Responsibilities

English is not my first language so you might find some mistakes in the translation of the chapter.

This chapter has been translated by various means in order to obtain the best result, so you may find some simple or normal wordings.

If you find any grammatical error or misspelled word, please feel free to correct it or write a recommendation to improve the story. Your support would be appreciated.

Enjoy the chapter.

xxxxx

Time is money, I don't remember where this expression comes from, but it comes in handy when I want to hurry other people to finish their tasks or get them to stop bothering me so I can get on with my business.

For an adventurer like me, free time is vital for many things, for example: training, buying resources or materials, resting, or enjoying free time when we are not in our trade.

I have learned a lot since I first entered the dungeon. My enemies that I faced in the past, and struggled to defeat, were the Goblins.

Nowadays I can't even tell if I can consider them simple monsters or something more. Flame Rock, Fomoire, Monster Rex Balor and other monsters were the real enemy at our level.

My state... better explained, my parameters were pushed beyond what should have been normal. At first Loki was ecstatic about it, however, there was a discussion as to why I could do that.

However, not everything was rosy, sometimes I had to fight against a monster with only learned theory and not practice. In the dungeon, the strongest and smartest survive.

This is because not only strength is necessary to survive, but also reasoning is necessary to evade the dungeon and kill the monsters without wasting energy and resources.

My experience is well appreciated, but as it became stronger, more responsibilities came with it.

Orario, this place appreciates and is afraid of its adventurers retreating from the city, since in the event of having to defend it from other nations or monsters, high-level adventurers are the first to respond to contain or eliminate the threat.

It is as if we are a valuable resource, but at the same time we are not.

Also with the passage of time came my growth... it wasn't the best, however, it wasn't the worst either. I mean the Riveria classes were fine, nevertheless, at some point the subject had to be a specific one.

The past is the past and what I considered important are mere memories of another time I lived, this is the present.

Sigh.

I got out of bed without needing to do anything because there was nothing to do but enjoy my free time and wait for what we can do or what we want to do.

The reason is because we came back from an expedition and we are a bit shaken. Compared to other Familias, our expeditions are on a large scale and it is necessary to move a lot of resources for the dungeon and after that the resources we will get from the expedition.

The enchantments on some backpacks to increase their size are useful for carrying more stuff than it seems, however, that enchantment is very simple and we can't carry a lot of stuff.

The magic cores obtained from the monsters on the deep floors are large, more than a hand could hold in its hand. The value of these cores was high, but the charge they gave us was also high.

So it was decided to only take the most valuable when we are on our way back, that means that if we go through a floor we can't take any more cargo when we go down, but when we come back we can pick it up.

I remember I secretly collected things and took them to an experienced tailor, they can't manage a lot of heavy materials like Tsubaki, but something useful to help me.

I left my room and started walking towards the exit to look for something to entertain me, but I ran into someone else.

"Oh, Bete"

"What do you want?" as usual Bete growled.

I shrugged "I'm going to go out and find something to do"

"Huh, as always just wasting your time" Bete walked past me "Just don't bother me"

"Are you bored?" Bete's ear twitched, but he didn't flinch "What do you want to do?"

"What?" Bete looked at me "Now what do you want?"

"I don't know, you're the one with the ideas" I replied calmly, getting mad at Bete only leads to yelling and arguing "Sometimes you know where to go when we meet like this"

"Are you going to drink?" Bete asked.

"No" I quickly denied remembering what happened with Bete when I went drinking with him "Don't even think about it. I don't want to have to remember what happened that day"

No one said anything.

"Tch" Bete continued on his way "I'm going to the dungeon, if you come you carry the stones"

"Meh, sure" I agreed easily "No need to tell Finn"

"As if I cared. He recommended we rest from the expedition, but that only applies to wimps"

I said nothing and smiled as I walked behind Bete. With the time I spent with him I was able to understand the meaning of his insults and it let me know that Bete was a good person, even if he didn't seem to be.

xxxxx

Dungeon, 18th floor.

A safe spot where monsters are not born, however, this does not mean that the floor will be free of monsters because they can go up or down from their respective floors.

The so-called Underground Resort was a good place to rest if one wished to go deeper into the dungeon and it was being explored by two members of the Loki Familia.

