Finn watched as the monster horde receded like a tide, raising his brows in surprise.
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"Is the riot… over?"
Not only Finn, but the other members were also somewhat surprised.
"It seems… the cause of the monster riot has been resolved? Can I understand it that way?"
"Well, whatever the case, restoring the usual peace is a good thing. Besides… Loki must be happy, right? I heard that earlier she wanted to take your female members to Melen, but the Guild stopped her with a strict order, keeping her in the city."
Remembering Loki's scheming and her eerie laughter, Riveria felt a headache coming on.
From the number and quality of beauties in the [Loki Familia], one could see her "taste" as a goddess.
Not to mention, even an elven royal like her was tricked into joining her Familia, such skill and luck indeed.
"Forget it, let's first return to the surface and report this information. I'm sure Loki and the Guild are both anxious about the situation. What do you think, Ottar?"
That man, carrying two great swords on his back, trailed behind.
After pausing slightly, he tossed out a "whatever," then his figure gradually disappeared into the passage.
"Heh, even the [Freya Familia] went all out, how rare."
"It can only be said that this time's dungeon riot was completely beyond control. I can't help but feel it's related to our 'certain someone.' You feel that too, don't you, Riveria?"
Thinking of the always-smiling blond youth, Riveria shook her head with a smile.
"Let's wait until he comes back. From the Great Tree Sea to the city, even at Fron's pace, the round trip will take a month."
"Alright then, everyone, let's go home!"
"Uoooooooh." Orario reacted quickly.
Other than the adventurers who had already been silenced, the dungeon riot caused no ripples among ordinary citizens.
When it came to controlling information and manipulating public opinion, no one dared to rank above the Adventurers' Guild.
As expected, to quell the unrest from the riot, a [New Moon Festival] celebration notice was posted on the boards. Under the Guild's behind-the-scenes push, the festival was already heating up.
Unlike the lively daytime Monsterpheria, the New Moon Festival reached its peak at night.
Various mobile stalls and shops would offer discounts, praying for good fortune in the year to come.
[Twilight Manor].
"Hehehe, everyone! Pack up tomorrow, we're going on vacation!"
"Tch." Bete sat cross-legged, his tail swishing impatiently, face full of disdain.
"A cheap excuse. Saying it's to investigate monster transport routes to Melen, but really, it's just another shady scheme dressed up all fancy."
"Hm? Raul, what are you muttering about? I didn't quite hear that!?"
With a wicked grin, Loki leaned close, her lips forming a comical clown-like arc. Raul shivered all over.
"N-nothing at all! Don't worry, as men, we'll hold down the fort at home and keep everything in perfect order!"
"Good. Then I'll be counting on you gentlemen, Finn~"
"..." The pallum leader spread his hands with a bitter smile, then helplessly nodded.
But that trace of bitterness at the corner of his lips, who could understand it?
...
While Loki led her squad of beauties to the coastal town of [Melen] three kilometers outside Orario (to "search for monster routes," or rather, vacation), another group of adventurers completed their commission in the Great Tree Sea region and began their return.
When Fron first came to the Great Tree Sea, it had been in a rush. Now, unhurried on the way back, he carefully identified various rare herbs and materials, collecting them as future components for crafting magic tools.
When he arrived, his supporter's large backpack was empty. On the way back, it was stuffed full. To say it was a "great harvest" would not be an exaggeration.
The mindset during return was much more relaxed compared to departure, not only for Fron's group, but especially for the [Artemis Familia] goddess and her girls.
Particularly Artemis herself, always dignified and stern, the goddess who rarely loosened her cold expression. Now her features had softened, as though relieved due to the problem being solved.
Indeed, these days had mentally worn her down thanks to Antares' torment. She hadn't felt this relaxed in a long while.
Thinking of this, she glanced at Fron, crouching by a tree, sketching and noting down flowers and plants. A strange feeling welled up inside her.
"Hm?" Sensing the burning gaze on his back, Fron turned his head in confusion.
And, his eyes met the goddess's.
"..." The tsundere goddess immediately averted her face and briskly walked away.
Yet, if one looked closely, they'd see her neck to ears turning bright red, her cheeks flushed with heat.
"What's wrong, Fron?"
Standing beside him, Ryu looked at him curiously.
"N-no, it's nothing."
Blinking, Fron shook his head and continued recording the unique plants of the Great Tree Sea.
For others, such knowledge might be meaningless, at best, compiled into a book.
But for Fron, it was different.
This was unknown knowledge, knowledge that could be converted into his ability values, the foundation for quickly improving his strength. He would never waste such an opportunity.
Lingering in the Great Tree Sea for three days, the nearly fifty-member expedition finally reached its edge. Ahead lay endless plains.
"Let's part ways here. After all, it's just me and Ryu."
"Alright, with your pace, we'd only be slowing you down. Then… see you back in Orario!"
Fron and Ryu bid farewell to the [Hermes Familia] and [Artemis Familia], preparing to set out first.
Unexpectedly, just as they were about to leave, Asfi stepped forward.
"Um, Fron. When you get back, could you come to the Artemis Familia's headquarters?"
Facing the goddess's look of anticipation, Fron couldn't refuse. Besides, it was only a visit…
"No problem, Lady Artemis."
"Then I'll be waiting for your visit. Perhaps… you'll even find a surprise!" She winked at him, her delicate face breaking into a rare smile.
"..."
With her unique aura, divine beauty, and her authority over purity, all blending together, the usually stern goddess revealed a striking contrast, deeply captivating a certain someone.
"Hah… Well then, we'll take our leave!"
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T/N: Second bonus chapter for 550 power stones; 6 more bonus chapters remaining~