A New Party Member
Two days after reconciling with Bell, we found ourselves on the 11th floor of the dungeon, this time with a new companion.
"Here we are, the 11th floor!"
The voice belonged to a human with fiery red hair, a greatsword strapped across his back. This was Bell's newly recruited party member, albeit a temporary one.
"…So, the new addition to the party turns out to be someone Bell essentially 'bought' with material goods." Lili quipped, her words biting as Bell responded with a strained laugh. His gaze briefly flicked to me, silently pleading for help. I met his look with a resolute, You're on your own, conveyed through my eyes.
Bell's equipment, now entirely revamped, was the result of yesterday's shopping trip. It was crafted by the very same blacksmith accompanying us today, who had agreed to join our party in exchange for the opportunity to test out his new gear.
"Ah, poor, pitiful Lili. Left in despair by Bell's consistent ability to turn every simple outing into a whirlwind of trouble." Lili sighed dramatically, earning a wince from Bell.
"She's got a point." I interjected, keeping my tone even to prevent Lili from escalating further."Still, it's not as bad as it seems. The blacksmith's only a temporary addition, sticking around just long enough to gain an ability. After that, things will go back to normal… not that I'm one to talk."
Even so, Lili launched into another tirade, her words pointed and relentless."Why didn't you consult me before deciding to change the party lineup, Bell?!"
"Was… was it that bad?" Bell stammered, looking genuinely sheepish.
"It's not bad, per se! But–!"
"Communication is the foundation of teamwork." I added, offering Bell a sharp glance."Unilateral decisions, especially regarding party composition, can lead to unnecessary risks."
"Exactly!" Lili chimed in."Don't forget, Hestia-sama has entrusted me with Bell's safety!"
Bell's defeated sigh carried a distinct note of exasperation as Lili continued her scolding. No defending you there, buddy, my expression silently conveyed, prompting him to slump even further. This isn't the place for comedy sketches, I thought, though it was hard not to be amused by the scene.
At this point, the blacksmith, our newest member, decided to join the conversation.
"So, am I that much of a nuisance to you lot?"
"I didn't mean to offend." I replied."Bell's a good guy, but his naïveté can make him an easy target. It's only natural to worry."
"Hey, I'm not that naïve." Bell grumbled.
"Sure, sure." I replied, a teasing smirk tugging at my lips.
This exchange marked a subtle but noticeable change in our interactions. Since the incident two days ago, Bell had started pushing back against my teasing remarks, while I'd consciously avoided the derisive tone I'd previously used. Small as the shift was, it felt like we'd grown closer as friends.
"I guess introductions are in order." I said, turning to the blacksmith."I'm Tokihiro Ortyx of the Hermes Familia, Level 1."
"Ortyx? The name sounds familiar… Oh, right. You're one of Smith's clients, aren't you?"
"You know him?"
"Smith and I came up together. Last time I saw him, he couldn't stop bragging about ranking up."
Though his words carried a gruff edge, his expression softened with pride. I suspected their relationship was similar to what Bell and I shared, rivals, yet close friends.
"Liliruca Arde." Lili said curtly, narrowing her eyes.
"Good to meet ya, Lilisuke." the blacksmith said with a grin.
"Wha—?!"
Lilisuke? Oh, I see, Lili plus chibisuke. Makes sense, though I couldn't help chuckling at the nickname.
Bell seized the moment to formally introduce our companion."Everyone, this is Welf Crozzo, a blacksmith from the Hephaestus Familia."
"C-Crozzo?!"
Lili's reaction to Welf's family name was immediate and intense.
"'Cursed Magic Sword Smiths'? The fallen noble family of blacksmiths?"
At her words, Bell looked puzzled while Welf's expression darkened.
"Uh… what's a 'Crozzo'?" Bell asked tentatively.
"You mean you don't know, Bell?" Lili replied incredulously.
"Er… no, not really…"
This might get awkward, I thought.
"Lili, stop." I said, cutting her off.
"Why?" she asked, looking indignant.
"This is a dungeon. The last thing we need is to create unnecessary tension within the party. If you want to explain, save it for later, ideally, when you're alone with Bell."
"…Alone with him?"
"I'm helping you create a legitimate reason to spend time with a younger guy. You're welcome."
"That's not necessary!" Bell interjected, flushing red.
The humor defused the situation, earning quiet chuckles from both Lili and Welf. For now, it seemed, the mood was back on track.
A sudden crack echoed through the chamber, drawing our attention.
"…Orcs." I muttered, spotting the hulking figures emerging from fractured walls.
"Guess the fun's not over yet." Welf said, readying his weapon.
And just like that, the next battle began.
