The festival continued smoothly despite the monster escape; it didn't dampen anyone's spirits.
In fact, Ais Wallenstein's swift defeat of the monsters boosted her fame; her efficient movements left a strong impression.
Arthas, having left quickly, remained largely unknown. Some discussed the frost-wielding swordsman who defeated the Silverback Gorilla, but no one knew their identity.
Hestia, upon waking, understood why Arthas went to the Dungeon without earning money.
"Arthas is too strong; he froze the weak monsters and the magic stones, right?"
Seeing Hestia's wide eyes, Arthas didn't know how to answer. Should he tell her he hadn't encountered any monsters?
Scratching his head, Arthas decided to try again. He'd hire a support member; if he still didn't encounter monsters, he'd explain to Hestia and ask for solutions.
He hadn't encountered monsters alone.
Monsters usually appeared from the walls, and Arthas, acting alone, hadn't experienced this. He'd seen other adventurers fight monsters.
But stealing monsters was bad; he hadn't encountered any dangerous situations on the lower floors, so he couldn't intervene.
Beyond the fifth floor, adventurers were scarce; they were cautious and avoided each other.
Perhaps a support member would help him encounter monsters.
Arthas proposed this to Eina at the Adventurer's Guild. Eina frowned, pondering for a long time before nodding.
"We still don't know why you don't encounter monsters, but hiring a support member is a good idea."
Eina's expression turned serious.
"But! You can't risk going too deep! Stay at least above the fifth floor! Don't forget you haven't completed your first task: kill a goblin."
"I'll be careful."
Arthas nodded; Eina remained unconvinced.
Careful? That's what worries me!
Muttering this, Eina saw the cloth-wrapped longsword on Arthas's back.
"New equipment? Can you even use a sword?"
Arthas had been an adventurer for almost a month, but hadn't fought. His Goddess had said he was a mage. Why a longsword?
New adventurers usually used rapiers or short swords; the famous Sword Princess used a rapier.
Longswords weren't easy to use, even for experienced swordsmen, let alone Arthas, a novice in Eina's eyes.
"Larger isn't better. A longsword is unsuitable for you now. It's a burden, and you won't be able to draw it quickly in a crisis."
The cloth-wrapped longsword was eye-catching but impractical. A weapon needs to be easily drawn and wielded; longswords are unsuitable for beginners.
"Eina's still the same, worrying about everything."
Arthas chuckled.
"Don't say that! These are crucial things for adventurers!"
"I know… you're worried about my safety, but it's unnecessary…"
Eina frowned, about to ask about his confidence, when a strange chill filled the room.
Eina shivered, hugging herself, looking around.
What… happened? Why is it so cold?
"I'm not a child to be coddled, Eina."
A captivating voice whispered. Eina's gaze met Arthas's; his gentle expression captivated her.
What… why is he so gentle? It's unfair…
Muttering this, Eina realized she was in his arms; the unpleasant chill had vanished.
"Wh… what did you do?"
Blushing, she tried to push him away, but felt resistance.
"Don't do this! My colleagues are outside!"
Tilting his head, confused by Eina's blush, Arthas placed a hand on her forehead.
"Don't struggle. Feel my power."
Eina stopped resisting; her expression turned surprised. She finally sensed something unusual in the room.
The chilling power of frost.
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