Dungeon ni Deai o Motomeru no wa Machigatte Iru Darou ka - Volume 12 - Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2 

ADVENTURE INTERMISSION 

After Hestia left the Denatus and Bell received the letter at Guild Headquarters, the two met up at a café on Northwest Main Street, which everyone called Adventurers Way. 

Sitting directly across the table from Bell was Hephaistos, goddess of the forge, who wore a large patch over one eye. Hestia had been on her way to Hephaistos’s northwestern branch store to get more details about “the notice” when she ran into Bell coming from Guild Headquarters. In the end, the three decided to sit down for a cup of tea. 

“Hephaistos, is this letter that Bell received what you meant by a notice?” Hestia asked, flapping the white envelope between her fingers. Her friend nodded. 

“That’s right, Hestia.” 

It was late afternoon, and the sun was approaching the western city wall. Bell and Hestia asked Hephaistos to explain more about the mission from the Guild. 

“Once a Dungeon-exploring familia reaches a certain rank, it has a responsibility to go on expeditions at set intervals—and it has to produce results on those expeditions,” she said. 

“Expeditions?” 

“Yes. The Guild delivers an order, like the one you just received.” 

Hestia was startled by this news and hurriedly looked over the contents of the letter again. Just as Hephaistos had said, the parchment signed by the head of the Guild declared that their familia had a duty to carry out an expedition. 

“Lady Hephaistos, you mentioned a certain rank…?” Bell asked. 

“It’s rank D or higher, Bell Cranell. The biggest factions like Loki’s and Freya’s do it regularly. Well, Loki Familia goes to the Deep Zone, so they’re not pushed to do it all the time.” 

“And what exactly are the results that we have to produce?” 

“You can just improve your Dungeon range by one level, or you can contribute to the discovery of various resources like an unknown mineral, or map a Frontier. It doesn’t really matter. I think even defeating a floor boss is sometimes acceptable. Most familias just clear a new floor they haven’t reached yet.” 

In contrast to his patron deity, Bell seemed to be thinking about something specific as he asked Hephaistos various questions. She gave him a look that said, What are you up to? but nevertheless answered in detail. 

“The Guild wants unknown areas of the Dungeon to be constantly explored and new resources uncovered. Dungeon-type familias only exist in this city, and if you want to call yourself one, then the Guild demands that you have something to show for it.” 

“I-I didn’t know that…” 

Hestia seemed as if she had received a minor shock. Given the Guild’s history and the fact that it held the real power over the only dungeon in the world, it made sense that its ultimate goal was to explore and understand the subterranean maze that sprawled beneath their feet. These as-yet-unknown resources, territories, and discoveries would of course be closely connected to the future development of Orario. That was why the Guild made things like adventurer registration so convenient. Unlike commercial familias, Dungeon familias didn’t have to fill out any complicated paperwork, and the taxes collected by the Guild weren’t too high, either. 

When Hestia started out, she had not felt any preferences for a particular sort of faction, and she made the decision to register as a Dungeon-type familia quite lightly, figuring a small-scale familia would be just right for her. 

“I wish Miach or somebody had told me about this before I registered…” 

“No one thought you’d ever make it to rank D. I honestly didn’t expect it, either. Who would’ve guessed that you’d rocket to the top this fast…” 

Hephaistos smiled wryly at Hestia and shot a sidelong glance at Bell. 

For his part, Bell knew he was the catalyst of all this. He pressed his right hand to his temple, feeling a little guilty. Expeditions were required of only upper-class familias—the ones who were able to explore the depths of the Dungeon and come back alive. None of this should have affected any weaker groups…At least, that was how it was supposed to be. 

“I bet the reason Hermes doesn’t report his children’s true levels is because he doesn’t like expeditions…” Hestia grumbled. As far as she could tell, the condition for completing an expedition-type mission seemed to be making a clear effort. Hermes’s smile floated before her eyes as she speculated that this was the reason the gentle god—who preferred a middle-of-the-road position over a prominent rise—falsified the levels of his followers on the public reports. 

“Getting back to the subject at hand…What’s important is that your own familia does the expedition. You can hire adventurers from elsewhere, but you can’t simply tag along on someone else’s expedition. Make sure you keep that in mind,” Hephaistos explained, emphasizing the importance of taking independent action. 

“And by the way, if you don’t go on an expedition or don’t produce enough results, it’ll be treated as a failure and you’ll be penalized,” she added, wrapping up her lesson. Apparently, the penalty was generally issued as a fine. “That’s about all there is to these expedition missions. Did you have any questions?” 

“No…It’s just that this is all so sudden that it hardly feels real. I don’t even know what I don’t know…” 

Hestia appeared to still be in shock after hearing her friend’s lecture. 

“Miss Aiz…and lots of other upper-class adventurers have succeeded, haven’t they?” Bell asked, looking straight at Hephaistos with his rubellite eyes. 

“…That’s right, Bell Cranell,” she responded, squinting at him with her good eye as if she understood everything. Her expression relaxed, and she gave an affirming smile. 

“Well, do your best. If you need me, I’ll do what I can to help…I’m here for you,” she said. Then the beautiful goddess in men’s clothing finished her tea, paid the bill, and left. Bell and Hestia looked at each other and nodded. 

“At last…an expedition mission.” 

Mikoto was sitting in the living room, murmuring contemplatively. Dinner was over, and the whole familia had gathered around Hestia for a meeting. The topic, of course, was what they would do about the expedition. 

“When I was with Lady Ishtar, I went on a number of expeditions with Aisha and the others,” Haruhime said as she passed out tea, dressed in a maid’s outfit. 

“Lady Hephaistos runs a smithing familia, so we didn’t have to do them…But Tsubaki was so curious she joined other peoples’ expeditions just because she wanted to.” Welf added his experiences while sitting on a chair with his legs crossed. 

Bell and Mikoto pulled another seat over for the renart girl, who had finished serving. She thanked them as she sat down. 

“Lady Hestia, did you not know that expeditions were required? Didn’t we carry out a small expedition before?” 

“Well, uh, we were invited by Takemikazuchi that time…But I guess it wouldn’t be a bad idea to do one now to improve our situation in the future.” Hestia gave a hollow laugh as she avoided looking at anyone. Lilly glanced at her through narrowed eyes. 

“Oh geez.” The prum girl sighed, looking up. “This is just like when we delivered Wiene to the Hidden Village. We essentially have no right to decline the mission. The only way we can get out of it is if the Guild determines that our fighting strength has suffered a major blow or if we were already on an important long-term quest or another mission.” 

“And taking on an important quest…would be impossible right now?” Haruhime asked timidly. 

“Yes, that would be prohibited.” Lilly summarily discarded the suggestion. Haruhime hung her head, but Mikoto already seemed to accept that they would be going on an expedition. 

“The lowest floor we’ve cleared is the twentieth…That means we’d need to aim for the twenty-first, right?” she said. 

“Well, it’s not completely absurd to think we can do it. I mean, now that Mr. Bell is Level Four, he might even be able to manage quite easily…” Lilly said. 

The suggested standard for those aiming to reach the twenty-fourth floor—the lowest floor of the middle levels—was Level 2 with ability levels that were anywhere from C to S. Considering that Bell was currently Level 4, he conveniently met these requirements. 

“Of course, you have to be vigilant anytime you go to a floor for the first time,” Lilly added. 

“This is a basic question, but how do we prove our expedition was a success? Guild staff don’t tag along or anything, do they?” Hestia had posed the question to Lilly, but Haruhime answered instead. 

“As I recall…Aisha used to bring back drop items from specific monsters or chunks of ore. She used to say it was annoying because she had to return with at least ten things according to the rules…” 

Although Haruhime was the weakest member of Hestia Familia, her input was priceless, since she was the only one among them to have gone on an expedition during her time spent with the large Ishtar Familia. There was a lot she didn’t know, because she had been a noncombatant, but she still had much to share. 

“Also…I don’t really understand what they mean by your own familia has to do the expedition. What does it matter if I go along with someone else’s party or if I organize people from other parties myself? What’s the condition for meeting the requirement?” Welf asked. 

Hestia examined the letter from the Guild. 

“Um, well…it seems that members of our own familia have to make up more than half the party,” Hestia answered, reading through the mission order. 

“Since the parties going on expeditions have been recognized as rank D or higher, they probably have to produce results in line with their ranking,” Mikoto added. 

To give an extreme example, if the Sword Princess were to join in a Hestia Familia expedition, it would be easy for them to achieve results. But the Guild expected members of the familia to act as a group when earning excelia on their target floor to make sure they grew stronger. The ultimate goal was to improve the efficiency of Dungeon exploration. 

On the other hand, only the kindest people would be likely to dispatch one of their best adventurers on another familia’s expedition. That was all the truer if the expedition was headed for a destination where party members might be in danger. 

Lilly, the brains of the faction, outlined their best plan going forward. 

“To sum things up, if we care about our future, we can’t shirk this mission. And if we’re embarking on this expedition…then our safest plan is to gather a party including Mr. Bell, Mr. Welf, Miss Mikoto, Miss Haruhime as an emergency supporter, and some upper-class adventurers from other factions…” 

She had to hold back her emotions during the latter half of this speech. Excluding herself from the party wasn’t a sign of masochism. It was a subjective, coolly made decision based on the fact that she was a Level-1 full-time supporter. 

In essence, Bell’s level-up had brought on this expedition mission. The Guild was saying that Bell the adventurer had gained both a qualification and a responsibility. Now he had to choose companions suited to the task and devote himself to the next level of adventuring. 

A momentary silence fell over the living room. No one could come to a decision easily in the face of such a huge event for the familia. Hestia, the group’s patron deity, closed her eyes briefly, then looked at Bell. As if following her lead, Welf and the others also turned their gaze on their captain. 

“Bell. You’ve held your tongue until now. What do you want to do?” Hestia asked. 

“I…” 

Bell had been quietly listening to Lilly and the others talk, and now he finally opened his mouth to speak. 

“I…Well, it’s partly for Wiene and the other Xenos and partly for myself…I want to become stronger than I am now.” 

He added a “but,” then looked around at each familia member’s face. 

“If possible…I want to become stronger with all of you.” 

