by Fujino Omori
“……”
I looked at the white-colored ceiling in a trance.
Inside the hidden room under the church that nobody else was in, I was laying on the sofa by myself.
There was nothing that I was planning to do. I was just laying down idly in order to pass the time. Tick Tock, Tick Tock, the sound of the second hand moving quietly told the passing of time.
The showdown with the Minotaur had already been three days ago.
Just like having no purpose, I was already somewhat accustomed to the lifestyle of doing nothing.
After that duel, I had slept in the treatment room of Babel for two entire days.
The aftereffects of the duel……Because I had excessively overused my physical and mental strength, my mind and body could not keep up with the rhythm and completely could not bear it. As if I were a dead man, I was always sleeping like mud. Even right now, I could still clearly remember the peaceful expressions of Kami-sama and Lili that entered my eyes when I was half-conscious.
For half a day, I was severely scolded by Kami-sama and Lili. Then, I rested again for the remainder of the day——and maintained the current state right now.
“Level 2……”
I leveled to Lv.2.
I was extremely happy. This was absolutely not a lie.
When I heard of the
……However, the feeling of defeating the Monster known as Minotaur still did not disappear.
From the start to the end, I was immersed in the fiery aftertaste. It was not that I had no strength, it was just like as if I was floating on top of the surface of spring water and could only blindly entrust myself to that incredulous feeling.
If I said it was a sense of accomplishment, it was a bit too rough. If I said it was a sense of liberation, it also seems a bit incorrect. If I said it was a sense of loss……That should not be wrong.
Although I am unable to use words to convey it properly, I was certain that the Minotaur’s existence was extremely important inside my heart.
I even felt that the meaning of the
“……”
I groped around my waist and grabbed onto the thing that I wanted. Then I brought it in front of my eyes.
It was sharp. Damaged and had cracks. Right now, the horn has become a slightly long dagger shape.
The Drop Loot
The Minotaur’s body had already completely turn into ashes. It only left this and
Under the light from the Magic Stone Lamp, I used my fingernail to gently scratch the surface of the horn.
White powder constantly fell down——I do not know whether it was originally like this or whether it was because of the effects of my Magic, the crimson core inside of it was exposed.
An extremely tough horn.
The weapon the Minotaur used to attack me even in its last moments.
I could hear it inside my ears. The roars of the ferocious bull that was constantly echoing inside the depths of my head was gradually fading away.
“……Ah.”
I stood up and felt that my body was floating.
Let’s change the mood now. I took one final glance at the red color horn and powerfully nodded my head. The time to be immersed in sentimental feelings should be over.
It is time to act. I lifted my head and looked at the clock.
Truthfully, today I was going to participate in a party. The location is the bar that I often visit,
I was ashamed to say that the party itself was organized to celebrate my
This morning, when I went to hand the basket back to Seal-san, I told her in passing the matter of my
Although not willing to lose an opportunity to earn money was indeed their style, but they really do not need to consider me that much……It always feel that I was a bit sorry about it.
(If it is going to be organized, I also hope that Kami-sama could come……)
It does not seem like Kami-sama could make it. Rather, was it because the Gods themselves have also organized a feast or perhaps comforting banquet of some sort, anyways, it seems like a chance for the Gods to have some sort of exchange.
When she just came back, Kami-sama also took the opportunity to tell me the title of
Just when I was thinking of random thoughts, the time that the clock displayed was already 6. It was almost time, it’s time to go.
I walked out of the hidden room underground, walked up the stairs, and escaped from the half-ruined church.
When I came out to the outside, the western skies have already been dyed dark red. Night was about to come.
Just when I walked out of the complicated alley, the vibrant Main Street greeted me.
“——Foundddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd!!”
“Eh?”
Just when I was about to enter the flow of people in front of my eyes.
A sudden cry hit me.
W…What? There was no time to look left or right. Instantly, I was surrounded by numerous Gods.
Huh, Gods……!?
“Why can’t we find the Loli Goddess’s home, it was really tiring for us……”
“Putting a surveillance nearby seems to have some value……”
“Ambush is the basics of a Hunt.”
“You finally came out, usagi-chan ☆”
——A cold chill hit me.
Facing the numerous pairs of eyes that surrounded me, there should be no reason that I should feel fear. The last time I blinked when they rushed towards me had even caused the blood to drain from my face .
I did not understand what situation this is.
Each of them muttered unintelligible vocabulary had caused me to increasingly become more confused.
“The early bird gets the worm! Bell-kun, do you want to join my
“Ah, you bastard!? You’re trying too hard, restrain yourself a bit! So that’s why the weak
“All of you should just back off! Bell Cranel, come over here! You stole away my heart! Fufu, what a sinful usagi-chan!”
