Time flew by like the sun and moon.
Four days slipped away in an instant, and suddenly it was time for the expedition.
Wearing his newly crafted equipment, Shirou looked at his reflection in the mirror and couldn't help but exclaim, "So cool!"
A light armor composed of red and white adorned Shirou's body, and the short sword slung across his back showcased his bravery.
This was Shirou's latest masterpiece, a first-class equipment named Crimson Glory. He named it so to display his determination: in this expedition, he would forge his glory with the blood of his enemies.
"Though I'm only a rear guard," he muttered.
Putting on his prepared backpack, Shirou grumbled with some resentment. To be honest, he also wanted to be a vanguard. But unfortunately, his strength was insufficient, so he was forced to be a rear guard.
This made Shirou very unhappy. Although he was originally an Archer, what self-respecting Archer uses a bow? He certainly didn't want to. But unfortunately, circumstances were stronger than personal preference, so he might as well obediently accept the rear guard mission.
After packing all the necessary items, Shirou opened his room door. Outside, Ais and Lefiya were already waiting for him.
"Good morning, Brother!"
"Good morning!"
After greeting each other, the three headed together to the Twilight Manor's courtyard, where the members of the Loki Familia were gradually arriving.
In the central courtyard, Loki stood with her arms crossed, watching everyone. Unlike her usual carefree self, her aura was fully unleashed, giving off a powerful presence. That was a true god.
"Everyone, fight to your heart's content! The time has come to display the spirit of our Loki Familia!"
"Ooh!"
Under Loki's speech, the morale of the Loki Familia expedition team was exceptionally high.
"Then we're off, Loki."
"Mm, I leave everything to you, Finn."
"Yes!"
Turning around, Finn's body exuded a sharp aura as he looked at the ready members. This was the leader of the Loki Familia—the Captain, Finn Deimne.
"Prepare to depart. Gather at the central plaza of Babel."
"Yes!"
Carrying his heavy pack, Shirou moved forward with the crowd. Beside him, Ais and Lefiya were continuously communicating. Of course, in reality, it was mostly Lefiya talking and Ais responding.
Ever since Ais started studying Nine Lives Blade Works with Shirou, she also began calling Shirou "Brother," which gave Lefiya more topics to discuss with her. This made Lefiya, who had always admired Ais, even happier. Not only did she have Shirou as her brother, but also Ais, who was also Shirou's younger sister—this was double the ecstasy.
"Lefiya, how is your Parallel Chanting coming along?"
Hearing her brother Shirou's question, Lefiya quickly snapped out of her ecstasy and seriously replied, "I've roughly grasped it, but I'm not very proficient yet."
As a talented mage with excellent aptitude, Lefiya's talent was undeniable. Under Shirou's guidance, her crucial self-confidence had also been strengthened, which meant she faced almost no difficulties in learning Parallel Chanting. All that remained was consistent practice.
Shirou nodded slightly; Lefiya's progress seemed quite good to him. Although not as rapid as in the original story, that was because she hadn't yet met the man she would call her rival, Bell Cranel. Therefore, she wasn't practicing Parallel Chanting through simulated battles as in the original story, but through a more traditional method. This was also why her progress was slower.
"It seems I've been neglecting her a bit lately. After all, I've been preparing equipment and teaching Ais, and I've sort of forgotten about her."
Realizing his mistake, Shirou gently stroked her head and said, "Then when we return from this expedition, I'll accompany you for some good training."
"Mm!"
Lefiya responded happily. Seeing this, Ais, who was walking beside them, also showed a faint smile. She liked this warm atmosphere very much. So, she also extended her hand and gently stroked Lefiya's head.
"You can do it, Lefiya!"
"..."
Feeling the intimacy expressed by both of them simultaneously, Lefiya felt that happiness had come too suddenly. It really was a double surprise.
"Yes!"
With a blush on her face and unsteady steps, Lefiya shyly responded.
---
The long procession walked down the North Boulevard, attracting many gazes along the way. Other pedestrians and adventurers on the road looked at the Loki Familia's procession, showing expressions of awe.
"It's the Brave Finn Deimne, Nine-Tails Riveria Ljos Alf, and the Heavy Blow Gareth Landrock! Are those the three titans of the Loki Familia?"
"Look quickly, that's Great Cutter Tiona Hiryute and Raging Snake Tione Hiryute, the LV.5 Amazonian twin sisters! They're so lovely!"
"And the Mad Dog Bete Loga, he's also a super stylish LV.5, so cool."
"And then there's the city's strongest swordswoman, Sword Princess Ais Wallenstein, a darling who combines beauty and strength."
Looking at the executives of the Loki Familia, the adventurers on both sides of the street couldn't help but discuss.
"Wait, isn't that the Thousand Elf and the Magic Sword Archer walking next to the Sword Princess?"
"Where? Where's the Magic Sword Archer?"
"So handsome! Is that the Magic Sword Archer? The legendary hero."
"..."
Hearing the discussions from both sides of the street, both Shirou and Lefiya's faces flushed. Yes, it was a bit embarrassing. Titles were like that; when written down, they looked cool. But to be shouted out on the street, it was as embarrassing as could be. Fortunately, this wasn't the modern world; otherwise, Shirou probably would have already dug out a three-room, one-living-room apartment with his toes.
Soon, the Loki Familia arrived at the central plaza beneath Babel.
Looking at the already erected flag, Shirou's slightly embarrassed heart instantly calmed down. The clown flag fluttering in the air was the glory of the Loki Familia. Looking at this flag, to be honest, Shirou felt his blood burning.
"So Ais is in the first team, and Lefiya and I are both in the second team?"
After receiving Finn's notification, Shirou knew which team he belonged to.
"In that case, we'll see each other again on the eighteenth floor."
After greeting Ais, Shirou took Lefiya to the second team's position. Here, the leader was Gareth, one of the three titans.
"Lad, you'll be following this old man this time."
"Please guide me, Senior."
"Haha, don't worry, don't worry!" Gareth laughed and patted Shirou's shoulder.
"All personnel, the expedition begins now!"
Hearing Finn's voice, everyone looked at him.
"This time is the same; when advancing floors, we will split into two groups. The first group, departing first, will be commanded by me and Riveria. The second group will be commanded by Gareth."
"After regrouping on the eighteenth floor, we will proceed directly to the fiftieth floor. Our goal is only one: the unknown area on the fifty-ninth floor."
"Everyone, let us go and see that unknown that even the gods have never witnessed!"
"Ooh!"
Hearing the goal set by Finn, everyone cheered loudly.
Yes, it was a sight that even the gods had never seen, the ultimate unknown.
"Loki Familia, move out!"
--------More Bonus Chapters!!!!
Every 300 power stones = 1 Bonus Chapter