"Wait… Are you telling me you haven't reached Level 2 yet?"
Riveria's voice rang with disbelief. She furrowed her brow as she processed a glaring detail in Shirou's story. With stats still at Level 1, he had reached the 17th floor of the Dungeon—alone.
How could someone accomplish something even veteran adventurers would hesitate to attempt? And worse, do it all by himself?
"Yes. After all, I've only been an adventurer for about a month."
Shirou's answer came with an unsettling calm. His serene expression stood in stark contrast to the stir his words caused around him.
To him, it wasn't anything extraordinary. It was simply… natural. There were very clear reasons why he could accomplish what others deemed impossible.
The first was his Magic Circuits—an entirely different system from the standard of this world. While local adventurers required hours to recover their mana, Shirou regenerated his at an accelerated pace, as though he had an inexhaustible reservoir.
More than that, his Falna hadn't just amplified the power of his Circuits—it had harmonized them with the magical energy of Orario, creating a hybrid system of astonishing efficiency.
On top of that, his base stats exceeded the usual limits. While most adventurers maxed out their attributes at 999, Shirou could reach 1199—despite not having leveled up yet.
But above all, it was his combat experience that set him apart. Unlike most who began their journey battling goblins on the first floor, Shirou had been forged in life-or-death battles.
He had faced the worst of human nature and the supernatural during the Holy Grail War. It had shaped his mind and spirit.
That's why he was able to achieve the unthinkable.
"In just a month, you went from rookie to someone about to reach Level 2? How is that possible!? Do you have some kind of rare skill!?"
Still trying to process everything, Tiona grabbed Shirou's shoulders and shook him, as if trying to force the answers out of him.
Tione approached from the other side, her eyes narrowing in assessment.
Surrounded by the two Amazonian warriors, Shirou was completely caught off guard. His face turned red all the way to his ears—not out of embarrassment for his deeds, but from the sudden physical contact he was entirely unprepared for.
Ais stepped forward, ready to join the other two, but Finn extended an arm to stop her.
"Alright, I know everyone has a million questions, but this isn't the time or place for them."
He glanced around.
Adventurers from other familias were already whispering amongst themselves. Eyes turned toward Shirou with a mix of awe, curiosity, and even envy.
"Who's that guy with the Loki Familia?"
"Is he new? No way... I saw him fighting earlier. He doesn't move like a rookie."
"Could he be a secret member of the Loki Familia?"
The rumors spread like wildfire. Shirou's very presence seemed to throw the balance of everything into chaos.
Noticing the attention, Shirou quickly pulled away from Tiona and Tione, stepping back with a modest gesture.
"Let's talk more at home, Captain. I still need to finish this expedition."
He spoke with quiet humility, though he knew every eye was now on him. Then he turned and resumed leading the group, pressing forward without hesitation.
"Wait! I'm coming with you!"
Ais finally broke free and rushed after him.
Tiona and Tione exchanged glances—and without a moment's hesitation, they ran after her.
Bete followed shortly after.
"Where the hell are you all running off to?!"
Riveria sighed, massaging her temples in exasperation. This reckless youth was exhausting. In the blink of an eye, five of them had vanished from sight.
"Alright, Riveria. Let's head back too. I've got a lot to ask our goddess."
Finn's mind was still reeling from everything he'd heard. Shirou's story was almost unbelievable… but there was no reason to doubt it.
"We'll return as fast as possible!"
"Yes."
With Finn's command, the Loki Familia adventurers began their march back.
As the surface drew nearer, Finn muttered under his breath:
"I hope our goddess can give me a convincing explanation..."
---
At Twilight Manor – later that night...
Loki sat with her arms crossed, brow furrowed, silently studying Shirou.
"So that's how it is… I knew you were different, but going to the 17th floor on your own? That borders on insanity. If I'd known about it sooner, I would've waited for the support team to return and sent someone after you!"
The mood in the room was tense. All of the top members of the Loki Familia were present, including Gareth, who had led the support squad. All eyes were fixed on Shirou.
He shifted uncomfortably under the pressure. Being the center of attention had never been something he enjoyed.
Then, Loki smiled.
A wide, mischievous grin.
"It was reckless, yes… but I'm proud of you. That's what being an adventurer is all about!"
She slung an arm around Shirou's shoulders and gave him a light pat on the back. The tension in the room immediately dissipated, replaced by smiles and laughter.
"Outstanding! Facing the impossible with courage—that's what makes an adventurer!"
"He may not be the strongest yet, but his fighting spirit is incredible."
Those words came from Gareth and Finn.
Shirou felt a warmth rise in his chest. For the first time since arriving in Orario, he felt like he belonged. Like he was part of something.
"You're always so humble... but accept it. This is your comrades recognizing you."
Loki gave his shoulder another pat and turned toward the others.
"Isn't that right?" she said.
"Yes! Shirou's the best!"
"Keep it up! We believe you'll become one of the greatest!"
"You broke our princess's record! We believe in you!"
Amid the enthusiastic cheers, Shirou raised his head, eyes sparkling.
"Yes!" he replied, filled with emotion.
It was wonderful to feel accepted. These people truly cared about him—they didn't see him as an outsider, but as a real member of their family.
Bang!
Loki slammed her hand on the table with excitement.
"Today calls for a double celebration!"
"Everyone returned safely from the expedition, and our newest member showed what he's made of! How could we not celebrate a night like this?!"
"Let's party like never before, everyone!"
Joy swept through the manor.
Shirou smiled.
Yes... it was good to be cared for by others.
---
(End of Chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."