The Wall of Sorrows wasn't what Kael had imagined — no shirtless aberrant suddenly jumping out.
And there certainly weren't any jet-powered warriors shouting about freedom and sacrificing their hearts for humanity.
Though the guild's information about floor boss respawns was usually off by a few days, Kael was fortunate enough to avoid encountering it.
"Hmm~" Aiz didn't look very happy.
Clearly, she had already claimed Goliath as her prey!
'Sorry, perhaps it's because I'm not the protagonist?'
I apologize — being just an N-Card Character, I'm not worthy!
Kael joked to himself, then consoled her, "Let's save it for when we're Level 3, or we can come back after we level up!"
The two walked through the forest together, chatting and laughing — well, mostly him doing the talking and laughing. Aiz was contentedly munching on Jagamarukun with little "nom nom" sounds.
Before long, a small town of crude wooden houses appeared before them. The town entrance lay along a mountain path, with Adventurers occasionally passing through.
By now, the sun had set on the surface, and the magic stones in Rivira's ceiling had darkened accordingly, creating a nighttime atmosphere.
"The Dungeon really is amazing."
"Mm." Like a curious child visiting for the first time, Aiz looked around with interest.
"Let's find a place to stay and sort through this afternoon's loot."
After passing through the wooden fence and entering the town, they immediately noticed how different it was from the Dungeon — much more bustling.
Noisy taverns lined both sides with dwarves raising their cups in conversation, Pallums haggling with street vendors, and beast-people wearing serious, troubled expressions...
This scene was unique within the Dungeon.
Contrary to Kael's expectations, their arrival drew everyone's attention. Yet once people recognized Aiz, they relaxed and returned to their activities.
Kael remained alert while casually asking for directions to an inn. They made their way through the bustling marketplace at the mountain's base until they reached the residential area midway up the slope.
A plain-looking dog-person greeted them.
"I'm the owner of this residential area. You can call me Bobo."
Kael's mind drifted to a certain small, chubby figure wearing a sombrero.
After clearing his throat...
"Um, we'd like to stay here."
Bobo hesitated, glancing at Aiz, "You two are new faces, right?"
"Yes, is there a problem?"
Bobo's tone grew serious, "Well, we've been living in Rivira for a long time. We recognize most regular visitors. Usually, newcomers aren't an issue, but lately, the Evilus... Adventurer Hunters have been targeting travelers entering and leaving Rivira."
"How often does this happen?" Aiz asked.
"Every few days or so, it's hard to say... We need to verify strangers' identities." Bobo explained apologetically, "Please understand."
Kael's eyes widened, "I see. If they want to limit the city's fighting power, targeting Level 2 Adventurers and those with potential to reach Level 3 would be most effective!"
Bobo gave him a strange look, "Aren't they just after our magic stones and Valis?"
"Ah... Ahaha! That's true too!"
The Evilus's plan to attack Orario was still in its secret stages — who would have thought they were already making moves?
"Let's register then." Kael nodded, removed his black robe, and briefly showed the writing on his back, "I'm a supporter from the Soma Familia, and this is..."
"No need for her!" Bobo quickly interrupted, speaking respectfully, "The Sword Princess's reputation reaches even us who live underground!"
"Isn't it done yet?" Aiz looked up, her golden eyes fixed on Bobo with subtle impatience.
"Right away, miss!" Bobo hurriedly returned to the counter, took out a document, and handed it to her, pointing at a blank space, "Just stamp your familia's crest here."
"Crest?" Kael added, "We came to Rivira on short notice — we didn't bring our crests."
Bobo nodded, "For the Sword Princess, just drawing your familia's symbol and signing will do."
In Rivira, all transactions use "credit currency". Since it's impossible to carry large amounts of Valis into the Dungeon, transaction vouchers here use each familia's crest and emblem.
Later, the shopkeepers take these emblems to the surface to collect payment from each deity. The same applies to selling items.
Seeing Bobo go to pick rooms for them, Kael nudged Aiz's shoulder, "See? I told you your face would come in handy."
"Mmhm!" Aiz's eyes sparkled with stars.
What lay before her seemed like a path paved with gold!
After all, her savings from being an Adventurer for over a year were all with Riveria, so using a little bit should be fine!
Like a child who just got hold of their parent's phone, Aiz had only one choice before her!
Buy! Buy whatever! Loki can foot the bill!
After getting the room key from Bobo and confirming their lodgings for tonight, Kael put away his unnecessary supplies, and the two kids dove straight into the bustling town market!
"Come look, come see! Fresh high-quality weapons just arrived from the surface, only V$150,000!"
Isn't this just a normal iron sword? It only costs V$5,000 on the surface!
Kael turned to look at Aiz.
Her eyes lit up, "Buy it!"
The shopkeeper rubbed his hands together, beaming, "Oh! The young lady has good taste! Take a look at this — it's genuine Hephaestus-made! Perfect for a Level 2 lady like yourself!"
Aiz: "Buy it!"
"Coming right up!"
"Hey, you didn't even ask about the price!"
"This potion..."
Aiz leaned over the counter with both hands, "I'll take everything! All of it!"
The shopkeeper beamed with joy, "Here's your bill, miss. The total comes to 25 million Valis!"
With a flourish, Aiz wrote her name in hieroglyphs, "Send the bill to Loki Familia!"
The shopkeeper examined it admiringly, 'Oh ho, even the signature is in hieroglyphs — how fancy!'
"No problem! Please come again!"
Staggering under a dozen weapons, Kael looked dumbfounded, "Hey, this is too much, I can't carry all this!"
"World's strongest?" Aiz glanced at him sideways with her beautiful eyes, casually taking one weapon to help.
"I'm just a future..."
She tilted her head, "Supporter...?"
"Supporters are people too! Not Pallums!"
"If you don't want to do it, plenty of other supporters will!" Aiz had learned.
"..."
She was right — Rivira had many supporters. If she was willing to pay, plenty of adventurers would gladly become supporters just to carry her belongings.
After Kael struggled to drag the weapons a few steps, Aiz took pity on him and used her status to purchase a cart.
With the weapons loaded onto the cart's four smooth-rolling wheels, their journey became much easier.
As Aiz continued her shopping spree, her reputation as the Sword Princess preceded her — no merchant questioned her ability to pay. Soon, whispers spread through Rivira about the arrival of a "Big Spender."
During this time, Kael managed to sell their morning's drops, earning V$100,000.
Just as he prepared to discuss the payment, the armor shop owner emerged, rubbing his hands together.
"Let's not spoil the mood with talk of money. Your companion here could use better equipment — just look at his shabby gear. No need for stamps — we'll add it to the total purchase."
Aiz waved her hand decisively: "Take it!"
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