The city of Orario was as lively as ever, its streets filled with the endless bustle of people moving about in every direction. Merchants shouted to advertise their wares, the smell of fresh bread and roasted meat wafted through the air, and the clatter of armored adventurers echoed as they made their way toward the massive spire that loomed above everything, the Tower of Babel. Some hurried with purpose, prepared to descend into the depths of the Dungeon in search of glory or survival. Others attended to their businesses, hammering away at their crafts, selling food, or conducting trades to earn their livelihood. Then there were those who had no such urgent needs, simply strolling leisurely down the streets, enjoying the fleeting peace and prosperity that the city, blessed by the presence of gods, provided.
Yet despite the vibrant energy of daily life, one single topic had captured the hearts and tongues of the populace, spreading like wildfire through taverns, markets, and guild halls alike.
"You heard about what happened on the eighteenth floor?"
"Yeah, but to be honest, it's hard to believe."
"Right? I mean, there's no way. He's talented, sure, a prodigy even, but prodigies still have limits."
"Hah, exactly! My money's on the Crusher, Tiona. She must've landed the final blow. There's simply no way some Level Three rookie could have brought down not one, but two Goliaths."
"What a fraud."
"HAHAHAHA!"
Laughter and skepticism filled the air, voices mingling with the background noise of the city. The tale had spread across Orario in mere days, the story of Aurelius's supposed feat on the eighteenth floor, the day he was said to have felled two Goliaths single-handedly. Some called it a miracle, others dismissed it as nothing more than exaggerated rumors. Those who had never witnessed the battle themselves insisted it must have been Tiona who had delivered the decisive strikes, with the support of other elites present at the time. Yet, the adventurers who had truly been there knew the undeniable truth, that Aurelius had done it, and he had done so with an ease that bordered on frightening.
Rumors aside, Orario itself remained unchanged. The streets were still alive with chatter, laughter, and arguments, the city standing tall as a shining beacon of prosperity, the nation of gods where mortals and divinity walked side by side.
Meanwhile, deep within the endless depths of the Dungeon, far from the lively chatter of Orario's streets, four figures fought together, moving in seamless tandem against the swarming monsters.
SLASH!
With a sharp swing of his blade, Bell Cranel cut through the body of a hellhound, the beast collapsing in a spray of blood. He exhaled, steadying his stance, and muttered to himself, "One down." But no sooner had the words left his mouth than three more hellhounds lunged at him from the shadows, fangs bared and flames flickering in their throats.
"Too slow," Bell hissed, his red eyes narrowing. In a burst of speed, his body blurred as he dashed forward, his blade carving through each of the monsters in rapid succession. He spun with deadly precision, leaving their corpses to crumple lifelessly to the ground. Yet in his focus, he failed to notice the fourth hellhound leaping high into the air above him, maw opening wide as it prepared to unleash a fiery breath upon the unsuspecting adventurer.
But the attack never landed. A wall of flame-resistant steel intercepted the torrent of fire. Sparks scattered as a greatsword cleaved through the attack, shielding Bell from harm.
"Yeah, slow enough to let your senses slack, Bell," Welf Crozzo said with a teasing grin, his red hair catching the dim Dungeon light as he rested the blade on his shoulder.
Bell grimaced, sheathing his sword. "Yeah, yeah, sure. Whatever you say, Welf."
The two shared a brief smirk, but their moment of camaraderie was cut short as four more hellhounds suddenly stormed in from every direction, encircling them in a coordinated rush. Their growls reverberated through the cavern, leaving the two little time to properly react.
But before the beasts could pounce, a violent gust of wind sliced through the air like invisible blades, cutting the monsters to pieces in an instant. Their bodies fell with heavy thuds, blood pooling at the adventurers' feet.
"You two really need to sharpen your focus today," came a sharp voice, accompanied by the sight of a petite brunette prum stepping forward, her dagger gleaming faintly in the dim light. Liliruca Arde crossed her arms and gave the pair a scolding look. "Slacking against hellhounds of all things? That's sloppy."
"It's not that deep, lil' Lili," Welf replied casually, trying to brush off her criticism with his usual nonchalance.
