The path to the 18th Floor was steeply inclined.
They were greeted by sparse, sturdy trees and a pale, dusk-like glow. For a moment, Bell felt as though he had returned to the surface. The refreshingly crisp air, a clear stream trickling by, and the vast forest embracing everything—had he not seen it with his own eyes, Bell would never have believed this place existed inside a Dungeon overflowing with malice.
"It seems evening is approaching," Riveria remarked, gazing upward.
Following her gaze, Bell saw countless crystals clustered high above. At the center was a dazzling white crystal block, surrounded by softer blue crystals.
"Just like the sky."
Bell was stunned by the extraordinary sight. Beneath this false sky, grasslands, forests, lakes, islands—everything spread out around the enormous tree at the center.
"The street we're heading to is over there." Riveria pointed toward the western island.
Seeing the shock and wonder on his face, she couldn't help smiling. Once, Riveria herself had been just as mesmerized by this beautiful landscape.
After reuniting with Ais and the others, the group made their way to the town built here.
"...I thought the 18th Floor was monster-free."
From higher ground, Bell could clearly see monsters leisurely wandering across the wide grasslands.
"Surprised? Even if we call it a Safe Zone, monsters come here just like we do. Rivira Town has been rebuilt countless times because of it."
Riveria led Bell toward the rear of the group.
They crossed a bridge carved from massive tree trunks and arrived on the island. At its highest point, an archway of wood and fluttering banners welcomed Bell to Rivira.
"There's still some time before bed. Everyone, move freely," Finn instructed. "Those Violas definitely originate from the Dungeon. There's a chance the enemy can infiltrate here as well. Avoid Independent Action as much as possible."
The Pallum captain shot a look at the excited Amazoness sisters. "That being said, everyone worked hard on the last expedition. Treat this trip to Rivira as a chance to relax."
"Yay!" Tiona cheered.
Finn gave a helpless smile. "Don't get scammed in town. If you go out to hunt monsters, be sure you're in a group of two or more, and don't wander too deep."
"Ais, come shopping with us! I want a jumbo-sized dessert," Tione said, inviting the Sword Princess.
Bete turned to Gareth. "Mind coming to the 19th Floor to swing some axes with me?"
"I'll arrange lodging and sell this haul," Riveria said, lifting a large sack filled with Magic Stone and Drop Item. If Lefiya went, she would almost certainly be swindled by the merchants.
Seeing everyone settling on their plans, Finn added one last note. "Lefiya, don't get carried away."
"...Huh?!"
The golden-haired elf froze. Had the captain seen through her intentions?
Lefiya wasn't planning anything extreme. She simply wanted to catch the boy and make him give her a sincere apology—that much was definitely within acceptable limits.
But just as she steeled herself, she realized the boy was no longer among them.
"...Huh?"
Bell Cranel's figure was already retreating into the distance.
He was running faster than a rabbit.
"Don't. Run!"
With a sharp, furious shout, Lefiya dashed into Rivira Town.
Finn watched the scene unfold with a wry smile.
"If it's that boy, there should be no need for worry..."
The glow of the sky gradually dimmed. Beneath the cluster of crystals more beautiful than any sunset, the golden-haired elf and the boy were locked in a noisy chase.
At a simple stall made of wood and cloth, the weapon vendor stared blankly as a figure flashed past.
In an open-air food shop, adventurers sipped wine while chatting about the sprinting duo.
"Third lap already? Hahaha."
"My bet? That white-haired kid got himself into some romantic mess."
"At this rate, they'll be running till morning."
"I'm betting on one more lap at most. That girl's clearly a Mage—no way she lasts long."
...
Rivira Town had been rebuilt hundreds of times, so most of its structures were cheaply thrown together. Thanks to that, the boy was able to weave through the town with ease. Called the most beautiful rogue's street in the world, adventurers naturally enjoyed this kind of lively spectacle as drunken conversation material.
Amid the endless laughter, Lefiya finally ran out of steam.
"...Don't get the wrong idea. If it weren't for all these people laughing, I would've caught you."
The golden-haired elf huffed, unwilling to accept defeat.
"So... you believe what I said now?"
Bell was breathing hard as he kept some distance between them.
"Like I'd believe you! If you were telling the truth, then why did you run?"
Lefiya struck right at the weak point.
"If I hadn't run, would you have believed me?"
Bell had already explained several times that he wasn't laughing at her.
"I would have believed you... No—wait—that's not—ugh—who would believe your excuses!"
Lefiya's face flushed as she turned away sharply.
At that moment, a booming voice came from the side.
"I thought someone was fooling around in town, but I never expected it to be you, kid."
Bell turned toward the voice and smiled lightly. "You're the gatekeeper from Orario!"
"It's been days since then, and you still remember me? Just call me Hashana."
The helmeted Adventurer let out a hearty laugh.
When Bell had first arrived in Orario, Hashana had been the one to receive him. Even with his face hidden behind the helmet, Bell recognized him immediately by his brown skin and familiar voice.
"But it's only been a few days, and you've already made it all the way to Rivira?" Hashana flexed his arm. "I almost thought I was dreaming! You really are something, kid!"
Hashana poked his own cheek in disbelief. He didn't seem the least bit interested in how Bell had gotten here, choosing instead to ramble on cheerfully.
"When you told me you came to the city just to seek a destined encounter, I laughed for a good while."
"...Hashana-san, have you been drinking?"
As the man approached, Bell caught a very strong smell of alcohol.
"A little drink, nothing serious." Aside from sounding a bit overly excited, Hashana's tone was steady. "Never imagined you'd actually find yourself such a gorgeous girlfriend."
"..."
"Y–You… what are you talking about?!"
Lefiya's face instantly went scarlet.
"Lefiya-san, he's drunk! Why are you raising your wand?! Don't—don't chant Magic! I swear I won't run anymore! You can do whatever you want!"
"W-Whatever I want?"
Only after Bell's frantic pleading did the golden-haired elf lower her wand with a pout.
Lefiya really couldn't stand this suddenly appearing adventurer. She had no intention of attacking him—she simply wanted him to leave as soon as possible. To her, this Hashana fellow was far too frivolous. A boy like Bell shouldn't be associating with someone like that. It would surely corrupt his good character.
Good… character?
No, what am I even thinking?
He's obviously a liar.
While chasing Bell earlier, most of her anger had already faded. He had explained several times that his smile only appeared because he'd learned something valuable from observing the Minotaur's horn attack. Having traveled through so many Floors with him, Lefiya knew Bell Cranel wasn't lying.
But she simply couldn't accept it.
Why is he so afraid of me?
Even if I caught him, would something truly terrible happen?
That thought was what made Lefiya chase him so stubbornly.
But Hashana's sudden appearance had the golden-haired elf standing firmly on Bell's side. She couldn't let someone like this lead the boy astray.
Hashana seemed to sense her hostility and turned to leave. "I've got another appointment. Can't keep a beauty waiting. I'll take my leave."
Bell watched him walk away. "Hashana-san, if you've had too much to drink, it's better to sober up. This is still the Dungeon. Please be careful."
Hashana raised his right hand and waved lazily. "Kid, thanks for the warning. If you two want to swing by my place next door, I don't mind. The more voices, the livelier the night!"
"...."
"...."
The boy and the golden-haired elf stared blankly at his fading silhouette.
The crystals dimmed, and the Dungeon's night settled over them.
Neither of them expected that this drunken joke would become Hashana's final farewell.
...