Before anyone knew it, a year had passed since the departure of the Zeus & Hera familias' remnants. The scars of Evilus fighting the Freya, and Loki familia started becoming a bit more visible. There were no overly major events anymore, but there were plenty of people thoroughly scared for what the future may hold. And one of those things was the notice on the guild bulletin.
"The Moon Pup managed to reach level 6 in just a year?!"
"Something ain't right with that boy. He's really strong."
"Hey, maybe he can do something about Evilus-"
"Oh shove it! You call yourself a man? How dare you push such a burden on a single boy!"
"The other familias haven't done shit right this whole time. And they also have a level 6, that Ottar guy, nicknamed King."
"Yeah, there's no sense in trying to force this boy to take action-"
This was about the time that another notice began spreading by word of mouth.
"Hey did you hear? There's this rumor that the Freya and Loki familias are working to deal with Evilus, as a measure the guild thought of. Meanwhile, Hathor familia's expedition team is handling the dungeon exploration."
"Oh, so he's their mascot or something?"
"I also heard that Moon Pup had actually leveled up months ago."
"What? No way, that'd mean he leveled up in less than a year!"
…
Shurry was doing his best, but that day in particular was tough. He was at the grave site, fixing the arrangement and laying memorial flowers. Usually when people came to mourn they'd fall to their knees, and then cry. However, Shurry refused to kneel, no matter how much he wanted to in that moment, he also knew that they wouldn't want him to.
Ardee held his hand, and placed her head on his shoulder… No one had to say anything, It was quite clear they were starting to fully realize their shared feelings. So much to the point, she could feel what he felt without the need for a racial based instinct. Something that Neze had grown extremely jealous of.
He had been out of the dungeon for too long, Evilus had been rather quiet after their fiasco with him. So, Shurry had to go back into the dungeon. He wanted to go hunt again. And seemingly knowing what he was thinking Ardee smiled.
"I'm not letting go until you agree to take me with you this time."
"It'll be dangerous-"
"I don't care."
"Then, you'll have to promise you'll stay with my pack regardless of what happens."
"I will."
"Then we can go."
"Yay! A dungeon date!"
…
"Absolutely not!!!!" A furiously beat red Shakti screamed at the top of her lungs. Adamantly refusing to accept what she just heard. "You're not going in the dungeon without me!"
"But Shurry's way stronger than you are big sister!"
"It's not his strength I worry about. He's a boy, and you're a girl!"
"So what?! That has nothing to do with my safety in the dungeon!"
"Yes it does! What if he attacked you!?"
"What do you mean, big sister? Surely you aren't thinking of something weird and dirty now are you?"
Ilta is on the other side of the room, rolling around on the floor, laughing her whole ass off. Ganesha is having a similar reaction trying to keep up the pose he'd finally got in, acting like it was the perfect one.
"I am Ganesha!" He shouted out, breaking up the argument. "Shakti, are you sure you're not claiming your own thoughts to be his?"
Ilta stopped, looked at Shakti, and… "PFFT AHAHAHA! SISTER COMPLEX!"
Shakti, was half embarrassed, and half infuriated. "No! I just don't want to lose my last relative!" She retorted… Completely unconvincingly as she then pouted.
"In that case, Ardee, you have my blessing to adventure with your boyfriend. Stay safe down there. Young man, you better keep her safe while she's in your care. For I am Ganesha!" He struck a pose, and smirked with confidence.
Shurry struck a similar pose, thinking it was funny. "For I am Shurry!"
The two let out a similar bit of laughter, as if something only guys could understand had been conveyed.
…
Days later, the duo arrived on the 50th floor, Ardee was exhausted but she still got some intensive training while down in the dungeon. With the aid of the wolves, she even managed to kill a few different types of level 4 monsters. Each time everyone celebrated her achievement, growing to a point where she'd done it enough, the wolves began to treat her with a similar degree of respect, though it was different, more caring and supportive in nature.
The one doing this the most was the second strongest wolf in Shurry's pack, who'd also been the 1st wolf to ever willingly follow him. Which said a huge deal about the relationship Ardee and Shurry had…
They'd had a decent rest, getting enough time to sleep, and get all washed off. They'd even washed their clothes. Neither cared much about them aside from their functionality. For Shurry, he had 3 years living in Telskyura, a place where, well, Amazoness walked around however they pleased, he was also a werewolf that liked to feel the air on his skin hence why he wore very little… There was also the whole, he grows massive whenever he wants. As for Ardee, she'd had about 60% of her baths with Shurry… There was reason to worry about anything.
Waking up to the crystal's light. They got ready, and continued their hunt. From here on, it was all brand new to Ardee. What she witnessed with how Shurry handled Cadmus, sparked something deeper. Mother, he's so strong! I love him… Finally, they reached the entrance to the 52nd floor.
"Alright, everyone, come back." Shurry retracted all of his wolves.
"Huh? What's going on?"
"Uh, hmm… The next few floors are a bit too dangerous even for the stronger wolves."
"So, how do I keep going?"
"Come on, get on my back. I'll carry you through."
Their piggy back ride through the dangerous 52nd through to the 58th floors was both the best, and worst moment for Ardee.
"I'd be scared if I wasn't with you."
Shurry blushed a little, and picked up the pace, adding in a bit of monster slaying while he ran. Eventually reaching the 58th floor, where Ardee saw for the first time, the magnitude of the horrible sights the dungeon had to offer… But she also saw how powerful he was, when the restraints came off. Big sister, there's no way you'd believe me if I told you what I've seen down here. They were strong, just like this, no wonder Evilus got a big boost ever since then…