"It is that deep if you end up injured or, gods forbid, killed, sir Welf," Lili shot back, her irritation plain in her voice. Her sharp gaze lingered on both him and Bell, clearly unimpressed with their earlier carelessness.
As Lili's sharp words lingered in the air, her eyes instinctively shifted away from Bell and Welf, scanning the dimly lit cavern around them. The faint glow of magic-stone lamps flickered against the jagged walls, casting shadows that seemed to dance and writhe with the movements of the battle. It was then that her gaze fell upon a familiar figure not too far from their position, a swordswoman, her movements precise and measured as she fended off a small pack of hellhounds with graceful, practiced strikes.
The swordswoman was none other than Yamato Mikoto, her long dark hair swaying behind her as she fought. Her posture was steady, her breathing controlled, and every slash of her blade carried the discipline of a warrior trained in the way of the Far East. Even amidst the chaos, there was a serenity in her stance, as though the battle itself was nothing more than a flowing kata in her endless training.
Yet in that brief moment of observation, danger suddenly crept into view. From the edge of the battlefield, three hellhounds emerged from the shadows, their crimson eyes gleaming hungrily as they charged straight at Mikoto's unguarded back. Their claws dug into the stone floor as they closed the distance, ready to pounce and tear her down.
Lili's heart skipped a beat, her small body tensing. She cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted with urgency, her voice echoing through the cavern."Lady Mikoto! Behind you!"
Bell and Welf turned at the same time, eyes widening as they noticed the ambush. But Mikoto herself did not flinch. Her expression remained perfectly calm, unshaken by the imminent threat that loomed just behind her. Instead, she inhaled softly, her hands moving in one smooth, deliberate motion.
Without a trace of panic, she slid her katana back into its scabbard with a soft click.
SHING!
In the instant the blade was sheathed, her presence shifted. A breath later, a dazzling arc of steel flashed as she drew her sword in a single, lightning-fast strike. The motion was so swift, so precise, that the air itself seemed to whistle in protest.
Before the hellhounds could even register what had happened, their bodies froze mid-leap. A heartbeat later, crimson lines split across their forms, and with a sickening slash, they were severed cleanly into pieces. The momentum of their charge carried their broken remains only a short distance before they collapsed to the floor.
The silence that followed was broken only by the sound of their bodies disintegrating into ash, fading into dust that scattered across the dungeon floor.
Mikoto stood in place, her blade already lowered at her side, her eyes calm and unwavering as though nothing of importance had occurred. To her, the ambush had been nothing more than another fleeting challenge, one she had cut down with elegance and precision befitting a warrior of her lineage.
Mikoto exhaled softly, her breath calm and steady, the tension of the ambush leaving her shoulders. With practiced ease, she slid her blade back into its scabbard, the steel resting once more in silence. A faint smile tugged at her lips as she glanced toward Lili, her voice carrying a tone of quiet reassurance.
"I am quite fine, Lili-san," Mikoto said, her words polite yet firm, the smile on her face reflecting both composure and gratitude.
The rest of the group, seeing the immediate danger had passed, allowed themselves a brief respite. Bell wiped the sweat from his brow and let out a sigh of relief, while Welf casually dusted the soot and grime from his armor, muttering under his breath about the endless wave of monsters. Even Lili, despite her earlier scolding, allowed herself a small moment to breathe, adjusting the straps of her equipment as she steadied her composure. For a fleeting instant, it felt as though they had a chance to rest within the unforgiving chaos of the Dungeon.
That moment, however, did not last.
A booming voice suddenly echoed across the cavern, loud and commanding, rattling against the stone walls and cutting through the sound of their faint breathing.
"There's no time to relax! Another wave of wild dogs is coming your way!"
All four adventurers snapped their heads toward the source, their eyes settling on a tall, broad-shouldered man who stood with his arms crossed, his towering figure casting an imposing shadow under the flickering dungeon light. His tone was half warning, half challenge, and it left no room for misinterpretation.
"Ahhh, mister!" Bell cried out in exasperation, his voice taking on a childish whine as his shoulders slumped. "Why is it that you're the only one not fighting?" The white-haired boy's complaint carried both frustration and disbelief, his ruby eyes narrowing at the man who simply watched them from a distance as though their struggles were little more than entertainment.
