...
"Are you serious?! There's no way a rookie like him could beat the Goliath!"
A raven-haired cat-man exclaimed, his voice sharp with disbelief. His fur bristled slightly as he stared wide-eyed at the hulking boar man, clearly unable to accept the possibility. The very thought of a newcomer triumphing over such a colossal beast seemed absurd to him, like a bad joke told too seriously.
...
"Yeah."
"You're right."
"There's no way."
"Impossible."
The four prums said in unison, each of them raising their arms to form an 'X' in front of their chests, shaking their heads with absolute certainty. Their expressions left no room for doubt as they had clearly reached the same conclusion.
...
"A Level 2 fighting a Goliath...? I should fight him too...! Ah—no no no! There's no way... I'm way too shy to even talk to him... >////<"
a silver-haired dark elf muttered, hiding his face behind his sleeves as his ears twitched nervously.
...
"Tch. It's unbelievable that such a prospect might actually be true. What do you think, Ottar? You witnessed him firsthand, didn't you? So tell me, are he and the other two truly worthy? Worthy enough to be with her? To be part of us?"
A blonde, high elf with glasses said, his voice laced with both skepticism and restrained curiosity. His eyes, sharp and calculating, didn't stray from the towering figure before his as he awaited his response.
...
"...Yes."
"He is strong."
"As are the other two."
Ottar said, his deep voice carrying a quiet certainty, as he confirmed the strength of what were, perhaps, his comrades.
...
"Well, whatever it is, we'll find out soon enough whether they're worthy or not,"
The blonde elf said once more, his tone casual but edged with curiosity as he readjusted his glasses with a subtle push against the bridge of his nose.
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
"How about you? What do you think?"
The blonde elf now shifted the conversation toward a female demi-human dog, her features reminiscent of a long-haired dachshund, complete with drooping ears and long hairy tail, both being green. Her soft long, wavery green hair, framed her face, adding a gentle vibrancy to her canine-like charm. Her height falling short a bit against the boar man himself. Her body voluptuous. People would even call her a milf on how mature her body is showing.
The attention now settled on her.
...
The woman grinned, clearly amused by the topic at hand.
"Well..."
The woman said, her voice carrying a hint of intrigue.
"I just got back after a month of solo expedition towards the 70th floor and the boss on the 49th floor, and here I heard about an adventurer from you guys, having the guts to take on a Goliath as a level 2."
Her grin widened, stretching into something more feral, more entertained than before.
"I'd say... he's very interesting. Foolish, maybe. Reckless, definitely. But interesting? Oh, without a doubt."
She said as she starts to move and left them towards somewhere she wants to go, with her square-ish shape like broad sword on her back.
...
The others watched on as she turned and left the group, heading, possibly, toward her room.
As she walked, she couldn't help but to think,
'Is he like me?'
That thought lingered in her mind as she quietly contemplated the question.
'Well, I'll meet him when I get the chance. I can do whatever I want. It's not like that sex-craved goddess of mine can stop me. Not her, not Ottar, not even Leon.'
Her lips curled slightly in amusement at the thought. The air around her remained quiet, her footsteps echoing softly along the corridor.
'Should I go to her to update my status and level up?' she wondered.
But after a moment's pause, she dismissed the idea.
'Nah. I'll rest for a couple more days first. I deserve that much.'
She thought as she continues to walk towards her destination.
As she was walking, her stomach growled.
GROWL....
'On second thought, Imma go eat something right now. Fighting that Balor freak really got me hungry.'
She thought as she changes her direction towards the location of the dining hall.
_________________________
Right now, Aurelius was seen lying down on a mat with a pillow under his head, peacefully sleeping as he rested from the epic fight he had just endured. His body was covered in bandages, wrapped tightly around the injuries he had sustained during his fierce battle against the Goliath beforehand. The room was quiet, save for the soft rhythm of his breathing, and the faint glow of the nearby lanterns cast gentle shadows over his resting form. Each rise and fall of his chest spoke of exhaustion, but also of relief, like a warrior finally given the chance to recover after pushing his body to the brink. Though his wounds were many, and the pain still lingered beneath the surface, there was a calmness in his expression, as if victory itself had soothed the storm within him.
His eyes twitched, fluttering slightly before slowly opening as he awakened from his sleep.
"Ugh… my head," Aurelius groaned, wincing as a dull ache pulsed through his skull. He raised a hand to his forehead, pressing against it in an attempt to soothe the lingering pain. The world around him felt hazy, like a dream not yet shaken off.
