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

Abnormal state resistance: G; Harmony: H; Escape: I

(Although there was a period of inactivity... my abilities have still improved quite a bit, meow.)

Kroy let out a sigh.

In the past, assassinations were effortless, but now she has to exert a lot of effort, which is why her abilities are still increasing.

"Since you've come specifically to accept the update, does that mean 'Black Cat' is involved in another troublesome request?"

"You're not allowed to call a cat that; it's a stain on a cat's reputation, meow."

Chloe answered unhappily as she dressed.

Putting aside code names, being given a nickname or alias is considered proof of incompetence by assassins.

Being given a nickname signifies a failed assassination attempt and that one's presence has been revealed. Although her reason was that the adventurers of Orario were simply too powerful…

Kroy couldn't help but think—comparing a cat to bounty hunters like those in "Black Fist" is really a headache, meow.

"Hey, are you tired?"

"..."

As expected of a god, Njord saw through Chloe's thoughts at a glance.

Koro, who was sitting on the bench without saying a word, picked up the food on the table with her hands and put it directly into her mouth.

"In this day and age, even cats are helpless."

"If you don't mind, would you like to join my [Family]?"

Kroy stopped moving for a moment, then smiled as if trying to hide her thoughts.

"What? Meow? Have you fallen for this cat and are trying to possess it?"

"Yeah, that's true. It's fine to say it that way. I'm sure they (Rhodes) would be very happy if a lovely girl like you joined them."

Faced with Chloe's teasing, Njord responded with a wry smile and a worried look in his eyes.

—Njord was a good god.

Not only is he handsome and tall, but he also cares deeply for children and is a kind deity.

After learning the true identity of "Black Cat," Njord never revealed it to anyone. Even though he was full of complaints, he always accepted Chloe's willful and unreasonable demands, almost as if to give Chloe a temporary respite.

Chloe fell silent for a moment, then a gentle smile appeared on her face, unlike her usual expression.

"Catheart Cat, a stray cat who no longer kills, has changed its appearance and immersed itself in fishing... It's kind of funny, meow."

“…I see.”

These are Chloe's honest thoughts.

She was actually pleased with Njord's proposal, but felt that it wasn't what she was looking for.

"And including [family members]... cats really don't understand what companions and friends are, meow."

This is also Chloe's true feeling.

From the very beginning, during its time in the criminal organization (family), this stray cat had never interacted with anyone and lived a solitary life, not knowing how to join a group.

Chloe believes that this is much more difficult for her than taking someone's life.

"No one in the world is on good terms with others from the beginning. It's the confrontations that are crucial, whether it's a heated argument or a physical fight."

"Is it the kind of situation you, God, always talk about, arguing under the sunset, meow? But cats have never even experienced arguing, so they have no idea what to do, meow..."

All that Chloe has experienced so far is mutual slaughter, with only two choices: life or death.

Faced with Njord's patient explanations and constant attention, which seemed to be guiding her, Roy couldn't look him in the eye, so she slowly looked up at the ceiling.

Then, he turned a random thought into words.

"But that makes sense, meow... If you could meet someone who could argue and fight with a cat to their heart's content... and still be willing to talk and laugh with the cat... it feels like you would get along really well, meow."

●

The thoughts one holds in one's heart vary from person to person.

However, the moment they would meet was fast approaching.

"When are you going to be able to resolve [Gale]? Don't you realize that several days have already passed since you accepted the commission?"

"You're so nagging, I know."

Lunova, who was brought in by the client, is being criticized.

In this extremely secluded and shabby bar, Lunova glared at the other person and delivered the prepared statement.

"Let me make it clear first, after this job is over, I will retire from this business. You have to promise me that you and your Bruno Trading Company will never bother me again."

"...Now that things have come to this, do you think you have a chance to become an ordinary citizen?"

"I don't think so, but without making a decision, I can't take the first step."

Lunova answered the merchant (human) with a resolute expression, who looked as if he had just eaten a bitter melon.

"Don't worry, I will definitely complete this task. You just need to wait for me to achieve my goal as usual."

Lunova pulled up the scarf around her neck and said with a sharp, piercing gaze:

"I will make my move tomorrow night."

"I heard that 'Black Fist' has also set its sights on [Gale]! And they're going to make their move tomorrow... What should we do!?"

"Hmm, what a coincidence."

Within the forgotten clock tower, the client's panicked cries echoed.

Chloe, who had been brought here, spoke lazily in her usual work tone.

"Too bad luck to have to steal the same prey..."

"What nonsense are you spouting! If we don't act quickly, they'll beat us to it!"

