(1 week later)

Today was a special day in the dungeon, as Kunihito had decided to accompany Bell on his explorations. Excited about the idea of learning more about magic, Bell eagerly awaited his meeting with his half-elf companion.

Meanwhile, Lili was getting ready for another day of adventures with Bell. They had been a duo for a week now, and the small support was getting used to accompanying him on his journeys.

However, something seemed different today. As she got ready, Lili noticed a strange sparkle in her own eyes when she thought about Kunihito.

It was as if something within her was changing, but she couldn't understand what it was.

When Bell and Kunihito arrived at the dungeon, they were greeted by Lili with a warm smile. However, Bell immediately noticed that something was different about his support friend. Her eyes were shining with an unusual intensity, and he wondered what might be happening.

"Hey, Lili! Today is going to be an amazing day!" Bell exclaimed enthusiastically.

"Yes, I'm sure it will be exciting." Lili replied, her voice tinged with nervousness.

As the duo ventured through the dark corridors of the dungeon, Lili seemed more distant than usual. Bell decided not to press her, thinking that maybe she was just concerned about something.

While they walked, Bell and Kunihito took the opportunity to practice the newly acquired magic skills of the adventurer. The half-elf offered careful guidance and encouragement, helping Bell perfect his control over his weapon techniques and magic.

While they practiced, Lili stayed a bit apart, seeming lost in her own thoughts. Several times, she seemed on the verge of saying something but would retreat into silence. Bell was starting to worry about his friend, but before he could ask what was going on, something unexpected happened.

Lili looked at the 5th floor of the dungeon, which was nearby, and a strange glint crossed her eyes. Her heart raced, and she felt a mix of anxiety and determination. Something inside her was drawing her to that place, but she couldn't understand why.

"Let's go, Bell! I know we have a specific goal for today," Lili said, trying to conceal her excitement.

"Sure! Let's do this." replied Bell, confident in his friend's leadership.

They advanced to the 5th floor. Lili's heart was pounding in her chest, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she needed to be there.

When they reached the floor, Lili seemed even more determined. She guided Bell and Kunihito through safe paths, avoiding traps and enemies. Bell admired his friend's skill in keeping them safe.

However, as they approached a narrow, dark corridor, an inner voice warned Lili of imminent danger. She paused for a moment, struggling with her conflicting emotions.

"Lili, are you okay? You seem worried," Bell asked, noticing the change in her expression.

Lili looked at Bell and Kunihito. Bell had treated her kindly since then, and she felt a tightness in her heart. She didn't want to put him in danger, but her intuition was leading her forward, even though she had made a pact with Alexander…

"I… I have to go this way." she said, pointing to the dim corridor.

Kunihito furrowed his brow. "Little pallum, this path seems dangerous. Perhaps it's better to avoid it."

But Lili couldn't ignore the calling she felt within herself. She knew she was taking risks, but something bigger was at stake—her freedom.

"We need to go this way. Please trust me." Lili pleaded, looking into her friends' eyes.

Bell gazed at her for a moment, sensing the sincerity in her words. He trusted Lili and knew she would never purposefully lead them into danger.

"Alright, Lili. We trust you." Bell said, determined.

Kunihito shrugged his shoulders, realizing that something important was happening with the small support.

And so, the trio ventured down the dark corridor, unaware of what awaited them. As they moved forward, the mysterious gleam in Lili's eyes grew stronger, and she knew she was about to uncover something that would change their lives forever.

(With Lili: Flashback)

Lili's heart raced as she approached Alexander's lair. The place was dark and dangerous, but she had no choice. The Soma Family held her captive, and the only way to escape this nightmare was to strike a deal with the gang leader.

Entering the chamber where Alexander was, Lili tried to hide her nervousness. She knew she was taking a risk by proposing a deal with someone so dangerous, but the hope of gaining her freedom was stronger.

Alexander regarded her with a cold, suspicious gaze. "What do you want, Lili? You're not one to do business with me like this."

Lili took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "I have a proposition for you, something I'm sure will interest you."

The gang leader raised an eyebrow. "Go on…"

"I know who and where that half-elf you've been seeking is," Lili informed, carefully choosing her words.

