forgiveness

Sorry for the late upload, I have been so tired lately for some reason, dunno if it's because of the increased workload or the stress had gotten over me, even after sleeping in the afternoon I didn't feel like I had the energy to move, and because of the tiredness I could not write as my brain was slow

sorry if this chap will be bad or short, I'm trying my best to hype myself up to write but can't bring my brain to be active

don't worry im still very passionate about this fanfic so I won't be abandoning it anytime soon... unless

~~

-Ais' POV-

"How did he become so strong?" I found myself muttering, recalling Bell's battle with the killer ants. Those ants numbered in the tens to the twenties, yet he dispatched them all without a scratch.

"Wasn't he the one you saved a couple of days ago, Ais?" Riveria's voice came from my side. We had both returned from the lower levels and resurfaced in the Twilight Manor.

"..Yes," I replied, my thoughts wandering as we climbed.

That scene reminded me of a rumor I'd heard after the Monsterphilia outbreak, about a certain white-haired boy and a white-haired beauty who defeated a loose silverback together.

Xian and Bell's images sprang to mind as I tried to recall anyone with white hair.

'She must be the one who contributed to Bell's rapid growth,' I mused. After witnessing Xian defeat Bete at the Twilight Manor, I was convinced she was a high-level adventurer.

"AIS!" Riveria's shout snapped me out of my thoughts as I realized we had already reached the surface.

"Ais, what's been on your mind? You've been lost in thought since we saw that boy," Riveria inquired.

"Sorry, Riveria. I've just been thinking about things," I said, returning to my usual placid demeanor as we continued to the manor.

"If you say so," Riveria replied, walking alongside me without pressing further.

-Bell's POV-

After recovering my stamina, I was tempted to venture deeper into the dungeon. However, I decided against it. With only my armor and dagger, I lacked the supplies to recover from potential wounds or replenish my energy. Xian's training also taught me the importance of staying vigilant at all times and not getting carried away.

Drawing my dagger, I began extracting the magic stones from the slain ants. As I looked at the numerous ant corpses, I couldn't help but regret having killed so many of them.

-Xian's POV-

The morning had arrived, and I exited the pub after my usual routine. Feeling the cold morning breeze, I proceeded to Bell's training, but halfway there, I sensed a gaze fixed upon me. Instantly, I raised my guard and expanded my soul search to identify the source of the gaze.

I discovered that Liliruca was currently spying on me, hidden in an alleyway just around the corner. With an amused smile, I turned my head in her direction.

"You know, I don't rely on my sight, right?" I said with amusement.

"..."

"Come with me, Lili. It can get lonely walking alone," I beckoned her.

Liliruca hesitated but revealed herself and approached my side. I continued walking as she quietly followed

"So? may I know why you are spying on me" I broke the silence between us and asked

"I wanted to ask if you can train me to be a strong adventurer like you" Liliruca admitted

"And tell me why you want to be strong," I asked without turning my head towards her

"Why?" Liliruca went quiet, struggling to find an answer but eventually replied

"I want to be just like you!" Liliruca answered with a passionate voice

"Just like me?"

"You are strong but you don't abuse that power, and I want to be a role model for all pallum, to show everyone pallum is not weak" Liliruca gave an unexpected answer

"I am surprised, I would expect you to have a selfish reason"

Liliruca's face flustered for a moment by my comment, before we realized we had arrived at the broken church

"Um? Where are we, Xian?" Liliruca curiously asked.

"We're at Bell's current residence," I replied.

My words alarmed Liliruca, and she quickly tried to run away. However, I swiftly reacted by grabbing her by the back of her clothes and lifting her, rendering her immobile.

"Xian, could you please let me go? I don't want to meet Mr. Bell," Liliruca tried to negotiate, but her pleas fell on deaf ears.

"Don't be scared of Bell. He has a good heart, and my words will be enough to clear your name," I convinced her to stay.

Noticing a presence ascending the stairs, I quietly waited outside the church with the still-dangling Liliruca in one of my arms. Bell emerged from the church and noticed the unusual sight. His expression shifted to confusion as he saw the helpless Liliruca.

"Good morning, Bell," I greeted him as usual.

"Um, good morning, Xian-san. Can you tell me why Liliruca is in your arms?" Bell asked.

"Liliruca here wanted to apologize to you," I explained and put her on the ground, leaving Liliruca confused as it was not her intention to meet Bell. She quickly adapted and turned her attention to Bell.

"Um, uh, I wanted to apologize for my past actions," Liliruca bowed her head to the surprised Bell. Bell turned his attention toward me, and I slightly smiled and nodded, signaling to her that she was sincere.

Bell hesitated but trusted my judgment, to him I had always been right in assessing people's intentions.

"I forgive you, Liliruca. Just don't do it again," Bell said sincerely, and Liliruca looked surprised but happily replied, "Don't worry, I promise not to steal ever again."