The sky is covered in darkness.
The sun hasn't yet risen in the eastern sky, but the horizon is beginning to lighten. It's
that moment before dawn when you're not sure if it's night or morning.
The city wall… I've never been up here before.
I woke up much earlier than normal this morning and climbed up to the top of the wall
encircling the city of Orario.
I'm standing on the northwest edge. Looking back inside over the city, the view is
absolutely breathtaking.
I can see the Pantheon, the Coliseum, buildings that are probably home to large
Familias, and other tall structures all at once. Even from this distance, I can make out
the minute details of the craftsmanship on each of them. Color me impressed!
But of course, there's one that stands out above all the rest in the center of the city:
Babel Tower. Its sheer presence is almost overwhelming. Add in the little houses filling
the city blocks, and I know I will never get tired of standing here.
Looking up and down the main streets that separate Orario into eight pieces, most
buildings' lights are dim. It's almost like the clamor of the city is quieting. One by one,
specks of light go out as magic lamps are being shut off all over the place.
And to think, I actually live in this metropolis! Shivers go down my spine and my heart
beats faster with excitement every time I remember where I am.
"Are you prepared?"
"Ah, y-yes!"
Her voice ringing like a bell in my ears, I turn around to face Miss Wallenstein.
She's the reason I'm here right now. I'm going to learn how to fight.
She said that her Familia, Loki Familia, is going on an expedition in a few days. So we
don't have much time, but she'll work with me until she leaves. That's why we decided
yesterday to start training today.
"Sorry to make you come all the way out here…"
"D-don't worry! It's not a problem!"
Being a member of Loki Familia, this is something she isn't supposed to do. If another
member of her Familia finds out that she's training a member of a different group in
combat techniques, there will be major problems for sure.
That's why we've come all the way to the top of the wall—to stay out of sight.
Thinking about it from her position, staying hidden and only meeting occasionally is
the only option.
As for why we're here so early, I need to go into the Dungeon like normal to make
money. So rather than train after a hard day's work, it makes more sense to do this
first.
"Well, um, Miss Wallenstein, what should I…"
"…Aiz."
"Huh?"
"Call me Aiz."
The second I realize she's telling me how to address her, I nearly fall over backward.
"Everyone calls me that. Does it make you uncomfortable?"
"Eh, erm, um... No, I'm comfortable with that."
Why would I refuse? I say to myself with my hand over my mouth. Something in her
voice sounds like she'll be disappointed if I don't call her by her first name.
My cheeks flush red. Of course, there hasn't been much time when I've stood in front
of Miss Wallenstein… er, Aiz, and not been bright red…
Anyway, hopefully I've been able to convey some impression of how strange this
situation is.
"…A-Aiz, what should I do now?"
"…A good question."
"Huh?"
Her voice is slightly heavy; how should I react to that?
Aiz's eyebrows fall as she puts a hand to her delicate chin. She looks like she's trying
to squeeze an idea out of her brain.
"I've been thinking very hard… since yesterday."
Her head snaps the other way as if her neck is on a spring, like a child being scolded.
Where's all the grace and refinement she's always had?
This is… strange.
My idol, my Aiz Wallenstein, and the real person are drifting apart…
"…Can you show me your form?"
"Y-yes, sure."
I do what she said, working a light sweat in the process.
Taking my dagger out, and feeling a bit embarrassed, I take two or three swipes at the
air beside me as she watches.
She just stares at me, eyes following me intently.
"Do you only use your knife?"
"Eh...?"
"The knife wielders I know use kicks and martial arts to fight."
Come to think of it, she's right. When fighting in the Dungeon, I rely completely on my
weapon. I can count on one hand the number of times I've kicked or punched a
monster.
I look down at my limbs for a moment before Aiz says, "Give it to me," and takes the
weapon out of my hand.
She strikes a pose; I guess she's going to show me an example?
"…Like this."
She's holding the dagger backward in her right hand, the blade coming out from
behind her pinkie, and her left knee is forward, foot hovering just above the ground.
With her knee in midair, Aiz tilts her head to the side.
She puts her leg back down, and lifts it up one more time… again tilting her head to
the side.
"…?"
"…"
Aiz lifts and lowers her knee over and over, and each time she tilts her head.
At this point, I can't hide my sweat or my confusion. It feels really awkward, watching
her like this. But she's giving me an example to follow. I should watch as closely as I
can.
Does she just… not have a clue…?
"Hm—"
—Was my last thought.
Aiz's body suddenly blurred, as though she'd taken hold of something.
"—Huh?"
Using her right leg to jump into the air with a smack, her whole body spins.
Completely ignoring the stunned sounds coming out of my mouth, she extends her left
leg, tracing an arc around her in the air.
Her miniskirt flutters; dark blue leggings up to her knees flash before my eyes.
The instant her pale-white inner thigh flashes in front of my eyes—I'm launched
skyward.
"Ah—"
A high-speed spinning jump kick.
I'd been too close to the frighteningly fast kick of a top-class adventurer. I both see it
and don't as her foot hits me square in the chest and sends me flying toward the edge
of the city wall.
I can't react, can't defend, can't even scream, as my body slams into the stone barrier
with incredible force, my outstretched arms and legs hitting hard enough to leave a
full-body imprint behind as I collapse to the floor.
What the hell was that?!
She kicked me right out of my own body.
It takes all the strength I have left to lift my head up enough to get a look at Aiz. Her
face is expressionless as always, but it looks like this time her eyes are a bit wider as
she stares down at me.
…Yep, she's clueless…
The last of my strength gone, I manage to arrive at that one realization before I pass
out.
"Sorry…"
I'm only out for a few seconds. I wake up to Aiz's apology and a sad look on her face.
I do my best to force a smile and tell her not to worry about it, but my chest is in pain
and I think I'm choking on my collarbone.
After that, we try a few more times through trial and error, but nothing feels like it's
working.
Seeing her face deep in thought after every failure, it feels like I might need to make a
rather uncomfortable exit.