"Where… am I?" he muttered, eyes scanning his surroundings with growing awareness. The fabric ceiling above him rippled gently with the wind, dim light filtering through the canvas. "It looks like I'm in some sort of tent," he added, voice low with confusion, as he slowly sat upright.
A musty scent of cloth and herbs hung in the air, and distant murmurs echoed just outside, barely audible. Wherever he was, it was far from where he remembered being last.
"You're on the 18th floor, Sir Aurelius." A voice rang out from beside him, prompting him to turn his head toward the source.
Standing there were none other than his comrades.
Bell, Lili, and Welf.
"18th floor?" Aurelius repeated, still dazed and confused by the sudden answer. His gaze shifted around the tent before landing back on them. "How did you guys get this tent? Did you three build it yourselves?"
"No, not at all," Bell replied with a light shake of his head, his tone respectful yet casual toward his captain. "We're actually in one of the tents that the Loki Familia set up."
"The Loki Familia?" Aurelius asked, his brows furrowing with confusion upon learning who his unexpected saviors were. "Why would the Loki Familia be here on the 18th floor?"
"They just got back from their expedition," Lili explained, stepping forward as she folded her arms. "When they were on the 18th floor after a bit of relaxing from their expedtion, they heard the rumbling caused by your battle with the Goliath on the 17th floor. So they headed straight there to investigate... and the rest is history."
"I see, I forgot that they had an expedition too." Aurelius murmured as his expression slowly shifted into one of understanding. His gaze dropped momentarily, reflecting on the chain of events that had led him here.
As the conversation settled, the flap of the tent rustled open, drawing everyone's attention. Three figures stepped inside, each are all too familiar for the four.
"It seems like you're in decent shape, Aurelius."
It was Finn, Gareth, and Tiona, members of the Loki Familia.
"Yeah," Aurelius replied, bowing slightly out of respect for the visit from the Braver. "Thank you for letting us stay in your tents, Finn."
"It's nothing, really. It's our duty to help those in need," Finn said with a calming smile. "Besides, we applaud you for defeating the Goliath on your own."
"HAHAHA!" Gareth let out a booming laugh, clearly amused by the young warrior's feat. "A Level 2 taking down the Middle Floor boss alone? That's something worth boasting about, brat."
Tiona, unable to contain her excitement any longer, jumped in with an energetic shout. "Yeah! It was awesome! The way you were punching and kicking and blocking, you looked like a real brawler! Like, super cool!"
Aurelius, standing before the captain and two senior members of the prestigious Loki Familia, felt genuinely appreciative of their words. Their recognition wasn't something he took lightly.
"Thank you for the praises," he said with a modest chuckle, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment, "but I doubt it's something that noteworthy, hehe."
"Don't be so modest," Finn replied, his tone light but sincere. "What you did isn't something just any adventurer could pull off."
"Exactly!" Tiona beamed. "You've got that warrior in you, Aurelius. Real guts!"
Gareth crossed his arms, nodding in agreement. "Keep that fire burning, brat. You'll go far if you don't let it die out."
Aurelius nodded, casting an acknowledging look toward the three, his gaze steady and silent as he wordlessly conveyed his recognition of their presence.
"Well, I better get going now. I have work I need to do," Finn said to Aurelius as he adjusted the edge of his coat. He then glanced toward Gareth, who stood solidly beside him. "I heard you've got a few things to take care of too, right?"
"Yup. Some chores need doing here and there," Gareth replied, rolling his shoulders with a stretch that made his bones pop audibly. "You're helping, Tiona."
"Ehhh?!" Tiona exclaimed, her voice laced with surprise and dismay at the sudden command. Her expression quickly twisted into a pout. "But I wanted to stay here a little longer!"
"No buts, Tiona," Gareth said firmly, crossing his arms. "Unless you want to get on Riveria's bad side again?"
"Eeek!" Tiona shrieked, visibly paling at the thought of angering the green-haired high elf mage once more. Her hands waved in panic before she quickly turned on her heel. "Then, I'll be going! See you later, Aurelius!" she called out in a rush, already dashing out of the tent toward her assigned duties.
Finn let out a short chuckle as he watched her disappear, then turned back to Aurelius with a nod. "Well, that's our cue. Feel free to wander on this floor. It is a safe floor after all, and some sites are beautiful to watch as well."
With that, the two seasoned adventurers made their way down out of the tent, their footsteps fading as they got further from their location.