Bete and Riku walked calmly, but underneath that peaceful appearance, they were always alert in the dungeon unless they considered their resting spot free of danger.

"Will we go lower or...?"

"I just want to distract myself" Bete replied "The wimps hanging around town are barely good for a warmup"

"Are you referring to the monsters?"

"..."

"It's the monsters, isn't it?"

Bete did not respond, however, Riku understood that Bete would not create unnecessary fights.

The werewolf would first insult them and if they respond with force then Bete will have no choice but to respond in kind, that way Bete can hit others quickly and easily without attracting too much attention.

The situation will be considered a fight over an inconvenience and that's where the situation will stay.

"Now what?"

"Hm, we won't be back soon, so we need a place to rest" Bete said and looked at Riku "Did you bring the camping tent?"

"Yeah" Riku patted the backpack on her back "I could only bring one with me if we wanted more room"

"Tch, whatever" Bete replied ignoring that he had to share space with someone else. They were adventurous so they had to adapt to situations and they weren't pushovers who were embarrassed to sleep with someone else.

The duo continued and settled in one of the many hidden spaces they knew. Knowing somewhere special was good on certain occasions and this one was good to be away from the speculative gazes.

Some monsters were encountered along the way, but these were eliminated in the blink of an eye, for them they were not a challenge.

"Here is good" Riku said looking at the open space and that was hidden by nature "Here"

Bete grabbed the tent in the air as he watched Riku pull out other items to set up. The werewolf grunted, but still set about setting it up.

After a while there was already a small camp built away from other people who might have bad intentions, which would be no problem for two experienced level 5 adventurers.

"It's time" Bete stood up and dusted off his pants "I wanted some money, but you joined me" Bete pulled out of his purse a balled-up piece of paper "Here, read it"

"Hm" Riku held up the paper and read it so as to squint at Bete "Really?"

"What do you mean by that?" Bete's face contracted slightly.

"I mean... Plants?" Riku blinked and cocked her head "Come on Bete. How is someone like you looking for plants and some alchemy materials?"

Bete growled "My sense of smell will make the process easier and look all the way to the bottom before you talk stupid"

"Huh?" Riku looked down to read the amount she needed to open her eyes and look at Bete skeptically "Like why?"

"Have you seen the paycheck yet?"

"... Oh"

"Yes, Oh" Bete smirked "Get a move on before it gets dark on the 18th floor and we have to walk around blind"

"Yes whatever you say. I want a share of the reward"

"80 y 20"

"As if you fucking dog!" Riku exclaimed "I'm your support and if I want I'll go with my stuff!"

"Fuck you"

"It would be a pleasure to have you accompany me as you have always done"

"Shut up if you want me to give you money"

"Hehe"

xxxxx

Loki walked through the halls of Twilight Manor with the goal of reaching Finn's office. Familia members greeted her, others gave a small bow to their Goddess, but none ignored her.

Without knocking, Loki opened the door meeting at first sight Finn and Riveria, Gareth was somewhere else or possibly drinking. Although it may look like a bad image, the Dwarf is very responsible with his job as Captain.

"Yo! Finn!" Loki waved.

"Loki" without looking up, Finn responded by writing on several pieces of paper at a high speed "Do you need anything?"

"You know, I was bored" Loki collapsed on one of the couches.

"Then it serves a purpose and helps with the paperwork" Riveria stated "Even though you are our Goddess it's like you winnow all your work for us and update the status of the Familia when it's convenient"

"Hehehe, I don't apologize" Loki chuckled impishly "I was actually looking for Riku..."

"Are you going to 'use' her?" Riveria asked remembering the things Loki forces Riku to do as punishment "Remember very well that we had forbidden you that"

"Meh, I am your Goddess, I command" Loki lifted her chest proudly.

Riveria sighed. Loki wasn't all bad, as she was the Familia Goddess, she could literally indulge in certain whims, but she also gave some power to her Captains and they stop her desires when necessary.

Ais, Riku and Lefiya are her three best girls to joke around with. Ais because of how beautiful she is, Lefiya because of her shyness and Riku who doesn't care much about what happens unless it's with more unnecessary public.

"Is that so?" Finn muttered and put the pen aside "They probably went out like they always do. Riku and Bete are the most hyper in their own way"

"Actually, yes" Loki nodded "How did the two of them do on the expeditions?"

