Chapter 244 - A Familiar Voice
"Arde," the leader of the group, named Canoe, called out.
He was a Level 2 adventurer, while the other three were Level 1.
"How many floors did you explore today? And how strong is that adventurer? Tell me everything," Canoe demanded, looming over Lili.
"We reached the 26th floor today. As for his strength... I'm not entirely sure, but I'd estimate he's at least Level 5," Lili answered truthfully.
She didn't know Mahiro's exact strength, but she was certain he was at the level of a first-class adventurer.
If he could slaughter nearly a thousand Level 3 monsters, he had to be at least Level 5.
Lili didn't know what else could qualify as Level 5.
"Arde," Canoe's voice turned icy, his tone mocking as he leaned closer to Lili.
"Do you think I'm a fool?"
"N-no," Lili stammered, her pupils shrinking in fear as she shook her head.
Canoe's smile was deceptively kind, but Lili knew better.
She had interacted with these men long enough to understand their true nature—vicious and cruel.
"Then why are you spouting such outrageous lies?" Canoe's smile vanished, replaced by anger.
He straightened up and slapped Lili, sending her sprawling to the ground.
"A Level 5 adventurer without decent equipment?"
"A Level 5 who doesn't go to the deep floors but stays in the middle floors to steal monsters from us?"
"Do you think I don't know what a Level 5 looks like?" Canoe roared.
Level 5 adventurers were rare and well-known across Orario, if not the entire world.
A sixteen-year-old boy claiming to be Level 5? No one would believe it.
Not everyone was Ais Wallenstein, the Sword Princess.
"Boss, did this brat get brave today?" one of the men sneered.
"That's right, daring to mess with us!"
"Looks like yesterday's lesson wasn't enough!" another chimed in.
The three men showed no sympathy for Lili.
Instead, they mocked her, clearly accustomed to such scenes.
"Arde," Canoe said, his tone dripping with sarcasm, "don't tell me you've fallen for that adventurer after just one day?"
"Is that why you're lying to protect him?"
The others laughed, their ridicule cutting deep.
"People like you aren't worthy of liking anyone, Arde," Canoe said cruelly, his words hitting Lili like a physical blow.
"No," Lili muttered, shaking her head.
She pulled her hood lower, hiding her face.
"Like him? How could I?"
Yet, it was undeniable that Mahiro had left a deep impression on her.
"Good," Canoe said, satisfied.
"Now, I'll give you another chance. Tell me what you've learned about that kid today."
"Probably Level 2 strength. He belongs to a newly formed Familia called Hestia Familia," Lili answered, her voice laced with sarcasm.
Since these men were determined to dig their own graves, she would let them.
"Level 2? That's a bit tricky," Canoe muttered, though his expression showed no concern.
As a seasoned Level 2 adventurer, he was confident in his abilities.
Besides, he had three teammates who were Level 1.
"No wonder we saw him on the sixteenth floor before. He's Level 2," one of the men said.
"If he's Level 2, it makes sense he can solo the middle floors."
"But he's still impressive. Adventurers don't usually earn that much. He must have some tricks up his sleeve."
The others accepted Lili's answer this time.
Compared to the absurd claim of Level 5, Level 2 was far more believable.
"A newly formed Familia?" Canoe's smile turned predatory. "Arde, I plan to 'befriend' that kid and share some dungeon strategies."
"Can you arrange a meeting for me?"
The news of a new Familia excited Canoe.
Unlike established Familias, if members of a new Familia died in the Dungeon, no one would bother investigating.
"Sure," Lili replied, her face hidden under her hood.
"Where do you want to meet him?"
She knew exactly what they were planning.
"Tomorrow, after you return from the Dungeon, bring him to the 14th floor."
"I'll be waiting there," Canoe said, his smile dangerous.
He planned to ambush Mahiro on the 14th floor.
If Mahiro proved troublesome, they would kill him outright.
"I understand," Lili said quietly.
She knew these men stood no chance against Mahiro.
"Don't forget Even someone as patient as me has limits," Canoe warned before leaving.
"You know what happens when I get angry, Liliruca Arde."
After the four men left, Lili remained on the ground.
The large backpack had cushioned her fall, so she wasn't seriously injured.
Physically and mentally exhausted, she lay on the backpack, the quiet alley amplifying her feelings of sadness and helplessness.
"It's unsurprisingly boring, Lili."
A familiar voice broke the silence, causing Lili to freeze.
She turned her head in disbelief, her eyes widening as she saw Mahiro standing there.
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