Under a sky still waiting for sunrise, a very heavy mood descends onto both of us.
"…Enough. Let us fight."
"Huh?!"
She's been silent for I don't know how long, before her head snaps up and she speaks
to me.
She stands, her hand firmly grasping the hilt of her sword.
I jump in surprise as she draws her sword and sets it down next to the barrier. Then
she turns to me, brandishing her sheath as a weapon.
"I can't teach as well as Reveria and the others… So I think this is best."
Suddenly, her aura is different.
She holds her sheath in one hand, taking a defensive stance. However, her sheath and
her sword have almost the same reach, so I can't let my guard down for a second.
Goose bumps shoot out of my skin a moment before my muscles react.
I draw my dagger from its sheath tucked into the back of my armor and brace myself,
all in one fluid motion.
"Yes… That's good."
"…?!"
"As you did just now, I want you to perceive as much as you can from what's about to
happen."
I'll have to learn from firsthand experience through sparing, as we fight. That's what
she's saying.
She's telling me to learn from the impact of blade hitting blade, from reading each
other's movements.
"B-but… I'm using a real blade, and you're…"
"It's fine."
Her rejection of my kindness is so swift and curt that I have to clear my throat.
Showing sympathy to an under-armed opponent is a good way to get killed. The
seriousness in her eyes is screaming that at me right now.
She's overwhelming me with only a sharp glare and a blunt piece of wood.
"…"
"…"
The air between us is heating up; I could have sworn sparks were flying. The night sky
is still a dull black; the sun has yet to peek over the horizon.
Aiz doesn't even twitch. Neither do I.
Although in my case, I couldn't move even if I tried.
Visions of her advance assault me. It's a near-certainty that once she takes the first
step, I'll meet a strike that far exceeds my own speed and attack range.
The dagger in my sweaty palms has never felt so utterly useless.
"…You're afraid."
"?!"
"I think it's important for a solo adventurer to be afraid. But there is something else
that you are afraid of."
That's the one thing I didn't want to hear, from the exact person I didn't want to hear
it from.
With the same look of seriousness on her face, Aiz takes a step forward.
"I don't know what you are so afraid of… but at this rate, when you face it, you'll only
be able to run away."
She's right. Those words cut deep.
Damn it… My insides are burning up. Am I shy? Or indignant? I hope it's the former.
I'm not sure why, but I feel like she hit the nail right on the head. The ultimate indicator.
For a split second, the roar of a certain bovine coming up behind me shoots through
my mind.
While I know it's not real, a twinge of fear floods through me.
What's this? Now my teeth are shaking? I have to get it together, fast.
Gripping the dagger in my hands as hard as I can, I take a step toward the eyes that
bore holes through my soul.
There's no time to think, so I just put all my strength into my muscles and go! One
more step, one more step—I'm taking the offensive.
"YAAAAAAA!!?!"
"That won't work."
—My feet leave the ground.
The sound of rending air reaches my ears. Next thing I know, I'm on my side, reeling
in pain. The rock floor feels hot, my body flattened atop it.
My ribs… hurt like hell.
"Ah… Ngh?!"
"You must never become reckless. That's something you should never do, especially
in the Dungeon."
I can tell she's trying to politely explain, but her words aren't reaching me.
I'd been mowed down.
I had my dagger too far out in front of me, and she hit my undefended side with her
empty sheath so quickly I couldn't even see it.
Well, I saw a bit of a blur. At least I think it was a blur…
I knew. I should've known.
I knew, but…
She is just so… fast.
"Can you stand?"
"...!"
The question is aimed at me from above, and I peel myself slowly but surely off the
floor and get back up onto my feet.
I can't breathe. My side hurts too much. I want to cry so bad, but no. I will not cry here,
not now.
I clamp my front teeth down on my lip and turn to face her again.
"You aren't used to feeling pain…"
"Hnggh—?!"
"But you must not be afraid of it."
Another strike.
A frontal blow to my midsection at tremendous speed. I can see where the hit
happened, but I can see my feet too… I'm flying backward again, aren't I?
Wham! The back of my head hits the stone floor. No air is going into or coming out of
my lungs.
"Can you stand?" There's no pity in her voice. Somehow I manage to roll my body to
the side and get up without choking.
"Being solo in the Dungeon means you can't leave any opening, ever. Keep your eyes
open and sharp."
"!"
"Better."
"Hnff?!"
I thought I'd dodged that one, but she changed course.
This time she takes my knee out from under me. Next thing I know, I'm practically
kissing the floor, my face burning red.
By the way, I've been wearing my light armor this entire time. And still, this pain—!
"Can you stand?" Those cold words again. I can feel blood trickling out of my nose as I
once again climb to my feet.
"Just try to follow my attacks for now. Learn to read your opponent."
"Tch—?!"
"Like that."
"Buh?!"
An upward swing, and then another side sweep.
But my dagger is always a step behind. Well, it gets to the right place, but her sheath
just speeds on by, on its way to nail me again. Pretty sure I spun around in midair at
least once that time.
"Can you stand?" Her magic words. I'm up again.
"…You're not good at blocking, are you?"
"—?!"
Hit hit hit.
An absolute flurry of I don't know how many flashes. There's no way out! I can feel
small explosions erupting all over my body as her sheath connects over and over
again.
Slam! I fall to my knees, the impact echoing around me as the dust clears.
I can't stand. It's a miracle I didn't face-plant on the stone floor again.
I can hear my ragged breathing again, weak and pathetic…
"We top-class adventurers often say that many adventurers are pulled around by their
own status."
"Eh..."
"Everyone depends too much on their blessing. Ability and technique are different
things."
She's looking down on me. It sounds like a lecture. It's painful, but I force my eyes open
and look back up at her.
She speaks slowly, as she's trying to give me information she'd learned herself.
"Technique and strategy. You lack both."
"…!"
"These things will stay with you, even if you lose your status. Such things… are all I can
teach you."
She breaks eye contact with me for a moment, before looking back at me even more
intensely than before.
