The day after the letter was sent, Loki returned.
"Is what's written in the letter true?"
"Absolutely true."
"I see."
Upon hearing this, Loki seemed to ponder something deeply before falling into thought.
"How was it at Lake Lolog?"
"Huh? Ah, we found the ship of the Kali Familia, but there was no sign of Kali or Argana."
Snapping back to reality, Loki reported her findings.
At the port town by Lake Lolog, a large ship bearing the Kali Familia's flag was brazenly docked, guarded by dozens of Amazons.
Loki, along with Ais and the others, swiftly captured them and handed them over to the Guild for custody.
However, among those captured, neither Kali nor her two top warriors were present.
As expected, further investigation revealed that the seal at the bottom of Lake Lolog remained intact, making it impossible to transport monsters from there. It was definitely not the second entrance to the Dungeon.
"So, that metal gate in Daedalus Street must be the real second entrance."
Finn nodded in understanding.
"Gareth, Riveria, set out now to procure some supplies..."
With the target confirmed, Finn began directing the pre-battle preparations.
These matters didn't concern Eiji. Free from Familia duties, he sought out Loki that very night to update his status.
==========
[Eiji Nangou]
[LV·5]
[Strength: G·234 → G·243]
[Endurance: G·257 → G·262]
[Dexterity: F·324 → F·339]
[Agility: D·541 → D·560]
[Magic: H·105 → H·109]
==========
"Almost no improvement at all."
Eiji sighed as he looked at the new parchment.
Over the past three days, he had been leveling in the middle and lower levels of the Dungeon. Though the monsters he killed weren't strong, their numbers were substantial. Yet, even with the skill [Ten Years of Sharpening a Sword], his proficiency had only increased by a little over fifty points.
At this rate, reaching the next level would likely take more than half a year.
So, is she the only option left?
Eiji fell into deep thought.
"Eiji!"
After leaving Loki's room, a passing catgirl called out to him.
They found a secluded corner, and she handed something over.
"Here!"
She proudly returned his student handbook.
Eiji's eyes lit up, though his expression remained composed as he opened it.
Hmm.
Hmm hmm.
Oh, so this is Ais's swimsuit style!
Eh, why is Tiona's photo from the back? Oh, it's actually the front!
"Not bad, not bad!"
Seeing her eager expression for praise, Eiji generously obliged.
"By the way, where's Riveria's?"
"Riveria refused to wear it no matter what. She and Loki had a standoff over the swimsuit for ages, but in the end, she never took off her clothes."
The girl blushed as she spoke.
Apparently, it was a bikini—far too daring for the elven royalty with her puritanical sensibilities.
What a shame.
Such a shame!
"I need to return this to Raul Nord now. You know what I mean, right?"
"I get it! It's all Raul's fault. Who would've thought that behind his honest face, he's actually full of tricks!"
The catgirl instantly understood, her face filled with indignation.
"Teachable indeed!"
Eiji nodded in satisfaction.
Then he quietly tucked the student handbook away.
This thing was his lifeline from now on—if anyone dared touch it, he'd fight them tooth and nail!
After parting ways with the girl, Eiji continued admiring the photos inside. There were dozens of them, starting with sneaky shots before transitioning to open, posed ones from every angle, with everyone cooperating enthusiastically.
"Huh? Why so many photos of her, half-revealing and all... so risqué!"
Eiji suddenly had an epiphany.
No wonder the catgirl had looked so embarrassed when she left.
Quite the talent you've got there, girl!
"Hey, stop causing trouble!"
Just as he was happily browsing, he suddenly heard the gatekeeper's angry shout.
"Do you think you can just waltz in and meet one of our Familia's executives? Do you have any idea how many people have been trying to see him these days?"
"What's going on?"
Eiji approached the gates of Twilight Manor and asked the gatekeeper.
"Eiji, perfect timing. This kid insists on seeing you."
The gatekeeper was fuming, rolling his eyes repeatedly toward the figure outside.
Eiji looked out.
Well, well.
Isn't that the rabbit?
"Bell Cranel? What brings you here?"
Standing at the gates was the white-haired, red-eyed boy.
"Mr. Eiji, I... I don't know what else to do."
Bell's face was etched with desperation.
"Apollo Familia has declared a War Game against my Hestia Familia..."
Ah.
So that's it.
A War Game—a fair duel between Familias conducted under clear rules, essentially a proxy battle where gods treat their Familias as chess pieces. In short, it's divine entertainment.
If Hestia Familia loses, they must accept any condition Apollo Familia demands, even if it means surrendering everything. Refusal isn't an option.
For the gods, it's undeniably a grand spectacle.
So whenever a War Game is proposed, the deities' approval is practically guaranteed.
But for those involved, it's nothing short of a disaster—especially for a weak Familia like Hestia's. With Bell as its sole member, even as a Level 2 upper-tier adventurer, he's hopelessly outmatched against Apollo Familia.
"So... you want my help?"
"Yes!"
Bell looked deeply ashamed.
Clearly, this shameless request came only after agonizing deliberation.
"Are you kidding me?!"
Before Eiji could respond, the gatekeeper exploded.
"How dare you ask an executive from another Familia for help? Forget the potential conflicts—our Loki Familia is preparing for a major operation right now! We can't afford to waste our executives' strength on you!"
Daedalus Street was extremely dangerous—a consensus among Loki Familia's leadership. They needed every ounce of their collective strength. Losing even one executive at this stage was unthinkable.
Bell's face turned pale.
He knew his request was unreasonable, but among the people he knew, only Eiji possessed the power to make Apollo retreat or even defeat him. That's why he had come here with a glimmer of hope.
However, the fact that Loki Familia was engaged in a major operation caught him completely off guard, causing his heart to sink.
"Come with me."
Eiji rubbed his head.
He let out a somewhat resigned sigh before grabbing the rabbit boy by the back of his collar and leading him away from the familia entrance into a nearby alley.
"Let me make this clear first—I won't help persuade Apollo to withdraw, nor will I join your war."
Otherwise, it would greatly affect Loki Familia's reputation.
"You're willing to help me?"
Bell was momentarily stunned before his face lit up with joy.
"At most, I'll assist from behind the scenes, and—"
Eiji paused, meeting Bell's confused gaze.
"I have one condition."