Lilly widened her eyes. So did Mikoto and Haruhime. Only Welf, the single other male familia member, let a smile break out. 

“I want to move forward as a familia.” 

His rubellite eyes, like his crystal-clear words, were full of determination. Not a single speck of indecision marred his message. But in the next moment, his usual apologetic expression returned. 

“Uh…Sorry to be so pushy.” 

“Come on, man, I told you not to apologize! We were happy about what you said…Right, everyone?” 

“…Yes, very happy!” 

“Yes, yes, definitely.” 

“Absolutely. If we don’t experience joys and sorrows together, why even call ourselves a familia?” 

Lilly smiled broadly, while Haruhime nodded repeatedly and Mikoto pressed her hands to her chest as if she was deeply moved. Even Hestia grinned, nodding firmly as she stood up. 

“Let’s work together with Miach’s and Také’s familias! We’ll form a faction alliance for the expedition!” she shouted. 

The next moment, Mikoto, Welf, Lilly, and Haruhime joined in the commotion. 

“Yeah, we’ll do it with Master Ouka and Lady Chigusa!” 

“Forget about petty stuff like the twenty-first floor; I’m aiming for the lower levels!” 

“Don’t get carried away, Mr. Welf! That’s reckless!” 

“I don’t know if I’ll be much help…B-but I’ll try!” Haruhime added. 

Bell laughed wryly at the sudden lively atmosphere in the living room. Everyone had their eyes on the same target. Because a new goal had materialized, the entire familia was enjoying a refreshing level of enthusiasm. 

Hestia Familia had decided to go on an expedition. 

The very next day, they began their preparations. 

Of course, that included gathering all the necessary items and supplies, as well as sharing information with Miach and Takemikazuchi Familias and asking for cooperation from friendly factions. Nahza, Ouka, their fellow familia members, and their patron deities all consented willingly. Only Hephaistos Familia decided to stay on the sidelines in order to preserve their position as a metalsmith familia. 

A three-faction alliance was formed among Hestia, Miach, and Takemikazuchi Familias. They would set out on the expedition in ten days. In the meantime, each adventurer began working on the necessary preparations. 

“So from Miach Familia, we’ll be joined by…” 

“Myself and Cassandra. Our captain, Nahza, asks your pardon, but she seems to have been traumatized by monsters.” 

“W-we are very grateful…!” 

Lilly was meeting with Miach Familia members Daphne Laulos and Cassandra Illion to confirm their participation. They were seated in the reception room of Hearthstone Manor, which at first glance resembled a war room. Dozens of parchments were spread out on pushed-together tables, each covered in updated information about the Dungeon, such as whether floor bosses were present in certain places and where Irregulars had appeared. Maps of each floor, purchased from the Guild, were marked up in red pen with their planned routes and rest points. Lilly, their chief strategist, was using the room to meet with other faction members and consolidate pertinent information about the upcoming expedition. 

“What positions will you two take, Miss Daphne?” she asked. 

“Recently we’ve been going in as a pair, but before, my spot used to be in the middle and Cassandra was in the rear. I did whatever needed doing, but she was a healer, so I think she’ll really be an asset.” 

“D-Daphne, stop complimenting me…!” 

“Why are you getting shy now?” 

Ignoring the pair’s comedy routine, Lilly licked her lips and made some notes with her feather pen on a parchment. She was adding information about the new all-rounder and healer to her notes about the party’s formation. 

“So how big do you think the party will be? It seems pretty big already,” Daphne asked casually as she located Ouka’s and Welf’s names in the vanguard. 

“Everyone in Hestia Familia will take part, plus Mr. Ouka and Miss Chigusa from Takemikazuchi Familia, and then the two of you…and Miss Aisha.” 

“Aisha…You mean Aisha Belka, the Berbera?” 

“A-Antianeira…!” 

Cassandra shivered as she uttered the former Ishtar Familia Amazon’s alias. 

“Wow…” Daphne gasped, eyes round. 

“Yes…I don’t know who she heard about it from, but she suddenly showed up at our doorstep…” 

Lilly scrunched her eyebrows in an inscrutable wiggle as she thought back on recent events. Barely any time had passed after the alliance was officially formed when Aisha appeared, saying she’d heard they were going on an expedition and wanted to know if they would bring her along. Like Haruhime, Antianeira had been on numerous expeditions before, and her addition to the party would greatly increase the power at their disposal. Bell and the others had accepted her offer gratefully. 

“But now, since the party is so strong, we’ve ended up aiming for the lower levels…Lilly can’t help but feel anxious about that. Although it’s true that an expedition made up of these members probably should already be thinking about heading for those floors of the Dungeon…” 

Lilly let out a long sigh as she thought about how the hot-blooded Level-4 Amazon had tried to persuade her, boasting that they’d conquer the middle levels before the monsters even knew what was happening. 

Daphne drew her eyebrows together. 

“Huh. So it’ll be a combined expedition…Is that really a good idea? Will everyone be able to cooperate properly?” she asked. 

“What do you mean?” Lilly said. 

“Well, when I was in Apollo’s familia, we went on some of those, but nothing much ever came of expeditions with other familias. The various members only did what they wanted.” 

Like Hestia Familia, Apollo Familia had organized a combined expedition when it rose to rank D. 

“Usually, all you have to do is look at the patron deity to get an idea what their familia members are gonna be like. In most cases they’re pretty similar. Like father, like son, as they say. Our experience was incredibly awful…” Daphne continued. 

In other words, the familia of a deity who was always standing around smirking wouldn’t amount to much. Lilly tilted her head quizzically at Daphne, although she was starting to understand her point. 

“On this expedition, everyone knows one another, so I doubt there will be any major issues among friends. But all the same, cooperation is critical. Especially when you’re heading to a floor appropriate for your level or even deeper.” 

“!” 

“Let’s combine our strength and do this together. Cooperation is everything,” Daphne said. 

Her words made Lilly realize that she had forgotten something in her planning: the need to collaborate with other familias. Regardless of the powerful individuals she had lined up, she had failed to fully investigate whether her hastily drawn-up formations would really hold in the Dungeon. 

“And what about you?” Daphne continued. “You’re just a supporter, right? And Level One at that. Are you gonna get yourself killed and drag us all down?” 

“…” 

“D-Daphne…” 

It was a merciless pronouncement. But despite Cassandra’s gentle remonstration, Daphne hadn’t said anything that wasn’t true. 

Daphne, noticing that Lilly’s hands were squeezed tightly into fists, changed her tone. 

“But if you still want to come along…well, then maybe you should really put your foot down.” 

“Huh?” 

“Insist you won’t do anything yourself. Instead, make the rest of us do stuff.” 

Lilly’s chestnut-brown eyes were fixed on Daphne. 

“You’ll be the commander, right? I, for one, did a lot of things just because I was forced to and had no other choice.” 

Daphne drew a dagger that resembled a conductor’s baton from the sword belt at her waist. With a swoosh, the human girl swung it lightly through the air and shrugged. 

“Having someone keep an eye on things from the tail end is important, too, you know.” 

“…!” 

“This won’t be like the wars from back in the day, but good leadership can still really save a party. They say adventurers live or die depending on who’s in the rear guard. That’s how Finn Deimne pushed his way to the top, I hear.” 

Lilly felt like she was seeing something inside herself for the first time. An image of Braver commanding the very best adventurers down in the Dungeon, and, layered on top of that, an image of herself doing the same. 

She felt like she had finally grasped the vision she needed to aim for. 

“That prum’s bravery is foolish, of course,” Daphne said. 

“…” 

“So, what are you going to do? Want me to show you how to take command?” 

Cassandra, who had been left completely out of this conversation, was looking back and forth between Lilly and Daphne. 

Lilly realized that Daphne was peering down at her. 

“Yes please!” she said. 

“Yaaa!!” 

An earsplitting shout echoed across the blue sky. 

The god of combat used his hand to easily deflect the sharp kick that the girl had sent flying toward his face. 

“You’re still weak.” 

“Oof?!” 

“M-Mikoto!” 

Mikoto and Chigusa, who had both been thrown to the ground, huddled together. After parrying the Level-2, third-tier adventurer’s high kick, Takemikazuchi looked down on the two girls as he wiped sweat from his brow. 

“Mikoto, Chigusa. The two of you are thinking too much about your status. Never rely on your weapons to settle things. Control the situation with your spirit.” 

“Yes, sir, Master Takemikazuchi!” 

Mikoto grabbed Chigusa’s hand and pulled herself to her knees. Still kneeling, she looked up at the deity. Beneath a clear blue sky, the lush verdant growth of the lawn glinted in the sunlight. The three were in the courtyard of Hearthstone Manor, which they had borrowed for training. The girls were honing their skills in preparation for the upcoming expedition. 

“Lots of adventurers get too caught up in their Status…That’s what the first-tier adventurers say, and I agree. When I use my skills fully, I can match or even beat you.” 

While Takemikazuchi was dripping with sweat, Mikoto and Chigusa showed only a light sheen on their skin. Yet they were covered in grass stains from being thrown repeatedly onto the ground. The stark contrast made their relative positions obvious. The girls possessed the physical ability to fight monsters, while Takemikazuchi would have been as helpless as any ordinary person in such a situation. But despite their power, the god of combat was able to parry their blows and even use their momentum against them to send them flying. 

The outcome rested entirely on skill and tactics. 

Using his defensive skills, superhuman martial arts, eerily perceptive decision-making ability, and observational skills, Takemikazuchi led his opponents in the direction he desired. Alone, his combat skills exceeded those of a first-tier adventurer. His abilities were nothing short of godly, much like the supreme metalsmithing skills of Hephaistos, which no mortal smith could approach. 

Certainly, if Mikoto and Chigusa kept up their attacks on Takemikazuchi, there was little doubt that they would eventually defeat him. But they weren’t after a quick victory. 

“Status can’t be improved overnight. But—” 

“Skill and tactics are a different matter.” 

Takemikazuchi nodded as Mikoto finished his sentence. 

“Of course, skills are not easy to acquire, either. But if you put in enough effort and you have a strong desire to succeed…then it’s possible.” 