"You have difficulty defending, so we'll focus on that. The goal of this training is for
you to read my attacks, and defend. This way might be painful for you, but it will stay
with you, I think. And I think… you will get closer to your goal."
She says all of this at once, looking straight into my shocked eyes.
Her golden eyes shine with sincerity as they peer into mine.
I try to make some kind of response—or any kind of sound—but nothing comes out.
Aiz takes a step back and stands there, as if she's waiting for me to get up.
"Can you still stand?"
"…Thank you!"
She stared directly at my weakness, and accepted me. I have to say something.
This time spent training with her may be short, but I can't waste a second of it.
Using every fiber of my being, I force my kneeling body back up onto my feet.
I continue taking blow after blow from her sheath until the sun finally pokes its head
out from the far-off eastern skyline.
Up, down, left, right—any direction he looked, his vision was filled by rugged dungeon
walls covered in all sizes of rocks.
Despite the extremely high ceiling, the walls always looked like they were closing in.
Boulders jutting out of the walls could fall at any moment, their overwhelming
presence looming in every direction. Sources of light were scarce and unreliable,
making every shadow ominous.
Of course, the footing wasn't smooth, either. The path here was an uneven gravel trail
that made simply walking forward a challenge.
A cave, a mine, a deep shaft.
Many words came to mind while traveling through this level of solid rock with no
pattern in its layout whatsoever.
"A long time has passed since I prowled this floor…"
The seventeenth floor of the Dungeon.
Ottar, an animal person of unusual size, continued his solitary quest on the floor, a
floor typically used by Level Two adventurers.
Passing under one of the lantern-like luminescent rocks, the man's impressive frame
emerged from the shadows.
He wore only light armor for protection. Despite being able to wear full-body plating,
he chose to wear only enough armor to protect his vital points.
On the other hand, each piece of armor he did have was incredibly thick. It looked
almost as though he had shields built into his body. Whether or not his equipment
could be categorized as "light" armor, even he didn't know.
He carried an extremely large and durable bag over his shoulder. It was stuffed to its
absolute limit, on the verge of bursting.
Then again, I'm not sure how long it's been since I was in the Dungeon at all.
Ottar's powerful steps made his body shake as he walked. However, where there
should have been a small tremor or two in his wake, the man's feet didn't make a
sound. An ominous, silencing aura followed his every movement.
His was a presence that could not be ignored, could never go unnoticed.
No monsters appeared before him, almost as if they were getting out of his way in fear.
…Jealous, huh?
His eyes and ears might have been busy scanning every nook and cranny of his
surroundings, but Ottar's mind was on his recent conversation with Freya.
She'd asked him if he felt jealous.
He'd responded with complete honesty at the time. No matter what happened, he
would never doubt Freya's love for him, and would continue to serve and worship her.
The Goddess Freya's love was like a wind embracing the world.
Even if someone reached out to catch it, they would fail. Her love would envelop them
like a soft breeze, but the moment they thought her love was theirs, it would slip
through their fingers.
Wind could not be contained. It was no one's possession. It could not be stopped.
Above all, wind sought no companion.
Wind chose a direction on a whim and drew its own path under the sky. If it should
find a traveler on an open plane, it would smile and go to embrace him. But as soon as
the traveler turned to face it, the wind had already moved on.
At the same time, the wind was fair.
It brought the good fortune of a cooling breeze to everyone it passed.
Sometimes, it was harsh; other times, gentle. It could flow down from the north, or
waft up from the south.
It would always whisper in your ears as it blew by. Wind never stopped. Wind was
eternal.
As long as Ottar and the other children were on this earth, no matter where they went,
the wind would always reach them.
The fact that I'm here now, is that the answer?
What if the wind had a sky to go home to? A sky that the wind yearned for?
As a person of this world, all he could do was look up at that sky.
If looking up at it from far below triggered a petty emotion from within, then yes, it
very well could be envy.
Envy and jealousy were sides of the same coin.
Childish…
A painful smile broke through his hard, emotionless exterior. This would have been
very surprising, if anyone had been there to see it.
In truth, he had accepted this the moment he agreed to follow Freya's command. The
wind had blown past him.
Keh! A single laugh filled with self-mockery echoed through the cave.
"…Hmm."
Ottar stopped walking.
The two boar ears sticking out of his black, thin, almost frame-like helmet twitched in
response to something up ahead.
His feet changed direction to the source of the sound. Sure enough, not far from the
tip of his boots, the red-black head of a bull emerged from a hole in the wall that had
been hidden between two boulders.
"Mmroooo…!"
"There you are."
The bloodshot eyes of the beast found their new prey: Ottar.
Minotaur. A large-category monster with the body of a muscular man and the head of
a bull. This one stood even with Ottar—perhaps even slightly taller. Starting with their
height, the two combatants had a lot in common.
This was the reason Ottar had been prowling a level of the Dungeon filled with
monsters far below his own level.
He was here to catch one of these violent beasts.
"Mmmmmrrrrrgh…!"
The Minotaur was getting excited.
A landform was in its grasp. This natural weapon found within the Dungeon itself was
shaped like a stone ax.
The edge of the weapon was covered in a crimson liquid. Either it had just finished off
an adventurer, or it had covered the ax with its own blood. Ottar couldn't see any
damage on the beast itself.
This is the one, Ottar thought as his rusty eyes narrowed.
Reaching for his belt, Ottar let the bag over his shoulder fall to the floor with a loud
thud. Along with the sound of the ground cracking on impact, metallic jangling sounds
also echoed.
The sound of the crash was as good as a starting whistle for the Minotaur. It squinted
its eyes as it charged headlong at Ottar.
"Mrroooooooooah!!"
The beast's strides hit the ground with such force that fragments of broken rocks flew
backward in its wake. The Minotaur held the ax high over its head with one hand as it
closed the distance.
Faced with a charging Minotaur roaring loud enough to make the walls shake, Ottar
didn't bat an eye.