After they left, the remaining group continued to talk about the intense battle between the Goliath and the Titanborn, Aurelius, sharing their own perspectives of what they had witnessed during the fight. Each of them recalled the power, the scale, and the sheer will displayed in that confrontation, recounting every detail with awe and admiration. Some spoke of the overwhelming pressure the Goliath exuded, while others praised Aurelius's fearless charge and indomitable strength. The discussion stretched on, filled with animated voices and wide eyes as the battle replayed in their minds like a living memory etched into their thoughts.
Eventually, the three decided it was time to leave the tent and explore the safe zone of the 18th floor. The energy had settled, and a sense of calm washed over the camp as things returned to their peaceful rhythm.
"Sir Aurelius, do you want to join us on sightseeing the 18th floor?" Lili asked her captain, turning back to glance at him with a hopeful look.
"You go on ahead first," Aurelius replied, leaning back a bit as he rested his shoulders. "I need to rest for a moment. My muscles are feeling sore from the battle before."
"Alright, mister," Bell said with a light smile. "Have a good rest."
"Yeah, don't push yourself too hard, big guy," Welf added, giving him a lazy grin and a thumbs-up, his usual carefree charm intact.
"Yeah, yeah, sure. Have fun, you three," Aurelius said, waving his hand lazily toward them with a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
With that, the three exited the tent, stepping out into the tranquil environment of the 18th floor. The vast underground forest greeted them with its glowing crystals, the distant sound of waterfalls, and the ever-present hum of nature pulsing in harmony. As they ventured deeper into the scenery, laughter and chatter slowly faded from the tent, leaving Aurelius alone in quiet contemplation.
Aurelius, seeing their now fleeting figures disappear from his sight, let himself fall back onto the ground once again. The tension in his body began to ease as he allowed himself a moment of stillness. His thoughts drifted, returning to the chaotic yet surreal memory of what had just transpired.
'To think I actually killed that thing...' Aurelius thought, his expression unreadable, disbelief still lingering in his mind over the battle that took place between him and the Goliath. 'I still remember saying to myself that I'd shit myself if I ever met one of those in real life… and yet, I went ahead and had fun fighting that damn thing.'
He let out a short snort, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. The absurdity of it all was both amusing and strangely empowering. 'Things really do change when you've got power, huh?'
His grin softened as silence fell again, his eyes staring up at the ceiling of the dungeon floor above him. The faint glimmer of the glowing crystals cast a dim light across his face. The exhaustion in his limbs was creeping in fast, and he could feel the soreness in his muscles catching up now that the adrenaline had fully left his system.
He sighed.
'Yeah… I think I need more sleep,' he thought, his inner voice quieter this time, almost lazy. 'My body feels sore as heck. I'll go sightseeing when I wake up in the evening on this floor... I hope.'
Aurelius turned slightly to his side, pulling his cloak tighter around his torso as a light chill swept through the still air. The Dungeon was always unpredictable, but for now, it was calm. And in that rare pocket of peace, he allowed himself to relax.
His thoughts slowed as his eyes fluttered shut, fatigue finally taking hold of him. He didn't care about the hard ground, the echoes in the distance, or the lingering scent of battle in the air.
What mattered now was rest.
And with that, Aurelius drifted off into sleep, deep, dreamless, and well-earned, hoping the next time he opened his eyes, his body would be ready for whatever madness awaited him next.
________________________
"Do I really have to follow you for some groceries, Heith?" a green-haired demi-human dog whined, dragging her feet as she walked beside the human woman. Her ears drooped low, and her tail swayed sluggishly behind her. "I literally just got back from the Deep Floors, you know. ToT"
"The goddess's orders," Heith replied firmly, casting a side glance at her sluggish companion. Her voice carried the weight of command, unwavering in tone. "So quit complaining."
"Bah! I don't care about that!" the green-haired grumbled, visibly exhausted. Her eyes were half-lidded, and her movements were that of someone ready to drop. "I just wanna sleep, damnit. T_T"
Heith sighed in disbelief, clearly unimpressed with the antics of her supposed executive. She shook her head slowly. "I swear... you're absolutely hopeless."
The two continued walking in the marketplace, the early afternoon sun casting light across Orario's stone-paved streets. Stalls buzzed with activity, vendors calling out deals, and adventurers moved in groups with casual chatter and armor clinks.
Then, cutting through the noise, a sudden shout echoed from down the street.
"Help! He stole my bag!" a young Prum girl cried out, her voice laced with panic.
Both women immediately turned their heads toward the source of the commotion.
