"I'll leave you here. You can make it the rest of the way on your own; I have things to do," Roland said to the party behind him.
Because they were heavily injured, they had asked Roland to escort them to a safe zone. Lacking enough Valis on hand, they offered today's loot as payment.
"Thank you so much for the rescue," the captain said gratefully. "Without you, we would have been wiped out."
"It's fine. I got paid, so don't mention it. Just be careful on your way back."
"Understood. May we ask which Familia you belong to? Not that we're suspicious—we just want to thank you properly later."
"No need. I'm just a member of an ordinary Familia. No need for such a fuss," Roland declined, quickly walking away.
As he left, the party began whispering. "Captain, was he the one who set the Monster Train on us?" "No. He sounds very young, but he's incredibly strong. I just wanted to make a connection in case we need help in the future." "Then why didn't you stop him?" "Idiot. He didn't give a name or a Familia precisely so we wouldn't look for him. You can't tie down someone like that."
Back on the first floor, Roland killed a goblin and checked his status. [Name: Roland | Level: 18] Leveling was slowing down. He hadn't revealed his Familia because the Astraea Familia was famous for being composed of elite, beautiful girls. Adding a male member would cause a massive stir in Orario and likely bring trouble to the girls.
After waiting for several groups to pass, Roland finally exited the Dungeon. He exchanged his loot and the rescue payment at the Guild, receiving 80,000 Valis. He tucked the money bag into his waist under his hood to avoid attracting the wrong kind of attention.
At the Guild rest area, a group of thugs spotted him. "Hey, is that kid a newbie? He always brings out a lot of loot." "Yeah, I heard him say he's Level 1 and only been in Orario a few days." "Perfect. We have a Level 2 with us. Find out his Familia. If it's a big one, I'm out." "Couldn't find out. Probably a small one. No strong Familia member hides like that. Maybe he's even with the Evilus, hahaha." "Let's go. Follow him."
It was around 3:00 PM. Roland decided to head toward the Daedalus Street in the southeast. Known as the "Labyrinth on the Surface," it was a sprawling, chaotic residential district with crumbling buildings and confusing stairs.
"Wow, quite a sight," Roland remarked as he stepped into a dark alley. He turned to the four adventurers following him. "Who are you? Why are you following me?"
"Heh, you noticed us pretty fast. Aren't you scared, kid?" "Give us the Valis if you don't want to get hurt. We have a Level 2 'Hound' here, Pasteur. Maybe we'll let you live if you cooperate."
Roland feigned a terrified face. "How scary! Someone save me, boo hoo."
"You looking for a fight?!" Pasteur snarled. They moved to attack, but in the narrow alley, they could only advance two at a time.
"Am I cursed to always run into trouble in alleys?" Roland sighed. He used Blink to appear behind them and launched a massive water ball, soaking them and the surroundings.
"Is that it? Your magic is pathetic!" they mocked.
Roland didn't answer. He switched his elemental affinity to Light (Lightning) and fired a bolt. The electricity conducted through the water, shocking everyone. As they collapsed, Roland searched them and found another 50,000 Valis.
"Spare us, please..." Pasteur groaned, still conscious despite being fried.
"Spare you?" Roland's eyes turned crimson as his hair grew longer. He tasted a bit of their blood. "Oh? Your spirits are tainted with the grudges and curses of others. Letting you go would only hurt more innocent people."
"Choose: a slow death with time to repent, or an instant sleep." "Please, I won't do it again!" "You won't do it because you'll be dead. Never mind, I'm not a bad guy. Let's just end this."
Blood-red spears erupted from the ground, piercing the four men. His Abyssal Eye absorbed their blood to strengthen his body. He then burned the remains with blue Nether-flames.
Looking at the extra 50,000 Valis, Roland headed toward a quiet church deep in the labyrinthine streets: the Maria Orphanage. It was a stone building in disrepair. A black-haired sister opened the door.
"Hello, may I help you?" "I'm here to make a donation." Roland smiled, handing over the 50,000 Valis.
The sister, Maria Martel, was stunned but invited him in. Children played in the hall. "Roland, why donate so much? You're an adventurer; this money isn't easy to earn. Are you in trouble?"
"I just did it because I wanted to. My Familia is strong and kind, so I'm just doing what I can."
Maria took the money solemnly. "Thank you. Many of my children become adventurers, but... there's always a day when some of them don't come back." She held his hands tight. "I cannot do much for you, but I will pray for you."
"May the gods bless you, and may your adventures be safe."
Maria's rough yet warm hands clasped Roland's, reminding him of his own mother. A wave of melancholy washed over him, but he managed a smile.
"Thank you. If you ever need anything, please come find me at the Astraea Familia. I'll help."
Maria's eyes widened slightly before she relaxed, pulling Roland into a warm embrace. "Is that so? You are a member of that great Familia of Justice? That is good to hear."
Roland gently broke the embrace, looking a bit embarrassed. "It's getting late, and my family is probably waiting for me for dinner, so..."
Maria chuckled at the kind boy's bashfulness. "I see. I suppose I can't keep you then, though I was hoping to invite you for a meal. Go on, I'll see you out."
Sister Maria waved him off at the door. Roland waved back, calling out, "I'll come visit again when I have time. See you next time, Ms. Maria!"
"Roland still isn't back yet. What a restless child," Maryu, the priestess, remarked as she looked out at the darkening sky.
"Maybe we should just eat first and leave him the leftovers as a punishment," Lyra suggested with a mischievous grin.
"I second that!" Noin piped up, raising her hand immediately.
"Hahaha, only three of us? Look, even Lady Astraea raised her hand! The Goddess herself agrees to punish Roland. Why aren't the rest of you voting? Have you all been charmed by him already?"
Aste spoke up calmly. "It's because only you three want to be pranksters."
"Hey, useless elf, why don't you go to the door and see if he's back yet?"
"Why me? Why don't you go yourself, Kaguya?" Ryuu retorted instinctively, though she stood up anyway to go check.
Just as Roland reached the Stardust Garden, he pushed open the hall door—Thud! Ryuu was on the floor, tears pricking her eyes as she clutched her forehead.
Roland knelt down immediately, using a hint of ice element to cool his palm before pressing it against her forehead. "Are you okay, Lion? I didn't see you there. I'm so sorry."
"Ugh... I'm fine. Can you... take your hand back now?" Ryuu asked, her face flushing.
"Hahaha, Lion, you really are prone to bad luck," Alise teased as she helped them both up.
"Dinner is ready; we were just waiting for you. Eat first, then take your bath," Maryu said gently, serving portions to everyone.