”.

“Are you looking for us for something? It can’t be that you also want to play a

game?”

“Haha, a move by Aizu, huh. Please let me see.”

Just by a laugh, the youthful face of the Hobbit, Finn, shows great intellectual light.

He gently curved his blue eyes into a lake.

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“Although Tiona and the others had also mentioned it earlier, is there something

troubling you, Aizu?”

“Ohoh, if that’s the case, then it is quite rare. If you have any, then please allow me

to hear it as well.”

Being urged by the captain and vice-captain of the <Loki’s Familia>, after Aizu

had thought for it a while, she asked with an unchanging expression.

“Riveria, when you two guide Adventurers, what do you do?”

“……Another strange trouble emerged.”

“Yes, when we asked for something interesting, it was still quite interesting.”

“Eh—, what what? What did Aizu say—!?”

Tiona and the others also stopped arguing and converged over.

After hearing Aizu’s question, they all made a different response.

“Aizu, suddenly, what is this? Did something happened—?”

“The so-called teaching, isn’t it fine if you ask an Adventurer with less experience

than you?”

“It is just wasting your time if you are worrying about those small fries. Don’t

continue to think of these things that would make people laugh their heads off.”

She, with her hands wrapped around her knees, was in the center of a constructed

ring. Then Aizu asked again.

“Everybody, what will you do?”

“If it is me, I would always request them to meditate. After all, knowing yourself is

the priority.”

“If I have to say it, then I will bring them into the Dungeon—! Only a real battle is

the way of a king!”

“Probably, a fight. Anyways, first I’ll strip off their skins and train them

completely.”

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“Tione, that is talking about the literal meaning—right?”

The female lineup muttered their own opinions. On the side, Bate only twisted his

mouth and snorted with his nose.

“It is all nonsense. Trash will, after all, be trash. As long as those trash are weak,

there is no meaning to do anything.”

“……Bate, you, occasionally emerge some philosophical words.”

“Ehhh, but that is only simply full of oneself.”

“A smelly women, whose mouth did not accumulate any merits……!”

“On the other hand, a strong person who is satisfied with his own strength, cannot

find any meaning to do anything……Can’t believe I was actually taught by Bate.”

“Old woman, are you still trying to act dumb!”

Looking at the gradually off-topic discussion, Aizu turned to Finn, who was by

himself.

“What about Finn?”

“Mmmm, what will I do. Based on the target, I must set up different strategies. It is

difficult to jump to conclusions.”

The thin body seemed to be sucked in by the sofa and Finn placed his fingers under

his chin.

He, then, asked a question towards Aizu.

“Aizu, why did you ask such things? Based on your reply, my answer may

change.”

“……I.”

The reason why she asked was very simple.

In order to allow herself to think of a method to guide that boy.

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It has already been 6 days since she had took the initiative to teach Bell. Although

she originally wanted to investigate the secret of his <Growth>, but unconsciously,

she had become concerned about how to train him.

Why was she so passionate in thinking about the topics for training, Aizu still did

not understand the origin of her feelings. However, there was no doubt that she

was affected by Bell’s desperate attitude.

The boy was straightforward in a good sense.

Facing the training of Aizu that could not be described by another word other than

harsh, he had insisted over and over again. Continuously stepping into the

suffering whirlpool in order to learn.

Without holding any doubts, at worst, he could be described as stubborn. However,

because he was so focused, so he was able to master it so fast.

He did not master it well, but fast. The origin of his honest and straightforwardness

was sufficient to compensate for the inefficiencies.

Thus, Aizu was constantly racking her head every day and thinking hard. In order

to allow Bell, who was eagerly devoring the training, to continue to devour

onwards. In order to reply to the will of that boy.

Only right now, she was his master.

(If Finn was to know about it……)

In any case, she must not let the relationship between Bell and her to be revealed.

Was it the mistake of her leaving the <Familia> by herself yesterday, or was it the

surprise attack from the mysterious group——Speaking of which, there was

absolutely more than one candidate that had that degree of fierceness.

Even said that, in order for her relationship with Bell to not be suspected, she must

also hide the secret about being attacked here.

“……Probably, I was curious.”

“……Forget it. If that’s the case, let me think about it. Although it is an extreme

argument.”

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Finn’s golden hair valiantly glowed as it swayed.

He remained silent, then he expressed his own ideas out.

“The things that are necessary to an Adventurer when they must take

risk. Wouldn’t training those kind of things be the answer you are seeking for.”

Aizu silently accepted the answer she was given. Shortly after, she expressed her

gratitude by saying thank you.

Finn shrunk his shoulders back. Then, he leisurely stood up.

“Although it is best to avoid going through danger, but perhaps to Aizu, it may be

a good opportunity. Even if it involves another faction, I will not stop you.

Although I do not have any confidence in acting like a fool, but shall I keep it a

secret from Loki?”

“……”

“Only, actions that exposes us (Familia) to danger is absolutely prohibited. Only

that point I will still warn you.”

Please. Towards Finn’s back, who walked out of the reception room as he laughed,

Aizu only watched.

As expected, she could not lie towards Riveria and that petite leader. This vague

idea came from inside her chest.

“However, however, Aizu recently looked very happy.”

“……Very happy?”

Facing Tiona, who escaped from the side where Riveria was and said without any

omen, Aizu asked back.

“When Aizu is not inside the Dungeon, she is either in a trance or is maintaining

her weapon. However, right now she is humming, un un, and racking her brains.”

Looking at the pair of golden eyes that was stunned, Tiona also smiled.

“Thinking about something, emerging some ideas. Because Aizu, who wanted to

do something and attempted it, right now, she looked happy.”

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“……I…Is that the case.”

“Yes. Aizu looks happy.”

The feelings that she had not been able to understand was pointed out by this

confident girl.

Aizu, slightly, revealed a pleasant smile.

× × ×

The bustling noise nearby sounds so distant.

As if my body was rooted underground, I could not move as I stared at the paper in

my hands.

I muttered in a daze.

“Lv.6 ……”

Many names were listed according to the Adventurer’s list. After I read the section

about <Aizu Wallenstein>’s update, I was temporarily in a state where my soul

was sucked out.

“Really now, it was some time ago. The incident about Wallenstein’s <Level Up>

was publicly revealed……”

Eina-san’s words currently entered from my left ear and exited from my right ear.

The person that I was trying to chase after had once again opened an unforeseeable

gap. This fact had brought a shock to me.

After finishing with the Dungeon Exploration, I went to the guild’s headquarters

on the way back.

In front of the hall, on the bulletin board that was normally not be specially used, I

personally witnessed the report about that person’s <Level Up> stuck on it. Thus, I

immediately looked for Eina-san to confirm it.

“I heard that she defeated a Floor Boss by herself. In the <Deep Floor Area> of the

Dungeon, which was even further below the Lower Floor Area……”

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Floor Boss…… <Solitary King of the Dungeon>

Requiring a massive team of Adventurers in order to defeat it. In other words, a

Boss Monster.

This huge and powerful existence is unmatched by other monsters. It was said to

be the last difficulty that prevents from increasing the Achieved Floors in the

Dungeon.

If you were unlucky and met up with a Floor Boss dwelling in the <Deep Floor

Area>, there should only be a few <Familia> that had the ability to defeat it.

……But just by herself, she was able to defeat this kind of existence?

“I said, Bell-kun. Although it may just be nonsense, but it is best not to be too

concerned about this incident. Being able to defeat a Floor Boss by herself, I have

never heard of this before either. I believe that Wallenstein……is special.”

It was probably what Eina-san had just said.

Even if it was like this, I could not stop the sadness from deep inside my chest.