Mikoto squeezed her hands into tight fists as Takemikazuchi spoke, the looped buns of hair on either side of his face shaking. Just as he said, what she wanted was the strength to take on a powerful opponent. She wanted the skills that would let her save her companions and successfully navigate an adventure in the enormous underground labyrinth. 

“It’s like I taught you in the Far East. Skills are the weapons you use when confronting an opponent who is stronger than you. In terms of their physical build, most monsters are overwhelmingly powerful…but if you use your skills at the right time with the right breathing, you can defeat even the largest enemy, crack even the hardest shell.” 

Takemikazuchi wiped the sweat from his naked upper body and drew a dagger from the sheath tied around his waist. It was Tenka, the male half of a paired set of daggers where the female half belonged to Mikoto. 

Takemikazuchi raised Tenka in one hand and took up a combat stance facing Mikoto and Chigusa. 

“You’ve come a long way since your time in the Far East. Now it’s time for me to teach you the martial arts you didn’t learn back then, as you wish. Come and get me!” 

“Yes, sir!” 

The two girls ran toward him. Simply and earnestly, they gave themselves over to the tough training he offered. 

“What’s up, Big Guy?” 

A high metallic clanging rang out. 

Thanks to the fire blazing in the furnace, the workshop was hot enough to kill. Welf stood in front of the flames using his red hammer to shape the ingot on the anvil into a weapon. 

Ouka, of Takemikazuchi Familia, watched his motions from behind as if entranced. 

“I want to get as much done as I can before we head out on this expedition,” Welf said. 

His workshop was situated in the backyard of Hestia Familia’s home. With the red flames casting a crimson glow, the room’s dim interior looked like a magical world. The hulking young man who had come to visit sat in the chair Welf had lent him, arms crossed as the smith responded. 

“Even if you and I were to train together, it wouldn’t make much difference.” 

“I know.” 

“And there’s no way skills and magic are going to appear at the very moment we need them.” 

“I know that, too.” 

Sweat rained down from Welf’s chin, and Ouka’s skin was damp, too, just from watching. Each young man appeared to be trying to outdo the other’s ability to tolerate the blazing heat. It was like a scene in some fable where the hero tries to persuade the stubborn craftsman. 

“I’m a metalsmith. What I’m trying to do is…make the strongest gear I can, so I can help Bell and the rest of the party in my own way.” 

Pieces of Bell’s dir-adamantite armor leaned against the wall next to Welf, already fully repaired. In addition to the armor, there were dozens of new items that Welf had prepared for Bell, Mikoto, and other party members, including broadswords, katanas, spears, arrowheads, throwing weapons, shields, and magic swords. 

Still immersed in his work, Welf’s gaze was sharp and impassioned. 

He raised the hammer and brought it down. Each time he repeated the motion, the heat in the room seemed to pulse stronger. 

“In combat, I may drag the others down, but this is my true role. I’m going to do everything I can.” 

“…” 

“I don’t have time to hang out with you.” 

Like the sound of the hammer hitting the metal, Welf’s voice rang out decisively. 

“Try the others,” he said, his back to Ouka. 

“Make me a weapon.” 

Welf’s shoulder twitched in surprise at Ouka’s words. 

“…” 

“Not some half-assed thing. Something that will let me protect Chigusa and Haruhime and everyone else. That’s what I want…Will you do it?” 

Ouka’s voice was just as strong and stubborn as Welf’s. 

Welf gave the metal one last, particularly intense blow, then turned toward Ouka. 

“A custom-made weapon from me will cost you,” he said with a grin. 

Ouka’s eyebrows furrowed in consternation. 

“…Give me a deal.” 

“I’ll give you a kick in the ass!” 

“Haruhime, come over here with me.” 

With that, the Amazon Aisha pulled the renart girl into the study of Hearthstone Manor. The books that had been on the shelves when they took over the building from Apollo Familia were still there, giving the room the atmosphere of a small library. 

Aisha led Haruhime to the large table and sat her down. With the curtains shut tight, the spacious room seemed quite dim. 

“Um, Lady Aisha…What do you plan to do in here?” Haruhime asked, peering around the room that she usually cleaned as a maid. Aisha sat on the table directly in front of her and set down her bundle. 

“Special training for you, of course,” she said casually, her long black hair swaying as she adjusted her ill-mannered perch on the table. 

“S-special training?” Haruhime parroted idiotically. 

The sexy, shrewish Amazon, whose outfit resembled that of a dancing girl, swatted the fox girl’s ears. 

“You’re the weakling. You know that, right?” 

“Uh…” 

“If you don’t learn some tricks before the expedition, you’re really gonna be in the way.” 

Aisha was right. Haruhime was part supporter, part sorcerer. Despite her illegal ability to grant level boosts, her basic combat ability was even lower than Lilly’s. 

“But I can’t move around like Mikoto and the others…” 

Haruhime had learned some defensive moves from Mikoto, but she lacked the makings of a warrior and did not pick things up quickly. Even if she learned how to defeat a low-level monster in the Dungeon, it would be a mere drop in the bucket. 

“Idiot,” Aisha said to the glum Haruhime. “You’re a sorcerer. You must have at least enough magic to merit the name. I expect more from you than clumsy bungling.” 

“Uh…So you mean we’re going to practice to improve my magical powers?” 

“Nope. You’re going to learn new magic.” 

Aisha smiled at the flabbergasted Haruhime. 

“Skills and magic don’t appear whenever people want them to, so we’ll just have to draw them out by force.” 

With a thud, Aisha set down the bundle she’d brought with her in front of Haruhime, and then untied the cloth. Inside was a thick book, the cover of which was decorated with an intricate pattern. 

“This is a…!” 

“A grimoire. I don’t know what magic will come from it, but I doubt that it’ll be worthless, whatever it is.” 

The text would force magic to come forth. Even the unworldly Haruhime knew the value of the tome that lay before her. The miraculous items were never found in ordinary markets. They were so rare that it wouldn’t be strange to call them phantom books. 

“Ishtar would’ve never let you read a grimoire, but that was because she was so fixated on how potent the level boost was. If her sealed renart learned more than one kind of magic, it would be a waste, since the smashed killing stone would only allow a single power to be used.” 

Aisha was explaining Ishtar’s rationale, but the information went in one fox ear and out the other. Gulping at the grimoire, Haruhime timidly raised her face. 

“By the way, where did you get this…?” 

“I waited till my patron deity and the rest of the familia weren’t looking, and then I filched it from our storeroom.” 

After a momentary silence, Haruhime coughed uncomfortably. Aisha waved her hand carelessly, as if to say it was no big deal. 

“It’s fine. They take advantage of me and treat me like a convenient pawn, so this is the least I could do to balance things out.” 

The Amazon, who had converted to Hermes Familia, looked proud of herself. By now, the familia would have noticed the precious volume was missing and was probably going crazy over it. Haruhime had known the senior prostitute was daring since their time together in Ishtar Familia, but all she could do at this renewed reminder of Aisha’s character was sputter in panic. 

“You want to help the boys, don’t you?” 

“!” 

“Then you don’t have much choice. You’re the weakling, and what you need now is unvarnished greed for improvement.” 

Aisha brought her face right up to Haruhime’s, who stared back at her in shock. Still sitting on the table, Aisha suddenly curled her lips. 

“Read it fast and start practicing. Ten days should be enough to master a new kind of magic.” 

Aisha got down from the table and stepped away from Haruhime to make sure she didn’t accidentally steal the effects of the grimoire. 

Haruhime had been following the movements of the smiling Amazon with her eyes, and then, as she thought back to the conversation with Bell and the others in the living room the other night, she pressed her lips together. 

I’m…I’m part of the familia! 

Her hand clasped the cover of the grimoire and energetically flipped it open. 

“Miss Eina, will you tell me about the Great Falls again?” 

“Uh, um, yeah,” she answered in a shrill voice. 

Bell opened an illustrated book and showed it to Eina, who was sitting across from him. She traced the words on the page with her slender finger. 

It was night, and they were in the reference room of Guild Headquarters. Bell was getting a private seminar from Eina. Drawing on her knowledge, he was hoping to drill into his head as much information as possible about the floors they planned to traverse and the monsters they might meet during the expedition. Since they were heading into new territory, he had decided to spend the entire ten-day preparation period studying. 

When he came across something he didn’t understand, he asked Eina, and when he felt unsure of something, he pursued an answer until he was completely satisfied. 

Even though there was usually a gap between the information in books and the reality in the Dungeon, Bell already knew after five short months as an adventurer that information he gathered ahead of time could save his life, as well as possibly serve as a potent weapon to protect his party. 

He was determined to do everything he could right now. Thinking about what would be needed, Bell looked to both the past and future for hints. He had risked his life in the middle levels, and now he was reaching toward the deeper floors where Irregulars were commonplace. As he examined the material with his far-from-efficient mind, he became greedy for more knowledge. 

He’s changed… 

Eina watched him pore over the information. Her cheeks resting on her hands, she felt her gaze drawn again and again to his rubellite eyes. 

“Miss Eina?” 

He had sensed her eyes on him and looked up. 

“Huh?…Uh, nothing, sorry!” she said in a flustered voice, waving her hands at him. 

He gave her a funny look. She waited until he returned his gaze to the book, then sighed. Her face felt hot. 

I’ve changed, too… 

Eina had been suffering ever since the day the black minotaur defeated Bell. She wasn’t in pain—in fact, it could even be called a pleasant feeling—but she didn’t know how to deal with it, and it made her a little embarrassed. She was astonished by how her heart had soared when Bell asked her to help him study. 

The space between them as they sat on opposite sides of the desk was irritating her. Being so close and yet so far was driving her crazy. Fidgeting at the fact that no one besides the two of them was in the room, she stole another glance at Bell’s face. 

I didn’t realize boys could grow up so much… 

Bell was still absorbed in reading the heavy volume. In the past, he’d been a poor student, but now he was taking the lead in asking for lessons. When she’d given him a pop quiz earlier in the night, he made some mistakes but far fewer than in the past. 

Ever since that day, he’d been trying to shed his old skin. No—perhaps he already had. 