Holding his pack upright with his right hand, Ottar let his left arm hang loosely. He
waited, unarmed, for the imminent arrival of the Minotaur.
The instant that the Minotaur planted its foot—hard enough to leave a small crater—
in front of Ottar to strike, the massive man calmly raised his left arm.
"Mrooooh… Mroa?!"
"…Well done. You've been chosen."
Ottar blocked the stone ax completely.
In fact, it was the ax that took damage. The blade cracked, bits and pieces falling to the
floor.
The Minotaur had put all of its weight into that attack, only to be blocked by Ottar's
armor-lined arm.
While the armor itself had to be considered, this level of Defense was otherworldly.
Ottar stood flat-footed on impact, but his massive body didn't budge. Without taking
a defensive stance, he had taken the Minotaur's attack head-on.
Ottar looked like he was a gigantic tree, rooted to the spot, as he delivered his appraisal
of the Minotaur.
It might have been instinct, but the Minotaur took one, then two steps backward, its
eyes shaking in fear.
It had learned a little too late thatthe creature in front of it was even more of a monster
than it was.
"Groh…?!"
"You are welcome to try again. If not…"
Ottar's penetrating gaze made the Minotaur freeze in terror.
Ottar watched as the stone ax fell from the Minotaur's limp fingers, and got an idea.
He reached behind his waist. Keeping his eyes locked on the Minotaur, Ottar grabbed
one of the twin swords strapped to his belt—a greatsword, really—pulled it out, and
tossed it in the Minotaur's direction.
"…Uwwa?"
"You demonstrated good technique. Now use this."
With an eerie charm that would've unnerved anybody watching, the Minotaur cocked
its head in confusion at the hilt that was thrust at it.
Its eyes jumped nervously between Ottar and the sword over and over again, before it
timidly reached out and took hold of the hilt.
The Minotaur's fingers carefully wrapped around the handle, and then it took a firm
grasp.
On my life, Mistress Freya, I will not hold back.
Freya had said it herself: She'd left the boy Bell's growth in Ottar's hands.
As he had replied in that conversation, there was only one way for him to grow. Freya
gave him the order, knowing full well what could happen.
This Minotaur would fight Bell.
The path Ottar was preparing for Bell was a cruel one, full of thorns.
…These might be more than mere preparations.
Up until this point, Ottar had encountered many Minotaurs, but felt them unworthy.
And all to remove the last chain within the boy's soul. To bring out the "glow" that
Freya desired.
For Level One adventurers, defeating a Level Two monster like the Minotaur was next
to impossible. Due to the difference in pure strength and ability, a Level One
adventurer would have to have a death wish to even challenge one of them. Despite
this, Ottar had given his chosen Minotaur a weapon.
Ottar's "guidance" was so severe, it bordered on tyranny.
Ottar had to admit a faintly absurd emotion had taken root in his heart. He had been
forced to think about a boy named Bell.
Was he, perhaps, trying to erase the boy from Freya's sight?
Ottar asked himself that question, and answered with a resounding no.
Should the boy die, there was no doubt that Freya would pursue his soul. She would
be willing to go all the way to the heavens to hold him in her embrace. If she weren't,
she would never allow Ottar to put him into such a dangerous situation.
At this point, it didn't matter if Bell lived or died. No matter what happened, the
goddess of love would be waiting for him.
This was not jealousy.
This was a trial.
If you're worthy of her love, survive this.
Ottar wanted proof that Bell was deserving of special treatment. Proof that he was
right for Freya.
He didn't care if he lost her affection. He was willing to accept that all of her love would
go to Bell alone.
However, he refused to allow someone unworthy of her attention to dirty the name of
the goddess he worshiped.
Now that you have her attention, it is your duty to prove yourself worthy. It was this
emotion that drove Ottar.
"Mroooaaaah!"
"…Correction. I'll have you use the weapon correctly."
Ottar easily deflected the Minotaur's first errant swing of the greatsword.
In order to prepare the beast in front of him for its role, Ottar was prepared to "train"
it and fully intended to do so.
The sound of swords clashing echoed, flashes of sparks from steel colliding with steel
erupted for hour upon hour.
All for Freya.
Ottar simply followed orders to the best of his ability.
"Mr. Bell, why are you a mess before going into the Dungeon?"
"Ha-ha-ha… Well, you know, this and that."
I weakly laugh off Lilly's question to reassure her.
Somehow I've made it through two days of Aiz's pulverization… I suppose I can call it
"intense training."
Lilly gives me a look like she knows I'm hiding something, and I can't blame her. The
way my body looks now, she probably thinks I was run over by stampeding monsters
or something.
But I can't tell her the truth. I don't want to tell her. I don't want her to know just how
unbelievably uncoordinated I am.
I couldn't block a single strike. Not one. And now I'm an absolute wreck.
I knew going into these training sessions that it would be foolish to think I'd get better
right away… Butto come away every time no better than a breathing punching/kicking
bag, what confidence I had is gone.
I knew I wasn't that strong, but I didn't realize just how far I have to go.
There's her level, and then there's my level. There's still enough distance between us
to make my head spin just thinking about it.
I walk into the lobby of Babel Tower alongside Lilly, feeling slightly depressed.
The lobby is absolutely massive. The floor is covered in large circular patterns of deep
blue and white. But the most beautiful feature of the lobby has to be the stained-glass
windows made to look like flowers that line the walls.
Many adventurers are here now, either on their way into the Dungeon or coming out
of it. By the looks of it, most of them are, like us, about to head down into the labyrinth.
However, there are some who look like they've been in the Dungeon overnight.
The contrast of the smiling, happy battle parties and the slouching, downtrodden
battle parties is very striking.
The amount of loot adventurers bring back from the Dungeon tells all. Nodding slowly
to myself as Lilly and I make our way through the crowd, I promise myself that we
won't look like the depressed ones at the end of today.
It's a problem we all share, and nothing to scoff at. Nothing at all.
"Lilly's sorry, Mr. Bell, for making you carry Lilly's things when you're so tired."
