Chapter 8: A Bountiful Harvest

Chapter 8: A Bountiful Harvest

As an Adventurer's Guild employee, Eina had never set foot in the Dungeon, but her theoretical knowledge about it was extensive.

She knew about the Minotaurs that dwelled in the middle levels.

If one escaped to the upper levels, it would absolutely bring a devastating blow to a Level 1 adventurer – a one-sided slaughter they couldn't resist.

She didn't doubt what Liam said.

Yesterday, when he had asked her about the types and characteristics of monsters in the upper levels, she had only discussed up to the 10th floor. Regarding subsequent floors.

That is, the middle levels, was a part she hadn't touched upon.

"Minotaur."

It was indeed a powerful monster that had fled to the upper levels. Looking at Liam sitting perfectly fine in front of her, Eina completely relaxed.

"If you encounter a powerful monster, you must try every possible means to escape."

"Don't blindly take risks."

Eina earnestly advised. Out of concern for Liam's safety, she felt this brief rest period wasn't entirely necessary.

Without looking for the monster encyclopedia, she explained based on experience: "A Minotaur is a mobile disaster for new adventurers!"

"I did get that feeling."

Able to perceive Eina's concern from her serious tone, Liam didn't have a so-called argumentative personality. Recalling the battle.

He reviewed it: "Its physique was indeed much larger than a Dungeon Lizard's. It could crack the ground with a casual strike, and its defenses were also very thick."

"A strong body and heavy defenses also make the Minotaur's weaknesses very obvious."

"Its attack methods are relatively cumbersome. If you're agile enough and react quickly, you can dodge its attacks. As long as you can break through its defense, there's a chance to win."

"You learned that much?"

Listening to Liam's detailed analysis, Eina's face was filled with astonishment. She didn't think he was the one who had dealt with the Minotaur.

After all, he had only registered as an adventurer yesterday.

Being able to return safely from a Dungeon exploration meant Liam had potential, but she hadn't thought that just by observing a battle.

He could grasp so many combat techniques. Perhaps this was talent?

It seemed Lady Hestia's Familia had indeed found a very good seedling. Eina nodded lightly, still reminding him.

"Liam, it's already very impressive that you could learn these things, but I still hope you don't take risks."

"Of course."

The rhythm was inexplicably controlled by Liam, leaving Eina unsure how to proceed. She could only ask, "Are there any other questions?"

"There are."

"How much Valis can these magic stones be exchanged for?" Liam opened his money pouch and poured its contents onto the table. As for their specific value.

He really wasn't particularly clear.

"No problem," Eina immediately agreed, but after looking at the magic stones poured onto the table, her expression gradually stiffened.

Based on their size, she could roughly distinguish which floor's monsters they came from.

Magic stones the size of a little finger joint were most likely dropped by Goblins or Kobolds. Slightly larger ones were from Dungeon Lizards.

The crucial point was that magic stone the size of a baby's fist...

Combining this with Liam's earlier analysis of the Minotaur's weaknesses, Eina suddenly felt a sense of absurdity. A new adventurer...

The kind who had just registered yesterday!

Today, on his first trip to the Dungeon, he was able to defeat a Minotaur from the middle levels?

A true genius!

In her memory, those capable of such a feat were few and far between. In recent years, there was only that one from the Loki Familia.

Also with a frail human body, yet she had reached Lv5 at the age of 13, the Sword Princess.

Ais Wallenstein.

The adventurer she had registered yesterday possessed the same aptitude as the "Sword Princess." Eina found it difficult to calm herself.

Looking up again, she couldn't help but seek confirmation: "So... that Minotaur that strayed into the upper levels, you really dealt with it?"

"From an objective factual standpoint."

"That's right."

Liam replied in a relaxed tone.

Leaving the Adventurer's Guild again, Orario was particularly bustling in the evening. Street vendors pushed carts laden with a dazzling array of goods for sale. In fact, it was like this every day.

As for specific changes, it was probably that Liam's wallet suddenly had some assets. As long as it wasn't something particularly expensive.

He at least had the confidence to haggle.

Total income for today: 21,300 Valis.

If he hadn't encountered the Minotaur, the final harvest from today's Dungeon adventure would have been reduced by three-quarters. The money in his pocket now.

Including improving Hestia's meals, could support them for four or five days.

Moreover, Liam's adventures wouldn't end just like that. By increasing the class level of his "Sword Soul Template" and exploring towards the middle levels.

His adventure earnings would only increase. Once he saved enough Valis, the best thing would be to pay off Hestia's debt to Hephaestus in advance.

"Let's go to 'The Hostess of Fertility' for dinner."

Having decided on the dinner location.

Liam first went to North Main Street where Hestia worked, searching for her. He didn't find her figure in front of the fried potato stall.

Ruling out this place.

He immediately headed towards Northwest Main Street, also known as "Adventurer Street," where the Hephaestus Familia branch store was located.

Adventurer Street in the evening, compared to North Main Street which was purely for consumption.

Was significantly livelier. The pure white clinic where the Dian Cecht Familia was located, the Gnome General Store, and Hephaestus's weapon shop.

All were gathered here.

After a day of Dungeon exploration, it was inevitable that some adventurers would need to re-equip.

And as the most famous weapon shop in Orario, the Hephaestus Familia's branch was located in the most conspicuous position on the street.

In the glass display windows, various styles of weapons were hung.

All those displayed were exquisite weapons; the drawback was that their prices were too expensive, though perhaps that was Liam's drawback.

Looking at the brightly lit shop.

His gaze swept briefly, quickly locking onto Hestia, who was wiping the counter, currently wearing a shop assistant's uniform.

"She really is working here."

"."

Towards Hestia, who always liked to act tough, Liam's feelings were somewhat complicated. Crucially, it was hard to refuse her intentions.

He pulled open the glass door of the branch store and had just stepped inside.

Hestia hadn't stopped her work yet and asked reflexively, "Welcome to the Hephaestus Weapon Shop."

"How can I help you?"

Liam's gaze briefly swept over the weapons in the shop, then, pinching his throat slightly, he altered his voice a little. "To eat."

"This is a weapon shop."

"If you want to eat, I recommend 'The Hostess of Fertility' on West Main Street," Hestia still kindly reminded the customer.

After wiping clean the counter displaying the weapons.

Realizing something was off, she abruptly turned around and found Liam standing at the entrance of the weapon shop with a smile on his face.

"Liam-kun!!"

"You've finished your Dungeon adventure for today."

Wearing slippers, completely disregarding the other female employee in the weapon shop, Hestia ran and then leaped onto Liam.

While hugging his neck, the tension she had been holding onto instantly dissipated.

Feeling the girl's warm embrace, Liam prepared to fulfill his unilateral promise. He said in a gentle tone, "Lady Hestia, can we go eat now?"

"Consider it a celebratory banquet for successfully completing the Dungeon adventure."

(End of this chapter)

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