The crescent moon sank in the west, while the morning sun had yet to peek over the horizon. Bell gently pushed aside the still-sleeping Syr, running his fingers through her gray hair. He rose quietly, tidying his attire and weapons.
"I'm heading out," Bell murmured softly.
He had left this early not to avoid Syr or out of fear she would launch another fierce attack like last night, but because he had arranged to meet someone at dawn.
Crystal-clear morning dew clung to the flowers, grass, and trees along the street.
"Bell Cranel."
Across the empty grass field, Finn called out softly.
"Yesterday's rendezvous was quite the spectacle. I hope I'm not disturbing you?"
"Not at all. How is Lefiya-san?"
Bell asked about the golden-haired elf.
"Whether you call it seething resentment or overflowing fighting spirit… in any case, no need to worry." Finn recalled Lefiya's intensity and smiled lightly. "Because of certain (debt-related) issues, we decided to accompany Ais and Tiona on a deep-floor expedition."
The implication was clear: the top adventurers of the Loki Familia would be entering the Dungeon and would be unreachable for a while.
"Understood. So what's the real matter?" Bell asked.
If Finn was here only to inform him of that, there was no need for him to come in person.
Finn paused briefly, then gave a gentle smile. Speaking with this sharp young man was indeed very different from speaking with others.
"Regarding the addictive potion, I need to warn you—Soma Familia's Divine Wine has a similar effect."
Finn continued, "The reason we never suspected Soma is because the effects are different. According to Loki, the Divine Wine contains no dangerous ingredients and no Mystery involved—it's purely Soma's own creation."
Bell frowned slightly. He'd heard scattered rumors about the problematic incidents surrounding the Soma Familia, but he had never dug this deep into the heart of the issue.
Then Finn revealed the key point.
"At its essence, Divine Wine is still just wine. Unlike a drug, it won't make someone's mind go blank or push them into madness. The intoxication is temporary. They'll sober up eventually."
Bell understood. The entire series of incidents around the Soma Familia all originated from this Divine Wine. But the chance that it and the addictive potion were created by the same person was extremely low.
"Loki said the God Soma is just a fool obsessed with brewing, and his familia simply trade money for the finished wine. Bell Cranel, you understand what I'm getting at, right?" Finn concluded.
Bell frowned, replying softly.
"Mm… you're worried they'll become scapegoats…"
An indifferent god, a troublesome follower, and an intoxicating Divine Wine. In such a chaotic Soma Familia, a single push could send everything spiraling into ruin.
No one knew what disasters might be caused by those driven mad by the wine.
It was precisely because Finn feared the boy might get dragged into it that he came to warn him.
"That's right, though the chances are slim."
Finn was quite satisfied with Bell's response.
The mastermind behind the addictive potion had yet to be found. If their side obtained a key clue, the culprit could easily pin everything on the Soma Familia, letting the Divine Wine take the blame.
In the end, even if the initiative rested with the enemy, the boy still needed to be prepared.
Finn took out several parchments.
"These are all the intel I've gathered on the Soma Familia. Memorize them first, just to be safe."
"Thank you."
Bell accepted the sheets, each filled with various individuals and the incidents related to them.
"No need to thank me. The Loki Familia still hasn't formally expressed gratitude for you saving Ais. This much is nothing."
Finn looked toward the groups of adventurers gathering in the distance.
"Bell Cranel, you're still Lv.1, but you can handle the Upper Floors easily now, right?"
"Yes."
The Loki Familia had already learned this during their trip to the 18th Floor, so Bell didn't hide it.
"Next, this is from Riveria. After hearing about the cursed weapon assassination attempt, she became very worried about your safety. She recommends that you find a few companions to support each other."
Finn continued gently, "I agree with her. At the very least, you should find a trustworthy supporter and someone who can respond to emergencies. You know as well as anyone that the Middle Floors are no joke."
"Mm, I was planning on that."
Bell had the wits and courage to fight alone, but collecting drop items and Magic Stones while guarding against Evilus ambushes would be troublesome.
The only issue was his current predicament.
If he revealed everything, no one would want to form a party.
But hiding the truth would only put teammates at risk.
Finn seemed to read his worries. After lightly licking his fingertip, he said,
"About the Evilus—Loki said not to worry. They'll hold back for now, lying low."
"She didn't tell me the reason, but I share the same view. From the red-haired woman incident in Rivira Town, it's clear Ais ranks far higher on their priority list."
Finn expressed his speculation openly.
Loki might act carefree most days, but regarding Ais, she would never lie. The sting on his fingertip confirmed the intuition.
"Ais-san…"
Bell recalled the scene of the Sword Princess kneeling helplessly on the ground because of the jewel fetus and felt a surge of worry.
Finn smiled.
"You probably don't have the leisure to worry about someone else, but I'll pass your concern on to Ais. She was thrilled about your last sparring session. If her spare sword hadn't broken, she would have charged into the Dungeon already."
Finn could see the impatience and frustration brewing inside Ais since the red-haired woman appeared.
Thanks to Bell, she hadn't completely lost control.
The dark flame in her heart clashing with the warmth the boy brought… this expedition might trigger unimaginable growth.
"Bell Cranel, regarding Ais… please allow me to thank you once more."
With a sincere bow, the discussion came to an end.
...
By the time the two finished talking, the morning sun had already risen.
After parting ways with Finn, Bell crossed the street and headed straight for the plaza beneath the Tower of Babel. It was late morning, and the crowd of adventurers continued to grow.
Instead of heading into the Dungeon immediately, Bell stood at the front of the plaza, pretending to wait for someone.
After a long wait, a small figure appeared before him.
"Big brother! White-haired big brother!"
Bell followed the voice and saw a petite girl wearing a loose robe. She had chestnut bangs and carried a huge pack on her back.
Bell pretended not to know and asked, "Are you calling me?"
The face matching the portrait on the parchment—Liliruca Arde—smiled gently.
"Yes, big brother. Do you need a supporter?"