"The battle front is not easy, but they manage in keeping others safe and eliminating monsters" Riveria explained with sincerity "The two of them help more than others do"

"Tsundere wolf" Loki scoffed lightly "To think that Bete would only open up like that to the most insistent and those who exceed his expectations"

"The synergy of them is very good in the formations" Finn stated with a smile "Even though they are constantly in fights, they get along well. If we add Ais with Bete and Lefiya with Riku, then that's a great team that's very unbalanced and formidable"

"Why unbalanced?" Riveria asked doubtfully. That was a good team with every quality a certain individual had and how they complemented each other.

"That's exactly why" Finn explained with a sly smile "Riku and Bete get along well, Ais can rekindle the flames of effort in Bete, Lefiya is driven by Riku, but Bete and Lefiya are not compatible and neither are Ais and Riku"

"Ah, right" Loki rubbed her forehead knowing something in that "Even though it seems like Riku and Ais get along well, it's only out of Familia companionship and sometimes they get involved in a staring match by force"

"Ais and her desire to be strong" Riveria murmured with a thoughtful expression "One of them became strong because of a darkness that slowly consumes her and the other did it to get away from that darkness"

"Kind of ironic if you're wondering" Finn commented calmly "For more details they both wish they were stronger, but Ais is jealous of Riku's growth and Riku is upset that Ais considers herself strong because of her magic"

"Isn't that hypocritical of Riku?" Loki asked in confusion. She knows they both have magic, but she doesn't quite know what's going on in the dungeon.

"I taught Riku not to rely on her magic and that has led her to train various fighting styles" Riveria explained earnestly "On the other hand, Ais considers [Tempest] as her winning technique"

"When both entrain they counteract each other's magic respectively and all that is left is a sword fight where the better technique will win"

"What a laugh" Loki sighed "What about the other two?"

"Lefiya's shyness is a priority" Riveria I reply with concern "For Bete that is weakness and he does not hesitate to insult her to get her away from the battle"

"In conclusion, Riku encourages Lefiya, Ais encourages Bete, Bete and Riku complement each other and Ais encourages Lefiya" Finn said as he placed his arms on the desk, crossed his hands, and put his chin on his hands.

"Smooth"

Riveria's brow tightened as she listened to her Goddess and how she takes situations in stride, even if they seem critical.

"So-"

"Captain!"

The door to the room is opened by a wild Amazoness who upon noticing the Goddess and the Elf quickly bows.

"I'm sorry, Lady Loki and Miss Riveria" Tione apologized "I didn't know you were around"

"I actually need your help Tione" Finn said with a smile.

"Anything for you Captain!" with a blush Tione exclaimed like a schoolgirl in love "What do you need?"

"Could you find Riku and tell him to come?"

"Consider it done!" Tione nodded and retreated with speed to accomplish her task and not disappoint her Captain.

"Amazoness" Loki murmured and then smiled "Nice"

"Were you just looking for Riku or was there something important?" Riveria asked trying to retrieve her Goddess from her perversion.

"Well, I wanted to see if she did another one of those delicious meal ideas" Loki snapped her fingers remembering something "She's really good with food"

"That I cannot deny" Riveria nodded accepting that fact from one of her students.

"C-Captain..."

"Hm, did something happen, Tione?" Finn raised an eyebrow at Tione's dejected tone 'That was fast' Finn didn't know how Tione completed his order at that speed.

"The truth..." Tione looked away embarrassed "I didn't find Riku. Aki said Riku and Bete went to the dungeon and that Riku was carrying a backpack for support"

"Those two" Riveria sighed "They don't take a break after an expedition"

Finn chuckled "Leave them, it's been several days, so they can return to their normal duties and Tione" the Amazoness perked up "What were you looking for me for?"

"Well...I decided to make some cookies and thought if you'd like to try one" Tione pulled out a small bag and carefully spread it out "May I...?"

"That's fine" Finn agreed "I could use a snack"

"Yes! Let me give you one by myself!" Tione trying to feed Finn as they always did under the gaze of Riveria and Loki.

"I'm retiring" Loki rose from her seat "I'll find something to do in the city"

"I'll go with you" Riveria followed her Deity "I need to buy certain things so could you come with me"

"Fufufufu, this will be a date"

"Don't say anything if you want to leave"

"Sorry..."

xxxxx

"How are you doing over there?"