The backstreet scene from a few days ago, flashed through my mind.

That person’s figure which did not allow even the experts within the city to take a

step forward, and also her clear and powerful swordplay.

Not being able to intervene in that battle was deeply engraved into my heart. It

made me notice how small I was.

Too far away.

The distance that lies between me and that person, how far did it extend?

The heights that I must pursue, is it ……really even possible to achieve?

The overwhelming reality caused my heart to quietly collapse.

“Bell-kun……?”

“……Ah, sorry. I got distracted. Then, that’s it for today.”

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Giving a wry smile to Eina-san, who peeked over as if she was worried, I made

some sort of an apology.

I must continue to work hard tomorrow. I continued to mutter inside my heart as if

it was for her, as if it was for me.

While I waved at Eina-san, who frowned and forced a smile, I left the guild

headquarters.

(Although it might have been too strong and was overboard……)

The impact was enormous.

My body had entered a state of depression. It feels like if I was inattentive, I will

fall down.

The continuous sighs still had not stopped. I just hung my head and feebly walked

through the Main Street Area.

The dusk that is about to disappear, made the western skies extremely hazy. The

city was gradually bustling. The bars were trying to attract the customers that

passed through their doors. On the side of the street, a never seen before elf bard

was currently playing a harp and was giving a tribute to the Orario Adventurers

with a beautiful voice.

He revealed a slight smile towards me, who stopped moving. However, what kind

of expression and I wearing right now? With a muddled mind, I could only

desperate smile and handed out the gold coins and then I escaped from

there……Strong, great, Orario Adventurers, huh.

I did not directly head back towards the headquarters, but instead specifically took

a detour towards the Central Square. While I was being pushed by the Adventurers

that returned from the Dungeon, I continued to gaze at Babel, gaze at the Dungeon.

Moments later, I headed off towards the West Main Street Area.

It feels like only I had escape from the surrounding bustling noise.

“——Bell-san!”

“Eh?”

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I suddenly heard a call and I raised my head that was staring at the stone floor.

In a closer look, Seal-san, with her fine gray hair swaying behind, was currently

running over towards this side.

Ah, I had already reached nearby of <Mistress of Abundance>……

Just when I confirmed the huge bar inside my field of sight, I thought about this

sort of thing……Without any signs, my hand was gripped by Seal-san.

“Ha?”

“…….”

The milky, white hands tightly grabbed onto my hand.

While I widened my eyes in shock and was speechless, Seal-san only watched the

holding hands in silence. As if she wanted to say, I caught you, and seemed to

confirm the temperature that exists there.

Just like this, my face instantly flushed red. Seal-san raised her head, with her

cheeks dyed red as if she was excited, and, at the same time, she uttered the next

sentence.

“Bell-san, I wanted to see you…….!”

“……”

GachaGacha, I was currently washing dishes in the sink filled with water.

Inside the kitchen, the catpeople cooks were hurriedly rushing back and forth

inside the bar. I was currently quietly focusing on washing dishes.

“Sorr——y, Bell-san! I specifically made you come and work for me!”

“I was specifically pulled by you over here, right!? Or is there nothing else to say!”

Facing Seal-san, who trotted over and clapped both her hands to apologize, words

flew out aggressively as I cried out.

Not so long ago, I was hit by Seal-san’s trap and fell into a dilemma where I had to

help wash dishes.

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“If I do not greet others and was lazy……resting during work, I would not only be

scolded by Mia mama, I would even have lots of chores being forced upon!”

“Isn’t this completely unrelated to me!?”

And I might as well say it, but didn’t you say “lazy” earlier?

But then again, Seal-san, who was, patapata, walking back and forth from the

kitchen, indeed looked busy.

She was assigned the mission of helping out the waiters that were extremely busy

and was walking repeatedly doing the actions of entering and exiting the space

between the shop and kitchen.

“I say, hurry and work nyaa, white hair.”

“Boy, you were already sold by Seal. Just obediently acknowledge your fate nyaa.”

“Uuuu……”

While I was being ordered around by the shop personnel, Anya-san and Chloe-san,

I was desperately washing dishes.

Although I was naturally not relieved……but considering how I was taken care of

in various situations, plus I was still letting Seal-san make lunch for me, so I

decided to endure willingly.

I really didn’t want to do this to repay my debt. While I thought about this, I

desperately replaced Seal-san by doing her chores.

“……”

In addition, I do not know why I was secretly glad that I could empty my brain and

completely immerse in this job that I do not know when it will be finished.

If I do not bury myself into some kind of work, it feels like I was recall the matter

surrounding that person again.

I could only close my mouth and quietly wipe the dishes.

“Are you alright, Cranel-san.”

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“Eh……?”

“This amount is extremely ferocious. Allow me to also help.”

Inadvertently, a female shop personnel came to my side.

With a slender body that seems to snap when it was touch, and thin pointed ears.

An elf with azure eyes that seem to swallow your consciousness if you watch them.

It was Ryuu-san.

“S…Sorry. I made you specifically help……”

“No problem. It is also true that it is Seal’s fault. Towards Seal’s responsibility, the

colleagues that sat idly are also wrong. It should be this side that apologizes. Our

etiquette was ill and it feels guilty.

“N…Nonono, there is no such thing!?”

While I watched and listened to the overly serious Ryuu-san, I panicked as I was

still washing the dishes. Although I already knew that this person had upright

manners, but it may be far beyond my imagination.

Probably, from another perspective, she was an elf that follows the rules

straightforwardly.

“What happened?”

“Uh——“

“I may be a bit nosy, but you seem to be depressed.”

I was stunned and looked towards the side. At the same time, I looked at Ryuu-san

who was neatly washing the dishes.

An elf is a race that had an appearance that stands out from others. Even her face

from the side was, without exception, perfect. Although I do not know where it

exuded a cold feeling, but it indeed had a beauty that could charm others.

“If you are fine with me, then can I listen to the details.”

“……”

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“There is still some guilt that exists for leaving all this work here to you. If you do

not mind, you only need to speak freely.”

Truthfully, under Ryuu-san’s goodwill and kindness, I really wanted to come clean

with the emotions inside my heart.

However, I can’t do it. I don’t want to do it.

The act of me suffering from the shock of how weak I was and being thrown back

a few streets behind the person that I longed for. The current me can’t do it. Inside

my heart, there was still a part of me that exists inside a net of pride.

I once again understood how pathetic I was. However, as an alternative, I tried to

put forward a question.

After listening to Aizu-san’s <Level Up>, I wanted to clear the doubts that had

been born.

“About that, Ryuu-san……Were you once a Adventurer?”

“……Yes. Before, I had also been labeled with the title of an Adventurer. What

about it?”

I did not plan on inquiring about Ryuu-san’s past and I asked her again.

“Upgraded a Lv. …… <Level Up>, what do you have to do to get it?”

Although I had always had a vague idea about how I just have to continue to earn

<Experience Points>, but it always seem to be a bit wrong.

Just like the difference in power between a Lv. 1 and a Lv. 2……It was just like a

wall.

Then for a <Level Up>, is there also something that exists in order to surpass this

towering and sinister wall, this kind of hazy thoughts emerged.

After Ryuu-san had listened to the question, she looked at me and slowly spoke.

“Just by earning an achievement.”

“……Eh?”

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“You must earn an achievement. A feat that even the people and the Gods would

praise.”

Achieve…ment……?

“Defeating an enemy stronger than yourself……Earning a higher rank

<Experience Point>. Once that passes a certain amount, that is the conditions for a

Level Up.”

Acquiring a higher rank <Experience Point>……In other words, no matter how

many weaker existence I defeat, I will still not <Level Up>. The only thing that

still has some merits is basic abilities.

