I don't understand.
This thought pulsed in her temples, dull and intrusive, like the distant hum of the Dungeon. It battered against the walls of her skull as Liliruca Arde mechanically moved her short legs, trying to keep up with the wide strides of the adventurers walking ahead. The light of the phosphorescent moss fell on the stone vaults in deathly pale stripes, snatching their backs out of the gloom—so different, yet equally alien to all her experience.
Aren't all adventurers money-hungry animals?
Her fingers tightened their grip on the straps of her enormous backpack. She remembered their faces. Contorted with greed, covered in the cold sweat of a hangover, with crazed, empty eyes that held nothing but the thirst for another sip. They weren't warriors. They were vultures, ready to tear each other's throats out for a handful of valis. And she, Lili, was a part of that world. She had learned to hide, to deceive, to steal. She was even ready to kill if it was necessary for survival. Because otherwise—death. Or something worse.
Doesn't Familia status show how corrupted all adventurers are?
Here they were, right in front of her. The Loki Familia. The elite. The strongest faction in Orario, whose very name made even the monsters on the deep floors tremble. She should have expected the worst from them. Arrogance, contempt, cruelty. They should have looked at her, a temporary Supporter from the lousy Soma Familia, like dirt under their feet. That was exactly how it was supposed to be.
Isn't the Dungeon a terrible, dangerous place that has claimed the lives of hundreds, if not thousands? A place people descend into out of greed, overcoming the fear of death in the hope of earning a living and coming back alive?
A wet, guttural crunch echoed behind them, instantly drowned out by a short, whistling ring of metal. Lili flinched, looking back. A goblin tumbled out of the corridor wall, splattering slime—it hadn't even fully formed yet. Rane's dark blade sliced through it diagonally, turning it into a cloud of ash before the creature even touched the floor. He did it without even looking, without breaking his stride, continuing to calmly discuss formations in narrow passages with Kyle. As if brushing off an annoying fly.
Then why?..
Her gaze slid over the faces of the group she had descended with today.
There was Leo, enthusiastically explaining something to Bell, waving his spear. Five minutes ago, noticing that Lili had stumbled over a protrusion in the stone, he immediately offered his elbow, without even interrupting his fiery speech. There was Alice, walking in the rearguard. When a pack of kobolds tried to flank them, she, before opening fire, gave a short and clear warning: "Lili, get down!"—not like a servant, but like a squad member who needed cover. There was Kyle, whose heavy shield took hits with a dull ring, asking over his shoulder: "Is everything okay back there? Is anyone hurt?". That "anyone" included her. And even Carol... Icy, terrifying Carol. When Lili stumbled yet again and almost fell, she, without uttering a single word, simply materialized next to her and held her by the shoulder with an iron grip. And then disappeared just as silently, leaving behind only a chill and hitched breath.
Since when am I in the company of adventurers and not feeling fear or apprehension?
She wasn't afraid. This entire descent—she hadn't been afraid for a single second. Not for her life, not that these people would abandon her in a dark corridor, that her share would be stolen, that they would laugh at her. That didn't happen. It was wrong. It shattered all the barriers she had built up over the years.
Why do they look at me like that? Why do they care so much about each other and about me? Why do I not feel that familiar disgust in their eyes that I've experienced countless times?
Was I the only one who thought this way? Was I the only one treated like that? Is all my hatred in vain, and is it only my own "Familia" that treats me this way?
How unfair.
Her small fists clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. A lump formed in her throat. It was unbearable. Their kindness, their care, their ordinary, human treatment—it burned worse than any blow. It made her feel not just weak, but... cheated. Cheated by those who were supposed to be her family but became her executioners. And cheated by these strangers who treated her as if she had value.
She shifted her gaze to him.
To the one who was the reason she was mired in these agonizing contradictions. Rane walked in the vanguard, slightly ahead, his figure in simple, sturdy armor seeming like a monolithic rock in the flickering light of the magic lanterns.
He was stronger than any adventurer of the same level she had ever seen. It was something beyond ordinary "talent." There was not a single wasted motion in his movements, a terrifying efficiency that turned every battle into a polished dance. He was more intimidating than any monster they encountered on their path. When he stepped forward, without a drop of fear, to meet an enraged monster bursting from a side tunnel, her heart skipped a beat. But he merely ducked, letting the clawed paw pass over his head, and with one precise, incredibly fast movement, severed the monster's head.
Being the only member of his poor, unknown Familia, he stood proudly with his head held high, and even adventurers from the best factions looked at him with respect. And some—with adoration. Lili saw Leo's eyes shine when Rane explained the intricacies of polearm combat to him. She saw with what interest, almost reverence, Bell looked at him.
