Bell began setting up surveillance devices at the entrance to the 35th floor, embedding each sensor carefully into the walls along the path.
Given that the "White Palace" naturally eroded equipment over time, he had prepared more than enough units—his plan was simple: if one broke, another would take its place.
The area covered by the "White Palace" was immense, and it took Bell quite a while to get everything in place.
"All that's left now is to wait."
"Well, it shouldn't take too long."
For some time, the "Sword Princess" of the Loki Familia had been training at the "Great Falls." Those people should be aware of it, which was why they had been acting with such caution.
But now that the "Sword Princess" had left, they probably wouldn't be able to resist moving soon.
He figured it would only take a day or two to gather some useful intel.
Bell crossed his arms, stretched a little, and twisted his body to ease the stiffness in his muscles.
Then, opening a spatial rift, he stepped through.
...
Through the same rift, Ais returned to her own room.
She looked down at the broken sword in her hand. The blade still carried faint traces of magical energy, but the condensed wind that had once surrounded it had already dissipated.
"What a shame."
If the wind had lasted just a little longer, it would've helped her refine her control even further.
Without mana to sustain it, the wind simply couldn't remain.
Focusing her magic, Ais gathered her energy onto the blade, using it as a catalyst to make the air spin rapidly along its edge.
But when she looked at the result, disappointment filled her face.
If Bell's creation could be called a sword of wind, then hers was more like… a wind club.
The air merely swirled in a rounded shape—it wasn't sharp at all. It might've worked well for knocking someone out, but not much else.
"Hmm… no. What I've formed isn't a sword."
A little disheartened, Ais sheathed the broken blade and decided she'd ask Riveria about it later.
"First, I'll go find Loki and update my status."
Growth in ability scores was the clearest sign of progress. Even though Ais now understood that some forms of growth weren't reflected in numbers, her stats still determined when she could advance to Lv.7.
Normally, Loki would be lounging in her room—or running around teasing people—but lately, she'd been oddly quiet. It was unusual.
Ais didn't know why Loki's usual mischievousness had suddenly toned down, but for someone who'd been on the receiving end of it more than once, she definitely saw this as an improvement.
Standing before Loki's door, Ais raised her hand and knocked.
"Knock, knock, knock."
"Ah, I'm getting up."
It sounded like Loki had been asleep.
But… did Loki ever sleep this early? Ais's mind filled with question marks.
Normally, Loki would be out drinking with the Familia, partying until dawn after every banquet. Could this really be the same Loki—sleeping early?
Though confused, Ais waited patiently at the door.
Before long, the door opened.
A wave of alcohol hit her immediately, making Ais frown. She didn't dislike alcohol, but she wasn't particularly fond of it either. At parties, she usually only took a few polite sips—unlike Gareth or Bete, who drank like beasts.
Was Loki secretly drinking in her room? Ais peeked inside but found it spotless—not a single bottle in sight.
She hadn't heard much movement earlier, so it probably wasn't hidden. And really, would Loki need to hide her drinking?
"Ais, you've been in the Dungeon for quite a while this time."
"Mm… Loki, didn't you tell me to spend more time exploring the Dungeon?"
"I did say that, but I didn't expect you to actually move in."
Loki rubbed her temples with a sigh. This kid always took things to the extreme. Luckily, Bell had been there to keep an eye on her—otherwise, Loki would've had to send Finn to drag her back herself.
Looking at Ais—beautiful yet hopelessly dense—Loki couldn't help feeling both admiration and exasperation.
Still, she could tell something about Ais had changed.
"Looks like you've gained quite a bit these past two weeks."
"Mm. Loki, I need a status update."
"Yeah, yeah. Come in."
Loki led Ais into the room.
"Same as usual—take off your top."
This time, Loki went straight to her cabinet to fetch the needle used for status updates.
As Loki rummaged around, Ais quietly began undressing.
She removed the light armor from her shoulders, unfastened the breastplate over her chest, and was soon down to the white bodysuit she wore beneath.
"...Hmm."
The room was silent, making the faint rustle of fabric sound louder than usual.
Loki, with her back turned, held her breath despite herself. The sight was almost too much.
'Damn… and here I thought I was into Bell now. Guess some habits die hard.'
Recently, the female members of the Loki Familia had been enjoying some rare peace.
In the past, they had to deal with Loki's constant antics—the groping, the teasing, even sneaking into baths uninvited.
Getting harassed or dragged into her schemes had been practically routine.
But in the last few months, ever since Loki realized her feelings for Bell—and moved into the Hestia Familia—she'd stopped bothering the girls.
With expeditions delayed and status updates rare, the Familia had entered what could only be described as a "period of abstinence."
Still, after holding back so long, Loki could feel her pulse quicken.
When she turned around, Ais was already seated—topless, waiting patiently.
Her back was smooth and pale like freshly fallen snow. There wasn't the rough definition of a warrior's body, just a quiet, graceful strength.
And with her golden hair brushed over her shoulder to keep it from falling on her back, the sight was… devastating.
"Perfect. Absolutely perfect," Loki muttered before she could stop herself.
"...?"
Ais turned her head, confused, only to catch Loki staring at her with that same lecherous grin. Question marks once again filled her mind.
Wasn't Loki supposed to be serious about this?
"Hehehe~ Miss Ais, here I come."
"Thud!"
Loki leaned forward with a mischievous chuckle, her fingers barely brushing Ais's bare back—
And Ais immediately flinched. That unpleasant sensation made goosebumps race down her skin.
Her body reacted on pure instinct.
Ais's fist swung back.
The last thing Loki saw was a flash of white and gold before darkness swallowed her whole.
Her consciousness vanished instantly.
...
For more chapters, feel free to follow me on P@treon.
(100 Chapters Ahead)
[email protected]/PinkSnake