Perhaps it was because Mama Mia had scolded her thoroughly last time, but when Renjiro (Aether) brought Welf again to The Hostess of Fertility, Chloe didn't pull any of her… frightening antics this time.
Of course, it was the dinner rush. She was a waitress. She didn't have the free time to mess around even if she wanted to.
So, after an uneventful but extremely satisfying meal,
"Get a proper rest tonight. Think about your 'level-up' tomorrow."
"And stressing over it now won't do anything. Your training performance hasn't reached the standard yet, so talking more is pointless."
"I just want you to have the goal in mind first. With a goal, you'll push harder."
"Oh, got it."
After spending several thousand valis on dinner, Welf took the large package containing the Universal Shovel prototype from Aether, waved farewell, and headed toward the Hephaestus Familia residence in the Industrial District.
As for Aether, now completely free,
"Night's fallen… and Lumine over there is already… oh, she's pushing deeper again."
Standing in front of the tavern, he closed his eyes and sensed the situation of his very special, not-so-smart little sister.
As previously mentioned, Lumine wasn't just functioning as the fixed "Starry Abyss" buff core this time, she was also pushing the limits of how deep a solo adventurer could go.
The first target he'd assigned her was the entrance to the Deep Floors, Floor 37.
He believed that, with Genshin Descent active, she should be able to push a bit further.
At least…
"Two more floors down, Floor 39 is the first 'Safe Floor' in the Deep Zone."
"If Lumine can reach it, she can use it as a relay point. I could establish a base there, one that only I know exists."
"And after that…"
Everyone knows: while monsters may wander into a Safe Floor, it does not naturally spawn monsters, nor will the Dungeon devour anything inside it.
So now that Aether can set two teleport anchors,
If Lumine sets one there,
Future solo expeditions are going to be so much easier.
Thinking of that, he let out a small sigh.
If only Paimon's "Time Freeze" didn't drain so much power… I could've relied on her alone to speed up exploration.
But as it was now, he needed to physically reach a location before summoning Paimon to record the anchor.
Sigh. Be satisfied with what you have.
Most adventurers don't have conditions anywhere close to this.
Seeing the tavern staff begin clearing tables, Aether decided to leave quickly, for his own safety, and returned to the Freya Familia's lodging in Field of War.
The night passed quietly…
==========
For the next three days, Aether met with Welf daily to enter the Dungeon, fulfilling his promise to train Welf's greatsword technique.
At the same time, he worked toward accumulating the final 1 point needed for his own Magic stat to max out.
Meanwhile, Lumine's proGareth unfolded exactly as Aether had predicted. Once she entered the Lower Floors, her solo-speed dropped significantly. She had only just reached Floor 37, and not without several pretty close calls.
Thankfully, because she was alone, unlike the Loki Familia expedition, which had to carry supplies and protect large numbers of members, her risks were easier to control.
Plus, she now had two additional Genshin spirits assisting her.
So every crisis… was just barely overcome.
During these days, Lumine made full use of the Starry Abyss mana recovery bonus, moving in a sleep-by-day, push-by-night pattern. This allowed her to summon more combat spirits while also avoiding overlapping dungeon time with Aether.
As for Aether's luck in the meantime…
It sucked.
He pulled weapons. Non-stop.
But hey, he got four copies of Dawn Blade, max-refined it to R5, and completely upgraded Lumine's gear.
Small victory.
==========
Finally, on the morning of the fourth day,
"With the two days we spent preparing the Universal Shovel, there isn't much time left before the one-week deadline I set."
Walking through the early streets at 6:30 AM, Aether was calculating:
"Both Ningguang and Barbara are already Lv.20. Their weapons are maxed for current limits."
"Ningguang's full operational plan for the Universal Shovel business is ready. Only execution and final prep remain."
Thinking this,
"Yeah. No more delaying."
He concluded sharply:
"We move forward today. Welf challenges his 'Great Achievement.' If he fails, he'll need more time sharpening himself."
"And after that, I can proceed to level, Huh?"
He had just reached Central Plaza when he saw Welf sprinting toward him.
And the guy was completely unarmed. No gear. Just plain clothes.
"What's going on?"
When Welf arrived, panting heavily, Aether raised an eyebrow.
"Something came up?"
"Ah, yeah, sorry!" Welf pressed his hands together over his head and bowed. "Our Familia received a large emergency commission from the Guild last night. Everyone has to help."
"This is from Hephaestus-sama directly. So for the time being, I won't be able to enter the Dungeon."
"Oh?"
Aether didn't mind, but still asked:
"What kind of commission requires mobilizing your entire Familia?"
"If it's inconvenient, "
"No, it's not confidential. You'll hear it from the Guild later anyway."
Welf waved his hand and quickly explained:
"Yesterday, the Hermes Familia returned and reported that the monsters in the Large Tree Labyrinth have gotten much more violent."
"Some of the outer zone monsters even broke out and attacked nearby villages and towns."
"Our Familia has been assigned to provide emergency equipment to the stationed military and adventurers responding to the situation."
"Even apprentices who just learned how to handle a forge are being pulled in to rush production."
"I only slipped out to tell you, really sorry for breaking the plan."
He finished quickly and immediately turned to run back.
"Emergency situations happen. I don't mind." Aether waved casually.
And honestly… this worked out for him.
He was planning to push Welf today, but if Welf needed time, that was also fine.
"So once you're free, we'll regroup."
"Got it! Thanks!"
Welf shouted back as he sprinted away.
Aether watched him disappear into the Industrial District… and then slowly narrowed his eyes.
"Large Tree Labyrinth monster riot…?"
Could it be… that thing?
"…The timing doesn't match… does it?"
=============
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