What in the world happened that day? I wish I could ask him… 

Eina didn’t know anything about the incident with the Xenos. She’d wanted to ask him about it but ultimately had found herself unable to form the words. 

In the past, she wouldn’t have had any trouble asking him, much like a concerned sister questioning her little brother. 

But now, Eina didn’t want to bother him. It was as though she was a woman silently protecting her man. 

…This is not good…I’m in trouble. 

Eina surrendered herself to the situation, acknowledging once again the bind she was in. 

She’d never fallen in love before, not as a child and not as a student. Now all she could do was remain aware of her emotions. 

That was the first time I saw a boy, a man, cry out loud. 

Her heart fluttered sweetly as the memory of the events of that night came flooding vividly back to her. Suddenly, her face felt hot again. 

I have to stop this! 

She laid her head on the table and wrapped her arms around her face. 

Bell looked at her in surprise. 

“Uh, um…Miss Eina, are you all right…?” 

“Even though I know you idolize Miss Wallenstein…” 

“Huh?” 

“Nothing.” 

She pressed her burning cheek against the cool desk and sniffled. 

And he’s so much younger than me…I can’t even look straight at him. I’m such a child, even at this age! 

Eina felt embarrassed by her own feelings. 

“Eh?!” 

“What’s wrong, Hestia?” Miach asked as the goddess jerked in surprise, her black pigtails twitching. 

“I sense a sweet-and-sour aura bearing down on Bell!” 

“What are you talking about…?” Takemikazuchi said. He looked surprised. Following her deity’s instinct, the young goddess had turned around to scan her surroundings. 

As the stars twinkled in the night sky outside, she and the two gods crowded around a table in a bar on a quiet side street. They’d decided to have a casual meeting over drinks, since their familias were about to embark on a joint expedition. 

“I’m worried about Bell…But thank you again, Miach and Také, for lending us your support.” 

“No need to thank me, Hestia. Just doing what good neighbors do,” Miach said. 

“He’s right. Anyway, when it comes to expeditions, we’re not strangers,” Takemikazuchi added. 

Hestia bowed her head in appreciation. The two gods laughed. They’d become friends because all three were at the bottom of the familia hierarchy, and they’d get together to poke fun at themselves. Hestia was grateful to call such upstanding gods and their familias her friends. She smiled. Without them, neither she nor Bell would have been able to make it in Orario. 

“Still…I do feel a little guilty about leaving all the work to the kids while we go out for a drink,” Takemikazuchi said, reaching for a snack. 

“What else can we do? Bell and the others have everything taken care of. When I tried to help, my supporter said, ‘I don’t want you messing up all my preparations, so why don’t you go to your job or something’! I was kicked out of the house!” Hestia replied with a pout, imitating Lilly’s voice. The two gods laughed wryly. 

“Mikoto has really been working hard, coming to me every day to ask for training,” Takemikazuchi added. 

“Same with Nahza. She’s trying to develop some new medicines for Bell and the others…Everyone is working toward the same goal. Things are going well, I think,” Miach said. 

Lessons, training, magic, studying…Everyone was preparing for the expedition in their own way. Although Miach’s voice was tinged with envy toward the humans who, unlike the deusdea, were able to improve themselves, he smiled brightly. 

“It’s not just Bell…Everyone is growing up. They hardly need my help anymore!” 

“What’s this, Hestia, do I detect a little loneliness?” 

“Of course I’m lonely! I can’t follow them into the Dungeon, can I?” 

Hestia drained her cup and lurched forward. 

“Drunk already?” Takemikazuchi teased, leaning away from her. 

Hestia blushed, then switched moods and smiled. 

“But I’m equally happy! No, proud is a better word for it!” 

“Hestia…” 

“When everyone talks about how much Bell has grown…I get this feeling deep in my chest.” 

She would never reveal such motherly pride to the children, of course. But they’d been through a lot together, she and Bell. He had survived many adventures, tasted frustration, and learned to keep running forward even when he was covered head to toe in mud. 

The familia story she had traced onto his back was a precious treasure. 

Hestia grinned like the young goddess she was, and the two male gods narrowed their eyes as if they understood how she felt. 

“He used to be such a crybaby, but now he’s able to speak his mind clearly in front of everyone. He’s grown up beautifully…I’ve fallen for him all over again! I had butterflies in my stomach just watching him! Damn it, I’ll never hand him over to another soul!” 

“That was real beautiful, except the last bit.” 

“Yeah!” 

The gods sipped their drinks as Hestia threw both hands in the air and crowed. 

“To tell you the truth, I’m a little worried about this expedition…but I have faith that Bell and the others will get through it,” she said. 

“If anyone can do it, that group can.” 

“Yeah, just like Hestia said.” 

The three deities raised their glasses. 

“Let’s drink to Bell and the rest.” 

“Shouldn’t we give them a toast?” 

“Let’s save that for when they get back.” 

The warm light of the magic-stone lamps illuminated the dusky blue atmosphere of the lively bar. A bard struck up a tune for the drunken patrons, the pleasant melody evoking the prelude to an adventure tale. 

“Here’s to a successful adventure for the children—” 

The three deities gathered at the round table smiled at one another and clinked their glasses together. 

““Cheers!”” 

The sky that day was nearly cloudless. 

As the sun peeked its face over the massive eastern wall of the city, Orario opened its eyes and leaped into action. Sunbeams poured down from the blue sky where a few white clouds floated. In front of Hearthstone Manor, in the city’s sixth ward, a crowd of humans and demi-humans gathered. They were adventurers from various factions, about to set out on an expedition. 

“Are you all ready?” 

“Yes! I’ve packed as many items, extra weapons, and provisions as I could fit.” 

Lilly adjusted her backpack, which was stuffed even fuller than usual. Aisha smiled at her, resting her huge sword called a podao on her shoulder. 

Nearby, Mikoto and Chigusa ogled Ouka’s sparkling silver weapon. 

“Sir Ouka, has Sir Welf made a new weapon for you as well? Oh my, that looks like a fine blade,” Mikoto gushed. 

“What an ax!…But Ouka, the money…?” Chigusa said. 

“…I’ll make the cost back on this expedition,” Ouka responded solemnly. Welf, who was standing just behind him holding his greatsword, grinned. 

Meanwhile, Nahza was handing Haruhime a sack bursting at its seams. 

“Haruhime, I’ve just finished making these new potions today…Please take them. Fight hard, sister…” 

“Th-thank you, Lady Nahza!” Haruhime said as she accepted the bag from the chienthrope, who had dark circles under her eyes. Touched by the words of encouragement from this member of her race, Haruhime bowed in her hooded black cloak, the Goliath Robe. 

Takemikazuchi, Miach, Hephaistos, and the familia members who would stay home stood at a slight distance from the adventurers headed for the Dungeon, wishing them well on the expedition. 

“Leave it to me to guard our home. Go raise hell!” 

“Don’t do anything too crazy.” 

“Take care of yourself!” 

Nahza and several members of Takemikazuchi Familia were in charge of watching their homes while everyone else was gone. As for Hestia Familia, whose members were all participating in the expedition, Hephaistos planned to assign one of her High Smiths to guard their home. Once word got out that such a fiercely powerful smith was there, not even the dumbest thief would dare approach. The adventurers were able to take part in the expedition only because of this assistance on the home front. 

Bell looked at the two groups—those departing and those staying home—and then glanced up at the sky. The weather was good, and so were the expressions on the faces of his companions. Morale was high. 

Of course, there were exceptions. 

“Daphne…Can’t you stop this expedition?” 

“Huh? Isn’t it a bit late for that?” 

“I had a premonition last night…I have a feeling that something horrible is going to happen…” 

“That again? You know we can’t stop it now!” 

Cassandra was on the verge of tears, having been rebuffed by her partner. She turned to Bell, who was on her other side, as if to cling to him. 

“Um…I’m sorry…” Bell said, scratching his head. 

Gently turned away by him as well, Cassandra hung her head. Bell directed a strained smile at the girl, who had been pulled back by Daphne, and turned his eyes to his patron deity. 

“Well, Goddess.” 

“Bell, whatever you do, don’t let down your guard!” 

“I understand.” 

“…Fight hard!” 

“…I will!” 

As the sunlight poured down on them, Hestia and Bell exchanged smiles. Bell engraved the image of her smile and the sunny sky into his memory. He would not see either for quite some time. 

When he turned back around, he saw that Welf and the others were waiting eagerly for his signal to embark on their journey. Bell nodded and turned again toward Hestia and the other deities. 

“We’re off!” 

Exactly five months had passed since the boy arrived in Orario. Now, he was departing on Hestia Familia’s first expedition. 

The faction alliance expected the expedition to last one week. 

Aisha assured them that a party like this could easily make it to their destination and back in five days, so they had planned their trip accordingly, including where they would set up camp beyond the safety points. 

Welf, Ouka, and Bell made up the vanguard of the formation heading into the Dungeon. The center was split into two groups: Mikoto, Chigusa, and Daphne would act as floaters to protect the combatants and supporters, while Lilly, Haruhime, and Cassandra served as supporters. In reality, the function of the latter three was more like a rear guard. Aisha, a powerful Level-4 fighter, was stationed at the very end to dispel any attacks from behind. 

Of course, this was the first time Hestia Familia was acting as part of such a large group, so they expected to carefully observe how the coalition worked and make temporary changes in positions as needed. 

Ultimately, they were headed for the lower levels. 

“—Aah!!” 

A screech split the air. 

Bell’s Hestia Knife flashed in a violet arc as it cleaved a monster in half. 

“OUUUUUUU!!” 

Belatedly, the mad beetle’s death cry thundered through the passageway. 

“Little Rookie! No, I mean Rabbit Foot, right? Keep it up! Kill them all!” Daphne cried as the two halves of the enormous beetle rolled over the bark-covered floor, pressing her against the wall. Bell narrowed his eyes sharply and nodded as he raised his new knife in his left hand and kicked off the ground. 

They were in the Colossal Tree Labyrinth on the twenty-fourth floor. 

The party had rapidly broken Hestia Familia’s previous record for Dungeon floors cleared and was now in the lowest section of the middle levels. One reason for their speed was Bell. 

“UOO?!” 

