Two days passed quickly.
Although the air in Orario was thick with tension—like the smell of gunpowder—and even the Adventurers on the streets seemed sharper and more on edge, the city hadn't erupted into full-scale conflict.
The likely reason was that the Evilus faction hadn't made a move yet. If they had, Orario would have already been in chaos.
Today was also the day the expedition teams from the Loki Familia and Hephaestus Familia were scheduled to return.
At the Dungeon's entrance, many Adventurers had already gathered. Most of them were members of the Loki Familia, including Loki herself.
The sight drew the attention of other Adventurers passing by.
"Why is Loki-sama standing out here?"
"Isn't today the day the expedition team comes back? But this is unusual. I remember Loki-sama usually greets them at the Familia gate. Why'd she come here instead?"
"Could it be the expedition broke through to an unknown floor?"
"!?"
The surrounding Adventurers all reacted with surprise—and the more they thought about it, the more that explanation made sense.
"If that's true, then the path through the Dungeon has advanced again."
"No wonder Loki-sama came out in person. The last expedition team only made it to the 58th floor. If they've pushed further this time, it means they broke through 58... maybe even cleared the 59th."
None of them bothered to lower their voices, so Loki, standing right there at the entrance, heard every word. The mix of awe, curiosity, and admiration only deepened the smile on her face. She didn't deny it—because it was true.
Her children had ventured into uncharted territory, and that was a testament to their hard work.
"They're coming!"
Footsteps echoed from the Dungeon's entrance, and the Adventurers all craned their necks to see.
Finn emerged first, leading the returning team out of the Dungeon.
The others followed closely behind, walking together instead of splitting into separate units like they usually did for the return trip.
Everyone nearby could feel the sheer pressure radiating from the expedition team.
That overwhelming presence, like the bloodlust of an Asura, gave the impression that a massive red demon loomed behind them. The aura alone was enough to silence the entire crowd.
Some low-level Adventurers even forgot to breathe.
Even high-level ones couldn't stop the cold sweat dripping down their backs.
Especially the three pillars of the Loki Familia standing at the front—their auras were so intense it felt like the sky itself had turned crimson.
"Ahem!"
A single cough shattered the heavy silence, dispelling the suffocating aura like fog breaking under sunlight.
"Finn, how did the expedition go?"
Loki stepped forward, her face full of smiles.
The intense atmosphere gradually faded, though Finn—leading at the front—still had a strange glint in his tired eyes.
"For us, it was a trial beyond imagination."
Finn's slightly loaded words made Loki scratch at her face, a bit sheepishly.
"Yeah... making it through something like that is an incredibly valuable experience for all of you."
Still wearing a rare, serious expression, Loki continued.
"As your Familia God, the most I can offer is a trial worthy of proving yourselves. No matter how tough it was, you overcame it with your wisdom, strength, and foundation. That kind of trial is an irreplaceable treasure for any of you."
Seeing Loki like this, Finn let out a quiet sigh. But the resentment he'd felt seemed to fade.
A smile slowly returned to his face.
"Yes, this was an invaluable experience for all of us."
Though the trial involved some unnecessary interference, overall it was a tremendously valuable experience.
They had gone in completely unprepared, forced to use every ounce of strength they had.
Cassandra's predictions and Haruhime's magic—those were the trump cards they relied on during the trial.
It was thanks to those cards that they managed to clear it so smoothly.
Even so, the final victory still felt a bit dramatic.
But Finn didn't argue with Loki's words. Regardless of how it ended, the process itself was a priceless experience. And the results they gained weren't charity—they were earned through their own efforts.
'Phew... good thing Finn isn't too mad.' Loki let out a quiet sigh of relief.
"The celebration has already been prepared at home. Tonight, we'll be holding a banquet with the Loki Familia, Hephaestus Familia, and Hestia Familia."
"Once you've rested, it's time for the grand feast."
"It's not just to celebrate your return—it's to honor how you all broke past your former limits."
Loki's bold voice rang out clearly, heard not only by the returning expedition team, but also by the surrounding Adventurers.
Finn paused for a moment and asked quietly,
"Did Bell-kun accept the invitation too?"
Loki raised her chin a little, looking smug.
"Of course."
Then she chuckled with a gossipy grin.
"That kid's really walked into it this time. This banquet isn't just a celebration for you all—it's also a big deal for him."
"This time, besides our three Familias, the Freya Familia, Hermes Familia, and Ganesha Familia will be attending too."
"The Freya Familia!?"
Finn's eyes widened. He hadn't expected Freya's Familia to be invited. But if they were, how could Hestia's Familia still attend?
Finn doubted Bell would agree to show up under those conditions.
Loki clearly saw what he was thinking and gave a mischievous grin.
"That's why I said he got himself into it."
She didn't elaborate further—it wasn't the time or place.
"Get yourselves ready. You've got half a day to rest, but skipping tonight's banquet isn't an option."
"I understand."
Finn could already sense that there was a lot more going on beneath the surface.
And that meant tonight's banquet would be far from simple.
...
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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