"Another nuisance," Heith muttered under her breath, visibly annoyed by the interruption. Her brows furrowed as she exhaled. "C'mon, let's ju—"
But before Heith could finish her sentence, she noticed something odd.
Her executive was gone.
"Where did sh—?" Heith looked around, spinning in place as her eyes darted across the crowd.
And then she saw it.
The robber had already been apprehended, arms twisted painfully behind his back and pressed to the ground by none other than the green-haired woman herself. A small crowd had gathered in stunned silence.
"Sheesh, I swear..." the green-haired grumbled as she picked up the stolen bag, clearly annoyed. "Just a month of me gone, and Orario's already falling apart again. What a mess."
She walked over and knelt slightly to return the bag to the small Prum girl.
"Here you go, kid. All safe and sound," she said, offering a tired smile.
"T-Thank you, miss!" the girl said, clinging to her bag. But as she looked up and caught a full glimpse of her savior, her eyes widened in disbelief. Her voice trembled slightly as she asked, "Wait... Aren't you—"
The Prum's small mouth fell open as recognition dawned on her face.
"Aren't you the Thunder Empress?!"
The green-haired woman grinned, throwing a hand on her hip with an air of pride.
"Yup! In the flesh, kiddo!" she said with a wink.
Murmurs spread like wildfire through the gathering crowd.
"Wait, she's back?!"
"I thought she was dead! She hasn't been seen in a month!"
"Did she survive the Deep Floors?!"
"That's the Thunder Empress for you!"
"She's a legend!"
The admiration was audible, gasps and exclamations rising in waves as people stared in awe.
Without much care for the attention, the green-haired woman casually turned back toward Heith, waving for her to follow.
"Alright, c'mon, let's go! I wanna get back early so I can sleep. >O<" she yawned, stretching her arms behind her back with a sleepy groan.
As they resumed walking, Heith trailed a few steps behind, still processing the scene that had just unfolded.
She glanced at her companion, watching the woman yawn loudly and drag her feet like an overworked child. Despite her lazy demeanor, despite her grumbling and ridiculous expressions,
Heith couldn't help but marvel.
'Even though she's absolutely unbearable when it comes to her attitude...'
Her gaze lingered on the woman's back, her wavery green hair swaying, her tail lazily flicking side to side, and her shoulders relaxed as if she hadn't just flattened a criminal without breaking a sweat.
'...there's no one in this world, not even the strongest warriors of the Hera or Zeus Familia, who could ever compare to her.'
Heith sighed again but this time with a small smile. Picking up her pace, she caught up with the green-haired executive.
________________________
Aurelius was sleeping soundly in the tent he was in, undisturbed by any noise or movement. He snored loudly, the sound echoing softly in the fabric walls, clear proof of how deeply he was enjoying his rest.
As he continued to snore without a care in the world, someone dared to wake him up.
"Mister, wake up," Bell said, shaking his captain gently but persistently.
"Huh?" Aurelius muttered, abruptly waking up from the rabbit's shaking. His face was groggy, eyes half-lidded with sleep. "What...?"
"It's time to wake up, Sir Aurelius," Lili chimed in with a slightly concerned expression. "You've been sleeping for quite a few hours now."
"Heh, yeah, what Pip Lili said," Welf added, smirking as he leaned casually on the tent pole. His tone was teasing.
"For the thousandth time already, IT'S NOT PIP LILI! IT'S LILIRUCA ARDE!" the prum shouted, cheeks puffed and red with frustration.
Welf burst out laughing at her reaction, clearly satisfied with her flustered expression. Lili turned away and pouted, arms crossed, visibly fuming.
Aurelius slowly pushed himself upright, groaning a little as he adjusted to a sitting position. His body, though nearly healed, still ached slightly from exhaustion and strain.
"Wait…" he mumbled, squinting as if trying to piece something together. "How long was I asleep?"
Bell, who was kneeling beside him, answered honestly, "You've slept until nighttime, mister."
Aurelius went silent.
...
...
"I am… so sorry for not joining you guys," Aurelius finally said, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly.
Lili giggled softly at his sheepishness. "Hihi~ It's okay, Sir Aurelius. We understand. You needed the rest more than a measly sightseeing trip."
"You should've heard yourself snoring, though," Welf snorted. "It was like an angry, grumpy pi—"
SMACK!
Lili smacked Welf squarely on the head with one of her slippers.
"OW! What was that for?!" Welf yelped, rubbing his scalp as he stared at the petite girl beside him.
"You can't call my captain a pig," Lili huffed with a stern glare. "That's just rude, wide forehead."