Alexander nodded silently. "I can bring him to you in exchange for my freedom from the Soma Family. And believe me, he's truly powerful, worth the deal."

Alexander seemed to consider the proposal for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Are you sure he won't suspect or kill you in the process?"

Lili hesitated for a moment, but the image of the Soma family and years of imprisonment and suffering weighed heavily on her mind "He's strong, but I can distract him and bring him to you without any issues. I'll do whatever it takes to earn my freedom."

The gang leader smiled, revealing his sharp teeth "You're a clever girl, I like that. It's a deal, then. Bring me this half-elf, and you'll be free from the Soma Family, you have my word."

Lili felt a mix of relief and guilt. She knew she was betraying Bell, someone who had become her friend and whom she admired for his courage and kindness. But the prospect of breaking free from the yoke of the Soma Family was irresistible.

And so, the plan was set. Lili would pretend to befriend Bell, accompanying him on his adventures until finding the right moment for the ambush. She knew she was playing with fire, but freedom was worth any sacrifice.

The days that followed were filled with anguish for Lili. She felt Bell's friendship and trust growing each day, making it harder to stage the betrayal she had planned.

However, Lili was determined to proceed with the plan, even if it meant deceiving someone she admired so much. Uncertainty and inner conflict tormented her, but she couldn't turn back anymore.

Returning to the present time, the meeting in the dungeon was scheduled, the ambush was about to take place, initially meant to capture only Bell and use him against the half-elf, but things had unraveled thus far.

With that in mind, Lili knew she needed to lure Kunihito to that place, where Alexander's gang would be ready to capture Bell.

At the moment of the meeting, Lili looked into Bell's eyes, concealing her true intentions behind a forced smile. She despised herself for lying to him, but the need for freedom propelled her forward.

From that moment on, the dungeon became the backdrop for a dangerous and treacherous game. Lili was caught between the loyalty she felt for Bell and the burning desire to break free from the oppressive yoke of the Soma Family.

The true nature of this game would only be revealed in the future, when the consequences of her actions would fall upon her and everyone around her. And deep in her heart, Lili knew she couldn't escape the choices she had made. She would have to face the consequences of her actions, no matter how much it hurt her.

(Present)

The dark corridor was filled with tense silence as Bell, Kunihito, and Lili advanced cautiously. Bell trusted his support friend, but the atmosphere was strange, and he wondered what might be bothering Lillie.

"Is everything okay, Lillie?" Bell asked again, looking at her with concern.

She took a deep breath before responding. "Yes, everything's fine. It's just that… I have a strange feeling about this place. But don't worry, I'm okay."

As they moved forward, the darkness seemed to intensify, making the corridor even more ominous. Suddenly, the group came across a large room where about twenty adventurers were gathered, all of them under the command of Alexander, the young redhead who was sitting on a crate in front of them.

The gang leader observed with a satisfied smile. A shiver ran down Bell's spine as he saw the malicious look in Alexander's eyes.

"Hello, hello! What a surprise to find you here!" Alexander said, his melodic voice concealing his cruel nature.

Bell swallowed hard, staying alert. "What do you want?" he asked cautiously.

Alexander approached the group gracefully, like a predator closing in on its prey. "Nothing much, my dear. I just wanted to have a little chat with you all, especially with the half-elf."

Kunihito chuckled softly, not letting Alexander's words shake him. "Let's get straight to the point then. What do you want from us?"

Alexander feigned surprise, placing a hand over his heart. "Oh, but I just want a bit of information. Just tell me the name of the killer of one of my men."

Bell furrowed his brow, confused. "Killer? We haven't killed anyone. We're just adventurers here to explore the dungeon."

Alexander smirked maliciously. "Oh, I'm not talking about you two. I'm talking about that half-elf who's with you, Bell." The young rabbit shivered upon learning that the young redhead knew his name.

Kunihito raised an eyebrow. "My name is Kunihito, and I haven't killed anyone. You must be mistaking me for someone else."

Alexander laughed, enjoying the half-elf's reaction. "Oh, really? So you know nothing about the murder of one of my men, huh? Then tell me, what the hell do you want with me, after all?"

Kunihito crossed his arms, remaining composed. "I don't know what you're talking about. As I've said, I haven't killed anyone, and I don't even know who you are."

