บท 49: Well-kept secrets

English is not my first language, so you might find some mistakes in the translation of the chapter.

This chapter has been translated by various means in order to obtain the best result so that you may find some simple or regular wordings.

If you find any grammatical errors or misspelled words, please feel free to correct them or write a recommendation to improve the story. Your support would be appreciated.

Enjoy the chapter.

xxxxx

"..." - Dialogues.

'...' - Thoughts.

<...> - Spells

xxxxx

During the morning there were plenty of opportunities for early risers to take advantage of something that not everyone did, as they enjoyed the break.

For Ais Wallenstein who had scheduled a training session with Bell Cranel during the morning, it was a good time when no one would discover her and Ais could avoid problems with her Familia.

Starting to train Bell Cranel was a spontaneous decision by Ais, however, behind her intention to help a small desire to discover the origin of Bell's growth rumbled unceasingly in Ais.

Ais had been impressed by Bell's courage. She recalls how the boy ran from her crying in the dungeon after the minotaur died, eventually fainting from the use of magic and finally on the 10th floor against a large group of monsters.

With unpredictable growth, Ais was in awe of Bell and when she returned the arm guard Ais offered to train him when she noticed how Bell didn't think much of his being strong, but Ais did and wanted to find out.

Still, Ais would not be completely selfish in trying to discover the secret of Bell's strength in training. Ais would teach Bell how to be an adventurer and give him all.

After a long time, Ais would try to be like her Familia's executives and teach Bell what she learned in the past and how to fight.

Ais understood that what she was doing could not be discovered by her Familia members, however, Lefiya quickly discovered Ais and reproached her for why she was with that human, something Lefiya considered vulgar.

If Lefiya found out that the human she insulted was Riku's brother then Lefiya would not know how to respond and would probably apologize to Riku over and over again.

Lefiya, as an elf, had great companionship with her allies and had great respect for certain people. Like the other women, Lefiya wanted to continue learning the beauty of Ais as she had done in the past with Riku, or continued to do so unconsciously, as according to Lefiya Riku has a special charm.

Ais walked through the streets discreetly without having alerted her Familia of her actions, but Ais for some reason felt that things were not right. A shiver ran through Ais' body for some reason.

The [Sword Princess] looked back and did not notice anything, in particular, however, when her gaze returned to the road there, leaning against a wall, was Riku, or rather Riku Cranel as Bell had mentioned to the blonde.

This happened because Riku had told Bell that she belonged to the Loki Familia and Bell was curious, so he asked Ais about Riku something that the blonde answered trying not to remember and say the bad moments between the two of them.

Also, Ais mentioned that no one knew about Riku's last name and it was better for Bell to keep it a secret, something the boy nodded frantically as he knew it was bad to ask about his sister in Orario.

"Ais Wallenstein" Ais felt sweat trickle down her forehead "So early prowling around town. That's not like you"

"I... was going for Jagamarukun"

"Of course" Riku said sarcastically "Where were you going to train?"

Ais trembled slightly as she was quickly discovered. She was not afraid of Riku but of the punishment she would be given by her Familia's Executives for not telling them of her action about training a person from another Familia.

Normally, interacting with someone from another Familia was forbidden and not in some Familias unless the God allowed it, however, Ais was not just anyone in the Loki Familia so she would be lectured by Riveria.

"I... with Lefiya" Ais sacrifices the tender Elf.

"You train with her later. Lefiya told me"

Ais felt a blow as if Lefiya herself had given it to Ais out of revenge for having used her as an alibi. Quick and effective revenge.

"You're going to train with my brother, aren't you?" Ais froze "Don't try to hide it from me. I already met with him. Eina told me about your little meeting with Bell about how you saved him on the 10th floor"

Ais just nodded.

"It's okay, you can train with him" Riku commented causing Ais to look at her in surprise "I don't like you and you know that, but I don't wish you the worst either"

Riku didn't hate Ais in a way, but the blonde irritated Riku with her desperate attitude to be stronger. What Riku wanted was to beat Ais up and that was it. Riku just wanted to satisfy that desire, a bit hypocritical of Riku.

"You are teaching him some things and that pleases me. The dungeon is dangerous and I see you don't have bad intentions...you don't, do you?"

