Thanks for the reviews, and this fanfiction has received over 500 Power Stones. As promised, I'll be uploading bonus chapters!
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Chapter 72 - Keeping a Monster as a Pet?
*Splurt!*
The blade flashed, and despite their struggle, Luke instantly cut two Killer Ants into two pieces.
After confirming that the danger was over, Luke walked over to Ais and extended his hand to help her up.
As Ais was pulled up by Luke, she still tightly clenched the magic stone fragments she had picked up just now in her hand.
Her face bore a mix of lingering fear and regret, and unconsciously, she moved behind Luke, seemingly afraid to face Riveria.
Just as Ais had imagined, Riveria walked over with a stern expression and simultaneously scolded her aloud.
"Ais! I've reminded you many times, never let your guard down at any moment!"
Riveria's scolding made Ais shiver, and being frightened, she moved behind Luke once again, seemingly reluctant to face the angry elf royal.
"S-Sorry, I know I was wrong."
Actually, even without Riveria's scolding, Ais knew she had made a genuine mistake this time.
Getting carried away with success is one of the main factors leading to adventurers' deaths in the dungeon, as Riveria had repeatedly mentioned throughout the week.
Because of being allowed to enter the 6th floor and feeling recognized, Ais was eager to prove that Riveria's approval was justified.
After easily dealing with the Killer Ants, the overwhelming joy of successfully proving herself enveloped her thoughts.
At that moment, Ais didn't even consider whether these monsters might be in a group; her mind was occupied with picking up the dropped magic stones and sharing her joy with Riveria and Luke.
Luke didn't stop Riveria because he knew it was something Ais had to experience.
Making mistakes, although not causing severe consequences, can still result in criticism/scolding.
Riveria obviously thought so too, and she must let Ais understand the seriousness of the matter.
Now, with her and Luke around, even if Ais got carried away, nothing unexpected would happen.
However, sooner or later, Ais would have to venture into the dungeon alone, without the protection of others.
If she continued like this, she might pay the price at that time.
"Ais, if you can't even remain vigilant, I will consider taking you back."
Riveria's reprimand made Ais very sad, but more importantly, she felt guilty for dragging down the team.
After Riveria finished scolding her, Luke reached out and gently touched Ais's little head, hoping to comfort her in this way.
"Let's go, pick up the magic stones. Be more careful not to make Riveria angry next time."
"Yeah, I know."
After Ais packed up the spoils, the three of them continued forward.
Although Riveria was angry about Ais's complacency, she also affirmed Ais's strength in slaying the Killer Ants.
Although she frightened Ais, threatening to take them back, she was actually thinking about when to enter the next floor.
Ais was very smart, and Riveria had come to understand this through a week of interaction.
Ais wouldn't make the same mistake twice.
After scolding her and Ais reflecting on her actions, this matter could basically be considered settled.
On the 6th floor, there were two new types of monsters.
Similar to the beginner's area, aside from the group-acting Killer Ants, there was also a solo-appearing 'Needle Rabbit.'
This monster didn't look terrifying; in fact, it was somewhat cute.
It was a white rabbit with a single horn, just a bit larger than usual.
The 'Needle Rabbit's jumping ability, enhanced by magic and the monster's physique, became quite formidable.
If adventurers weren't quick enough in their reaction, they were likely to be injured by its sudden attacks from a distance.
Compared to Ais, who was feeling a bit down, Luke was quite excited.
The 'Needle Rabbit' was almost identical to the magical beasts he had imagined. It looked cute and fluffy.
Blue starlight fragments appeared on Luke's body, and with a sudden acceleration, he grabbed the 'Needle Rabbit' in front of him.
Despite the constant attacks from the rabbit's horn, blocked by Luke's Prana, the creature was still held in his hands.
As a monster, the 'Needle Rabbit' was larger than an ordinary rabbit but still within the size range of a small dog.
"Um, Riveria, can I take this one home as a pet?"
Riveria didn't know what to say. She looked at the 'Needle Rabbit' that Luke had caught and blocked its attacks with Prana, feeling a bit sorry for the creature.
"No! Loki Familia prohibits keeping monsters as pets. Quickly, put it down... cough, quickly kill it."
Riveria tried to suppress her emotions, not letting a conflicted expression appear on her face.
"Oh, okay."
Hearing Riveria's response, Luke expressed some regret.
With a bit of force, the 'Needle Rabbit' in his hands turned into black smoke, leaving only a magic stone and surprisingly a drop item.
Luke was somewhat surprised as he looked at the material, 'Needle Rabbit's Tusk,' in his hand.
He didn't expect that catching a random rabbit would actually give a drop item.
Handing the unexpected joy to Ais, Luke and the others continued to move forward.
...
After a whole day of monster hunting in the dungeon, when Luke and the others returned to the surface, the first thing they did was still to exchange their loot for money.
As they descended to lower floors, their earnings increased.
However, before reaching the 10th floor, most of the magic stones were still fragments.
Therefore, even with increased income, it wasn't much.
But after this week, Luke and Ais managed to save some money, barely escaping the embarrassment of being penniless.
After exchanging their money, when they walked out of the guild gate, Riveria suddenly said to Luke and Ais, "Take a day off tomorrow. You've been continuously exploring the dungeon for a whole week."
"Occasionally taking a break is necessary. Tomorrow, I have something to do with Loki, so Luke, take Ais and stroll around the city."
Hearing Riveria's words, Luke agreed without much thought.
Combining work and rest was indeed important, and since coming to Orario, he hadn't really had a chance to explore.
Moreover...
Luke looked at Ais, whose mood still seemed a bit low.
Giving Ais a little break to relax and lighten her mood seemed like a good choice.
Ais, on her part, didn't seem to have any objections to this proposal.
Seeing Luke agreeing and Ais not opposing, Riveria nodded and said, "Then, Luke, I'll leave Ais in your care tomorrow."