If I do not defeat an existence that is far more powerful than myself, or even worse,

if I do not do an achievement that the heroes from the past had done……There is

no way for me to reach higher heights?

“Level Up and the strengthening of the body and the heart……it is equivalent to

the material’s evolution. Also, the God’s <Grace> would only give higher

qualifications towards the people that passed through the trails.”

“So if that’s the case, the basic abilities……”

“Uhhh. In extreme terms, the basic abilities that are gradually accumulated will not

be a cornerstone for earning an Achievement.”

However, the basic abilities are also the hints for qualification.

When basic abilities have reached 6 levels or above —— Reaching D rank, then it

is the first time achieving the qualifications of <Level Up>, she taught me this.

“However, even if you fight against Monsters that are stronger than yourself……In

a fight against a more powerful enemy, wouldn’t you normally lose……”

The main reason is that because they are stronger than you.

“Although technique and adaptability can also fill the gaps between it……I will

introduce here a general opinion.——Forming a party.”

“Party?”

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“Yes. Relying on mutual cooperation to complement each other to make up for the

defects of a Lower Level and defeating the enemy. Orario Adventurers will all

repeat this process numerous times and gradually become stronger.”

Although at that time, the <Experience Point> earned will be shared between the

partners, but this method is the best means of the weak overthrowing the strong.

“Cranel-san. If you really wish to become stronger, the presence of a team is

essential. It is best if you keep it in your mind.”

“Okay……”

But, in that case, that person also……

Using her own power alone, she defeated a floor boss, an extremely powerful

enemy. The heights that person achieved, how far did it extend to……

From start to finish, I was simply consciously bounded towards the existence of a

goal. At the same time, I seem to understand our respective position.

“…….The rest can be considered that I speak out of turn. Is that okay?”

“Ah, no problem. Please.”

As if it was a formal speech giving advice to me, who did not understand even if I

racked my head, Ryuu-san said.

“Cranel-san. As long as the number of people are different, it contains a different

meaning of an Adventure.”

“……?”

“I do not know what kind of Adventure you will be taking in the future. However,

please do not look away from that Adventure, from the meaning of that

Adventure.”

At the same time I was trying to figure out the true meaning of her words, Ryuusan

continued and said the next sentence.

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146

“You are an Adventurer.”

Following just that sentence, it spread apart from my chest, entered the depths and

remained there.

“The things you desire. Although it is only speculation, it is probably nowhere to

be found except right ahead.”

“Ha…Ha……”

“……No, please do not worry too much. This is only my 6th sense, there are often

always mistakes.”

Although in that instant, I seem to have slightly widened my eyes towards Ryuusan,

who was smiling. However, in the blink of an eye, I was greeted by the usual

cold face.

I could not believe it and continued to stare. After I was inquired by her sight

“What is it”, I hurriedly replied “Nothing at all”.

After some period of time, we finally finished washing the dishes.

“Many thanks, Cranel-san. If I can, then please visit this bar again next time.”

“Okay, I’ll come again next time.”

I was watched by Ryuu-san, who still have work to do, as I walked out of the

kitchen entrance. I passed through the doors of the <Mistress of Abundance>.

After looking at the bustling open seats of the bar, I prepared to walk back towards

the headquarters.

“Bell-san.”

“……Seal-san.”

After being called upon, I turned around. Seal-san was currently standing at a

position not too far away.

Did she desperately tried to finish her work as a waitress, the pair of white cheeks

were currently glowing red.

“Today, I am so sorry…….I am really grateful for it.”

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“Ah, no. Although I had said these words in the beginning, but I have been

subjected to a lot of care by Seal-san everyday……”

My gaze lingered towards the ground. Only then did I notice a tail and a bun that

was connected the back of head was nearby. At the same time, I slightly slurred.

Having such a serious attitude, wouldn’t it make the things that should be blamed

for become something that is impossible to be blamed?

Anyways, I originally did not have any intentions to go into this further.

“……Bell-san.”

“……?”

Seal-san looked up and used her pale gray eyes to look at me.

Her shallow lips opened up and gently closed, as if she was struggling to say

something. I tilted my head.

“Because I…am not an Adventurer-sama, so I do not know what to say……”

“Seal…san?”

“……Isn’t it fine to not go on an Adventure?”

Towards the quietly words, I widened my eyes.

Afterwards, Seal-san looked away slight, her upright eyebrows dropped, as if she

was revealing a wry smile.

“Please don’t…force yourself. No matter what. Only this point I wanted to

convey.”

“……”

“……Why am I afraid right now?”

With a foggy heartbeat, Seal-san whispered the last words.

Probably, she had heard the conversation between me and Ryuu-san.

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As a civilian, she must have sensitively reacted to the content, which we,

Adventurers, may have already been numbed about.

“Sorry, saying these unclear words.”

“No……”

“The lunch, I will continue to make. Please continue to accept it from now on.”

Actually, there is no need to force yourself, I said while revealing a wry smile. At

the same time, I understood the meaning behind that sentence.

She hoped that the day, where I could not accept this lunch, will never come. This

was what she was conveying.

After bowing down beautifully with a neatly dressed waiter outfit, Seal-san

returned to the shop with a face filled with smiles.

“……”

The warm orange light and the bustling laughter sounds continued to leak out from

the bar. I stood there, staring at the sky.

There was a feeling that there were two paths in front of me.

The path pointed out by Ryuu-san and the path that was advised by both Seal-san

and Eina-san.

——<You are an Adventurer.>.

——<Adventurer must not go on an Adventure.>.

Probably, most certainly, it was two sentences that were extremely opposites.

My heart did not continue to think and the voice of those people continued to

quietly overlap together.

Maintaining the state where I was at the entrance of a crossroad, I continued to

stare at the sky.

× × ×

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The first light of the morning shone down from the dawn skies. It faintly

illuminated the outer edge of the city.

The dazzling light emerged from the mountain ridge slowly revealed the figure and

reflected upon. The face appears to be bright red.

It was soon the time for it to end.

While our weapons fiercely clashed on top of the surrounding walls, I understood

this.

From that person, whose golden hair was swaying, a merciless attack was released.

The continuous attacks from the sheath passed through my body. At the same time,

the topic that she had given out was the final part of the training. It was to show it

through my own actions.

I blocked the sheath that flew over.

Widening my eyes slightly, the number of times that I defended against the

oncoming attacks continued to increase.

So far, I had witnessed this person’s amazing defensive method countless times.

It was not directly deflecting the enemy’s weapon, but instead striking it from the

side or diagonally in order to spread the strength and to stop the attack.

So far, I had continuously experimented and improved these movements. On this

final day where it was about to be declared as the end, I dished out everything I

had learnt.

“——!”

I forcefully suppressed my thoughts about retreating and courageously defended.

While blocking another and another blow, while it occasionally grazed my body, I

held the <Dagger> in my hand and slashed.

I broke away from my defensive posture and for the first time, I counterattacked

her.

“……!”

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The cry of a metal hitting a metal.

She easily parried my blow. But I had really conveyed it.

Facing me, who was breathing raggedly and had my <Dagger> deflected and

lowered my arm, Aizu-san only stared in silence.

Suddenly, a brilliant light came down from the morning sun. Under this

increasingly intense light, it was difficult to open my eyes.

Following that moment, on the opposite side of the light, I had a feeling that person

was happily smiling.

“With this, it is over……”

Aizu-san quietly murmured to herself.

From the surrounding walls, you could clearly see a portion of the sun had

emerged from the eastern skies. That is the signal declaring the end of this weeklong

training.

