The explosion caused by Caladbolg left a trail visible to everyone across the entire floor.
The red-haired woman, still locked in battle with Ais, also noticed the blast.
In that instant, she knew the Demi-Spirit had likely been annihilated.
Now, she would face the full encirclement of Loki Familia.
And thanks to Shirou's interference, she wouldn't even be able to capture Aria. Once their companions arrived, she would be in grave danger.
Resolute, the red-haired woman abandoned the fight and, with a powerful strike, forced Ais back.
Looking straight at her, she declared, "We will meet again, Aria."
Then, she turned and ran, determined to escape.
"Stop!"
The name Aria ignited Ais's fighting spirit. How could she allow her to get away?
Impossible.
Enveloped by the force of the wind, Ais shot forward, chasing closely behind the red-haired woman.
And yet, she couldn't catch her.
As the woman neared the edge of the island, ready to leap from the cliff, Ais's eyes filled with frustration.
"Fall back, Ais!"
A voice from behind caught her attention, sending chills down her spine.
In the distance, crimson magical energy flared.
"This is—!"
Ais's pupils contracted. She immediately veered to the side, abandoning her pursuit.
Even she wouldn't survive that strike.
Watching Ais move aside, Shirou's lips curved faintly.
As he looked at the fleeing woman, a trace of cruelty appeared in his smile.
"This is retribution for that blow…"
With a slight release of his fingers, Caladbolg shifted into a blazing arrow, shooting forth.
Unlike before, he poured his full strength into this attack.
"Caladbolg!!"
The arrow ripped through the space between them and struck the woman's flank.
"What!"
The red-haired woman, nearing the cliff's edge, felt relief as she saw Ais fall back.
But then, a sudden wave of killing intent washed over her once again.
"No!"
Her vast combat experience allowed her to instantly push her speed to its limit—yet it was too late.
The attack had already landed.
The explosion had already begun.
A mushroom-shaped cloud rose, engulfing the entirety of the 18th floor.
Prepared, Ais shielded her face with one hand and drove her sword into the ground with the other, bracing against the violent winds.
Finn, Riveria, and the others rushing toward her were nearly swept away by the shockwave.
As for the other adventurers, many were blown back violently.
Those who survived and escaped the disaster stared silently at the towering mushroom cloud for a long time, unable to speak.
Could this really be a human attack?
"So you used that move for revenge…"
Finn rubbed his forehead, helpless, as he watched Shirou smirk faintly.
He had thought Shirou would remain composed, but he had proven himself to be yet another troublesome child.
"Shirou, do you even realize the power of that attack?"
Gazing at the vast stretch of land that had been practically erased, Finn felt a wave of helplessness.
Fortunately, no one had died. After all, only those strong enough to reach the 18th floor—Level 2 or higher—were present.
Moreover, to deal with the Plant monsters, nearly all the adventurers of the 18th floor had gathered in Rivera City, some distance from the blast.
That had saved countless lives, though many had still been caught in the shockwave.
Under normal circumstances, the casualties would have been devastating.
"Hehe!"
Reprimanded, Shirou could only scratch his head awkwardly.
After all, he knew he had been reckless.
In the previous battle, he had been utterly outmatched, and it was Ais who had managed to suppress the red-haired woman.
The gap between him and a Level 6 was immense.
That was why he had unleashed his final strike.
He couldn't bear the thought of leaving it unresolved.
After all, something so significant had happened there—it would have to be reported.
Thus, their journey ended after only half a day.
Yet, the incident remained relatively quiet. Thanks to the deliberate suppression by several familias, it caused no uproar in Orario.
After that, Shirou and his companions once again set out to explore the dungeon.
On the 37th floor, after a fierce battle, the members of Loki Familia were resting.
Glancing at Ais, who was leaning against the wall with her hands on her knees, and Shirou, sitting in silence with a blank expression, Tiona and Tione spoke quietly.
"What's wrong with those two? They've been like this ever since that battle."
"I don't know! Could it be because of the captain's scolding?"
"No way."
Tione refused to believe Finn was the reason.
Elsewhere, Finn and Riveria, who knew more of the details, whispered to one another.
"They're both restless, still caught up in that fight."
"I heard it took both their efforts to subdue that woman, and before that, Shirou managed to pierce her arm with a surprise attack."
"He's only Level 6, after all. Seems like they're both unsatisfied with their own strength."
As seasoned veterans, Finn and Riveria understood their feelings well.
"Shirou will be fine. His growth rate has always been impressive. I'm sure he'll overcome this soon."
"But as for Ais, I'm afraid the only option is…"
"Leveling up?" Riveria sighed, her gaze drifting to Ais's figure.
"That child has finally reached that point?"
"Level 6!"
"I want to level up, Shirou!"
Hearing the voice in his ear, Shirou's melancholic expression immediately softened.
Instead, a faint smile appeared.
"I was wondering when you'd say that."
Looking into Ais's determined eyes, Shirou gently brushed her hair and said quietly, "You must be unwilling to accept it, aren't you?"
"Yes!" Ais nodded firmly.
She couldn't stand the thought of failing to capture the red-haired woman and uncover the truth about her mother.
Especially since her opponent had been more skilled, defeating her outright.
If not for Shirou's help, she might not have held her ground at all.
"What a coincidence! I'm unwilling to accept it too!"
Meeting her gaze, Shirou said earnestly, "Let's grow stronger together—and then take our revenge on her!"
"Yes!"
---
(End of this chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."