Kroy ignored the dwarf client's words and touched her hood, which she had pulled down low.

She already understood why she felt so tired.

Because of Orario, because this city is filled with darkness.

Having encountered all sorts of dark sides, Chloe feels that this place is more "malicious" than any country or city she has ever seen, and chaos is born from it.

"...However, all of that is over."

This scene was created by none other than [Swift Wind].

Orario has been completely transformed. Chloe shares the same sentiment.

"I've actually been forced to deal with [Swift Wind] to achieve this... This job is really tedious."

"Hey, hey!!"

"Don't worry, work is work. Now that I've accepted the deposit, I won't give up halfway."

When faced with a client who genuinely felt anxious and panicked, Rosie used this statement to emphasize that she was also a professional.

Moreover, the existence of [Gale] will eventually leave behind a seed of disaster.

It's hard to guarantee that those who harbor resentment towards her won't turn their malice against her again. In that case, getting rid of her now is also for the sake of the city's future.

Using this as an excuse to arm herself, Krooi was prepared.

"I will make my move tomorrow night."

4

"..."

Liu, who was walking along the corridor between the buildings, suddenly stopped and looked out the window.

The morning sky was covered with dark clouds.

Gray clouds covered the entire sky, and the weather looked rather unstable.

(Someone is watching me...)

Ever since Ryu started working at "The Abundant Mistress", she has always felt "gaze".

At first, those gazes didn't contain any hostility or malice—to put it simply, they felt rather listless—so Ryu thought there shouldn't be any problem. But now, she could clearly sense the other party's intentions.

In other words, it was murderous intent.

(I initially thought they weren't pursuers...it seems my intuition was wrong.)

Ryu knew all too well what that look meant; the other person was there to hunt down [Gale].

From the beginning, Ryu had threatened Seele and the others that "taking me in would be a disaster," and now that fear had come true, right at the moment when she officially became a bar employee.

If this continues, it will bring trouble to the "abundant mistress"... and to Seele and the others.

Troubled, Liu walked silently into the depths of the building.

She headed to Mia's room.

"Excuse me for bothering you, I have something to say... Seele?"

Liu knocked on the door and opened it, only to find that besides Mia, Seele was also in the room.

This girl was different from Ryu and Anya, who had just moved in recently; she wasn't a tenant here. Ryu was quite surprised to see this unexpected person visiting Mia so early in the morning.

Good morning, Ryu.

Good morning, Seele.

"What's wrong? Why did you come to see me so early in the morning?"

Ryu greeted the two women and slowly walked towards them.

Just as Ryu was about to say "actually," Mia interrupted her.

"You're not trying to say, 'Although I've just been hired by you, I'm sorry, but please let me resign,' are you?"

"!"

"Really... It's just someone coming to inquire about [Hayate (you)], what's there to be swayed about?"

Mia crossed her arms helplessly, looking at Ryu's bewildered expression.

"...Now that you've realized it, things are much simpler. If I continue to stay here, I'll only cause you trouble—"

"What trouble? It's been like this ever since you were carried in here, you idiot."

"Hmm."

Mia adopted a fearless demeanor, looking down at the speechless Liu.

"I'm the one who decided to hire you. And this shop and all the employees belong to me, so you're not allowed to leave without permission."

Faced with this astonishing statement, Ryu was dumbfounded.

"Ryu, we've finally been able to work together. If you just leave like this, I'll be so lonely."

"Seele...but..."

"Don't worry, not only Mom, but Anya and the others are also very strong. It's safer to stay here than to go anywhere else."

Seele first pleaded softly, then smiled.

Ryu noticed that the bartenders were far more powerful than ordinary Familias.

Mia isn't the only one with formidable strength; the shop assistants, whose backgrounds are shrouded in mystery, are also outstanding. Seele's words make a lot of sense.

But Ryu still wanted to politely decline, and just as she was momentarily speechless—

"Stop being so hesitant. I'm sure you knew from the beginning that you'd be facing this situation. Just handle this properly, don't cause us any trouble, and find a way to resolve it."

The tall dwarf poked the elf's thin chest with his finger.

Faced with the other party's unreasonable arguments, Ryu seemed at a loss... but after a while, she smiled.

"I understand... After all, it was my doing, and I will find a way to resolve it."

While delighted that Mia and Seele considered her a member of the "Family," Ryu was also prepared for the situation. Seele and Mia smiled upon seeing Ryu's reaction.

"By the way, what are you guys talking about so early in the morning?"

"Regarding this matter... Seele and I have other plans for tonight. Without us, the bar probably won't be able to operate properly, so we'll be temporarily closed tonight."