"What?! Why you—!"
As the two started bickering again, the curtain at the front of the tent shifted. A soft rustle followed, and a familiar blonde girl peeked her head in.
"Dinner's ready, all four of you," Ais said, her voice calm and emotionless as ever. She tilted her head slightly. "What's wrong?"
Bell turned towards her and immediately flushed red. "Ah, it's nothing, Ais. Just the usual bickering from them." He motioned toward Welf and Lili, who were now facing opposite directions like sulking children.
"…Okay," Ais replied simply, her expression unchanged. "Come to the campfire. We'll be having our feast there."
"Very well. Thank you, Ais," Bell said politely, giving a small nod toward the Sword Princess.
"Hm." Ais gave a subtle nod back and slipped away from the tent entrance, disappearing into the night.
Aurelius glanced at Bell and noticed the faint red tint still on the boy's cheeks. He smirked.
"Oooh? Somebody's got a crush~"
"N-No I don't!" Bell shouted immediately, flustered as he waved his hands in protest.
The other three burst into laughter, Lili giggling, Welf howling, and Aurelius letting out a deep chuckle as Bell covered his face.
"Let's go, before the food gets cold," Aurelius said, finally standing up and stretching with a satisfied sigh.
As the four exited the tent together, they went towards the campfire notified by the Sword Princess. As they arrived, the warmth of the campfire and the scent of roasted meat welcomed them, the laughter still echoing into the quiet night of the Dungeon.
Finn, seeing them approach, greeted them warmly and motioned toward the ongoing feast.
"Ah! I see you've awakened from your slumber, Aurelius," Finn said with a grin as he turned to face him.
"Yeah," Aurelius replied, stretching his arms over his head with a satisfied groan. "It was one hell of a sleep, I tell you. Haven't had rest like that in a while."
Finn let out a soft chuckle at the sight. "Haha, I can tell," he said, amused by the younger man's relaxed demeanor. He gestured with a hand toward the fire where several others were already gathered. "Come, come. Don't be shy. We're welcoming you with open arms tonight."
The flames crackled gently, casting dancing shadows across the clearing. The scent of roasted meat hung in the air, mixing with the earthy aroma of the forest. The night was calm, peaceful even, and for once, free of danger.
All four of them exchanged brief glances, a silent nod passing between them, before stepping forward together.
They walked slowly toward the campfire, boots crunching against the soft grass and scattered leaves, the warmth of the fire brushing against their skin as they drew closer.
Their eyes lingered on the food, the glowing embers, and the friendly smiles that awaited them. For a moment, it felt like they belonged, not just as adventurers, but as companions sharing the same journey.
"How lively," Bell said, watching the sight unfold in front of him. A soft smile played on his lips as he took in the scene. "I wish we had this kind of atmosphere more often."
"Yeah," Lili replied, nodding in agreement with the Rabbit. "They really are incredible. Smiling like that after such a grueling expedition. It's admirable."
The two of them sat side by side, gazing at the gathered members of the Loki Familia. The area was filled with warm laughter and idle chatter. Even though they were still in the depths of the Dungeon, it felt, if only for a moment, like they had stepped into a celebration on the surface. The tension that usually weighed so heavily in these lower floors seemed to dissolve in the comfort of camaraderie.
None of the four spoke for a moment as they didn't need to. The peace of the scene said enough.
Then, after a short while, Finn stood up from where he had been sitting, rising with his cup in hand and a clear voice ready to cut through the noise.
"Everyone!" Finn called out, his voice steady and commanding as it echoed across the cavernous floor. The talking ceased almost instantly, and all eyes turned toward the small but powerful captain of Loki Familia.
"Today, we greet four adventurers who have risked their lives to reach greater heights," he began, pausing for a breath. "They've come down to these floors not just for themselves, but for something more, for history, for their familia's honor. They are adventurers who have braved the depths side by side, watching each other's backs, enduring what others could not."
His words carried weight. The kind of weight only someone like Finn Deimne could convey, with all his years of leadership and charisma behind him.
"As fellow adventurers," he continued, "let us treat them with the same respect we offer one another, comrades in the Dungeon, kindred in spirit."
The Loki Familia members responded with respectful nods and claps. A few whistled in approval, and others gave light cheers. The mood lifted further with recognition shared freely and warmly.
Aurelius, Bell, Lili and Welf stepped forward then, standing together in quiet unity. The four of them gave a respectful bow, their movements practiced but sincere. They didn't speak, they let their gesture convey the thanks and humility they felt.
