Lili's footsteps grew heavier and heavier, her breathing becoming ragged.
Several times, she nearly tripped over loose stones on the floor, and the magic stones in her hands slipped, forcing her to scramble and pick them up in a panic.
Lynn saw it all, but he didn't say a word. He simply maintained a rhythm that was faster and more ruthless than usual. The whistling wind of the Bloodhound's Fang seemed intent on tearing apart all the gloom within the Dungeon.
During a skirmish with a pack of Goblin Raiders, Lili was clearly distracted. She failed to dodge in time and was nearly tackled from the side by a goblin wielding a crude wooden club.
In a flash, a dark shadow blurred past. Lynn's Bloodhound's Fang sliced through the air, inches from Lili's ear, accurately severing the goblin's arm. With a backhand flick, the tip of the blade traced a sharp arc through the air, pinning another would-be ambusher to the stone wall.
"You're distracted. Didn't I tell you to stay close?"
Lynn stood with his sword lowered, his tone several degrees heavier than before.
Lili froze, biting her lip. she wanted to say something, but her throat felt blocked, as if she couldn't squeeze out a single word.
She looked up at Lynn. That face, usually devoid of much expression yet somehow reassuring, seemed blurry in her eyes at that moment.
She wanted to tell him, wanted to beg for help, but the self-loathing and fear etched into her bones acted like a binding spell, leaving her unable to move.
Lynn didn't push her further. He simply found a relatively safe corner and signaled for her to sit and rest.
He handed her some rations—the high-energy, bad-tasting compressed biscuits that were the most practical supplies in the Dungeon.
"You can tell me if something's wrong."
Lynn's voice softened slightly, carrying a faint hint of patience. He knew this Pallum girl's stubbornness and her cautious nature; there was definitely something weighing on her mind.
Lili took the rations, her head lowered, her fingertips picking at the edges of the biscuit. A voice as thin as a mosquito's hum squeezed out of her throat:
"Master Lynn... if one day, Lili does something to betray you..."
"Then don't do it," Lynn interrupted. His tone remained flat, but it carried an undeniable firmness.
He was no saint, and he had no interest in playing out a tragic melodrama, but since he had chosen to protect her, he naturally had his bottom line.
Lili snapped her head up, her amber eyes wide with shock, which was quickly replaced by a flood of complex emotions.
She didn't know whether to be happy or despairing. Lynn's words were like a lightning bolt, clearing the gloom in her heart, but they also made the abyss she was about to face appear even more clearly.
For the rest of the exploration, though Lili was still somewhat out of it, she at least stopped making those amateur mistakes.
Lynn also returned to his previous efficiency, sweeping back and forth around the fifteenth floor. It wasn't until the twilight glow had been completely swallowed by the darkness of the deep Dungeon that they returned to the surface.
Back in Orario, Lynn handed Lili her share of the reward as usual—more than yesterday, including a "mental distress fee" he had added on a whim.
Lili took the coin purse, her fingertips icy. She bid a hurried farewell, and instead of her usual deep bow, she vanished into the night as if running away. Lynn watched her receding back, his eyes darkening as that sense of irritation flared up again.
Was that Pallum girl going to be beaten again tonight? But what could he do right now? Storm into the Soma Familia and drag her out? That would only make things harder for her.
However, after checking his system panel, he pushed the irritation to the back of his mind for the moment.
"Are the Runes finally enough?"
At the Soma Familia compound, the air was thick with the scent of cheap liquor and stale mold, feeling even more oppressive than usual.
Liliruca pushed open the creaking wooden door, barely breathing. She hid the coin purse Lynn had given her in her innermost pocket, placing only a small amount of change and the bulk of the materials in the most obvious part of her backpack. This was a survival trick she had mastered over the years.
But today, those tricks seemed useless.
Zanis Lustra, the man with gray-white hair and triangular eyes, was sitting in the middle of the dilapidated hall on a rickety wooden chair. He was idling with an empty bottle—a bottle that once held the "Divine Wine" brewed by Soma—and a strange, sickly sweet aroma still lingered at the mouth of the bottle.
