Damien, Ais, and Tiona returned to Twilight Manor together, their steps unhurried as they moved through familiar halls. When they reached Loki's office and pushed the door open, they found the usual pillars of the familia already assembled. Loki lounged behind her desk, boots kicked up. Riveria stood nearby with her arms folded. Finn and Gareth occupied the far side of the room, mid discussion.
Loki's eyes lit up first."Oh? Well if it isn't the star of yesterday's shouting match. Damien, we were just talking about you."
Finn gave a polite nod, his sharp gaze briefly flicking to Ais and then to Tiona, lingering a moment longer on the Amazon's hand looped comfortably around Damien's arm. He said nothing, but he noted everything.
Gareth, on the other hand, had no such restraint."Oy, kid," he boomed, grinning wide. "Heard you and our two swords slept at an inn last night thanks to that storm. Sounds like a lively way to pass the time, eh?"
Ais stiffened instantly, heat rushing to her cheeks. Tiona did the opposite.
She leaned into Damien openly, hugging his arm against her chest like it belonged there, because to her, it did."Yep. Very lively," she said brightly. "Me and my master had a great night."
She rose on her toes and pressed a quick, confident kiss to Damien's cheek, then spun away and dropped into a chair with theatrical ease. Ais, feeling the challenge like a spark under her skin, stepped in and kissed Damien as well, quieter but no less intentional, before taking a seat beside Riveria.
The room went still.
Eyes widened. Brows lifted. Gareth let out a low whistle.
"Master?" he repeated, then laughed heartily. "Hah! Bold one, that Amazon. Can't say I'm not impressed. Proud of you, lad." He gave Damien a heavy thumbs up.
Loki stared.
First at Tiona.Then at Damien.Then back at Tiona.
And then her face split into a wicked, delighted grin.
"Ohhhh, this is rich. One day. One damn day, I wake up and one of my Amazons is proudly declaring herself owned." She lunged forward, grabbed Damien by the collar, and yanked him down, pressing his head against her chest as she ruffled his hair roughly. "What did you do to my familia, you little menace? Should I file a guild complaint for corrupting my Familia?"
Damien didn't struggle.
He simply endured it with practiced smile on his face, eyes half lidded
Tiona leaned back in her chair, hands clasped behind her head, utterly unapologetic.
"I chose him," she said plainly, her voice strong and unashamed. "Amazon law is simple. We serve strength. We bind ourselves to it. I am his servant, his woman, and his blade. I stand where he stands."
She turned her head slightly, grinning."And if other women want a master worth kneeling for, I'll gladly bring them to him. A strong man should never stand alone."
Riveria's throat cleared sharply, the sound slicing through the room like a blade of ice."Ahm....That is enough. Whatever personal arrangements exist are not the subject of this meeting."
Loki released Damien with a final tug, snorting."Tch. Fine, fine. I'll save my screaming for later."
She dropped back into her chair and folded her hands together, eyes sharp once more."Well then, Damien. Since you're already here, It's time we talk about the subject of this meeting"
Loki leaned back, her fingers steepled. "We're planning an expedition… a long, serious expedition. The kind that tests every skill, every bond, and every ounce of strength you've got. And we want you to be a part of it."
Riveria's voice followed, measured and calm. "With your Shadows and the rate of your growth, you've already proven yourself capable of such a challenge. Of course, there is no pressure. This is a dangerous journey. If you refuse, you are more than welcome to."
Gareth leaned forward, voice grave. "Consider it carefully, kid. The last expedition of this scale… seven years ago… it ended badly. Two months away from home, away from peace, from your goddess, good food, baths, safety. And we watched too many of our people die."
Finn added, serious. "There is no shame in refusing, Damien. Our training expedition eight months ago only reached floor 51—and even then, many of our comrades were lost."
Loki's gaze sharpened. "Our goal this time is floor 59—the same floor we failed to conquer seven years ago."
Damien paused, taking a slow breath, the weight of their words settling. Then, almost casually, he said, "Honestly… I'm in. I've been waiting for a challenge like this ever since I joined. I know the dangers, and I accept them. That's the life we chose as adventurers."
He paused for a moment. "But I need to know—when does the expedition start? I'll need some preparation."
Loki gave a small, confident smile. "You won't need to worry much. The Loki Familia will handle most of the logistics—food, supplies, weapons, everything. You just need to be ready mentally and physically. The expedition is expected to start a month and a half from now. Use that time wisely. Train, spend time with those you care about, prepare your will… No matter how confident you are, there are no guarantees in the dungeon."
Damien nodded, eyes steady. "Understood. A month and a half is enough for me. Thanks, Loki… for giving me this opportunity."
Loki's grin widened, sharp and approving. "Don't thank me. You've earned it. Everyone in this room wants you there and they're relying on you. That isn't something just anyone can achieve."
With that, Damien stood and nodded his head before leaving Twilight Manor. The corridors of the city stretched before him, but his mind was already home, thinking of Hestia and how to tell her about the coming expedition. A new challenge awaited
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