"No" Ais quickly replied "I helped him. I feel responsible for the Minotaur thing and I want to apologize to him... I already did, but I feel it wasn't enough"

"I see" Riku narrowed her eyes suspiciously "I approve"

Ais was dumbfounded.

"Don't get me wrong. I still dislike you, but I watched Bell from afar and saw him cheerful, without any feeling that you are doing anything wrong to him. That's why I'm allowing you to train with him"

Riku wanted to take care of her brother in her own way. Despite barely knowing him for a very short time, Bell was her family, by blood, and Riku would not turn her back on her only living family member.

"But!" Riku folded her arms "Always remember not to tell him about how we are in the dungeon when we go deeper down there. Change it so he doesn't go dark before his time"

Ais was confused, however, after a few seconds, she understood what Riku was referring to and then Ais nodded earnestly at Riku's request.

The reason was that Bell was innocent, too much to the point that one would believe he was not an adventurer, and adventurers need darkness in them to overcome the horrors in the dungeon.

Ais and Riku were no exception. They killed monsters with unique bestiality, making adventurers recognize them for their strength, but what people didn't know was their thoughts when fighting.

Riku was driven by a hatred towards some individuals and she wished to kill them in the cruelest ways possible, that was one of the many goals of her strength. On the other hand, Ais wished for more strength to kill the Black Dragon and she would obtain that strength no matter the obstacles.

Riku didn't want Bell to see her evil side, her casually bathed in blood while killing monsters, or worst-case scenario Bell seeing Riku smeared with people's blood.

Bell could become afraid of Riku and that was something Riku didn't want.

"Whatever, I'm going with my thing" Riku turned around but not before giving Ais a look "Take care of Bell...and teach him to be an adventurer"

Ais nodded, but Riku was already walking away without looking at the blonde. Ais sighed and looked at the sky noticing that it was getting a little late for the morning training with Bell.

xxxxx

Okay, okay, Ais's boundaries with my brother need to be drawn. I don't know what Ais' true intention is for Bell, however, what concerns me is that Ais acts this way with someone else she barely knew.

If what Ais told me that she feels responsible for the Minotaur, then there may be that or there may be more to it than meets the eye.

I'm not worried as long as Ais doesn't hurt Bell or do anything serious to him. He's my brother and even though I barely know him, it's not for nothing that I waited a long time to meet Bell and try to become his family.

I don't know if I have the right to be Bell's family if I didn't live with him for any length of time, but it feels good to me that Bell is doing well and has had a good life.

Whatever let's put that issue aside and focus on what's important.

The so-called Xenos are apparently dungeon monsters that have gained consciousness, can talk, and know about different things, as well as have a joint desire to take care of each other.

I am in doubt about that, a lot of doubt.

I am an adventurer, I have been killing monsters for as long as I can remember going down the dungeon. I have a mindset that monsters are just monsters and that's it, they don't think and only attack to kill people.

In my Familia, no people have died for quite some time because of monsters. The only time I remember a big casualty in our Familia was on an expedition in the group where Bete was leading and we were attacked.

It was a large group of monsters that attacked us to the point that the formation became completely useless. I resisted because of my magic, but it was still not enough against the monsters from the deeper floors of the dungeon.

Bete saved us thanks to his magic, which no one knows and I saw him that time when Line was healing me on the verge of death. Luckily, there was no scar, but I remember the pain I went through that day.

What is intriguing to me is that the enemy of the monsters are adventurers who trap and trade with the Xenos for profit and the destination of the money is unknown, as stated by Fels.

That means that the fate of the money obtained by selling the monsters, outside Orario or inside Orario, is unknown and is probably a big deal to follow the trade of rare monsters.

There we are.

Look at the Tower of Babel and how the adventurers were passing through. Since it was just the beginning of the day, that meant that there were a large number of monsters in the dungeon after the course of the night and the hunt would be good.

I have to look for the Xenos on the 20th floor since according to Fels that's where they have a village. I promised Fels not to tell anyone about the Xenos and I will keep it that way, I will not betray anyone.

Anyway, I have to meet up with that strange dude. Fels gave me a map of where to meet with him, her, whatever Fels is and from there I will accompany Fels to meet with the monsters called Xenos.

According to Fels the Xenos are targeted by the dungeon monsters because the dungeon monsters see the Xenos as enemies. This tells me that the Xenos are more than just monsters and it is possible to communicate with them.

