At the very moment the Evilus faction made their resurgence, the isolated and barbaric Kali Familia was suddenly smuggled into the city with outside help.
The timing was too coincidental. Just as Finn had pointed out, it was hard not to connect the two incidents.
If it was the work of Evilus, then having the means to smuggle people in wasn't entirely impossible.
"What about the Kali Familia's movements?" Eiji suddenly asked. "After they left Northwest Boulevard during the day, they charged straight toward the Tower of Babel. Were there any leads there?"
"From gathering information among bystanders, the three members of the Kali Familia rushed into the Dungeon in one go and haven't come out since," Finn shook his head. "I had Raul send people to monitor the Dungeon's entrance. We'll get word as soon as they emerge, but so far, there's nothing."
I see.
If only I had stopped them back then.
Eiji thought regretfully. Who would've guessed those guys might have ties to Evilus?
"But it might not necessarily be Evilus behind this, right?"
"If that's the case, then it's even more troublesome. Because then we wouldn't even know who helped smuggle them in, let alone how to investigate their motives."
"That's true."
Ultimately, this should have been the Guild's responsibility. For the Loki Familia to take it upon themselves with such limited manpower was already a thankless task.
But for the sake of Orario's safety, as the ones standing tallest, they had no choice but to hold up the crumbling sky.
"Anyway, let's wrap up the remaining post-expedition tasks in the next couple of days. Then we'll focus entirely on combing through all of Orario—we must uncover Evilus' rat tails!"
"Understood!"
...
A storm was brewing over Orario, as if an unseen hand was manipulating everything from the shadows.
But only a handful could sense this looming threat. The vast majority of ordinary citizens remained immersed in the excitement brought by the Loki Familia.
Breaking through the unprecedented 59th floor, seven Level 6 adventurers—Orario erupted in celebration. The uproar was no less than when Eiji had leveled up. Praise for the Loki Familia filled every street and alley, with many even declaring them the undisputed strongest Familia.
Of course, outsiders had no idea just how swamped the Loki Familia was right now.
Even the goddess Loki herself had taken to the streets to gather intel on Evilus.
"I get the reasoning, but why do I have to come along?"
Walking through the alleys of North Main Street, Eiji, concealed under a black cloak, couldn't help but roll his eyes.
"You wouldn't leave a defenseless beauty like me to face danger alone, would you?"
"Pfft."
"What's so funny?!"
Loki grumbled irritably at him.
These were extraordinary times.
If the enemy targeted a Familia's greatest weakness—their god—and sent them back to Heaven, the entire Loki Familia would be finished.
Though most people wouldn't dare disrespect a deity out of reverence, Evilus was full of lunatics. Who knew what they were capable of?
Under Finn's repeated admonitions, Loki had no choice but to compromise—she had to bring at least one executive as a bodyguard whenever she went out.
And Eiji happened to be free today.
That's right. While all the other executives were busy handling post-expedition affairs, he alone had nothing to do and was even considering heading into the Dungeon to level up.
Who else would Loki ask but him?
Ultimately, it was because he had demonstrated extraordinary business acumen that even Finn was astonished, waving his small hand to exempt him from handling Familia duties.
For safety's sake, Loki brought the idle Eiji along as her bodyguard.
"By the way, where are we going today?"
"To meet an ally!"
Loki had her hands stuffed in her pockets, swaying as she walked, looking utterly carefree.
She didn't resemble a goddess in the slightest—more like a street thug.
The two crossed the northern district and entered the northeastern main street, where they found a rather upscale bar.
Despite the "Closed" sign outside, Loki walked in without hesitation.
The interior was quiet, with tasteful and luxurious decor that exuded understated elegance.
Two figures were already waiting inside.
"Finally, Loki. If you'd taken any longer, I'd have thought I was being stood up."
The one who spoke with a wry smile was a man with long golden hair.
His beauty was the kind that could enchant women with just a smile, and his glass-like pupils held a profound depth, giving him an air of unfathomable mystery.
A god.
Sensing the unique divine aura around him, Eiji nodded slightly to himself.
"Yo, Dionysus. Sorry for being late."
Loki grinned insincerely as she pulled out a chair at the bar and sat down.
"Care for some wine? The selection here is excellent—I highly recommend it."
The god named Dionysus didn't seem bothered by her casual attitude and simply gestured slightly to the bartender.
"Oh? Such generosity?"
Loki, a notorious alcoholic, was immediately hooked.
"Of course. You know how particular I am about wine."
Dionysus smiled with pride, yet it remained refined, exuding gentlemanly charm.
"Pwah! This is damn good stuff!"
Loki took the glass and downed the bright liquid in large gulps, her eyes lighting up as a flush spread across her cheeks. She couldn't stop praising it.
"The brewing techniques here are top-notch, and they use the finest ingredients from the lower world. It'd be impossible for it not to taste amazing!"
"The finest ingredients?"
"Indeed. This place uses grapes grown by Demeter's Familia."
"Ah, no wonder it's the best!"
Loki suddenly understood.
Eiji's heart nearly stopped.
What the hell? Why did Demeter come up here?
That goddess was the deity of agriculture, wasn't she? After descending to the lower world, she dedicated herself to cultivating better and more abundant crops to eliminate famine and calamity. Rumor had it her Familia supplied over half of Orario's vegetables, and she herself was one of only three gods permitted by the Guild to move freely in and out of Orario—quite the prestigious status.
More importantly, Eiji had once spent a passionate night with her.
The sudden mention of her nearly scared him to death.
But now that he thought about it, he felt a bit nostalgic. The key point was—her breasts was truly massive, even bigger than Freya's!
"Won't you introduce me to this one?"
Dionysus turned his attention to Eiji standing behind Loki, his glass-like pupils betraying no emotion whatsoever.
"I believe you're quite familiar with this follower of mine. There shouldn't be any need for further introductions."
Following his gaze, Eiji looked behind him.
And there stood a white elven maiden.
How pure.
That was the first impression that flashed through Eiji's mind upon seeing her.