He didn't rush to snatch Lili's backpack like he usually did, nor did he raise his voice. He simply spoke, his voice sounding like sandpaper over wood, carrying an uncomfortable friction.
"You're back? I heard you went down to the Dungeon with him again today. Good harvest?"
Lili kept her head down, not daring to look at him. She slid the backpack off her shoulder, took out most of the magic stones and materials, and pushed them to Zanis's feet.
This was the routine: hand over the majority of the earnings to secure next week's Divine Wine quota. She didn't even dare to keep a tiny bit for herself.
Zanis kicked the pile of magic stones with the toe of his boot, producing a dull thud. He didn't look at the materials; instead, he stared at Lili's face, his triangular eyes glinting like a venomous snake's.
"That Lynn fellow is quite good to you, isn't he?"
Lili's body jolted. She didn't dare answer, only nodding. She could feel that Zanis was even more dangerous and unpredictable today than he was yesterday.
Zanis stood up, his tall, thin figure looking somewhat twisted in the dim light. He walked over to Lili and looked down at her, his voice very low but carrying a bone-chilling coldness.
"You know the rules. Next week's Divine Wine quota is calculated based on the contributions handed in. You've been handing in less lately, so naturally, your quota will be smaller."
Lili snapped her head up, fear flashing in her eyes. Although she wasn't as mindless as the heavy addicts, the withdrawal after a supply cut was enough to make her life a living hell.
Zanis seemed satisfied with the fear in her eyes. He slowly crouched down, his rough finger pinching Lili's small chin, forcing her to look up. His breath hit her face, reeking of sickening alcohol.
"It's about time," his voice dropped even lower, as if sharing a filthy secret. "Tomorrow, lead him to a dead end west of the fifteenth floor. As for the rest, you don't need to worry about it."
Lili's pupils constricted sharply, and an icy chill shot from the base of her spine to the top of her head. Almost instinctively, she shook her head, her voice trembling and tearful, only to be silenced by Zanis's cold gaze.
Zanis let go, sneered, and stood up, looking down at her as if she were an ant.
"You think you have a choice?" his tone was grim. "You don't do it, no wine next week. You know the consequences."
Lili bit her lip, her whole body shaking. She thought of the fates of those whose wine had been cut off; she didn't want to end up like that. But she wanted even less to harm Lynn—the only person who had ever been kind to her.
Zanis saw her hesitation. A mocking curve appeared on his lips as he added:
"You think that Lynn actually cares about you? Heh, Pallum, he just sees you as cheap and useful, a way to satisfy his pathetic hero complex. Once he's bored of you, you'll be nothing."
Those words were like sharp steel needles driven into Lili's already fragile heart. She lowered her head, and her tears finally broke through, sliding down her cheeks and hitting the floor with faint "patter" sounds.
That sound was uncannily like the sound of something breaking deep inside her.
She didn't argue further. In this hell, her will was worth nothing.
Zanis signaled to the side. Two thugs immediately stepped out from the shadows, grabbing Lili by her arms on both sides.
Lili's body tensed up like a small chicken being lifted, her feet nearly leaving the ground.
Zoru strolled out from the shadow of the stairs. He cracked his knuckles, a savage grin on his coarse face.
"We meet again, little mouse."
He walked up to Lili and, without a word, slammed a fist into her stomach.
"Urgh—!"
Lili groaned, her body curling up like a shrimp. Her stomach churned, and bile rose into her throat. Her mouth was open, but she couldn't make a sound; tears and saliva mixed as they dripped down.
The two thugs let go, and she fell to the floor like a sack of trash.
Zoru didn't stop. He kicked Lili in the ribs, sending her flying half a meter, then stepped on her backpack strap to drag her back and kick her again.
Every kick was non-lethal, but painful enough.
Lili curled on the floor, head in her hands, nails digging into her own arms. She didn't scream or even cry out—she knew it was useless and would only invite a harsher beating.