In place of the purple arc, a heroic white flash emanated from his left hand. 

The beautiful, glittering white knife reduced the monster to a cloud of ash with a single blow. 

Like the Hestia Knife in his right hand, Hakugen—the new weapon in his left—was quickly racking up an impressive bodycount. Measuring thirty-five celch from tip to base, the long knife fell just between the Hestia Knife and a baselard in size. Incredibly, it was made from unicorn horn, a rare drop item. Welf had crafted it for Bell with great care, and its blade was even sharper than the lost Ushiwakamaru. Every time Bell moved his arm even slightly, a flash of light instantaneously shot forth, proclaiming death to herds of swordstag monsters. 

As usual, Bell wore his dir-adamantite armor, currently on its fifth reincarnation. The durable, lightweight set shined like new thanks to Welf’s repairs. For the moment, it was still scratch free. His left leg was wrapped in a new holster made of old bison leather, far stronger than his previous one. 

Fitted out in new gear from Welf, Bell got to work driving off the monsters circling the party, just as Daphne had requested. 

“Hornet at two o’clock!” 

Lilly was shouting out a constant stream of information to Bell, who had moved away from the main formation. Jet-black deadly hornets were zooming in for an attack, wings buzzing. 

“Smith, get down! Your shield isn’t in position!” Ouka warned from his spot in the vanguard. 

“Unfortunately, I’m bad with shields!” Welf shouted back, holding his massive shield with both hands. As the deadly hornets bore down on them at an angle, their defensive positions wavered. Multiple giant insects attacked with claws, poison stingers, and body blows. The two young men up front took the brunt of the attack but managed to hold strong. 

Protected by Welf and Ouka, Mikoto and Chigusa shot arrows at the hornets from their position in the center, but— 

“They’re fast…!” 

“Damn…!” 

The deadly hornets flew nimbly through the air, easily evading the arrows. Even when one hit its mark, it bounced right back off again; the hornets had exoskeletons even harder than those of killer ants. As they harassed the Level-2 adventurers, it was obvious why they were also known was “high killer bees.” 

“…!” 

At that very moment, Bell intervened with lightning speed. 

He had just finished off some monsters away from the rest of the party when he immediately raced straight toward the Dungeon wall. Living up to his new nickname, he launched himself from the wall and leaped into the swarm of hornets. 

“—” 

Taken off guard from behind, they froze. Bell’s rubellite eyes glinted as he swung the Hestia Knife. 

“—GAAA?!” 

The white blade sliced through their rock-hard exoskeletons and sets of double wings like butter. 

Bell kept flying forward from the extreme force of his leap. Still in midair, he stuffed the Hestia Knife back into its sheath and used the momentum from his blow to spin halfway around, thrusting out his now-free right hand and shouting. 

“Firebolt!” 

Two deadly hornets burst into fragments as two shots of electrified flames drilled into them. 

Thanks to Bell’s recent level-up, the firepower and speed of his Swift-Strike Magic attack had been boosted. The monsters had no time to dodge. As gravity pulled Bell back to the ground, motes of fire fell around him. 

“W-wow…” 

“There was a time when you would have been running for your life from those guys, but now…” 

Cassandra and the others in the formation’s center were dumbfounded. Welf sighed in amazement and grinned as if he thought they were invincible. 

“Uaaaaa!” 

A second later, he and Ouka thrust out their shields and knocked down several more hornets zooming in for an attack run. Instantly, Mikoto and Chigusa jumped out from between the two young men and thrust their daggers into gaps in the exoskeletons. 

“But this is pointless…As long as we don’t get rid of that, these hornets will keep attacking us. Even if we run from the bees, we won’t get far,” Aisha muttered. As the front and middle ranks worked together to reduce monsters to ash, she was left alone at the rear to fend off swarms closing in on them from behind. 

She glanced back at the Dungeon wall, where a massive hornet’s nest was buried in sap. The colony was covered in countless deadly hornets, but it was also a monster itself—a rare one that existed co-dependently with the hornets. It was a bloody hive. 

The seven-meder-long, pinecone-shaped black mass looked like some hideous fruit. An immobile trap-type monster, it normally buried itself inside a hollow big enough to allow deadly hornets to fly in and out. But the instant prey approached, it burst through the Dungeon wall to reveal its full form. 

When one of these monsters appeared on the main route, things got extremely nasty. Bell and the others were experiencing that misery at this very moment. 

“There’s no end to it! Cassandra, can’t you get this mucus off yet?!” 

“Sorry, Daphne, I still need more time!” 

“Everyone, I’m sorry I can’t help!” 

The nest’s means of attack was a liquid it shot out that didn’t kill or wound but was so adhesive that it completely immobilized anyone who was hit. Deadly hornets would then fly out and impale the trapped victim. Haruhime had been caught unawares by the emerging colony and lay helpless on the floor, covered in orange goop. Welf and Ouka were trying to guard the supporters, but their shields were also smeared with the sticky material. 

The worst part of it all was the ludicrous number of deadly hornets that were spawning. Since the bloody hive was directly connected to the Dungeon, hornets were appearing at a much greater rate than usual. As the adventurers focused their energy on fighting off the insects, other monsters approached from side paths. It was a vicious downward spiral. 

“Don’t waver! We have to take it down!” 

Occupying the main route and spitting out hornets one after the other, the colony was the key. Calling it a citadel for monsters would not be an overstatement. 

The adventurers quickly set about taking the veritable fortress down, just as Aisha—who had wiped out all the monsters approaching from the rear—had instructed. 

Ring, ring! 

Light radiated from Bell’s right hand. As he continued intercepting deadly hornets, he initiated a Concurrent Charge. 

In place of an activation chant, the sound of a bell rang out. Bell finished up his current attack and fell back from the vanguard to Lilly’s position in order to stand at the ideal range. 

“Center, step back! Form a circle around Mr. Bell!” 

Lilly’s order echoed out to each member of the party. Mikoto, Chigusa, and Daphne quickly took the shields handed to them to ward off the ferocious swarm of attacking and receding hornets. Aisha did the same with her weapon, the podao. 

Ouka and Welf joined them in the battle line, beating back the violent attacks. 

“—I’m gonna fire!” 

It had taken only seconds for Bell to assume his position. 

The adventurers split off to the left and right to open a direct path for Bell, who had transformed into a living gun ready to fire. 

He had charged for twenty seconds. 

Using his radiating right arm as a barrel, he let loose. 

“Firebolt!” 

A massive blast of electrical fire edged in white light shot forward. All the hornets in the line of fire were instantly incinerated. The hideous colony exploded with tremendous force. 

“—AAH?!” 

The monsters still inside the nest shrieked wretchedly, and an earsplitting roar followed. 

The Dungeon wall burst into fragments along with the bloody hive, filling the passageway with masses of ash and smoke. 

“Whew…I’m exhausted. It feels like I just finished fighting a floor boss!” 

“Well, it’s practically the same thing. That hornet’s nest is the worst thing around here.” 

The conversation between Daphne and Aisha, who were sitting on Lilly’s backpack in the middle of the passageway chugging down potions and water, echoed through the now-quiet space. 

Bell and the others were taking care of the aftermath now that their biggest battle of the day was over. That meant collecting magic stones and drop items. Purple crystals far purer and larger than those found at higher levels were laying among pieces of the deadly hornets’ tough exoskeletons and piles of ash. They set about gathering the loot and extracting magic stones from the remains of the monsters. 

“I’m sorry, Master Bell…I slowed you all down.” 

“It’s not your fault, Miss Haruhime. In fact, we should have been protecting you.” 

Haruhime had finally been freed from the viscous liquid and was helping with the cleanup. Since there had been so many monsters, everyone—not just supporters—had to join in. 

“Mr. Bell…you’re so amazing.” 

“Huh?” 

Chigusa, who was working nearby with Ouka, had broken into Bell’s conversation. 

“You’ve killed more monsters than anyone else so far…I thought you were incredible before, but…you’re just, I mean, you’re really incredible now!” she said, bubbling with excitement as she peered out from behind her bangs. 

Ouka’s eyebrows scrunched at an odd angle as he listened. “It’s the same with Antianeira. Level Four is just a completely different world. Makes me feel like a worthless oaf…” His voice was tinged with frustration and competitiveness. 

“I-I think so, too. The way he moves, compared to the War Game, it’s, how can I put it…?!” Cassandra said as she scoured the area for items. 

“Sharper, is that what you mean, Lady Cassandra?” Mikoto said. 

“Yes, exactly!” 

Both seemed completely in awe of Bell’s combat prowess. As for the boy himself, he was more embarrassed than pleased by the praise. He didn’t know what to say in this kind of situation. The same had been true when he moved up to Level 2. He simply wasn’t good at accepting compliments. He rested his hand awkwardly on the back of his head. 

As his mind rambled incoherently, he suddenly felt a pair of eyes on him and shifted his gaze. 

Haruhime was standing right next to him, staring at his face. 

“Miss Haruhime?” 

“Uh…I-I’m sorry, I’m being impolite…” 

“It’s not a problem…but is something the matter?” 

She seemed to be wondering about something and wanting to say something. Bell urged her on with his eyes. 

The renart shifted her gaze away, then timidly opened her mouth. 

“When…um, before, when the thing happened with the Xenos, you were very troubled by it, so I was worried…about whether you’d really be able to fight monsters again.” 

Bell widened his eyes slightly as he listened. 

He had considered the exact same thought himself before. At one point, he’d been extremely concerned about whether he’d still be able to kill monsters—or even continue as an adventurer—after learning about the Xenos. He’d never been able to come up with a good answer. 

Haruhime, aware of his state during that time, was confused by the present Bell, who took down monsters with such unfettered enthusiasm that he garnered praise from Ouka and the others. 

Confronted by the concerned look in the girl’s green eyes, Bell was momentarily wordless. As Mikoto and the others returned to work, Bell turned away from Haruhime and kneeled by a pile of ash. He sifted through the gray dust that slipped through his fingers like sand and withdrew a beautiful purple crystal. Then he stood and, staring at the monster’s magic stone in his hand, answered Haruhime. 

“I decided to become a hypocrite.” 

Now it was Haruhime’s turn to be surprised. 