The man scoffed, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as his deep laughter rumbled faintly. "Because these mutts aren't even enough to make me break a sweat, kid!" he shouted back, his voice booming through the cavern once more.
The giant man's identity was unmistakable, Aurelius, their captain, the one whose name had spread like wildfire throughout Orario for his impossible feat against the Goliaths. His presence alone filled the air with weight, as though he could end the battle at any moment if he so wished. Yet, instead of lifting a hand, he stood there with that same smug confidence, observing his party's struggle with sharp eyes.
"Besides," Aurelius continued, his voice carrying both authority and amusement, "this is good training for all of you! Especially you two. Welf, Mikoto! Don't think I'll let you off easy just because you're from a different familia! This is for your own good so that in the future you wont have to humiliate your familias for being helpless!"
His words struck like iron, firm and unyielding, and though they came with a grin, there was no mistaking the weight behind them. He wasn't watching because he was lazy. He was watching because this was his way of forging them, of pushing them further, of preparing them for the brutal reality that awaited in the lower floors.
The distant growls of approaching monsters soon followed, echoing louder and louder through the cavern. The ground trembled faintly under the rhythm of pounding paws, and the faint glimmer of red eyes appeared once more in the shadows ahead. Another pack of hellhounds was rushing straight toward them, hungrier and more feral than the last.
Aurelius's smirk widened as the sound of claws scraping against stone grew louder, the chorus of growls echoing through the cavern like a drumbeat of war. His booming voice rang out once again, brimming with confidence and unshakable authority.
"All right! Let the party begin once more, y'all!" he declared, his grin carrying the kind of excitement only a true warrior could muster in the face of battle.
Fueled by his words, the four adventurers tightened their grips on their weapons, their expressions sharpening as the feral red eyes of the hellhounds multiplied in the darkness ahead. The pack burst forth from the shadows, snarling and howling as their flames lit the cavern in a menacing glow, turning the walls into a stage for chaos.
Without hesitation, the group charged forward to meet them. Bell led the rush, his white hair streaming behind him as his two sword flashed in the dim light, his feet moving with the speed and agility that marked him as a prodigy in the making. Welf followed close behind, his greatsword raised high, his powerful frame ready to cleave through the beasts with brute strength. To their flank, Mikoto moved with disciplined grace, her blade already half-drawn in preparation for another flawless strike. And not far behind, Liliruca dashed with surprising speed for her small stature, her spear gleaming faintly as she sought out openings with the keen eyes of a strategist.
Together, the four hurled themselves into the oncoming tide of hellhounds, steel clashing against fang and flame, the cavern erupting once more in the chaos of battle.
After some time had passed, the five of them finally ceased their grinding within the middle floors. The relentless slaughter of monsters had left them weary, and so they found themselves retreating into one of the rare sanctuaries of the Dungeon, a safe zone, where the air was calm and no monsters dared to intrude. The cavern here was wide and silent, illuminated by faintly glowing crystals embedded in the rock walls, offering them a much-needed reprieve from the constant bloodshed.
"Haaahhh…" Bell let out a long, tired sigh as he collapsed onto a nearby rock, his shoulders slumping. His voice carried a tone of exasperation, worn thin by the unending battles. "That was… a bit exhausting."
"You said it, Sir Bell," Lili replied, lowering herself to sit across from him. Her small hands adjusted the strap of her backpack as she gave him a sympathetic glance. Then, turning her gaze toward the swordswoman, she added with a grateful tone, "And thank you as well, Lady Mikoto, for joining us today."
Mikoto, seated with her back straight despite her exhaustion, placed her blade neatly beside her. She offered a small bow of her head, her voice soft yet firm. "There is no need to thank me, Lili-san. It was I who asked to accompany you all for the day. The honor is mine."
Bell leaned back, resting his arms on his knees, and chuckled faintly. "Well, it worked out just fine anyway. We were already planning to head into the middle floors ourselves to earn some extra cash. Meeting you at the Babel Tower this morning was… well, I guess you could call it fate."
"Plus," Welf interjected with a grin, leaning his greatsword against the wall behind him, "we'd be fools to turn away extra help, especially from someone we can trust. In the Dungeon, you take every advantage you can get. And having another blade by our side? That's an advantage I'll never refuse."