"Don't be, it's my fault I'm tired… and anyway, I can still carry an empty backpack."
Lilly looks back at me with a very apologetic expression as we descend the first
stairwell leading to the Dungeon entrance, her shoulders sinking. I crack a big smile
and jump up and down a few times, saying, "See? So light!"
We've switched places—or at least that's how we're dressed right now. Basically, I'm
carrying Lilly's bag, so I look like a supporter.
Meanwhile, Lilly's not wearing her usual cream-colored robe, but a sturdy-looking
leather jacket on top of lightweight clothing. The icing on the cake is that she's wearing
my protector like a sheath across her back, the baselard sticking out of it… so she looks
to everyone else like an honest-to-goodness adventurer.
Why are we putting on this façade? To keep Lilly's existence a secret from Soma
Familia.
Of course, Lilly is using her magic to disguise herself, but at her height and carrying
something as distinct as that oversized backpack of hers, anyone with a good brain in
their head might be able to connect the dots.
Prums, being one of the shorter races of people, don't usually carry bags almost twice
their own size. The same goes for children of other races.
We're being extra careful, and that's why we came up with this act.
"And we'll switch out soon anyway, no need to worry about me."
Since we're just posing as each other's role, we need to be out of sight before we
change back. The best spot seems to be right before the tenth level, somewhere on the
ninth floor. The fog on the tenth floor is another bonus; we don't have to worry about
other parties of adventurers catching a glimpse of us by accident.
We divide up the loot evenly for the return trip so that things don't look that strange
when we get back to the top.
Only a few days have passed since Lilly's "death," so I think going a little overboard to
protect Lilly's identity is just about right.
"Mmm… Lilly is in debt to Mr. Bell, and so recent, too. Lilly feels bad doing this to Mr.
Bell…"
The tone of Lilly's voice falls, almost to the point of pouting as she spoke. The wolf ears
on top of her head fold down, tips below the base.
I laugh helplessly and take another look at her.
For me, the baselard is a short sword, but it suddenly looks a lot bigger strapped to
Lilly's back. That realization makes me smile. The hilt of the baselard is sticking out
from under long, ash-colored hair. With eyes like golden harvest moons, she must have
decided to try to be a lycanthrope today, a werewolf.
The long hair was such a change to her usual image that I didn't recognize her at first.
Kind of like going from an energetic, prankster type of child to a mature, book-loving,
almost royal appearance.
A few other things here and there are different, too; she's completely different from
the Lilly I'm used to.
"Ah, um… what, is it a bit too much?"
She must have noticed my eyes. She's looking up at me, a bit unsure of herself as her
voice quietly shakes.
I don't know if she's talking about her adventurer outfit or the werewolf
transformation, but I just smile and shake my head.
I tell her that she doesn't look strange at all.
"You just look so different… a fresh look, maybe? Actually, I think you look pretty cute."
"R-really?"
"Yeah, you look good like this."
She nervously looks up at me before her eyes start to twinkle with happiness.
Lilly turns back to face forward, but her wolf ears perk up and I can see a tail swishing
back and forth under her skirt.
I don't think I meant to, but seeing how Lilly responded to my compliment, seeing how
happy she is, makes the corners of my mouth curve up without my even thinking.
I feel like I've got a cute little sister. And that feels… nice.
I'm watching all the adventurers who pass by us… Maybe we look like brother and
sister to them.
"A hare and a wolf…"
"Wolf and bunny…"
"The rabbit is the supporter… Oh, I wonder if he'll get eaten."
"Emergency food supply in a last-resort scenario… how miserable!"
"Scary, scary. Can't judge adventurers just on looks and status, now can ya? Better keep
my guard up."
…This is weird.
Why do I feel like I'm being insulted?
Whisper-whisper. I can hear all of you, right here, you know?
I've never felt this kind of kind gaze from adventurers—it's like I'm the center of
attention in a pity party.
Especially the remark of that male elf a second ago. What did he mean by "how
miserable"?
At least my smile is carrying me through this, but a new question jumps into my head
as I take another look at "adventurer" Lilly.
I open my mouth to ask her. I can tell she's still in a really good mood just by looking
at the side of her face.
"Hey, Lilly. You can't upgrade your status anymore, can you?"
"What's Mr. Bell talking about?"
"…You know, since you can't go to Soma Familia, you can't meet up with your god,
right?"
Careful not to be overheard; I lean close to her ears as I speak.
It's impossible for Lilly to go anywhere near Soma for the time being. Therefore, the
status on her back won't change.
As an adventurer, not being able to update my status would be a death sentence. I
imagine it's the same for supporters, too. As I go to deeper floors, the monsters get
stronger, which means it's more dangerous…
"Aren't you worried?" I ask her with concern in my eyes.
"To tell the truth, Lilly is a little worried… but it's probably fine. At the very least, Lilly's
okay for now."
"R-really?"
"Yes, Lilly is good at finding ways to deal with monsters… After all, Lilly hasn't had a
status update in almost half a year now and been okay."
"H-half a year?!"
Her words throw me for a loop.
I don't think I need to spell it out, but without a status update, she won't get stronger
after everything she's been through. All the times she's taken a hit, fought a monster—
it's all been meaningless. Talk about high risk, no reward.
Lilly grimaces when she sees the shock on my face and explains.
"To get a status update in Soma Familia, Lilly had to make quota."
"Wha… isn't that…?"
"Yes, it's Soma's… condition."
According to Lilly, Soma doesn't do many status updates for anyone at first.
It seems strange to me, but it sounds like he only does status updates on an "asneeded" basis. He commits all of his time and money to his one true passion, making
wine. So if someone like Lilly isn't making money for him, it's a waste of his time to
make her stronger. Without money from his adventurers, he can't make wine.
On top of that, his Familia is quite large. To update all of their statuses probably takes
a very long time and would have been a real pain…
So with allthatin mind, he apparently announced,"Once you meet your quota, I'll have
a look at your status."
"So Lilly, you couldn't update your status without making a certain amount of money?"