If other adventurers listened to me they would start insulting me in various ways because an adventurer's job is to kill monsters, not talk to them. I confirm, a part of me simply tells me to ignore them and another is curious.

Details...

Whatever. I'll just meet with Fels and that's it. I'll see what happens down there.

xxxxx

Fels had learned many things in all the time that had passed after the misfortune that befell it and granted its immortality, however, Fels continued to help Ouranos and worked for him.

Currently, Fels was nervous. Since Fels was a skeleton, Fels couldn't feel many emotions in their body but Fels' soul could show a little. Having the support of a First-Class adventurer was a gift, but also a risk.

Riku Cranel, adventurer level 5 and holder of the record of level increase in Orario. Also one of the most dangerous adventurers in terms of taking her as an enemy because the girl will not retreat with anyone who bothers her.

As an example of this, some time ago Riku came into conflict with a minor Familia in the dungeon who set a trap for her, but Riku not only survived but reported the incident, adding that a Monster Party occurred and defeated the adventurers and Riku was the only one who escaped.

Fels inquired about it when received the warning and upon looking at the battlefield noticed that the adventurers' bodies not only showed attacks from the monsters but some received cuts on specific parts of their limbs, leaving them crippled in combat.

When the search party arrived, the remains had already been eaten by the monsters, so it could not be confirmed that Riku killed them, but Fels was sure that Riku would tell Fels that she let them die for attacking her.

If Fels had lungs Fels would have sighed. As a skeleton, Fels did not have many needs, however, Fels had lost the sense of being alive, as well as the pleasures that could be felt.

Looking at a certain place, Fels glimpsed the figure of [Astrid] approaching with a sword strapped to her waist and light armor. The armor was a breastplate, vambraces, greaves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and on her neck was a scarf.

"There you are" Riku approached the sage who had already emerged from the shadows "Is this the place or is it somewhere else?"

"It is preferable that we meet elsewhere to discuss certain things and confirm your help" Fels commented "Can you promise not to cause conflict?"

"As long as they don't disrespect me" Riku replied "I won't attack and will only respond if they attack me. They can be hostile, sure, but it doesn't permit them to attack me"

"Understood" Fels walked forward "Please follow me. The Hidden Village of the Xenos is this way" The sage led the adventurer between the forest-filled paths.

"It sounds stupid my question, but I'll ask it anyway, how much they hid it?"

"These are unexplored areas of the dungeon" Fels continued without pausing through the dense landscape "They occupy them to move around without being discovered. We are close to here"

Riku had long since taken it upon herself to keep an eye on her surroundings and noticed some monsters watching her and Fels, but towards her, they were doing so cautiously.

Along the way, they passed through thick, tangled tree roots, up a commune, and through a thicket of lush vegetation. Riku considered the space unexplored by adventurers.

A large room was shown still with tree bark everywhere. There was also the presence of dark green quartz resembling emeralds, showing that there was a larder near the site.

Fels walked up to a quartz formation with Riku behind Fels and then Fels raised its hand touching a dark space in the quartz formation causing the quartz to move and fall to the ground revealing a hole in the dungeon wall.

A hole was already being repaired, so Riku and Fels had to move quickly before the calabash covered the hole and the quartz grew back.

"Is this the entrance?"

"It's the path that exists by the dungeon" Fels explained "My apologies for the trip, but first I needed to show you where the site is. All that's left to do is go through the spring there"

Fels pointed to the spring where there appeared to be a great depth. "There's a path under the water"

"I don't bring spare clothes and no way am I taking off my outfit" Riku frowned.

"Please accept this" Fels handed Riku a bracelet with some stones and symbols "With this, you can avoid getting soaked. Just for the time being"

"And you?"

"I have my methods"

Riku said nothing, simply put on the bracelet and activated it like Orario's other enchanted items. She for an instant saw a faint glow, now imperceptible, and then Riku jumped into the water and swam.

Swimming through the submerged passageway lit with quartz crystals, Riku emerged from the water to glimpse a large limestone cave grotto. This time the walls were stone and not wood.

"That's an unexplored part, heh" Riku chuckled lightly " Who would have thought it"

Frontier. Sites not registered on the map, no adventurer has ever set foot on them and therefore their existence is unknown.

