The setting sun dyed the massive Babel Tower red, its long shadow covering a part of Orario.
"Well, that was quite an interesting experience. Although... a bit time-consuming." Wander chuckled, his eyes sparkling as if the incident wasn't serious at all.
"I wouldn't call being locked in an iron cage an interesting experience."
Wander and Lefiya were walking together in Orario's central square, where the towering Babel Tower stood majestically against the sky, a symbol of the city's grandeur. The tower's height was awe-inspiring, with sunlight reflecting off its shimmering glass panels, creating a scene both dazzling and imposing. Around the base of the tower, a bustling crowd moved about, painting a lively picture of the city's vibrancy.
Merchants with carts full of goods, adventurers in colorful attire, and ordinary citizens hurriedly navigating the streets. Laughter, bargaining, and footsteps blended together, creating a wordless symphony of urban life.
"You see, Orario is always like this," Lefiya said, her eyes scanning the souvenir stalls and fast-food stands. "Bustling, noisy, and full of life."
"That's wonderful." Wander looked around, his eyes stopping at a small souvenir stall where a mother and child were standing. He quickly approached the stall, which displayed various wooden models of famous adventurers in the city.
"Wow, this statue is so cool! Mom, I want it!" The boy pointed at the finely carved statue of Finn—the Braver—on the shelf, pleading with his mother.
"But... it's a bit too expensive for our budget," the mother replied hesitantly.
Seeing this, Wander immediately stepped into the shop and picked up the item the boy had pointed at.
"1,000 Valis." The price was indeed high for a souvenir like this.
"Here you go." He pulled out some leftover money from his pocket. "950 Valis."
The shopkeeper looked at him for a moment, then nodded. "Fine, here you go." He quickly took the Valis and handed over the item.
Wander swiftly took the statue, a sly smile on his face. He approached the boy and held out the item. "Hey kid, you really like this, don't you? So, do you want it?"
The boy nodded eagerly, his eyes shining. "Yes, I do!"
Wander smirked. "Want it? Then what will you do for me? Ridiculous." He then turned and walked away, leaving the mother and son stunned.
When he returned to Lefiya, he smiled brightly as if he had just done something praiseworthy.
"You didn't stop me?"
"I thought the leftover money after compensation and fines would be used for something more decent..." Lefiya replied, her voice softening, her gaze fixed on him. "But I didn't expect you to use it to mess with a child."
Wander just laughed, shrugging as if completely satisfied with his prank. Then Lefiya continued.
"Besides, that item could've been bought for a third of the price if you looked in the shops further inside," Lefiya said calmly.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Wander exclaimed, his face looking like he had just lost a fortune.
"Your spending habits aren't my concern," Lefiya shrugged. "Besides, you didn't actually buy the item. You just wanted to tease a child. If you had intended to spend properly, I would've helped. But now... you're broke, aren't you?"
"Arghh... My money..." Wander clutched his head in distress, then looked at Lefiya with an accusing gaze. "You're starting to become just as bad as your teacher."
"I'm not the one who started this." Lefiya replied, her voice tinged with annoyance. "Besides, I wouldn't have done this if you hadn't deliberately stepped out of the bars and made us wait nearly an hour to get released." She had indeed become more irritable after wasting so much time bailing him out.
"Haha... I just wanted to see what it felt like to escape prison," Wander laughed awkwardly, trying to lighten the mood, then muttered under his breath. 'Besides, I could've escaped completely if you hadn't screamed and pointed at me.'
"See what it felt like?" Lefiya shook her head. "Next time, try not to bother others, okay? I don't have time to waste on your silly pranks."
Wander shrugged. "Alright, alright. I promise to give you a heads-up next time so you can prepare."
"No need. Next time, I'll let you face the consequences," Lefiya replied, turning her back and walking away, her pale golden hair swaying gently in the breeze.
Wander watched her go, chuckling as he followed. "You're adorable when you're angry, Lefiya."
Lefiya turned back, her cheeks flushed, her eyes glaring at him sternly. Then she turned away and walked three steps ahead of him. Wander followed her, whistling cheerfully.
"Where are you planning to go now, Lefiya?"
"I don't know. I was thinking of returning to the mansion to study some more magic. What about you? Do you have any other places you want to visit in the city?"
"Nope!"
"Huh?" Lefiya turned to look at him, full of suspicion.
"Actually, I've already been to almost every place in this city," Wander replied, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He smiled, looking straight at her. "But I'm more curious about what you just mentioned. What's this about a broom and magic circles?"
"Oh, it's just related to what Accelerator taught me. It's..." Lefiya explained about learning magic circles from Mad Wizard, receiving the broom, the issues with the damage output of her spells, and the upcoming expedition.
"The problem is, I haven't made much progress in the past two days. My magic studies have stalled." When she realized that her self-taught magic didn't trigger the effects of the Falna granted by the gods, the destructive power of her spells significantly decreased. This was completely opposite to Mad Wizard's magic.
"How is Mad Wizard's magic so powerful?" The disparity in power between their magic was immeasurable.
Wander listened silently, pondering for a moment before speaking.
Wander listened quietly, then spoke up after a while. "It seems Accelerator has built a rather unique system to optimize magic. I don't know much about magic circles, but it seems he possesses a special skill to amplify energy output. However, I'm more intrigued by the broom you mentioned. Can you show it to me?"
"What for?" Lefiya turned to look at him, full of suspicion.