Alexander sarcastically clapped his hands. "Oh, what a shame. And here I was thinking I'd finally found the one responsible for taking out one of my men. Anyway, thank you for this little show." The young redhead then returned to his initial spot.

As Alexander sat on the crate, a dark smile danced on his lips. His eyes gleamed with a malicious glint, and his relaxed posture concealed a disconcerting tension in the air.

"I understand that you must be curious about what's going on here." Alexander said with a cheerful tone that echoed through the dark walls of the room. "And, well, I can explain everything to you, dear adventurers." Bell and Kunihito exchanged glances, still suspicious of the young gang leader's intentions.

Meanwhile, Lillie was nervous, knowing that she could no longer hide her treacherous plans.

Alexander continued with an amused air "You see, what we have here is a fortuitous meeting. I was looking for a half-elf who unfortunately seems to be somewhat unfamiliar with the murders of my men. What a pity, isn't it?"

Kunihito replied firmly "I've already said I have nothing to do with that. You're mistaken."

The gang leader smiled, appreciating the half-elf's courage. "Maybe you're right, or maybe not. The truth is, you're here, and that's all that matters to me right now."

Lillie felt a tightening in her chest. She knew she was partly responsible for the situation Bell and Kunihito were in now. However, the hope of finally achieving her freedom was stronger, and she knew she couldn't back down.

Bell intervened, trying to understand the situation "So, what exactly do you want from us?"

Alexander laughed, as if he found the question amusing "Well, you two have become an inconvenient obstacle for my plans. Lili here, my lovely informant, told me that you two are very powerful. And as I enjoy a challenge, I decided to have you here to settle this."

Kunihito furrowed his brow "Settle what? We don't want trouble with you or your gang. We're just regular adventurers here."

Alexander pretended surprise, clapping his hands again. "Ah, of course, of course! But you see, when you get involved in other people's business, you might end up in dangerous things. Like I said, you two have become a hindrance to me, and I can't just let you go on your way."

Bell, with a hint of anger in his voice, asked, "So, what do you want to do with us? If we want to leave your gang alone, there's no need for conflict."

Alexander got up from the crate, pacing back and forth, still with a sadistic smile on his face "You're right, maybe I've been too hasty. I don't want to waste this talent. After all, Lili here made a deal with me, and I like to keep my promises."

Lili lowered her gaze, feeling the weight of her actions. She had no choice but to face the situation she had created herself.

Alexander slowly approached Lili, looking her in the eyes. "You see, Lili, for me to fulfill my part of the deal, I need to eliminate these two. After all, we can't allow them to go around spreading rumors about me and my gang, can we?"

Bell looked horrified at Lili, and Kunihito squinted his eyes, finally realizing that she had purposefully led them into this trap.

"So, Lili, what do you say? Are you ready to fulfill your part of the deal?" Alexander asked, still with a cheerful tone, but his eyes burned with a cold and relentless determination.

Lili felt cornered, surrounded by her own choices. She knew there was no turning back, she had to let Bell and Kunihito die because of her. She was bound by the agreement she made with Alexander to secure her freedom.

Bell approached Lili, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "Lili, why did you do this? We trusted you."

Tears welled up in Lili's eyes. "I… I'm sorry, Bell. I didn't want things to come to this, but I needed… I needed my freedom."

Alexander laughed, seemingly enjoying the

situation even more. "Oh, how touching! Your friendship really is admirable, but I believe we've wasted enough time with this conversation. It's time to fulfill the deal."

"Lili, I--" Bell didn't finish his sentence, as Lillie was thrown away by a powerful kick to her stomach from Pallum "KUNIHITO-SAN!? WHY!?"

"Tch! Don't be an idiot, she was about to stab you just now, Bell. You need to focus on what's in front of you now, we're facing the enemy." Kunihito asserted.

"R-right…" Bell took a deep breath and assumed a combat stance, trembling as he had never faced humans before. "There are so many of them…"

"In total, there are 21, they're all weak, from what I've seen, they're just inexperienced adventurers, except for that red-haired boy. You can handle them, as long as you pay attention to your surroundings." Kunihito affirmed with confidence and drew his sword. "It's been a while since Balmung had a proper fight, Bell. Let's deal with these clowns, and we'll sort out other matters later."