A few more cheers followed. Smiles met them from every direction.
"Very well," Finn said with a grin, raising his cup slightly higher, his golden eyes gleaming with a more relaxed energy. "Now that that's out of the way..."
He looked around at his gathered family, his people, and declared with the voice of a commander and a brother alike.
"Let us begin our feast!"
"YEAH!" came the unanimous roar of voices in response, filling the cavern with the sound of joy and release. Laughter and movement returned as food and drink were passed around, and the merriment swelled even more.
The celebration had begun, and for a while, even in the belly of the Dungeon, it felt like the world above.
The celebration continued on with a warm, happy atmosphere. The sound of laughter and cheer echoed through the safe zone, bouncing softly off the walls of the 18th floor. Bell was being bombarded by Tione and Tiona, both Amazon sisters teasing him relentlessly with no room to breathe. Their next target quickly became Lili, unable to escape the Amazons' antics. The fact that both of them had stats above S-rank only added fuel to their playful fire. Lili, flustered and clearly embarrassed, tried to defend herself, but her voice kept getting drowned in Tiona's infectious laughter.
Ais, ever composed with her nonchalant expression, sat beside Bell, watching the scene quietly. At one point, she spoke to him in her usual calm tone, and though the words were simple, Bell nearly short-circuited just from the attention of the Sword Princess. His face reddened while trying to process the sudden interaction, causing Tione to smirk knowingly.
Welf, meanwhile, was sitting off to the side, minding his own business. His attention was fully locked onto his plate, eating like it was his last meal. No one questioned it, he probably hadn't eaten properly in days.
Aurelius sat calmly, sipping on his cup of water with a faint smile. His eyes scanned the group, quietly taking in the scenery of celebration around him. It wasn't often that things slowed down like this. The way Bell laughed awkwardly, Lili tried to push off Tiona's grip, and Welf devoured his food, it all painted a rare, peaceful picture. Something worth remembering.
Unbeknownst to him, however, Tiona had been sneaking glances in his direction. Every few moments, her eyes would flick over to the Titan seated near the edge of the firelight. Her face, normally bursting with confidence, was tinged with a small flush. She quickly looked away each time their eyes almost met.
Then, just as the laughter reached a high note, it was suddenly cut by the sharp echo of a scream. The sound rang out across the stone expanse, muffled slightly by the natural acoustics of the floor. It wasn't a scream of terror, more of a loud, panicked call. But it was clear. It came from the entrance of the 17th floor.
Several heads turned, some immediately on edge. Adventurers were trained to react quickly when anything unusual broke the normal quiet of the Dungeon.
Aurelius, however, didn't flinch. His eyes sharpened at the familiar tone of the voice. He knew it immediately.
'To think they'd still come all the way to the 18th floor,' he thought, standing up and brushing the dust off his legs. 'I guess some things never change.'
Before he could even take a full step forward, Bell and Lili were already dashing ahead, sprinting toward the source without hesitation. Their quick instincts brought a faint smirk to Aurelius's lips.
"Heh… you two have been sharp," he muttered under his breath.
Tiona, noticing the sudden tension and the movement from the titan's companions, turned toward him, tilting her head in curiosity.
"What's the matter, Aurelius?" she asked, watching Bell and Lili vanish into the distance.
"Let's just say… we have friendly, non-hostile company coming our way," Aurelius replied calmly as he eased himself back down onto his seat. No panic. No urgency. Just calm acceptance.
The others around the campfire looked at him, puzzled by the vague explanation. They exchanged glances, but none of them questioned it too much. If Aurelius said it wasn't a threat, they trusted him.
Minutes passed, the tension in the air slowly fading as idle chatter resumed. Then, the sound of footsteps returned. Bell and Lili emerged back into view, this time not alone.
They were accompanied by a small group, but what drew everyone's attention immediately were the two figures walking at the center.
Not just anyone.
Two gods.
"Aurelius!" a twin-ponytailed, petite girl called out, her voice bubbling with excitement at the sight of the towering man.
"Hestia?!" Aurelius replied, his tone laced with feigned shock as he stared at the tiny goddess. "How did you get down here?!"
"Well, with some people, of course!" Hestia beamed, placing her hands on her hips proudly before glancing back at the group that had followed her.
The crowd behind her finally stepped forward into the light, revealing themselves one by one. Each of them laid eyes on the massive man before them, unable to hide their awe. His presence loomed like a mountain, impossible to ignore. Some even had to crane their necks just to see his face.
