Charlie still didn't know he had become the primary target of an Evil God hiding in darkness. Currently, all his attention was focused on Kei who had just finished a fierce battle against a horde of Goblins.
*SWISH!* *PU-CHI!*
The last laser beam from Flare-chan penetrated precisely into a Goblin's chest, killing it instantly.
"Giiikkkk!!!"
The Goblin's body shook violently before turning into a puff of black smoke that quickly disappeared, leaving behind a fingernail-sized magic stone that fell.
"Hah... Hah... Finally... it's over..." Kei exhaled heavily, her chest rising and falling irregularly.
Dizziness and mental fatigue struck her. Without caring about the dirty dust or soil, she sat limply, leaning against the nearest wall.
"Good work, Kei." Charlie's calm voice sounded just as he landed gracefully beside the girl, without raising dust. "You did better than the majority of novice adventurers. Maintaining focus and evasive tactics in the middle of an encirclement like that isn't easy."
"It's not entirely my own strength." Kei looked at the firearm in her hand that was still warm, then raised her head to look at Charlie with eyes that were tired but clear. "Charlie-san made this amazing weapon for me. Your contribution played a major role in every successful shot."
"Alright, alright. Don't be too modest. Let's stop here for today." Charlie patted Kei's head gently, a calming gesture.
Kei, feeling her throat dry, took out a bottle of cold lemon water from the Space-Time Cache on her wrist and drank it greedily.
"Ah~ so refreshing! This is what I needed. Charlie-san, you drink too."
"Mm."
Accepting the bottle Kei offered, Charlie drank the rest without hesitation. They weren't a couple who would feel embarrassed or awkward just because of indirect kissing; their relationship had already gone far beyond such trivial formalities.
After Kei recovered some stamina and her dizziness subsided, Charlie took her to find a more suitable location to rest, far from paths that might be traversed by monsters or other adventurers. They found a small niche in the wall that was quite sheltered.
Next, Charlie accessed his Space-Time Cache. From within that dimensional storage space, he took out two neutral-colored beanbags—one gray and one black.
Seeing those soft beanbags, Kei's eyes immediately sparkled. She immediately laid herself down on the black beanbag. Instantly, the soft and comfortable feeling enveloping her body made her tense thoughts and tired muscles relax.
(So comfortable... For a moment, I almost forgot we're in the dangerous Dungeon.) Kei thought with closed eyes, enjoying this rare moment.
"..."
On the other side, Charlie sat on the other gray beanbag while crossing his legs comfortably. "So, Kei. What do you think after experiencing and exploring the Dungeon yourself?"
"Dangerous." Kei answered firmly, opening her eyes and staring at the dimly glowing cave ceiling. "Danger lurks everywhere. Even from monsters considered the weakest. And seeing other adventurers who always group up—at least in twos or threes—that shows it's safer and wiser to join a group. Only adventurers who are very confident in their strength, or perhaps reckless ones, would act alone. The example is clear, like Charlie-san."
Hearing that analysis, Charlie nodded lightly, his facial expression slightly softer. "Good that you could realize those things from your first experience. The point is, never underestimate the Dungeon, on any floor. Arrogance is the quickest grave here."
"I understand, Charlie-san." Kei answered, now lying prone on the beanbag, resting her chin on her stacked hands, and looking at him attentively.
"..."
The two then chatted casually about small things—food they liked in Orario, Astraea's funny antics, or Aishia's calming silence. The atmosphere was really like a picnic, not a Dungeon exploration.
If monsters—usually stray Goblins or Kobolds—appeared near them, Kei didn't even need to take action.
Without needing to get up from his beanbag, Charlie just waved his hand casually. Using the Spirit Arts he mastered to manipulate natural elements, he could conjure small bursts of fire, sharp stone spikes, or high-pressure wind blasts that immediately annihilated the monster from a distance.