Hypocrite! 

Bell recalled the violent hunter’s insult, and then the words of the wise fool: Those criticized for hypocrisy possess the necessary qualities to become a hero. 

Those words had remained in his ears and heart all along, and he had accepted them. After the black minotaur had defeated him, he had made up his mind. 

To save Wiene and the other Xenos, he would kill their brethren. 

He would do it even though he knew ordinary monsters could be reborn as Xenos. 

To save those who were important to him, he would take countless lives. 

They may have been monsters, but he would still be snuffing out their very existence. 

No one had ordered him to do it. He had chosen this path for himself. 

He had decided, and set his mind to it. 

He would content himself with either being honored as a hero or disgraced as a villain, so long as it was a consequence of those actions. 

Let me become a hypocrite, then, he thought to himself as his gaze bored into the glittering crystal. 

“…!” 

The renart girl gasped and shuddered at the sight of his resolute face. Her cheeks flushed red with admiration. 

Totally oblivious, Bell squeezed the magic stone firmly in his palm. 

“He was plenty strong before…but now, it’s like I feel more secure,” Welf said. 

“Is that so…?” Lilly replied. 

The two were watching Haruhime and Bell from a distance. In contrast to the smith, who seemed pleased, the prum girl looked troubled. 

“What’s the gloomy face for? It’s not like he’s dangerous now or anything.” 

“I know that…” 

Just as Welf said, there wasn’t so much as a hint of a threat on the boy’s face. He hadn’t become rushed and reckless. His was the face of someone who had overcome indecision and arrived at a definite answer. His decisive gaze cut straight ahead into the distance. As his unchanging feelings grew stronger, so did he. 

“Compared to before, he is much…much, much more dependable. But it’s like he’s grown distant in equal measure…” 

That was Lilly’s honest impression. Her voice was sad and dejected as she told Welf how Bell seemed to be racing further and further ahead of and away from them. 

Welf stared down at the girl, whose head hung glumly, then laughed provocatively. 

“Isn’t it your job to back him up, Supporter?” 

Lilly looked startled, then sullen. 

“I’m going to be right up there with him. Actually, I’m going to be even stronger than him. So don’t get left behind!” Welf said. 

“O-obviously!! Lilly is Bell’s supporter, his number one partner. She won’t be beaten by Welf or anyone else!” 

“Back to your old self, I see…Hey, stop hitting me! That hurts!” 

Smack, smack!! 

Lilly laid into Welf a couple of times, then slapped her own cheeks. 

She had made up her mind once again to fortify herself. The sight of Bell fighting so hard had renewed her own enthusiasm. 

“…” 

Aisha gazed at the scene ahead of her and thought about their situation. 

Their arrival on the twenty-fourth floor definitely hadn’t been due to Bell’s strength alone. As they moved from floor to floor, Mikoto, Ouka, and the others had cooperated seamlessly. They’d seen Bell’s performance, and they’d tried to fight just as hard as him. 

It was like Lilly and Welf were saying: An individual’s actions could raise the morale of all his companions. A single person could inspire determination and strength in many others. 

If that’s the case, then it’s exactly like… 

He must be what the deities called…a “hero.” 

At the very least, he had the raw potential to become one. 

No…he didn’t have them; he grabbed ahold of them. 

From the most ordinary of places. 

He’d lamented his own weakness, then stared up at the peaks of strength. He was still running, reaching out for whatever handhold he could find. His progress was still surprising even for the deities. 

Everything had begun in chance encounters. 

And all these opportunities were what made the boy strong. 

Even Aisha admired him. 

…He’s almost ripe, I think, she muttered, narrowing her eyes. 

Some distance from her, Bell shuddered imperceptibly. 

As Lilly pops open her cracked watch with a snap, she announces that night has fallen up on the surface. 

We’re done exploring for today, so we decide to take an extended rest in the Dungeon. In other words, it’s time to set up camp. 

The spot we’ve chosen is a gaping tree hollow alongside a small path off the main route on the twenty-fourth floor. We decide to use the pocket of space a short way inside. The “room” was one of the candidates for a rest point that we identified beforehand on the map provided by the Guild. 

The first thing we have to do before taking a major rest is wreck the environment of the Dungeon. 

We attack the surrounding walls and floor of the labyrinth with our weapons. Doing that forces the Dungeon to prioritize repairing the area, meaning no monsters will spawn there for some time. The next thing to do is station a guard at the entrance to the room to ensure no monsters make it inside. Then we quickly wipe out any monsters already occupying the room and at the same time, go to work on the walls inside with our axes and hammers. 

I guess the best way to describe the room is to say it’s like a space underneath a tree. It’s about the size of a small common room. The walls are covered in little white flowers and leaves, along with the occasional herb. When you look up at the ceiling about three meders above, a dome formed by tree roots is visible. Clumps of Lamp Moss on the surface of the dome emit a greenish light, which actually makes the room quite bright. 

“I chose this spot randomly off the map, but it’s pretty nice!” Lilly says. She’s taken off her heavy backpack and is breathing in the deep-green air with relish. 

On the way here, we took a break on the eighteenth floor at Rivira—the 335th-generation post town has already been repaired since the Xenos destroyed it—but maybe because we’re finally able to relax our tense nerves, everyone seems exhausted. Still, there’s a feeling of accomplishment and relief in their long sighs. 

In order to spend the night here according to time up on the surface, we quickly set to work preparing our camp and getting ready for tomorrow’s exploration. 

Haruhime and Cassandra got Ouka to help them set up camp, and they’re romping around clapping their hands like kids. Mikoto and Chigusa are in charge of cooking, and Aisha is guarding the entrance. Lilly and Daphne are discussing our route as they look at a map. 

Since our party is so small, all our gear fits in our backpacks, so while it’s nothing like a Loki Familia base camp with cargo and supplies lying around, our rest point is still starting to look like a real camp. 

“Hey, Bell, let me do that one, too.” 

“Okay, thanks.” 

I accept Welf’s offer and hand him the Divine Knife in exchange for Hakugen, which he’s just finished sharpening. Whetstones, hammers, and even a miniature furnace in a box surround him. He seems to have brought all his smith’s tools on the expedition. Thanks to our High Smith, we’ll be able to keep our weapons at peak performance and not lose any of their edge. It’s incredibly helpful, since we can’t return to the surface during the course of the expedition. 

“It’s such a luxury to have a smith in your familia. I doubt that even famous factions like Loki Familia have someone like that on hand all the time,” comments Daphne, who’s finished up her work. 

“How’s that new weapon working for ya, Bell?” Welf asks. 

“It’s amazing. The blade feels so good it keeps surprising me…It even cuts right through metal monsters…” 

“That’s ’cause I used an insanely valuable drop item that would make a healer or a mage scream if they found out. Oops, don’t tell Li’l E! She’ll yell at me for treating you special.” 

The smith’s eyes are fixed on the Divine Knife, but he’s grinning like a mischievous little kid who likes to play tricks. I smile back at him wryly and look down at Hakugen. The unusual white blade flashes brilliantly. I can sense that compared to the Ushiwakamaru series of weapons, which I’d been using until recently, it’s far more powerful. More than that, the edge is much keener. And the best part is how light it is. The handling is incredible. 

Perhaps it’s not so well suited to defense or fending off attacks…but overall, I don’t have any complaints. 

Since it’s custom made, the grip is molded to match to my fingers exactly. Even though I’m using it for the first time, it feels like an extension of me more than anything I’ve used before. Welf is clearly gaining mastery over his skills. I feel so proud and happy to be working together with him like this, adventurer and smith, polishing each other’s abilities to ever greater heights. 

It’s probably thanks to Hakugen and all the other weapons and gear Welf has made for us that we’ve made it to the twenty-fourth floor. 

…The twenty-fourth floor… 

I mull over the number once again. 

We’ve made it from the surface to the twenty-fourth floor in about a day. That’s an extremely good pace. 

No, considering the fact that we used to have trouble even reaching the twentieth floor, you could say it’s too good. 

I’m a bit afraid that things are going so well… 

Why is that?…It’s strange how calm I feel. 

It’s not simply that I’m no longer terrified of the middle levels after I reached Level 4. 

It’s more like…I’ve crossed blades with things much more terrifying—and much stronger—than anything I can expect to run into around the middle levels. 

The violent hunters, for one, and my great rival for another. Those experiences have affected both my body and my soul. I’m realizing that once again as I stand here on the twenty-fourth floor of the Dungeon—which is not at all an easy place to be—and listen to the calm, measured sound of my own heartbeat. 

The same goes for my improved sense of courage and my thoughts, swirling inside my head at this very moment. 

I return Hakugen to its sheath and look up. 

“Hey, Welf. The Divine Knife is made of mithril, right?” I ask him slowly. 

“Yeah. It’s a great material because of how easy it is to work with. On top of that, it conducts magical power really well. Mithril weapons are common for fighters who combine magic and ordinary combat ability.” 

Welf replies while he gently turns over the black blade etched with hieroglyphs. 

“But just because it conducts magic easily doesn’t mean it’s enchanted,” he continues. “Even if you beat magic into a regular knife, it just seeps out and disperses. Anyway, why were you asking?” 

“Uh, I just…” 

Sitting next to Welf, who’s immersed once again in his work, I stare down at my right hand. Very softly, so that no one will notice, I start to sound the chime. A few particles of white light converge on my hand. 

The pitched battle I fought and ultimately lost at the hands of my rival has made me more diligent. Before, I simply used my magic and skills. Now I study them. 

Especially Argonaut. 

I’ve been conducting a kind of secret test ever since I entered the Dungeon today. There are quite a few things that I’ve learned already. First, the maximum charge time for Argonaut is four minutes. It used to be three minutes, so I’ve gained an extra minute by advancing to Level 4. The power raised by the charge increases wherever the particles of light gather, up to my action limit for attacks. This applies for slashing, punching, and magic, but I can initiate the charging at only one place at a time. 

Charges and Concurrent Charges are zeroed out if an enemy attacks me or I get distracted. When that happens, the physical and mental strength that I’ve been amassing disappear as well. This seems to be similar to what happens with a mage’s chants. Even right now, if I will the particles of light to disappear from my right hand, I instantly feel overwhelmed by exhaustion. I can restore my energy using recovery items, but it’s best to save those for crucial moments and avoid constantly charging. 

