Most adventurers who pass the trials to join the Loki Familia possess remarkable potential. Even someone like Raul Nord, often called the "Ultra-Ordinary," has exceptionally balanced stats despite lacking flashier skills or magic. He represents a type with no glaring weaknesses, even if he lacks specific strengths.
If he was like that, the others were even more impressive. Now, thanks to the shields Levi provided periodically, the Loki Familia adventurers—whose combined strength originally trailed slightly behind Goliath's—abandoned their cautious tactics. They unleashed their most powerful skills and magic in rapid succession.
Lefiya, after chugging a High-Grade Potion, disregarded her own safety and stood her ground, chanting a powerful spell that rivaled the strike of a Level 5 adventurer. Thus, a Floor Boss raid that should have been a long, grueling struggle—or even a failure—was brought to an end in just one minute, all because of Levi's unexpected arrival.
"Yeah!" "We did it!" "Success!"
...
A short distance away, the Loki Familia members celebrated their victory. Defeating a Floor Boss as Level 2s and 3s, even as a team, was enough to stack a massive amount of "Great Feat."
The same held true for Levi. His Great Feat progress bar jumped from 0% to 17%, even though he had stayed in the backlines and never even entered Goliath's melee range. But more than the feat, something else made him much happier:
[Main Quest 'Challenge and Defeat Floor Boss Goliath' completed. Distributing rewards...][You obtained: Skill Star-Up Card x1.]
[Skill Star-Up Card:] Can be used on a mastered Skill or Magic. For Skills, requires an additional sacrifice of any skill/skill book of the same star rating. For Magic, requires sacrificing Danmachi Grimoires (2 for 4→5 Star, 5 for 5→6 Star). Increases Star Rating by 1 (Max 6 Stars).
[New Main Quest 2 generated:] Defeat Floor Boss Amphisbaena (Floor 27). Reward: Skill Star-Up Card x2.
In his original plan, Levi intended to wait until he was at the peak of Level 3 before dragging Tsubaki down here to kill Goliath. But as they say, plans often fail to keep pace with changes. He had already reaped the benefits; there was no way he was giving them back.
Suddenly, the Loki Familia members approached him. They bowed in unison. "We are deeply sorry. When we were engaging the Floor Boss, we weren't careful enough and caused the 'Pitfall' to occur."
A "Pitfall" in the Dungeon happens when powerful attacks cause adjacent floors to collapse and merge.
"The Sword Princess saved me, so let's leave it at that," Levi replied. This wasn't because he was magnanimous; he was actually quite vengeful. However, it was just him and the Loki Familia in the room. Showing hostility would be suicide. Being one of the two strongest factions in Orario, the Loki Familia wasn't without its arrogance. He didn't want to bet on their morality when a few kind words could solve the problem.
Seeing Levi's expression was sincere, the others relaxed. "Regardless, we caused your accident," said a black-haired human girl wearing glasses, stepping forward. "Plus, you saved Lefiya—this elf here." The honey-haired elf bowed hurriedly and whispered a "Thank you."
"Goliath dropped a hide this time. We've discussed it and want you to have it as an apology and a return for your help."
Goliath Hide was a prized drop that provided excellent physical defense. Levi hesitated for only two seconds before accepting.
"By the way, we don't know your name yet," the black-haired girl asked subtly.
Levi rolled up the hide and tucked it into his backpack (which acted as a cover for his inventory). "I'm Levi Bright, Captain of the Hestia Familia. Though, for now, I'm a commander with no soldiers."
"Levi..." The girl paused, clearly not recognizing the name.
However, Ais let out a soft "Ah." She spoke in her usual stoic tone. "Loki said... you were the one who confessed to the Goddess Hestia in the Guild Hall."
The realization hit the others instantly. "So it's you!" "Wow, you're quite something." "So, did it work out in the end?"
Levi's public persona was much like Ais's—quiet and reserved around outsiders. He simply offered a vague smile and a few brief answers to their gossiping questions. The Loki Familia members weren't fools; seeing he didn't want to reveal more, they introduced themselves and bid him farewell.
Before leaving, the black-haired girl invited him to return to the surface with them, but Levi politely declined. He wasn't stupid. Until he reached Level 5, entangling himself too deeply with the Loki Familia would only draw the attention and hostility of the Evil Gods lurking in Orario's shadows.
He had no interest in being a hero. He came here to earn Valis, get stronger, and live a long, loving life with Hestia. However, the appearance of an adventurer capable of no-chant, party-wide barrier magic did not go unnoticed by the "Big Three" of the Loki Familia once Ais's team returned.