My face turned to the side temporarily and watched the scenery. Then as my gaze

intersected with hers, who was also watching the same view, I bowed my head.

“Thank you for everything so far.”

While I stared at the stone floor, I bowed down for a period of time.

When I recalled this, it feels so short. In essence, it was only a very short week.

Towards this dream-like moment, I clenched my teeth tightly.

Shortly after I raised my head, Aizu-san still had a face that lacks emotions, but her

eyebrows had relaxed. At the same time, she whispered with a warm voice.

“I should also thank you……I was happy.”

For this appearance, for this fleeting smile, the beautiful morning scene created a

golden border for it.

In the end, I was still completely red. After opening and closing my mouth, I

bowed down my head and did nothing.

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“……Then from now on, good luck.”

“……Okay.”

After the farewell that was treasured like god, that person turned her back from this

side and slowly walked away.

Staring at her back that was disappearing in the dazzling light, I wondered if I

could reach her.

I thought to myself. These pair of hands, just like the moment earlier, could it

reach that person’s side?

During this week’s time, I could see that the distance from that person was still

arguably far away.

Simply to the extent where I would stand there in stun. Simply to the extent where

it made one feel it was hopeless.

Can I really chase after that silhouette?

“……”

Even so, I must chase after it.

If I do not try, then it will definitely be out of reach. Nothing will ever begin.

In order to stand by her side. In order to catch up to her.

Towards that silhouette……That height, I must continue to stretch my hands out

once again.

Even if I am currently embracing my shapeless and collapsing, weak heart. Even if

that’s the case, I must vow towards this clear morning.

I also turned my back towards her, who was gradually disappearing, and began to

walk in the opposite direction.

× × ×

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After Eina had organized the documents spread on her work counter, she sighed

out loud.

From her surroundings, rustling sounds of preparing to return home came from the

colleagues that were split apart due to work.

Hanging on the wall, near the ceiling, a clock was currently hovering around 8 o’

clock at night. Inside the office of the guild headquarters, there were only a few

groups of staff left. It looks exceptionally quiet.

Why not find something to drink? Just when Eina had this thought while she

surveyed the surroundings, the sound of her receptionist friend came from the

depths of the room.

“Fu—ah, Eina, help me out—! There is so much that I won’t finish even if it is till

tomor—row!?”

“……You brought this up yourself. It is Misha’s fault for not working until today.”

After a deep sigh, she bluntly refused the cry of her human friend.

On the work counter of the female employee with a child-like face, Misha,

numerous documents were piled up like a tiny mountain.

It was to assemble the records of the information, which they requested from Gods,

for various <Familia>. This is the result of this person, who had gradually

accumulated this work by slacking off.

“Why are there so many people that <Level Up> in this period!? It’s too much~,

all of them <Level Up> at this last minute! Whose plan is this!?”

“I say you, don’t talk about the crystallization of Adventurer’s blood and sweat as

that kind of thing. If you had honestly worked from the beginning, then you would

not have been reduced to such a fate, right?”

“Yes, I’m reflecting on it, reflecting on it……Eina, help!?”

“No—Way.”

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As if the conversation had ended, Eina turned her back away. While Eina received

a complaint “How unloyal—!”, she sighed and thought about bringing a coffee

over later.

“……”

As if she was immersed in the aftertaste after her work was done, she supported

her slim chin with her two elbows propped up. Eina gazed at the paper that was

swiftly written.

An application. On this document written with a few large characters, the summary

of it was to persuade and change the operational attitude of <Soma’s Familia>.

It was her own handwritten report after listening to Loki’s and Bell’s words.

Eina did not want to punish the <Soma’s Familia>. Although she had thought

about it, but she did not mean to condemn the internal laissez-faire management of

the <Familia>.

However, if she really wanted to punish them, based on Bell and Lili’s words, they

should indeed be the side that was punished from a fair standpoint. Regardless of

whether or not there were appropriate reasons, being condemned was unavoidable.

Eina had never thought of wanting to be like a Goddess of Justice and holding a

sword and a scale in her hands.

At least, she believes that it was a territory that she should not be involved in.

Only, although that is the case.

If they were to change a bit and allowing the living environments of Adventurers

and Supporters to be improved, there is no need to hesitate whether she should get

involved or not.

No matter what, Eina, who placed more importance on whether the Adventurers

would return from the Dungeon than anything else, would wade through this

flowing water.

(Since I had taken up a side of a specific <Familia>, I have already been unable to

give a convincing explanation for self-defense……)

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In front of this report that seems to rat upon someone, Eina was already aware that

it was mixed largely with her own personal affairs.

The specific <Familia> …….which is Bell and the others.

Based on the results, Eina was too concerned about that boy. So she did acts of

intruding upon the <Loki’s Familia> and deliberately planning on harming the

<Soma’s Familia>.

On the surface, it was an act that betrayed the neutrality behavior of the guild. This

was a completely different matter than the act of giving advice out to Bell after

discussing with him.

Abuse of power. As a member of the guild, she could be considered as a failure.

(……However, it is worst to sit here idly without caring about it)

Even if she did not deserve to be a member of the guild, Eina did not want to lose

her identity as Eina Tulles. Even if it was only a specious argument, she had

already decided.

The noble blood that runs inside her body was the same as Riveria. Even if she was

to say it was for the pride of her insignificant half-elf side, but she still did not

want to pretend that she had not seen it. This was something that Eina thought

from the bottom of her heart.

(If she was fired……Then let me join <Hestia’s Familia>)

They can’t be that irresponsible for their actions. She playfully thought about this

and continued to think about the events after switching her job.

While swaying her semi-long brown hair, Eina could not help but give a wry smile

towards her own delusions.

“What is it, Eina? You suddenly giggled.”

“I did not giggle. That’s going too far!”

“What’s the problem with it, did something happen? I was curious.”

“No……Only that I thought about the future events after switching my job……”

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“After switching jobs, huh……It can’t be! Eina, you’re not going to work in the

guild!?”

The moment Misha raised her voice, “Gata!?”, the other employees all stood up

from their chair at the same time. All of them were male.

Eina was suddenly dumbfounded in front of this uniform scene, at the same time,

she hurried to correct the misconception of her friend.

“N…Nono. I am saying, the events after I get fired by the guild. I do not have any

plans on resigning.”

“What, don’t scare me like this……Eina being fired, impossible, impossible.”

Towards her friend’s words, it might not be the case, Eina held back in her impulse

of giving a wry smile.

The male lineup that stood up all sighed, “Fu……”, and sat back down at ease.

(Well, anyways……)

If this report was approved by the top, then perhaps they could made Soma care

more about the management problems in <Soma’s Familia>.

Even if the faction, itself, has no problems, the Adventurer members’ activities

outside of their headquarters were also reaching closer from a grey area to a black

area. Also, according to Bell’s testimony about harming the civilians, it was almost

confirmed that they will receive some sort of a punishment.

If they ignore the warning, based on the situation, they may be forced out of Orario.

It was about the continued existence of the <Familia>.

Even if it was Soma, who is only interested in his hobbies, he would have to

seriously consider the management direction.

(Arde does not seem to be a Hobbit that has evil intentions……)

After interviewing with the flower shop that was forced into the dispute between

Lili and the <Familia>, the old couple had once expressed that they were ashamed

of themselves.

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They say, since the day that girl was driven out , some money would be placed in

front of the shop unknowingly. It was because of this that they did not submit an

application of being harmed to the guild.

They had wish Eina to convey words of apology towards the girl on behalf of them,

but Eina did not accept. Conveying these words would the job of the parties

involved.

(……Adventurer’s blood and sweat, is it?)