"Hahaha... No need to be so wary. I won't steal it. And perhaps I can help you understand it a bit better." He winked at her. Lefiya thought for a moment. If she had help from a mage similar to her teacher, she might understand the magic broom faster.
"Fine, but if you do anything suspicious, I won't hold back." Lefiya replied, her eyes shining with a bit of excitement. "I left it at the mansion. Wait for me a moment."
Quickly running into the mansion, Lefiya returned with the broom in hand, her eyes immediately drawing curious glances from those around her. Slightly embarrassed by the curious stares, she hurried over to Wander and held out the broom.
"Here, this is it."
Wander tilted his head, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, it looks... just like a regular cleaning broom."
"This is a magic broom!" Lefiya retorted, her cheeks flushing red at his teasing remark.
"Haha, alright, calm down," Wander laughed, taking the broom from her. He turned it over, examining it as if it were a rare antique. "Admittedly, it's quite shiny. But it still looks like a regular broom."
He slowly channeled a bit of energy into the broom, his sharp eyes briefly showing curiosity. But in an instant, he shrugged and tossed the broom back to Lefiya.
"This thing isn't bad, actually. So... does it have a name?"
"Asmodeus," Lefiya replied, hesitating slightly.
Wander's eyes widened in surprise, then he burst out laughing. "Haha, Asmodeus? Really, Accelerator? Do you know what this name means?"
"Do you know something about this broom?" Lefiya asked, her eyes full of hope.
"Haha, of course I do. I know what it is and who created it. And the meaning behind its name. Perhaps only Accelerator would be crazy enough to name a broom like that."
The meaning of some names can be abstract and hard to grasp. But the way a name is given can attract the attention of powerful entities. The name given to this broom is no exception. A name that embodies destruction and temptation to the absolute, granting it immeasurable power and wisdom.
However, with that power comes the calamity awaiting the user if they are not capable of controlling it.
Yet, when he held the broom in his hands, he felt no trace of that power. This only proved that the one who modified and crafted this broom had poured all their skill and effort into sealing its power.
"Hey Lefiya, Accelerator really values you."
"So, what does the name mean?" Lefiya asked impatiently, eager to solve the mystery that had been bothering her for days.
Wander smiled mysteriously, crossing his arms. "I can't tell you directly. The creator of this thing isn't the lenient type. I can only give you a hint: you need to perform a ritual to activate it."
"Huh? Can't you help me more than that?" Lefiya widened her eyes, looking at him.
"No can do. The conditions set by its creator are quite tricky. If I reveal too much, you might never be able to use it again," Wander shrugged, smiling meaningfully.
"Ugh..." Lefiya sighed, looking sadly at the broom in her hands.
"But hey," Wander suddenly said, his mischievous smile returning. "You helped me today, so I'll return the favor a bit. Tomorrow, I'll have a small gift for you. For now, goodbye!"
With that, he turned and walked away, not giving her a chance to say anything more.
"Oh, and remember to hug the broom while sleeping to increase interaction. It's quite effective, after all, it's a very arrogant broom, hahaha."
Lefiya stood there, watching his figure disappear, her mind swirling with thoughts about the broom. "A ritual? Maybe the library at the mansion has the books I need."
Suddenly, she remembered something important. He was out of money! She immediately turned around and shouted:
"Don't go stealing again!"
But Wander's figure had already vanished. Lefiya sighed, shook her head, and quickly made her way to today's teleportation point.
...
From an outsider's perspective:
Lefiya tightly hugged the broom in her arms and left after her conversation with Wander.
The crowd around her began to take notice, some whispering to each other, their eyes flickering with curiosity and confusion.
"Who is she talking to?" a woman whispered to her friend.
"I don't see anyone next to her..." the fruit vendor nearby frowned, his eyes scanning the area as if searching for something.
"She's walking around with a broom, muttering incomprehensible things. She must be exhausted and gone mad..." another person shook their head, their tone a mix of pity and doubt.
A child tugged at their mother's hand, pointing at Lefiya. "Mom, is that lady okay? Why is she talking to herself?"
The mother quickly pulled her child away, whispering, "Don't stare like that. She might be some kind of strange mage. You shouldn't meddle in their business."
...
Lefiya stepped into the quiet library of the laboratory, where the light from the crystal chandeliers above illuminated rows of neatly arranged bookshelves. The faint scent of old paper wafted through the air, bringing a familiar and comforting feeling. She set the broom down in a corner, carefully leaning it against the reading table before beginning her search. Today, Irena wasn't here; she must have gone somewhere. But did Irena even need to go anywhere? Lefiya wasn't sure.
"Rituals... rituals..." Lefiya muttered, her eyes scanning the titles on the shelves.
Finally, she found a few old books with brown leather covers, the titles on the spines nearly faded but still legible: Basics of Magical Rituals and Activation Methods. She pulled it from the shelf, feeling its weight and the thick layer of dust on it.
Sitting down at the table, Lefiya quickly flipped through the first few pages, which introduced the basic types of rituals. Bold, capitalized text caught her eye:
"Every magical ritual requires three main elements: a catalyst, focused energy, and a connection to the caster's will."
She frowned, reading more slowly:
Catalyst: The object containing the magic, often an item of significance or one inscribed with magical symbols.
Focused Energy: The power needed to activate the ritual, usually drawn from the mind, natural elements, or other energy sources.
Will: An essential component, guiding and connecting the energy to the catalyst. The stronger the will, the more successful the ritual.
