"I'd like to conduct a deep-level exploration in the Dungeon, and I request the permission of Lady Freya."
The process went more smoothly than Bell had anticipated.
Thanks to the daily baptism of life-and-death battles with his fellow Familia members, the pressure of such an intense environment…
…it did indeed lead to improvements in his ability values, but it also created extremely strained relationships within the Familia.
This feeling—
Ever since joining the Familia, it had been quietly taking root deep in his heart.
This was not the adventurer's life he truly wanted.
Without exception, even the veteran adventurer who had saved him that day, Liang Yue, had only registered as an adventurer slightly earlier than him.
With no help from a Familia, solely relying on his own effort and talent, he had broken the world record for the fastest level-up to Lv.2.
All of these things were pushing Bell toward making a change.
The good news was that Lady Freya granted him permission.
The party's safety measures were excellent: there was Mr. Penn, who usually acted as his "mentor," as well as several other Lv.2 companions.
Unlike within the Familia, there was no oppressive atmosphere—exploring the Dungeon felt far more harmonious.
Passing through the "first dead line," the team safely reached the Middle Floors.
This was Bell's first time here. Without floor information, the path ahead was full of unknown dangers—yet even so, he stepped forward, carrying deep within him his hero-like admiration for Liang Yue.
"Mr. Penn, just ahead is the Middle Floors!"
"Mm."
Penn, whose height and even facial features were similar to Bell's, waved his hand dismissively, his tone tinged with impatience. For an adventurer at Lv.4, the Middle Floors posed no threat whatsoever.
What truly surprised him, if anything, was that Lady Freya had actually agreed to Bell's request.
"Don't dawdle. If you feel threatened even in the Middle Floors, it would be a disgrace to Lady Freya's name for one of her Familia members!"
"…"
Though harsh, Bell didn't take offense. Ever since joining the Freya Familia, he had grown used to this.
And yet, despite that, they still gave him much help and care.
Looking ahead at the unexplored floors, the boy's heart filled with anticipation. Gripping his short sword tightly, he stepped forward without hesitation.
"I just hope… I won't fall too far behind Mr. Liang Yue!"
The expedition's objective had been met—they successfully defeated the rare monster, the "Moss Giant."
The return trip was much easier. With no performance quotas and his physical condition still optimal, Bell made use of "Iai Slash" to quickly clear paths and encountered no significant threats.
The experience gain was still generous—just as Liang Yue had predicted.
If all went well, by the time they returned to Orario, his Sword Soul Template class level would reach 35.
"This leveling speed… is a bit beyond expectations."
Part of the reason for the efficient experience gain was that the monsters were stronger, thus giving more XP.
Of course, the main factor was Liang Yue's mastery of the "Iai Slash" technique.
Leading the party from the front, Liang Yue found himself looking forward to the boost in ability values that such high-intensity Dungeon activity would bring. It had been almost six full days since his last status update.
Knowing Hestia's personality, he couldn't imagine how worried she must be…
Using his No-Self Sword Aura to sweep away monsters, he guided the expedition safely to the safe zone on the 18th floor.
With the confirmation that they would return to Orario tomorrow, the dinner that night was much more sumptuous—Liang Yue didn't mind.
Objectively speaking, from the Takemikazuchi Familia, Yamato Mikoto's cooking skills were indeed excellent.
It might not match the finest restaurants on the surface, but for a small-scale Familia expedition, this was beyond what Liliruca had ever imagined possible.
Taking advantage of the break, she tallied their loot—magic stones, drop items—which, once sold to the Guild, should yield a good amount of valis.
It might even slightly improve the Familia's living conditions.
And as a supporter who had accompanied Liang Yue through the toughest period of the Hestia Familia and helped him complete the compulsory expedition flawlessly, Lili felt that, regardless of her past stains, there should be nothing for anyone to criticize her for.
Glancing at the group preparing to eat, her attitude softened.
Lifting her still-somewhat-childlike face, she raised a cup of juice and smiled faintly:
"At this pace, if all goes well, we'll be back in Orario before sunset tomorrow.
Then we can each return to our own Familias to rest, and later head to the Hostess of Fertility for a little celebration to mark the successful end of the expedition!"
Hearing the invitation, Kashima Ōka, whose sense of participation during the expedition had been rather low, exchanged a glance with Chigusa—who had also been mostly idle.
Liang Yue's overwhelming strength was one thing, but from a supporter's perspective, they hadn't contributed much.
Only Mikoto, with her rare gravity magic, had managed to be of some help.
Given the good relationship between their gods and the fact that payment had been received, Ōka felt the matter really had nothing to do with him.
Still, after some hesitation—and seeing no change in Liang Yue's expression—he nodded in agreement, though with a complicated look.
"…Alright."
Likewise, Mikoto, sitting beside Liang Yue with her knees drawn up, felt conflicted.
The expedition was ending, but her closeness with Liang Yue would no doubt trouble Lady Hestia.
When it came to swordsmanship—
His never-before-seen sword aura fighting style, the memory of being saved from a Minotaur…
Whenever she glanced at him, her eyes carried complex emotions.
It was the soft, timid voice of Chigusa that broke the moment, her black hair hiding her eyes.
"…Let's hope the return trip goes smoothly."
After a night's rest, the expedition was in top condition and prepared to leave the safe zone.
Time was tight.
Unless supplies ran out, they would never choose to shop at Rivira Street during a Familia expedition.
With everything packed, they followed the floor passage back, the atmosphere fairly relaxed.
Liang Yue, however, was uncharacteristically a little uneasy.
Judging by the timing, the Middle Floor boss—Goliath—should have spawned yesterday.
And with his own level recently having broken through, he wondered whether things would play out as in the original events…
Could it end up provoking the Loki Familia into starting their expedition early?
He wouldn't mind casually cutting down the freshly spawned Goliath.
As they swept aside the monsters flooding the corridor and drew closer to the boss room, the sound of fierce battle caught Liang Yue's full attention.
The others looked at him in confusion, but Liang Yue turned back with an easy smile.
"Seems our luck's not bad today."
"What's going on…?"
Without Liang Yue's sharp battle sense, Lili frowned at the map in her hands.
Looking where it marked, the boss room of the Middle Floors—Goliath—was just ahead.
She froze for a moment, then looked up in disbelief, her voice trembling:
"Your next target…
Don't tell me it's that guy?"
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