"What the blacksmith said," Aurelius added, his deep voice chiming into the conversation with ease. He stood with his arms crossed, towering over the others as if he were carved from stone, his confidence as unshaken as ever. "Normally, these three would've had a rougher time handling that many monsters at once. With your help, though, the fights were far less grueling. I'd call that a win."
Despite the compliment, Mikoto's expression softened into something regretful. Her hands folded neatly in her lap, and she bowed her head slightly, her tone weighed with sincerity. "Even so, I am deeply regretful for leaving the four of you to face the aftermath of our… mistake back when. To let monsters of ours to your problem is shameful in my eyes."
Aurelius, however, simply barked out a laugh, his smirk widening as he waved a dismissive hand. "Relax, sword girl," he said, his voice carrying both authority and amusement, deliberately lightening the atmosphere around her. "It's all in the past now. No need to dwell on it. We're allies now, and that's what matters. Besides…" His grin turned sharper, and he let out a booming laugh that filled the cavern. "Rabbits and dogs like those aren't even close enough to make us break a sweat! Hahahaha!"
Bell, still slouched on his rock, gave Aurelius a deadpan look, his ruby eyes narrowing in annoyance. "Yeah, that's easy for you to say, mister…" he muttered, his tone dripping with disbelief.
"Yup," Lili chimed in, crossing her arms with a huff as she leaned against her oversized backpack. "We're the ones who were sweating back then, in case you didn't notice."
"I've struggled too, you know," Aurelius said in a half-mocking, sarcastic tone, though everyone present could tell the words were nothing more than a shameless lie. His smirk betrayed him, as if he was daring them to call him out on it. "Not my fault that you two couldn't keep up with me back then."
Bell, catching the perfect opportunity to fire back, leaned forward with a mischievous gleam in his ruby-red eyes. "Yeah, struggle to find a shirt that actually fits you properly, maybe," he retorted, his mocking grin wide enough to rival even Lili's occasional smirks.
"Wha—" Aurelius blinked in disbelief, momentarily dumbfounded before his face twisted in mock outrage. "Why you—! Damn brat!" He slammed a hand on his knee as if ready to stand up and chase the boy down, his booming voice echoing through the safe zone like the growl of some great beast.
That was it. Everyone else couldn't hold it back anymore. Laughter erupted around the camp, Bell clutching his stomach, Lili covering her mouth while her shoulders shook uncontrollably, Welf letting out a hearty chuckle, and even Mikoto, usually reserved and disciplined, breaking into a quiet yet genuine laugh. The atmosphere, which had been heavy with exhaustion just moments ago, was now warm and lighthearted, their bonds strengthened further by the simple joy of sharing a joke together in the depths of the unforgiving Dungeon.
After some time of well-earned rest, the five adventurers finally decided to call it a day and made their way back to the surface, leaving the depths of the Dungeon behind. The afternoon sun cast a warm golden glow over Orario, and with their pouches full of monster cores, the group headed straight for the guild to exchange them for valis. The clinking sound of coins being counted filled the air, mingling with the murmur of other adventurers finishing their own business.
As they waited their turn, Lili's eyes lit up with an idea. Once they had finished their transactions, she approached Mikoto with excitement bubbling in her voice.
"Lady Mikoto," Lili said, her tone eager and filled with warmth, "would you like to join us for a drink at the Hibachitei Pub? We were planning to celebrate Sir Welf's level-up together—it happened just the other day, and we thought it would be the perfect occasion."
Mikoto's expression softened at the invitation, and she gave a small, gracious smile. "I am honored to be invited, truly," she replied, her voice sincere, though tinged with a quiet sadness. "But, regrettably, I must decline. My familia requires me tonight. We are holding an important discussion regarding some re-evaluation of our internal management."
Lili's hopeful smile faltered, replaced by a downcast look as she lowered her head slightly. "Oh… I see," she said softly, disappointment creeping into her tone at the unfortunate turn of events.
Seeing her reaction, Welf gave a lighthearted chuckle, stepping in to ease the mood. "Don't be sad, lil' Lili," he said with a reassuring grin before turning his gaze toward Mikoto. "It's perfectly understandable. Every familia has its own matters to deal with, and that has to come first. Besides," he added with a playful shrug, "the four of us are more than enough for a lively celebration."