Among them, a blonde man stood out, mainly because of the cowboy hat perched atop his head and the confident smirk playing on his lips. He tipped his hat toward Aurelius with a casual grace.
"Why, hello there," the cowboy greeted, his voice cool and easy. "It's nice to finally meet you, Titanborn."
The air around them shifted slightly as tension crept into the atmosphere. Every executive of the Loki Familia and Aurelius himself turned their gazes toward the blonde man. Their expressions tightened, recognizing that this man wasn't just some ordinary adventurer.
Aurelius narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone cautious but respectful. "Lord Hermes, isn't it? The messenger god?" he asked, though he already knew the answer. "It's an honor to meet you as well."
Hermes only chuckled lightly, that knowing smile still on his face. He said nothing at first, simply observing Aurelius as if sizing him up with interest.
Aurelius's attention then shifted past the god, eyes locking onto three more figures lingering behind him. Clad in fabric purple, their outfits resembled traditional Japanese garments, a style that stood out even among Orario's eccentric mix of aesthetics.
'TakemiKazuchi Familia,' Aurelius thought to himself, silently observing the three adventurers. 'Guess they're here to apologize, huh?'
His gaze lingered on them for a moment longer, watching the subtle guilt written across their faces. They didn't speak, but their lowered eyes and stiff posture said enough.
Noticing the sudden addition of new guests, Finn Deimne, leader of the Loki Familia, took it upon himself to ease the air.
"Well then," Finn said with a polite smile, raising his cup. "Now that we have more guests, why not join us? The feast is just getting good."
And just like that, the tension was swept away by the warmth of camaraderie and celebration. The fire crackled merrily, drinks flowed, and laughter returned to the air. Everyone gathered around the large bonfire, eating, drinking, and enjoying the shared moment of peace. It wasn't often that so many powerful figures came together in the Dungeon, and the moment wasn't wasted.
Still, the three warriors from TakemiKazuchi Familia sat stiffly on the edge of the gathering, noticeably quieter than the rest. Guilt clung to them like a shadow, their past mistakes weighing heavily on their minds. They glanced occasionally at Welf, at Hestia, at Bell, at Lili and at Aurelius.Though Lili and Welf had chosen to keep their distance for the moment, focused more on his food than his thoughts.
Time passed, and eventually, the celebration came to a close. One by one, adventurers drifted off to their tents, the fire dying down to glowing embers. The laughter faded into the soft hum of night in the Dungeon's depths.
And then, quietly, the members of TakemiKazuchi Familia stood and made their way toward the Hestia Familia's tents.
They bowed deeply in front of Welf and the others, expressions solemn.
"We apologize," A girl, which is none other Yamato Mikoto, said, voice frantic as she kneels down on the floor. "For what we did back then. There's no excuse… but we're here to make things right."
At first, the mood was cold. The Hestia Familia didn't respond right away, and the silence stretched awkwardly. Welf crossed his arms, frowning at them. Liliruca kept her gaze steady, calm but unreadable. The other two members of the japanese familia looked hesitant, as if unsure how to feel.
Still, after a few tense heartbeats, Aurelius stepped forward. His eyes softened just slightly.
"…Fine," Aurelius said. "Truce. But don't expect us to forget so easily."
The Take Familia bowed once more.
"Understood."
And with that, a fragile truce was formed, not perfect, not warm, but something real.
Just enough.
They continued on with their apologies. However, Welf and the captain of the Takemikazuchi Familia, Kashima Ouka, kept bickering about the pass parade that had happened earlier. Their voices rose slightly with each exchange, neither willing to back down. Tension filled the air, even though their apologies were sincere.
Lili let out a small sigh and stepped between them, her arms folded and eyes stern. She calmed them both down with a measured voice and a look that brokered no argument. Although she was also discontent with their actions, especially considering the danger it had caused, she knew well that they hadn't done it just because they felt like it. There was no recklessness in their choice, only desperation. They didn't have any other option at that time. That much was clear to her.
Welf glanced away, rubbing the back of his head, muttering something under his breath, while Ouka gave a short nod, his arms still crossed. The awkward silence that followed was heavy, but it carried a quiet understanding.
After a bit, with things settling down, the members of the Take Familia gave their thanks and bowed respectfully. Then, without another word, they headed out of the tent and made their way toward their designated place. The sound of their fading footsteps left a brief silence in their wake, one that felt almost peaceful compared to the tension just moments ago.
"Well, it seems like you've done the impossible, Aurelius," Hestia said, her voice filled with pride as she looked up at her towering child. "You've defeated the Goliath."
