Chapter 18 – The Return of Loki Familia from Their Expedition!
"Ahh… Finally, we're back. I swear, I missed the sunlight on the surface more than I thought."
"Stop whining like a child. This isn't your first expedition."
"Still~ it was so boring…"
"Hmph. As long as the captain's with us, I'd follow him anywhere—even to hell."
"…Ugh."
The light banter echoed between two young, dark-skinned girls—both Amazons, and unmistakably sisters.
The younger one sighed, her expression weary as she glanced at her older sister, who had once again descended into a fit of romantic obsession. This… wasn't the first time.
Around them marched a large, imposing group. Strong, composed, and radiating confidence.
There wasn't a single weakling among them.
This was a full party of top-class adventurers from Orario, every one of them armed with elite gear and seasoned experience.
"All right, Tiona. That's enough whining. We've made it back."
The speaker was an elegant elf, walking calmly at the center of the formation. Her every movement exuded authority.
Without a doubt, she was someone of high standing within the group.
"Yeah, yeah~ I know."
Tiona—the younger Amazon—replied in her usual carefree tone. She hadn't been complaining seriously, just voicing boredom.
"It's fine, Riveria. This expedition wore everyone out. Once we're back at the manor, take a proper rest. Gareth and I will handle the aftermath."
A calm, firm voice came from the very front of the group.
The man who spoke was small in stature—almost slim compared to the others—but no one present doubted for a second that he was their core.
Their leader: Finn Deimne.
"For real!? Long live the captain!"
Tiona leapt in delight.
No post-mission paperwork? No meetings? For a battle junkie like her, that was heaven-sent.
"Finn… you're just dumping all the work on me again."
A gruff dwarf grumbled from the rear of the group—Gareth Landrock, veteran and loyal right-hand man.
"Oh, come on. We all worked hard out there. As the elders of the party, let's show some responsibility, shall we?"
"Tch. Trying to look like the good guy while dragging me into it, huh?"
Even though he grumbled, Gareth didn't actually object. Their years of adventuring together had forged an unspoken trust.
Back then, they used to butt heads all the time—but now? They were comrades who'd charge into death side-by-side without hesitation.
"Hehe~ Then I'll leave the rest to you guys! Time to chill~!"
Tiona grinned as she practically skipped through the corridor.
Among everyone present, she was clearly the happiest.
"Captain! Allow me to assist you!"
Right on cue, Tione—the older sister—rushed to Finn's side, eyes gleaming with devotion.
She wasn't just a loyal subordinate. She was a diehard fanatic. A full-on Captain Finn simp.
No matter what he said, to her, it was absolute gospel.
"That won't be necessary, Tione. You've worked hard too. It's your turn to rest."
"No, Captain! If I can stay by your side—even if it kills me—I'd gladly accept it!"
"U-Uhahaha… That's really not necessary, I swear…"
Finn scratched his cheek awkwardly, his polite smile struggling to hold against Tione's relentless intensity. He'd long gotten used to it—but it was still a lot.
"Agh… My dumb older sister again…"
Tiona shook her head and sighed. Honestly, she'd lost count of how many times this exact scene had happened.
It was almost comical. For a race like the Amazons—known for their carefree attitudes and liberal approach to relationships—how in the world did this girl turn out so hopelessly devoted to one man?
Amazons, after all, were a warrior race.
They lived wild, dressed light, and fought fiercely.
Physically, they were practically identical to humans. But all Amazon offspring were female—there were no males.
To sustain their bloodline, they sought partners from other races. And thus, their culture encouraged them to "hunt" men.
In Orario's infamous Red Light District, most of the women working there were Amazons—proof enough of their lifestyle and openness.
But Tione was an anomaly. A rare mutation.
She devoted herself entirely to one man—Finn Deimne—and no one else.
Like a pure, unwavering woman swearing loyalty for life.
— — —
Suddenly, a thunderous tremor echoed from ahead.
It rumbled through the stone corridor, shaking the ground beneath their feet.
Everyone immediately snapped to alert.
They were still in the Dungeon. Until they reached the surface, nowhere could be considered safe.
"Riveria, which floor are we on right now?" Finn asked calmly.
"…The twelfth floor."
"Seems like there's a fight going on up ahead."
Finn narrowed his eyes, his senses sharp. Years of experience told him exactly what kind of sound that was.
It wasn't the ambient noise of the Dungeon—it was the sound of a battle.
"Ohhh? A battle!? Now that's what I'm talking about!"
With a gleeful grin, Tiona sprinted forward without waiting for permission. She'd been bored stiff during their slow march back.
Finn and the others followed. Their path to Orario would take them right through the disturbance anyway.
— — —
Dungeon – Floor 12
A swarm of monsters had appeared.
But they weren't hulking beasts or terrifying dragons.
No… they were tiny, adorable-looking rabbits.
But these were no ordinary rabbits. With a single horn on their heads and glowing red eyes, they hopped in a massive, aggressive pack.
Unicorn Rabbits (Almiraj)—monsters common in the upper levels of the Dungeon.
They were small, absurdly fast, and attacked in coordinated waves. Their size made them difficult to hit. In large numbers, they were a nightmare.
And right now?
At the center of the storm stood one person:
Shin Akira.
Whish—whish—whish!
Dozens of horned rabbits lunged at him from every direction.
But Akira—thanks to his honed instincts and agility—dodged each charge with elegant footwork, countering with swift, deadly thrusts of his spear.
Shadowkhan warriors fought around him, summoned from the darkness of his shadow. They were efficient, but not invincible—some fell under the relentless onslaught.
Still, Akira danced through the chaos like a wild beast.
His movements were fluid. His timing, precise.
Every motion was part of a rhythm, a battle-honed flow born of raw instinct and relentless training.
To an outside observer, it looked less like a fight and more like a performance—a dance of death.
Tap—tap—tap—
Footsteps echoed from the connecting hallway between Floor 12 and 13.
Tione arrived first.
She halted the moment she saw the scene before her—eyes widening slightly in surprise.
She didn't recognize the young man battling alone in the midst of the swarm.
But even so… one thing was clear.
He wasn't that strong—yet.
But his combat sense, his mastery of weapon control, and his fearlessness under pressure… were nearly flawless.
A few moments later, Finn and the rest of the Loki Familia arrived.
And when they saw what was happening—
All of them paused, stunned into silence.
Even among top-tier adventurers… there were few who could fight like that.
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