"Enough...I guess. We've been around for several hours and we've almost filled the bags" I shook my bags that were almost to the top "In fact, why do you want more?"

"That medical girl would give us some extra potions if we brought her enough and if we could get more than agreed we would make some money" Bete looked at me "Knowing you, you would also give some to that wimpy Familia"

I huffed but didn't complain. Bete rarely takes initiative in anything other than getting stronger or hitting the weakest.

Am I getting bored? Definitely, but this is a common thing because it's to be expected that only props do this kind of thing, so I'm not complaining, since that's where I'm coming from.

The work of the supports is important, however, a large part of the Orario adventurers consider them a waste and treat them badly, in short, they think they are important just because they are strong.

That is the situation of those who cannot defend themselves against others. It doesn't only happen there, I have also observed fights in the guild because someone wants more money than the other and the stronger one gets it.

That is why I am thankful that I was touched by a good Familia that appreciates the effort of each member, even if it is small.

"Oi" Bete caught my attention "You spread the air freshener around the camp to keep the monsters away, didn't you?"

"Sure" I replied calmly "I placed it in specific areas to cover a much larger area and nearby I put a scent so you could find it more easily"

"Hm" Bete hummed and stowed the bag in his waistband "We've got enough. It's time to-"

"Is something wrong?" I asked noticing Bete's ear twitching.

"A monster" Bete muttered and then a predatory smile grew on the "Vouivre"

"Wait" I opened my eyes "Really?"

"Yes and it's coming this way" Bete looked at a certain spot and I noticed something stirring.

"Wraaaaaaaaah!"

"That's definitely a Vouivre scream" I set aside the loot we collected "Shall we go for the gem?"

"Why do you ask? It's obvious" Bete looked at me like I was stupid and I stuck my tongue out at her in response.

"Here it comes" we prepare.

"Wragh!"

The Vouivre jumped out of the trees with uncontrolled anger. On her hands was blood, but apparently it was from other monsters and not from an adventurer. How do I know? I don't want to explain because I don't know either.

*Bam!*

Bete kicked the monster in the side causing it to collide with a tree destroying it in the process. The monster got up with grunts of pain, but as it looked at Bete something else happened.

"Wah!"

The Vouivre instead of attacking began to fly elsewhere.

"Like I'd let you do that you bitch!" Bete jumped up and stood over the Vouivre who widened her eyes in disbelief "Stay down!"

*BOOM*

The shock was enough to create a cloud of dust. Why had the Vouivre not died? It's very simple, we want her stone that she has on her forehead so Bete held back on his kicks.

"Rabbit!"

"You don't have to tell me!"

I ran and stepped on the monster, grabbed it by the arms, and left its face up, where Bete quickly held the stone and pulled it out.

"Wroooaaaaaah!"

The howl from the Vouivre was spectacular, the perfect example of a monster going into absolute rage, however, before she could continue to go mad, I stabbed her.

*Poof*

She disappeared in motes of dust leaving us with the desired Loot. The [Tear of Vouivre], this item will give us a lot of money depending on who we give it to or it will serve for a magic gadget.

"That was anticlimactic" I said feeling another very simple fight in my dungeon battle log.

"They are not a challenge" Bete turned around and picked up his bags "Hurry up if we want to get back early from the dungeon"

"Hey! How about we pick up some more loot from around here?" I asked with a greedy grin thinking about the items the monsters would give us.

"Do it if you want I'll be at camp" Bete ignored me and kept walking.

"It's okay" I sighed going after him "At least you can get [Crystal Drop]. They say it has a scent that Beastmen can detect"

"You do it" that was Bete's simple reply, Instead of giving up I smiled mischievously.

"Ohhhh! What do my ears hear? The proud [Vanargand] can't find a little crystal and gives up before he tries. Waaah! How outrageous!"

"Shut up"

"I wondered if he will be the only one who doesn't know and the others are so much more amazing"

"Shut up"

"It would be a shame if Loki knew that her beloved werewolf's nose can only detect alcohol and used it until he can't go on anymore"

"That's it! Come here you damn doe and don't run away!"

