Four dead.
Among the dozen or so people who fell into the pit at that time, the team led by Tiona was found by Eiji and successfully rescued.
But the other group wasn't so fortunate.
Riveria, Lefiya, and Filvis happened to find an exit in the underground waterway, but the other four had no executives with them.
By the time Riveria returned with reinforcements, their bodies had long gone cold.
"They died from cursed weapons."
Ais's face also showed sorrow as she bit her lip tightly.
"...Their names?"
After a heavy silence, Eiji finally spoke.
"Lloyd, Anju, Remilia... and Line."
Tiona spoke each name with grief and indignation.
Was it a side effect of mental exhaustion? For a moment, Eiji didn't react.
When he came to, he realized what had happened.
He had heard a very familiar name.
Line?
That girl with the braided hair?
The gentle Lv. 2 healer who had once trained with him in the Dungeon?
Dead?
...
In the southeastern district of Orario.
There stood a cemetery with countless tombstones.
Since ancient times, adventurers who left behind illustrious achievements—especially the heroes of old—had their names engraved on the great monument in the courtyard of the Guild headquarters, some even immortalized with statues for future generations to honor.
But those unknown adventurers, or those who died without intact remains, would have their belongings collected by family or their Familia and buried in this First Cemetery, also known as the Adventurers' Graveyard.
Today, the heavens were unkind—a fine drizzle fell from the overcast sky.
In one corner of the cemetery, Loki Familia had paid a considerable sum to reserve the space, erecting several graves and tombstones for the four who had perished in this operation.
"Cough! Cough!"
A violent coughing approached from behind.
"According to Loki, the souls of those who die on the surface return to the heavens, where the gods arrange their reincarnation. So it's not an eternal farewell."
Finn covered his mouth, suppressing the violent heaving of his chest.
His face was pale, his energy depleted, his spirit weak—he looked utterly sickly.
The curse on Revis's sword was terrifying, draining his body severely. Even with Airmid's personal treatment, he hadn't fully recovered.
"But after reincarnation, does that person still have any connection to this life?"
Eiji stood before the tombstone and asked Finn in a low voice.
"...Who knows?"
Finn pondered for a moment, wanting to nod in agreement, but ultimately couldn't bring himself to say it with certainty.
"Is this your first time experiencing the death of someone close to you?"
"Yes."
"Then you're really quite strong."
Finn sighed.
"Many in the Familia cried for half the day."
It had been a long time since Loki Familia had lost anyone.
To be precise, since the Evilus was eradicated five years ago, though there had been occasional injuries, the collective efforts of the entire Familia had ensured no deaths.
But in just this single expedition into the artificial dungeon, four had died at once.
Many were experiencing the death of a comrade for the first time. Dark clouds hung over everyone's faces, with sobs breaking out intermittently. The entire familia was shrouded in gloom.
"This is my responsibility."
Finn openly admitted his mistake.
"If I hadn't been defeated by Revis, things wouldn't have turned out this way. In the end, I should have listened to your advice from the beginning."
Eiji had tried to stop him several times, believing the artificial dungeon was too dangerous and that it was too early to attempt its conquest. But out of concern for Orario's safety, Finn had resolutely chosen to lead the assault.
"So you don't need to blame yourself."
Finn paused before finally speaking.
"You've done more than enough—far better than I could have."
According to Ais, Eiji had been standing in this cemetery for half a day. Upon hearing this, he had ignored Riveria's objections and rushed here.
Finn felt he bore significant responsibility in this matter—after all, it was he who had entrusted Eiji with the mission in that critical moment. If Eiji was feeling guilty, it was Finn's duty to reassure him.
Without Eiji, the Loki Familia would have suffered even greater losses. The entire familia might have perished in that labyrinth. That he managed to save so many was nothing short of miraculous—Finn doubted he could have done as well.
"Finn."
Eiji suddenly chuckled softly.
"If I told you not to blame yourself right now, could you do it?"
Finn found himself at a loss for words.
Searching his heart, he knew it was impossible not to feel guilty.
"I see. I was asking too much."
Finn nodded in understanding and abandoned his attempts at persuasion.
Eiji stood before the gravestone.
Unlike other familia members who wept openly, his expression remained calm.
Of course, he blamed himself.
He felt responsible for bringing everyone back alive.
No—even without that responsibility, even without Finn's last-minute orders, emotionally, he believed he should have done it. And he should have succeeded.
But he hadn't.
If only he'd been faster.
If only he hadn't lost consciousness.
Such thoughts filled his mind.
"Don't worry, Finn. I won't let anger cloud my judgment."
Finn could see no signs of rage in Eiji's eyes, expression, or even subtle movements.
But that couldn't be true.
Though their time together had been brief, Finn knew Eiji deeply cared for his comrades.
To him, those close to him were inviolable.
Yet not everyone chooses to vent their emotions when facing loss.
There are those who grow calmer the angrier they become.
And more terrifying.
"Loki says this is just the beginning of war."
Though pale, Finn managed a determined smile.
"The Loki Familia has never been the type to swallow our grievances quietly—not with a goddess like ours. So revenge is now on the agenda."
The Loki Familia was like a pack of wolves. Even when wounded, they wouldn't cower—only lick their wounds before gathering to tear their enemies apart with sharpened claws.
"Let's go back. You're not in great shape either, and there are people waiting for you."
Finn gestured slightly behind them.
Eiji turned around.
The golden-haired girl stood in the distance, her slender frame quietly enduring the rain as her eyes kept glancing this way.
"There will be chances to return."
Eiji spoke these words in his heart to the four now buried beneath the earth.
This was his first time experiencing the loss of companions.
But he swore it would also be the last.
The fine rain gradually faded like silk threads as sunlight spilled from the sky.
Eiji turned and followed the footsteps of the two figures in the distance, leaving behind this silent garden of the dead.