"The catalyst is obviously the broom," Lefiya murmured, her hand lightly touching the broom. "Focused energy... I can use my mind, but the problem is..."
She flipped to the section on performing rituals, her eyes stopping at a page detailing the rules to follow.
"For a ritual to succeed, the following rules must be observed:
Perform the ritual in a quiet place, free from external distractions.
Follow the specific symbols or instructions on the catalyst, as each ritual is uniquely designed.
Conduct a safety ritual before attempting any part of the main ritual."
A safety ritual? A few brief notes were written on a separate sheet of paper attached to the book. Since Lefiya hadn't performed the ritual yet, she skipped over it and continued reading:
"Some catalysts are inscribed with patterns, symbols, or sigils representing magic circles. To activate them, these symbols must be accurately reproduced, either by drawing them on a flat surface or using specific materials."
She quickly flipped to the back of the book, where there was a section on materials and how to draw magic circles. A small note at the bottom made her pause:
"Caution: Some catalysts require rituals to be performed under special conditions, such as during a full moon or by someone with a unique connection to the catalyst."
Lefiya bit her lip, looking back at the broom. "Timing and special symbols..."
She set the book down, deciding to take the broom to the garden to experiment with some basics before diving deeper. Perhaps she should practice the safety ritual first.
...
"Hey, um... Miss Aiz? There's something I want to tell you!"
They had been training for four days, having just finished a rather intense practice match atop the city walls. Just before sunrise—the time they had decided to end things—Bell approached Aiz, his face flushed and flustered.
"It's, um, well... tomorrow, you see? My supporter won't be able to come to the Dungeon tomorrow due to some housing issues, so, um... I thought maybe I wouldn't go either, so, um... I was thinking... maybe tomorrow we could... Instead of just in the morning..."
"...Train... all day?" Aiz finished his sentence for him.
"Y-yes!" Bell stammered, nodding repeatedly.
Aiz sheathed her sword before gazing up at the sky in quiet contemplation. She was supposed to train Lefiya at that time... but Lefiya and Aiz were part of the same familia. They could meet up whenever they wanted. Besides, to be honest, Aiz wanted to spend more time with Bell to improve his combat skills. The short time before sunrise wasn't enough. That's why, with a silent apology to Lefiya, Aiz agreed.
"Alright." That was the story Aiz personally recounted to Lefiya, including the apology, and it was also the reason why the elf couldn't train with her today.
There were three days left until the expedition. Today was supposed to be Lefiya's fourth training day with Aiz, as she had started a day later than Bell. But that morning, she found herself trudging down the bustling main street in a foul mood. Her blue eyes were almost completely lifeless, and her usually graceful elven features carried a silent hostility. She clutched her beloved staff to her chest, resentment flooding her entire being.
"He's not even part of our familia... he's not even part of our familia... he's not even part of our familia...!"
How shameless! How disgraceful! I can't believe it! Each condemning thought choked her breath, all directed at that boy. The audacity to monopolize the Sword Princess for an entire day. Just thinking about it made her blood boil. Unable to protest to Aiz, Lefiya instead directed her tearful barrage of blame at the boy.
"That brat is terrible, isn't he, Asmodeus?" There was no response, the broomstick strapped to her back remained as still as ever. Despite her research into the ritual, she still couldn't activate the broom. Perhaps it required a specific symbol or timing she hadn't figured out yet.
"Sigh..."
The path she was walking was on North Main Street, not far from her familia's home. She was on her way to the Dungeon to practice a bit on her own. The clear blue sky stretched obnoxiously above her, shining down on the bustling cobblestone streets.
"—Viridis?"
It hit her ears just as her vision nearly darkened with anger. The sound of her name.
"Huh?" She turned around and saw a young elf girl standing a few steps away.
She had long black hair reminiscent of a shrine maiden, and her eyes glowed like a pair of crimson rubies. A snow-white combat outfit covered her slender frame up to her neck, topped with a short cloak. Beside her, a golden-haired god waited patiently. The sight made Lefiya stop in surprise.
"Miss Filvis..." she muttered under her breath.
The girl in white, Filvis, also looked surprised. A Level 3 mage swordsman and captain of the Dionysus Familia, she had fought alongside Lefiya and others on the front lines during the incident on the 24th floor a few days ago. This chance encounter made both of them pause. As passersby jostled them from all sides, the dignified golden-haired god—Dionysus himself—spoke up.
"Is this the colleague you mentioned, Filvis? Thousand Elf?"
"Y-yes, she is." Lefiya stood frozen in place. This was her first time meeting the god of the Dionysus Familia in person, and she found herself at a loss for how to react. However, Dionysus simply smiled, looking at her with his glass-like eyes.
"I've heard a lot about you from Filvis. May I invite you for a cup of tea? I've been hoping to express my gratitude to you."
The three of them made their way to a crowded outdoor café at a small corner of North Main Street. From their round table facing the street, they were surrounded by the sounds of busy footsteps and lively chatter on all sides.
"I understand you looked after Filvis on the 24th floor. I'd like to once again express my deepest gratitude. If it weren't for you, I might have lost her, and for that, I owe you, Lefiya Viridis."
"It's nothing, really. I've lost count of how many times Filvis has saved me..."
Lefiya felt immensely grateful for Dionysus's praise. Dionysus ordered them tea and fruit tarts. The sweet aroma of the pastries mixed with fresh red and blue berries was enough to make Lefiya's mouth water.
