Months later several things had been going on during this time; Evilus stopped any organized actions in one half of the city, where the remaining half had a few small-scale attacks, where the civilian death toll was always single digits. It was a mess for sure, but not too big to claim that the attack wasn't contained… Though that was purely an idea meant for the people to cope with the situation, to include the familias in charge of guardian that half of the city.
A Ganesha familia guard, posted at the dungeon's entrance, yawned.
"Hey, cut that out. You'll make me yawn too."
"Sorry, it's just been a really long shift. And the captain's training has started to run me ragged."
"Heh, you and me, both!"
The other guard heard a noise. "Hey, are there any other parties scheduled to return today?"
"No, why?"
They both heard the sound this time. And, blew their warning whistles. The need for heightened security had created a few changes, though they were simply annoying crutches that Leon did look down on in this situation. However, he didn't deny their effectiveness.
The central square, usually filled with adventures, was like it always was. And they all prepared for battle the moment the whistle blew. Suddenly at a moment's notice there were hundreds of adventurers ranging from level 1 to 3 prepared for the worst when…
"Hey, what's all the racket f'r? You starting a marching band or something?" Bokhoir, in his utterly totaled armor appeared from the dungeon entrance slowly revealing the rest of the expedition party.
The guards relaxed and one spoke up. "Apologies, Bokhoir the Bulwark. We heard a noise, and were preparing for a potential Evilus attack."
"Ah, good on ya then. It must have happened a few times by now to create such a loud and obnoxious tool… You're better off using your lungs, than that rinky dink thing."
"Huh, you too huh? The Knight of Knights said the same thing. Basically it's a crutch we shouldn't be using."
"If you ever get down to where we were for our expedition, you'll see exactly why it's more of a hindrance than a crutch. That's not to say it doesn't have its uses. Just ones that are very easily done in other ways." He chuckled, reassuringly, then raised his fist up to the sky. "HATHOR FAMILIA RETURNS FROM A SUCCESSFUL EXPEDITION!" He relaxed, and then smirked. "See, just like that."
Bokhoir and the rest of the familia walked through the streets, back to their home, to present themselves to their goddess.
…
Assembling in their main hall, still fully dawned in their equipment that might as well be called, tatters at this point. Armor barely stayed in place, robes were torn, burned, and scuffed. All of this was presented to their patron god, Lady Hathor, in all its splendor, telling a tale of everyone's struggle plain enough for anyone to see… They all earned the right to level up.
Hathor counted her familia's children by head and name. Her lips curled into a larger, and brighter smile as the number became whole. "Not a single loss…"
"All of Lady Hathor's children have returned home, and as promised, we didn't come back until we thought we'd earned the right to level up. The slow poke this time was Shurry." Bokhoir bellowed.
"And, where is Shurry?"
"Huh? He and Ardee were right there just a moment ago."
Shurry, carrying Ardee on his back, appeared right next to Hathor.
"Mother, I've come home."
"OH! You're so cute! And in need of a bath! Come on, let mommy wash your hair. You too Ardee." She paused… "Know what, you probably won't mind sharing it as you are now… Just for today, Expedition members get the bath first, but you gotta go together. I'll do status updates in the private room later."
The chefs, noting everyone's return, smirked. "You're all gonna eat well tonight!"
"Eat and get drunk! Woo!"
"It's been so long! Love that stuff!"
"Bring it on chefs, we've got some empty stomachs here!"
"Ahahaha! Everyone…"
""WELCOME HOME!!!!!""
A bath later, and all other plans for the night changed to drinking, and enjoying life. Some of the drunks had a little bit more than dancing occur… The results of which would add another mouth to feed later down the line… Fact is, there were few who didn't indulge. Shurry was among those who abstained, the thought of it still gave him nightmarish flashbacks. Ardee was simply being curious, asking the others about it. And all the while, Hathor updated everyone's status.
The results were clear… Two brand new level 6s, a handful of level 5s, many level 4s, a ton of level 3s, and even more level 2s. It was a bargain bin sale of level ups. Shurry remained level 7, despite earning a lot of points… He wanted to push the limits of every level so he could always stay ahead of the curve.
In any case, there was no longer any dispute, Hathor familia will soon be seen as the strongest without question, among the city's people.
…
Baldr was updating Malik's status in their own special home they owned in the city. "Malik, what the hell did you do down there?"
"I'm not exactly sure how to describe it yet myself. But I have slain at least 5 or 6 monster rexes on my own now. With one of them being a level 7. If that didn't level me up, I don't think I ever will."
"Oh you leveled up alright, your status has significantly improved. You actually maxed out all abilities at level 6. And… Congratulations, Malik, you're level 7. You should go talk with Leon now. He could use some company. But how did everyone do?"
"Everyone definitely earned the right to level up… Shurry… He's strong. I still can't fathom the true depth of his strength. It's almost like something has been holding him back. What that thing is, I can't say. Could have just been him worried about everyone else, and so help back enough to never need to worry about surprises. He's undoubtedly surpassed Leon."
"Amazing. I'm glad I was able to rescue him from that country."
…
Shakti was pacing back and forth debating on what to do next. Ganesha told me to stay here and wait for Ardee to come home, but I want to see my sister! I need my little sister!
"Hey, calm down. I'm positive she'll return home soon. If nothing else she needs to do that to level up."
"WHAT! But if she levels up before me, how am I supposed to keep being the big sister…" She stopped pacing. "More training! Lots more training!"
…