Eina once again muttered the words that she had said by herself.

As if she was looking at a very far away about, her gaze slightly raised up.

(If the Adventurers use their own feet to trample others……Then that blood and

sweat is also the thing from an unknown person)

There is no way that everything will go smoothly, Eina thought.

Eina, who wished for the Adventurer’s safety, wanted to support them. However,

this belief was deliberately shaken. Among them, there exist people who could

keep a straight face while doing hideous acts that could not be ignored.

Two contrasting, complex emotions. It was not limited to just this incident. Eina

had occasionally felt a sense of emptiness for her own actions. It was a feeling that

was enough to shake her.

Although she understood that she was just overthinking about this, but she could

not eliminate these negative feelings.

“……Tu—lle.”

“Ah, yes?”

Eina, who was immersed in her own thoughts, raised her face as she was called by

a nearby voice.

The male employee that was sitting near the window of the work counter pointed

towards the entrance of the hall.

Eina’s gaze moved over to that side. Only then did she notice that Bell, who came

back from the Dungeon, was entering the guild headquarters.

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“…….Sorry. Thank you very much.”

Eina bowed her head and got up from her seat.

Her originally cloudy face had brightened up, not even she, herself, had noticed it.

She picked up this pace a little and walked in the direction of the hall.

(……But, it isn’t that there aren’t Adventurers that are desperately working hard.)

When he saw the face of Eina, who peeked out from the front desk, Bell

immediately smiled.

Eina, too, smiled and waved her hand.

As expected, Eina likes Adventurers.

Although many of them were boorish people, but by looking at these careless

individuals, you will cheer up just by looking at them. It feels just about right.

Even if there exist Adventurers that would only move based on their self-interest

and would not save Supporters. The ones that save the Supporters are also

Adventurers.

If she was to say it was for them, the worries that Eina had about being dismissed

would all be destroyed. Not wanting Adventurers to die was by no means a lie.

This was what Eina thought as she looked at the immature Adventurer’s face that

she was responsible for.

(Although it was often said that good people often have a premature death

compared to bad people……)

Eina did not wish to believe, cannot believe it. At least in order for him to not die,

Eina was also making efforts about it currently.

And, that <Superstition> had no basis for it.

This was the Labyrinth City Orario.

Even the noble Gods could not foresee what will happen, the world’s most

capricious city.

158

× × ×

Kanu could only stand there, stunned.

“K…Kanu!? Help ——!!”

In front of the scene of blood, his eyes were frozen.

“GUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU……!”

A scarlet, red, ferocious Bull.

The Monster that was completed dyed in crimson liquid was over 2 meters, it was

currently facing the distant sky, the Dungeon’s ceiling, as it issued our a roar.

“VOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

!”

A loud sound.

Under the threat of the roar that seems to be able to shatter the eardrums, Kanu

nearly fell down on his butt.

A huge body filled with muscles. A vicious weapon covered its entire body.

Following, it was the decisive pressure.

<Minotaur>.

In the truest sense, it was a Monster that everybody in the world knew as a

synonym for a Monster. Right now, it was currently wielding a Large Sword and

slaughtering Adventurers.

It all started because it had witnessed a group of Amazon surrounding a burly man.

Within the room, a blazing fight was being carried out. It was a intense fight that

was being fought between strong individuals that did not belong in the <Upper

Floors>.

Although at first, Kanu had aimed for the lone Adventurers in order to steal, but

after seeing the emblem on the lone beastman’s equipment ——A side profile of a

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Valkyrie with golden jewelry as the rim —— He understood that it was a battle

between <Familia>.

The <Freya’s Familia> that the beastman belongs to——Mainly because of the

Goddess’s jealousy towards Freya’s beauty——had many enemies.

Goddess Freya had a quirk of hastily nodding when she is interested. As long as

her own members wanted to enter the Dungeon alone, then it was quite obvious

that it would be dangerous.

Speaking of which, although at that time, Kanu did not know about the specific

information, but information about Ottar being witnessed in the 17th floor alone

had already spread throughout the week. This battle was a planned attack by a

certain Goddess who believed it was a good opportunity.

Although Kanu could only leak out moaning sounds in face of this different

dimensional battle,then at that time, he suddenly noticed it.

Ignoring the gap between numbers, the beastman seemed to protect the cargo

behind him as he continued to fight.

This was the crossroad of fate.

Kanu and his party took a roundabout way and circled to his back in the Dungeon.

They aimed for a gap and instantly snatched the cargo away. Although a cold howl

made his heart freeze, but it was better to say that was all. Ottar was currently

being suppressed by the enemy forces and it was confirmed that he could not

temporarily escape.

Kanu and the others hurriedly moved forward in the Dungeon. This size of a cargo

box, even if they wanted to open up a distance, it was not so simple to transport.

They must get away from here as soon as possible.

He had no doubt that this was a reward of a First-Class Adventurer. What great

value would it bring, Kanu darkly thought to himself. A few days ago, he had

snatched from a Hobbit that was once his companion……and obtained a Magic

Sword. This time, it should be much better than that. His luck has come, and he

firmly believed it.

After he made sure he was separated by a sufficient distance, Kanu and his party

could not wait to open the cargo box and leaned over to take a peek.

160

To see the item that was locked inside the cargo box.

To see the Monster named Minotaur that had lost its freedom and was bounded by

chains.

Without exception, the thoughts of the people at the scene were dyed completely

white.

Then swiftly, their visions were also dyed blood red at the same time.

One of its horns was already broken. The Minotaur excitedly breathed out raggedly

from his nose and turned around and torn the chains into iron pieces. Kanu’s

companions that were standing nearby had become rotten fruits.

While he offering cries of blessing as if the world was about to end, the Minotaur

issued out screams of joy.

“Hyah……Hyyaahhhhhh!?”

The companions of this male human were brutally murdered. At the same time he

issued out a voice that seemed to be broken, he scurried away in panic.

The grass that had grown on the ground had already become a sea of blood. One of

his companions that had already died turned into paint and made this miserable

scene vividly contrasting. Floating in the air was a thick atmosphere of death.

The Adventurer that covered his head and ran away, could it be that he lost his

calm judgment, he forced himself to a corner of the room.

The Minotaur marched at a leisurely pace and in a unhurried manner, it approached

the human that was exposing his back.

The figure of the Monster armed with the Large Sword inside the cargo box was

extremely unnatural. Kanu felt that the scene he was looking at was completely far

away from reality.

“III, Don’t come over……!?”

“VOOOOOOOOOO……!”

“UWAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!?”

161

162

Looking at his companion, who finally noticed that he was forced to act out a

tragic one-man skit, Kanu could not laugh.

His body and mind was motionless, only the color of his face was constantly

changing. His gaze was fixed at that point.

“VOOOOOO……!”

“Why, why you bastard, why would you be hereeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!?”

Towards this human male that was facing the wall with his back, the Minotaur only

raised its arm and looked over.

Facing the shrill voice of his opponent, who was cowering on the ground, the

Monster instinctively lifted the Large Sword.

It gave off a slim expression. The body filled with muscles, zuruzuru, and

entangled each other. This figure looked just like the same as an execution

platform.

The giant dark shadow covered the entire human male, despair was shown on his

voice.

The call that could not be considered as a sound echoed grandly in the room, and in

an instant.

“Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!”

Dogon, the Large Sword was swung down and created a roar.

Gucha, from the inner side of the Minotaur, crimson red liquid flew everywhere.

“……Ah?”

Being blocked by the back of giant bones, Kanu could not confirm what kind of

meat pieces his companion became from his current position.

However, the red liquid and the meat pieces stuck onto the ground and the wall

tells everything.