"Loki would surely wring my neck if she knew I was relying on you like this," the golden-haired god joked oddly. Lefiya's impression was that he was an extremely refined and sociable god. At the same time, there was something enigmatic about him. In fact, his glass-like eyes seemed to peer straight into her soul. He was an embodiment of an all-knowing deity, always cautious, and she could see why he made his sharp assessment of Loki as "a wise god."
Filvis sat silently as the two conversed, having been forced to accompany them. She didn't touch her tea or pastries and simply acknowledged the exchange between Lefiya and Dionysus.
"...I believe I've grasped what happened there at this point, but I'd like to hear from others who were involved. How did you feel about the events on the 24th floor?"
Their pleasantries ended, and Dionysus's face turned stern. Instinctively, Lefiya straightened her posture, taking a few moments to think about her response. While it was true that Loki mostly regarded the other god as nothing more than a parasite, the two had been comparing notes more frequently since the Monsterphilia incident—or so she had heard. There was no way Dionysus hadn't met with Loki about the recent events in the Dungeon.
So, it wouldn't hurt to talk to him. After making that judgment, Lefiya conveyed her opinion as a direct witness.
"—Magic stones inside creatures that even the gods knew nothing about? A crystal orb that could mutate monsters? Just thinking about it makes my head ache."
Dionysus listened silently before placing his forehead in his palm and sighing heavily. As Filvis watched, his glass-like eyes turned to Lefiya.
"Thanks to the information you and the others brought back, we've made progress in identifying the true identity of the enemy. A third force linked to the remnants of the Evil God, the being Olivas Act only referred to as 'Her'... Lefiya Viridis, I must tell you—the sense of impending danger I feel is very real."
He continued, his stern expression suppressing his emotions.
"It's almost as if the peace of this city is being silently eroded from within..."
Lefiya had heard Filvis mention that a member of the Dionysus Familia had been killed before Monsterphilia. Remembering this, she listened quietly to Dionysus's every word.
"While much of the responsibility may fall on the Loki Familia, we also want to do everything we can. You can come to us anytime you need."
"T-thank you. Thank you very much."
Lefiya averted her eyes in response to the god's offer. The sounds of the bustling street enveloped them in the moments between their words.
"Thinking about it, how are the preparations for your expedition going? I hear you'll all be heading into the deep levels soon," Dionysus said cheerfully, completely contrasting their previous topic as he brought his teacup to his lips. He caught the furtive glances from female customers around them. There was something odd about his smile—a saccharine mask—that made Lefiya tense. She answered carefully, deliberately omitting the finer details of what was happening within her familia.
"Everything is progressing as planned. We'll be departing in three days."
"Three days..." Dionysus murmured with a faint smile.
"Filvis has been worried, you know. About you and the expedition." Both Lefiya and Filvis were startled. "She's been talking about you nonstop since the incident on the 24th floor. Even more than she talks about herself."
"L-Lord Dionysus!"
The elf girl in question stood up from her seat, causing Lefiya's eyes to widen in shock. Her voice caught in her throat, Filvis's pale cheeks flushed, and her eyes darted everywhere but at Lefiya.
"This is the first time I've seen her let someone affect her like this in a long time. I think you're the type cats like, aren't you?"
"Um... What exactly do you mean by that...?"
At Lefiya's confused inquiry, Dionysus's lips curled into a mischievous smile befitting a god.
"When Filvis first joined the familia, her fastidiousness was truly annoying. To the point where she wouldn't let anyone get close. Just like a cat, you see."
"I... I'm not sure I understand what you're saying. How does that relate to the current situation?"
Dionysus seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself, his shoulders shaking with glee. The way he ignored Filvis's protests as he revealed her past gave her the impression of a mischievous child. Even Lefiya couldn't help but giggle to herself at Filvis's panic. Try as she might to suppress her emotions, she simply couldn't hold it back under the stares of the two. Her face was now a brilliant red.
"May I ask what your plans are for today?" Dionysus gently inquired, his gaze soft as he looked at the two elves.
"Today? Uhm... I was planning to go to the Dungeon this morning to practice some magic, but it's almost noon now, so I'll have to head back..."
"Would you mind if I joined you?"
A voice rang out beside them. Appearing before the group was a tall, slender figure clad in a simple black outfit that concealed every contour of his body. A long cloak draped over him from head to toe, its hem fluttering with each step, like a ghost gliding through the night.
His face was unremarkable, with messy black hair, pale skin, and glowing red eyes peeking out from beneath his bangs. Slung over his shoulder was an old wooden staff, with a large bag dangling from its tip. As he approached, he set the bag down and bowed his head in greeting.
"Why are you here?" Lefiya asked in surprise, her eyes fixed on him.
"Well, I did say I'd see you today. Mind if I join?" He—Wander—shrugged, turning to the golden-haired god.
"Feel free," Dionysus smiled, gesturing to an empty chair nearby.
Wander pulled the chair out and sat down casually. However, his presence immediately put Filvis on edge. The elf silently placed her hand on her weapon, her sharp gaze never leaving him. Lefiya, sitting beside her, also looked uneasy, occasionally glancing at her friend.
Dionysus raised a hand, signaling:
"Filvis, calm down."
"But Lord Dionysus..."
"Are you going to argue with your god, Filvis?"
The reminder silenced Filvis, though her dissatisfaction was still evident. She slowly sat back down but kept her wary eyes on Wander.