What I’ve been most interested in as a result of these tests is convergence, which is the most outstanding attribute of Argonaut. 

It’s— 

The high magical conductivity of the knife…The convergence of my skill… 

I’ve realized something about myself. 

I’m not smart enough. 

To make up for that, I’m currently relying on Lilly and some of the others. Without the support of my companions, having me be the leader of anything would be ridiculous. My title would be worthless. 

I’ve got to use every last bit of my insufficient brain. 

If I don’t, I, Bell Cranell, will not amount to anything. 

I won’t ever be like Aiz, who’s constantly adding new sword skills to her repertoire. I won’t be like Finn, who spins out countless inspired strategies. I’ll never get to the other side of genius. 

If I don’t use every last idea in my head, I’ll never be able to invent anything new. 

So I’ve been thinking and thinking until I can’t think of anything else—then right when the flash of possibility shoots through my mind— 

“Everyone, dinner’s ready!” 

“…!” 

Lilly’s voice rings out from the tent. 

“You heard the little lady. Let’s go, Bell. I’m done with my maintenance.” Welf hands me the Divine Knife. 

“…Okay!” I answer, setting aside my thoughts as I stand up. 

Welf and I head toward the center of the room, where Lilly and the others are waiting. 

There’s just one last thing to do before the evening—or rather, night—meal. We take out our knives and longswords to shave the green Lamp Moss from the walls and ceiling, toning down the amount of light in the room. After we finish, the plant-filled green space takes on the atmosphere of a forest at night. 

One reason we do this is to help adjust our internal clocks to match the time on the surface, but it’s more important as a measure to prevent monster attacks. Though there is variation depending on the species, most monsters are wary of areas in the Dungeon where the light is different from usual. In this case, we’ve made the room dimmer than normal. At least that’s what Aisha and Daphne, who have been on many expeditions, are explaining to us as we hurry to follow their instructions. 

We gather the shaved-off Lamp Moss and stuff it into jars, setting them in the middle of the room. They’re like lanterns lighting up our night camp. 

“Well, guys, let’s eat! There’s plenty for seconds, too!” 

“I-I hope you like it…” 

We gather around the pot set next to the lanterns and begin to eat. Mikoto and Chigusa prepared risotto—or rather, an Eastern porridge dish. We’re all drooling over the thick gruel studded with glistening golden threads of egg, finely torn dried meat, green herbs, and a scattering of nuts and fruit. They scoop the steaming mixture into wooden bowls, and we dig in with our spoons. 

“We added some ingredients found in the labyrinth that Lady Aisha said were edible…How is it?” 

“Tastes a little odd…but it’s good! I like the earthy flavor, and the fruit has an interesting tartness to it. At the very least, you won’t find this outside Orario.” 

“We don’t have this in the Far East, either. It’s a Dungeon original.” 

“Mr. Ouka, this is where you compliment the cooks…especially Chigusa!” Lilly scolds him as he and Welf make their comments while scarfing down the stew. 

“M-Miss Lilly, he doesn’t need to do that…! But I’m happy they like it,” Chigusa says, relieved to have succeeded at her task. 

Since Mikoto and I live in the same household, I know what a good cook she is, but Chigusa, who grew up under the same circumstances, appears to be just as talented. Welf and Ouka aren’t the only ones who have taken a liking to their handiwork, either. 

“You should quit adventuring and open a restaurant,” Aisha jokes, mixing a dash of teasing in with her compliment. 

Incidentally, we picked up the eggs earlier in the day when we stopped by Rivira. Bors, the head of the post town, gave them to us to celebrate our first expedition. Apparently, some of the residents brought a few chickens down from the surface. For adventurers starving for more familiar fare, they really could be called golden eggs. The only problem is keeping them fresh. 

“Um, is it okay that we used so much water…? They say having enough potable water makes or breaks an expedition. We wouldn’t want to turn back because we ran out…” Cassandra says, worried about the supplies we used for the meal. 

“There’s so much water on the floors below us that you’ll practically drown in it. Nothing to worry about. Anyway, this party isn’t as big as the Apollo Familia parties you used to be part of. There’s no way we’ll end up fighting over water.” 

Aisha responded while waving her hands carelessly as if to brush off Cassandra’s concern. 

Perhaps because they’re remembering rough past expeditions, or perhaps because Aisha has nailed their concerns, Cassandra and Daphne—who are former Apollo members—both groan. 

In the end, Cassandra is right. Conserving water may be the most crucial thing in the Dungeon. 

Clear streams like the one on the eighteenth floor are generally few and far between in the labyrinth. Planning out water collection at accessible sources on specific floors is the foundation of a successful expedition. Before we set up camp here in the Colossal Tree Labyrinth, Aisha and Mikoto went to draw water at some springs, so we’re okay for now. Maybe Aisha’s relaxed confidence that even extends to matters beyond fighting is due to how many expeditions she’s been on. 

“I think Bell Cranell is suited to the center of the formation. When I first heard about charge attacks, I was like, ‘Huh?’ but with that level of power, he could easily be in the rear, too. And he’s plenty fast,” Daphne says. 

“In terms of personality, I don’t think Mr. Bell is cut out for for the rear guard…” Lilly says. 

Dinner is over, and the party is sitting in a circle talking about the day’s events and each member’s particular interests. 

“Now that you mention it, he does have trouble standing still…And by the way, good job with your leadership so far.” 

“Thank you.” 

Since when did Daphne and Lilly develop this master-and-pupil relationship? They’re sitting around bobbing their heads at each other. 

“Unlike last time, no one got a level boost. The magic swords are still waiting to be used, too,” Welf says. 

“Well, we have more people this time, so our coordination and responses are faster. Of course, there’s also the fact that Master Bell and Lady Aisha are supporting the formation…” Mikoto answers. 

“We’re all covering one another’s weaknesses…That’s how party exploration should work,” Ouka says. 

“And there I am doing nothing and holding everyone back…Ugh…” Haruhime sighs. 

Next to them, Chigusa and Cassandra are having a surprisingly animated discussion about healing and first aid. The hastily put-together party seems to be getting along just fine. Everyone is chatting pleasantly. 

“Hey, Antianeira. I’ve never been to the twenty-fourth floor before, but is this what it’s always like? I’m worried we’ll get careless because things are going so well,” Daphne says. 

Her voice echoes with terrible loudness through the room. Everyone looks at her, which is probably what she intended. Aisha, who’s sitting on the floor with one knee propped up, shrugs. 

“As long as you keep an eye out for attacks that inflict irregular ailments and you have enough people, the Colossal Tree Labyrinth isn’t too big a deal. I mean, it might be tough if you only had Level-Two people…Coming down here unprepared would also mean getting totally wiped out by traps and weird goblins that aren’t up in the Cave Labyrinth. Aside from that, obviously, it’s the amount of resources.” 

The twenty-fourth floor is the lowest of the middle levels, and most consider a Level-2 status the minimum requirement to justify going there. But I’ve heard that the Guild sets those basic standards with an eye to preventing deaths caused by first-timers being caught off guard. Of course, the monsters also have more abilities at their disposal than they do on the seventeenth floor or higher. 

The main thing that sets apart the Colossal Tree Labyrinth that starts on the nineteenth floor is the huge number of Irregular attacks, like ones that involve poison. Monsters also appear with greater frequency than they do on the upper floors. 

But the scariest thing in the Dungeon is the limitless amount of resources it can draw on. You have to watch out for that no matter what floor you’re on. 

“Below this floor…you could probably squeak by as a Level-Two adventurer down to the twenty-seventh floor. From there on, the problem is the terrain. They say that’s the reason it’s considered a separate zone that we call the ‘lower level.’” 

According to the battle-hardened second-tier adventurer, that tricky terrain is also the reason that the standard for the lower floors, starting at the twenty-fifth, is Level 3. 

“The thirtieth floor is where you really start to need a high level and status. There are swarms of bloodsauruses and other dangerous monsters down there. It’s like the middle level for Level Ones…They’re the kind of things that a Level-Two party has no way in hell of defeating.” 

Everyone is listening to Aisha with serious expressions. 

“…The thirtieth floor, huh. It’s hard to imagine what it’s like, considering we still have to get through six more floors,” Welf says. 

“Speaking of which, the Guild doesn’t publish any detailed information about the lower levels, does it…?” Mikoto asks, tilting her head curiously. 

“The Guild restricts information about the lower levels and the Deep Zone…especially everything below the fiftieth floor,” Lilly says quietly. 

“Why would they do that?” Mikoto asks. 

“Everything is so different down there…If people knew too much, they might lose heart. That’s what I hear,” Lilly replies. Everyone falls silent. 

“Ha-ha-ha…No way—” Cassandra says, trying to laugh it off. Aisha cuts her off curtly. 

“Well, as far as Ishtar Familia goes…We didn’t get any information about the fiftieth floor or lower, either.” 

All of a sudden, Lilly’s account takes on a ring of truth. It seems that things are set up so no information about the Deep Zone is released until you get close to those floors and are qualified to access it. 

“If you believe the rumors…dragons leap between floors down there. And that’s not the worst of it. There are herds of monsters all as strong as floor bosses.” 

“…Th-that must be a lie!” 

“Who knows? But even if it is, it’s a sign of how bad things are at that level.” 

Chigusa gulps audibly, and silence descends on the camp. Everyone shudders as they imagine the still-unknown abyss of the Dungeon while picturing the bottomless extent of the labyrinth. 

The lanterns illuminate the tight-lipped faces of the party. 

“Damn…You spineless chickens are getting the shakes all the way up here?! That stuff is way in the future,” Aisha says in an attempt to lighten the mood. “Haruhime, bring out the drinks!” 

“What? Lady Aisha, I didn’t bring any alcohol…!” 

“Maybe not, but I snuck some into your backpack!” 

The shocked Haruhime paws through her backpack and finds…exactly what Aisha said would be there. 

A buzz runs through the party at the sight of the liquid in the thick bottle. 

“Hey, boys! You’ll have a glass, right?” 