“What do you plan on making that child wear!”
Looking at the bizarre expressions of the approaching Gods, I could not help but suck down a mouthful of cold air.
……P…Persuasion of
When I just came to the city, no matter which faction I went to, they all just gave me the cold shoulder……
“T…That, I already joined Kami-sama……Hestia-sama’s
“In front of love, the existences of others are not important. Isn’t that correct?”
“To the Loli Goddess, it is a bit of a waste!”
T…They completely did not listen to my words.
“Tell the truth, is the true face of your growth speed due to your physique? Or perhaps your skill? Or did you cheat?”
“Rare skill, rare skill? Hey, that’s right isn’t it? As expected, it’s a rare skill!?”
“I am slightly curious about this child’s back.”
“If it is possible, then could you take off your clothes? It is fine if it is just the upper body, I will give you lots of money, okay? ……Fumu.”
“Rather, we could directly strip it o
ff?”
“Forcing others is also another taste.”
“——Fuhehe.”
——I escaped the scene at my max speed.
× × ×
“Ah, you’ve finally came nya!”
“Ahaha, you actually dared to come late, Adventurer-kun.”
When I reached the
I placed my hand onto the entrance’s pillar and panted towards the floor. The sounds of my gasping, haah haah, basically did not stop.
Not so long ago, I escaped into an alley and got rid of many Gods.
Even though my physical abilities should completely be above theirs……But what on earth was that. There were a few times when I was nearly caught, it really gave off a feeling of survival. This was the first time I felt that the Gods could be that terrifying.
“Seal-san and the others were waiting for you for a long time nya. Even though the kitchen was so busy, we are still accommodating it, so you should also hurry up nyaa.”
“S…Sorry……”
“If the main character isn’t there, there is no way to begin, go quickly now.”
The cat person shop personal Anya-san was scolding me while she was welcoming me. The human……I recall that it is Runoa-san was also laughing at me.
Wiping my sweat and straightening my back again, I entered the bar.
“Bell-sama! Over here!”
The store filled with guest seemed to booming as usual. In the depths of the shop, Lili was waving her hands powerfully towards me. She stood on the chair as if she was extremely happy.
Lili was also participating in today’s party. Because it was a rare chance, I tried to invite her. In the end, she replied that she will absolutely come, so I told Seal-san and the others in advance.
……Suddenly, I thought that it would be nice if Aizu-san was here. However, that person is currently in an
The prepared table was near my special seat at the corner of the counter. Aside from Lili, Seal-san, and Ryuu-san was sitting at the table. They were also wearing shop personnel outfits.
Facing the slightly smiling Seal-san and Ryuu-san, who used her gaze to greet me, I bowed my head. This could be considered as my apology for being late.
“Bell……?”
“
When I was swiftly walking over towards them, I noticed that a few gazes stabbed at my face.
Inside the bustling shop, noise with a strange atmosphere was mingled together.
I titled my head, but I did not stop my footsteps.
“White-haired human……That must be it. Think it was something like……
“So it is that kid?”
“Seems like he is called the World’s Fastest Rabbit (Record Holder).”
“Oiii, it has already been decided? It must be just that the Gods are making this fuss, right? Only one month, no matter what, it is impossible.”
“That’s true.”
“But it seems like it is true that he defeated a Minotaur. That Monster that appeared on the 9th Floor.”
“So I say, he only defeated a Minotaur. Don’t act easily surprised.”
“Then when you were a Lv.1, can you defeat a Minotaur? All by yourself, you know.”
“Hehe, who would do such a stupid thing!”
……When I passed through a few tables, there were people all over the place glancing at me. After every glance, there will be whispers following.
Using my skin, I could already feel that I was receiving a lot of attention from others. I was somewhat at a loss. Although these actions are very suspicious, but I still could not hold back and turned towards the side. The Adventurer that had their gaze intersect with mine suddenly closed his mouth.
I tensed up for no reason and tried to hide my body as if I was escaping to the table.
“You’ve become famous all of the sudden, Bell-sama.”
“R…Really? I cannot help but think that I can’t calm down……Even just now, I was chased by Gods that I do not know……”
“That seems to be the fate of a famous Adventurer. It is not limited to Bell-sama, so please patiently endure it.”
Facing Lili, who was smiling over, I felt somewhat embarrassed.
I placed my right hand on the back of my head while I constantly twisted my body.
“Fufu, then since Bell-san has also come, then let us begin.”
“About that, Seal-san and the others don’t have to take care of the shop……?”