Dionysus turned to Wander, smiling lightly:
"My apologies for that. She's a bit too cautious with strangers."
"Haha, it's fine. It's actually kind of fun to have someone be so wary of me," Wander replied nonchalantly.
"It's not Filvis's fault, Lord Dionysus," Lefiya huffed, turning to glare at Wander. "This guy's appearance is anything but trustworthy. He always gives off this villainous aura!"
"Badmouthing someone right in front of them isn't nice, Lefiya," Wander said calmly, tapping the table lightly.
"But I'm not wrong!"
"..."
"You two are quite interesting. So, are you two friends?" Dionysus laughed, but his sharp eyes didn't leave Wander.
"Friends? No way!" Lefiya exclaimed, shaking her head vigorously. "He's a thief I caught yesterday. Someone just vouched for him, so I have to keep an eye on him."
As the conversation increasingly revolved around him, Wander remained calm, pulling a book from his bag and flipping through its pages leisurely. Lefiya glanced at it, unable to help but wonder if he had stolen it.
'Greek Mythology? What's the meaning of this?' she wondered.
"So you're a thief!" Filvis said coldly, her gaze piercing through Wander.
"Filvis, don't act rashly! He's returned everything, and I'll make sure he doesn't cause any more trouble," Lefiya quickly explained.
However, Filvis's cold gaze didn't soften, only growing more tense.
"Lefiya, that's not what Filvis meant," Dionysus interjected with a teasing smile.
"Lord Dionysus..." Filvis frowned slightly.
"Haha, alright, I'll stop joking. Otherwise, Filvis here might really get mad at me," Dionysus shrugged, then quietly observed Wander with a mix of interest and scrutiny.
Wander watched the scene unfold before him, then suddenly smirked. He stood up, pulled something small from his bag, and unexpectedly knelt on one knee before Lefiya.
"Lefiya, you've touched my heart," he said in a solemn tone, though his eyes sparkled with mischief. "Please accept this gift as a token of my sincere feelings."
Lefiya's eyes widened, her face turning bright red. Under the astonished gazes of everyone, Wander held up a golden ring that sparkled brilliantly. The ring was intricately carved, with a sun symbol at its center, surrounded by a strange spiral.
"What the hell?!" Lefiya shouted, both flustered and angry.
Filvis immediately stood up, her sharp gaze like a dagger aimed at Wander. Her hand was almost on her sword, ready to draw.
But before Filvis could act, Lefiya had already jumped up, angrily punching Wander on the head.
"You idiot! Don't joke around like that in front of everyone!" she yelled, her face as red as a ripe tomato, her fists pounding on his back.
Wander chuckled, rubbing the spot where he'd been punched, but maintained his teasing tone:
"Honestly, I just wanted to see how you'd react. You didn't disappoint."
Lefiya gritted her teeth, turning her face away, still fuming. But her eyes inadvertently glanced at the ring, sensing something unusual about it.
Dionysus chuckled softly, breaking the tense atmosphere.
"You certainly know how to surprise people. But what's the meaning of this gift?"
Wander shrugged, tossing the ring into the air and catching it deftly, replying lightly:
"Consider it a small gift to make up for bothering Lefiya. After all, she had to keep an eye on me all day yesterday."
Lefiya crossed her arms, huffing, but said nothing more. Filvis, though seated again, kept her suspicious gaze on Wander.
Wander tossed the ring toward Lefiya, who fumbled to catch it.
"Take this, Lefiya. It might help you with your broom research, or even assist you in casting magic."
"Oh... thank you," Lefiya replied, taking the ring and examining it. The golden ring looked quite simple, except for the sun symbol with the strange spiral engraved on it.
"Well, I'll take my leave now. Some people are about to arrive," Wander said, picking up his bag.
"Hey, this afternoon, go have fun with your girlfriend. I'll handle the extra lessons with the staff."
"Oh, thank you... Wait, girlfriend!? Our relationship isn't like that!" Lefiya shouted, her face turning red.
"Hahaha..." Wander laughed loudly as he strode away. His laughter echoed even after his figure disappeared around the winding road.
Lefiya let out a sigh, trying to calm her emotions. She turned to Dionysus, who was now giving Filvis some instructions.
"Don't let me stop you from strengthening your relationship with one of Loki's people. In fact, I've told you that you should do everything in your power to cooperate with them. You wouldn't go against your god's will, would you?"
Cutting off Filvis's flustered protests with a smile, he turned his gaze to Lefiya.
"Lefiya Viridis, if it's not too much, I hope you and Filvis can get along. There's been a bit of a rift between her and the others in our familia."
With a hint of fatherly affection in his eyes, he added, "I'd really like to see her smile again."
With that, Dionysus stood up from his seat.
"If you'll excuse me," he said before leaving the café and disappearing into the crowd. The two elf girls were left alone at the table.
Their eyes met. Filvis's lips twitched with resignation.
"If... if it's really not too much trouble, I'll go with you," she said, her face red and her eyes looking away.
"...Alright. We'll go together."
Lefiya could feel her own face heating up at Filvis's embarrassment. She smiled sweetly.
...
In the garden in front of the laboratory.
Accelerator was sitting and reading a book while waiting for someone to arrive. The black cat on the table wagged its tail, occasionally blocking the book he was reading.
Tick tock... Tick tock... The pocket watch he had placed on the table ticked softly. More than an hour had passed, and the person he was waiting for still hadn't arrived. Accelerator wasn't annoyed, just calmly asking the cat.
