After a great battle, there must be benefits... Ah, no. There won't be any this time.
In the Twilight Manor, all members of the Loki Familia were discussing the battle.
Spirits were high, and almost half of the members immediately packed their bags to go leveling in the Dungeon that very day.
After all, the training grounds at the Twilight Manor were completely unusable now.
That night, everyone at the dinner table had a great appetite, eating and drinking ravenously.
One reason was to celebrate the birth of a powerhouse in the Familia, and the other was to prepare themselves for the hardships of going down into the Dungeon.
Amidst this lively atmosphere, only one person was sulking.
Bete wore a long face, his teeth practically grinding sparks.
Compared to Ais, who had gained new life, he still hadn't avenged the hit he took from the "Ox." Even more infuriating was that despite his frantic training over the past two days, his ability score had only progressed by one point.
Not just a little, but 1 point!
At this rate, forget catching up to Ais, he probably wouldn't even be able to get his revenge!
"No, this won't do!"
Crunch! Bete crushed the cup in his hand, and the resentment emanating from him sent shivers down the spines of those around him.
Compared to him, the atmosphere around Ais was warm and pleasant.
People kept coming over to toast her, saying various congratulatory words, and then, before Ais could even respond, they would be urged by the people behind them to chug their drink!
"Hah... It finally quieted down a bit."
After seeing off the last group, Ais finally had some free time to chat with her companions.
She usually sat with the Amazon sisters and Lefiya; the four girls had a strong friendship.
"Miss Ais, you were absolutely, incredibly cool today!!"
Lefiya's eyes were twinkling with stars, and she looked like she wanted to pounce on Ais for a cuddle.
"Exactly! Exactly! That last move was like a natural disaster! It was super powerful!" Tiona enthusiastically recalled the fight.
As for Tione, she was on the Captain's side, so she was slightly unhappy that Finn had lost, but she didn't hold any resentment towards Ais.
After all, they were from the same Familia and close friends. If it had been anyone else, Tione would have slapped them silly already.
"Oh, right, Ais, how did you suddenly manage to use those techniques today?" Tiona asked crudely.
This question immediately drew everyone into recollection. Eugene's appearance and smile resurfaced in their minds.
His combat stance, and his actions, would remain vivid in the minds of the young women for many years, if not forever.
"That person... his swordsmanship was very strong," Ais said, her eyes slightly distant. "I just thought it would be useful, so I learned it."
"No other reason?" Lefiya asked on a strange impulse. The moment the words left her mouth, she regretted it! Ahhh! How could I ask such a question!
Sure enough, Ais's expression froze for a moment, then dimmed. She forced a slight smile: "It's a good way to remember him constantly."
The air fell silent for a moment. Seeing the mood become heavy, the others wisely said nothing more.
After eating silently for a while, Tiona saw Lefiya with her head tucked low, looking downcast, and actively asked:
"Do you have any plans for the next few days, Lefiya?"
"Tione and I are planning to go down into the Dungeon for training!"
"Do you want to come along?"
"Ah!" Lefiya suddenly looked up, very excited: "Yes, I do! Thank you for inviting me~!" She shyly turned to Ais: "Miss Ais... will you come too?"
Ais looked at her, hesitated for two seconds, and surprisingly did not agree.
"Sorry, Lefiya," Ais said, blinking her golden eyelashes. "Finn and the others spoke to me earlier, asking me not to move around freely these days."
"Ah~~~~~" Lefiya wilted completely upon hearing this.
She knew Ais wasn't deliberately distancing herself, but being separated like this still felt heavy in her heart.
I have to work hard! I must learn Simultaneous Chanting quickly and shed the label of a burden as soon as possible!
The Elven girl recalled the scene where she had endangered her companions, and a strong resolve immediately surged forth.
I must become stronger! At the very least, I can't keep relying on my companions! As a Mage, I will absolutely become the pillar of support for everyone one day!
Just as their meal was drawing to a close, Finn and the others appeared in the main hall. They exchanged a few brief pleasantries and then led Ais away.
"Wow, Ais is already on a different level from us."
Tiona scratched her head resignedly. Although their levels were high, they weren't yet at the point of participating in major decisions.
Ais, however, had clearly reached that stage, and perhaps even higher.
Finn's strategies now required Ais's approval to be executed. As the saying goes in this other world, might makes right!
In the council hall, the Three Greats, along with Loki, were seated opposite Ais.
She seemed a little uneasy; after all, she usually discussed things with everyone.
But the plan Finn was telling her about this time was very important. In fact, it was centered entirely around her.
"Hehe, little Ais is so strong, and yet she still gets nervous."
Loki swung her slender legs, looking cheerfully at Ais, who turned her face away, unwilling to meet her gaze.
"The situation is roughly this, Ais." Finn explained the considerations they had made:
"Since many people witnessed your power increase that day, it's inevitable that those with ulterior motives will spread rumors."
"Although I hope we're overthinking it, because the members of the Freya Familia are a bunch of unique warmongers, it's unavoidable that they might want to cause you trouble."
