The idle Shirou looked around and soon spotted Lulune chatting with Ais.
Under his watchful gaze, Shirou clearly saw Lulune place a crystal in Ais's hand.
Approaching quietly, he overheard their conversation.
"I asked Asfi to examine it; it doesn't seem to be anything strange. The man in black said he hopes you'll use it when you reach the 59th floor. Of course, you can throw it away if you want — the choice is yours."
"If it's from that guy, then accept it, Ais! Someone that generous can't possibly be a bad person." Shirou teased with a grin as he approached.
Hearing Shirou's words, Ais, on her own accord, accepted the crystal.
"Although there's a request involved, I mainly came to say goodbye. Let's have a drink when you return!"
"Well then, I'll be going!"
With a wave of her hand, Lulune disappeared into the crowd.
Walking up beside Ais and watching Lulune vanish, Shirou shook his head helplessly.
"That girl went through so much because of that man in black, and yet she still dares to accept a mission from him. Does she remember nothing at all?"
Nodding slightly, Ais agreed — Shirou was right.
Lulune truly seemed to remember nothing.
Looking at Ais, who had fallen silent, Shirou patted her shoulder and asked with a smile, "What's wrong? Feeling nervous about the expedition?"
"No."
Shirou scratched his cheek awkwardly, exhaling.
"Seriously, whether it's Tsubaki or Lulune, why does everyone avoid me like I'm the plague?"
"Lulune just had an errand to run," Ais replied simply.
"Anyway, speaking of that — I'm in the first group this time, with you guys," Shirou added.
"After all, Shirou may only be Level 4, but in terms of combat strength, you're definitely not inferior to a Level 5."
As Shirou and Ais walked side by side toward the central gathering point, a familiar voice suddenly called out behind them.
"Brother! Ais!"
Turning around, Shirou and Ais saw Lefiya running toward them, carrying a pouch of elixirs.
"Where did you get those, Lefiya?" Shirou asked.
"Amid brought them to me!"
Hearing that name, an image of a girl with long white hair flashed through Shirou's mind.
Amid — one of the four users of 'mystery' abilities in Orario.
As one of the faces of the Loki Familia, she was a well-known figure in the city.
"Is that so? Then you'd better keep those safe!"
Reunited with Ais and Lefiya, Shirou listened to their chatter while scanning the surroundings.
Around them, many adventurers connected to members of the Loki Familia waved and called out — some even offering words of encouragement and warm smiles.
Countless humans and demi-humans cheered for the adventurers who were about to challenge the unknown.
"Everyone, the expedition is about to begin!"
Soon after, Finn stepped forward and shouted loudly.
At his voice, everyone turned toward the three figures standing before the group.
"This time will be the same as usual. As we descend through the floors, we'll divide into two groups. The first group will be led by Riveria and me; the second by Gareth."
"Once we meet on the eighteenth floor, we'll move directly toward the fiftieth. We have only one goal: the unexplored fifty-ninth floor."
At Finn's declaration, the eyes of every Loki Familia member burned with determination and fighting spirit.
They had waited a long time for this day.
Why train endlessly, if not to give their all on expeditions like this?
As they looked up at the white tower behind Finn, everyone's thoughts drifted toward the Dungeon — imagining its deep, uncharted layers.
"You are brave warriors, no less than the heroes of old! Adventurers, you will challenge the vast unknown and return with wealth and glory!"
From the streets around them, from every corner, plaza, and window, citizens and fellow adventurers watched the Loki Familia — their gazes filled with hope for their safe return.
"We don't need false glory built on sacrifice! Swear upon the light of this land — you will all return alive!"
The members clenched their fists as Finn's words rang out.
Taking a deep breath, Finn shouted:
"Expeditionary Force — move out!"
A chorus of war cries erupted in response.
Surrounded by the rallying shouts of his comrades, Shirou smiled faintly.
"Seems like the fire in my heart is burning stronger than ever."
Feeling the intensity of the atmosphere around him, Shirou's eyes shone with resolve.
And thus, the Loki Familia's grand expedition began.
During expeditions, the Familia's main combat force usually takes the lead — the vanguard.
After all, in the Dungeon, no one can predict what kind of anomalies might occur. Their role is to clear a path and ensure the safe passage of the supply teams.
After all, the importance of supplies in such a deep expedition cannot be overstated.
For this mission, Shirou would serve as part of the vanguard, using his keen eyes to scout ahead.
Of course, that role would only continue until the eighteenth floor.
Beyond that, he would resume his position in the central guard, surveying the surroundings and providing ranged support for the frontliners.
As he advanced, Shirou soon noticed something unusual.
Four adventurers came running toward him, panic in their eyes.
Knowing they were bringing news about Bell, Shirou ignored them, predicting that others with good intentions would try to stop them.
As expected, the four were quickly detained by Tiona for questioning.
Then came the news — the white-haired boy had been attacked by a Minotaur.
Hearing this, Ais suddenly remembered Bell. She looked at Shirou, then bolted off without a word.
"Ais, wait!"
"I'll go after her!" Shirou shouted, running after her.
"Me too!" Tiona added, following close behind.
Watching Ais's figure vanish ahead, Shirou couldn't help but marvel at her speed.
But even that speed was useless — Ottar was guarding the gate.
Soon, Shirou and Tiona caught up to Ais. When they found her, she was locked in combat with Ottar.
However, it wasn't much of a fight — it looked more like Ais was being completely overpowered.
From a distance, Shirou fired several arrows while sprinting, disrupting Ottar's attacks.
Seeing that, Ais dashed toward a nearby cavern, intent on rescuing Bell first.
As reinforcements approached — especially Shirou, whom the goddess Freya had shown interest in before — Ottar stopped interfering and allowed them to pass.
After all, the Sword Princess had already entered, and it was too late to stop them now.
And so, the Loki Familia entered the cavern — and witnessed Bell's desperate battle.
(End of Chapter)