"Qliphap, can a teacher punish their student if she skips class?"
"Nehehe... That's normal, master."
...
"Who does that guy think he is?!" Lefiya said sharply, her voice like a blade, as the two elves bathed in the phosphorescent light of the labyrinth-like walls of the Dungeon. They were on the fifth floor of the Dungeon. Right after parting ways with Dionysus, they had set off for the upper floors so Lefiya could practice her magic, as planned.
As the two passed one group of adventurers after another, Lefiya vented all her pent-up grievances about that Bell guy to her elven friend. Filvis, catching on to the situation, couldn't help but force a wry smile at her disgruntled comrade.
"This reminds me of my familia. We also have someone like Aiz, who always looks out for the other members. You should see the fights I've had with my friend over her..."
Her voice carried a hint of nostalgia, her gaze drifting forward. A trace of sadness lingered on Filvis's face, tinged with melancholy, enough to make Lefiya's criticisms pause. An older member of her familia... A friend she often quarreled with... Could she have lost those companions in the Nightmare of the 27th Floor? How many lives had that tragic event taken?
Lefiya fell silent for a moment; then, in a deliberately loud voice, she launched into her tirade again, first about Aiz and the others, then about the boy and his many faults. She wouldn't let her friend succumb to her pain.
Filvis responded with a smile, her crimson eyes narrowing.
"So, how do you want to train now?"
"I want to spar."
"Spar? But you're a pure mage. Is that okay?" The difference between a pure mage and a magic swordsman was vast. A frontline fighter who used short spells and a rear cannon capable of changing the tide of battle. Frontline adventurers needed to constantly move, engaging in a kind of sword dance and preparing for even the most unexpected situations. In contrast, chanting was the only thing that mattered for pure mages fighting in the rear.
"It's fine. My teacher and Riveria are pure mages who still fight on the frontlines. Don't hold back. I've been trained before."
"But... Alright. Let me help you. Shall we begin?" Filvis drew her wooden staff.
Lefiya readied her own staff in response. "A-Alright! I'm ready!"
And so, Lefiya's training began again, only this time with Filvis instead of Aiz.
...
The first thing rear mages like Lefiya needed to prioritize was spellcasting—as her elven friend eloquently explained.
"Now, talking won't do any good if we don't practice.
Shall we begin?" Filvis drew her wooden staff.
Lefiya readied her staff in response. "A-Alright! I'm ready!"
And so, Lefiya's Simultaneous Casting training began again, only this time with Filvis instead of Aiz.
"I know I said to ignore all defensive movements, but you should maintain a minimum level of personal defense—like blocking my attacks."
"R-right!"
Swinging her non-lethal staff instead of her usual sword, Filvis began to charge. She lunged at Lefiya with sharp movements, quickly closing the distance between them, and Lefiya shifted her focus to counter every attack, using every staff technique Riveria had drilled into her. Lefiya's dodges were neat. Accelerator's magical attacks had allowed her to start sensing the slightest changes to predict attacks and minimize damage. It wasn't perfect, but it was enough to deal with Filvis. Lefiya began chanting immediately, but Filvis interjected.
"Don't rush without thinking. Don't pre-charge your spells with magical energy. Wait until the latter half of the chant is recited before releasing it."
"I understand!"
Filvis's theory was absolutely correct—Lefiya was increasingly getting signs that she needed to focus more on the timing and usage of her magical energy, as well as how she weaved her spells. Fighting against another mage was far different from fighting a swordsman. She had learned that lesson from Aiz. Quickly stopping her chant, Lefiya used her steps to dance with Filvis. Their spells were the music, and their steps became the dance. Like a pair of forest fairies, hands intertwined on a meadow, they danced gracefully as one led and the other followed. They formed a studied waltz under the fluorescent light of a Dungeon alcove.
Her steps carried her nimbly across the floor, her lips weaving the words for her next song—and something deep within her answered.
"Loose your arrows, fairy archers. Pierce, arrow of accuracy—Arcs Ray!"
But this time, she wanted to do something different. After many trials, Lefiya realized she had never truly been creative with her magic.
As soon as the chant finished, a small magic circle appeared beneath her heel. A sudden force pushed her body in a flexible direction, taking her out of Filvis's reach. From the tip of her staff, a beam of light shot out at an astonishing speed, heading straight for her opponent.
Filvis was caught off guard by the bold maneuver, unable to prepare. She was forced to use her scabbard to block the beam, but was still pushed back a few steps.
Filvis looked at Lefiya in surprise, her eyes shining with admiration. "Amazing! You did very well just now."
"Thank you!" Lefiya replied, but then she winced, looking down at her feet. "Ahhh..."
"Lefiya, are you okay?" Filvis asked, worriedly stepping closer.
"It's fine! I've been through much worse training." She forced a smile, trying to reassure. "That mad mage is truly a teacher from hell."
Filvis smiled faintly, but her eyes still couldn't hide her concern. She decided to let Lefiya rest for a bit before they continued their training.
"I'm curious. How exactly did that teacher teach you?"
"Ahh... Uh..." Lefiya hesitated at Filvis's question. After a moment of thought, she decided to speak up. After all, Accelerator had only warned her to be careful about his magic, but everything else was fair game. Lefiya began to complain to Filvis about the mad mage's brutal training methods.
"He's a teacher from hell, huh." The conversation gradually turned into badmouthing some mad mage.
