"So that means we'll finally get a chance to fight Amphisbaena when it respawns in three days, right?"
Tiona let out a relieved sigh and patted her chest.
Now that she knew the reason she and Tione had been stuck wasn't going to keep stealing Amphisbaena away from them, she could finally look forward to earning the Excellia they needed to Level Up.
Her tension melted into excitement. The moment of promotion was practically within reach.
Her gaze drifted to Tsuna, and an idea suddenly popped into her head.
"Hey, Tsuna, how about you come with us when Amphisbaena respawns this time?"
"Me? Shouldn't you be going with Finn and the others for that kind of thing?"
Challenging a Floor Boss solo was no small feat. Even the most confident, powerful Adventurers relied on backup.
Even if that help wasn't during the actual battle, it was crucial afterward—making sure everyone got back safely to the Familia.
In any major Familia, the stronger members usually brought promising juniors along for Floor Boss fights. The Loki Familia was no exception.
Though normally, it was Level Fives or Sixes looking after Level Fours—not Level Fours babysitting Level Twos.
"Yeah, normally," Tiona said, smiling as she shot Tsuna a knowing look. "But in our Familia, it's actually safer if you come with us."
Tsuna scratched his cheek awkwardly. She wasn't wrong.
The sense of security he provided was completely different from anyone else's—not because of his Level, but because of his ridiculous, almost absolute power.
When it came to protection, even Finn couldn't compare.
"…Got it," he finally said with a nod. He knew he could handle it, so there was no point refusing.
"I'll let Miss Loki and Finn know what's going on," he added.
"Perfect!" Tiona beamed and patted his shoulder. "Then we'll be counting on you."
With that said, she turned to her sister.
"Your turn, Tione."
"Eh?"
Tione blinked, confused by the sudden shift. But when she saw Tiona's clear, guileless eyes, she realized her sister wasn't plotting anything—she was just saying whatever popped into her head.
"C'mon, give him a hug like before," Tiona said cheerfully. "We've been talking about Tsuna nonstop lately. Honestly, you've mentioned him more than you talk about the Captain."
Tsuna quietly made a mental note of that comment. That little detail just confirmed it—Tione really did have feelings for him.
When Tione hesitated, Tiona puffed her cheeks and marched right up to Tsuna instead.
"Fine, if you won't hug him, I will."
"Tiona!!"
Tione's voice sharpened instantly. The moment she saw Tiona wrap her arms around Tsuna, something inside her snapped.
A surge of emotion shot through her chest, hot and uncontrollable, until she practically shoved her sister aside and grabbed Tsuna for herself.
It wasn't even anger anymore.
Once her arms were around him, the jealousy and irritation just… melted away.
"Th-thanks for helping with the Amphisbaena fight, Tsuna."
"Don't worry about it," he said with a soft smile, patting her back lightly. "I'll be with you both that day."
Tione let out a tiny noise and released him—like a startled kitten backing away after realizing what it had done.
Why is she reacting so strongly to me lately?
Tsuna couldn't help but wonder. Tione had always been bold and confident, but around him, she'd become so... jumpy.
He decided to think about it later. For now, he needed to refocus.
Before dealing with the sisters' situation, there was someone else he had to talk to first.
"I'll go speak with Finn," he said. "I've been staying with the Hephaestus Familia a lot lately, so I should probably give him an update."
He turned to leave—but then paused and looked back at the sisters.
"Oh, right. Things at the Hephaestus Familia have finally settled down, so I'll be staying here for a while. If you need me, just come to my room."
And with that, Tsuna left their quarters.
"Phew..."
Once outside, he let out a long breath, trying to clear his head before heading toward Loki's room.
He knew the place well by now.
Even though Loki had told him before that he didn't need to knock, he did it out of habit anyway.
Knock, knock, knock!
"…You can just come in, you know," came her slightly exasperated voice from inside.
Taking a steadying breath, Tsuna stepped into the room.
"Miss Loki, I think I've run into… a situation."
"Huh? A situation? What kind of situation?" Her crimson eyes lit up with curiosity. "Don't tell me you've sensed that coordinate again?"
"…No, not that."
"Oh?"
Loki tilted her head, studying him for a moment before standing up and moving from her desk to her bed. She patted the spot beside her with a grin.
"Come sit."
When Tsuna did, Loki promptly pulled him down so his head rested on her lap. Her fingers threaded through his hair, massaging his scalp gently as her voice turned soft and teasing.
"Looks like something's bothering you," she said. "Tell me—what kind of trouble could even you not handle?"
At that moment, Loki wasn't a goddess. She was just a mischievous gossip, ready to hear the latest drama.
But somehow, her playful energy helped calm Tsuna's nerves.
He looked up at her, hesitated for a second, then said quietly—
"I think... Tione might like me."