Seeing the inexperienced goddess, Hermes shook his head again with a sigh.
-------------------------
After revealing a little about their identities and negotiating, the party was finally allowed into the camp.
Some adventurers might think such caution from the Loki Familia unnecessary, but… don't forget, this is the Dungeon. Anything could happen. Even on a safe floor, the most basic vigilance is required.
And besides, the Loki Familia certainly had enemies. Which of those who grew strong during Orario's Dark Era and fought their way out of countless battles were fools?
This kind of fundamental adventurer's awareness, everyone had it.
"Bell~~~ Waaaah, you had me so worried! Finally, I see you again, waaah!"
"..." Although a tearful reunion in the middle of the Dungeon was indeed moving, Fron didn't think so at all.
Because his current situation could be described as… quite bad. No, extremely bad.
"Ahem, Ais. Let me introduce you."
"This is Ryu, Ryu Lion. Hmm… a former adventurer, now working as a waitress at the Hostess of Fertility."
"I know her. Years ago, she helped me once when I was injured during an expedition."
"..."
Well, that was awkward. How exactly do you two know each other?
Compared to Ais' slightly airheaded aura, Ryu bearing was much sharper.
"Ais."
"..."
"..."
"..."
The conversation suddenly died. Facing Ais, Ryu, and Asfi, and with Alicia standing by with a faint, knowing smile, the atmosphere became… awkward.
Three strong-willed girls formed a tense standoff, silently watching each other.
Asfi's gaze toward Ais was sharp and confrontational.
Ais, though airheaded, radiated the natural authority of the main heroine.
And in Ryu's pale eyes was stubbornness and self-assurance.
The clashing presences of the three made Fron feel like he couldn't even breathe.
What an overwhelming pressure this was!
Could this be the aura of strong women? Love it… absolutely love it!
In the trees, Tione, Tiona, and Lefiya were secretly watching. The Amazoness sisters were clicking their tongues in amusement, while Lefiya's mind and body were spiraling out of control, her fury making her almost lose it completely!
Her reddened eyes looked like they were about to pop!
"D-Despicable, so despicable! Having Miss Ais and Miss Alicia isn't enough, he even flirts around outside, and now even the Perseus and the Gale have fallen into his clutches, this is… this is unforgivable!"
"Hehe, Lefiya! That just proves how outstanding Fron is. And for such an excellent man, only a few girls? That's already him being restrained. If this were our Telskyura, a strong female warrior would easily keep dozens of male lovers."
"D-Dozens of… male lovers!??"
"Ah, what's so strange about that? Male lovers are everywhere in our country, don't be so shocked!"
"..." Lefiya felt the world spinning. As a 14-year-old elf raised in the School District, such things as male lovers… were just too much stimulation.
…
…
"Ahem, Ryu, Asfi, why did you come here? Don't tell me it was just out of boredom. Two Level 4s wouldn't run all the way to the 18th floor without a commission, I won't believe it."
Asfi pushed up her glasses, her delicate face showing alternating expressions before finally settling into a sigh.
"Being stuck with a troublesome god, I really have no choice. Always stirring up trouble, and in the end, I have to clean it up. Just look at my dark circles, since returning to Orario, I haven't had a good night's sleep!"
"..." Thinking of that god of pleasure, Fron felt a hint of pity.
"I was also commissioned by Hermes to protect them on the way to the 18th floor. Of course, that was only incidental. My real reason here is-"
"No need to say more. I understand." Fron raised a hand, cutting Ryu off. Some heavy topics were better left unsaid.
Ais and Asfi both glanced at the proud elven warrior, thoughtful.
"The Astraea Familia, huh…" They had heard of that goddess of justice's familia.
After Zeus and Hera's familias suffered catastrophic losses during their failed attempt to slay the Black Dragon, among the rising new powers was the Astraea Familia.
Freya Familia, Loki Familia, Ganesha Familia, Astraea Familia.
These were the four great familias that rose during Orario's Dark Era.
Had tragedy not struck, the Astraea Familia would likely still stand at the peak alongside the others today.
"What a pity…" Both Fron and Asfi shook their heads inwardly.
"Well then, since you're here, after such a long journey, you must be hungry. Join us?"
"No problem?"
"Of course. The food is all gathered from the 18th floor anyway, enough to share."
…
Afterward, Fron, Ais, Alicia, Lefiya, guided Asfi and Ryu around the camp, even meeting the target of their mission.
"Impressive, to have reached Level 2 in such a short time." That was praise directed toward Bell Cranel.
"Yo, kid! Didn't expect to see you here, hehe. Since you made it to the 18th floor, you must've grown stronger, right? Congrats on finally coming out of your shell!"
That was Tsubaki teasing her junior Welf.
The entire camp once again bustled with excitement.
Not only to welcome fellow adventurers, but also because two gods had revealed themselves!
Hermes and Hestia had long been prepared for their identities to be exposed. After all, the aura of a god was unmistakable, any mortal could tell at a glance.
And while some in the Loki Familia might not recognize the obscure new goddess Hestia, Hermes's face was absolutely famous, known by all.
Seeing everyone chatting happily, Fron prepared to complete the rest of his task.
He picked up his staff and walked toward the tent of the wounded.
"What's this?" Asfi, Ryu, and Ais followed him as usual.
"On the way back from the expedition, they ran into some trouble."
"This is… some kind of enhanced poison?"
As a renowned magic item developer and a seasoned adventurer, Asfi and Ryu immediately recognized the blackened rot of the wound.
"Indeed. This kind of poison… requires a special antidote. Even for me, concocting it would take some effort."
As expected of Asfi with the alias Perseus, so confident even when speaking.
And then… When Ryu saw Fron use his healing magic for the first time, she was shocked!
"Could it be… Dea Saint Airmid's…"
The expression of astonishment on the normally stoic Gale's face made Asfi glance at her meaningfully.
"You see now? This is what this man can do."
"Perhaps that's also why, when he touched you, you didn't feel the instinctive rejection."
"That strange pull… this man…"
"..." The golden-haired elf fell silent.
In Orario, everyone knew of the Flame Demon. Or rather, he should now be called the Weaver of Night.
All knew of his peerless combat power, but few had truly witnessed him fight. For someone like Ryu, who rarely ventured into the Dungeon anymore, even less so.
"So… such things are possible too."
After that, while Fron continued his healing, no one disturbed him.
-------------------
T/N: Here the alias is mentioned as Weaver of Night; not sure about the reference.
Either him growing stronger in the night; or due to his enhanced Surtr ability~