"Not quite, Mr. Bell. Lilly didn't want to stand out."
"Stand out?"
"Meeting the quota regularly means that that person has skills. Lilly can't fight, and
everyone knew that. So if they saw Lilly making her quota, they would get suspicious."
"Ah…" The sound escapes me before I can stop it. That's what she was getting at.
So in that case, Lilly…
"Actually, Lilly made enough to pay the quota every time, but Lilly never turned it in. If
Lilly carried money, that would give her away. Not being able to update Lilly's status
was a sacrifice Lilly made to hide what she was doing."
Even going to those member meetings was just to keep up appearances.
She says that she updated her status a few time after she learned her magic, but not
even once over the past six months.
Not updating your status out of concern for what others in your Familia will think…?
That Familia is broken.
I'd known that she was alone over there, but hearing this lets me know just how alone.
With such a meager status, she must have been able to survive day after day in the
Dungeon only because she'd grown up in such a cruel environment.
She's made it this long because of her intelligence and strategies. The confidence to go
into the Dungeon armed with only those, knowing your status would never improve,
had to be the result of that strange upbringing.
I feel my face tighten into a frown.
"Do you despise her after all?"
"Eh?"
"The Lilly who fooled everyone and anyone. Lilly's a monster in disguise…"
Almost as if she can foresee where the conversation is going, Lilly changes the subject.
Her golden eyes don't even glance at me. She just keeps looking straight ahead.
Her voice is so soft. I can't say anything back.
"Lilly hates adventurers. With the exception of Mr. Bell, Lilly still carries a grudge… an
intense loathing of them."
"..."
"No matter what Mr. Bell thinks of it, Lilly has no intension of apologizing for anything
she's done… and has no remorse, either."
That's a lie.
Something inside me knows that she isn't telling the truth, but alas, I can't say it.
I can see the stern expression on her face as she voices her harsh emotions. Without
much of a pause, she starts right back up again.
"Would Mr. Bell despise this Lilly after all?" she asks one more time, not breaking
stride.
Her voice is normal now. Her eyes look like they're facing forward… but something's…
does she notice?
The wolf ears on top of her head won't sit still. They're twitching, almost out of fear.
Blinking rapidly, I let words build up in my mind before releasing them.
I know it's not the time for a smile, but it just kind of comes out of me as I speak.
"…It's hard for me to despise people who can't be honest with themselves, I think."
"Eh?"
Her feet stop, and her head whips to face me.
"It's okay, Lilly. I like who you are, so I can't despise you, let alone hate you."
It's just how I feel.
To help her wipe away any concerns or misgivings she might have, I give her the
honest truth.
I didn't know Lilly's gaze could be this strong! It feels like she's looking clear through
me as her face turns red. The wolf ears that were folded down and shaking suddenly
perk up.
I'm startled. Lilly's tail is going crazy under her skirt.
I may look calm on the outside, but inside, I'm absolutely bewildered. Lilly's eyes are
still on me, her cheeks a rosy pink as she shrinks away.
"Asking Mr. Bell what he means would be… a stupid question, wouldn't it?"
"Huh?" Before I can ask for a clarification on that, she's already started walking again.
Just looking at her from behind, I'd say that she's in an even better mood than before.
Did I cheer her up? Before I know it I fall behind and rush to catch up.
"Mr. Bell's voice rings clear in Lilly's heart."
Her voice is always soft.
I try to ask her a few more times, but she won't tell me a thing. Vaguely sulking behind
her, I run through our conversation silently in my head.
"Hyaaaaa!"
"Giiii!"
Little demon monsters—imps—fly at me, shrieking at the top of their lungs.
Their bodies are black from top to tail. A small horn sticks out of their oversized heads,
their bodies small by comparison, giving them an unbalanced look. But they're
capable of pulling off quick, sharp movements that I would have never thought
possible just by looking at them.
Their tails whip around, following their bodies' twists and turns, the little hooks on
the ends flicking back and forth.
"!"
Coming at me side by side, they look like they're hopping up and down in midair. I arm
myself with the Divine Knife and the baselard as I face them down.
I sidestep toward the right-hand imp.
Now they can't attack me at the same time, and the one in front of me is in the other
one's way.
This is as good as one-on-one. Brandishing all sorts of claws and teeth, the first imp
comes up to my face with its right arm held high.
"Giii!"
"Much. Too. Slow!"
—This is nothing compared to the speed of her kicks!
It's planning to take a swipe at my face with its claws, so I swing the Divine Knife up
to meet them.
The instant my eyes see the flashing purple arc of the blade, not only does the imp lose
its claws, but the severed fingers of its right hand go flying.
"Ge, Gii?!"
Amid the imp's sharp screams of pain and surprise, I keep my momentum going by
sending my body into a full spin.
I've seen so many flashes of blond hair that the form has been pounded into my mind.
It's about time I tried doing her move myself.
Spinning over my right leg, I slam a powerful spinning jump kick into the monster in
front of me in one swift motion.
"Higya?!"
"?!"
My left foot hits the light monster square in the chest and violently sends it flying
backward.
And straight into the other imp just behind it. That imp manages to make an aerial
recovery after its fingerless friend smashes into it, but I'm already going into my next
attack.
Tucking my right arm behind my back, I thrust the baselard straight forward!
"Gigi?!"
My strike impales both of them.
Both bodies convulse in their death throes.
Silver liquid and guts drip out of their wounds, and their bodies' spasms make the hilt
of my blade shake.
"Mr. Bell! Behind you!"
—I know!
Lilly doesn't have to warn me. I can feel the presence of another monster coming at
me.
Widen your vision. Don't leave any openings.
I let go of the baselard as I spin to greet the newcomer, readying my knife in the
processes.
Going on the offensive, I jump at the new imp, slashing with both blades once.
"Gee—!"
"Whoa… Nice one, Mr. Bell."
Legs. Body. Head.
I jump through the monster; all three parts of its body hit the ground as I land a meder
beyond.
