Chapter 31 – Loki's Attention!
"A Falna is like a key—it unlocks the hidden potential within a person."
That simple explanation made both Ais and Lefiya's eyes light up. It made perfect sense.
A Falna was a divine blessing granted by the gods. It turned possibilities into reality—transforming the limits of human capability.
— — —
"Ais-san, do you know how parameter growth in a Falna actually works?"
"Training. Fighting. Adventuring…"
"That's just the method. The real source of growth is pressure—what we call 'experience'."
"…So you're saying I lack pressure?"
"Exactly. To put it simply, you've gotten too strong. The monsters you fight now aren't giving your body enough of a challenge. That's why your growth has slowed to a crawl."
"…What should I do?"
Ais's tone grew serious. That frustration she'd felt lately… it all stemmed from one thing: her progress had stalled.
And for someone like Ais—whose sole purpose was to become stronger—that was a painful reality.
"There are two solutions. First, fight tougher monsters—like floor bosses in the lower levels."
"…I see."
Ais nodded, already scanning her mental list for possible targets.
"No way! That's way too dangerous! Even for Lady Ais, floor bosses in the lower levels are nothing to take lightly!"
Unlike Ais, who readily accepted the idea, Lefiya was quick to object.
Riveria had personally assigned her to watch over Ais—and that meant making sure she didn't dive recklessly into the deeper Dungeon alone.
"Who said she has to go alone?" Akira replied casually. "Loki Familia is strong, right? Just bring a few people along to monitor from a distance. If things get dicey, they can jump in and help. I'm not saying she should solo a boss."
"...Well, if that's the case, maybe it's worth considering…"
"What's the second solution?" Ais asked, cutting in before Lefiya could protest further. Her gaze locked onto Akira, determined. She clearly intended to try both.
"The second method… is increasing the difficulty yourself."
"Raising the difficulty…?"
"Right. You're an agility-based fighter, aren't you? Your style is about speed and precision. So give your body a new kind of challenge. For example—add extra weight when training, or switch to a heavier sword. That will force your muscles and reflexes to adapt."
Lefiya seemed thoughtful. That idea sounded much safer and far more practical than diving into a floor boss fight.
Besides, their Familia probably had that kind of equipment already. And if not, they could always place a custom order with Hephaestus Familia.
"That's all I've got. I can't help much beyond that—I'm still a beginner myself."
"Thank you."
Whether his advice worked or not, Ais bowed her head sincerely.
Akira simply waved it off. To him, it wasn't anything special. It was just… common sense.
But to Ais, his words carried weight—because she saw Shin Akira as someone truly powerful. So anything he said felt significant.
Akira had no doubt that weight training was already a thing in Orario.
It probably existed within Loki Familia too. Maybe Ais had just never considered it.
— — —
After resting for a good while on the 18th floor, time had passed—possibly pushing into early afternoon. Reaching this floor wasn't exactly a short trip, after all.
Once she had the answers she came for, Ais left with Lefiya in tow. If Akira had to guess, she was probably heading back to the base to grab some training weights.
Leaning against a nearby tree, Akira closed his eyes, allowing himself a brief rest. The shadow warriors kept silent watch around him. At the first sign of danger, they'd wake him immediately.
Time slipped by.
Before he realized it, two hours had passed.
The glowing crystals in the ceiling of the 18th floor had begun to dim, signaling the passage of time.
Akira slowly opened his eyes.
"…Haaah."
He stretched his limbs, joints cracking slightly.
Leaning against a tree was hardly ideal. It was a far cry from the comfort of a real bed. But even so, his body felt somewhat recovered.
"Guess it's time to head back."
He glanced around once more before making his way toward the corridor leading to the 17th floor.
— — —
Orario – Loki Familia Headquarters: Twilight Manor
The moment she returned, Ais went straight to the logistics wing and borrowed several weighted accessories and a massive training sword.
As the "Golden Girl" of the Familia, her actions didn't go unnoticed.
The news quickly spread and reached the ears of Loki herself—as well as other high-ranking members like Finn.
Their curiosity piqued, they summoned Lefiya, who had accompanied Ais that day, and began questioning her.
Lefiya recounted the whole story—including the advice given by Shin Akira.
"…So you're telling me all of this started with a single comment from that Hephaestus kid?" Loki muttered irritably.
She didn't seem pleased. Her precious Ais was taking advice from an outsider, and that rubbed her the wrong way.
Finn, on the other hand, narrowed his eyes.
He had met Shin Akira before—briefly, during one of their expeditions. And he remembered the encounter clearly.
"Loki, don't underestimate that boy."
"Huh? What are you saying, Finn?"
"According to our reports, he's only been an adventurer for… three or four days. Not even a full week. But today, he reached the 18th floor. Alone. And more than that—he defeated five Minotaurs. Solo."
That got Loki's attention. Her expression grew serious.
"…You've seen the kid in person, right? What's your impression?"
"He's strong. Not just physically—but mentally. When we spoke, I felt it. That pressure… the kind that doesn't come from raw power alone. It's arrogance, yes—but backed by something real."
"…So he's the second type, huh?"
"Exactly. From what we've gathered, he can manipulate shadows. He stores weapons inside them and can summon ninja-like soldiers. At least eight confirmed… but potentially more."
"…Hephaestus really found herself a gem."
"Loki, if you get the chance, you should visit her. Have a proper talk."
"…You want me to investigate, huh?"
"Call it what you want. But our Familias collaborate often enough. Strengthening that relationship will only benefit us."
"…Fine. I'll drop by that forge of hers tomorrow."
Loki nodded to herself.
Among the gods, Hephaestus might not be one of the most politically powerful.
But here in the mortal world…
She was the Queen of Weapons and Smithing in Orario. And now—she might also be the one holding the leash of Orario's next rising monster.
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