Chapter 43 - Although the time is short, I will do my best!
"Well, I'm here for morning exercise, Noah, you..."
Seeing that the two problem children, Ais and Noah, were about to start discussing things, Riveria suddenly became anxious.
If this gets out and Noah finds out, what will happen?
"Ah? So the serious Riveria has this side to her. I never thought... She's so cute!"
No! That must never happen!
"Ais!" Just as Ais and Noah were about to continue their conversation, Riveria suddenly interrupted them. "Today, Noah and I are going to explore the Dungeon. Do you want to come as a supporter?"
Ais's gaze changed from confusion to surprise, her eyes widening slightly and shining with a dazzling brilliance like gems. Whatever she was thinking before was now thrown completely out of her mind. All she could think about was that she could finally go to the Dungeon again!
Seeing Ais so happy that her long blonde hair seemed to fly, Riveria quickly added, "You're just a supporter and not allowed to fight!"
But Ais wasn't listening at all. She turned and rushed back into the Twilight Manor. "I'm going to change into my gear!"
After Ais left, Noah and Riveria were the only ones left in front of the gate. The difference was that Riveria crossed her arms, looking at the gradually clearing sky, completely ignoring Noah. Although Noah wasn't afraid of embarrassment, they were going to the Dungeon together. If he made Riveria unhappy, he probably wouldn't be able to fight to his heart's content.
"Speaking of which, Riveria, how did you know I was planning to go to the Dungeon today?"
Although she was fully aware of Noah's intention to change the subject, Riveria didn't intend to dwell on it. "Heh, a forty million Valis order. Do you think the Goibniu Familia would let you take the gear without notifying me, the one paying?"
"Oh, I see." When it came to this, Noah really didn't know what to say.
Seeing that Noah stopped talking, Riveria breathed a sigh of relief. In fact, she hadn't told the whole story. Besides the bill from the Goibniu Familia, more importantly, Airmid had informed Riveria that Noah had bought potions on credit. However, Riveria wasn't stupid enough to betray Airmid easily; she would need her help keeping track of Noah's movements in the future.
Although Noah hadn't finished learning all the books on those shelves during his week of magic classes, it was enough to shock Riveria. She never expected him to finish everything so quickly, otherwise, wouldn't she seem foolish? But even so, Noah's learning progress far exceeded her expectations. Within seven days, he had completed the content that the school district required new mages to learn within three years.
This made Riveria even more convinced of her judgment: Noah would surpass her at an unimaginable speed, perhaps even surpassing the monsters of the Zeus and Hera Familias. But precisely because of this, Riveria wanted to protect Noah as much as possible during his early adventuring stages.
In the Dungeon, the greatest danger is never the monsters, but the unknown: unknown areas, unknown monsters, unknown enemies... Because the Dungeon is alive, it will take action when adventurers are vulnerable and push them into despair. It's common for even first-class adventurers to die on the upper floors due to carelessness on their way back from the deep floors. Being strong doesn't mean you won't encounter danger. On the contrary, the stronger you are, the more likely you are to be accompanied by death. Riveria, having witnessed the defeat of the Zeus and Hera Familias, understood this deeply.
Although the time is short, I will do my best.
Glancing at the silver-haired boy out of the corner of her eye, the high elf made a vow to herself.
After Ais changed into her armor and came out with a huge backpack, the three of them left the Twilight Manor in the cold morning breeze. After grabbing something to eat on the roadside and packing lunch, the three entered the Dungeon.
...
After passing through the large entrance under the first floor of Babel, they came to a wide path. Although the cobblestone road was solid and spacious enough for several carriages, it still gave a feeling of being winding, narrow, and dark. With every step, the dark walls seemed to press in, as if they would close and crush them.
Entering the cavernous maw, Noah stopped once his feet touched the dirt floor. He closed his eyes and gently breathed in the air. Although this was his second time entering the Dungeon, it was only now that he truly began to experience it.
Phosphorescent light illuminated the surroundings, and the ceiling above was high, but once inside, everything felt different. A slight breeze could make a roaring sound through the tunnels, like a monster inviting adventurers to battle.
The sun, moon, stars, the seasons, wind, rain..all external symbols were left behind. Ahead lay a deep labyrinth full of endless dangers, extending infinitely downwards. Even the gods didn't know where it ended.
Endless monsters, endless dangers, endless battles... The pervasive sense of danger surged through Noah's body like static electricity. He felt his hair stand on end, and his breathing deepened. His heartbeat quickened, pumping hot blood throughout his body, and his muscles tensed unconsciously.
There's no mistake. This is where I belong.
Ais and Riveria stopped beside him, looking at Noah quietly, recalling their own feelings when they first entered the Dungeon. Fear, nervousness, excitement... Those emotions were still vivid. I wonder how Noah feels?
When Noah opened his eyes again and glanced forward with a calm gaze, both Ais and Riveria felt a cold light, like a sharp sword, sweep past them, stinging their souls. But when they looked again, Noah's eyes had returned to calmness, making them wonder if it was just an illusion.
No, it's not an illusion.
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