Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

On this road, where you can see adventurers returning from the labyrinth, laborers finishing their day's work, and all sorts of people coming and going, Lunova stopped and looked out at the bar "The Abundant Mistress".

What came into her view was an elf waiter who was working.

(【Hurricane】's expression... softened considerably.)

For a waitress, her movements were still quite stiff. She was still not very good at serving guests.

However, Lunova, who had been observing the situation for days, clearly noticed that [Gale]'s expression was gradually changing.

She always had a stern face and a worried expression.

It felt like a dead person who had nothing, or a lost child.

But what about now?

Her upright posture and dignified appearance were as vibrant as a large tree in the forest.

Those sky-blue eyes had regained their self-awareness. She would even occasionally return a smile to colleagues who spoke to her.

(Ah, I get it... She's found her place.)

[Swift Wind], who was inside the store, seemed to sense Lunova's gaze and turned to look at her.

Lunova, who made eye contact with the other person through the window, immediately pulled her scarf up to cover her mouth and lifted her feet, which had been stationary, away from the scene with the crowd.

(Although it would be strange to describe it as betrayal... perhaps it's because of my observations over the past few days that I've developed a sense of closeness to [Swift Wind (you)].)

As Lunova walked down the main road, she was surprised to find that she actually felt a little envious of [Swift Wind].

"Family, colleagues, relatives... I have no connection with any of these."

Lunova gazed up at the sunset and murmured to herself.

The sight of her alone in this vast sea of ​​people inevitably stirred up her memories.

Runova Fast – was born in an empire quite far from Orario.

The wars that accompanied the empire's expansion of its colonies left Runova an orphan since she was old enough to understand, forced to struggle for survival in an environment without protection. Whether it was theft, fighting, or territorial disputes among orphans, she lived a life where new scars were constantly appearing on her body.

Upon learning of the existence of "Families" who could receive "divine grace," Lunova voluntarily joined them, a decision that seemed perfectly natural to her at the time. The reason was that gaining power was of paramount importance to an orphan.

After joining, Lunova no longer had to worry about food, clothing, and shelter.

Ever since she had [Ability Value] engraved on her back, her fighting skills have become increasingly refined.

Runova's life, which had previously been a struggle just to survive, became much easier from then on.

As for the chief deity of that [Family], she was an enigmatic figure. According to later information, this deity enjoyed games called coups and revolutions. Although she ultimately couldn't understand her divine will, the members, including Runova, who were always used as pawns, couldn't bring themselves to like her. She might have been spreading love in her own way, but Runova still couldn't comprehend it.

Finally, the [Family] was defeated in the factional struggle and disintegrated.

From then on, Lunova embarked on a journey of wandering the world.

When you left the empire where you grew up, it was also at dusk like this, wasn't it?

Living freely is both fascinating and exciting for Lunova.

She became a bounty hunter to earn money, and on a whim, she would temporarily join any Familia to update her stats. In total, she has changed her allegiance three times. This means that Lunova has never stayed with any particular Familia for an extended period.

Outside of the labyrinthine city of Orario, Lv. difference means everything.

Unlike labyrinthine cities with underground dungeons, very few people in other regions can [level up]. Organizations with multiple Lv.3 or higher elites are limited to renowned cities and great nations, as well as a handful of world-class powers such as "Empires" and "Magic Nations." Lunova, possessing combat talent and rapid leveling, attracts attention wherever she goes and is often ostracized by others.

In the initial Familia, Lunova's strength was already outstanding. In addition, her violent nature aroused the resentment and jealousy of her colleagues, which forced her to never make any friends who could be considered as comrades.

Lunova didn't care about it.

Because she was confident that she could survive on her own.

That's why she had the preconceived notion that there was no need to cultivate good relationships with others.

--But the situation is different in the labyrinth city (here).

The opportunity that led Lunova to this idea was her arrival in Orario three years ago.

