Chapter 33: Steel and Resolve

[20ps]

The morning sun cast golden light through the broken stained-glass windows of the old church, now much more alive than it had been a few weeks ago. The wooden floor had been swept clean, the altar polished, and even the walls showed signs of patchwork repairs. A new energy filled the place—faint but growing stronger with each day.

Inside, Ethan stood in front of a training dummy made from straw and wood, shirtless, his body glistening with sweat as he moved through a rapid sequence of strikes. Each blow was precise—controlled, deliberate, sharp like a blade forged through hardship.

Lili watched nearby, polishing their gear, occasionally peeking up to study his form. His movements weren't flashy, but they radiated efficiency. She had seen him fight in the Dungeon—and she could tell.

He was getting faster. Stronger. Sharper.

"You're going to break that dummy again," Lili called out.

"I'll fix it," Ethan said between breaths. "Again."

He stepped back, exhaling deeply, rolling his shoulders.

"You're obsessed with pushing yourself," she said, setting down a newly sharpened dagger.

"I'm not strong enough yet," he replied simply.

Lili frowned, standing. "You're nearly at the top of Level 1, Ethan-sama. No one pushes their stats this far before leveling."

He looked at her and smiled faintly. "I'm not trying to be famous."

She sighed but didn't push. She'd already learned that when Ethan made up his mind, it was easier to follow him than argue with him.

Just then, Hestia stepped into the room, holding a small bag. Her expression was cheery, but her eyes lingered a little too long on Ethan's back. "Morning, you two."

"Morning, Goddess," Lili greeted with a nod.

Ethan turned and offered a tired smile. "You went out early?"

Hestia nodded. "Picked up a few things. Healing potions, some antidotes, and something special for you." She reached into the bag and pulled out a neatly folded piece of cloth.

Ethan took it. It was a new shirt—black and sleeveless, made from lightweight monster-hide fiber. Strong, flexible, and better suited to combat than the worn-out one he usually trained in.

"Thought you could use an upgrade," she said, crossing her arms with a proud smile.

He looked at her and nodded, touched. "Thanks."

Lili raised a brow. "You're really spoiling him, Goddess."

"Of course!" Hestia beamed. "He's my first and only Familia member!"

Ethan chuckled, slipping on the new shirt. It fit perfectly. He rotated his arms, testing the feel of the fabric. Light, breathable, and snug against his body. A perfect fit.

"Now that you're suited up," Hestia continued, "you both should rest a bit today. You've been diving nearly every day this week."

Ethan shook his head. "We need to prepare for the deeper floors. I want to reach the 10th floor and challenge the floor boss before I level up."

Lili's eyes widened. "That's… incredibly dangerous."

"I'm not alone," Ethan replied, glancing at Lili. "I have her. And you."

Lili flushed slightly and looked away. Hestia huffed, folding her arms, but said nothing more.

They spent the rest of the day prepping for the upcoming expedition.

Ethan sharpened his weapons and refined his fighting style. Lili restocked their potion pouches and made notes on monster patterns they'd encountered. Together, they mapped out routes through the lower floors. The church filled with the scent of oil, parchment, and the low hum of quiet planning.

Later, over a simple dinner, Lili asked, "Do you think we're ready?"

Ethan thought for a moment. He didn't respond right away. His fingers traced the edge of his sword, eyes distant.

"No," he said finally. "But I don't think we ever will be. Not truly. So we do the next best thing."

"And that is?" she asked.

"We get better every day. We keep moving forward. No shortcuts."

Lili nodded. She understood. That was the kind of man Ethan was.

The next dive would test them like never before. But they wouldn't back down.

Not now.

Not ever.

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