Mahiro: Where Are You Going?

Chapter 239 - Mahiro: Where Are You Going?

For members of Soma Familia, Mahiro left a deep impression. 

After their encounter on the 16th floor, they became obsessed—not with Mahiro himself, but with his loot. 

However, Orario was a city filled with adventurers, and finding one specific, unknown adventurer wasn't particularly easy. 

That said, it wasn't impossible. After all, adventurers' daily routines were predictable, often revolving around the Dungeon or at the guild. 

With patience, they were bound to cross paths again.

They hadn't expected their luck to be so good. They ran into the person they'd been looking for right outside the guild.

"I didn't expect that kid to be mixed up with Lili," the leader of the group said.

"Boss, it looks like that kid's made a lot of valis again today," another member added, his eyes fixed on Mahiro's two pouches, filled with greed.

"If we can 'borrow' his magic stones, our contribution this month will definitely be number one," one of the adventurers said, his voice filled with longing.

The Soma Familia had a rule: the members who ranked highest in monthly contributions would receive a share of the divine wine brewed by Soma himself. 

Naturally, contributions were measured in valis. This was why the members of the Soma Familia were so obsessed with it.

"Go, ask Lili what's going on with that adventurer," the boss said after a moment of thought.

If their suspicions were correct, and Mahiro was indeed a rookie... Not only could they rob him of his money, but they might also uncover the secret to his high earnings.

With that, the group hurried off in the direction Lili had disappeared.

***

After returning to the Hephaestus Shop, Mahiro asked Hestia to update his status. 

Unsurprisingly, after a day of fighting, all his basic abilities had reached SS. 

In the evening, Mahiro went out to purchase a large amount of Anti-morbule, a special item used to attract monsters.

When ignited, It released a fragrance that monsters found irresistible. 

The scent could spread within a radius of about 500m. 

While this range wasn't enough to cover an entire floor, using multiple anti-morbules could gather monsters in a large area.

The next day, Mahiro waited for Lili at the fountain in Babel Square, as promised. 

However, to his surprise, Lili was late. It wasn't until half past seven that she arrived, carrying a backpack nearly three times her size.

"Lili, you seem a bit neglectful. You're late," Mahiro said, glancing down at her. "It seems I'll have to reconsider my opinion of you as a qualified supporter."

Unlike the day before, Lili kept her head down, the brim of her hat obscuring her face. 

Her entire demeanor was subdued.

"Sorry, sorry," Lili said, her body trembling slightly. 

The low atmosphere around her dissipated as she spoke. "I was so excited about teaming up with you today that I stayed up late last night and overslept this morning."

Lili looked up, her sweet smile returning. "Mahiro-sama, can you forgive Lili this time? Lili promises to work hard in the Dungeon today. "

"If you're not satisfied, Lili is willing to take a smaller share of the earnings."

"Mahiro-sama?" Mahiro raised an eyebrow. Overnight, even her way of addressing him had changed.

"No need," Mahiro said with a faint smile.

"Lili understands," Lili replied, her expression shifting to one of sadness. 

She bowed deeply. "Then Lili will take her leave. I'm truly sorry for wasting your time."

"Where are you going?" Mahiro asked.

"Huh? Isn't Mahiro-sama dismissing Lili?" Lili looked up, confused.

"I only said there's no need to deduct your wages for this," Mahiro clarified. "However, I don't like waiting. Don't let it happen again."

"Yes, Lili understands. Lili will never be late again," Lili said, her voice brightening instantly.

Mahiro suddenly bent down, hooking Lili's chin with his finger and gently lifting her head.

"Mahiro-sama?" Lili's face turned bright red, and she closed her eyes shyly, as if expecting a kiss.

"But what happened to your face?" Mahiro's voice broke the tension as he released her.

Lili's face bore a few scratches and swollen marks. 

Though they had been treated, the scars were still visible. 

It was because of these marks that Lili had hidden her face under her hood.

"You just wanted to ask about this?" Lili sounded almost disappointed.

"Shouldn't I be concerned about my teammate's injuries?" Mahiro asked with a chuckle.

"Thank you for your concern, Mahiro-sama," Lili said, forcing a dry smile. "It's just that I was in a hurry this morning and accidentally bumped into the door frame."

"I didn't realize you were so clumsy, Lili," Mahiro said, unconvinced.

It was clearly an excuse.

"Lili is just a bit careless in her daily life. In the Dungeon, she's always focused," Lili said firmly.

"It's getting late. Let's head to the Dungeon."

"Yes!" Lili adjusted her oversized backpack and started toward the entrance, but she noticed Mahiro wasn't moving.

"Mahiro-sama?" Lili called out in confusion.

Whoosh!

In the next moment, a silver magic circle appeared at Mahiro's feet.

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