This labyrinthine city was more unique than any other place Lunova had ever seen in the world. She didn't know what it would be like in a few years or decades, but Orario, transitioning from the so-called "Dark Age" to a period of transition, was practically hell. "Justice" and "evil" were locked in a struggle, with various factions vying for power, making it no exaggeration to describe it as a power struggle unfolding at the "center of the world." Many powerful individuals fought tooth and nail to achieve their desires and ambitions.

Lunova, who came to this place alone, was thus submerged in the torrent of the times.

The first time I felt the fear of "death" was when I accepted a request related to the Freya Familia.

She had her eye on an adventurer from the goddess's faction, but instead, she was relentlessly pursued and killed by her opponent. In the end, she barely managed to escape with her life from the terrifying dwarf quadruplets.

For Lunova, who was invincible outside the labyrinth city, this was her first defeat and the first time she had been so strongly shocked.

She came here after learning that Orario was in turmoil, and she did not deny that she had a relaxed attitude of testing her skills, but she never thought that she would encounter such a monster opponent.

Lunova, enduring the humiliation of defeat, never again accepted any commission.

Runova fought and fought, never ceasing her struggle. Born with an indomitable spirit, no matter how many wounds she sustained, she would only grit her teeth, roar, and throw another punch. This allowed her to achieve her third upgrade, but she still saw no end in sight, as stronger adventurers constantly appeared. Even after successfully defeating her targets and receiving hefty rewards, Runova found no solace.

Unbeknownst to her, the fact that she was alone was causing her great distress.

In the chaotic world of Orario, "loneliness" is a deadly poison that can erode both body and mind.

It's impossible to survive alone here. Even if I manage to get through this, I'll eventually reach my limit.

Just like a dungeon that cannot be conquered without companions, Orario is extremely cruel for lonely wanderers.

"...Thinking about it carefully, I'm really tired."

Looking back, Lunova was overcome with sadness, a sentimentality that was unusual for her, and couldn't help but sigh.

Seeing [Swift Wind] find a place to stay had a slight impact on her, but the sadness ultimately stemmed from this "weariness".

Indeed, Lunova felt physically and mentally exhausted by the fact that she was all alone.

As she stood on the bustling main avenue, indulging in the illusion of solitude—

"Oh dear... Lunova?"

They happened to bump into a celestial being.

This goddess possessed a head of long, flowing, honey-colored hair. Between her magnificent breasts, which left Runova in awe, lay a paper bag, suggesting she had just finished shopping. A hint of surprise flickered in her gently lowered eyes. A member of her kin, who appeared to be a guard, walked beside her.

Upon encountering this celestial being in the crowd, Runova, in a moment of astonishment, softly called out the other's name.

"Lord Demeter..."

"What a surprise, I never expected to run into you there."

"Me too."

In one of the rooms of the Demeter Familia's headquarters, "Mugi House," located north of Orario—

Lunova, who was invited here by Demeter, has now taken off her top and is naked from the waist up.

"However, I also happen to want you to check my [ability stats], so it might just be a good opportunity."

"Honestly, the only time you ever come to see me is when you're updating your 'favors.' You can come back anytime you want, okay?"

She heard Demeter's sulking voice behind her, and Lunova just gave a wry laugh.

Facing Lunova, who was sitting in the chair, Demeter pricked her fingertip with a needle—and dripped divine blood onto her back. The next instant, divine writing appeared on it, and a new inscription was applied.

(illustration)

Lunova and Demeter entered into a contract.

In other words, the Demeter family was the fifth faction she converted to.

"It's so quiet here. Where did the Familia (Persephone) go?"

"It's harvest season right now, so I've sent most of the children to various farms outside the city. It's almost sunset, they should be back soon."

Runova's contract with Demeter was purely by chance. To work as a bounty hunter in Orario, one must regularly update their [ability stats]. When Runova was searching for a suitable faction, she happened to meet Demeter on the road, just like today, and immediately offered herself up.

Demeter was slow-paced and kind; even Runova could tell at a glance that she was a true deity, and very easy to talk to.