"Ahhhh! Wait it's a joke! O-Oi watch out for the- AHHH! Get off me!"

xxxxx

Tsubaki nodded as she ran her hands over the scarf that a certain brat had asked for several days ago. The sword was also returned to its full capacity and was hanging on the wall.

That girl had become strong enough to challenge her in combat. The name the Gods gave Tsubaki was [Cyclops], it seemed more like an insult or a characteristic of her, however, Tsubaki didn't care about that and went about her business.

The scarf was complicated to create. The [Balor Skin] was a rare Item, so Tsubaki was excited, but first it was necessary to process it and send it to a tailor to do some things, eventually she added the important stuff.

It was the work of two individuals, but one did more than the other did.

This scarf was tough enough to take hits from Floor Bosses and avoid being cut in the area where the scarf was being used, in short you could take a hit to the chest and keep fighting as if the hit was just another one of the bunch.

In a fight the most considerable thing is the weapon and armor, many prefer light armor to those that protect the whole body, so Riku wants to wear something that is easy to use and that allows his body to move.

*Creak*

Tsubaki's door opened and a certain girl with white hair familiar to the blacksmith entered.

"Speak of the devil" Tsubaki smiled "Oi, what's up, come for your orders?"

"As always I am straightforward and you know me" Riku nodded with satisfaction "Is it ready?"

"Here" Tsubaki took the sword from the wall and threw it to Riku "You should take more care of it. You have the same problem as that troubled blonde, your sword supports your crazy moves, however, it has a limit, so you should let it rest"

"It's strange how you put it, but after seeing it in battle a lot I understand some of that" Riku nodded and her eyes glittered with anticipation "How's the other one?"

"Ah, yes" Tsubaki picked up from the table a cloth that was wrapped around itself "It's strange this kind of thing, nevertheless, I understand a little that everyone has their own ideas"

Riku took the scarf so she could unroll it and look at it. It was much better than she expected.

"How are you doing?" Tsubaki asked with a beaming smile.

"It's beautiful" Riku murmured in awe and wrapped it around her arm "This will definitely come in handy in case I need to defend myself from attack while my sword is busy with something else"

"Heh, it's to be expected" Tsubaki boasted proudly "That sword and scarf were made by me, so it's to be expected that they are wonderful items"

"You have pride too" Riku murmured and smiled "What's the price?"

"For your sword 1 million valis" Riku nodded calmly, repairing her sword was every so often and recently he earned a lot of money "25 million valis"

"That's it?" Riku raised her eyebrow skeptically "I mean, I'm not complaining, but I think it must have cost a lot more than expected"

Tsubaki sighed as she folded her arms under her breasts "I thought the same thing, however, it was easy to manipulate it with quality weapons like mine and the only thing I would consider in the price is what it does to it and the other person"

"What if I asked you to reinforce a weapon handle with [Balor's Skin]?"

"Um, like about 100 million valis, less or more" Tsubaki shrugged "New material with new idea and easy to manipulate, even if it doesn't look like it"

"It's okay" Riku readily agreed.

It is not the first time that both of them argue with exorbitant prices, in fact Riku's sword is worth millions of valis and that still needs to be repaired in case he needs it.

"Thank you for your purchase come back soon" Tsubaki said goodbye and Riku waved leaving the blacksmith in her personal workshop.

xxxxx

I decided to walk without hiding and I can only say that in the end it is not as bad as it seems. The stares will always be there, but people don't approach me out of fear or respect, it's strange really.

I don't care about many things, however, they do bother sometimes, it's the same with any high-level person, they attract attention because they are known.

I went into an alley and decided to walk away from the crowd as I have been doing since I arrived in Orario, customs are not forgotten, they are simply left for the future.

Just look, how beautiful.

In front of me there are three people who are whispering to each other with not so friendly smiles. Those three are adventurers by their attire and their presence shows that they have at least leveled up.

One of them wears a kind of cloth around his neck and shoulders, he is thin and has short brown hair that was combed. Despite his thinness, his body is marked by his strength.

The second person had tanned skin, wild blond hair and under his eyes there are three red paint marks. He has no shirt, but wears a waist cloth with straps, on his back is a large shield.

Last and the leader of the three stooges. Brown hair and two scars on his face. He has a green shirt with a strap on the chest and neck, gloves, and leather belt with gray leggings.