Mikoto, touched by his understanding, lowered her head in a respectful bow. "My deepest thanks for your consideration," she said earnestly. "I am truly sorry for not being able to accept such a kind invitation tonight."
"It's fine, really!" Aurelius boomed with his usual confident grin, his deep voice echoing through the guild hall. He crossed his arms and leaned slightly back as if brushing away her concern. "There's always a next time, Mikoto. If it's not for leveling up, then we'll find another reason to celebrate. Trust me, we adventurers never run out of excuses to drink!"
That drew a small laugh from Mikoto, who nodded in acknowledgment of his words. "Understood," she replied, her voice gentler now, as though the burden of guilt had lightened. "I will look forward to such opportunities in the future."
With her monster cores exchanged and her business concluded, Mikoto carefully gathered her pouch of valis and stepped back. She bowed one last time to the group, her movements formal yet warm. "I shall take my leave now. Have a wonderful celebration, everyone."
She turned gracefully and began to walk toward the exit of the guild hall, her steps quiet yet composed.
"Thanks for today, Mikoto!" Bell suddenly shouted after her, his voice carrying across the guild without the slightest hesitation. His ruby-red eyes sparkled with gratitude, his words sincere even if they drew a few stares from other adventurers nearby.
Mikoto paused briefly at the doorway, her back still facing them. A faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of her lips before she continued onward, vanishing into the bustling evening streets of Orario.
After parting ways with Mikoto, Aurelius and the rest of the group continued onward, their spirits lifted despite her absence. Their destination was the Hibachitei Pub, a cozy and lively establishment known for its hearty meals, strong drinks, and welcoming atmosphere. It was the perfect place to celebrate Welf's long-awaited achievement of leveling up, a milestone that none of them wanted to let pass by unacknowledged.
The evening streets of Orario bustled with activity, merchants calling out their wares while adventurers of every rank and race passed through the thoroughfares. Lanterns flickered to life as twilight deepened, painting the city in a warm, amber glow. The group moved together through the crowd, chatting casually along the way, their laughter blending with the city's rhythm. Though they had spent hours grinding in the Dungeon earlier, the promise of good food, cold drinks, and lighthearted camaraderie gave them renewed energy.
Before long, they arrived at the Hibachitei Pub, its wooden exterior warmly illuminated by lanterns hanging above the door. The faint sounds of music, chatter, and clinking mugs drifted out, carrying the unmistakable charm of festivity. Pushing open the door, they were greeted with a wave of warmth and the scent of grilled meat and fresh bread.
The pub was moderately busy but not overly crowded, with several groups of adventurers already seated and enjoying their meals. The four of them stepped inside, their eyes scanning the room in search of a place to sit. Fortunately, plenty of vacant tables were scattered throughout the establishment, each offering its own comfortable corner for relaxation.
"Over here!" Lili said, pointing toward a sturdy wooden table by the wall, tucked slightly away from the noisier centre of the room. It offered them enough privacy to talk while still being close enough to feel the lively atmosphere.
Without delay, the group made their way over and settled into their seats, their moods rising in anticipation of the celebration to come. The faint crackle of the fireplace at the far end of the pub, combined with the aroma of freshly cooked meals drifting from the kitchen, only added to the inviting atmosphere that welcomed them in.
Though they had only just settled into the table they had chosen, a sudden, unmistakable sound broke the warm atmosphere of the pub.
GROOOWWWWLLL~
The long, rumbling noise drew the attention of the three seated beside Aurelius. Bell, Lili, and Welf all turned their heads in unison, eyes wide, searching for the culprit.....only for their gazes to fall squarely on their captain.
Aurelius sat stiffly, his face frozen for a moment as though he hoped to deny reality itself. Finally, with a sheepish expression and the faintest tinge of embarrassment coloring his tone, he muttered, "Well… it seems my stomach has decided to answer its own call of duty." He placed a hand over his abdomen as if trying to quiet the growl, then sighed heavily. "And by that, I don't mean food… I mean something much, much worse."
Bell blinked, caught off guard. Lili raised a brow. Welf was already stifling a laugh, sensing where this was going.
