On the other side, Loki Familia was quieter than usual.
Having just completed a long expedition—one that had greatly strengthened every member—they wouldn't be setting out again for at least half a year.
Those who had recently leveled up were busy stabilizing their newly gained power, working to overcome the period of imbalance that followed promotion.
As the core of the Familia, Loki herself hadn't stayed around during this time, which gave the members even more freedom. All training was now self-driven, each member striving to master their abilities as quickly as possible.
Naturally, that included Ais.
After half a year of reflection, Ais's heart had grown far steadier than before.
Perhaps the promise she'd made to her parents had pushed her to mature faster, making her realize she was no longer a child—she couldn't keep following behind Riveria or depending on others forever.
When she was lower-leveled, Riveria could guide her step by step, and the Familia's collective strength had always been there to catch her, providing a safe and stable environment for her growth.
But now that she was Level 6, no one could help her anymore.
Finn, Gareth, and Riveria had only recently advanced to Level 7 themselves. They needed time to stabilize their own strength and continue their own growth.
That meant Ais's training now depended entirely on her own effort.
But the pace of solo training was painfully slow—so slow that Ais could feel her progress lagging far behind what it once was.
That sense of stagnation weighed on her heavily. After returning from Dungeon training and finishing dinner with her Familia, she went straight back to her room.
Lying on her bed, she stared at the ceiling in silence.
"My growth is slowing down."
She could clearly feel it.
Every high-level adventurer reached this point eventually. The higher the level, the more Excelia was needed to advance. Each rank-up demanded far more than the one before it, making every step harder than the last.
That was why top-tier adventurers were so rare in Orario, the Labyrinth City.
How long would it take to push all her abilities to the limits of Level 6?
"I should ask Riveria and the others."
Ais decided she ought to consult Finn or Riveria about it.
Knock knock!
"Sword Princess."
The voice outside made Ais sit up immediately. In an instant, she was at the door, opening it quickly—only to find Bell standing there.
"Bell Cranel."
Bell took a small step back and gave a polite bow.
"My apologies for coming so late, during your rest."
Ais shook her head slightly, signaling that it was fine.
"It's alright. But why are you here at this hour?"
"On the day before the Holy Moon Festival—today—something unexpected happened. A god was devoured by a Monster far from Orario. That creature is even attempting to steal divine power."
Ais listened quietly, then tilted her head slightly, as if asking, 'And what does that have to do with me?'
Bell sighed softly. For the first time, he realized just how straightforward this "Sword Princess" was. He quickly explained.
"The Monster that devoured a god's power possesses strength beyond normal creatures. Based on my estimation, it could have power on par with Level 7—or even Level 8."
"!?"
Ais's eyes widened instantly.
She hadn't understood all of what he'd said, but that line she caught perfectly.
However, her long months of composure had tempered her greatly.
In the past, she might have rushed out immediately upon hearing such news. But now, she first asked herself whether she truly had the strength to take on such a challenge.
At that moment, Ais tilted her head slightly, puzzled.
"Why tell me? If it's a monster that strong, shouldn't you be looking for Finn?"
Bell shook his head.
"Even Captain Finn and the others don't have the strength to face such a creature. A beast that devours divine power is a completely different kind of existence from ordinary monsters. Besides, Captain Finn and his team have only just stepped into Level 7. They don't need to think about leveling up again just yet."
But that only made Ais more confused.
"If Finn and the others aren't strong enough, then why me?"
"That's the other reason. Compared to Captain Finn and his team, you have a much stronger desire to advance—to reach Level 7."
Bell paused briefly, then spoke honestly.
"Also, I want you to earn that ticket to Level 7 as soon as possible. Your father and mother—that's my reason."
A glimmer of understanding crossed Ais's face, and after a moment, she realized why Bell had come to her.
"You're here to help me?"
That realization brought a trace of excitement to her expression.
Ais knew she couldn't rely on Riveria or the others when it came to her promise with her parents. Bell had mentioned before that her parents were both solid Level 8s, and when working together, their combined strength might even double.
She wasn't sure of Bell's exact level, but based on Finn and the others' earlier assessment, he was at least Level 4.
That had been months ago. After the expedition—after learning that the final Spirit clone had been Bell's design—Ais could no longer accurately guess his current level.
Either way, Bell's offer of help was something she deeply welcomed.
"I have my own reasons," Bell continued. "You want your parents' recognition and made a promise to them. I, on the other hand, want to use your parents as a chance to take another step forward myself."
Bell didn't try to hide his motives, and Ais had no issue with that—she understood perfectly.
"I understand."
Seeing that she grasped his intent, Bell let out a quiet breath of relief.
"That's why I need you to earn that ticket to Level 7 as soon as possible."
That was Bell's true reason for coming to her.
He had the strength and experience to defeat monsters above his level—even those equivalent to Level 7. But the renowned "Sword Princess" standing before him might not yet be able to do the same, so giving her a chance to reach Level 7 was necessary.