Chapter 21 – Shin Akira, the One Who Left Loki Familia Curious!
Surrounded on all sides by relentless shadows, the young wyvern's resistance began to wane.
With one final defiant roar, it lashed out—its massive claw slashing through one of the shadow soldiers, tearing it into shreds of darkness.
But just as it struck down its target, a gleam of light sliced through the air.
The wyvern froze.
A clean slash—its head was severed cleanly from its body.
Moments later, the massive beast dissolved into a cloud of black mist, vanishing without a trace, as if it had never existed at all.
All that remained on the dungeon floor were two items.
The first was a magic stone, larger than any Shin Akira had ever seen in his time exploring the Dungeon.
The second… was a wyvern fang—a rare drop item. Wyverns themselves were already rare monsters, but to acquire one of their fangs? That was bordering on miraculous.
Akira stood still, letting out a slow breath.
For the first time, he truly felt the power of what it meant to have superiority in numbers.
Sure, in battles between vastly different levels, numbers often didn't mean much. If the gap was too wide, it didn't matter how many stood against a stronger foe—they'd be swept away.
But on an even playing field?
Numbers meant domination.
And this time, that advantage had been absolute.
Of course, weapon quality had also played a crucial role. If the shadow soldiers had only wielded their usual standard katanas, they might not have been able to break through the wyvern's scales at all.
But the weapons they carried now—crafted masterpieces from the forge—were on a completely different level.
In this world, combat didn't rely on magical energy or divine faith to activate weaponry. If a weapon could be swung, it could kill.
"Right now, I'm still just a Level 1…"
Akira looked down at his hands.
"But once I reach Level 2, the number of shadow warriors I can summon will increase. And if every one of them is equipped with high-grade gear…"
A vision began to form in his mind.
An elite army of shadow soldiers, each armed to the teeth with powerful weapons.
A terrifying force—one that could shake even the darkest depths of the Underworld.
And the best part?
He didn't have to worry about the cost.
In another familia, such a strategy might have been impossible. Equipping that many fighters, even shadow ones, would've drained most adventurers dry.
But Akira belonged to Hephaestus Familia now.
And not just as a nameless member.
He had a close, personal connection with the goddess herself—the Forge Mistress of Orario.
With the support of the wealthiest deity in the city, how could he ever run out of funds?
How could he ever run out of weapons?
Sometimes, it truly paid to have divine backing.
"Truly impressive, Shin Akira-dono."
A voice called out as the Loki Familia group approached.
They had seen the entire battle—and not one of them thought they could've replicated what he'd done.
Even Bete Loga, always sharp-tongued and critical, had no choice but to admit it: if they were at the same level, he wouldn't stand a chance against Akira.
And why would he?
Akira could summon eight shadow warriors at once. And even if they were destroyed, he could just call them back instantly.
Anyone would be overwhelmed.
"I just happen to have a Skill that suits my fighting style," Akira said modestly, scratching his cheek.
But Finn Deimne, their ever-smiling captain, shook his head.
"No… That's not coincidence. A Skill is part of your strength. If you have a powerful ability, then that's a testament to your own value as an adventurer."
Akira offered a small smile in return, but inwardly, he stayed on guard.
Compliments in the Dungeon often came with a price.
As an elf, Riveria Ljos Alf had a sharp sense for people's emotional shifts. She picked up on Akira's subtle change in expression immediately.
This man… wasn't letting his guard down.
Even with the name of Loki Familia in front of him, Shin Akira didn't show complete trust.
But she approved of that.
In the Dungeon, caution saved lives.
People like him tended to live longer.
"…Why are you that strong?"
The calm, almost detached question came from Ais Wallenstein. Her golden gaze locked onto Akira's.
She had been reflecting on her own early days as an adventurer—on how far she had come.
And nothing in her memories came close to what she had just seen. A Level 1 adventurer, defeating a wyvern alone, completely unharmed?
It was beyond anything she could've imagined.
"Ah… Sword Princess-dono," Akira said. "That's just… part of my ability."
"I think I could—"
"Ais."
Before Ais could finish, Riveria quickly stepped in, her voice serious.
Skills. Magic. Even Falna stats—they were considered deeply personal secrets for adventurers. You didn't ask unless you were trusted.
Ais may have spoken with innocent curiosity, but intent didn't always protect you from misunderstanding.
"Apologies," Riveria said softly. "She's… a little obsessed with growing stronger."
"It's fine," Akira replied, his voice calm. "I don't mind."
"Thank you~" Riveria gave him a gracious smile, then gently pulled Ais away.
The younger girl looked confused, about to ask why she was interrupted—but one look at Riveria's stern expression, and she fell silent.
After all, Riveria had raised her since she was a child.
In Loki Familia, she wasn't just a party member. She was like a mother figure.
Even Finn, the captain, was often ignored by Ais.
But Riveria? Ais always listened to her.
"By the way, Shin Akira," Finn said. "We're heading back to Orario. Would you like to return with us?"
"Of course. I was planning to head back as well."
"Great."
Finn smiled. No resistance, no evasive replies. That was a good sign.
This man wasn't hiding malicious intent.
And more than that, his shadow-based abilities were fascinating. Storing weapons in darkness, summoning warriors like ninja—it wasn't something you saw every day.
There was no doubt in Finn's mind: Shin Akira would become a major player in Orario.
If they could build a good relationship now, it would only benefit them later.
And besides, he was from Hephaestus Familia—Loki Familia's long-term business partner.
Who knew? Maybe on a future expedition, they could call on Akira's help.
And so, Shin Akira joined the return convoy of Loki Familia's expedition.
But trailing silently at the back of the group was a young elf girl with pale blonde hair.
Lefiya Viridis, the young prodigy mage of Loki Familia.
Though she was still quite young, she had already reached Level 3 and was seen as Riveria's successor.
Everyone trusted her.
But even now… she was afraid of monsters.
Her heart felt uneasy.
She had clearly seen it—how Ais had become so interested in Shin Akira.
And not just Ais.
She herself was curious, too.
A complete rookie, a self-proclaimed newcomer, yet utterly fearless in the face of monsters. Wielding overwhelming power.
Speaking to Finn—Captain Finn—as if they were equals.
It was unthinkable.
Not just to Lefiya. To everyone.
Finn Deimne, leader of Loki Familia, Level 6 adventurer, and a man of near-legendary reputation… even if he looked like a child.
But Shin Akira—a Level 1 rookie—had spoken to him without even flinching.
It was like watching a fresh college graduate sitting down with the CEO of a billion-valis company…
It simply didn't make sense.
Not by any normal logic.
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