Luo Yi watched the reward panel pop up. The task name "Light of Humanity" was fitting. He had eradicated the power of giants. In a world with only WWI-level technology, no war could kill 80% of the population again.
Ultimately, it all came down to interests and resources. With the giant threat gone, the "Paradis Island Threat" narrative collapsed. It was easy to prove: just inject a subject with spinal fluid; if they didn't turn, the curse was gone.
Satisfied, Luo Yi clicked "Return." He, Tione, Tiona, and the Thunder Bull vanished.
[Status Update]
Name: Luo Yi | Level: 4
Strength: 1098 (SS) | Endurance: 1188 (SS)
Dexterity: 1099 (SS) | Agility: 1020 (SS)
Magic: 1290 (SSS)
By allocating his 2100 points, all his stats broke into the SS rank, with Magic hitting SSS. He marveled at how "Instance Dungeons" were the fastest way to grow, especially since attribute points bypassed the natural "S-rank" limit of the world's system.
He was most excited about the "World Tree Seed"—his first "God-tier" item. He couldn't wait to plant it at the Starlight Garden back in Orario.
The trio returned to their village. Tione and Tiona were still buzzing with excitement from seeing the thousand-meter fire sword. Luo Yi reminded them to keep it low-key, as exposing such power would shake the world.
After resting for two days and seeing the village back on track, it was time to leave. Under the tearful eyes of Chief Simon and the villagers, they set off. They headed back toward Orario, the Labyrinth City.
As they reached the gates, they noticed the atmosphere was tense. Guards were strict, and queues were short. They soon learned from members of the Ganesha Familia that a "Floor Boss" had actually escaped to the surface—a phenomenon unheard of in a thousand years.
"A Floor Boss on the surface?" the sisters exclaimed. Luo Yi feigned shock as well, controlling his expression perfectly. The city was in turmoil."Don't worry," Luo Yi comforted him. "Orario has endured so much over the years, even surviving the Great Feud. A mere Floor Boss won't be enough to terrify the people."
"That's true." The man thought it over and regained his composure. During the Great Feud, half the city had been turned into a sea of fire, and yet the people had persevered.
Luo Yi knew better than anyone that Orario's prosperity didn't rely on foreign merchants—it relied on the Magic Stones of the Dungeon! As long as adventurers continued to slay monsters and harvest stones, the factories would run, the products would be exported, and the economy would remain unshakable. It was a global monopoly. Every nation envied Orario, but the sheer might of the adventurers—where a single Level 6 held the deterrent power of a hundred thousand soldiers—kept them at bay.
Since Luo Yi had left the city through official channels, his re-entry was smooth. The group traversed the familiar streets until the white facade of the Starlight Garden appeared before them. Two days prior, Luo Yi had sent a letter ahead to inform Goddess Astraea of their safe return.
At the entrance, Goddess Astraea stood waiting with Ryuu, Daphne, and Cassandra. Their faces lit up the moment the carriage came into view.
"Captain!"
As Luo Yi hopped down, Daphne dashed forward with excitement, throwing herself into his arms like a bird returning to its nest. Even the shy Cassandra was pulled along into the embrace.
"Captain!" Tione's "little jar of jealousy" immediately tipped over, her pout deep enough to hang a jar from.
"Hugs for everyone!" Luo Yi laughed, pulling Tione into the fold, which finally brought a smile to her face.
"If Tione gets one, I want one too!" Tiona cheered, leaping onto Luo Yi's back.
Luo Yi was speechless. You're hitting me with a steel plate here, Tiona—at least switch places with your sister.
After the lively commotion subsided, Luo Yi's gaze fell upon the elf girl standing by the door. Ryuu looked like an ice beauty, seemingly expressionless, but her slight smile and the forty-five-degree tilt of her pointed ears betrayed her joy.
"Miss Ryuu, I treat everyone equally," Luo Yi teased, walking toward her with open arms.
"Mmm." Ryuu stood frozen. Something felt off, but since everyone else had hugged him, she felt she'd be the odd one out if she refused. She gave a tiny nod.
Luo Yi wrapped his arms around the elf's slender waist. Her golden hair gave off a pleasant fragrance. As their skin met, the warmth and Luo Yi's strong masculine presence caused Ryuu to stiffen. A faint blush crept up her face, reaching the very tips of her ears.
"Welcome back," Ryuu whispered, her breathing quickening as she gently pushed him away.
Luo Yi chuckled and turned to the last person. "Lady Goddess, a hug?"
Unlike the reserved Ryuu, Astraea was proactive. With a gentle smile, she pulled Luo Yi into a warm, maternal embrace. Her softness was a luxury Luo Yi couldn't help but close his eyes and savor.
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