"We arrived" Fels commented as appeared at Riku's side "So, about what we talked about"

"I won't kill anyone and I don't intend to talk about their existence either" Riku commented as she surveyed the surroundings that were filled with darkness. Riku could see through her level 5 visibility but not quite.

"Thank you" Fels pulled out an orb and spoke through it "Lyd, I'm here with my companion"

"Is it safe?" a guttural voice was heard coming out of the orb "She won't attack us?"

"As long as you don't attack her. We just need to talk"

".... Well"

In a few moments, the whole place was illuminated by different types of lighting. Among them were the moss, dungeon lamp, some magic stone lamps, and some quartz.

Riku became alert when a large group of monsters were in the vicinity. Most intriguing and dangerous were that most of them were carrying weapons and adventurers' equipment.

'Armed monsters' Riku recalled that Rose had told her about some adventurers who claimed to have been ambushed by monsters and had their equipment taken from them 'I didn't think it was them'

Among the monsters that Riku noticed, the strongest were a Lizardman, a Siren, a Goblin, and a few others in the back. The other monsters had a similar aura to levels 2 or 3, but none were weak.

"Hahaha! It's been a while Fels!" the Lizardman greeted.

"It was only a few days Lyd" Fels replied.

"It was a long time!" Lyd complained as if it was a terrible time. Eventually, the monster looked at Riku "Is she the one you were talking about?"

"That's right, let me introduce her. Level 5 adventurer [Astrid], her name is Riku. She is as I mentioned to you a little while ago, she will be helping us, so please treat her with respect"

"Really?" Lyd asked in amazement and looked at Riku "Nice to meet you! Any friend of Fels is our friend!"

Lyd extended her hand to Riku, but the girl blinked in confusion, but Riku shook hands with the Lizardman feeling an experience to do so and something very strange, she also showed no fear or dislike.

"A pleasure..."

"That's right, I didn't introduce myself!" the monster laughed jovially "I'm Lyd, a Lizardman or whatever you call them! Is it true you're going to help us?"

"Well..." Riku spoke carefully "Fels told me about how you guys were being attacked by adventurers affiliated with a certain organization I hate. I hate that organization so it's a joint job"

"Are you going to help us?" Lyd asked.

"It depends on what Fels says. As you know I've been fighting monsters for five years that seeing you guys is impossible for me to relate to normally without being on my toes. Shaking your hand was a step, but only that"

"Ah, sorry" Lyd scratched his head in embarrassment "We wanted to test you, however, Fels told us not to because it was a bad move"

"Yes..." Riku dragged her yes a little "I hope you understand Lyd. It is difficult this. If your problems with your comrades are related to that organization, we will be allies and I will help you"

"That's great!" Lyd said cheerfully, "That's right! Let me introduce you to my friends. We're all Xenos here, so we're monsters. By the way, I thank you for shaking my hand!"

"Why?" Riku raised a dubious eyebrow.

"It shows a lot for us" Lyd commented as if it was for the best "It shows you don't have bad intentions for us. Doesn't it, guys?!"

"WOOOOOOOOOHH!"

A great chorus of monster screams in response was what made Riku look dumbfounded, causing her to look at Fels for some response.

"One question, can I call you Rikuchi?" Lyd asked with hope and excitement.

Riku just blinked, processing what she heard. She tilted her head to one side, not knowing what to say, but then Riku analyzed that it was better to form a good friendship with them, so Riku nodded.

"It's okay Lyd. I don't mind, you can do it"

"Thank you very much, Rikuchi! Welcome to our village!" Lyd declared as he retreated with his fellow Xenos to get things ready.

"They're a good group. Sorry if you feel uncomfortable"

"I don't" Riku replied calmly "Since I've been in Orario I noticed that I've been different from the others. In the dungeon, I was more curious to see the monsters than to see them as enemies. I only killed them when they attacked me"

"That's one way of thinking" Fels hummed thoughtfully "There are no adventurers who would consider relating amicably with monsters"

"Hey, why don't you come with us? The food will soon be ready. Hey, get everything ready for our future surface ally!"

"Do they have food?" Riku asked curiously approaching the group "I can see they handle man-made objects"

Riku walked along with Lyd and Fels taking place near the two, while the monsters watched Riku curiously, as she was from the surface and did not show open hostility.