"You've only been an adventurer for a month and a half, right? It's not exactly enough time to gain real experience."
With a playful jab, I began strategizing our next move. A quick glance at Lili confirmed she was leaving things in my hands.
"Bell, move as you see fit. I'll cover Welf."
"Got it."
"Understood."
"Lili, keep an eye on the overall situation, just in case."
"Yes, I will."
Each of us drew our weapons, bracing for the battle ahead.
"Let's move!"
At my signal, Bell and Welf charged forward.
𓂀═════════════𓂀
The fight ended without any major issues. Having three capable fighters made all the difference, reducing the individual burden on each of us. That's one of the perks of having a well-rounded party.
So, what are we doing now?
"Hey, Toki. What was that move earlier?"
While Lili was busy gathering magic stones, Bell was interrogating me.
"Oh, that? I recently updated my status."
"Even so, your movements were way too different."
Looks like my sharp-eyed friend had noticed. He wasn't wrong, either. Since maintaining party harmony is important, and I'd rather not get grilled later, it's probably best to come clean. Besides, I don't like lying to Bell.
"Actually… I ranked up."
"When?!"
"About a week before you… Can you keep it quiet, though?"
"Fine…"
"Welf, I'd appreciate it if you kept this between us too."
"Sure, but are you not planning to register it with the Guild?"
"I'd rather not attract attention for breaking world records or anything. Hermes-sama advised against it, too."
"Huh, fair enough."
Bell chuckled awkwardly, and I joined in.
"By the way, Toki… I'm feeling irritated. Can I punch you?"
"This is a dungeon, so no. But once we're back on the surface, feel free to take a swing."
Hermes-sama once told me that friends sometimes need to clash to strengthen their bond. I guess I finally understood what he meant.
Welf intervened before things could escalate, and we both backed down. Bell wasn't really serious anyway.
"So, with more adventurers showing up, should we move?"
"Hmm, let's see…"
The room was starting to fill with other parties. Being right next to the staircase leading to the tenth floor, and free of the usual fog, this spot was a natural hub for adventurers. But that also meant potential trouble between groups.
Bell shot me a questioning glance. From the shadows, I pulled out my pocket watch and showed him the time. He nodded.
"How about we take our lunch here? With so many people around, we won't need to worry about monster attacks."
"Not a bad idea. No point in giving up the spot without taking advantage of it. I'm in."
Since Welf seemed to catch on to my reasoning, I headed over to help Lili finish up. Just as I turned, a faint ringing sound reached my ears. It was coming from Bell's right hand, where tiny motes of light were gathering like fireflies.
"Uh… Bell, what's that?"
Welf seemed equally puzzled. Bell looked down at his hand, clearly noticing the phenomenon for the first time.
"I didn't chant, so it's not magic… Must be a skill."
"That's not really the issue here."
Welf cut into my calm analysis with an exasperated remark. Yeah, I already knew what he meant.
Before I could say more, a deafening roar echoed through the room.
𓂀═════════════𓂀
All eyes turned toward the source of the sound.
A dragon stood before us.
"It's an Infant Dragon…"
I overheard a nameless adventurer mutter in awe. The Infant Dragon, a rare monster occasionally found on the eleventh and twelfth floors, wasn't as powerful as a Minotaur. But even so, it was more than capable of wiping out a party of Level 1 adventurers.
And it was staring right at Lili.
"Lilisuke! Run!"
Welf's voice broke into a near-scream. Lili stood frozen, unable to react as the dragon advanced.
"Bell, provide cover fire!"
As I spoke, I sprinted forward. With my increased strength after ranking up, I could easily reach Lili while Bell distracted the dragon.
Without hesitation, Bell extended his hand and shouted:
"Firebolt!!"
A blinding streak of light shot past me, hitting the Infant Dragon square in the head and piercing through. The dragon's body swayed before crumbling into ash.
I slowed my pace and turned around, stunned. Bell stared at his hand, equally dumbfounded.
That was definitely his Firebolt, but the power was far beyond its usual capacity. The dragon's scales should have had high fire resistance, and even with his rank-up, taking it down so easily was unheard of.
The only explanation was the motes of light. They must have amplified his magic.
I approached Bell, who was still in shock, and gave him a light knock on the head.
"Ow!"
Bell snapped out of his daze and shot me a mildly annoyed glare.
𓂀═════════════𓂀
Note: Don't worry, Bell only acts like this with Toki!
"Lilisuke" is a playful nickname that combines:
Lili = Liliruca ArdeChibisuke (ちび助) = Japanese slang for "little one" or "shorty",
Lilisuke = Lili + chibisuke = "Little Lili" or "Tiny Lili"
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