"Especially Ottar."
"That guy has been at Level 7 for seven years. Hearing about a rising star like you, he will certainly feel compelled to challenge you."
"If we let you go into the Dungeon soon, it could easily lead to conflicts that go beyond control."
His expression was serious, and his logic was clear: "While it may sound like a form of house arrest, since you've reached this position, I still hope you can prioritize the bigger picture."
After the serious talk, it was time for the supportive words. This was the cue for the others.
Gareth looked at the slightly disheartened Ais and chuckled: "Hehe, don't be so disappointed. We don't want to cage you."
"To be honest, this old man can't wait for you to beat that Ottar guy into a true pig's head!"
"But, having said that, you are still Level 5. Fighting us is a gradual process, but if you run into those guys, the situation might not be as simple as you imagine."
Ais knew that the situation in the Dungeon changed in the blink of an eye.
However, having to give up the opportunity to advance and simply sit at home when she was "hot" would inevitably make her feel frustrated.
Finally, it was Riveria and Loki's turn.
"Ais, we know what you're thinking, but if you want to become stronger, you need a plan."
Riveria's goddess-like smile bloomed: "With your current level, the only way to advance further is to level up."
"So, can you tell me what great feat you want to achieve?"
"Hmm..." Ais pondered for a moment, about to speak, but was interrupted by Loki.
"Soloing the Floor Boars of the 37th Floor, the Skull King Udeus, right?"
Loki smiled shrewdly, completely seeing through Ais's mind.
The Skull King Udeus was estimated to be Level 6, and not only was he incredibly powerful, but he could also summon a large number of skeleton soldiers and use an Earth Spike ability.
This was the Boars Ais soloed in the original story with her Level 5 and Ariel skill, a feat that allowed her to be promoted to Level 6.
However, that was the achievement of the un-enhanced Ais from the original plot.
The current her possesses the combat power of Level 6 peak or even higher. Facing Udeus now, even if she won, it wouldn't be anything special.
After explaining this, the group fell silent. Even Ais had to agree. In her heart, she no longer felt any fear toward that tall, black skeleton monster.
This was the mindset one has when facing a guaranteed victory.
"So, if you want to cross your limits, you must go deeper." Finn gave a confident smile.
Deeper, stronger, and more oppressive than Udeus. The only monster that fit the bill was the One-Eyed Giant Balor on the 49th Floor!
That was a monster that the Loki Familia could only overcome by pooling all their strength. Its estimated ability reached Level 7!
Even the mighty Ottar was unable to defeat it alone.
After all, he always worked solo, and descending into the Dungeon was an extremely energy-consuming journey.
By the time any team reached the 49th Floor, they would be exhausted.
Under such conditions, one still had to summon all their energy and courage to face that terrifying giant.
"That's right!" Loki clapped her hands. "The leveling plan we've designed for you, little Ais, is..."
"To solo Balor during the second expedition to the 49th Floor!"
!!!
Ais's heart quickened. She looked at the shining faces surrounding her, feeling a strong sense of care and love.
This feeling was different from the past. She was no longer just a combat force accompanying the army.
This time, she would carve a path for her Familia companions!
Just as Eugene had once told her:
Don't always think about letting others support you. Only by becoming strong enough can you save everyone!
Her face gradually glowed.
"Mhm!" A heavy nod in response to the meeting symbolized the formation of the decision!
"Then, the time is set for two weeks from now!"
Loki grinned, and the will to fight surged in the hall.
"Let's fight together for the future of the Familia, my children!"
Please watch...
Ais's eyes were firm. I will surely sever all the fated endings!
...
On the other side.
"Destiny is about to shift again."
Eugene lay languidly on a rocking chair, raising his hand to shield his eyes from the sun. On his hand, faint threads seemed to twist and deform.
After becoming stronger, Ais wouldn't be rushing into the Dungeon.
Udeus was no longer enough to satisfy her. She would have to wait until the second expedition to get a chance to level up.
This meant she would miss a significant encounter in her life: the meeting with the fallen spirit emissary.
However, this was a good thing for Eugene. Because he could finally bring about the long-planned meeting!
"Hey, are you this carefree every day?"
A cold voice tinged with dissatisfaction came from behind.
Ryuu stood gracefully behind him, completely unaware of what mischievous idea Eugene was plotting this time.
What she didn't know was that this time, it truly was a "ghostly" idea: a meeting between the living and the dead.
"Miss Ryuu, do you still remember the wish you made?"
He looked at the Elven girl with a smile. Her beautiful face flushed, thinking he was about to bring up their vows of love and perhaps make some vulgar gesture.
But to Ryuu's disappointment—ah, no, surprise—Eugene was referring to her very first wish: to personally apologize to her goddess and tell her departed companions that their efforts had not been in vain.
"You can personally tell 'her' these things." He had smiled and made the promise.
"Please help me go to Rivira Town on the 18th Floor to pick up a package."
"Once it's done."
"I will fulfill your distant wish."
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