"Mord Latro... What are you doing?"

"Who's bothering?!" Mord stood up in annoyance at being interrupted "Mind your own business- hiiii! [The Rabbit Queen]!"

"Could you drop that nickname? Thank you" I said with a not so friendly smile "That was just a joke from those stupid Gods"

"Only you would insult them so deliberately" Mord muttered recovering from the shock "Ah, what a coincidence, what do you say you share a few drinks with us?"

"Leave it there. I don't enjoy drinking" I replied calmly "What were you doing?"

"Mah, you know. Adventurer stuff" Mord laughed nervously rubbing his neck "We just..." Mord looked critically at his companions.

"We were splitting the bounty, that's right!" the blond said quickly.

"Of course!" the chestnut said with a smile that quivered with every word "We got a good haul and earned thousands of valis"

"Guile India" the blond shuddered "Scott Olds" the brown haired one looked away avoiding my gaze "You wouldn't have stolen that, would you?"

"Oi! We can be disrespectful, but not thieves!"

"Really?"

"Not really" Mord deflated quickly, but then pulled himself together and said confidently "It really was a great haul this time! We caught a bunch of minotaurs and killed them with a trap!"

"Hey, that's great" I nodded in amazement at the ingenuity of the trio of fools "To calm the matter down, what were they doing there?"

Mord sighed "We had a fight with another group and barely defeated them. We took their loot as 'payment' for our trouble. We didn't kill anyone!" Mord replied quickly as he noticed my narrowed eyes.

I said nothing, however, I crossed my arms and watched them.

The three of them are still the same group as when I first met them.

It was a day like any other, when I was much younger, years ago for short. I was sitting eating on a random bench eating a Jagamarukun when the three of them found me by chance.

Mord was the first and tried to talk to me, rather try to get into my space and convince me to help him in his group, however, I could feel his lustful gaze.

I am beautiful, it's not narcissism, it's the truth. Mord at least tried to say hello and introduce himself compared to others who accosted me heavily. Of course I denied Mord's help, but his companions did not.

We had an altercation where I beat them mercilessly. One of them recognized me after getting hit in the face and it was my turn to come forward. They apologized on their knees and said they would not do it again.

They are part of the group of adventurers who enter into deals and trades of dubious legality, but they are part of a good side of Orario at the same time.

Mord is the leader of the three of them and the other two are his loyal followers. They gave their trust to Mord, who reciprocated and have formed a good group of level 2 adventurers.

I forgave them and asked them why they tried to do that to which they replied that it was a kind of habit among them to bully others to give themselves respect, something silly to me.

Mord is loud, spiteful, lustful, greedy, a liar and other things, but still he would never abandon his companions, that was the first thing I noticed and that gave me a thumbs up from Mord.

Literally the three of them are a good team, even if they look dubious in appearance and confidence.

After I beat them and they respected me, I decided to accept their proposal to go to the dungeon and well... it was at least interesting.

Their combat was boring, but they helped each other. The one who killed the most monsters received the most loot, however, they ended up dividing it equally.

When they remembered that I was part of the Loki Familia they were afraid of me, but Mord was the first to speak up and thank me for helping him collect some good loot in the dungeon, the other two followed him.

It was as if Mord presented himself as a bad person, but as you learn more about him you only see the surface.

He is someone I could consider a friend... I think.

Sigh and speak "Anyway what you guys do is your business and not mine, I'll be the gossip at the end of the day. You haven't attacked novice adventurers, have you?"

Mord snorted and folded his arms "We respect you, but we will not follow your orders. Adventurers like us must give each other respect in our own way and teach you that it's not all rosy in Orario"

"Do you just beat them up or something else?"

"Heh" Mord looked nervous as I raised an eyebrow at him "We make deals! Whoever wins gets the loot and that's it!"

"Well, it's your life anyway" I shrugged as Mord sighed in relief "There you go look and go about your business"

"Of course! We'll follow your advice!" Mord responded as his companions joined in the cheers "We hope we don't meet you again [Rabbit Queen]!"

"Ah?" I grunted as I watched the group run away from me and only sighed to return to my route.

I wonder what will happen to people like them. Will they continue to be bad or will they get back on the right path... Meh.

It's not my business, it will be someone else's.