"M-Madam?" a Lamia approached Riku "It's a pleasure to meet a surface dweller. My name is Laura"

"I'm Let!" a Goblin with a red cap greeted Riku "May I shake your hand? Sure, if you don't want to it's okay" Let said the last thing because Riku was looking at him curiously.

"Sorry, it's just that the first monster I killed was a Goblin" Riku commented looking at the Goblin Xenos "I remembered my younger days"

"Ah, I understand, Ma'am" Let nodded "So, could I shake your hand?"

Riku shrugged "That's fine. You've shown me that you're not hostile, so I'll consider you friendly monsters" Riku extended her hand "Nice to meet you, Let"

"The pleasure is mine, Madam!" Let took Riku's hand and began to shake it joyfully.

"Just Riku is fine" Riku commented, but she was ignored, and as she finished another group of monsters approached to try the same thing.

"My name is Ray" a Siren waved her wing at Riku "I don't have a hand, but I think my wing might do the trick"

"I know you" Riku said to Ray who widened her eyes in surprise and so did the surrounding Xenos.

"Huh? Do you know Ray?" Lyd asked curiously.

"It could be that I've seen her before around these dungeon floors or I'm just mistaken" Riku stroked her chin in intrigue "That time a Siren appeared in my field of vision, but then It ran away and I decided not to follow it because I got lazy"

"Ah" Ray hummed "I usually watch for adventurers and eventually flee to the village. I think I've seen you before, however, that was a while ago"

"I think so" Riku carefully took Ray's wing "Nice to meet you Ray"

"The pleasure is mine, Mrs. Riku"

Seeing how kind and respectful Riku was, the Xenos felt reassured. Fels had told them of a possible ally and help from the surface to defeat those who attacked their fellow Xenos, but first, they had to go through the introductions.

Fels added that it was better to take a direct path, say what was on their mind, and not try to fight. Everyone felt a chill when Fels mentioned Riku's accomplishments in the dungeon, and many felt some fear and anticipation for Riku.

However, now that the Xenos saw that R8iu was more open to meeting them, they were excited, eager to hear stories about the surface and also to shake Riku's hand.

"Then for the time being we will set aside what we are doing and go for what I brought [Astrid]" Fels stated causing all the Xenos to stand near the center where everyone was standing "Please listen everyone"

The last was for a group of Xenos that was a little far away looking with some suspicion and annoyance at Riku. It was the group led by a Gargoyle named Gros, he did not have good acceptance with humans.

"With what I have researched I managed to ascertain that the captured Xenos were used in the illegal smuggling of monsters into Orario" Fels explained "As such, that would be a problem between us, but I think it goes deeper"

"What's this about?" Lyd asked.

"There is an organization called Evilus that wishes to destroy Orario" some Xenos emitted squeaks of surprise "I have theories that some of the money on the black market based on Xenos helps in the funding of that organization"

"And that's what affects Rikuchi?"

"Indeed, Lyd" Fels raised its hand slightly towards Riku "[Astrid] is a victim of Evilus. The purpose of this meeting is to ask for her help in saving the Xenos or protecting them if possible. With this [Astrid] could confirm Evilus' intervention and then she would benefit to defeat evil"

"Hm" Laura raised her hand doubtfully "How dangerous is this organization?"

"They will destroy Orario and consequently bring chaos to the world" Riku responded causing Laura to panic "If they complete their plans, the monsters will surface killing everything that stands in their way"

"As mentioned" Fels added "Also with this, I hope you can help us [Astrid] a little bit"

"What's it all about?"

"Simply put, I wish to fulfill the wish of the Xenos"

Riku raised a dubious eyebrow and looked at Lyd "What's this about?"

"...To walk on the surface" Riku's eyes widened at Lyd's words "That is our wish"

"Could you explain further?"

"I have dreams..." Lyd's voice became softer "I dream of a ball of red light sinking behind a huge pile of rocks. A sky that can't be found here, is so beautiful it makes me cry. Reddening more and more as time goes by"

"The sunset" Riku commented "They want to get out of the dungeon and look at the surface. Live there"

"Kyu!" an Almiraj, named Aruru, shrieked in response.