"It appears," Aurelius continued with exaggerated seriousness, "that I need to find the nearest toilet immediately… preferably outside this pub. Otherwise, I fear this fine establishment will not survive the disaster I'm carrying within me."
Before anyone could respond, Aurelius abruptly stood, his chair scraping loudly against the wooden floorboards. "Well then! Order whatever comes to mind, don't hold back!" he declared in a hurried voice, pointing at them with mock authority. Without another word, he stormed off, weaving through the other patrons, and all but burst out of the pub's doors like a man on a desperate mission to save his dignity.
The remaining three sat in silence for a moment, watching the door swing shut behind him.
Then Welf broke into laughter. "HAHAHAHA, did our your captain just run off because of a bowel emergency?"
Bell groaned and buried his face in his hands while Lili pinched the bridge of her nose, muttering, "Of all the things to ruin the mood…way to go captain -_-."
Just as the three were about to launch into a round of mockery at Aurelius's expense, their attention was diverted by the arrival of a cheerful voice. A demi-human waitress, her fluffy animal ears twitching ever so slightly as she approached, stopped at their table with a polite bow. Wearing the tavern's familiar apron and carrying a small notepad, she greeted them with a warm, welcoming smile.
"Welcome to the Hibachitei Pub," she said brightly, her tone carrying the ease of someone well-accustomed to adventurers of all sorts. "How may I be of service this evening?"
Bell, Lili, and Welf quickly straightened up in their seats, pushing aside their laughter for the moment. Each of them made their choices one after the other.
Lili, ever the practical one, opted for a modest but well-rounded plate: a serving of rice, a portion of tenderly cooked meat, a side of steamed vegetables, and a piece of freshly baked bread to accompany the meal. Welf, meanwhile, decided to indulge in the heartier fare the pub was known for, ordering a spread of mixed meats with savory sausages, the kind of meal suited to someone who had spent the entire day battling monsters. Lastly, Bell, whose appetite never seemed to match his slender frame, ordered an entire roast chicken for himself. The waitress blinked once at his order, but quickly jotted it down without comment, her smile never faltering.
"Okay then," she said after finishing her notes. "Is there anything else you'd like to add to your order?"
"Actually, yes," Lili chimed in, remembering their absent captain, who was at that very moment likely terrorizing some poor outhouse with his… explosive predicament. "Could you also bring out one large serving of meat? A big cut, if possible. There's one more member in our party, but he's running a little late."
The waitress gave a professional nod, jotting it down without the faintest hint of judgment, though her ears did twitch once more in mild curiosity. "Understood. And what about beverages? Would you like drinks to accompany your meals?"
"Just the same as the redhead there," Lili replied, pointing casually toward Welf, who gave a brief nod of confirmation.
"Very well," the waitress said, neatly tucking her notepad and pen back into the chest pocket of her apron. She offered a short, courteous bow before stepping back. "Please wait a little while for your meals to be served. Thank you for your patronage."
With that, she glided away toward the kitchen, leaving the three to sit back and relax as the lively chatter of the pub washed over them.
Bell let out a sigh and leaned against the back of his chair, muttering, "I still can't believe Captain just ran out like that…"
Welf chuckled. "Better for him to cause his disaster outside than in here. In fact, we're the lucky ones."
"It's gonna be fine." Lili said a little nonchalant about her captain's current problem. "He'll get back here in a pinch to enjoy the celebration together."
After a little while of waiting, their orders arrived sooner than expected, carried out on large wooden trays by the demi-human waitress. The tantalizing aroma of freshly grilled meats, steaming rice, roasted vegetables, and golden bread filled the air, instantly making their stomachs growl in unison. The sight alone was enough to lift their spirits, and the anticipation of finally indulging after a grueling day in the Dungeon pushed their weariness to the back of their minds.
With hungry eyes locked on the feast laid before them, the three exchanged eager glances. Then, as though bound by a silent pact, they raised their mugs in unison and shouted triumphantly,
"CHEERS!"
Their voices rang out across the pub, blending into the lively atmosphere of clinking mugs and hearty laughter. Without wasting another second, they dug in.