During their rest time, several groups of adventurers passed through that area. Expressions of surprise and disbelief were clearly visible on their faces seeing two people 'picnicking' with beanbags in the Dungeon.
Clearly, some rougher or envious parties felt displeased with that lack of seriousness.
However, before provocative words or actions could begin, there was always someone in that group who whispered fearfully,
"That... that's Solo Leveling!"
Instantly, all bad intentions evaporated. Faces that were previously cynical turned pale. They hurriedly left that area with quick steps, even tending to run, before unwanted trouble really began.
There was no other choice.
Snow-white platinum hair in Orario was very rare and easily recognizable. So far, only two famous adventurers had that characteristic: Charlie Avalon from Hera Familia familiarly called Solo Leveling, and Bell Cranel from Hestia Familia nicknamed Little Rookie.
Moreover, the fact that these two individuals leveled up at logic-defying speeds made veteran adventurers start doubting their own lives. They felt their hard work over the years seemed futile compared to the terrifying talent of these two white-haired youths.
"When they find out who Charlie-san is, they're more afraid of you than afraid of monsters." Kei giggled seeing the attitude of the adventurers who hurriedly fled earlier.
"That's normal. Although this world also has laws and a Guild that regulates, in the end, inside the Dungeon or in deserted places, the real law is the law of the jungle. The strong rule and determine the rules. The weak can only obey, avoid, or seek protection from the stronger." Charlie shrugged, stating the bitter fact with a flat voice. "Remember that well, Kei. In your original world, money and social influence might rule. But here, in Orario, beneath the surface of civilization, individual strength is the main currency."
"Um. I understand, Charlie-san." Kei nodded seriously, absorbing that valuable lesson.
Then, after being silent for a moment, the expression on Kei's face changed. Her cheeks flushed pink. She glanced left and right, making sure no other adventurers remained or were peeking from afar. With a slightly shy movement, she quickly lifted the bottom part of her shirt, revealing smooth stomach skin and the curve of her breasts covered by a simple bra.
"Hey, Charlie-san. Want to do it here? Just for a bit..."
Because of Astraea's presence at Empyrean Citadel, Kei didn't have many opportunities to sneak into Charlie's room when night arrived. An opportunity to be alone like this, in a 'forbidden' place like the Dungeon, triggered her courage and desire.
"..."
Receiving such a direct and meaningful invitation, how could Charlie possibly refuse?
With a hand movement that was almost invisible, Charlie set up an illusion barrier with Spirit Arts.
A high-level illusion barrier immediately enveloped their beanbag area, camouflaging the environment so it appeared like an empty, untouched corridor to anyone passing by. Not just visual, the barrier was also soundproof, ensuring no moans or groans leaked out.
Without wasting time, Charlie pulled Kei into his embrace. They didn't completely remove their clothes—vigilance toward the Dungeon environment must not be completely lost. Their adventurer clothes were only lifted or adjusted as necessary, enough to allow intimacy.
Charlie carefully restrained himself, controlling the intensity and duration, ensuring Kei didn't become overly exhausted or become helplessly limp. After all, the girl still needed to continue her exploration and training after this, and they still had to return home safely.
Within that calm illusion veil, time seemed to move with a different rhythm. While outside, other adventurers busy with their own affairs passed through that corridor without realizing in the slightest that just a few meters from them, hidden by illusion, there was a couple satisfying their desire so intensely in the Dungeon.
After some time passed and that storm of passion subsided, Charlie gently tidied Kei's clothes again, while the girl leaned on his chest with breathing that was still slightly rapid, looking very satisfied and refreshed again.
If you've been enjoying my work, I would like to invite you to join my Ko-fi community. Supporting me through the paid version isn't just a donation—it is a way to keep this project alive and thriving. Your support directly helps me manage the costs and the effort put into every single chapter.
✨ Benefits:
- Access to more chapters
- Read ahead of the public release
☕ Support here:
Ko-fi: ko-fi.c*m/lovefanfiction
or
bit.ly/4sbFiOM