"I can't accomplish that" Riku declared making a total silence "My strength is not enough to tell the world that I have known monsters who want to get out of the dungeon. Even if you guys talk the others will consider you monsters"

"I don't know anyone like me who might be curious about you... If any of my adventuring acquaintances see you, they will only see you as enemies and want to kill you. I'm sorry Lyd, but I can't do that and I hardly know you well enough to help you with that goal"

"You don't have to worry!" Lyd said without losing her enthusiasm "We know how difficult it is and that's why we will strive in the future Rikuchi"

Riku looked at the Lizardman and chuckled slightly. The monsters were very strange, however, Riku was still not letting her guard down with them.

"Lyd, stop this nonsense at once" a voice coming from a monster, Gros a Gargoyle, sounded annoyed and irritated by Riku's presence "She's not trustworthy"

"Hum, are you still at it, Gros? You saw how Rikuchi wasn't hostile to us when we greeted her kindly. Even Fels agrees"

"That's what adventurers say, but she already said so. She kills monsters without mercy, adventurers are like that and it will be the same result"

"Well, you're right" Riku started drawing the attention of all the Xenos "I'm an adventurer and my job is to kill monsters"

"See, you can't trust humans!"

"An interesting lesson, why don't you mention it in front of me?"

"... What?" Gros was confused "What are you trying to say?"

"You and your little group are on that cliff away from your friends just because you don't trust me...funny" Riku scoffed "Tell me Gargoyle, what if I had attacked your friends?"

"What are you saying?" Gros hissed angrily "You're going to hurt my allies?"

"Who knows" Riku snorted with amusement "You're not here to save them. Just look at you, standing back, looking at me in fear and you don't even dare to come and tell me not to do anything. To me, you're just a coward"

"You dare?!" Gros boiled with anger.

The Arachne, Hippogriff, and other Xenos that were in that group also became annoyed and began to growl, letting out their monster instincts to intimidate Riku, something that didn't work.

"Hey, are you saying something?" Riku put her hand to her ear and spoke in a mocking tone "I only hear grunts. I thought they said they were smart, I see Lyd lied to me a little"

Before Lyd could say anything, he watched as Riku winked in his direction causing the Lizardman to fall silent.

*Swoosh!*

*Crak!*

In an instant, Gros was in front of Riku. Using his wings, Gros propelled himself and landed in the blink of an eye. Riku estimated a speed of level 4 or 5, something decent that caught her attention.

"Oho, this is getting interesting" Riku commented bringing out her inner Bete and did not allow herself to be intimidated, but instead performed an exchange of glances with Gros "What's up? Something to tell me?"

"Don't you dare touch them...I'll kill you" Gros said gleaming his killer instinct.

"Hohoho! What a daring thing to say! But..." the look in Riku's eyes darkened and all the Xenos felt their bodies shudder with fear "Can you hold those words?"

Gros felt as if something had fallen on top of him. A force far superior to the current one was not the same as that Xenos that was in the deep floors, but it was enough to tell him that he was no match for his opponent.

"You know something" Riku spoke into the silence "I enjoy fighting Floor Bosses. The last one I defeated in one on one was the Amphisbaena... and I beat it. Can you defeat me?"

Gros was intimidated, but just the same he did not back down and stayed in the same place "Even so, I will not allow you to harm my companions. I will not allow more of them to die for humans"

The tension could be felt in the air. The Xenos that could stand their ground against Riku prepared for a conflict, and those that were weaker retreated.

Riku and Gros looked at each other. One look was cold and emotionless and the other showed fear, yet the courage to face the enemy still lingered.

A smile grew on Riku's face.

"Good to see that from you, Gros"

"Huh?"

"Despite not being able to face me, you didn't abandon your companions. That is enough for me. I consider my allies important and you have proven that. That's why I'll help you" Riku extended her hand towards Gros "I'll help you"

Gros was stunned, as were the other Xenos. Everyone did not know how to respond to such a change.

"I don't hate you, the only thing I hate are those who irritate me and Evilus. That's why I'll put your annoyance and my adventuring aside to shake your hand" Riku smiled "You and I are not friends, we are allies to defeat a common enemy"

Gros reflected looking at Riku's hand and then the Gargoyle snorted with force and annoyance to thereby shake Riku's hand tightly "Don't think you're so strong"

Riku and Gros shook hands, but the most strength came from Riku showing Gros why Riku was not intimidated by the whole group of monsters.

"Gros is accepting a human!" Lyd shouted in disbelief looking at what happened "This calls for a party! Come on, guys!"

