Even with Liang Yue's explanation, Mikoto still had no clue about what he was talking about. But since it was an order from the Familia's captain, all she needed to do was obey.
Having been raised by the god Takemikazuchi, she had never been involved in the underhanded dealings between adventurers in Orario.
Besides, when it came to dungeon exploration, Mikoto even held a sense of excitement. Fighting monsters, asking Liang Yue for guidance in swordsmanship—somehow, it all seemed natural.
She knew that Liang Yue's weapons had been sent for repairs and also realized that this dungeon dive might not be as simple as it sounded.
With a serious look, Lili asked, "What about weapons?"
"Lord Hephaestus gave me a dagger yesterday."
As for its quality, it could be classified as a second-tier weapon. As expected of Orario's largest weapons supplier, their generosity was overwhelming—such a casually gifted weapon was already something most ordinary adventurers could never obtain.
The key point of this expedition, however, was that the Apollo Familia was very likely to make a move. For the plan to go smoothly, Liang Yue intended to hold back and conceal some of his strength. Only then would the fish bite.
He glanced at Mikoto, who still hadn't realized the danger, and said, "This expedition will be focused on sword training. We won't go to the deeper floors."
"Understood."
Holding a pure warrior's mindset, Mikoto didn't think much of it. Part of the reason was that she still hadn't grasped Liang Yue's true style. She simply thought that this dungeon run was made to accommodate her, since last night she had told Hestia during her transfer application that she wanted to improve her martial skills.
If anything was surprising, it was that her wish hadn't been brushed aside.
"Get ready. We'll gather at Central Plaza later. This expedition won't take long."
Having prepared himself, Liang Yue picked up the dagger gifted by Hephaestus and decisively issued instructions to the Familia members.
He would use himself as bait.
The goal was to lure the Apollo Familia. And the act had to be convincing—it wouldn't do to just cut through them instantly.
"I hope the final harvest is worth the effort I've put in..."
"..."
Hearing Liang Yue's last mutter, Lili's sense of unease only grew stronger. Outwardly, his decision looked calm and firm, but underneath it felt like raging waves.
She knew his personality well enough—without a real goal, Liang Yue would never act so hastily. And what's more, he had brought up the Apollo Familia so suddenly...
After Mikoto left, Lili scanned the surroundings to make sure no other adventurers were nearby. Finally, she couldn't suppress her curiosity any longer.
Her expression turned grave as she asked, "What exactly are you aiming for with all this?"
"I already said it—we're changing our Familia's residence." With his blade sheathed at his waist, Liang Yue was already prepared for combat.
"What do you mean by that... What does it have to do with the Apollo Familia?" As she spoke, a terrible thought struck her, and her voice began to tremble. "Don't tell me you're planning to..."
"Guild Chairman Royman already reminded me yesterday afternoon—he wants things to stay quiet for now."
"He doesn't want another incident like with the Soma Familia."
"And besides, the Apollo Familia is much stronger than Soma's." Lili frowned, her pragmatic nature surfacing.
She didn't doubt Liang Yue's strength, but the thought of Orario's "pillar of stability," the Apollo Familia, being destroyed made her worry about the consequences.
"Don't worry," Liang Yue said calmly. "I won't do anything that breaks Orario's rules again. At least... not for now."
Looking at her unique brown cat ears, Liang Yue couldn't resist reaching out to stroke her hair. The soft, velvety touch felt surprisingly pleasant.
With his promise and the warmth of his hand on her head, Lili could no longer keep her stern expression. A faint blush spread across her cheeks.
"Could it be that Liang Yue's type is... catgirls?"
Relieved of her tension, Lili's voice turned lighter. "Alright then... I'll go prepare the dungeon supplies. Let's meet at Central Plaza later."
Since this wasn't a proper expedition, they didn't need much. It was really just a setup for the Apollo Familia.
For true growth in abilities, they would have to wait until the weapons were repaired and they could challenge the lower floors of the dungeon. That's where the real leaps in power lay.
But for now, the point was to make a show of it—split up, make it look like a real expedition, and draw as much attention as possible.
Liang Yue looked at the gathered members with anticipation and decisively ordered, "Let's move out!"
The adventurers stationed in Orario to keep watch quickly noticed the Hestia Familia gathering and then splitting up. They reported it at once to their captain, Hyacinthus.
"Captain, Liang Yue and his Familia are making a move. Looks like they're heading into the dungeon."
"..."
Clad in a black Apollo Familia uniform, the handsome Hyacinthus showed no change in expression. Removing his white gloves, he said evenly, "Then let's proceed."
Their surveillance had served its purpose. They couldn't act in Orario itself, but once in the chaotic dungeon, it would be a different story.
Even if Liang Yue noticed the pursuit, without solid evidence the Guild wouldn't intervene.
In fact, as long as Orario benefited overall, even strong-arming adventurers into joining a Familia could be overlooked.
"To reach the next level so quickly... he must be quite strong."
"Send more Level 2s after him. And remember—" Hyacinthus paused briefly, then smiled with a twisted edge. "We need him to come to our base willingly. Do not act otherwise."
"So... just teach him a little lesson then?"
"..."
Behind Daphne, Cassandra lowered her head, her long blue hair covering her face. Seeing the captain's actions, her hidden expression was one of fear.
That familiar scene...
A powerful sense of dread welled up within Cassandra's heart. It was almost exactly like the dream she had last night.
The collapse of a building.
As a low-ranking member of the Familia, she had once spoken of the dangers she saw in her dreams.
But as always, no one believed her. Not even her closest friend, Daphne, wanted to put faith in them.
"What's wrong?"
Noticing Cassandra's unusual state, Daphne turned back curiously—only to see her trembling all over.
She already had a good guess why.
Placing a gentle hand on her friend's shoulder, Daphne spoke as kindly as she could. "Another nightmare?"
"Yes..." Cassandra's voice quivered. "I dreamed of... a building collapsing."
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