Want to read ahead? Join my Patreon for just $7 to get early access to all upcoming chapters!
> Patreon.com/NegativeTranslations
________________________________________
Chapter 22: The Supporter
Creating a massive headline was definitely not a good thing for the newly established, unstable Focalors Familia. Aiden wasn't afraid of trouble, but he hated it. He only wanted to develop quietly, at least until he reached Level 3. Only when he had enough confidence would he calmly face the trials of this city.
Compared to the joy and optimism of the Focalors Familia, the atmosphere in the Loki Familia was much gloomier. Because of Aiden's departure, the Abyss Gazed Back skill was no longer in effect, meaning the Dungeon ceased spawning new Slimes and Hilichurls. When the Loki Familia group charged into the Dungeon with high spirits, they found the situation vastly different from the Guild's description. They spent half a day searching, only to find a few lucky surviving Slimes and Hilichurls.
"What is this? Where are the monsters? What happened to the massive number of new monster types?"
Tiona swung her massive double-bladed sword, Urga, boredly carving a trail of sparks against the wall.
"Tch. Waste of time," Bete grumbled, leaning against the wall with a look of displeasure.
Despite this, Riveria ordered everyone to record all data on the discovered monsters—including attack patterns, weaknesses, and drop items—and submitted it to the Guild. However, regarding the specific cause of this Dungeon anomaly, they remained completely in the dark, unable to find a single clue. That brief and violent monster irregularity was like a strange "burp" from the Dungeon—it came quickly and left just as fast, leaving behind a mystery that baffled everyone.
...
A night of rest swept away yesterday's fatigue. The astonishing stat growth converted directly into high morale. Early the next morning, just as the sky began to brighten, Aiden and Robin set off once again. Their first stop was the Hephaestus Familia weapon shop in the 8th District.
Aiden's goal was clear. He casually sold the longsword that had nearly been scrapped in yesterday's battle to an apprentice in the shop. Then, using most of the fortune earned yesterday, he outfitted himself with a completely new set of gear. A well-crafted, straight, standard longsword of moderate weight. Several pieces of light armor made of hard leather and metal plates, including a breastplate, gauntlets, and greaves. Although they were ordinary items without special abilities, their durability was far superior to the goods found in common weapon shops. Just this alone cost them over 40,000 Valis.
Leaving the weapon shop, the two rushed non-stop to the Dian Cecht Familia's shop to buy potions. Unlike the ruggedness of the Hephaestus establishment, this place was bright and clean. The air was filled with the mixed fragrance of various herbs, and the clerks in white uniforms were quiet and professional. Aiden didn't look at the expensive High Potions glittering seductively on the nearby shelves, let alone the absurdly priced Elixirs. Those weren't things they could afford right now, nor did they have an urgent need for them.
His main target was Mind Restore Potions. He planned to start training his Magic stat in the upcoming adventures, and as a pure mage, Robin's mental energy—her Mind—was the key to her endurance. In the end, they bought ten small Mind Restore Potions and five Low Potions. Their money pouch deflated visibly once again. The 70,000-plus Valis that felt like a huge sum last night was gone in an instant, even overdrafting Aiden's private savings.
When the two finally arrived beneath Babel Tower, fully armed and ready to enter the Dungeon again, they were immediately surrounded.
"Adventurer-samas, do you need a Supporter? I'm very strong and can carry all the loot!"
"Look at me! I'm very familiar with the terrain of the upper floors and can guide you."
These were the Supporters gathered at the Dungeon entrance. They had sharp eyes and instantly noticed Aiden's brand-new gear with no battle scars, as well as the staff in Robin's hand that looked expensive at a glance. This was a clear signal: a small team with some money but likely lacking experience. The ideal employers.
Amidst the noisy sales pitches, Aiden's gaze was drawn to a tiny figure struggling to squeeze out of the crowd. It was a Dog Person girl with a stature so small she resembled a Prum. She had fluffy brown short hair, matching ears and tail, and large eyes that flickered with a shrewdness and hunger inconsistent with her weak appearance.
"Um... Adventurer-sama!"
The girl's voice was timid, but her eyes were determined.
"My name is Liliruca Arde. I am a Supporter from the Soma Familia. Please hire me! My rates are very cheap, and I can do any dirty or tiring work."
Liliruca Arde...
Hearing this name, a ripple stirred in Aiden's heart. Although it had been years since he transmigrated and many memories of his past life were blurring, as a core member of the original protagonist's team, he remembered this name. He knew that before meeting that destined boy, the Liliruca Arde before him was a very troubled person.
Due to a tragic childhood, she harbored an intense hatred and distrust toward adventurers. She would use her pitiful appearance to garner sympathy, then scam her employers in the Dungeon, stealing their equipment and loot. While she wouldn't go as far as taking lives, countless adventurers had been pitied and then plundered by her.
Currently, she had approached them proactively. Those seemingly innocent eyes were likely locked onto the expensive staff in Robin's hand. Aiden admitted that in the future, she would indeed become a tactician with excellent command skills, and was indeed a cute girl.
But he wasn't interested. He wasn't a lolicon, nor was he a savior with overflowing benevolence. He already had a Goddess at home, and Robin—whose beauty and temperament outshone most gods—by his side. For him, there were very few women left who could make him take the initiative to pursue or contact them.
Moreover, his primary goal right now was to develop in a low-key manner, not to find himself a trouble magnet who might backstab him and steal his belongings at any moment. So, Aiden merely glanced at her faintly and, in a tone devoid of emotion, rejected her crisply:
"We don't need a Supporter."
This simple sentence instantly silenced the noisy sales pitches around them. Hearing this hesitation-free refusal, the other Supporters shook their heads in regret and tactfully dispersed. They didn't have time to waste, and Aiden's attitude clearly left no room for negotiation.
________________________________________
Support this fanfict by leaving Positive Review, Comments, and Power Stones.