"That's right, he's a terrible teacher." But Lefiya's eyes didn't hold much blame.
"Perhaps some part of my common sense has changed after being his student." Closing her eyes, Lefiya thought for a moment, then smiled, her gaze shyly lowering. Filvis then noticed the item on Lefiya's back.
"But I'm curious. Why are you carrying a broom?"
"Ahh... This?" Lefiya took the broom off her back. "This is a magic item my teacher gave me. He told me to figure it out on my own. Even though I've tried everything, it hasn't responded." Lefiya held the broom out to Filvis. Currently, the magic broom looked no different from an ordinary broom. Filvis studied the broom thoughtfully.
"May I examine it?"
"Of course!"
Filvis gently took the broom, feeling its texture. The surface was smooth and dark brown, with grain patterns running along its length that seemed to carry some meaning. She channeled a bit of energy into it and felt.
'The energy is absorbed but there's no response.' After a thorough examination, Filvis sighed before handing it back to Lefiya.
"I can't quite understand how this broom works. Even using a broom as a magic tool is already strange." Filvis became pensive.
"I think the broom has grain patterns that symbolize some kind of magic. Maybe it needs something to recognize its owner?"
Lefiya looked closely at the natural wood grain.
'Owner recognition.' The wood grain looked natural but was actually arranged in some pattern. A phrase from the mad mage came to her mind.
'Magic circles can be created through various means. Remember that.' Why hadn't she thought of this? Holding the broom, she felt happy. If she analyzed the wood grain and the design of the broom carefully, she might find its symbol.
"It seems you've thought of something."
"T-thank you so much! It's thanks to your help that I—"
"Oh, please. The foundation was laid long before I happened to pass by. This is just the result of your hard work."
Still gripping her staff, Lefiya felt her cheeks heat up at the friendly praise. The things Aiz and the others had taught her were finally taking root. She wasn't just being praised; it felt like her mentors were too, and that thought manifested as a mix of pride and happiness welling up inside her. Filvis's eyes softened as she noticed Lefiya's shy, downward gaze. The two faced each other in the middle of the room, shoulders relaxed.
"But it's true, Miss Filvis. Your instructions are very easy for me to understand. Even I feel like things will work out in the end. Don't you think you have a talent for teaching?" Lefiya continued, not wanting the topic to end.
"...That's a fortunate accident. I don't have a talent for guiding others," Filvis replied curtly, though her bluntness was more a side effect of embarrassment than cold rejection. She closed her eyes.
Lefiya couldn't resist a small smile, seeing the pink tinge on the other elf's somber face. Though she had sensed it before their training began, the two were truly growing closer. The cold distance between them when they first met had almost disappeared.
Exchanging thoughts, emotions, overcoming the battle on the 24th floor together—their hearts and minds had never been so tightly connected. Perhaps just as Dionysus had described, Filvis had let Lefiya into her heart.
That thought made Lefiya incredibly happy. But she couldn't stop the small voice inside her that longed for more. A desire that only Filvis could fulfill.
"I, um... Miss Filvis?" Lefiya began, her cheeks flushing, drawing the elf's gaze.
"What is it, Viridis?"
"I was wondering if... perhaps... you could call me Lefiya from now on?"
Filvis stiffened. Then she too turned bright red. An awkward silence enveloped them as Filvis hesitated, the true meaning behind Lefiya's request slowly dawning.
"I-I can't."
"Oh, please!"
"I said I can't!"
"I'm begging you!"
"Stop chasing me!"
"I'll chase whatever I like!"
The pair nearly shouted at each other, their faces red. Filvis found herself overwhelmed by Lefiya's request, her body leaning forward and her voice shrill. Finally, she turned away, avoiding eye contact. Seeing this, Lefiya realized she might have gone too far and quickly restrained herself. Filvis still refused to look at her. Her lips parted once, twice, and then, in the softest voice, so quiet it was almost inaudible—
"—L-Lefiya..."
Her entire face was a deep, radiant red, glowing all the way to the tips of her ears.
Hearing her name, Lefiya felt her face grow brighter, until it was almost shining, and she let out a joyful "Thank you!" A satisfied smile spread across her face. Filvis still refused to lift her head, which made the other girl giggle as happiness filled her. The two elves, though different, sat there in comfortable friendship, the walls of the Dungeon almost forgotten.
"Can I... ask you something?" Filvis asked.
"Huh? What is it?"
"You... really intend to join the expedition, don't you?"
A silence fell over them as Filvis finally returned to normal. The expedition she mentioned, of course, was the upcoming Loki Familia expedition.
"...Yes. I'll be going with Aiz and the others to the unexplored depths of the Dungeon."
The journey would begin in three days.
Riveria and Finn had straight-up told her she would be joining the main party with the goal of reaching the 59th floor—they would need the combined strength of the entire faction to undertake this venture into the Dungeon. She would serve as both a kind of fortress and a rear support for Aiz and the other first-class adventurers. Hearing this, Filvis turned her face away, her ruby eyes looking down at the ground.
"Ah..." A single word escaped her thin lips. She fell silent for a moment, a trace of anguish lingering on her face, as if she was desperately trying to keep her emotions inside. As Lefiya watched, her eyes finally opened.
"Filvis, I know this isn't easy, but don't worry. I promise I'll come back safely—all of us will, together."
Filvis lifted her head, her eyes meeting Lefiya's. There was something in those eyes, a mix of trust and fear, that made Lefiya's heart feel heavy.
