Chapter 275: The Urgent Voice from Within

Bell, who had been silently watching from the side the entire time, found it all quite entertaining.

'Looks like they still don't know about the intel I brought back.'

'Did I already return to the Dungeon when they got back? The "Sword Princess" is even more obsessive than I thought.'

She was cute, and her figure wasn't bad either—but her head was a bit too straightforward.

'It's so strange. Goddess-sama is clearly cuter than the "Sword Princess," so why do so many people prefer her?'

Bell honestly couldn't wrap his head around it.

Some claimed the "Sword Princess" had that emotionless charm, the allure of being unreadable. But for Bell, smiling Goddess-sama and the always dignified, big-sisterly Hephaestus-sama were far more appealing.

He gave his head a quick shake, dismissing the thought. Different people, different tastes. Some folks just liked that kind of cold, distant type.

As for Bell himself, the "Sword Princess" was someone to admire from afar—but definitely not someone he'd want to get too close to.

She just didn't suit him.

Bell followed behind Nine Hell and the Sword Princess on the return trip.

He could have used spatial coordinates to teleport, but after seeing those two and everything they'd been through, he felt it was best to deliver the completed Rune Stones to the Loki Familia directly.

He wasn't the Loki Familia's errand boy. It wasn't like he'd always be lucky enough to run into them in the Dungeon.

To keep the "Sword Princess" from throwing her life away again, Bell figured it was time to hand them over.

It didn't take long to return from the Middle Floors to the surface.

For a Level 1 or even Level 2 adventurer, the journey could be dangerous—monsters between the 13th and 18th floors weren't weak. Low-level adventurers needed at least a party of five or six to return safely. If just one or two went alone and got targeted, it could easily be fatal.

But for a Level 6 and someone close to that level, it was a breeze.

Even Riveria, who typically served as a long-range caster, could flatten Level 2 Minotaurs with just her fists and kicks. So the two of them made it back from the 18th floor in just half an hour.

Bell trailed quietly behind, relieved he didn't have to fight anything himself.

After finishing off the last goblin in their path, Ais sheathed her Desperate Blade and rotated her arm. It already felt more natural compared to when it had just regenerated.

"Getting used to it?"

Riveria stepped up beside her.

Ais shook her head slightly, still lifting her arm and examining it.

"It's still a bit off. Doesn't feel like my original arm."

"My legs too."

"It's only been two days since they were regenerated. It's natural that you're not fully used to them yet."

Riveria didn't think it was a serious problem.

From Ais's movements, it was clear her new limbs were quickly adjusting. Their flexibility had already improved noticeably, and they were even more powerful than before.

Of course, it would take time for them to fully sync with her reflexes and speed—an adjustment period was only natural.

"Anything else besides the discomfort?"

Ais gave it some thought, but it really just seemed like she hadn't adjusted yet. She gave a small shake of her head.

"No other symptoms, just feels like I can't exert full strength."

"And aside from that, my flexibility isn't quite the same as before."

That kind of issue could be categorized as "minor."

Riveria, having understood the nature of limb regeneration, made a mental note. At the very least, anyone who's undergone such regeneration would need a period of adjustment to let their new limbs gradually acclimate to their body's original standards.

"It's not a big deal. Based on your condition, it should take about a week for your new limbs to fully adapt."

"...That's so slow..."

While Riveria thought it was nothing serious, Ais looked at her own arm with a hint of disappointment.

To her, a week felt far too long.

In response, Riveria promptly tapped her on the head with her wand.

"Think about what this is—limb regeneration, you idiot."

"Do you think adventurers can just get this lucky? Do you know what happened to the ones who lost arms or legs in the past?"

"They went from being top-tier warriors in their Familia to getting reassigned to warehouse duty."

"If those adventurers knew they could regrow their limbs in just a week, they'd probably be jumping for joy."

"You need to stop taking blessings for granted."

Ais clutched her head where she'd been hit, feeling a bit wronged. She knew she was lucky—far luckier than the veterans who'd lost limbs for good.

Riveria sighed as she watched, then stepped forward and pulled Ais into a hug.

"Ais, do you know why I said all that?"

Ais nodded quietly. Of course she understood Riveria's intentions.

"Since you get it, I won't repeat myself."

"Compared to most adventurers, you really are lucky. But you weren't born with the kind of exceptional qualities some adventurers have."

"They've got the power, the talent to push their limits—but you're still far from that."

As Riveria spoke, she couldn't help but think of Bell—the boy who combined talent, drive, and raw strength. Someone who already possessed abilities and growth that surpassed his level. That was something Ais didn't yet have.

Ais buried her face into Riveria's shoulder, listening to her words while doubts stirred in her heart.

"Riveria... are you talking about the person who saved me?"

"That's right."

It wasn't the first time Riveria had mentioned that name in front of her.

"Bell Cranel, of the Hestia Familia. He's currently working with us and is considered an eternal ally of our Familia."

"He's the one who created the Rune Stones, including many with specialized functions. We've bought a large batch for this expedition. The Space Belt in particular is a key part of our strategy this time."

Bell Cranel...

It was the second time Ais had heard that name. She recalled Riveria mentioning him the day after she was defeated by that woman. More recently, two days ago when she woke up and was told he was the one who helped treat her severed limbs.

"He's accomplished feats even greater than yours, yet still chooses to stay under the radar."

"Maybe he just prefers being discreet. Even now, the Guild still has him listed as Level 1."

"That cautious, careful approach to things—it's something you need to learn. You've been far too flashy."

"And your actions... too extreme."

Ais didn't argue. She listened in silence.

She knew the one who had cut off that woman's hand and saved her had to be powerful.

So she truly did take these lessons to heart.

Bell Cranel surpassed her in both skills and magic. The only edge she had was the time she'd spent as an adventurer.

So when Riveria said she was too flashy, Ais remembered it well.

But remembering was one thing.

In her heart, a desperate voice kept urging her forward. That was the reason she couldn't stop—and the reason she chased after strength so urgently.