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Chapter 210 - Chapter 210: Girlfriend? No, girlfriends~

"Where… is this?" The stinging pain of his cracked lips made the young man frown slightly.

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How many times has it been now? Again, it was a ceiling and an environment that felt unfamiliar to him.

From his impression, every time he gave it his all, it was always like this. By now, Fron had long since grown numb to it.

"Awake?" The lingering scent at the tip of his nose, so different from the dungeon's, was the only familiar thing in this strange environment.

Turning his head slightly, what came into view was dazzling golden hair, and a delicate face adorned with a smile. She slightly lowered her head, her upper body kneeling straight at Fron's side, her eyes filled with concern and joy as they met his.

"Hiss hiss hiss... Mind Down, even my brain feels like it's about to explode."

At those words, the girl blinked, her lips curving with joy as she spoke softly.

"It's been three or four days since the moment Fron lost consciousness."

"..." Fron's eyes froze for a moment, his lips parted, but all words melted into a bitter smile.

"Really... miserable. The last time I was this battered was probably when I fought the Evilus, wasn't it?"

Recalling the battles on the 18th and 24th floors, Fron's brows twitched involuntarily.

"How about everyone else, they're all okay, right? Was the journey smooth?"

His body and spirit having recovered well, Fron propped himself up with both hands and sat upright.

"It was fine. After returning to the 50th floor, with Elixirs and simple treatment, we managed to pull through. But,"

"But?"

Seeing the girl's slightly worried expression, Fron felt a bad premonition.

"On the way back, there was some trouble. We were attacked by poisonous monsters during a 'Monster party.' Many in the party were poisoned and seriously injured."

"... Because the party's combat strength was depleted, compounded with mental and physical fatigue, the dungeon exploited the opening, huh."

As always, the dungeon is the dungeon, waiting and watching.

Whether you're a rookie or a first-class adventurer, when you're at your weakest, or if you're careless, the dungeon will pounce mercilessly!

And this time, it was the same lesson again!

"Well then, looks like now that I've just recovered, I've got work to do~."

"Um, Fron, sorry to trouble you again!"

Having to trouble him again, she felt a little embarrassed, such was the girl's thought.

In response, Fron placed his hand on Ais' little head, roughly ruffling her golden hair, unrestrained.

"We're all family. Helping them is my responsibility. Alright, lead the way. After sleeping for three days and nights, I'm in top condition. Stretching my muscles a bit won't hurt. Who knows, maybe after this, my development ability 'Healing' might even level up."

"Ugh, " The girl pouted, tilting her head at the young man.

She hadn't expected that this was his intention, but thinking of the magic he possessed, she let it go.

Compared to Airmid at Lv.2, Fron, with his magic and Lv.5 status, clearly was one of the top healers across Orario.

Still barefoot, wearing only trousers and a shirt, Fron followed Ais out of the tent.

"Oh, right, my weapon, "

As if remembering something, Fron hurried back, picked up his dim 'staff' from his pile of gear, and then caught up with Ais who was walking into the camp.

Looking around, then glancing up at the beautiful dome of glowing blue crystals, Fron nodded. Yes, this was the scenery of the 18th floor. With a simple sense of direction, he confirmed the camp's location.

It was near the dense forest by the passage to the 17th floor, with a small stream flowing down from the northern wall right beside the camp.

"Ais, "

"Bringing water for Fron, right~"

"You still remember mealtime, huh? The old you would've completely spaced it out!"

Seeing Ais approach, Tione, Tiona, Lefiya, Alicia, Elfy, and the other girls immediately gathered around.

It was dinnertime, and since there were too many injured to continue to the surface, they had no choice but to stop on the 18th floor.

For ordinary adventurers, they might have been extra cautious, especially at night in the dungeon, when danger lurks even more.

But they were the Loki Familia, weren't they? Who would dare mess with them? So... Tiona and the rest of the first- and second-class adventurers were completely at ease.

Naturally, they had started chatting.

"Oh right, it's my turn to watch over Fron tonight. I'll go get things ready." When Alicia saw Ais, she brought up the arrangement they had made earlier.

She and Ais had been alternating in caring for the unconscious Fron, something decided beforehand.

But this time, Ais shook her head.

"?" Seeing her reaction, the others were puzzled, but Alicia, who knew Fron's condition best, lit up with excitement.

"Could it be that-"

Sure enough, Ais nodded.

"Mhm."

"That's great, "

...

From far away, the clamor of the girls reached Fron's ears.

By now, the crystals on the dome had dimmed, and only the campfire and portable magic lamps lit the camp.

Thus, no one noticed Fron until he stepped out of the shadows, and his presence stirred cheers from his companions!

"Fr-Fron? Hey, hey, hey? Fron, you're awake!"

Tiona's eyes sparkled as she hopped over, carefully observing his complexion before giggling.

"You look healthy, totally different from before. Every time you fainted before, your face was pale as death. Shouldn't we thank Ais and Alicia for that?"

Indeed, it was thanks to the two girls.

While Fron was unconscious, Alicia, the capable elf, had handled all his daily needs, washing his face, changing his clothes, giving medicine, and so on.

Ais, completely inexperienced in such matters, could only stand there helplessly watching Alicia bustle about.

In private, she even practiced learning from Alicia.

"Anyway, thank you both."

That gentle gaze, soft as water, almost melted Fron.

"As the girlfriend of a hero, it's only natural. Besides, Ais isn't good at this."

"..." For once, Ais' face flushed red instantly, the words caught in her throat.

Her cheeks puffed as she glared at Alicia with a faintly aggrieved look.

"I-I'll learn properly! What Alicia can do, I can too..."

"Heehee, Ais, don't force yourself. You're the same as me, just not cut out for it."

"Tiona, "

"Heeheehee."

Because Fron had woken up, the entire camp grew lively.

"Alright, let's get serious. Where are the injured? I'll give them some treatment first to ease their pain. Hearing constant groans affects everyone's mood, doesn't it? Especially when this should be a big victory."

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T/N: Bonus chapter for crossing 450 power stones; will post the other bonus chap in sometime~

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