"Oh!? That sounds fun! Let's beat the crap out of them!" Alexander said cheerfully as he turned to his gang "On my side, I have 20 men with me, while on the other side, there are only 2. If you run away from our opponents, I won't go easy on you. If any of you think about fleeing, I'll come after you and pull out each tooth one by one! Whether it's an elf, a kid, or even a God, it doesn't matter, I'll kill everyone!" Alexander said with a sadistic glint in his eyes.

"Bell, let's g--" The half-elf didn't finish his sentence when Alexander flew at him with a powerful punch, pushing him away from Bell and initiating a one-on-one confrontation.

(With Bell Cranel)

As Kunihito faced Alexander, Bell found himself surrounded by the twenty gang members. He firmly gripped his pair of blades, feeling the adrenaline coursing through his veins. The dungeon seemed to echo with the sound of clashing swords, and tension radiated amid the attacks.

With sharp reflexes and rigorous training, Bell evaded the strikes, dancing among his opponents. His pair of blades felt like an extension of his body, moving with precision. He attacked with speed and strength, taking down one enemy after another. The gang members, although on the same level as Bell, hadn't faced such a skilled opponent before. The young rabbit-like adventurer used his keen instincts and battle experience to overcome his limitations, facing each foe with courage and determination. He was giving it his all.

Bell knew he couldn't falter for a moment. Every move was crucial, and he needed to remain focused on all sides as his adversaries closed in. He leaped, rolled, and slid between opponents' legs, counterattacking with swift and accurate strikes.

The battle felt like a deadly dance, with Bell as the maestro. He channeled his magic to enhance his speed and agility, becoming a whirlwind of steel and fury. His blades gleamed with the light of fire, leaving a luminous trail in the air as he chanted "FIREBOLT."

The gang members fought fiercely, but Bell was one step ahead. He predicted their movements, found gaps in their defenses, and reacted quickly to each attack. His determination was unmatched, and he didn't allow fatigue to overcome him.

The fight was far from easy. Bell had to dodge strikes from swords, spears, and various other weapons while attempting to find openings to counterattack. Each blow he received was a painful reminder of his humanity and vulnerability.

Yet Bell didn't give up. He was determined to emerge victorious from this battle. His will was unbreakable, and he kept fighting with all his strength and skill.

Over time, Bell began to feel the exhaustion weighing on his body. His arms grew heavy, and his legs started to waver. However, he knew he couldn't give in. He had a goal to fulfill, and he couldn't disappoint.

Taking a deep breath, Bell gathered his last reserves of energy. He decided to risk everything on a single attack. With a shout of determination, he focused his magic into his blades and delivered a powerful strike that sent a shockwave of magic in all directions.

"FIREBOLT!!!" The gang members were thrown away by the impact, giving Bell a moment to catch his breath.

He was panting and wounded, but his determination was stronger than ever. Just when he thought the battle was won, the gang members got back on their feet, seemingly unscathed. They laughed, revealing magical armor that had protected them from Bell's attack.

Now, the young rabbit adventurer faced an almost impossible task. Exhaustion was starting to weigh too heavily, and facing twenty opponents in magical armor was a superhuman challenge.

However, Bell wouldn't give up. He filled himself with courage and focused on his magic. He channeled his inner energy, further enhancing his abilities. His blades gleamed intensely in the reflected light as he prepared for the final and most challenging confrontation.

The young rabbit charged forward with a war cry, attacking the gang members with unwavering determination. He dealt swift and accurate strikes, finding gaps in the magical armor and weakening his opponents.

The dungeon seemed to tremble with the ferocity of the battle, and all eyes were on the young rabbit. Bell appeared as a fearless warrior, defying all odds to achieve victory.

With every opponent he defeated, Bell drew closer to his triumph. His magic and skills reached new heights, and he became a force of nature that no one could stop.

However, the battle took its toll. Bell was wounded, exhausted, and on the verge of collapse. He could feel his muscles burning and his strength dwindling.

At the most critical moment, when it seemed he couldn't continue, a voice called out to him. It was Kunihito, who was fighting Alexander.

