Chapter 19: Just a Passing Ordinary Swordsman
「Exp +68」
After cleanly dispatching all the Killer Ants, the high-intensity, focused battle left Liam feeling a bit exhausted.
He briefly scanned his surroundings.
Facing such a massive number of monsters head-on could, to some extent, truly be compared to a "Monster Party" that would only appear on deeper floors.
The final result was, of course, good.
The vast number of Killer Ants, on top of his Sword Soul template having just reached level 15, increased his experience bar to 30%.
"It really works."
"Utilizing the Killer Ants' trait of calling companions when in danger to quickly gain experience points, it's just a bit taxing on stamina."
Liam's thoughts became increasingly firm.
Searching for monsters individually, unless they were special species or floor bosses – the experience from such elite monsters was relatively considerable.
If they were low-level monsters, the efficiency would be much worse.
Setting aside the distant goal of reaching Lv50 and awakening as a Sword Saint, even the Sword Soul's highly representative skill, Drawing Sword.
Would require a long time.
He gradually collected his thoughts, picked up the magic stones dropped by the defeated Killer Ants from the ground, and finally focused on Bell, who was leaning against the wall not far ahead.
Bell, with his white hair and a somewhat androgynous, cute appearance.
"Are you alright?" As soon as the words left his mouth, Liam felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity, as if a historical scene was replaying.
Back when he killed the Minotaur.
Ais Wallenstein, who had rushed over, had asked him the same thing. Now, it was his turn to say it to Bell, who had become an adventurer.
"I'm fine."
Actually, he should have been the one asking about the other's condition.
Facing Liam's calm, unwavering gaze, Bell finally got a clear look at the adventurer who had kindly come to his aid.
He seemed a bit older than himself.
A distinct Far Eastern face, also with crimson eyes, but it felt as if something was flowing within them, containing a terrifying presence.
The sharp sword aura naturally emanating from his body.
And when facing the Killer Ant swarm, his magnificent and exquisite swordsmanship, along with the sword aura attacks he didn't know how he produced, all indicated…
He was definitely a powerful senior adventurer!
Bell's searching gaze quickly moved away from Liam. He noticed the arm not completely covered by the cloak, lacking skin luster.
It presented an eerie white, and the sinister blood vessels under the skin were still visible.
"Um..."
Although Lady Freya had instructed him that the specially made healing elixir was very precious, Bell still took it out from his backpack.
He didn't think too much about it; besides, the other party had kindly helped him.
He looked at Liam's arm and asked with concern in his eyes, "Your arm... I have a special elixir prepared by Lady Goddess here."
"It should be able to slow down the injury?"
"It's no use."
Liam could still distinguish between false pleasantries and genuine feelings. Bell still had that kind nature from the original anime.
He shook his head and chuckled lightly, "I've already sought treatment from Miss Amid of the Dian Cecht Familia. My problem is quite complicated."
"This..."
Bell had, of course, heard of Miss Amid from the Dian Cecht Familia, who was hailed as the "Saint of the Battlefield."
He just hadn't had any contact with her.
A problem that even Amid couldn't solve. He couldn't help but clutch the crystal vial in his hand. A disease that required black iron manacles to restrain.
What kind of pain must he endure…
Bell couldn't know this, yet Liam, a chance acquaintance, was willing to help him.
"Thank you very much for your help."
"Senior adventurer, will your arm injury truly not affect you?" he asked with concern in his eyes.
He could see that fighting the Killer Ant swarm had placed a great burden on Liam's body; his face was filled with exhaustion at this moment.
Bell had no intention of offending; to be precise, he felt somewhat self-reproachful.
If not for his own adventurous actions, he probably wouldn't have caused such trouble for Liam, who had kindly helped him, right?
He didn't directly answer Bell's question.
The reason for choosing to help was simple, but Liam had no intention of changing Bell's way of doing things. He just explained with a relaxed smile.
"Just because my body is flawed, must I yield to fate?"
"Even if the hand that wields the sword becomes twisted..." "Striving towards the chosen goal will also make my life more meaningful." As he finished speaking, Liam looked at Bell.
His final tone was much more serious.
"Hold firm to what your heart believes. Also, Dungeon exploration is full of dangers. Try your best not to put yourself in dangerous situations."
"Act within your capabilities."
Bell was deeply moved by Liam's words, especially the phrase, "Just because my body is flawed, must I yield to fate?"
Bell stood there, finding it hard to imagine how much suffering Liam had endured.
For Liam to be so firm in his beliefs, still holding goodwill towards all things. Perhaps this was what a strong person needed to possess…
The courage to forge ahead in the face of adversity, to dare to challenge fate!
Could he do it?
Watching Liam's departing figure, Bell didn't follow. He quickly asked, "My name is Bell Cranel."
"May I ask how to address you, senior?"
"Hmm?"
"Just a passing ordinary swordsman."
His level increased to 15, mastering new skills, and he even encountered Bell and a swarm of Killer Ants on his way to the 7th floor.
Today's Dungeon exploration.
Was exceptionally fulfilling for Liam. Leaving the dim staircase passage of Babel once again, he returned to the Labyrinth City Orario.
Night had quietly fallen.
As far as the eye could see, the bustling crowds on the streets made the city seem extraordinarily lively.
He currently had nearly 30,000 Valis on hand. The magic stones and materials dropped from killing War Shadows and Killer Ants had not yet been exchanged.
The Adventurer's Guild was already closed.
"Buy some food."
"Then it's about time to go home."
He temporarily dismissed the thought of going to "The Hostess of Fertility" restaurant alone. Using skills at high intensity consumed a great deal of his stamina.
Now, he had enough skills to use.
His clearing speed for upper-level monsters had significantly increased, but a drawback was also exposed: his stamina couldn't support high-intensity combat.
Enhancing combat endurance.
Would allow him to gain more experience points in the Dungeon.
After buying a takeaway dinner for two, Liam decisively chose to return to the Familia's home, the basement of the abandoned church.
His level had increased significantly.
He was also very curious about the changes in his ability scores!
Hestia, having finished her busy part-time job at the weapon shop, was resting on the sofa. Seeing Liam return home safely.
She instantly jumped up from the sofa.
"Liam-kun."
"You're back?"
Hestia carefully checked him. After finding no injuries, she completely relaxed. But looking at the dinner he had specifically packed and brought back.
Her mood became increasingly heavy.
After finishing work, she had also tried to recruit dependants at the Adventurer's Guild, but no lower-world citizens showed any interest.
In fact, they left even faster after hearing her divine name?
She really didn't know how she, as a goddess, could help Liam and lessen his burden.
Liam could clearly sense Hestia's low spirits. The specific reason was probably her inability to recruit other dependants.
Unable to help him?
He placed the dinner on the table and asked with a smile, "Lady Hestia, after dinner, can you help me update my status?"
"No problem!!"
(End of this chapter)