Ten minutes before the start of the operation.
Inside a huge room on the 13th floor of the dungeon, off the main route, every adventurer assigned to the Fifth Unit had gathered there without exception.
Their expressions varied, nervous, excited, fearful, worried, hesitant.
Clearly, when facing an unknown enemy, everyone had more or less some degree of fear. Even though the one leading their unit was Fron.
Looking forward, at the front of the formation, stood two valiant, heroic girls, women who were in no way inferior to any man.
The pure white holy robes and the ornate staff highlighted a sacred aura. The girl radiating a saint-like warmth needed only to stand there for the restless army to gradually calm down.
In all of Orario, there wasn't another person who could do that.
[Dea Saint] Amid Teasanaire, the city's number one healer. Although she had only just been promoted to Lv.3, her all-purpose recovery magic alone was enough to support an entire frontline.
Her presence was like a shot of adrenaline for the adventurers, swift and effective.
Standing next to her was [Alchat] Anakitty Autumn.
As Fron's assistant and deputy commander, she was the one who usually relayed almost all orders to the unit.
As the commander of the Loki Familia's second-tier forces, Anakitty was equally well-known throughout the city.
No adventurer failed to recognize her. Though her prestige couldn't match Amid's, her stern expression paired with top-tier beauty and overwhelming presence made her just as convincing.
And standing in front of the two, at the very forefront of the formation, was the one leading the entire unit.
A Lv.6 adventurer of the Loki Familia, Night Weaver, Fron Argon.
Dressed in black, cloak fluttering, magical radiance and cold gleams intertwined over his weapons.
In the depths of his blue eyes flowed a terrifying magical power like a volcanic eruption, profound and mysterious.
His presence was like an anchor in a storm, holding the entire unit together as one rope, allowing them to exert their full strength in the coming battle.
"Didn't expect our unit's commander to be Night Weaver… that's so reassuring…"
"Yeah, according to rumors… I heard he can also use Lady Amid's healing magic, doesn't that mean…"
"That's right, basically two Dea Saints. Nothing could be more reliable…"
...
With his extremely sharp senses, how could Fron not hear those murmurs?
But this was exactly the effect he wanted, so naturally he had no intention of stopping them.
Instead, he quietly let out a breath of relief. This was his first time leading a unit on his own, much less a mixed unit composed of adventurers from various familias.
Compared to the seasoned and crafty Finn, Fron was still young in this regard.
There was nothing he could do, this was simply the difference in experience and seniority, something no amount of book knowledge could make up for.
Thankfully… Fron's sheer strength had at least stabilized the morale of these people.
"Fron, it's about time." Anakitty's soft voice reminded him at his ear.
"Mm…" He nodded lightly, then under everyone's gaze, he took out a Communication Crystal.
Right on time, the Communication Crystal transmitted Finn's voice from the surface.
"Everyone, listen up."
Even without Fron saying a word, the noise within the unit receded like the tide, and all adventurers instantly focused on him and the Communication Crystal he held.
"The operation is about to begin. As previously instructed, each unit will charge into the artificial labyrinth along the designated routes. Proceed to the fourteenth floor and eliminate the six targets, 'Fallen Spirits.'"
Through the Communication Crystal, [Nine Hells] Riveria, and [Elgarm], Gareth stood at Finn's sides.
As their leader, Finn's voice was calm, and one could clearly hear unwavering determination within it.
Do or die, huh…
Fron thought to himself. It was obvious Finn had already steeled his resolve, either they lived or their enemy did. A no-retreat, all-in commitment.
At this moment, whether in the Daedalus District or within the dungeon, everyone who could see through the Communication Crystals heard his firm, unshakable words.
"I'll say this first. There is no wealth, no fame to be earned in this battle. We will head toward death unnoticed by anyone, throwing ourselves into a death match that brings no reward."
"Those who fall here… even when their names are carved upon their tombstones… their gallant deeds will remain unknown to the world. Just like the Dionysus Familia."
The first part had no problem, everyone was already prepared for that.
But that last sentence… it made Fron curl the corners of his mouth involuntarily.
Others didn't notice, but Anakitty and Amid standing beside him immediately sensed a whiff of conspiracy and mischief.
"…?" He felt someone tug lightly at his sleeve.
Turning his head, he found two pairs of bright, shining eyes staring straight at him, making him uncomfortable.
Then Amid leaned closer, whispering secretly into his ear:
"You know something, don't you? Let me guess, something related to the Dionysus Familia? Hmph, I thought so. Back when they were swallowed by that 'green flesh,' your expression was totally different from everyone else's. No shock, no grief, none of that. You must know something. You definitely do."
[T/N: Yea right, when the green wave was swallowing everything, Amid was standing nearby and watching Fron's expression instead of running away.]
"…" Amid's few quiet words sent tidal waves crashing through Fron's heart.
This woman's sixth sense was… terrifying, to say the least. She had figured this much out from such faint clues? There probably wasn't a second person in all of Orario who had noticed.
This was the gods' scheme, after all!
"You-"
He had just opened his mouth when both Amid and Anakitty pressed their fingers against his lips.
"…"
Amid smiled with narrowed eyes, while Anakitty's small face remained stern as she stared hard at him.
"What's done is done. Don't cause unnecessary trouble. Just let Finn finish."
"…Fine."
But what they didn't know was that the adventurers behind them had seen this whole three-way exchange.
"Damn… as expected of Lord Weaver. Even the Dea Saint and Alchat are head over heels for him. I'm so jealous…"
"Heh. If you had his good looks and his strength, you could surpass him easily. But you don't."
"…"