Zanis sat in his chair, legs crossed, watching it all with cold eyes. His finger tapped rhythmically on the armrest, as if he were enjoying a boring play.
"Enough."
The tapping stopped. Zoru retracted his foot and stepped aside, a look of lingering desire for more on his face.
Zanis stood up and walked over to Lili. She lay on the floor, trembling all over, a trace of blood seeping from the corner of her mouth and mixing with the dust on the floor.
Zanis crouched down and used the tip of his shoe to lift her chin, forcing her to look up.
"This is just a reminder." His voice was soft, like he was coaxing a child, but there was no warmth in his triangular eyes. "It will be heavier next time."
Lili's lips quivered, unable to speak. She stared at Zanis's face as if trying to carve it into her bones.
Zanis pulled back his foot and turned to pick up a small wine bottle from the table. The bottle wasn't large, containing a dark red liquid that shimmered with an eerie glow in the dim light. It was Divine Wine.
He tossed it casually.
The bottle traced an arc through the air and landed on the floor by Lili's hand, rolling twice without breaking.
"This is an advance." Zanis clapped his hands as if brushing off something filthy. "Do well, and there will be more. Do poorly..."
He didn't finish, only smiling before turning to the stairs. "Remember your place."
His footsteps faded one by one into the second floor. Zoru and the two thugs followed. Before leaving, Zoru looked back at Lili and spat on the floor.
Silence returned to the hall.
Lili lay on the floor, motionless, like a discarded ragdoll. After a long time, her fingers twitched, slowly reaching toward the bottle of wine.
When her fingertips touched the cold glass, she paused for a moment. Then, she slowly gripped it tight.
She pulled the bottle into her chest, curled into a ball, and buried her face in her knees. Her shoulders shook violently, but she didn't make a sound.
Pushing open the front door, a warm, inviting aroma washed over him.
Lynn blinked, instinctively looking out the window—the sun hadn't even set yet. Why was dinner so early today?
"Mr. Lynn is back!"
Haruhime peeked out from the kitchen, her apron dusted with flour and a white smudge on the tip of her nose. She held a wooden spoon and waved it excitedly. "Haruhime succeeded today! It's not burnt!"
Lynn changed his shoes and walked in, peeking into the kitchen. On the counter were two plates of omurice. The golden egg skins were wrapped reasonably neatly, with smiley faces drawn crookedly in ketchup on top. Beside them was a bowl of steaming miso soup.
"Where's Eina?"
"Miss Eina isn't back yet. Haruhime wanted to finish first and wait for her." Haruhime put the spoon down, her ears twitching. "Does Mr. Lynn want to eat first?"
"Let's wait for Eina."
Lynn sat on the sofa. Haruhime brought him a cup of hot tea and then stood nearby, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him, looking like she wanted to say something.
"...What is it?"
"Well..." Haruhime twisted the edge of her apron. "What does Mr. Lynn think... of Haruhime's omurice today?"
"It looks good. At least I can tell it's omurice."
Haruhime's ears drooped, sounding a bit aggrieved. "Haruhime practiced for many days..."
"I'm complimenting you," Lynn said, taking a sip of tea. "Last time, that black lump was something even a monster wouldn't have the heart to eat."
Haruhime's face reddened, but before she could speak, the lock turned.
Eina walked in, carrying her briefcase, with the evening mist still clinging to her glasses. She changed her shoes and froze for a second when she saw the kitchen light and the omurice on the table.
"What's the occasion?" she asked, looking at Haruhime. "You made this?"
"Yes!" Haruhime ran over to take Eina's bag. "Haruhime wanted to give Miss Eina a surprise!"
Eina glanced at Lynn, her eyes asking, "Did you teach her?"
Lynn held up his hands. "She learned it herself. I'm just the designated taster."
The three sat down to eat. Haruhime watched them nervously, waiting for them to take the first bite.
Lynn took a spoonful of omurice. The rice was fried reasonably fluffy, the egg skin was a bit thick, and there was a bit too much ketchup.