I'm already scanning the area, looking for more. There are still many black shadows in
the fog. Their numbers haven't gone down much.
Lilly picks up the baselard for me, and I jump straight at the shadows in the mist.
We're on the tenth floor.
The floor on this level is covered with grass, and its rooms and hallways are wider
than any level I've seen so far. I can't tell where it's coming from, but a thick, white fog
fills the air everywhere I look.
Choosing a particularly spacious dead-end room as our base, Lilly and I are working
this floor of the Dungeon today.
This is my opportunity to use what Aiz has taught me over the past two days in battle
against real monsters.
After getting through that life-or-death situation, it's my duty to use what I learned
from her and try harder.
"HYAAAAAAA!!"
Lilly and I are currently fighting against a swarm of imps. These little monsters are far
more common than orcs down here.
They use sheer numbers as a weapon—I feel like I'm getting nowhere against them,
no matter how many I take down.
Imps are clever. They might look like goblins, but there is one big difference between
the two: these little bastards are smart. They know how to use a strategy.
They never attack a target one at a time; they swarm in packs. As a group, they are a
serious threat. Unlike other groups of monsters I've fought before, these things have a
plan. It's actually kind of impressive.
And on a floor where a big white cloud gives them constant cover, it's said that a pack
of imps is more feared than even the gigantic orcs that wander around.
"Gii!"
"Hnh!"
I definitely agree. They're so fast that if I block an attack with my protector, they're
already retreating back into the fog by the time I launch a counterattack. It's enough
to make my mouth twitch in frustration.
Then they use the fog to sneak up on me from any and all directions. That's how I know
imps are clever. They spread out and work as a team.
If I move somewhere that they can't surround me, they start clicking their tongues and
shrieking at me from behind the cloud. There are eight of them, for now. More and
more are coming.
A battle party of adventurers wouldn't have much trouble, but as a solo adventurer,
these guys are tough to take on.
"Hyahii!"
"Hiii…"
"..."
The moment I set my feet, they spread out like a net around me.
I can see their shoulders shaking as they all laugh at me from beyond the fog.
The ring of imps is drawing closer and closer. Landing on the ground, they make their
way through the grass, licking their lips like mad wolves on the hunt. I can hear
everything.
If I had faced this last week, I probably would have panicked.
I might have accepted the fact I'd take a hit or two and tried to force my way out of
their net.
However—
"Mr. Bell being looked at like food makes Lilly a little… annoyed!"
I'm not alone now.
Her voice comes from outside the imp ring.
An arrow suddenly slices the air from behind their backs.
"Gyya?!"
"—?!"
Lilly's arrow hit one of the imps in the back of the head. The sneak attack sends a wave
of surprise through the remaining monsters.
Monsters aren't the only ones who can use the fog as cover. Lilly had hidden herself
temporarily and gone undetected by the imps.
They're clever, but there is a limit to their intelligence. On the other hand, Lilly and I
already had a plan for this, as well as experience in working together. We're the
stronger party.
So this is what teamwork feels like. It feels good.
My turn!
Now's my chance. They're still trying to find where the arrow came from.
I slice an imp that was gawking at the golden arrow that split its comrade's head in
half.
But I don't stop there. The monsters are all on the ground—easy targets for a flurry of
kicks in all the confusion. Now is not the time for mercy.
"SHYAA!"
"—! Lilly!"
I catch a glimpse of them just as I finish off the imp that took her arrow.
Two of the remaining imps break away from the group and make straight for Lilly.
I may have been yelling out to her, but she doesn't flinch. A smirk on her lips, she
calmly reaches inside a fold of fabric in her top and pulls out a small pouch.
"Thanks for your hard work."
Flick! Lilly flips open the pouch and releases a small cloud of powder. The imps fly
right into it and immediately start hacking and coughing.
Koff! Koff! The sudden purple dust cloud permeates through their bodies, the imps
coughing so hard that they fall out of the air.
Purple Moth Scales. A drop item.
Lilly just used a poison grenade made from these scales.
It's fast-acting, unlike the purple moth's scales by themselves, and is strong enough to
poison smaller monsters on contact.
—Clever girl! Looks like she wasn't lying about being able to handle monsters!
Lilly taking a quick step back is my cue to spring into action.
I make eye contact and give her a little nod, to let her know I'll take it from here.
I can't help but smile a little.
"All right!"
I take a deep breath and hold it as I jump into the cloud of purple dust. Then, slash.
Using both of the shorter blades, one in each hand, I slay both imps without taking a
breath.
The only ones left now are…
"…Mr. Bell, something a little bigger is here!"
"!"
A small tremor shakes the room. I know what it is immediately.
An orc. I've had dealings with this type of pig-headed monster before. Standing close
to three meders tall, the beast is coming toward us bare-handed.
Of course there are still a few imps around, but they look like minions waiting for the
boss's command as I get a better feel for the surroundings.
There's a bad bat above me. It's a black bat–type monster with sharp claws and a really
distracting scream. It's enough to make me feel dizzy in combat.
The remaining imps on the ground take to the air, their tails between their legs, and
join their allies behind the fog.
"So many…"
"Yes, it's very rare that this many types of monsters gather like this. What should Lilly
do? Lead the orc away?"
Lilly set her backpack down on the grass and loaded an arrow into her crossbow as
she made her suggestion.
I squint my eyes as I think it through.
With the fog in the way, I can't tell exactly how many of each monster there is. Except
for the orc, anyway. I don't feel comfortable telling Lilly to leave my side when I don't
know what we're up against…
I return both of my knives to their sheaths, and shake my right wrist.
"Mr. Bell?"
"Heh-heh. I might be relying on this a bit too much…"
I smile and nod to let her know what's coming. I think she gets the message because
she quickly scrambles out of the way.
Now I have a clear shot.
With the various cries and shrieks of the monsters ringing in my ears, I raise my right
arm and take aim.
"FIREBOLT!"
Bolts of scarlet flame carve their way through the sea of fog, wiping out everything in
their path.
