"Their relationship has improved a lot."
In Finn's office at the northernmost spire.
Riveria, the elven woman clad in a green robe, looked down through the transparent window at the two figures practicing swordsmanship in the courtyard.
Seeing the two gradually engage in normal conversation, with a faint smile appearing on Ais's face, Riveria couldn't help but curl her lips into a satisfied smile.
"Such motherly concern, how nice!"
"Shut up, dwarf. I'm only in my nineties, which is still very young by elven standards!"
Riveria's expression turned cold as she shot an annoyed glance at Gareth, who was sitting on a low stool and laughing heartily.
However, she didn't feel any aversion to being called "mother." In fact, she found it quite satisfying.
The sense of accomplishment from raising Ais was incomparable to her.
"Still, there are some troubles too."
Finn, sitting casually with his legs crossed, scanned the corners of the courtyard with a pleased smile on his face.
A white-furred wolfman with wolf ears and a tail.
An Amazoness girl with brown skin and short black hair.
And an elven girl with golden hair tied into a ponytail.
These three were hiding in various corners of the courtyard, each glaring at the center with gritted teeth.
"My, what kind of relationship will develop between them? It's so exciting!"
Finn's face was filled with the smile of someone who enjoyed watching drama unfold.
"I will call Tione over."
Riveria shot him a cold look.
"...No, let's not do that."
The thought of the overly affectionate Amazoness sister made Finn's smile disappear instantly.
"Let's get down to business."
Finn cleared his throat, his expression turning serious again.
"This time, there might be a Level 1 newcomer joining the expedition group."
"Oh?"
Gareth looked surprised.
"Wait, Finn."
Riveria's expression shifted, and she frowned at Finn. "The only Level 1 newcomer in our familia is Eiji. Are you planning to bring him along?"
"Calm down, Riveria. I didn't phrase it accurately."
Finn stopped Riveria's agitated tone. "To be precise, it's a newcomer who will soon level up to Level 2. By the way, I've already confirmed this with Loki."
"Leveling up to Lv.2...?!"
"Wow!"
Both Riveria and Gareth were visibly shocked.
And it was confirmed by Loki herself... Was the fastest levelling record in Orario about to be broken? And by a junior from their own familia, at a speed more than ten times faster?
"He approached me himself, asking to join the expedition. If I'm not mistaken, he plans to use the expedition to quickly accumulate experience after reaching Level 2. He'll probably level up to Level 3 at an astonishing speed."
Finn clasped his hands together, resting his chin on them, his expression filled with hope. "To be honest, although you might think it's a bit fast, I want to place him in the second army for training."
"The second army... the reserve for executives?"
"Hoho!"
Raul Nord, Anakitty, Alicia, Lefiya... These were the core members of the Loki Familia's second army. Aside from Lefiya, they were all top-tier Level 4 adventurers and genuine candidates for executive positions.
If anything happened to the first army, this group would be the spark for the Loki Familia's resurgence.
And now, Eiji's name had been added to this list—a mere Level 1 newcomer.
"Given his levelling speed, it's not really up to us to say anything, is it?"
Riveria glanced at Eiji, who was now teaching Ais sword techniques in the courtyard, and couldn't help but chuckle.
"I agree."
"Same here."
"Then it's settled."
Finn made the final decision.
***
At the archway of the Tower of Babel.
"Weapons, potions, lunch... everything's ready."
Line, carrying a large backpack, checked the items inside.
"Sorry for making you accompany me to level up even though the expedition is so close."
Eiji, fully equipped and wearing a cloak, spoke to the two in front of him.
"It's fine. We also want to accumulate as much experience as possible before the expedition. It'll make things safer during the expedition."
Line waved her hand dismissively, showing no signs of minding.
"However, starting tomorrow, we might not have time. We need to prepare for the expedition, like maintaining our weapons. Especially Lefiya's staff—it takes a lot of effort to maintain."
Lefiya puffed out her cheeks, gripping her staff tightly.
Her staff, named "Forest's Teardrop," was made from materials with high compatibility with spirits. It was a second-tier piece of equipment in Orario, worth nearly a million Valis.
Because it was such a valuable item, maintaining it was a hassle. She had to take it to a specialized magic tool shop, and it couldn't be used for the next few days.
"Then today is the last day."
Eiji lowered his head in thought.
If they continued as a team, they should be able to reach the 18th floor tomorrow, where levelling would be even more efficient. But if they couldn't continue as a team, there was nothing to be done.
With his current strength, which had increased several times over, he should be able to level up alone around the 15th floor. While the efficiency might not be as high, it shouldn't be too far off.
"Are you angry?"
"...No."
"You're not still mad about me laughing at you yesterday, are you?"
"That's not it! I'm not that petty!"
Lefiya puffed out her cheeks, turning her head away and presenting the back of her head to Eiji.
This morning, she had seen Eiji practicing swordsmanship with Ais, which had left her utterly shocked!
From Tiona, she learned that they had been practicing together for several days, but she hadn't known about it.
This left Lefiya feeling uneasy.
She admired Ais and hoped to become close friends with her, to have the kind of relationship where they could pat each other's heads.
While hiding in the corner and watching Eiji in the morning, she couldn't help but imagine herself in his place.
But when she looked at Ais, she started daydreaming again, unconsciously picturing herself practicing staff techniques with Eiji.
When she came to her senses, it scared her.
'Lefiya, Lefiya! You can't betray Miss Ais! This man may look good on the outside, but he's rotten to the core!'
Lefiya lectured herself in her mind.
After confirming their supplies, the group soon entered the arched entrance and descended the silver staircase to the first basement level of the Tower of Babel, stepping into the dungeon's only entrance.
After they entered.
Several Amazoness in the hall exchanged glances. One of them left to report, while the others stayed behind to monitor the entrance.
After that, every two minutes, an Amazoness entered the Tower of Babel. Half an hour later, more than ten Amazoness had entered the dungeon.
***
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