Although we couldn't reach 150 stones but here you go, enjoy
And make sure share your thoughts,
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The days following Lei's initiation into Loki Familia were anything but peaceful. From dawn to dusk, he was under Riveria Ljos Alf's iron rule. As a Level 1, and more importantly, a newbie with zero combat experience, Lei expected hard training—but what he got was a regiment that could humble a war veteran.
Day 1 started with physical conditioning. Riveria, being the Familia's core and support, didn't go easy. She emphasized stability, control, and precision over brute strength. Her routines were brutal yet methodical, designed to build endurance and tactical awareness. When Lei collapsed mid-run on day three, gasping and groaning, Riveria simply noted the time and said, "You'll improve."
But what really frustrated him was the daily hours of "Meditation" exercise, for someone from modern era, just sitting in meditation for hours was way too boring .
"I don't even have a magic slot," Lei had argued on day five, covered in sweat and grime. "Why do I need to learn mind—control?"
Riveria's emerald gaze had been sharp as a blade. "Because your skills consume mind. Without proper regulation, you'll collapse mid-battle and efficiency of mind use would be glaringly low. And secondly—" she paused, arching a brow, "—high-quality grimoires exist. They may unlock a magic slot if you're compatible. Training your mind is non-negotiable."
Grumbling, Lei resumed the meditation posture, mumbling under his breath about strict elves and impossible standards.
Still, Lei had to admit—even without supernatural enhancements from his skills, their traits subtly guided him. His "marauder" instinct helped him identify flaws in movement and form—something even Riveria acknowledged with a nod on occasion. Meanwhile, "Seer" granted him a sharpened gut feeling. Twice, he'd dodged surprise attacks dirin training before Riveria could trigger them.
Sometimes Ais watched silently from the edge of the training ground. Once, she even offered Lei a nod. He considered it a monumental victory.
By the end of day fifteen, Lei was half-dead but standing. Riveria, arms crossed, gave him a slight nod of approval.
"You're not completely hopeless."
He almost cried.
On the sixteenth morning, Lei found Riveria waiting with her arms crossed.
"You're ready for your first dungeon dive," she declared.
Before he could process the relief swirling within him, Raul appeared, grinning and waving.
"Babysitting duty?" Lei teased.
Raul rolled his eyes. "Think of it more like veteran guidance. Now let's get you geared up."
They headed to the Familia's equipment storehouse. Raul led him through racks of armor, weapons, and odd tools.
"I'd suggest something light," Raul advised. "You don't have the strength to tank hits yet."
Lei chose a sleek, leather-reinforced light armor, arm guards, wrist guards, and sturdy yet flexible boots. For his weapon, he picked a bow and quiver of arrows. He felt more comfortable at a distance.
"Good choice," Raul said, nodding. "Now let's grab your potions."
They made their way to the Dian Cecht Familia's supply shop, where a familiar face greeted them.
"Raul again," Armid said with a playful smirk. "Still stingy with potion orders?"
Raul groaned. "I'm not stingy. Just practical. Short run, floor four tops."
"You're just cheap," Armid retorted. "Trying to save up for another trip to the red-light district?"
Lei raised a brow.
"That was one time!" Raul barked, red in the face. "I was tricked!, Then caught"
"And had to write what, a hundred apology letters?" Armid grinned wickedly.
"Two hundred," Raul muttered, defeated.
Lei chuckled. "Remind me never to follow your nightlife tips."
Despite the teasing, there was a moment of sincerity as Raul helped him sort through the essentials—stamina potions, antidotes, monster repellents, and two mind potions (just in case). Armid handed them over with a wink.
"Good luck, new guy. Don't die or I would loose out"
The white marble floor beneath Lei's boots gleamed faintly in the soft glow of the magical lighting. Around him, adventurers passed in and out of the massive gate to the dungeon—some casual, others tense, and a few stained with blood and ichor from recent encounters.
Lei stood frozen for a second at the entrance, looking into the spiraling stairs that led downward. The way the air changed, the pressure, the sound—it was subtle, but real.
The dungeon breathed.
"You alright?" Raul asked, nudging his side with an elbow.
Lei nodded, gripping the strap of his quiver a little tighter. "Yeah. Just… taking it in."
Raul grinned, then folded his arms. "Everyone hesitates at their first step. Even Ais did. Don't let her blank face fool you—she puked in the corner the first time."
Lei blinked. "You're lying."
Raul looked far too smug. "Yeah. I am. She probably came out of the womb swinging a sword."
Lei cracked a smile.
Raul turned a little serious then, his tone softening. "Listen. First floor's nothing scary, but don't let that trick you. The dungeon likes to lull you into a rhythm… and then snap."
He held up a finger.
"One—never let your guard down, even if it's quiet. That's when monsters spawn."
"Two—don't chase kills. Stick to the plan. You're not here to be a hero."
Lei nodded, already internalizing it.
Raul tapped the bow on his back. "And three—don't waste arrows. If you miss two in a row, switch to retreat and reposition. We don't have time to babysit pride."
"…Alright," Lei said, straightening.
Then Raul gave him a sideways grin. "Also… try not to scream if a Kobold jumps at you. Loki said if you cry, she'll disown you."
Lei narrowed his eyes. "Pretty sure she won't "
"Fair."
There was a small silence as both looked down the steps.
"Hey," Raul said, glancing at him. "Nervous?"
Lei took a breath. "Yeah. But… not enough to stop."
