An apology was understandable.
What Ron didn't quite understand was—why Elfy had suddenly spoken so loudly, to the point that it drew everyone's attention.
Especially Tiona's curious gaze.
He casually waved it off: "It's fine."
"After all, even if sothing like this were told to others, no one would believe it. Your reaction was within my expectations."
"..."
That was the truth.
Who would have thought that as a Level 3 adventurer, whose exploration progress had barely reached the 12th Floor—not to ntion ordinary adventurers—even the Guild hadn't expected it.
And then—
The Hestia Familia received an expedition request. On the surface, it seed like goodwill assistance, only requiring them to reach the 24th Floor, but the actual difficulty—
Only Ron knew.
"..."
"When it cos down to it—"
"For this expedition, I'm truly grateful for everyone's help. After all, you've just finished your own expedition and imdiately have to continue exploring without rest."
A deal was a deal.
But this was sothing Ron genuinely wanted to say to the Loki Familia adventurers present.
Perhaps the reason for their assistance was his own uniqueness.
But the gratitude that should be expressed absolutely couldn't be omitted.
Who could accept being dragged into overti right after a rare holiday—especially without any extra pay?
Ron glanced around at everyone, smiling lightly: "If it were —"
"Right after finishing an expedition without getting any rest, being told to keep exploring the Dungeon—I'd definitely have complaints."
"..."
How could he even guess what they were thinking inside?
Hearing this—
Elfy unconsciously tightened her arms around her knees. But when she t Ron's straightforward gaze, her eyes couldn't help but drift away.
At the beginning—
She had indeed thought that way.
But after experiencing the Dungeon's unusual nature, that trace of resentnt in her heart had long been washed away by the waves of monsters.
Even though this information was strictly forbidden from being spread—
This entirely new exploration experience had undoubtedly broadened her horizons.
"I'm sorry..."
She hadn't expected Ron to be so easy to talk to.
The girl was originally lively by nature, and even her initial awkwardness gradually faded. She lifted her head, her tone firm: "I'll definitely fulfill my duties as a supporter. When it cos to combat, I might not be able to help much, but I promise—"
"I absolutely won't hold you back!!"
"Alright."
"Then I'll be counting on you."
Ron nodded with a smile.
In truth, he hadn't expected much help from her anyway. As a supporter, Elfy was more like a small add-on in this first collaboration.
But a good team atmosphere—that was exactly what he wanted to see.
"Isn't that sothing I should be saying?!"
Elfy couldn't help but mutter.
Especially under the teasing gazes of her companions, she felt her cheeks heating up. At the sa ti, she was also puzzled by the changes in the monsters.
She voiced the question on everyone's mind: "Um..."
"I'm actually quite curious. Why is it that the Hellhounds we encountered later were all normal monsters, completely different from the ones earlier..."
"The difference is really big."
"Monsters are born because of the Dungeon."
"You can think of it as—the Dungeon trying to stop from going deeper, creating these special monsters as obstacles."
"When all the obstacles you've set fail to stop the enemy from advancing—"
"Would you keep endlessly placing more?"
"..."
After getting her answer, the girl quickly shook her head.
But the mysterious aura surrounding Ron only grew stronger in her eyes.
Why did it feel like he seed to understand everything?
Before Elfy could ask further—
Mikoto, having finished cooking a simple al, stood up and looked toward Ron: "Captain Ron, lunch is ready."
"Well then, since it's co to this—let's eat first!"
"..."
It felt like Mikoto had stolen his line.
But looking at the pot of simring stew—sothing like sukiyaki—and the fairly decent-looking bento portions—Mikoto's already excellent cooking talent had finally found its place during the Dungeon expedition.
Ron had no objections.
Rest could only relieve physical fatigue, but energy expenditure could only be replenished through food.
He smiled and said: "After we finish eating—"
"We'll do a quick adjustnt."
"Then we head to the 14th Floor and push our progress there."
Everything before had just been appetizers.
The real threats would likely begin from the 15th Floor—
The dark-skinned Minotaur, various newly appearing monsters, and the 17th Floor—
The "Fire Giant" from Cassandra's prophetic dream!
"I'm really looking forward to it..."
Lefiya murmured softly.
Seeing her roommate Elfy getting along so well with Ron, she felt quite comforted.
But even more than that—she felt envy.
If—she had that kind of personality, would she also be able to beco close friends with Ron, the kind who could talk about anything?
Though their ti together had been short—
Deep within the elf girl's heart, Ron's figure had already left a bold, indelible mark.
A bond that could never be erased.
'I just hope...'
'After this expedition ends, I won't be left too far behind by Mr. Ron!'
...
At the sa ti—
Relying on her identity as a "creature," Filvis quickly reached the middle floors and found the Evilus mbers gathered there.
According to the god Dionysus—
Even if it ant sacrificing these Evilus mbers, she had to gain Ron's trust.
This thought left her deeply conflicted.
Did she really have to do this?
Perhaps—
If she were a complete creature, without the ability to think as she did now—
She wouldn't feel any burden in acting.
"Next—"
"What you need to do is find Ron."
"Surely, after this period of ti, you're already very familiar with information about this adventurer."
"Once you locate the floor he's on—report to imdiately."
"Do not take any other actions. Lord Dionysus has made it clear—under no circumstances are you to harm him."
"Because—"
"Ron is the key to executing the 'Madness' plan!"
After issuing the orders—
Filvis made no further moves.
Her task was simple—
To extend help at the mont Ron encountered danger.
"Bond."
That was probably what it was called.
Through this thod—
She would gain his trust.
But—
Was what she was doing really right?
This kind of behavior—
Was no different from how the corrupted spirit implanted a magic stone into her body, allowing her—who should have died—to continue living as a creature.
Completely taking away what should have been Ron's life...
"..."
Looking at the safe floor before her—
The black-haired elf girl fell into brief contemplation.
But the mont such thoughts arose—
She couldn't help but recall the god's promise:
"To live in Orario in a way that is 'acknowledged.'"
Years of indoctrination—
Had long since left subtle, ingrained marks deep within her heart.
She decisively crushed those uncertain thoughts.
Looking toward Rivira—
"Based on normal exploration speed—"
"Ron—"
"Should be arriving at the safe floor soon, right?"
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