"Don't give up, Bell! We're in this together!" Kunihito shouted, tossing a powerful potion for Bell to drink.

Bell brought both blades together in an X shape and then shouted with all his might, "FIREBOLT!!!" The spell hit the remaining opponents…

Bell Cranel then collapsed from the exhaustion of overusing magic… But, he was the victor of this seemingly impossible confrontation.

(With Kunihito)

Kunihito wasn't proud to admit that he couldn't fully focus on the fight, as he was worried about Bell's condition throughout the battle.

Miraculously, though, Bell managed to defeat those enemies, and the half-elf smiled proudly.

"You look happy; your friend really gave my boys a good beating... Now I want to cut off his head more than anything." Alexander spoke somberly.

Kunihito shifted his attention to his adversary. "You wouldn't stand a chance against him." The half-elf taunted.

While Bell battled the gang members, Kunihito faced off against Alexander in a powerful duel. The half-elf was skilled and experienced, much stronger than the young gang leader. However, rather than defeating him swiftly, Kunihito chose to keep the fight balanced, giving Alexander a chance to prove himself.

At first, Alexander seemed puzzled by Kunihito's approach. He attacked with his sword, attempting to strike Kunihito, but the half-elf effortlessly evaded and countered just enough to maintain an equal fight.

"What's wrong with you?" taunted Alexander, panting, as he continued his attacks.

"I don't want an easy victory. I want you to fight with all your might." Kunihito responded with a mocking smile.

As the battle went on, Kunihito began to make negative comments about Alexander's fighting style. He pointed out his flaws, stating that his technique was poor and too emotional. Each word struck at the young swordsman's ego, making him angrier with every passing moment.

"You're nothing but an amateur!" Kunihito taunted. "Seems like you're not up to facing an opponent like me!"

Alexander clenched his fists, his anger manifesting in his actions. He activated his magic, releasing a powerful lightning bolt that struck the ground with force. It was his secret weapon, the magic "Thunder Zeus," which he used to cause massive destruction.

Kunihito knew he needed to be cautious. He continued dodging Alexander's attacks, but now he began to counterattack with more force. His fists delivered precise blows, and his magic intertwined with his movements, increasing

his speed and power.

The fight turned into a dangerous dance, with Kunihito and Alexander exchanging swift and potent strikes. Alexander was visibly frustrated by Kunihito's comments and was determined to defeat him at all costs. However, the half-elf displayed unwavering calmness, controlling the fight and avoiding any serious injuries.

In a surprising moment, Kunihito decided to sheathe his sword and face Alexander with just his fists. He wanted to prove his superiority to the gang leader even without using his weapon.

Kunihito's punches became even more accurate and powerful. He utilized his martial arts mastery to enhance his physical strength, landing rapid and devastating blows on Alexander. The young swordsman attempted to defend himself, but he was clearly outmatched by the half-elf.

"Do you still believe you're worthy of being a leader?" Kunihito taunted, evading a strike from Alexander.

"I am strong! I am powerful!" Alexander shouted, his voice filled with frustration. Kunihito smiled, knowing his strategy was working. He had Alexander right where he wanted him—acting on impulse and emotion.

With a swift movement, Kunihito disarmed Alexander, sending his sword flying. He continued attacking with his fists, humiliating him and showcasing his superiority.

As the battle continued, Kunihito seemed to grow more energetic. He was enjoying the fight, feeling pure joy in facing an opponent.

Alexander was exhausted and wounded but refused to give up. He channeled the last of his energy into a final effort, releasing the "Thunder Zeus" magic once more. Kunihito faced the magic head-on, his fists glowing with power. He absorbed the lightning's impact and retaliated with a fierce strike.

"Is this the best you've got?" Kunihito taunted. "I thought you were stronger than this!" Alexander gritted his teeth and attacked again, but his movements were slow and uncoordinated. He was clearly losing his strength.

Kunihito finally decided to end the fight. With a powerful strike, he knocked Alexander down, leaving him on his knees.

"Now do you understand the difference between us?" Kunihito said calmly, looking down at the fallen young swordsman.

Alexander looked at him with anger and shame. He finally recognized that Kunihito was more powerful and skilled than he was.