"How is it?" Haruhime's ears stood straight up.
"Not bad," Lynn nodded.
Eina also took a bite, her eyes widening slightly. "Haruhime, did you really make this all by yourself?"
"Y-yes! Mikoto taught Haruhime several times, and Haruhime practiced a lot on her own..." Haruhime lowered her head, blushing. "I wasted so many eggs before. It was quite embarrassing."
"You can handle dinner from now on," Eina said, adjusting her glasses with a smile. "I can finally relax a bit."
Hearing this, Haruhime couldn't help but laugh, then quickly covered her mouth. Her tail wagged back and forth behind her chair; she was clearly very happy. "Leave it to me!"
After dinner, Haruhime insisted on doing the dishes, shooing Lynn and Eina away to rest.
Eina organized documents in the living room, while Lynn curled up on the sofa flipping through an adventurer magazine Patches had given him.
"Why are you so quiet today?" Eina asked without looking up.
"Tired."
"Did you go to the deep levels again?"
"Mid-levels. Farmed some materials." Lynn turned a page. "I might have to go again tomorrow."
Eina stopped writing and looked up at him. Lynn was leaning back, his eyes fixed on the magazine, but he hadn't turned a page in a long time. She noticed his right shoulder was slightly drawn in, a posture of deliberate relaxation.
"Does your shoulder still hurt?"
"Stopped hurting a long time ago."
Eina stared at him for two seconds but didn't press further, returning to her documents.
Late at night, after Eina and Haruhime had retired to their rooms, Lynn locked his door and sat cross-legged on the bed. Moonlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains, drawing a thin white line on the floor.
He closed his eyes and opened the system panel.
Runes: He had accumulated tens of thousands. Farming the mid-levels had been quite lucrative.
He glanced at his current attributes:
Strength: 1541
Endurance: 1538
Dexterity: 1545
Agility: 1548
Magic: 1532
"Dump them all in."
With a thought, the Runes began to burn. A warm surge of power erupted from his chest, flowing into his limbs and bones. A faint golden glow shimmered on the surface of his skin, feeling like he was soaking in warm water.
The numbers began to jump.
1600... 1700... 1800... 1900...
Lynn clenched his fists, his knuckles popping. He could feel his muscles tightening, his bones becoming denser; every inch of his skin felt as if it were being rewoven.
Strength: 2001
Endurance: 2000
Dexterity: 2003
Agility: 2005
Magic: 2000
The light faded, and the room grew dark again. Lynn opened his eyes and exhaled. He clenched and unclenched his fist; the air was crushed in his palm, letting out a muffled pop.
"Two thousand..." he whispered to himself.
Still not enough. He wanted to max out all attributes, but there was a more important matter at hand.
He pulled out that shimmering, ghostly crystal from the system storage—the Remembrance of Rykard. He hadn't used it until now, waiting for this very day.
[Would you like to use the "Remembrance of Rykard" for a Level Breakthrough?]
"Yes."
A completely different kind of power surged from the crystal. It wasn't the warmth of a regular level-up, but a searing, predatory frenzy.
A dark red light exploded from his chest, feeling like fire was flowing through his veins.
Lynn grit his teeth, the veins on his forehead bulging. The power was too overbearing, crashing through his body like it wanted to tear every muscle apart and reconstruct them.
The Destined Death wound on his right shoulder suddenly grew hot, as if stimulated by this power. Ranni's moon magic and Rykard's predatory power collided within him, making him break out in a cold sweat from the pain.
A few seconds later, the two powers reached an eerie equilibrium—the lunar seal suppressed the spread of Destined Death, while Rykard's power formed a layer of dark red patterns around the wound, acting like a sort of "patch."
The light dissipated.
[Level Breakthrough Successful: Lv. 2 → Lv. 3]
[Great Rune Effect Obtained: Attack Lifesteal — When dealing damage to enemies, recover a certain proportion of HP based on the damage dealt.]
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