"Lefiya," Filvis called her name softly, but still seemed hesitant.
"Hm? What is it?"
Filvis paused, her gaze wavering as if struggling with herself. But in the end, she shook her head, a faint smile appearing on her lips. "No, it's nothing. Just... be careful, okay?"
"Of course!" Lefiya smiled, raising her hand as if to reassure. "I'm not the reckless type!"
But then, Lefiya suddenly remembered the time. She let out a small cry, her expression slightly flustered.
"Ah... Sorry, Filvis, I need to go now to make it to the Mad Wizard's library before it's too late!"
She turned and left, her steps quick and hurried. In her mind, Lefiya was calculating the time to reach the library and find the ritual book she needed. The upcoming expedition required thorough preparation, and she didn't dare waste a single moment.
Filvis stood still, watching Lefiya's figure disappear. Her hand rose slightly, as if to call her back, but then stopped midway. Her lips pressed together, her eyes filled with sadness.
"Lefiya..." she whispered, but the sound was only loud enough for herself to hear.
She wanted to say something, but the words seemed stuck in her throat, unable to come out. Complex emotions swirled in her heart: worry, concern, and a sense of helplessness at not being able to support her companion in the dangerous journey ahead.
Lefiya's figure had now vanished from sight, leaving only a quiet emptiness and stillness around her. Filvis sighed, lowering her hand, her heart still filled with unspoken words.
"May you be safe..." Filvis murmured, her voice like a prayer, soft but sincere.
She stood there for a moment longer, then turned and walked away.
...
Roar... Roar...
The howling winds screamed as if trying to tear the world apart. A violent storm swirled, forming a massive vortex where relentless gusts carried destruction. Dark clouds loomed overhead, lightning crackling amidst the chaos, creating an atmosphere of suffocating turmoil.
A blinding bolt of lightning split the horizon, illuminating a scene of devastation. In that fleeting flash, a lone figure stood firm on the edge of a cliff, coldly gazing down at the raging storm below. Without hesitation, the figure stepped toward the crevice and calmly leaped into the swirling chaos where the winds roared endlessly.
The protective and measuring devices surrounding the figure were engulfed by a mysterious blue liquid, temporarily rendered useless. But no one cared. As soon as the figure entered the terrifying whirlwind, their body was torn to shreds. Yet, the fragments quickly reassembled, restoring the original form as if physical destruction meant nothing to them.
The figure continued forward, pushing through the furious winds to reach the eye of the storm—a place that was once meant to seal a greater catastrophe but no longer served its original purpose.
"Well, this is horrifying."
Surrounding the figure were countless dragon corpses, piled high and untouched by the storm. Their melted bodies fused together, forming grotesque and terrifying shapes.
"Sigh... I didn't expect that child to actually pull this off."
At the center of the storm, the sky was obscured by ash and crimson flames. A colossal figure, larger than a mountain range, lay motionless—the One-Eyed Black Dragon, a creature once the embodiment of eternal terror. Its impenetrable black scales were now cracked, charred, and stained with dark red blood.
Its single eye, once blazing with fury and pride, now lay empty and dull, like a bottomless abyss. Its horns were shattered, and its massive wings curled limply, draped over the ground like a shroud of defeat. Charred fissures scarred the earth around it, remnants of the horrific battle that had taken place.
Standing out amidst the ruins was a small white spear, glowing amidst the darkness. The spear, delicate as if it didn't belong to this world, pierced through the dragon's chest, pinning its massive body to the ground. Its gentle light seemed to declare an effortless victory over the once-invincible nightmare.
Around it, the surviving dragons cowered in absolute terror. They no longer charged to destroy but desperately tried to flee the storm, as if escaping the spear's light was their only hope for survival.
A voice rang out, soft yet brimming with power:
"This can't be allowed. This world needs danger to grow. You can't just take that away so easily."
The figure's cloak fell away, revealing a woman with chocolate-brown skin and long silver hair. Her eyes shimmered, as if changing colors at will, with teardrop and diamond-shaped marks beneath them. Her body was adorned only with strips of white cloth, accented by pyramid-shaped ornaments.
She raised her hand, and droplets of water gathered, swirling around the dragon corpses. Her voice echoed with authority:
"In the name of Nephthys, goddess of protection and funerals... Let the waters of the Nile bring life, restoring the souls of the departed."
The corpses began to tremble, attempting to rise again, but...
Bang!
The white spear suddenly flared. Branches of light split from its shaft, spreading everywhere, piercing through the air and pinning each soul back in place. Some souls, unable to withstand the opposing forces, were torn apart completely, vanishing into nothingness.
Nephthys smiled faintly, her eyes gleaming with intrigue:
"This... isn't as simple as I thought."
She manipulated the water, trying to envelop the spear and consume it. But...
Bang!
A branch of the spear suddenly shot out, hurtling straight toward her.
Ping!
The spearhead was blocked by a defensive barrier of water surrounding her body. Unlike before, she realized that a direct hit from this attack would leave her far from unscathed. The spear branch quickly retreated, returning to the main spear, silent as if it had never moved.
Nephthys shook her head slightly, her silver hair swaying in the wind. A faint smile crossed her lips:
"Haha... I tried not to use too much power to avoid drawing the attention of the other gods. But it seems this won't be so easy."
Her gaze turned toward the distance, where the city of Orario loomed faintly in the dark landscape.
"Wait a little longer... Once I'm done here, I'll come to you, my dear child."