And even I...
She reined herself in, feeling her cheeks burning betrayingly beneath her hood. She, who had already wanted to resign herself to this state of affairs, who had decided that this world was just a dirty, disgusting pit... I can't even look him in the eye.
The deeper they descended, the more he was nearby. Not intrusively, not for show. He just always happened to be between her and a potential threat. Protecting her. And every time he asked—quietly, with just the corners of his lips: "Are you tired? Maybe we should take a break?". And every time, his hand, offered in a difficult spot, was like a silent promise: "You won't fall."
Please, stop. I don't deserve your attention.
He became like the sun itself, attracting and warming those around him with his heat. Even people who had only recently met him—like Alice and Kyle—unconsciously gravitated towards him, asked for advice, tried to capture his attention. But he kept turning around. And looking at me. As if embracing me with his care throughout the entire journey.
Please, stop. I don't deserve your gaze.
The most terrible blow was delivered at the end, when they, dirty and tired, were dividing the loot in the Guild hall. Lili braced herself for the usual. She had calculated in advance how much she could slip away unnoticed, how much she would have to hand over with a submissive bow. She only wanted to take the bare minimum. It was hard for her to even ask these people for more.
But he himself took care of her share. He simply poured out as much for her as for the others, without even asking.
I expected to see at least an ounce of displeasure in their eyes. At least a shadow of greed. But they—every single one of them—agreed without any objections. And Leo smiled broadly, saying: "Great job, Lili! We definitely couldn't have managed without you." And Alice, serious Alice, nodded and added: "Good descent. Thank you."
Unfair!
Unfair!!
UNFAIR!!!
I don't deserve such kindness toward myself.
And then... they left. Bell's team said their goodbyes, melting into the evening crowd. Only the two of them remained. And when he, with that warm, understanding smile of his, turned to her and said: "Until tomorrow, Lili. Get a good rest,"—as if hoping for their next meeting...
No. That's not it.
Maybe I'm the one craving the next meeting with him.
Please, don't look at me like that, please...
I am a liar. I stole from those who hired me before. I was even ready to kill. I survived like a rat, groveling and biting back. I am that very trash you spoke of. I have no right to stand next to you, to breathe the same air as you, to receive your warmth.
So why then...
Liliruca Arde stood in the empty evening square, clutching the heavy pouch of honestly earned coins to her chest. The magic lanterns were lighting up around her, and their warm, amber glow fractured in the tears clouding her huge chestnut eyes. She stared after the tall, broad-shouldered figure disappearing into the alley, and for the first time in a long, very long time, she couldn't figure out what to do next. Her old world was crumbling, turning to dust under the quiet rustle of the wind.
Please... don't give me hope. Because if it turns out to be a lie... I won't survive it.
***
Rane stood at the greengrocer's stall, thoughtfully sorting through firm, ripe apples. The noise of Orario's evening market flowed past him. The youth's thoughts still hovered in the labyrinths of the Dungeon and the dark alleys of the Northwest sector. The contrast between the genuine, almost family-like care of Bell's squad and Liliruca's broken, hunted gaze gave him no peace.
"Oh, is that my friend Rane?"
A familiar, booming voice pulled him from his reverie. The youth turned around and smiled warmly.
Right behind him stood Takemikazuchi. The God of Martial Arts, as always, radiated a simple and open energy. Dressed in his usual modest attire, he looked absolutely nothing like the arrogant celestials residing in Babel. Slightly behind him, trying to seem as inconspicuous as possible, hid a miniature girl. Her face was concealed by thick bangs of grayish-lilac hair, and her slender fingers nervously clutched a thick paper bag of groceries, exactly like the one Rane himself was currently filling.
"Good evening, Lord Takemikazuchi," Rane greeted him respectfully, but without excessive formality. "Out shopping for dinner as well?"
"Ha-ha, exactly!" the god slapped him joyfully on the shoulder. "We decided to restock while prices dropped a bit towards the evening. And take a walk at the same time. Allow me to introduce you to my child—this is Chigusa."
Hearing her name, the girl flinched and ducked her head even deeper into her shoulders.
Rane handed the merchant a few coins, took his bag, and took a smooth, non-aggressive step toward her. He knew how easily such a nature could be spooked.
"Nice to meet you, Chigusa," he said softly, bowing his head slightly. "My name is Rane. Your God helped me out incredibly once upon a time, so I'll be genuinely glad if we could become friends."
The girl froze like a rabbit caught in a trap. Under the attentive but kind gazes of her deity and this tall, confident guy, she blushed deeply.