“…When an Amazon is egging you on, all you can say is yes.” 

“Mr. Welf!” Lilly says reproachfully. 

“It’s okay, Li’l E, I’ll just have a sip! Think of it as a nightcap. Big Guy, you’ll have some, too, won’t you?” 

“You’re not gonna overdo it, are you?” Ouka replies. He likes to drink and seems surprisingly willing to jump onboard. 

“You talking to yourself, eh, Ouka?” Chigusa teases. 

“Should we really be treating ourselves like this on the first day…?” 

Cassandra is the last to speak, and her soft mumble disappears in the excitement of the impromptu party. 

Haruhime, dressed in battle gear that resembles a shrine maiden’s getup, looks like an alluring temptress as she fills our cups on Aisha’s orders; well, she does have experience working in the Pleasure Quarter. Even Daphne, who appears astonished, and Mikoto, who’s scowling, are eventually drawn in by Aisha. Cassandra tries to escape unnoticed into the tent but is forced to join the others. 

Before long, someone starts laughing happily, and then others join in. 

“…” 

I’m watching the scene from outside the circle. 

It’s my turn to guard the party right now. Since the meal began, I’ve been sitting on the stump that Aisha had been occupying until we switched places, watching the entrance to the room. Although I have to admit, I’ve been using only one ear to listen for monsters. The other has been following the conversation inside. 

I take a bite of porridge from the bowl in my hands and feel my eyes soften as I watch my friends. How long have I been smiling? 

“Mr. Bell! How about seconds?” 

“Oh, thank you, Lilly.” 

Somehow, she’s managed to slip away from the devil’s grasp and escape to where I am, pot in hand. I gratefully accept another serving. 

“It’s completely absurd! Getting drunk in the Dungeon, and not even at a safety point…” 

“Well, we’re on an expedition, so I doubt anyone is really letting loose…” 

“What if a monster hears all the commotion?!” 

She’s right…I hunch down without answering and take another bite of porridge. 

But I don’t try to stop Welf and the others. 

In the room that feels like a forest at night, the Lamp Moss stuffed into bottles gives off a strange blue-green glow. It’s both mysterious and cozy. Fragments of light cast faint shadows of the party that dance on the walls and floor, and the plants growing on the ground wave along with them. 

Camping is the real pleasure of an adventure. 

I read as much from heroic tales, but to see such a scene before my own eyes makes me happier than I can put into words. 

“…Are you enjoying this, Mr. Bell? I see you’re smiling.” 

Lilly is giving me a strange look from her perch by my side. 

“Oh, sorry…What can I say? I’ve always wanted to camp like this with everyone.” 

“But didn’t we do the same thing when Loki Familia saved us on the eighteenth floor?” 

“I guess so…But it’s just so great.” 

I scratch my cheek, feeling self-conscious, and smile wryly to hide my embarrassment. 

Lilly watches me in silence. I cock my head at her. 

“…I’m glad,” she mutters as her expression relaxes. 

“I’ll make a confession to you, Mr. Bell…Lilly was just the slightest bit scared.” 

“Huh?” 

“Ever since that day, you’ve had your sights set high for the sake of Wiene and the other Xenos…I thought you’d changed.” 

She’d been confused and a little afraid. She’d worried that if I set my sights so far ahead, I’d gradually drift away from the rest of the group. I fix my gaze on her as she admits her fears. Her cheeks flush, but then a dimple appears. 

“But in the end, Mr. Bell is still Mr. Bell.” 

As she smiles happily at me, I can’t help feeling tenderly toward her. It’s not a romantic feeling but something much kinder, like I’d feel toward a sister. 

Before I know it, my right hand is reaching out toward Lilly’s head. 

She starts with surprise, but then accepts my hand and sits sweetly still as I clumsily ruffle her hair. 

“I’m sorry I made you worry,” I say, smiling at her to ease her concerns, like Wiene did, but— 

“…No, you might have changed after all. It’s like you’ve become, how do I put it…more of a womanizer…” 

“Whaaat?!” 

All I get in return is criticism. 

Maybe she’s mad, because her puffed-out cheeks are red and her chestnut eyes are narrowed. 

“Sorry, sorry, sorry—!” I say, apologizing in a panic, since apparently it was very rude of me to pet her head. 

Lilly interrupts me by giggling. 

I give her a blank look, but then her mood spreads to me and I let slip a smile. 

“M-Mr. Bell, would you like a drink? Not alcohol, I mean, but a drink of water.” 

“Hey, Miss Haruhime, why’d you come over here? Read the mood a little, geez!” Lilly snaps at the renart, who is the second escapee from the party. 

“Miss Aisha let me stop serving, so I wanted to join in the pillow talk over here…!” 

“Eeergh!! Everything you say is so obscene! Do you do it on purpose?!” 

“Um, why are you arguing…?” I interject. 

This fight that Lilly is provoking with Haruhime is making me sweat. 

Predictably, some monsters hear the commotion. When a herd of Metal Rabbits approaches the entryway, we’re momentarily caught up in intercepting their attacks. 

So goes the first night of the expedition. 

After the modest drinking party ends, a quiet like the tranquility of a forest falls over the room. 

When I listen carefully, I can hear the soft breath of Lilly and the other girls sleeping in the tent. Out of consideration for them, Welf and Ouka are sleeping in the open, leaning against a wall of weeds and brush. Their arms are wrapped tightly around their greatsword and ax, respectively. 

UOOOOON…Far down the passageway, I hear a howl. It’s probably a beast-type monster, but from the way the howl echoes, I can tell it’s far away. I decide it’s not a threat. 

I’ve been on guard duty since the party. One of the bottles stuffed with Lamp Moss is at my feet, lighting up the dim entryway. As I look around, I see that the room is slowly but surely repairing itself. Just to be safe, I keep adding new gouges to the walls with my knife. 

I sit down on a stump and open the broken watch Lilly lent me. It’s two in the morning. Almost time for someone to take my place. 

“…?” 

I hear the sound of cloth rustling and turn around. 

A woman emerges from the tent and walks toward me. She has long hair and gorgeous legs. The Lamp Moss that lingers like starlight on the ceiling illuminates her sheer battle garment, reminiscent of a dancer’s outfit, and her immaculate brown skin. 

It’s Aisha. 

“Miss Aisha…? I thought Welf and Ouka were taking over next!” 

“Obviously. I just finished my turn.” 

“So what’s going on?” 

“What would you do if I said I was creeping into your bed?” 

I jump up from the stump and back wordlessly away from her. 

“Just kidding!” Aisha says, but her smile leaves me unsure if she actually is or not. 

…She’s really beautiful. 

I can’t help thinking that as I stand in front of the Amazon. She’s close enough to touch and is smiling seductively. But even though she’s gorgeous, her raw sex appeal intimidates me a little. The same goes for the look in her narrowed eyes that are staring right at me. 

I can’t stand the silence, so I try to make some conversation. 

“Um…I should have said this earlier, but thank you, Miss Aisha…for coming along on our expedition…” 

“It’s no problem. I was planning to get you to help out with one of our expeditions anyway. The timing was perfect.” 

If she had added, “In exchange for helping with the Xenos situation,” I wouldn’t have had any response. Plus, despite her words, she was probably worried about Haruhime. I smile back at the rough-and-tumble woman who hates formalities. She sweeps her bangs away from her face. 

“I thought your nerves might be getting to you,” she says. 

“Huh?” 

“That’s why I came to check on you.” 

She looks away from me down the long, dim passageway. 

“There’s a passageway connecting to the lower levels right over there. Tomorrow we’ll attack the twenty-fifth floor, our goal.” 

“…!” 

“You probably overheard our conversation, but the next level—the lower levels—they’re a whole different deal.” 

The twenty-fifth floor. 

For my familia and me, it’s unknown territory. This is the first time we’ll step foot in the lower levels. 

This threshold is known as the Second Line, just like the First Line up in the middle levels. Even among upper-class adventurers, only a select group has ever crossed it. 

“Do you know what adventurers call the zone starting on the twenty-fifth floor?” 

“…No.” 

“I heard the term was used in the early days of Dungeon exploration, but we still use it today…It’s called the New World.” 

…The New World. 

The phrase, with its implication of unknown territory, sends ripples through my chest. 

The Amazon glances back toward the tent. 

“If you stumble, the party stumbles. That’s the kind of party this is.” 

“…” 

“So I’ll ask you one more time…Are you freaking out?” 

A piece of moss comes loose from the ceiling and falls between us. If I close my eyes, the lush green smell that fills the air almost makes me think I’m not in the Dungeon at all but instead in a forest on the surface. In a forest all alone with Aisha. 

I seem to hear nonexistent leaves rustling in the wind. I quietly inhale and hold my breath, then slowly answer Aisha’s question. 

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel afraid at all…but…” 

I turn my thoughts inward. The conversation I heard earlier lingers in my ears. 

—Dragons leap between floors down there. 

—And that’s not the worst of it. There are swarms of monsters all as strong as floor bosses. 

Within that unimaginable world is a certain person—my idol. 

Beyond the New World we are about to step into. 

That person stands on the front lines of the Dungeon, which I don’t doubt are nicknamed “hell.” 

“But I still want to move forward.” 

I quietly squeeze into a fist the hand I’ve brought to my chest. 

It’s true. The truth is I am scared. No matter how hard I will myself to be strong, I can’t stop trembling. 

But my desire to reach that place outweighs my fear. 

Those are my feelings. 

I don’t have time to freak out. 

“…I like the look on your face. It’s way better than that other time,” Aisha says, narrowing her eyes. “I barely recognize you.” 

Her violet garments sway, and she comes so close we’re almost touching, taking me by surprise. 

“Call me when you feel like you’re on fire and you can’t cool down. I’ll lend you my body anytime.” 

Her words, whispered into my ear, make me shiver. Her seductive sigh lingers around my neck as she returns to the tent, smiling. 

After she’s disappeared, I let my flushed cheeks cool in the chill air of the Dungeon. My head cleared of distraction, I lower my fist. 

Attacking a lower level. 

My first Level-4 adventure. 

I turn my mind to the coming day, when I’ll face the unknown with my companions.