The key point is that the Demeter Clan is in charge of wheat, vegetables, and fruits, and is a commercial faction specializing in agricultural development.

Runova was certain that this clan, which did not belong to any fighting faction, would not participate in the battle no matter what.

"Alright, update complete."

"Thank you, Lady Demeter."

After receiving the updated materials translated into Common Language, Lunova began reading them with her chest and back exposed.

Lunova Fast

Lv.4

力量：B704→780　耐久：C660→B722　灵巧：D545→577　敏捷：D559→599　魔力：I0

Fist fighting: H; Demolition: I; Fist fighter: I

(Despite a period of inactivity... my abilities have still improved considerably.)

At Lv.4, such a rapid increase in proficiency is extraordinary, which should be something to be thankful for. However, Lunova, who is already tired of fighting, knows very well that Orario is full of all kinds of monstrous strongmen, so she sighs inwardly.

Runova quickly used the borrowed candle to burn the confidential (ability value) data, which was as vital as her own life, and then put her top back on.

"Lunova, why don't you stay for dinner today?"

"Ah, no, I..."

"We were planning to make a really big dinner tonight, and there will be so much food that we won't be able to finish it all, so why don't you come and help us eat? Persephone misses you too."

Runova initially wanted to politely decline Demeter's offer, but she couldn't resist her kind smile. Faced with the goddess preparing tea as if it were an appetizer, Runova scratched her cheek sheepishly.

To outsiders, Lunova is Demeter's familia, but not a member of the familia.

The two were simply in a relationship of updating their [ability stats]—the contract Lunova had made allowed her to change her allegiance (change her nationality) at any time. Although she intended to obey any request Demeter made in return, the goddess of abundance always treated Lunova with a smile and never made any demands in return.

To put it bluntly, for Lunova, Demeter was simply a convenient ability update device.

This fact spurred on Lunova's remaining sense of guilt, causing her to still feel somewhat remorseful.

"These are sweet pies and cookies for appetizers. The only downside is that we had them left over from yesterday."

"Dessert before dinner? I envy the gods for never getting fat." Runova gazed at Demeter's soft, full breasts and slender waist, while reaching for the handmade desserts.

The two dishes were a tomato pie with vegetables instead of apples, and wheat cookies. The tomatoes in the sweet pie tasted as sweet as strawberries, while the wheat cookies were mixed with chopped herbs, which further enhanced their sweetness.

"Mmm...delicious! Lady Demeter's cooking is always so delicious. Why don't you consider opening a shop?"

"No, Lunova, you're flattering me like that, it'll make me get carried away."

Demeter, beaming, poured a cup of black tea. Lunova, accepting the tea, also smiled at this warmth.

Runova enjoyed a relaxing and pleasant time; this was the only place in all of Orario that could give her such a feeling.

"Lunova, are you still busy with 'work'?"

"...Well, there's still one big job left, but I've decided to make it the last one because I'm feeling a bit tired..."

Demeter never asked what Lunova was doing, but she must have already suspected it. She would occasionally give Lunova a moment of peace like this, her eyes always showing a tender affection for the child.

If she hadn't met Demeter, Lunova would probably have collapsed long ago.

"What are your plans after your 'work' is over?"

"..."

"Lunova, if you don't mind...would you like to grow wheat, vegetables, and fruits with us? It's hard work, but it's worth the effort, isn't it?"

Lunova gazed longingly at Demeter, who was smiling at her, across the table.

She had actually considered officially becoming a member of the "Demeter Family".

Because Demeter was the most righteous deity Lunova had ever seen, and the members of her troupe who admired her were all very kind. She even felt how happy she would be to have such a place to belong.

However, Lunova still did not agree.

"Thank you, Lady Demeter... but I still can't do it."

"Lunova..."

"I don't think I can do that."

Lunova raised her hand to eye level and looked at the back of her hand.

"Lady Demeter, you've seen my stats, so you should have noticed... I'm engaged in some turbulent work. I'm constantly fighting and bathed in blood..."

"..."

"My hands are already completely dirty."