After leaving the Hephaestus Familia, Roy headed to the dungeon, spending time testing his sword on the 25th floor.
With his strength, only lower floor ones offered any challenge for sword-testing.
Compared to the lightsaber, the Hestia Sword felt weighty in hand.
Yet this heft didn't hinder Roy.
Instead, it let him execute his swordsmanship flawlessly.
Its ability to sync with his power maximized his strength.
"I'll need a regular supporter soon," Roy mused, eyeing the pile of magic stones on the ground, missing Lefiya.
An Lv.3 supporter was efficient—quick to gather loot.
Sadly, Lefiya was Loki Familia's, not his permanent aide.
Grabbing valuable magic stones and drop items, Roy stuffed them into his space and ended the day's exploration.
Back on the surface, it was nearly noon.
"Returning now, I can eat with Hestia," Roy smiled, noting the high sun. He hadn't dined with her since accepting her Falna.
Hestia had been at Hephaestus's shop aiding with weapons, while he delved the dungeon for tasks.
They hadn't reunited.
Now, with both tasks done, Roy planned to join her.
Noon bustled with crowds. Roy walked his usual route home, nearing a quiet alley when hurried footsteps echoed.
Two groups, judging by the sound.
The steps were frantic, clear in the silent alley—likely a chase.
A short, cloaked figure concealing their form dashed toward him.
"Stop running!" a tall male adventurer shouted angrily, trailing close behind.
"Hey, kid, stop her!" he yelled upon spotting Roy.
Roy frowned, then chuckled, stepping aside to clear the path.
None of his business—meddling was pointless.
The narrow alley fit only two or three abreast.
Roy could've blocked it easily, but his sidestep gave the figure room.
The cloaked figure glanced up at Roy, then tried to slip past.
With a crisp sound, Roy seized a small, pale wrist—like a child's.
It was the fleeing figure's.
[Congratulations, host—300,000 dimensional points gained.]
The moment Roy grabbed the wrist, the system chimed.
Must be a plot-relevant character.
Given the small stature, thieving, and high points, Roy had a hunch.
"Got some guts and skill," Roy sneered. "Trying to pickpocket while escaping?"
The thief's hand had grazed his coat pocket.
It once held his lightsaber, now stored in space alongside his light pistol.
Another adventurer might've lost something to her sleight.
"Let go!" Liliruca struggled fiercely, voice sharp with anger.
No matter how she tugged, her wrist stayed locked in Roy's grip.
"Nice job, kid," the male adventurer said, rushing up with a grin.
"Damn it, I just wanted a meal, and you stole!" he glared at Liliruca, as if ready to devour her.
Liliruca shrank, trembling with fear.
"Thanks, kid!" the adventurer said insincerely to Roy. "Hand over this Pallum—I'll teach her a lesson she won't forget!"
"I caught her," Roy said lightly. "Give me a reason to hand her over."
"This Pallum stole my money!" the adventurer snarled.
"Liar—it's mine!" Liliruca shot back urgently.
She'd rather stay with Roy than fall into this adventurer's hands.
"Your money? It's mine—I earned it risking my life in the dungeon!" the adventurer barked.
"It's my supporter's pay! You didn't share, so I took it!" Liliruca retorted defiantly.
"You think you deserve it? You just carried stuff! Want a cut that big?" the adventurer sneered, turning to Roy. "Give her to me."
"No," Roy shook his head, piecing together the situation.
Liliruca's anime backstory was grim—supporters often cheated out of their share by adventurers.
This seemed like one such case.
"Kid, what'd you say?" the adventurer glared at Roy. "You with this Pallum?"
"She's my catch now. Scram," Roy said coolly.
"Try to extort me? I'll kill you both!" The adventurer reached for his sword.
The next instant, he flew out of the alley.
Roy's kick sent him sprawling.
"Get lost," Roy said, glaring.
Pain twisted the adventurer's rugged face into terror. Ignoring his agony, he scrambled up and fled.
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200 Stones = 1 chapter
400 Stones = 2 chapter