Chapter 32 - 31: Partners in the Deep
The morning sun filtered through the cracked stained-glass windows of the church, painting the walls in shards of light. Ethan adjusted the strap on his new gear, the reinforced leather armor fitting snugly against his frame. Beside him, Lili stood ready in her own modest equipment—tough boots, a dark cloak, and several pouches strapped to her waist, perfect for collecting loot.
"Ready?" he asked, looking down at her.
Lili nodded sharply. "More than ready, Ethan-sama."
He winced slightly at the honorific but didn’t say anything. It wasn’t worth the argument. Besides, she seemed to enjoy saying it.
The two walked through Orario’s bustling streets and eventually passed the great stone gates of Babel. As they descended the spiral path into the Dungeon, the air grew cooler, heavier. Familiar to Ethan now—but for Lili, he noticed a shift in her steps.
"Everything alright?" he asked.
She gave him a quick glance. "Yeah. Just... It’s different being with someone."
He didn’t push for more.
The first floor welcomed them with eerie silence, only the faint growls and rustles of monsters echoing in the distance. Ethan tightened the grip on his blade. Lili stayed a few steps behind, her eyes sharp and calculating.
A goblin lunged from the shadows.
With practiced ease, Ethan sidestepped and slashed, cleaving through the monster’s chest in a single motion. The body disintegrated into blue particles, leaving behind a small magic stone. Lili darted forward, scooping it up and tucking it into her pouch.