"You may win this battle, but the war isn't over," Alexander said, struggling to stand.

"You don't decide that." Kunihito then drew his sword once more "Longsword of Light!" He held the sword firmly with both hands, and all the sword's power was put into a single strike to the boy's chest, cutting through his armor.

"The only one who decides another's fate is the victor." Kunihito affirmed, swinging the sword to clear the blood from its blade.

Kunihito then looked around as he walked toward the unconscious Bell. He noticed something that deeply infuriated him; Bell had passed out from using too much magic, even though he had taken a potion to prevent it. "That damn potion!" The half-elf took a deep breath before tossing a healing potion towards Bell.

"You did well, kid… No, you did much better than expected." Kunihito then turned his gaze to a figure he knew was feigning unconsciousness.

"Do you think I'll forgive you for your betrayal, Pallum? You'll regret the day you even looked at us." Kunihito said ominously.

Kunihito's words echoed in the air, leaving Lili trembling with fear and regret. She knew she deserved to face the consequences of her actions, but she never imagined the confrontation would be so brutal.

"I... I was desperate." Lili murmured with a trembling voice. "I didn't want to betray you all, but I saw no other way to gain my freedom. Please, you need to understand..."

Kunihito interrupted her with an unrelenting punch, hitting her in the face and causing her to fall to the ground. The impact of the blow reverberated through the dungeon, and Bell awoke at the sound.

"Kunihito, stop!" Bell shouted, horror filling his eyes as he witnessed his friend being beaten.

But Kunihito didn't listen. He continued to strike Lili with fury and anger, venting all his frustration on the defenseless support member. Each punch was filled with force, and Lili face quickly became bloodied and bruised.

"You think you can manipulate us and betray us, and still deserve our understanding?" Kunihito shouted, his eyes flashing with rage.

"You played with our lives as if they were your puppets!" Lili tried to protect herself, raising her arms to reduce the impact of the blows, but her efforts were feeble against the half-elf's fury.

Alexander, who was lying on the ground after the battle, begged in agony for Kunihito to spare her.

"Please, stop! I forced and coerced Lili into doing this! She had no choice!" Alexander cried out, attempting to appeal to Kunihito's compassion.

Kunihito paused for a moment, his hand now stained with blood from a clenched fist ready to deliver another blow. He looked at Alexander, his eyes filled with disdain. "You're lying." Kunihito said with a cold and determined tone.

"I swear! I threatened her and pressured her into doing what I did!" Alexander insisted, though his words were merely a desperate attempt to escape punishment.

Bell, who was recovering from the battle fatigue, heard Alexander's words and approached, intervening in the dramatic scene.

Bell ran towards Kunihito and grabbed his arm, looking at him with pleading eyes. "Kunihito, stop! This won't solve anything," Bell said firmly.

Kunihito looked at Bell, his anger still palpable, but the young rabbit's gaze had a strange ability to calm the storm within him. Bell's words penetrated his mind, and he eased the strength of his blows, allowing Lili to move away and shield herself.

Lili retreated, hugging herself as she trembled with fear and pain. She realized she had no defense left against Kunihito's wrath, and she was now at his mercy.

Kunihito took a deep breath, attempting to control his emotions. He lowered his fists and let out a heavy sigh.

"You're right, Bell. I won't do this. She doesn't deserve to die by my hands." Kunihito admitted in a low voice. "But I can't forgive her so easily. She betrayed us and put our lives at risk."

Bell looked at Lili, whose eyes were filled with tears and remorse. He felt compassion for her, but he also understood the pain and betrayal that Kunihito might be experiencing – after all, he felt that way at this moment.

"We can't change what happened, but we can choose how to deal with it from here." Bell suggested. "Let her go. Justice will be served, but it's not up to us to decide her fate."

Kunihito hesitated for a moment, struggling internally with his decision. Finally, he exhaled. "Go, Pallum. If I see you again, I won't be as gentle." Kunihito said with a voice laden with repressed anger.

Lillie didn't need to be told twice. With one last look of pain and regret at Kunihito and Bell, she ran off, disappearing into the shadows of the dungeon.

"And what about the others?" Bell asked Kunihito.

"We'll take care of them," Kunihito affirmed.

(To be continued...)

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