Besides the campfires and magic stone lamps set up by the group, the 50th floor's light came from the dungeon's special walls and rocks.
A bonfire burned on the camp's rocks, with portable magic stone lamps hung atop tents, casting flickering light.
Several large pots sat in the open, where supporters cooked.
In the dungeon, meals couldn't match surface fare—just convenient stews.
High class adventurers sat around, chatting.
"Come with me; I've got something to say," Roy felt a tap on his shoulder, followed by Bete's voice overhead, amid the girls surrounding him.
"Hey, Bete, what's up?" Tiona, beside Roy, stood, eyeing Bete warily.
"Just a few words," Bete snorted.
"Can't say it here?" Tiona stood firm.
Roy pressed Tiona's shoulder, smiling.
"It's fine. I'll go with him."
"Don't worry, I know my limits," Bete glanced at Tiona.
On an expedition, he wouldn't fight Roy.
"Follow me," Bete led Roy to a large rock's edge, blocking others view.
Since Finn ordered not to leave camp without reporting, Bete stayed close.
"What do you want to say?" Roy stopped, speaking casually.
"I know your game!" Bete glared, barely containing his emotions.
"You're just dreaming of playing both sides—stringing along that lovesick Amazon while flirting with Ais!"
"And that dumb elf's in your sights too?" Bete leaned in, exuding menace.
'This guy—nailed my thoughts in one go.'
"Quit fantasizing!" Bete snorted harder.
"You won't pull it off! Forget being outside the Loki Familia—even inside, you're not worthy!"
"Kid, I'm warning you: keep those shameless thoughts, and I won't go easy!" Bete stared, awaiting Roy's response.
'Hmph! Threatening me, you weakling?'
Roy sneered inwardly but said nothing, turning away from the rock.
Eyes across the camp fixed on them, curious about the exchange.
"Stop!" Bete, incensed by Roy's attitude, chased after him.
Roy quickened his pace, his face showing three parts fear, three parts shock, four parts panic.
"Please, stop—I don't like men!"
he roared, voice reaching every Loki Familia member.
What's he saying? Doesn't like men?
That's not what I meant!
Bete thought Roy was dodging with nonsense.
Roy rushed back to the girls, sitting in mock shock.
"Roy, you okay?" Tiona grabbed his arm, concerned, glaring at Bete like a sworn enemy.
"Fine," Roy forced a smile.
Ais noticed Roy's odd expression, unsure what happened but showing concern, touching his head to soothe him.
'This feels… weirdly nice.'
"Mr. Roy, what did Mr. Bete say to you?" A girl handed Roy a bowl of stew from the pot.
"Thanks," Roy took it, nodding.
"It's for Line," she added quickly, seeing her companions eyes, referring to Line Arshe.
So, Line admires Bete? Poor taste, Roy thought.
"Sorry, I don't want to talk about it," Roy shook his head, as if scared to recall.
"Alright, if you don't want to, don't. Stop asking—Bete's the issue," Tiona said firmly, protective.
The cat girl fell silent, eyeing Bete with curiosity, guessing what spooked Roy, especially after his outburst.
Bete, seeing Roy return, said nothing more, stomping the ground, grabbing a bowl, and sitting beside it.
"What're you staring at? Eat!"
Bete's keen senses caught the odd looks from companions but didn't grasp why, so he glared and barked.
"Yeah, yeah, it's cooked—eat up," two male adventurers beside Bete laughed nervously, scooting away subtly.
Others shifted uneasily but, under Bete's glare, sat silently.
Read advance chapters at:
200 Stones = 1 chapter
400 Stones = 2 chapter