Even forgetting to hide and could only stay here stunned, Kanu witnessed this

scene until the end at the entrance of the path. He leaked out a dry sound.

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“——VO”

Then, that sound entered the Minotaur’s ears.

Turning around, it revealed a tensed face.

With fresh blood as a makeup on top of this ferocious face, its eyeball turned

around and looked towards Kanu.

His heart seemed to have frozen stiff and his breathing was awkwardly blocked up.

“VOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

O!”

Turning around, he used all his strength and pressed onto the floor.

The violent roar was still lingering in his ears, Kanu used all his strength to escape

from that place.

Quickly, as if a hammer hit the floor, extremely heavy footsteps rang out. His eyes

began to widen.

The extremely ugly death god was catching up at a formidable speed.

(D…Don’t joke around ——!?)

His breathing had become strange. His tongue had an intolerable thirst. He could

not think properly and repeatedly stimulated his brain.

It feels that his brain inside his head was boiling up. Hot. Anyways, it was

extremely hot.

As if he was mad, his sweat continued to flow out.

Ignoring everything, Kanu desperately continued to run away. A few times, his

legs got tangled up. He blindly ran away.

It was currently late at night. There was not even a shadow of a nearby Adventurer.

The empty Dungeon seems like a labyrinth to Kanu. It feels that no matter how

long he ran, he still could not escape from the same view.

(Can’t throw it off, can’t throw it off, can’t throw it offffff……!?”

164

There was only a certain distance between the huge presence that continued to

linger and chase after Kanu.

A powerful feeling of discord. As if he was given a steady stream of heavy

pressure that he would definitely be caught.

The ferocious Bull that should have been known for rampaging instead revealed a

feeling as if it was a cunning hunter. There was no mistake, Kanu let out his desire

to cry out.

As a replacement of having one of his horns being broken by one person, in

exchange for that pain, it had actually obtained wisdom.

The Minotaur holding a Large Sword was wholeheartedly chasing after Kanu.

“Ha, Ha,Haahhhhhh!?”

The Monster behind him was constantly approaching, Kanu, who was breathing

raggedly, drastically changed his direction and headed off towards an open path.

Anyways, he have to run forward. He must pull away.

He had long forgotten his calmness. He was only eager to be liberated from this

fear.

Where to go, how to go? He did not know.

He could only desperately continue to move.

By the time he noticed, Kanu had entered a dead end.

“Ka……!?”

It feels like his eyes almost popped out from their sockets.

As if the fragment of his sound that he desperately squeezed out leaked out from

his throat.

His two eyes were trembling. Following this, Kanu suddenly turned around to the

rear.

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The roaring footstep sounds had been interrupted. The stunning silence seemed to

have descended for this moment.

In the next moment, a voo sound.

A Minotaur with one horn stuck its head from around the corner.

“~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!?”

Screams were scattered.

Once one had passed their limits, panicking was extremely simple.

The Minotaur held the Large Sword as it completely revealed itself from the corner.

Indeed, this high quality and large piece of metal was only an ordinary one-handed

sword for this large body.

From the depths of the gaping white teeth, hideous breaths continue to surge out.

Eyes filled with blood and a weapon wet with crimson color. It was craving for the

next sacrifice.

“D…Don’t come over to meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!?”

Kanu reached towards his waist and pulled out the red dagger.

Then he swung the <Magic Sword> towards the Monster that was approaching

slowly.

“GUVO……!”

“Don’t come over, disappear, go dieeeeee!!”

The fireball released by the Dagger hit the Minotaur.

Kanu recklessly swung the Dagger and released countless times of Magic that had

its power reduced. Within the space where there was nowhere to run, small-scale

explosions continued.

Facing the Minotaur that seemed to swing his burly arms back and forth, Kanu

sustained a mental breakdown and continued to swing the Magic

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Sword……Shortly after, the red blade issued out a cry and was covered with fine

cracks.

“Ha……Haaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!?”

As if the blade had lost its light, numerous iron filings dropped onto the ground.

He widened his eyes at the same time he voice his dismay. The Magic Sword had

surpassed its usage and shattered by itself.

Finally, in the end, Kanu was still betrayed by his weapon.

“Fuuu, Fuuu……!”

“Hiiiiiiiiiiiii!?”

The Monster that still had fire on his body was in front of his eyes.

The eyes that were shrouded in anger were currently looking down on Kanu.

An instant later, the huge silhouette extended the muscles in its upper arms and

lifted the sword above its head.

“N…NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ———

—“

Following the feeling of his forehead severely cut apart, Kanu’s consciousness

completely collapsed.

× × ×

The handle of the cup broke.

“……”

Hestia suddenly stopped her actions and tightly looked over at that piece of pottery.

Without showing any signs, the white tea cup on the table broke. The curved

handle fell down onto the table.

167

Although the body of the cup had avoided from being completely destroyed, but

white colored pieces still scattered everywhere.

“……”

Hestia, who remained silent for a period of time, raised her head from the

unnaturally broken cup and look at Bell, who was scurrying back and forth in the

kitchen.

After ending the training with Aizu, the boy, who had become energetic, seems

like he will be going to the Dungeon a bit earlier today. There was no time left

compared to usual.

After switching her gaze with Bell, who had finished wearing his Adventurer-only

tight shirt and pants, and the tea cup, Hestia felt an indescribable anxiety.

“Then Kami-sama, the follow-up work is almost completely done! You only have

to open the Magic Stone device in the end!”

“Ah……Bell-kun!”

Towards Bell, who had raised the light backpack and was prepared to leave, Hestia

immediately reacted and called him to stop. Thus, he stopped and turned over with

an incredulous expression.

Hestia was loss for words. She could not say “Because I have a bad feeling, so

don’t go to the Dungeon today” these words without any basis. Even if it was

herself, she would also have thoughts of “What is this about”.

However, she could not ignore the fact that she was agitated deep inside her chest.

She instantly looked at the broken cup that seemed to declare an omen and,

gumumu, whispered.

“Ah…Ahhh……You see, why not update your <Status>? We haven’t done that

recently, right?”

“About that……”

“What, it will be done soon. No need to worry about the time. So……please?”

168

Even Hestia herself felt that she was currently having a confused-like smile.

However, Bell could not throw away her, who was like that, and lowered her

eyebrow and smiled as he accepted the proposal.

Hestia temporarily place the fact about the teacup being broken to one side and

began to nimbly move her hands and update the <Status>.

“……Unnn, Bell-kun? Are you cooperating well with that Supporter-kun?”

“Kami-sama……Since a while ago, you kept asking the same questions?”

“D…Did I?”

Due to the fact that she could not calm down when it was silent, so she attempted

to speak, but instead she was given a wry smile by Bell.

Hestia, who was worried about various things when he was exploring the Dungeon

together with Lili, had already repeatedly raised the same question over and over

again.

Her face turned red as she sat on Bell’s back and she coughed a bit. Then, she used

a needle to allow her finger to leak out some of the God’s blood and moved her

tiny hands on the engraved <Sacred Text>.

“Speaking of which, was it a week ago? Weren’t you trained well by that <Sword

Princess>? The <Endurance> proficiency must have improved so much that it left

the other basic abilities behind.”

“……Ha…Hahaha.”

While listening to Bell’s dry laugh, she continued to update the <Status>.

Should she say that it was expected, Hestia’s mood gradually became worst as she

continued with the update operation. This goes without saying that it was the fault

of the growth rate caused by the <Single-Minded Pursuit>.

Hestia revealed an unprecedented, dull expression and asked the matter she was

concerned about a few days ago.