"Can I ask you something, Lilly? Do you think I'm depending on my Magic too much?"
Holding a sandwich in my hand, I ask Lilly for her opinion.
After clearing out most of the monsters, we decided to take a rest. So we've come back
to the first room on the tenth level. The stairs connecting to the ninth are behind me.
This is the only room on the lower tenth that doesn't have any fog. Since the chances
of a sneak attack are much higher everywhere else, I think it's safe to say that this is
the least dangerous room on this level.
I'm eating the usual lunch from Syr as I wait for Lilly's answer.
Now that I think about it, Syr's handmade sandwiches are always a little strange. The
more I chew, the more new and exciting varieties of bitterness come to the surface.
She tried something new again today, but it tastes like a swamp… It's rude of me to
think that, so I better keep chewing to make up for it. But honestly, I'm on the verge of
tears.
My lunches are getting scarier and scarier every day.
"Hmmm… Lilly doesn't think it's a problem… Mr. Bell's Magic is very easy to use, too…"
Lilly tilts her head from side to side, as if sloshing the ideas around in her head, while
holding a modest-sized piece of bread in her hands.
Her lips wrap around the bread whenever she takes a bite; it's very cute. Taking her
last bite, she wipes her mouth with a napkin before continuing.
"Because it's easy to use, it might be easy to get in a habit of casting it. But rather than
depending on it, Lilly thinks it's become one of Mr. Bell's basic maneuvers."
"Well, when you put it like that…"
It lined up pretty well, actually.
Firebolt is Swift-Strike Magic.
Each Magic has a spell you have to chant to activate it… so basically, there's nothing
you have to save up.
For me, Magic is like a punch or a kick that I don't use as often. Maybe it's just another
technique for me to use in combat.
"Lilly thinks about it like this. Mr. Bell's Magic is very effective, but its role is much
more limited than other Magic."
"Um… and that would be…?"
"As a finishing move."
The moment she said that, I immediately think of the picture of a certain hero on page
one of a Tales of Adventure book.
A young elfish warrior summoning a blizzard to face down a fearsome beast.
"Magic is the ace up the sleeve. You could even call it a last resort, because if it's
powerful enough, Magic can take down an enemy at a level higher than the caster. Mr.
Bell's Magic is very easy to use, but it might be limited to a role as the killing blow."
Sure, I can use it like nobody's business, but that doesn't mean it's all that powerful.
Blow for blow, it's nothing like the kind of Magic Lilly's talking about.
I make a timid face as I listen to the rest of Lilly's explanation.
"Since the Magics with long trigger spells are more powerful, they have the ability to
bring the caster back from the edge of defeat. They're a way to perform miracles."
So if you turn that around…
"My Magic is too weak to do that…?"
"No, no. That's not what Lilly's saying. It's the idea of quality over quantity, or quantity
over quality. Mr. Bell's Magic is formidable… At least for Lilly, a magic that can be cast
suddenly is much scarier than one that is more powerful but takes time. Mr. Bell's
'Firebolt' is scary because it can't be avoided."
Lilly smiles as she finished.
I guess she's trying to say that my Magic is plenty intimidating as it is now.
It's just that the impact of each strike lacks the power of other Magics.
So if I were to face a particularly strong monster—something with very high
Defense—then my Magic won't be as effective as other offensive magic would be.
Well, yeah, Magic isn't perfect. I know that anyone can find a downside to any Magic
in the book…
I don't know if it's because I've fantasized about Magic since I was a kid, but realizing
the weakness in my own… I feel, I don't know, sad somehow.
Lilly must have read the disappointment on my face because when I look up at her,
she's all smiles.
"Mr. Bell, oh Mr. Bell? Lilly thinks Mr. Bell's Magic is one of the better ones, okay? No
spell, lightning speed, but it's growing very fast, too. That Magic is ahead of the pack."
"...?"
"It's very difficult to use Magic that requires time to cast. Does Mr. Bell think that
monsters will wait for someone to finish the incantation? And since those Magics can't
be used very often, they can't grow. Magic has to be used for it to get more powerful;
the status won't change."
So if the caster doesn't have a chance to use their Magic, their Magic Skill won't
improve.
In that case, with a little time and effort on my part, my Magic could become many
times more powerful than it is now, if I use it frequently.
"As Magic Skill increases, so do the effects of each spell. Lilly knows this because her
Magic changed as her Magic Skill went up. It has nothing to do with combat, but it
could do more things."
Lilly's magic, "Cinder Ella," has a limit to how much it can change the overall shape of
her body. For the most part, she can only change to look like other short races or
children of taller ones. Apparently she gained the ability to copy different types of
clothing as her Magic Skill went up. However, she needs an example to copy for it to
work.
Turns out her clothes right now are the result of her Magic (although she said that the
effect ends if she takes a hit).
I take a long, hard look at my hand.
Thinking back, the size and power of the flaming bolts have gotten much thicker and
stronger since the day I first cast Firebolt.
"Back to the original question: If Mr. Bell is depending on his Magic too much, or not.
Since Magic gets stronger the more it's used, Lilly doesn't think it can be helped. Mr.
Bell's Magic could be considered a close-quarters combat technique, and he might
neglect the others if he uses it too much, so it is difficult… But Lilly thinks Mr. Bell is
doing okay as he is."
Lilly's very convincing, so I give her a firm nod.
It's the opinion of the one person who's spent the most time with me as an adventurer.
"Mr. Bell's Magic element may be simple, and its power average, but its potential to
grow makes it great. Be confident, Mr. Bell."
I blush a little as she flashes her teeth in a big smile.
Thanks to Lilly's seal of approval, I feel a lot better about my Magic.
Actually, to tell the truth, I feel relieved.
I say a quiet "Thanks" before standing up.
"Up for some more prowling?"
"Yes. Lilly will support Mr. Bell wherever he may go."
That's a strong way to say that… All I can do is smile.
The two of us work together, giving our all against the monsters of the lower tenth
after that.