Four days passed in the blink of an eye, and, as if time itself had mercilessly sped up, the long-awaited day of the expedition finally arrived.
In the calm of his room, Shirou adjusted his combat gear in front of the mirror. He wore his usual attire, now reinforced with materials obtained from the deeper floors of the dungeon.
Running his hand across the sturdy fabric, he murmured to himself, a determined light flickering in his eyes:
"Excellent."
The most significant change, however, wasn't the armor. Hanging at his side rested a new weapon—his latest masterpiece.
A scarlet-bladed katana, its surface gleaming with a glow almost alive. He had named it [Bloedige Glorie], the Bloody Glory.
A name chosen not merely for aesthetics, but as a promise—that he would forge his own glory on the battlefield, staining it with the blood of his enemies.
Shirou rested his hand on the hilt, taking a deep breath.
"Even if I'm only in the rear…" he muttered, a trace of frustration in his voice.
The resentment was inevitable. Though he had been assigned to support from behind, his heart yearned for the frontlines. He was an archer, yes, but his soul longed for direct combat.
Unfortunately, reality would not allow it. His strength was still not enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with the veterans. He knew this. And, as much as it hurt, he had to accept his role.
After carefully checking every detail—supplies in his pack, elixirs, emergency tools—he fastened the strap on his shoulder and opened the door to his room.
In the hallway, two figures were already waiting for him.
"Good morning, brother!" said Ais in her usual calm tone, though with a faint spark of energy that only Shirou would notice.
"Good morning!" Lefiya added, smiling brightly.
Shirou answered with a firm nod, and together they walked toward the courtyard of the Twilight Manor, where the members of the Loki Familia were beginning to gather.
---
In the courtyard, the atmosphere buzzed with activity. Every adventurer radiated energy and expectation.
And, at the center of it all, stood Loki.
Arms crossed, the goddess watched her children like a commander about to send her army into war.
The mischievous expression—her trademark—had completely vanished. In its place was a firm, commanding aura that reminded everyone that behind the jokes stood a true deity.
"Fight with everything you have!" her voice rang out, clear and vibrant. "Show Orario the spirit of the Loki Familia!"
"Yes!!!"
The unified response lifted everyone's spirits.
Next, Finn stepped forward. Small in stature but immense in presence, the captain of the familia commanded respect with just his gaze. Loki glanced at him and gave a brief smile.
"Take care of them."
"Yes."
With that short but meaningful exchange, Finn turned to the group, raising his hand in command.
"Prepare to move out! Our rendezvous point will be the central plaza of Babel Tower!"
"Yes!"
The courtyard shook with the firm response of the adventurers.
---
Amidst the crowd, Shirou walked silently. At his side, Ais moved with composure, while Lefiya chattered endlessly, excitement glowing on her face.
It was always like this: Lefiya spoke, Ais replied in short words. But ever since Ais began training with Shirou and unexpectedly started calling him "brother," Lefiya had even more to talk about.
For her, who had always admired Ais as a role model, it was as if the heavens had blessed her life twice. Now Ais wasn't only her inspiration but also Shirou's "sister"—making Shirou her older brother as well.
The thought nearly overwhelmed her with joy.
"Lefiya, how's your parallel chanting coming along?"
Shirou's voice pulled her back to reality. She straightened immediately, cheeks flushing from her distraction.
"I've got the basics down, but I haven't fully mastered it yet!" she replied earnestly, though her eyes still sparkled with excitement.
Shirou nodded approvingly.
It was true. Lefiya had remarkable natural talent. Under his guidance, she had been steadily gaining confidence and control over her magic. Parallel chanting was difficult, but for someone like her, progress was inevitable.
Even so, Shirou couldn't help but reflect:
(Maybe I haven't been giving her enough attention lately… I've been so focused on forging equipment and training with Ais that I ended up neglecting Lefiya a little.)
Realizing his mistake, Shirou gently patted Lefiya's head and said softly:
"When we return from this expedition, I'll train with you. I promise."
"Yes!"
Lefiya's eyes sparkled with joy. The lingering insecurity inside her melted away, replaced by the comforting assurance that Shirou always gave her.
Ais, walking just behind, observed in silence. Seeing the mage's happy expression, a faint, sincere smile touched her lips—small, almost imperceptible, yet deeply genuine.
The atmosphere between the three of them felt strangely warm for such a tense moment of preparation.
Moved by that warmth, Ais too reached out, placing her hand gently on Lefiya's head, caressing it with the same tenderness.
"Let's go, Lefiya."
"…!"
The mage's heart raced. Receiving that gesture from both at once made her happiness overflow. It felt like she had been blessed twice over.
Blushing to her ears, Lefiya responded shyly, her voice trembling with emotion:
"Yes…"
Her steps grew unsteady, almost stumbling, as if walking were difficult while her chest swelled with such overwhelming joy.
---
Meanwhile, the long column of the Loki Familia advanced down the North Avenue toward the Tower of Babel, drawing everyone's attention.
Pedestrians stopped to watch, adventurers from other familias stepped aside respectfully.
The voices of the crowd rose in excitement as they recognized each legendary figure among the group.
"It's Finn, Riveria, and Gareth!"
"Look, there are Tiona and Tione Hiryute, the Amazonian twins, Level 5! So beautiful!"
"And that's Bete, the Level 5 werewolf! Always so cool…"
"There! It's the strongest swordswoman in Orario, Ais Wallenstein!"
The fervor grew with every name. But suddenly, a new murmur spread through the crowd.
"Wait… isn't that Lefiya and the Archer walking beside the Sword Princess?"
"Where? Where's the Archer?"
"There! Wow… he's so handsome!"
The words, brimming with curiosity and excitement, made both Shirou and Lefiya visibly uncomfortable. The mage's cheeks flushed even deeper, while Shirou averted his eyes, uneasy with so much attention.
Being in the spotlight was never something he desired.
Fortunately, they soon reached the central plaza beneath the colossal shadow of the Tower of Babel.
There, fluttering proudly in the wind, was the banner of the Loki Familia.
Seeing it, Shirou felt his heart settle. The embarrassment from before faded, replaced by a sense of belonging. That banner was his now as well.
---
"So, Ais is in Team One, while Lefiya and I are in Team Two?" Shirou asked after receiving Finn's instructions.
"That's correct."
"Then we'll meet on the 18th floor."
After parting with Ais with a brief nod, Shirou led Lefiya to the group where Gareth was waiting as leader.
"Well, looks like you'll be walking with me this time."
"Please take care of me, senior."
"Hahaha! No need to be so formal!" Gareth roared with laughter, giving Shirou a firm pat on the shoulder. The gesture carried the strength of a veteran, but also the camaraderie of one who welcomed a new comrade as family.
---
At that moment, Finn's voice rang out over the group, clear and commanding:
"Silence!"
The murmurs stopped instantly.
"As always, we'll divide into two groups. The first, led by Riveria and myself. The second, under Gareth's command. We'll regroup on the 18th floor."
His expression hardened, and his voice grew heavier:
"But listen well—we're not here just to explore. Our destination is the 59th floor."
A chill ran through the crowd.
"Our goal is to conquer the still-unknown floor. Today, the Loki Familia will once again show the strength that upholds Orario."
"OOOH!"
Finn raised his arm, pointing at the monumental tower before them.
"Loki Familia… advance!"
And so, as one, the group set out toward the dungeon.
---
(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."