Bell wasted no time tearing into his roasted chicken, grease quickly smearing across his lips and cheeks as he devoured it with the kind of enthusiasm only a young adventurer could muster. "Ahhh~ this is heaven!" he groaned blissfully between bites, his words slurred by the mouthfuls of food he stuffed in. "Such good food after a long day!"
Welf, seated beside him, was no less ravenous. He tore into his mixed platter of meats with a stubborn determination, as if his pride demanded he keep pace with Bell's reckless appetite. His plate piled with sausages and grilled cuts, he chewed noisily, clearly in his element.
Lili, by contrast, tried at first to maintain her composure and display proper etiquette. She cut her meat into neat slices, carefully pairing them with her vegetables and bread. But as the rich flavors hit her tongue and her hunger overpowered restraint, her pace soon matched the two men, her attempts at refined dining forgotten as she happily joined their frenzy.
The table filled with the sounds of chewing, clinking utensils, and satisfied sighs. Yet, as their bellies began to fill and their ravenous pace slowed to something more civilized, conversation gradually returned.
Lili, pausing with her fork halfway to her mouth, glanced at Welf. A faint shadow crossed her face as she voiced the thought that had lingered in her heart. "Sir Welf," she began, her tone softer than usual, tinged with hesitation. "Now that you've achieved the level-up you worked so hard for… there's no real reason for you to stay with us anymore, is there? Especially with the forge ability you've gained, the weapons you create will only become more sought after. You could probably make a fortune on your own."
Bell froze mid-bite, his red eyes shifting to Welf with a pleading, almost puppy-like look. The thought of their companion leaving clearly unsettled him, and his youthful expression betrayed that fear without words.
Welf noticed the shift in their faces as the sadness in Lili's tone and the unease in Bell's eyes. He set down his fork, leaned back in his chair, and let out a chuckle. A small, reassuring smile spread across his lips as he looked directly at Bell. "Heh. Stop looking at me like that, kid. You look like some poor rabbit someone abandoned on the side of the road."
Bell blinked, then laughed awkwardly, scratching his cheek. Lili, too, eased up a little, though her eyes still held the faintest trace of worry.
"Listen," Welf continued firmly, his voice steady with conviction. "Even though I've gotten what I wanted, that doesn't mean I'm just going to walk away. Don't worry yourselves. I'm sticking with you. We'll keep moving forward together."
The relief on both Bell and Lili's faces was unmistakable. Their expressions softened, smiles tugging at their lips as they nodded in unison.
"Besides," Welf went on, his tone turning more playful as he pointed his fork toward the two Hestia Familia members, "aren't you both close to leveling up yourselves? If I'm not mistaken, I heard your captain mention that you're just about ready to hit Level 3 once you reach the stats you've been aiming for… whatever those requirements might be."
"Yeah!" Bell responded immediately, his earlier gloom replaced by excitement. He pumped a fist into the air, his eyes sparkling with energy. "Just a bit more, and we'll be standing on the same level as our captain! Literally!"
Lili followed with a vigorous nod, her pride and determination shining through. "Exactly! We can't wait to reach that point. We stagnated for a while, but not anymore. We'll definitely catch up to our captain soon!"
Welf raised an eyebrow, feigning a pout. "Hmph. And here I thought I finally caught up with you two. Now you're telling me you're already planning to leave me in the dust again? Unbelievable."
Lili smirked at his mock complaint, tilting her head with playful defiance. "Well then, I guess you'll just have to dive straight back into the Dungeon after this meal, Sir Welf. Try not to fall behind again, haha!"
"Tch…" Welf clicked his tongue and muttered under his breath, "Damn pip-squeak…"
Lili's sharp ears caught it immediately. She slammed her small hands onto the table, glaring at him in shock. "What did you just call me?!"
Before the playful bickering could escalate any further, a new voice cut through the noise—a mocking, childlike tone dripping with smugness.
"Level 3, you say?"
All three turned sharply toward the source. Standing just a short distance away was a prum with neatly kept brunette hair and a self-satisfied smirk plastered across his face. His arms were folded, his posture reeking of arrogance, and his eyes gleamed with condescension.
There was no mistaking him.
It was none other than Luan Espel...behind him are his familia members.
More specifically, the members of the Apollo Familia.