Siloque: “…”
The highlight in his sister’s eyes faded naturally. What kind of technique is that?
After that, Hill walked behind Siloque, picking up things here and there—she seemed to have picked up bones of an Abyssfire Dragon Remnant, a Leg of Human-faced Spider, roots of an Oakwood Golem, and all sorts of dropped items.
Finally, the area completely collapsed.
The sound of shattering echoed in their ears, cracks spread endlessly across the plaza, and an intense white light blinded their vision—the two opened their eyes again.
Insect chirps and bird calls.
The air was no longer cold.
The fragrance of trees tickled their noses.
Even the Man-Eating Flower in the distance looked somewhat friendly.
Hill and Siloque had returned to the original point—beneath the Treeshade, where the three treasure chests were.
“Hill hasn’t finished picking up everything. What a pity…”
She sighed regretfully.
Hill spread out the picnic mat and let Siloque sit on it to rest against the tree.
“Whew…..”
Returning safely eased Siloque’s tension considerably.
At the same time, another problem came to mind.
How do we get back?
Right now, he was nothing but a burden.
Forget about drawing the weapon at his waist—Siloque didn’t even have the strength to stand on his own.
If Hill had to carry him back and they ran into a fight on the way, he couldn’t protect Hill and would have to rely on her instead.
Three methods came to mind—
First, travel with Hill along small paths, avoiding monsters as much as possible.
But if they did encounter any, she’d have to split her focus between protecting him and fighting.
Second, have him wait in a safe place for the Rescue Team—which was the safest option.
Third was…
“Big brother, your Ring Chart has a teleport function. Go back to the Explorer Hall first and wait for Hill. Hill will use the skill to return while staying invisible.”
Are you reading my mind?
The return method Hill described matched exactly with his own third option.
“…Wait… Rescue Team…”
“This won’t do. Big brother is too weak right now. Waiting that long will only make it worse. What you need is a comfortable bed and someone to watch over you.”
“…No… I don’t want to go… It’s fine even if it’s not a hospital…”
“Big brother, trust Hill.”
She gently lifted Siloque’s hand and helped him operate the Ring Chart, locating the teleport function.
“.Hill.”
“Hill’s Note Book is here, recording the shortest path on the first floor. I can make it within 30 minutes. Big brother, wait for me.”
She waved her Note Book triumphantly.
It’s your first day in the Dungeon—can you really remember all that?
There’s food in my Ring Chart. Take it first…
“!”
The words vanished as Hill hugged him tightly.
Because of the debuff’s side effects, Siloque couldn’t smell anything, but the warmth she gave was even clearer.
Was it really necessary to make this feel so life-and-death? It’s just the first floor.
Of course, he knew Hill just wanted to reassure him.
“Imagine the Explorer Hall.”
Hill whispered in Siloque’s ear, keeping him close, holding his hand and pressing “teleport.”
***
Siloque blinked and found himself in the Explorer Hall.
Unlike last time, he didn’t fall from midair but appeared in the middle of the crowd.
The Explorers didn’t find this strange.
The issue was Siloque’s long, white hair—it was too eye-catching.
Even in this colorfully diverse game world, young girls with white hair were rare, and with his current frail and sickly appearance, he exuded the aura of a beautiful, fragile heroine.
He staggered through the bustling crowd, feeling the gaze of others, and people unconsciously made space around him, as if afraid of contact.
There were too many people…
Right, it’s afternoon, close to evening.
At night, the Dungeon became dangerous, so amateur Explorers and tourists visiting the Dungeon typically left at this hour.
Siloque found a secluded seat in the hall’s Bar—a spot with a clear view of the Dungeon entrance.
It made it easier for him to spot Hill and for her to find him.
Either way, he was safe now.
All that remained was Hill.
The expected wait was 30 minutes.
No—if he didn’t see her in 20 minutes, Siloque would contact the Rescue Team.
He set his Ring Chart to ring in 10 minutes.
Too tired, too uncomfortable. He needed to rest his eyes.
With that, Siloque collapsed onto the hard tabletop.
Though his body burned with heat, a chill crept over him for no reason, making him wrap his arms tightly around himself.
Hill, you must return safely.
Beiren…
I want to see you…
He hugged his feverish, shivering body and let his consciousness sink into darkness… Who knows how much time passed.
“Yo, miss, are you alone?”
Siloque snapped awake from his half-asleep daze.
When he had white hair, men often hit on him—and this one’s tone was obviously flirty, immediately putting him on guard.
A man he didn’t recognize had sat down next to him.
Who are you?
A middle-aged man with brown hair, half-bald, dressed in a blue-collar shirt and suit pants, carrying a large backpack with weapons peeking out—a typical amateur Explorer earning some extra cash in the Dungeon.
An uneasy sixth sense sounded in his mind.
“Stay… away from me…”
“I’m just worried about you. No need to be so cold.”
Seeing the man’s persistence, Siloque simply stood up to leave.
“Don’t go.”
“Gu.”
The moment he stood, the man easily pulled him back into his seat.
Damn it.
Siloque tried to use the Ring Chart to call for help, but the man pressed his hand down effortlessly.
“.Let… go… of me…”
Ugh, saying that from his own mouth carried no intimidation at all. Siloque felt utterly awful.
He trembled (from disgust) and explained:
“.I’m… a man…”
“Pardon? What did you say?”
“I have leprosy. Don’t touch me… I…”
“I see, you’re feeling unwell.”
Clearly, the middle-aged man hadn’t understood a word—or recognized the lie.
“Just rest. Uncle will keep you company.”
Seeing Siloque’s weakness, the man grew bolder.
A rough hand slid onto his thigh (which appeared to belong to a white-haired girl), while the other pulled out a phone, sliding it into his shirt to take pictures.
“..Stop… Don’t…”
Help!
Revulsion sent goosebumps crawling all over Siloque’s skin—he felt like he was breaking out in hives.
If it were his usual self, he wouldn’t care about criminal law—a punch would’ve sent this pervert flying!
Why do I have to deal with a greasy middle-aged man’s disgusting hands?
How unlucky do I have to be for these things to happen one after another!
I have to do something. Am I going to fall to this freak after taking down a Boss?
No way—I can’t accept that!
The man’s eyes lit up at the photos on his phone.
“Not wearing anything?! Miss, you’re a real pervert… So flat, you could pass for a guy.”
If a man wears a bra, that’s the real pervert, okay!
“Ha… Save… Ha…”
Siloque tried to call for help, but only a hoarse moan came out.
The man whispered like a demon:
“Miss, if you resist, I’ll send this video to your boyfriend. You wouldn’t want him to see you like this, would you? Or maybe not wearing anything is your boyfriend’s kink?”
typical H-scenario