After saying goodbye to Clone 1, I continued hunting for a few more hours until I got tired and left the dungeon. I reached level 12 before heading back home. Even though the amount of EXP required to level up has increased, my EXP gain has also increased significantly.
Unfortunately, none of my skills leveled up, and I didn't gain any new ones. However, I accumulated a large number of magic stones, so I can buy new skills if I want to.
I can purchase one basic spell from each magical element.
Or I could buy new types of weapons to unlock new skills. It would be fun to have one clone using a sword, another a spear, another a bow, and so on… They could form parties and explore even deeper floors together.
It's interesting to imagine a sense of camaraderie developing between the clones.
"Speaking of parties, I didn't change the appearance of the other two clones, did I? Only mine."
I've already decided which clones I'll send to the Loki Familia. I'll send Clone 1 and Clone 3.
I thought about sending Clone 2, but I don't trust that guy.
He wouldn't try to kill me or anything like that, but I feel like he could do something dangerous at any moment. The things he says make it very clear that he doesn't think highly of humans. If he starts interacting with them, he might end up causing trouble.
Even if I give him a direct order, I'm not confident he wouldn't do something reckless. I still don't fully trust the system's abilities.
"Now that I think about it, at the beginning the two clones were like emotionless robots, but day by day they've been becoming more human and developing their own personalities."
Clone 1 is cowardly, cheerful, and has nothing against humans.
Clone 2 is suspicious, hates humans, and seems cunning. Whenever I talk to him, I feel like he's plotting something behind my back.
As for Clones 3 and 4… I haven't talked to them much yet. I don't really know what they're like.
"Should I change their appearances before leaving?" I asked myself out loud.
Then I heard a voice right behind me.
"What do you mean by changing appearances?"
It was a girl's voice. Sweet, but carrying a noticeable hint of suspicion. I turned around and saw a girl much shorter than me. Her build looked extremely fragile.
I feel like if I hugged her too tightly, she might snap in half.
'I'm on the 12th floor. What is such a fragile-looking girl doing here?' I wondered.
I stared at her, and she quickly averted her gaze.
Her eyes were red—a beautiful color.
Her hair was silver, short, reaching down to her shoulders.
"Ah, sorry for asking that out of nowhere without even knowing you. I just got curious." The girl raised her hands apologetically.
"It's fine. I was thinking out loud without realizing it."
"I see."
"But you… should you really be here?" I asked her.
She tilted her head slightly, then lifted her white shirt just enough to reveal a beautiful dagger at her waist. "Don't worry. I'm quite strong. I'm a Level Three adventurer," she said confidently.
After that, she extended her hand. "Nice to meet you. My name is Bella."
'Bella…' I was already suspicious, but is this girl really Bell? But… she's Level Three?
At this point in the story, Bell should be at most Level Two.
Did things change after I came to this world?
"My name is Zane," I said, giving her my real name with a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Bella."
####
After introducing myself to Bella, we talked for a while, and I found out that she's still part of the Hestia Familia. At least that part of the story remains the same. As I watched her walk away, I thought:
'I didn't expect the story to change this much.'
Have other parts of the story changed too? I guess I'll find out in time.
After putting enough distance between myself and Bell… Bella, I destroyed Clones 2 and 4 and summoned them again.
When they saw me, they lowered their heads in respect. I noticed that Clone 4 looked very similar to how Clones 1 and 2 had been right after being summoned. He didn't show much emotion.
They really do change over time. They're like children developing.
"I've decided to change your appearances. I'll keep my original appearance only for Clones 1 and 3."
"May I ask why, Master?" Clone 2 asked.
"I have a few plans in mind. Are you against having your appearance changed?"
"Not at all. I actually think it's great. This appearance draws too much attention. If you could make me ugly, I'd appreciate it," Clone 2 said, sounding almost excited.
As for Clone 4…
"I would appreciate it if you could give me a feminine appearance," he said coldly, staring at me without showing any particular emotion.
"Hm? Why?" I asked.
"I just think it would suit me better. I saw a woman and found her appearance very pleasing."
"…"
I stared at Clone 4 for a while, thinking about it. He wants a feminine appearance? I didn't expect that. I'm not against it or anything—I'm just very surprised.
He wants to become a woman simply because he saw one and found her appearance appealing… I suppose that makes sense.
But… should I change only his appearance, or should I also change his body structure, turning him entirely into a woman?
Should I ask him that?
After hearing my question, Clone 4 replied, "Yes. Change everything."
Clone 2 heard that and laughed mockingly. "Why would you want to become such a weak creature?"
"…" Clone 4 didn't respond.
Clone 2 is really unpleasant.
Should I reset him? Is there any way to do that?
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