Chapter 15. "I'm Not Worried" is the Biggest Lie a Teacher Tells

[Arc3] - 15. "I'm Not Worried" is the Biggest Lie a Teacher Tells

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"New equipment!"

Bell jumped up excitedly, clutching the round shield and short sword. He was wearing the light armor that Hestia had casually bought for him, claiming it "looked pretty suitable."

Of course, part of the reason was that it was called the Rabbit Armor.

"Thank you so much, Teacher! Thank you, Goddess!"

"It's nothing. It was just a little thing for me," Hestia said, crossing her arms and pretending to be relaxed.

But that was a lie! Even if she worked two jobs for hundreds of years, she would never be able to repay the debt for the Hero's Blade, not to mention covering daily expenses.

"Well, it's just a small gift," Cyd stretched and yawned. "Your vacation's over, Bell."

"Yes, sir!" Bell strapped the shield onto his left arm. "I'm all set."

"Today, you'll go to the dungeon alone. I'm not feeling up to it today, but I trust you can handle it on your own," Cyd rubbed his stomach. "In a few days, I'll give you an evaluation. For now, just focus on getting into the groove."

"Yes, sir!" Bell said, excitedly waving his short sword.

Even as a rookie adventurer, he could tell that the equipment he held was exceptional. He couldn't wait to dive into the dungeon.

With these two pieces of equipment, he felt confident enough to challenge even the tenth floor!

"Oh, and Bell, remember this," Cyd said, placing his hand on Bell's head. "You are still you."

"Huh?"

"No matter how sharp your sword becomes, no matter how sturdy your shield is, you are still you. Nothing has changed," Cyd said, gently ruffling Bell's hair.

Hestia watched with a blank expression.

It really felt like petting a rabbit...

So jealous!

"You just have more things you can do now, more responsibilities to handle. Don't disappoint us. The Hero's Blade will always be with you, and this shield," Cyd's gaze softened, "will protect you on your journey to becoming a hero. Don't willingly 'let go' of them."

"Teacher..." Bell was in a daze, the excitement of getting new equipment fading away.

Yeah, these two pieces of equipment were gifts from the Goddess and Teacher, and they were blessings that he absolutely couldn't betray.

"I will become a hero."

Rows of text began to glow around the edges of the shield and along the blade of the short sword.

"I'm looking forward to it," Cyd said with a faint smile.

"I'm off!" Bell, carrying a bulging backpack, dashed out the door.

"When will you leave?" Hestia asked in a complicated tone.

"When Bell becomes the hero he's always dreamed of," Cyd chuckled, "when I no longer have to worry about him."

"Tch! Bell has me; he doesn't need you worrying about him," Hestia stuck out her tongue at Cyd in a childish manner.

It's because you're here that I have to worry...

Cyd rubbed his forehead in exasperation.

"Anyway..." Cyd pulled out a helmet and tossed it in the air. "I'll follow him and see if my dear student really doesn't need me."

"I thought you said you wouldn't follow him," Hestia rolled her eyes.

"'I'm not worried' is a common lie teachers tell," Cyd said, stepping out the door. "Until a student truly grows up, no teacher can be at ease~"

"Honestly..." Hestia sighed lightly, watching Cyd's back. "It's because of that that I can trust you with Bell."

Maybe by that time, you'll be able to leave without worries, but... what kind of expression will Bell wear when he has to say goodbye to you?

You who have not yet reached the end, Pure White Hero...

Hestia patted her face, "No! I have to work hard too! After all, Bell is my child!"

…

It was just an accident, yes, just a coincidence that I met a strange person!

Adventurers in this world are all the same!

Lili tugged at the brim of her hat. Though she was used to it, she still didn't want to meet those contemptuous gazes.

What a shame, that box that could transform into a bow must have been worth a lot.

But the box was too big! I couldn't carry it! And it definitely wasn't because of that white-haired guy that I gave up on it!

Lili patted her face and started looking for a new victim.

A streak of white appeared in her line of sight.

"Cy... no, it's not him," Lili lowered her hand.

This guy was too much of a novice. The shield, which was obviously a rare item, was strapped to his left arm, and he looked so naive that he hadn't noticed the numerous adventurers eyeing him.

But since no one could figure out if he was part of some powerful Familia, they hadn't tried to "team up" with him yet.

Well then, Lili wouldn't hold back.

Lili squinted her eyes and started walking towards Bell.

"Hey, white-haired brother! Do you need a supporter?" Lili looked up and flashed a bright smile.

"Me?" Bell was startled and pointed to himself, his voice uncertain.

"Yes," Lili nodded.

Who else could it be!

Bell squatted down, "Sorry, it's just that no one has ever asked to team up with me before."

"Ugh..." Lili took a few steps back.

Why did he act just like that other guy, with the same expressions and actions?

"Sorry! Did I scare you?" Bell was flustered.

"No, I'm Liliruca Arde. Just call me Lili, adventurer brother," Lili clenched her fists, then relaxed and smiled.

"I'm Bell Cranel. Just call me Bell," Bell extended his hand.

"Uh..." Lili stared at his hand in silence.

Is this guy an idiot?

Someone like her, with an unknown background who suddenly approached him, should be seen as suspicious at the very least. At least, don't look at me like you're trusting me with your back!

"Bell-sama, are you agreeing to let me be your supporter?" Lili didn't shake Bell's hand but instead stared straight into his eyes.

"Yes," Bell grinned, "I'm just a novice adventurer, but you can rely on me."

Is he pretending, or is he just a naive fool?

Lili would never trust an adventurer!

Stare----

"Uh-huh!" Lili shivered and looked around.

It felt like someone was watching her, no, someone was definitely watching her!

"What's wrong?" Bell tilted his head.

"Nothing, Bell-sama, it's just a little... ahem, let's hurry and head out!" Lili coughed lightly.

"If there's any problem, be sure to tell me," Bell said, patting Lili's head, still concerned.

"Okay," Lili lowered her head.

"Let's go!" Bell raised his left hand, holding the shield. The holy inscriptions on the pure white shield glowed softly, even under the sunlight.

"Okay," Lili squinted, examining the shield on Bell's arm.

Stare----

Lili shivered again and shrank her neck.

The sense of being watched was growing stronger, like someone was standing right in front of her, staring at her.

At this moment, Cyd, wearing the Hades Helm, was bent over, staring directly at Lili.