Chapter 10

While keeping an eye on Mirei, who was in a combat stance, Gulf glared at Rio.

Rio stood there completely defenseless, showing no willingness to fight.

"...This is boring. Say something more interesting, damn it."

Gulf lowered his hand from his sword.

"Even if I cut down a level 1, I won't get any experience points. It'll just rust my sword."

"It's because you don't take proper care of it regularly."

"Shut up, Mirei! Damn, I've wasted my time."

Cracking his neck, Gulf clicked his tongue.

(This guy... He didn't even flinch at my glare, not even a twitch of his eyebrow.)

The level difference was overwhelming.

Yet, his high-level [Intimidate] skill had no effect, which frustrated Gulf.

"Come on, Mirei, let's go. If the captain scolds us, it's your fault."

Leaving Rio, Gulf walked briskly into the depths of the cave.

"Hey, Gulf! Apologize!"

"I don't care."

"But... Hmm, if you say so, I guess it's fine..."

"Don't worry about the way back. I'm sure those three are waiting for us upstairs."

"Understood. Please be careful on the way."

Mirei, looking apologetic, bowed and was about to turn around—then faced Rio again.

"Um, are you Rio, right?"

Rio was widely advertised through the Adventurer's Guild as a 'porter who will definitely bring back the goods' to ensure that even level 1 adventurers could trust him.

So it wasn't surprising that she knew him.

"Yeah, that's me."

Honest in his answer, he knew she was unaware that he had a brother, or that his name was 'Rio.' If that goddess hadn't accidentally mentioned it...

"Rio... Rio, that's a nice name."

Mirei smiled like a blooming flower but then looked troubled.

"Um... Well, I—"

She pursed her lips tightly and then, with a strong gleam in her black eyes, said:

"I have a brother. An older brother, two years older..."

His heart skipped a beat, but Rio managed to keep his expression neutral.

"How old are you, Rio?"

After a moment's hesitation, Rio answered firmly.

"I'm 14."

"!? Two years older than me... Black hair and black eyes, just like me... Could it be, Rio—"

"Sorry, but I'm not your brother. I don't have any information about him. I'm a newcomer to this island, having arrived two years ago."

"Eh...? You're from outside the island?"

Since leaving the goddess's residence, Rio had been pretending to be 'from outside the island.' He had no last name, just 'Rio.' He had abandoned the 'Nieberg' name because it was too well-known, and if Mirei heard it, she might recognize him as her brother.

"In the past two years, I've met many adventurers, but black hair and black eyes aren't that rare. Even if we limit it to 14-year-olds, there are many people living on this island besides adventurers. It might be difficult to find him."

Mirei's shoulders slumped, but she quickly straightened her back.

"No, I won't give up! I have to see my brother! That's why I became an adventurer and met the goddess—"

So, her wish was to find her brother, he thought, but it was a bit off.

"To get my brother back from the goddess!"

"Hmm?" Rio tilted his head to the side.

"You mean... Is that so?"

Excited, Mirei had started calling her brother 'big brother.'

"Yes. Kidnapped by a god? That's what happened. So she must know where my brother is!"

He thought she knew. Probably watching right now.

"Or maybe he's escaped and is somewhere on this island."

It was mostly accurate. He hadn't escaped, but the flow of the conversation caught him off guard.

Who had told her she had a brother and that he was with the goddess?

There was only one person who could have done that. Or rather, one deity. But why would the goddess deliberately tell Mirei?

"In any case, if you have any information, no matter how small, please let me know. Of course, I'll pay a reward!"

Mirei, who had been stern, ended with an innocent smile.

"See you again, Rio!"

She waved and ran off as quickly as she had appeared.

(Something strange happened.)

Rio carried the large load.

He was happy to have met his sister.

It was mysterious that she knew about his brother, but her desire to meet him made his heart leap.

However, Rio was not free to reveal himself as her brother.

It was part of the contract he had made with the goddess to save his sister's life.

Running from the sixth floor to the stairs leading to the upper floor, he found the familiar trio waiting. The adventurers who had hired him.

Upon spotting Rio, they all ran towards him with incredible speed.

"Whoa! You're alive, you bastard!"

"You stayed behind to let us escape, in such a dangerous place..."

"Thank goodness you're safe! Really, thank you..."

They hugged and jostled him, mainly the swordsman. Despite his tough appearance, he was quite emotional.

Managing to separate them and calm them down, Rio said:

"I won't die, so it's fine."

"Even so, it must have hurt!"

"That was a huge club!"

"It's hard to believe you survived with your body intact!"

They were far from calm.

"Anyway, thank you. I was saved by the help. The luggage is safe too."

"The luggage again," the swordsman said, exasperated.

"Right. Hiring you was the right choice. The young girl aside, the werewolf man seemed strong."

He would tell them later that the girl had instantly killed a Low Cyclops and the werewolf had not only helped but also picked a fight.

"What are you going to do now? Even if this floor is too difficult, the upper floors are perfect for leveling up."

"After a discussion, we decided to return to town if we met you. Then—"

The female knight said apologetically.

"We want to terminate our contract with you."

They had a contract for a few days.

"We realized our judgment was too lax. We underestimated this island. We need to train and level up in a dungeon that matches our abilities."

"I don't mind. I think it's for the best."

They had saved their lives. He didn't want them to waste it.

The swordsman put his hand on Rio's shoulder and pulled him close.

"So, let's celebrate when we get back. Of course, it's on us."

"Aren't you going to train?"

"Starting tomorrow!"

In the end, unable to refuse, they returned to town and were taken to a tavern.

When he told them about his level up, the other adventurers present were amazed.

After all, the boy they had pitied as a perpetual level 1 had overcome the seemingly impossible experience points that even top adventurers might never achieve in their lifetimes.

Not only those who had hired him but even those meeting him for the first time joined in the celebration.

The long-awaited level up.

Reunion with his sister.

Several "special" moments coincided on this day, which ended with Rio's sleep.

This is the 10th chapter. It's a good place to end the first act.

Next, we'll start a new chapter. Oh? The goddess is... She hasn't appeared in a while.

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