"WOOOOOH!"

"W-Wait!" Gros tried to speak, but his Xenos comrades rushed at him to thank him for his words and show that he was not stubborn "Stop! Agh! You squeeze too much! I curse you human!"

"Heh"

"It went better than expected" Fels commented approaching Riku "[Astrid], I researched you for a long time and never thought you would get acceptance from the Xenos. Likewise, you have accepted them"

"I may have been affected by a distant thought" Riku commented nostalgically remembering the past life that saved her and the knowledge and teachings it held. One thing Riku inherited was a curiosity about everything.

"Join in Rikuchi!" Lyd put his arm around Riku's shoulders "You won't regret it, it'll be fun"

"It's okay, I still have time, right Fels?"

"Yes, we still have a lot to discuss" the sage added as they all approached the still-happy group.

Riku smiled, at least she didn't have to fight and now Riku had more help to eliminate those bastards. For Riku companionship was good and those who didn't abandon their friends were the best.

xxxxx

It was the strangest, most outrageous, and most unique meeting I've had in a long time. I mean, they are monsters, but for some reason, I didn't feel as alert as at other times.

I remember a long time ago, when I was naive or still am, I tried to communicate with monsters. I simply, say a few words to them and see if they could answer me, however, it didn't work and my experiment failed.

Now it turns out that there are intelligent monsters, whose souls have gone through many reincarnations in the dungeon until they became what they were.

It reminds me of me. I was formed by two lives, only one of them ended, and the one that defines me barely survived. Wait a minute!

Hadn't Bete mentioned that talking monsters would appear after killing those carnivorous plants?

...

Fucking soothsayer shit. Even spouting bullshit, the werewolf knows what to say to make himself look smart.

"[Astrid], I thank you for the meeting" Fels placed its hand/glove/whatever on its chest "It's been a while since I've seen the Xenos so animated and united"

"It was more simply demonstrating to them that I was going straight for the target" I commented calmly "They looked agitated but confident with you around. I simply stated my objectives and formed an alliance with them"

"That's exactly why. I thought you would fight against Gros, but you fixed it and got his respect. That's difficult, Gros is known for his distrust of individuals other than Xenos"

"Is that so?" I mumbled with a bit of surprise "That means I'm great. is there anything else you need from me?"

"Please accept this" Fels handed me a crystal "I called it 'Occulus'. It is a magical object that allows communication at a distance. It shows what the twin crystal sees and hears"

"Twin? So it's a pair?"

"Indeed" Fels hummed "With this, I will be able to warn you in case I need your help or any future plans. Keep it well"

"With my Familia, the suspicions will come out. We'd better raise a code to know when it's possible to use them without anyone listening to us"

"For my part, I can call you at any time and you can call me, but I wouldn't know when you are available and that you are not near a member of your Familia"

"Does that have a warning? Something like a little vibration to let you know it will be used?" Fels nodded and I smiled "Well, after you do that you'll have to ask, '¿Qué es lo que sabes?'. That's my call"

"That's it? What language is that?"

"I will simply answer, 'Solo sé que no se nada' With that you'll know it was me answering. By the way, it's my personal language, so I doubt anyone else knows it, but if you hear that make sure it's my voice or better create an Occulus that only you and I can use"

"... I see. Simple and complicated code at the same time. Then I guess we're done here [Astrid]. When I find something important I'll get back to you, though I don't think it will be anytime soon with your Familia's expedition"

I grimaced "I'm sorry, but I can assure you we will investigate whatever is in the deep floors"

"Please. Lord Ouranos wishes you to eliminate the creature down there"

"So there's something huh?" look with intrigue at the wizard "How much do you know?"

"The incident on the 24th floor is related to whatever is found on the 59th floor. Please defeat the enemy and take care of returning"

"I don't make promises that I don't know if I can keep... but I will come back because I want to see my Familia and my brother again. Thank you for contacting me Fels, I am interested in what happened today"

"I should thank you [Astrid]. With your help, it is possible that some objectives may be accomplished more easily. So, if you'll excuse me, I'll see you later"

"Of course Fels" I said goodbye to the magician who disappeared into the darkness of Orario's buildings.

I looked up at the sky noting that the sun was already reaching its highest point and the view he had was the one the Xenos wished to look at when they lived on the surface.

Hum, life is full of... interesting moments.