Spoils and Surprises
"Godkiller?" I laugh. "That's a new one! And from you of all people... Gale."
Her eyes widen. She flinches.
"How do you know that name!?" she snaps, her hand tightening on the knife. The blade kisses my neck now.
"Nice hair, by the way," I grin. "But I prefer the original."
"TELL ME! Or I swear, I'll slit your throat right here!"
"Does... 80 million Valis ring a bell?"
The knife lowers—shaky fingers, wide eyes.
"My bounty? Does that mean..." Ryuu's thoughts are written all over her face.
"You're here... for me?" she asks, her voice suddenly fragile.
"I was going to," I admit. "But when I heard about your Familia... I backed off. I know what it's like—losing everyone."
"What do you know about loss?!" she shouts. "You're just a bounty hunter! Hired to kill Ares!"
"That's the rumor. Truth is—Ares Familia wiped out my home. My people. My family. I believed in you, Ryuu. Thought there was more to your spree than bloodlust. I was right. So please..."
I pause, voice low.
"...believe in me too."
She freezes. The knife clatters to the floor. For a moment, she just stares—then steps forward... and hugs me.
"I'm sorry... I didn't know. I judged you without even— How can I make it up to you? I'll do anything—please!"
She realizes what she just said.
To a guy.
"Anything~?" I grin, taking one step closer. Her eyes dart. She stumbles back.
"N-no! That's not what I meant!"
I step forward again.
She backs up.
Another step.
She hits the wall. Trapped. She squeezes her eyes shut, waiting for the worst—
I lean in close. Whisper.
"How about a date? Monsterphilia. 8:00. Don't be late."
And just like that, I turn and walk away.
I glance back once. She's beet red. Frozen. Embarrassed. Kinda cute, actually. She fumbles into the kitchen, still blushing.
Outside, Bell's waiting. But before I can reach him, a hand clamps down on my shoulder. I nearly jump out of my armor.
It's Mia.
"Y-yes, Ma'am?" I ask, already sweating.
"I heard what you said to Ryuu." Her voice is like a rolling thunderstorm. "She's been through hell. I won't let you drag her back into it. You better treat her right. Got it?"
"Y-yes, Ma'am!" I salute. I'm Level 20, but her aura makes me feel like Level 2.
She lets go. I exhale hard. Bell's expression matches mine—ghost white.
"Don't worry, Bell," I say, patting him on the back. "The nightmare's over. We survived... the bar."
< Timeskip >
We head toward the dungeon. Monster cages dangle above us—Monsterphilia prep is in full swing. The festival always fascinated me. This year, though? I've got a date. Makes it even better.
I glance at Bell, who's drooling over some high-tier adventurer gear.
"Hey Bell," I nudge him. "What do you think your Goddess is doing right now?"
"Huh? Oh, she's probably doing something really important!" he says proudly.
~ Meanwhile, at the Gods' Banquet ~
"That's rich coming from you!" Hestia shouts. "You came here to laugh at me with that utterly pathetic... FLAT CHEST?!"
Chaos erupts.
~ Back to Us ~
"So, uh... remember when I said I'd guide you to the lower floors?" I ask sheepishly.
"Yeah?"
"I need to scout ahead. Check monster strength. If you're done for today, head home. No need to wait."
He looks disappointed but nods. "Alright... be careful."
I descend deeper into the dungeon—alone now. Once I hit the floor I need, I teleport home using Nurse's power, suit up in armor, strap a bag for loot, and warp right back.
Can't let anyone see me take on monsters like this...
< Timeskip >
20th floor. Mad Beetles swarm.
Perfect.
I summon all 20 of my Killers. Oni grabs the bag of crystals.
"Let's go wild, boys! For Bell!"
The beetles don't even stand a chance. It's a slaughter.
"Wow... This is almost disappointing," I mutter as crystal shards fly around me. "Too easy. But hey—Valis is Valis!"
"Kill everything that moves!" I shout. "Let's make this count!"
< Timeskip >
"30 million Valis... jackpot!" I laugh, tossing the pouch up and catching it. "Time to get Bell that upgrade."
Thanks to Ms. Eina handling the exchanges in secret, I avoided a mob of nosy adventurers. Still... a new problem cropped up.
Rumors.
Apparently, some idiots saw me in armor with monsters and decided I was a new Floor Boss.
Let them dream.
I stroll into the Abandoned Church with my "spoils of war." I stash the cash and step inside.
"I'm hoooome!" I call out cheerfully.