"V-very nice to meet you..." she managed to squeeze out in a thin, trembling voice, bowing clumsily but very diligently, almost dropping her groceries.
Rane and Takemikazuchi let out a quiet chuckle in unison.
"You have an incredibly charming follower, Lord Takemikazuchi," Rane noted with genuine warmth, looking at the embarrassed girl.
"You bet!" the God laughed out loud now, proudly puffing out his chest. "I am immensely proud of every single one of my children! They are the best!"
Poor Chigusa seemed about to simply combust from embarrassment. She frantically waved her free hand, trying to stop this torrent of praise, and hid her burning face behind her bangs, trying not to look at Rane at all. He merely watched the scene with a peaceful smile.
"I suppose that's exactly what a good Familia should be like," the old master stated quietly.
Takemikazuchi's laughter smoothly faded away. The God of Martial Arts possessed not only strong fists but also a warrior's insight. He looked closely at the youth's face.
"My friend Rane," his tone became slightly more serious. "Is it just me, or is something heavy tormenting your thoughts?"
Rane sighed briefly and nodded toward the main street, offering to continue their walk together.
They walked side by side, unhurriedly navigating the evening crowd, while Chigusa followed them like a quiet shadow, trying not to interrupt the adults' conversation.
"So Hestia has finally found her Familia," Takemikazuchi chuckled good-naturedly again, returning to lighter topics. "That's wonderful news. I'm happy for her."
Rane, looking straight ahead, merely cast a sidelong glance at the god walking beside him.
"Of all people, Lord Takemikazuchi, it's strange for you to be surprised by that."
The God raised an eyebrow in surprise, feigning highly believable incomprehension.
"What do you mean?"
"That poverty and a lack of luxury have never been a barrier to gathering loyal people around oneself," Rane smirked slightly. "I'm sure you know what I mean."
Takemikazuchi huffed quietly, with respect, accepting this compliment to his own Familia.
"So what is eating at you?" he returned to the original question.
"Not too long ago, I started using the services of a Supporter in the Dungeon," Rane began, choosing his words carefully. "The girl is diligent, smart. It would all be fine... but her Familia is causing me serious concerns."
"Alas," Takemikazuchi shook his head sorrowfully. "Many gods live exclusively for themselves. As are their methods of raising their children. Sometimes they can be... eccentric. Whose Familia are we talking about?"
"Soma."
The god's habitually smiling face cracked. The smile instantly became strained, and a shadow of disgust flashed in his eyes.
"Oh..." Takemikazuchi exhaled. "The situation there is much more complicated than mere 'eccentricity'."
"The divine wine?" Rane added briefly.
"Exactly," the god nodded, lowering his voice. "Personally, I don't know Soma, we move in very different circles. But the rumors in Orario speak for themselves. And those rumors... are highly unpleasant."
At that moment, Chigusa, who had been walking silently behind them all this time, suddenly took a hesitant step forward, pulling level with Rane. She was still embarrassed, but her sense of duty overpowered her timidity.
"Mr. Rane..." she said quietly but persistently, making the youth stop and look at her. "I have also seen and heard many... terrible things about those who wear Soma's crest. Please, be careful. Maybe... it would be better for you to look for another companion? For your own safety."
Rane looked at this modest girl, trembling from her own bravery, who genuinely worried for an almost complete stranger. A pleasant warmth spread through his chest.
He smiled softly, reached into his paper bag, and pulled out the largest, reddest apple.
"What kind of man and adventurer would I be, Chigusa, if I couldn't help one little, lost girl?" he said with firm, calm confidence, and placed the apple on top of the groceries in her bag. "But I am sincerely grateful for your concern. Thank you."
Chigusa looked at the fruit, then at Rane, and her face once again took on the color of a ripe tomato. She hastily retreated behind her god's back, hiding as if behind a stone wall.
Soon they reached a wide intersection where their paths diverged.
Takemikazuchi, smiling proudly at his ward's reaction, shifted his bag to his other hand.
"Rane, the doors of our Familia are always open. Send my regards to Hestia, and definitely come visit us for dinner sometime. There's plenty of room for everyone!"
The youth stopped and politely, with deep respect, bowed to the god of war.
"We definitely will, Takemikazuchi-sama. Thank you once again for everything."
Receiving the desired answer, the god said his goodbyes, waved his hand, and, together with the scurrying Chigusa, began to dissolve into the flow of the evening city. Rane silently watched them go. This short encounter had completely cleared his mind. Smiling at his own thoughts, he adjusted the bag in his hand and headed home with a leisurely, confident stride.