Aurelius gave a respectful nod to his goddess. "Yes, I did."
Hestia's eyes softened at the sight of his calm, resolute expression. A proud smile curved her lips as she stepped closer. "Well, it's time that hard work of yours turns into something greater, into the reward you've earned."
Bell and Lili exchanged glances, both instantly catching on to what their goddess meant. Excitement bloomed in their eyes as they realized the gravity of the moment. Welf, standing slightly behind them, raised an eyebrow, curious but silent as he tried to piece it together.
"It's time for you to level up, right here," Hestia declared, her tone clear and firm, giving away the revelation with no room for doubt.
Bell gasped in surprise, his expression lighting up with admiration. Lili looked on in awe, eyes wide with excitement at the thought of their captain, the giant who led them, finally achieving what he truly deserved. Welf blinked once, then slowly folded his arms, still processing the suddenness of it all.
Without hesitation, Aurelius began unfastening his shirt. In one smooth motion, he pulled it over his head, revealing his broad torso. He lowered himself onto the ground, lying on his front so Hestia could begin the ceremony. There was no hint of embarrassment in his actions, only purpose and readiness.
Hestia knelt beside him, her expression focused yet gentle. With practiced ease, she reached out, her fingertip glowing faintly as it traced the symbols on his back. The process of updating the Falna had begun.
The room was silent, filled only with the faint hum of the sound from the updating process. Bell and Lili leaned closer, eager to witness the moment. Welf stayed at the edge, his arms still crossed, watching from a distance. He understood that one's status was private, sacred even, but this was different. This was a moment of celebration.
After a few moments, Hestia's eyes widened. Her smile grew as she nodded to herself. "It's done."
She stood and handed the freshly written status sheet to Aurelius as he pushed himself up. The parchment fluttered slightly as he took it in his large hand.
Bell and Lili rushed over to see. Their eyes scanned the paper, and their reactions were instantaneous, pure excitement, admiration, and pride. Lili had a spark in her eyes, and Bell couldn't help but grin, his heart swelling for his captain.
Welf, though still distant, gave a small, approving smirk. He didn't need to see the numbers to know what they meant.
Aurelius looked at the paper quietly, his lips curling just slightly into a calm, satisfied smile.
He had done it.
________________________
AURELIUS
LVL 2 ----> 3
STR > SSS 3527 ^ I 0
END > SSS 3471 ^ I 0
DEX > SS 1001 ^ I 0
AGI > SS 1001 ^ I 0
MAG > SSS 2899 ^ I 0
MAGIC:
- TAUNT
- RULERS AUTHORITY
- GOLIATHIS AEGIS
SKILLS:
- VIRTRUS TRANCENDENS
- IUSIURANDUM GOLIATHIS
- POTENS VOLUNTAS
- CRISIS
DEVELOPMENT ABILIETIES:
- STRONG BODY > I
________________________
Hestia then went on and explain his new magic and skill as well as his first appearance of his Development Ability, albeit discretely. Hestia then proceeded to said towards the titan.
"Aurelius," Hestia said, smiling towards her giant child.
"Congratulations on being Level 3."
With that, they then head to bed with the Hestians sleeping soundly upon their success.
________________________
MAGIC:
- GOLIATHIS AEGIS
Chant:
"O Crownless King of Titans!
He who shatters stars and silences storms—
Descend upon this flesh!
By my roar, the world shall tremble!"
"GOLIATHIS AEGIS"
It is a skill that allows the user to turn into a spiritual-like being with golden, clad-like armor, with its hair lighting up with bright color. This magic allows the user to significantly enhance all their stats, equivalent to that of level boosting two times simultaneously. By default, The user is also immune towards any blade like attacks.
This magic also has sub-magic activation that allows the user to enact two moves when activated.
• Power Fist – Allows the user to strengthen the fist of itself when activated. This allows the user to attack with more power and damage when using their fist.
• Capture – Creates a black hole-like object as it charges up until its outer edges glow brighter. While this is happening, anything within its radius of reach would get sucked into the black hole-like object—whether it be magic attacks, physical objects, or even entities. After it is charged up, the user can activate its release by saying "Collapse," causing it to explode with power equivalent to two times that of the user's status (including the level boost part of the skill). The user can also stop the sub-magic by simply deactivating it by will.
SKILL:
- CRISIS
Allows the user to become stronger upon damage taken, steadily enhancing their power with each blow endured. The more pain they suffer, the more strength they gain.