169

“Bell-kun. Although I feel somewhat embarrassed for being so inquisitive, but did

you do anything immoral……with the <Sword Princess>? For example……A lap

pillow or something similar.”

Buuu, Bell maintained his currently lying down state and spat out. Cough, cough,

he continued to choke as his ears turned crimson red in front of Hestia’s eyes.

That damn thieving cat Wallen-whatever……! Hestia clenched her teeth tightly as

she thought about this.

When did that happen that Bell’s <Status> growth had increased to another stage?

Based on the boy’s reactions, forget about a lap pillow, Hestia was convinced that

something happened that made his feelings increased.

Damn it, the flames of jealousy inside her heart was burning.

“A…About that, Kami-sama!? <Status> could also be strengthened outside of

battle with Monsters? Say, from training as well!?”

He wanted to change topics. Hestia thought this and thought there was no need to

pursue it further. If there needs to be a reason, it was because Hestia was a

Goddess. She would obvious forgive such trifle things.

Ah, her hand slipped. Busuri.

Bell began to sob and cried out. Pretending that she did not know why, Hestia

began to explain.

“Ahhh, it can be strengthened. Compared to discussing whether it was actual

combat or training, it is most important that it can turn into <Experience Point>

that is accumulated inside your body. A simple game or work would absolutely not

be treated as <Experience Point>. In turn, even if it was training, if you are

desperate and focused, then it will undoubtedly become food that was identified as

<Experience Point>.”

“So that’s how it is……”

“It is the same question whether if you could reliably turn it into your own use or

not. If you are able to leave a trace of it, then we can later excavate this.”

170

Although the argument of <Problem about selecting which side> and the mastery

of <Technique> was rather close, but it was not specifically revised. This kind of

explanation was probably easier for Bell to understand.

Soon after, the work for <Status> was about to be finished……Hestia quietly had

her mouth cramped out.

“UWAH…… Kami-sama, I’m sorry. I have to go!”

When Bell looked at the clock, his face became pale and he sat up.

He swiftly moved away from Hestia’s side, picked up his luggage and walked

straight towards the door.

“B…Bell-kun. There are still some <Status>……!”

“Sorry, I’ll listen to it later! I’m leaving!”

With a panicked expression, Bell left the house.

Hestia, who was left alone, lowered her outstretched arm, haa, and sighed.

Looking at the teacup on the table from the corner of her eyes, she then gaze back

towards the place where Bell’s back was earlier.

Once again, she recalled the information about the <Status>.

Bell Cranel

Lv.1

Strength: S 982

Endurance: S 900

Dexterity: S 988

Agility: SS 1049

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Magic: B 751

“What, SS is……”

As if she wanted to cling on her head, Hestia used her right hand and covered her

forehead.

× × ×

The sun was gradually exposing its face from the mountains east of Orario.

Inside the almost, topmost room of the residence, she could see past the walls that

surround the city and watch the brilliance flashes of mountains. Aizu was currently

looking at the scene outside of her window and narrowed her eyes slightly.

At the same time she was being bathed by the early sun, she abruptly pulled her

golden hair behind her.

She pulled out her only one weapon, a rapier, from her waist and allowing her thin

arm to completely touch it. It emitted a sonorous sound and she confirmed the

maintenance conditions. Then, she quietly faced forward.

Her complete equipment was reflected by a full-length mirror.

Under the sunlight, the pale blue armor, silver white chest protector and her waist

tools emitted out a little light.

She directly looked at the girl, who was crowned as the <Sword Princess> and was

feared by others as a battle maniac, Aizu.

“Hey, Aizu, are you not ready? How long do you plan on wasting time?”

“……Immediately, ready.”

Towards the door, she made a response back to Bate’s voice. Aizu looked away

from her own figure.

Since Aizu had levelled up to Lv.6, it had already been 12 days. Today was the

long-awaited Dungeon Raiding day.

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Gathering the <Loki’s Familia> members to explore the Deep Floors, the

scheduled date of the <Expedition>.

Towards the overly powerful Aizu Wallenstein, this was the only chance that she

would be able to reach new heights.

“Aizu, hurry —! Let’s compete on who kills more monsters —!”

“Annoying……Why are you here, Tiona?”

“That is my line. The loser dog should act like a loser dog and wag his tail and

leave!”

“I’m not a dog, I’m a wolf! Anyways, when did I lose!”

“Even though you were rejected completely and were injured all over your body!

You even say something like “ I’m a loser dog, so sorr —yy!” ! N —O —O!”

“GUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!?”

Ignoring the bustling sounds from the opposite side of the door, Aizu threw out her

final glance.

A sound tapping her ears. In the early morning skies, a metallic sound was

constantly expanding.

The slender clock tower located at the east side of the town began to let out a

heavy whine.

× × ×

Chiri, my neck felt a bit of pain.

“…….”

“Bell-sama?”

I placed a hand on top of my head while I surveyed the surroundings.

The vast floor with wood-colored walls and growing short flowers and trees. In

this room on the 9th floor, I could not hide my surprised expression.

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I could also not give a proper explanation to Lili, who was beside me.

“Is there something that you care about?”

“……No, how shall I put it?”

……Should I say we were being stared at?

My own body was being ambiguous and could only feel eyes lurking from

somewhere.

Although I could not feel any hostility or intent to harm us……However, a vague

sense of unease gradually pressed onto my shoulders.

Because today we plan on breaking through the 10th floor, so we came early in the

morning to the Dungeon. There are very little Adventurers.

On the path of coming here, we only encountered one extremely burly, beastman

Adventurer.

Although if I say we were followed, but under normal circumstances, that is

impossible……However, gradually, it feels that I could not easily brush off this

illusion.

“Lili, can we switch back our equipment from here on?”

“Ah, o…okay.”

Was he showing a sense of nervousness that was different than usual? Lili

hurriedly handed over the hand guard on her back and the <Baselard>.

I equipped the light armor that was stuffed inside my backpack and fully equipped

myself.

Although I felt slightly relaxed under the touch of my accustomed

equipment……but the sinister feelings that was being revealed between my

eyebrows, could not be completely eliminated.

A disgusting feeling. My heart cried out softly.

“Do you feel that it is strange……?”

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“Strange, is it?”

“The amount of Monsters are too little.”

I said the doubt that was haunting my earlier. Lili also said “Speaking of

which……” and turned her head towards the path where we had just passed

through.

Since entering the 9th floor, the Dungeon had become eerily quiet. It would not be

wrong to say that our current location was at the depths of the floor. However,

even when the 10th floor was right in front of our eyes, we have still not yet

encountered a Monster.

At most, we would only occasionally glimpse a Goblin, who was scurrying around,

trying to find a shelter.

(How should I say it……It feels very uncomfortable.)

These feelings continued to accumulate. It feels that my stomach had started to

ache a little.

It feels that the thing that I did not want to recall was currently being dug out.

That’s right.

At that time, the Dungeon was also this quiet……

I could only shake my head here.

“B…Bell-sama?”

“……Let’s go. To the 10th floor.

I controlled my mouth and forcibly said this.

I could not say these words, “Let’s leave immediately right now” and so on, and an

unpromising feeling was always stuck inside my heart.

In the corner of my heart, it seemed to be urging me to continue to move forward.

In the room that had two entrances, we prepared to take a step towards the

direction that connected to the 10th floor ——At this moment.

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——Come, let me see this?

Towards the seductive voice that I seem to have heard from somewhere and

resounded in my head directly, I widened my eyes.

In the next instant.

“——VO ——OOO”

My feet were fixed.

“……..”

“J…Just now, that was……?”

Lili seemed to have said something. However, it did not enter my head.

Did I hear something?

