The Ultimate Lich King of the Multiverse

2/5

---

Should I just quietly slip away...?

That thought flashed through the small girl's mind as she watched Yoru talking with Ryuu. She slowly turned to leave—only for a hand to tug gently on her hood.

"Our agreement. I hope you haven't forgotten."

Yoru's expression was calm and unreadable, but something about it made the girl instinctively nod in fear.

"Then… I'll be waiting at the Dungeon entrance tomorrow. Please don't make me wait."

Although his words were said kindly, they somehow carried the weight of an unspoken threat to her ears.

"I understand. I'll be there, I promise."

"Also… since I helped you with that little problem, I believe—"

"Yes, yes. Three days of free support should be more than enough to repay you, right?"

She muttered under her breath with obvious displeasure.

Seriously, what a cheapskate. All adventurers really are the worst...

Yoru gave a satisfied nod, finally letting go of her.

"That girl just now… who is she?"

Ryuu asked, watching the tiny figure walk away.

"Oh, I'm looking for a supporter. She seemed decent enough."

Yoru replied casually. Ryuu gave a small sigh and shook her head.

"Choosing a supporter is something you should approach carefully. It's not about picking the cutest one. Sure, she's adorable, but…"

"That's not it. I just happened to bump into her. She was having trouble, so I helped her out. Plus, now I get to save a bit on costs."

"That somehow makes it even worse…"

Ryuu looked exasperated. She clearly had more to say, but for some reason, when she saw Yoru's face, the words caught in her throat.

"Forget it. Your decisions aren't mine to meddle in. But please be careful. A good supporter can be the difference between life and death in the Dungeon. If something happened to you… Syr would be heartbroken."

"Wait, what was that last part? Me and Syr?"

Yoru furrowed his brow, remembering Ryuu's earlier words.

"Do you intend to play with her feelings?"

Ryuu asked calmly, but the pressure behind her words was intense.

"I… don't understand."

Yoru looked genuinely confused.

When did I ever start something with Syr? Or abandon her?

"To be clear… the one I like is Riveria."

He said seriously, as if asking her to understand.

"I understand. But that doesn't matter. What I do know is that if you ever make Syr cry… I won't forgive you."

After leaving those chilling words, Ryuu turned and walked away—leaving Yoru standing there with a completely lost expression.

...Is she mad? But why? What did I even do...?

◇

With a supporter this time… I should be able to finally encounter some monsters, right?

The next morning, Yoru packed his gear while thinking aloud.

He slung the [Hestia Knife] across his back and fastened the emerald-green armguard Eina had gifted him.

If nothing happens again… I'll just be honest with Hestia and tell her everything.

"Hestia, I'm heading to the Dungeon."

"Mhm… be safe…"

The girl mumbled sleepily from under a pile of blankets, raising one lazy hand in farewell.

That supporter girl better show up… But she's easy to recognize anyway. I've seen her tons of times near the Dungeon entrance. That oversized backpack of hers really stands out.

Yoru took a side path to the main road and made his way toward Central Plaza.

Following the stream of adventurers, he reached the towering Babel Tower.

And sure enough—there she was, standing at the entrance with that same ridiculous backpack that looked far too big for her body.

"I'm really glad you didn't bail."

Yoru walked up to her and said gently. The girl, who looked like she wasn't in the best mood, simply mumbled a soft response.

Even she wasn't sure why she had come. She could've easily hidden out for a few days and avoided him completely.

Why am I doing this again? This guy's just a stingy adventurer who wants me to work three days for free!

She pouted at the memory of what he said in the alley the night before.

Most adventurers might be stingy, but they at least know how to talk sweetly when hiring you. This guy? He starts docking pay before the job even begins!

"Well then, Mister Adventurer, from today I'm your supporter. Please take good care of me!"

She said with a cheerful tone and a smile that was obviously forced.

"Let's go."

Yoru nodded simply and turned to head into the Dungeon.

To the point, huh? Another muscle-brained type who only thinks about fighting. But at least those types are easier to deal with...

She followed quickly behind him.

"Um, shouldn't we start with a proper introduction? My name is Liliruca Arde. How would you like me to address you, Mister Adventurer?"

"Just Yoru is fine."

"Yoru-sama, then?"

"You don't have to add '-sama' either."

For some reason, hearing her call him "Yoru-sama" made him feel incredibly awkward.

"Oh, I couldn't possibly. A lowly, poor supporter like me not using honorifics would be terribly disrespectful, wouldn't it?"

She said in the most exaggeratedly humble tone, her face plastered with a fake, flattering smile.

Yoru stared at her for a moment, but said nothing more, turning silently to continue walking.

There's something... off about her.

Lili tilted her head slightly behind him, but quickly shook it off and kept pace.

---

10% Discount Voucher

FF92E

Active until the 17th.

Please subscribe at patreon.com/dzeref887 and get access to over 500 chapters.