“Mia-mama said that she will lend us to you, so go drink happily. Afterwards, it is fine to just spend a bit of money.”
Listening to Ryuu-san’s calm voice, I could not help but let out a wry smile.
Within the counter space, the shop owner Mia-mama was letting out uninhibited smiles while waving her hands over to this side. She probably meant that you should enjoy yourself on this kind of day.
Afterwards, we quickly lifted out glasses and toasted.
Due to Mia-mama’s recommendation, I also attempted to drink. Anyways, I should first order beer.
Seal-san wanted an orange-colored fruit wine. Because Lili said that she would not drink so what she drank was juice. Lastly, Ryuu-san just drank water throughout the whole process. In the end, only Seal-san and I ordered alcohol……
When the food was served, the gazes that kept firing towards us also disappeared. I was finally relieved. While I talked about my hobbies with Anya-san and Chloe-san, I was enjoying this wonderful time.
Lili was still slightly afraid of Ryuu-san due to her past thieving activities, but she did not show it at all and giggled happily. Seal-san also slightly smiled and Ryuu-san also corresponded straightforwardly.
What had happened before I came, I thought about this inside my heart when I watched the side of Lili’s face.
“Come, Bell-san, drink more. Today Bell-san is the main character. Or are you saying that you wanted to eat something?”
“Ah, thank you……”
I do not know when Seal-san had appeared next to me and was taking care of me attentively.
Pouring me wine, giving me a small dish filled with vegetables, constantly talking to me and was very attentive……I do not know why I felt that the usual smile that Lili reveals was extremely terrifying.
Just when I was at loss, Seal-san exposed an extremely happy expression.
“It feels that……you seem to be extremely happy, Seal-san.”
“Is that right?”
Seal-san looks to be somewhat excited. She placed her hands onto her slightly red cheeks and smiled shyly.
“If I say that this is all my achievement then it might be a bit arrogant……However, handing over that book to Bell-san must have helped. Once I think of this point, I feel especially pleased.”
That book probably referred to the “Magic Book (Grimoire)”. Her burning gaze was directly staring at me.
Seal-san smiled and glanced at my eyes. This kind of Seal-san gave off a powerful impact.
Then from beside me, Lili extended her hand and pinched me until it was painful.
The many layers on my face twitched. Right now, what kind of expression am I making?
“However, I should really congratulate you, Cranel-san. I did not expect that you would achieve a
“N…No……”
Sitting directly opposite of me, Ryuu-san congratulated me.
Although Ryuu-san’s expression completely did not change, I still felt a bit embarrassed.
“I…It is because a lot of people have helped me. Ryuu-san, you also, towards me……”
“You do not have to be that modest. Even among the Monsters classified as a Lv. 2, defeating a Minotaur is a major feat. Cranel-san, you can feel more proud of yourself.”
Ryuu-san seriously said to me. Her sharp gaze looked directly at me.
Perhaps noticing this now was a bit too late. However, I really am not accustomed to being praised by others like this.
I bowed my head while blushing and letting out a groan “Yes……” already used all my strength.
And Seal-san was still giggling……
“Lili was constantly worried about you. You do not know how many times my heart seemed to have split apart……”
“S…Sorry, Lili……”
“…….However, you were very cool, Bell-sama?”
D…Don’t say it again……
Towards Lili, who suddenly moved her face near my shoulders and smiled cutely to me, I gradually felt weak.
Her cheeks were slightly flushed and her large, maroon-colored eyes were looking right at me from a short distance away.
Was it the effects of the alcohol? My body feels somewhat hot.
“Cranel-san, what do you plan to do from now on?”
“?”
“Your future actions, I am somewhat concerned about it.”
After the conversation with Lili and the others were over, I prepared to continue the battle with the wine that I have not yet drank due to the intense bitterness inside my throat as Ryuu-san talked with me. Listening to her question, I came clean out about my future plans that I have not thought much about.
“About this, I plan on preparing some equipment tomorrow with Lili. After all, my armor was almost completely destroyed.”
“……About this matter, Bell-sama.”
“What is it, Lili?”
“Actually, the place I am currently living suddenly have a lot of work……So tomorrow, Lili can’t accompany you.”
“Eh, is that so?”
Lili shrunk back as if she was extremely sorry. However, she was constantly being taken care by the place where she lived, so this was a compelling situation……I told Lili that I did not mind and then planned to consider about tomorrow’s plan.
It should be almost time to continue my exploration of the Dungeon, so I should at least prepare my armor.
Anyways, I should still be able to purchase the equipment by myself, so it should not be a problem, right? I’ll go tomorrow.
Although my identification ability is not that good……But this could be considered as learning.