Yes, I did hear something.

The shattering roaring sound was similar to the sound I seared inside my mind. It

was currently making my nerves extremely anxious.

“………….”

Just like a toy that hadn’t been smeared before, my actions were like rusty and

slow as I turned my head behind.

The source of the sound came from the direction that we had just travelled. In the

depths of that path, there is something.

When I noticed, my breathing had already become ragged. My fingers were

trembling and I could not use any strength.

Instead of my throat, my head suddenly emerged the words “Lies”. Like a children,

I cried out that this kind of situation can’t happen.

While Lili was swallowing her saliva and staring intently, I continued to pray.

Then,

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“……VOOOO”

It appeared.

“——Eh?”

“……”

My premonition came true. It really came true.

No, if I had to get to the bottom of this, it is impossible for me to forget that

bastard’s voice.

I already do not know how many times that it appeared in my dreams. I already do

not know how many times that face had overlapped with other monsters.

How many times did I feel fear from that bastard, it was already uncountable.

“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO……”

“W…Why is there a Minotaur on the 9th floor……”

I wanted to ask.

Ahhh, but I knew.

I knew that this was an unendurable last resort.

I knew that this was a sense of despair that could not be described.

This trembling, I had already experienced before.

It was the same.

It was the same as that time.

“VOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

!”

The ferocious bull roared.

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Engulfed by a force and pressure that could not be underestimated, it was a simple

roar that has the intent of having a confrontation.

Facing the terrifying roar, Lili and I nearly fell down on the floor.

Following, that bastard’s was equipped with a silver sword dyed with red. One step,

it slowly treaded on the ground.

“L…Let’s escape, Bell-sama!? Right now, Lili and you cannot defeat it! Let’s

currently escape from here……Bell-sama?”

My gaze could not move.

My feet also could not move.

Under the gaze of the black, red eyes from that Monster, my movement had been

deprived.

Perhaps, it was closer to that I had already given up.

When I was small, my grandfather had often used scarecrows to play skits of

heroes in order to make me happy……Right now, it was exactly like that.

“Bell-sama!? Bell-sama!?”

Scary Scary Scary Scary Scary Scary Scary Scary Scary Scary Scary Scary Scary

Scary Scary.

Extremely Scary.

That Monster was scary to the extent of that it was chaotic.

The corner of my eyes was filled with tears. My lungs continued to breathe and sub.

My teeth could not be clenched tightly.

What color had my face become, I already could not predict it.

Every time the two feet with hooves step onto the grass, I would overlap that with

myself.

The symbol of terror inside my heart made the air inside my body swell up.

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“VOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

The Minotaur became a cannonball.

With a frightening speed, it dashed through the center of the room and completely

ate away the distance separating us.

I did not pull out my weapon. There was nothing that I could do.

It was over.

In a blink of an eye, the huge bull approached and used an exaggerated movement

to swing the Large Sword down.

“——Ah!?”

“Eh?”

In my rotating field of vision, a mosquito-like cry entered my ears.

Earlier than I realize that I was still alive, I confirmed the temperature of Lili that

was lying on top of my belly.

From her head, a large amount of blood was leaking out.

“L…Lili…..?”

I was thrown to the ground. Probably, it was due to Lili’s slam.

Due to her throwing herself to the side, I had successfully dodged the Minotaur’s

attack. As a replacement, Lili was injured.

Was it skimped by the Large Sword? No, the Minotaur had caused many shattered

rocks to move and it directly head Lili’s head?

After withstanding the powerful attack, the ground had completely shattered. Large

amount of flowers, grass and even hard clods of dirt were flung to the sky.

Lili distorted her face and issued out a faint moan.

KAAAA, my entire body heated up.

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“!!”

I forcibly inject power to my limp and discouraged muscles and stood up.

Scary. Very scary. In my heart, there was only terror.

In front of my eyes, the howling Minotaur was still unbearably scary.

However, letting this child to die ——was even more scary.

“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Sorry! In my heart, I apologized while I decided to throw Lili’s body to the side.

There was no time to confirm how that petite body was. I directly confronted the

Minotaur who had turned around.

My teeth were rested on my trembling lips and I severely bit into them. Before the

roaring Large Sword could kill me, I reflexively stretched out my right arm and

shouted out.

“——FIRE BOLTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!?”

“BUOOO!?”

Scarlet lightning caused the actions of the Minotaur to bounce away.

Under the power of the blooming flame flower <Fire Bolt>, the ferocious Bull was

pressured and retreated.

Inside my round eyes, a faint hope of overcoming the odds appeared distantly.

I began to use Magic as if I was possessed.

‘WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!?”

Hit. Hit. Hit.

As if I was blinded and continuously swinging my sword, I repeatedly launched

Magic.

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The sharp flame spears stabbed through the enemy’s huge body numerous times

and exploded. Following the explosion sound, violent flames leap out.

The Minotaur issued out an anguished voice and retreated one step at a time, then

it disappeared into the continuous chains of explosion.

I tightly held onto the magic as if I was clutching my last hope.

If I did not have this power at this time, I seemed to beg like this as I continued to

desperately fire out my last ray of hope <Fire Bolt>.

Inside my heart, I continued to pull the trigger for Magic.

“Ha…Ha……!”

When my mind had fully regained consciousness, I stopped the Magic. My field of

vision was completely buried with black smoke.

The smell of burnt soil and grass stimulated my nose. I could not see the figure of

the Minotaur.

——Did I beat it?

There was absolutely no response. In front of the space where flames still remained,

I lowered my right arm.

“VOOOO”

“——“

Bang, the sound of wind breaking apart entered my ear.

At the same time the black smoke was turning into a whirlwind, a large arm

stretched out from within.

From below, the rock-like fists depicted an arc. I maintained the state where I was

hit in the abdomen and stopped.

The feeling of the hoof biting into my arm.

The impact following by an explosion.

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“GA!?”

My vision trembled. The air inside my body was forced out and when I had yet

grasp the situation, my body flew towards the rear.

The only thing that I was clear about was the fact that I was saved by Aizu-san.

Relying on the act of immediately jumping backwards, the force that assaulted me

was halved.

It was impossible to want to completely cancel out that shock. If I had stayed still,

I would undoubtedly be hit in the abdomen and in a state where I would burst into

tears, I would hit the Dungeon’s wall.

“~~~~~~~~~~~~!? ……Ah,Gi!?”

The wall was destroyed. With half of my body buried into the wall, under the pain

that came forth, I groaned in pain.

I could not issue out my voice. A part of the wall issued out a sound of collapsing

and a rain of stone pieces fell onto my butt.

It had directly hit the center of my light armor, and like in a literal sense, it was

completely destroyed.

The part at my back that had received a terrible impact seemed to be serious as

well. In an instant, I removed it. The instant I loosened the support for the armor,

it instantly collapsed onto the floor.

In the end, how much do I have to be hit till it is happy……!?

My upper body only had a ragged tight shirt and at the same time, I tried to let my

trembling legs to stand up.

“FUMUUUUUUUUUUU……!”

“……!”

The muscles on my face tensed up.

It was uninjured.

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Even though it was hit by so many blast of <Fire Bolt>, the Minotaur’s entire body

was fine, there was no apparent injuries.

My Magic only caused the thick skin to suffer from some burns and did not give it

a fatal injury.

My teeth trembled nonstop.

Staring at me, who was at loss, the Minotaur, who lost one of its horns, was roaring

towards the sky.

“VOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!”

This is an Adventure.

This is the Adventurer’s , Bell Cranel’s, first Adventure.

——I can’t win.

Witnessing the bull issuing out a roar towards the sky, I could only see the despair.

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