Two days had passed since Ethan's intense battle with the special-type Minotaur. His wounds were healing thanks to Hestia's tireless care. Though the pain still lingered, the fire in his spirit hadn't dimmed—it had only grown stronger.
Sunlight poured into the old, crumbling church, catching the dust in the air like tiny embers. Ethan stood from the bed slowly, adjusting his bandages before slipping on a clean black shirt. The church was quiet, save for Hestia humming softly in the background as she organized some things in the corner.
She glanced over when she saw him grabbing his bag.
"Heading out already?" she asked, worry lacing her voice.
Ethan gave a soft nod. "Just into town. We need food, and a few things to patch up this place. You've done more than enough already. Let me handle the rest."
Hestia frowned, tapping her foot like a disapproving older sister. "At least don't carry everything back alone."
"I won't," he promised, and with a faint smile, walked out into the sunlit streets of Orario.
The marketplace was full of life. Merchants were calling out their prices, kids weaved between adults playing games, and the smell of baked bread and grilled meat hung heavy in the air.
Ethan moved through the crowd, checking his short list: rice, vegetables, soap, nails, and maybe a decent pan if he could afford it. His valis pouch was fuller than usual, thanks to the loot he'd sold after his last dungeon run, but he still budgeted carefully. They didn't have much, but they had enough—for now.
He stopped at a vegetable stall, eyeing some fresh tomatoes when he heard a voice behind him.
"H-Hello…"
He turned and looked down, blinking in surprise.
It was her—the small girl with the backpack. The one from the dungeon. The one who'd helped him after the Minotaur fight.
She bowed her head quickly. "Umm… thank you. For saving me in the dungeon the other day."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, then smiled gently. "I remember you. You're the one who pulled me out when I collapsed."
She hesitated. "Yes. I-I couldn't just leave you there."
He chuckled softly. "Then I guess we saved each other."
The girl looked up at him, a little stunned by his calmness. Her eyes were wide but clear, full of something fierce despite her small frame.
"I want to repay you," she said. "Please. Let me help you. In any way I can."
Ethan's eyes narrowed slightly. She was serious. And there was more to her than just gratitude—he could feel it. A sharp mind behind soft features. A survivor's instinct.
"What's your name?" he asked.
She blinked, caught off guard. Then bowed again. "Liliruca Arde. But you can call me Lili."
Ethan nodded. "Lili, huh? I'm Ethan."
Lili looked up. "Ethan… sama," she added suddenly, flustered but respectful.
Ethan scratched the back of his neck. "No need for the '-sama'."
"I want to," she said softly but firmly.
There was an awkward silence for a moment, but then Ethan smiled again.
"Well, if you're serious about helping me… I could use a porter."
Lili's eyes lit up. "Really?"
"You know the dungeon. You've got guts. And I need someone who can carry the loot and watch my back. If you're willing."
She nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! I won't let you down, Ethan-sama!"
"…I'm gonna have to get used to that," Ethan muttered under his breath.
He turned back toward the stall, buying a few vegetables and checking off more items from his list. As he walked on to the next vendor, he noticed Lili still walking right behind him.
"You don't have to follow me, you know. I've got it from here."
"I want to," she said again, this time smiling faintly. "It's okay if I stay with you a little longer, right?"
Ethan paused, then gave a small nod. "Alright. Just don't blame me if you get bored."
Lili's response was quiet, but sure. "I won't."
Together, they continued through the market. Ethan bought soap, nails, some threadbare cloth, and a cooking pan with a dent in the side—but it was better than what they had.
The two of them didn't say much, but the silence was comfortable. Ethan didn't mind. After everything, it felt nice not to be alone for once.
---
Support me on P @t r e o n
P @t r e o n.com/DarkingKing099
For 30+ Advance Chapters
---
20 powerstones for extra chapter