Raul grinned and threw an arm around his shoulders, dragging him forward. "That's the spirit, Rookie. Now come on. Let's go get your first kill."
The descent was quiet—eerily so. Each step Lei took was muffled against the worn stone of the dungeon's spiral stairs. The walls pulsed faintly with veins of blue mana, glowing softly like the heartbeat of something ancient and alive.
Raul kept a casual pace, but his eyes scanned everything with practiced calm. Lei followed closely, every sense on edge.
Floor 1 was almost underwhelming at first.
Goblins and kobolds—barely a threat to someone like Raul—crept from cracks and holes in the dungeon walls. The moment one appeared, Raul would flick his knife or swipe his shortsword, and the monster would crumble into blue dust.
"I'm not even getting a chance," Lei muttered.
Raul glanced back with a smirk. "That's the point. We go slow until you get the feel of it."
They cleared Floor 1 quickly, with Raul pointing out monster spawn patterns, safe zones, and where hidden cracks sometimes spawned bonus monsters or rare drops. It was more like a walking lesson than a hunt.
On Floor 3, things changed.
A kobold pack appeared— three of them at once, snarling and slavering. Raul gave a low whistle.
"Alright, Rookie. You're up"
"Third one on the left," Lei muttered under his breath as he observed the three kobold.
Raul glanced sideways. "What?"
Lei didn't answer immediately. His eyes were locked on a trio of kobolds advancing in formation—sloppy, but organized enough to be unusual for Floor 3.
"There's a limp in that one's left leg," Lei said. "It's hiding it. The second one's favoring its right claw—it's torn, maybe from fighting a goblin. The third… is twitching—too eager. Might break formation first."
Raul blinked. "You got all that in three seconds?"
"Lucky guess," Lei replied flatly, though his tone held a quiet focus.
"Right," Raul grinned. "Alright, Captain Insight. Take the twitchy one."
The kobold lunged a beat too early, exactly as Lei predicted. He dodged to the side with a smooth pivot, his lighter boots giving him the freedom to move fast. The kobold's claw swiped empty air, and before it could recover, Lei spun around and slammed his armguard into its jaw—then drove an arrow into its throat from behind.
It disintegrated in a burst of blue.
Raul had already finished off the other two with practiced ease.
"Not bad," Raul said, wiping his blade clean. "You didn't just dodge—you read it. That's not beginner's luck."
Lei was quiet for a moment. "Just… something I'm good at."
He didn't elaborate. The flaw-reading ability of Marauder and the danger-sensing edge from Seer weren't showy skills. But together, they made each enemy feel like a puzzle he could almost solve just by watching.
They continued deeper into the floor. Lei was no whirlwind warrior—his movements were cautious, deliberate—but efficient. When he struck, it was after observation. He never overcommitted, always stepped back before danger could close.
Raul noticed.
"You know, most rookies either charge too fast or freeze. You're dancing on the line."
Lei smirked faintly. "Reveria- san made me memorize footwork drills. For hours."
Raul shivered dramatically. "Oof. You poor soul."
"Every time I messed up a form, she made me run five laps and copy battle stances by candlelight."
Raul chuckled "Yeah, that sounds like her. Still, it's paying off. You're not strong, but you're smart. You make the Dungeon feel less like suicide."
"Thanks. I think."
At the end of the 3rd floor the two took a short break in a cleared-out chamber near the stairs to Floor 4. Lei wiped his brow, drinking a sip from his waterskin.
Raul leaned back against the wall, eyeing him with a curious look. "So… what're you fighting for?"
Lei looked at him, blinking.
Raul shrugged. "Everyone's got something. Glory, revenge, a goddess's boobs... whatever."
Lei chuckled softly. "I guess... I'm just trying to survive and well find out what I can be. I wasted a lot of time before. Now I got a second chance."
Raul nodded slowly, momentarily thinking about his own roadblock "I get that. Everyone thinks they have forever—until they nearly don't."
There was a moment of shared silence between them—unspoken understanding.
Then Raul slapped his thigh and stood. "Alright! Enough bonding. I'm too handsome to get sentimental."
Lei rolled his eyes. "Pretty sure you're the only one who thinks that."
Raul gasped. "Betrayed by my own trainee?! How dare—!"
Before Lei could dodge, Raul put him in a loose headlock and gave him a noogie.
"Say I'm handsome!"
"Never!"
"Say it or I'm telling Reveria you skipped stretches!"
"…You're the handsomest mentor ever. Happy?"
"Ecstatic."
The fifth floor was darker, quieter, and strangely still. Lei stepped cautiously, his footsteps soft on the moss-covered stone. The change in atmosphere was immediate. It wasn't just the lighting or the structure—something watched from the shadows.
Raul, a few paces ahead, raised a hand. "Careful," he whispered. "This floor's got War Shadows."
As if summoned, a flicker danced across the edge of Lei's vision. He turned, and there it was—a black silhouette that slithered unnaturally along the wall before solidifying in front of him. Slender, humanoid in shape but lacking defined features, it had long claws and glowing red eyes embedded in its inky body. A War Shadow.
"Don't blink," Raul warned. "They're fast."
The monster struck without warning, launching forward like a thrown dagger. Lei barely sidestepped, the creature's claw slicing a strand of his hair. The wind pressure alone was enough to sting.
His heart pounded, but his mind cleared.
It favors ambush and speed over brute strength, Lei thought. His eyes narrowed as he watched it melt back into the shadows, circling.
His intuition buzzed
He spun on instinct, raising his bow. Instead of nocking an arrow, he thrust the end forward, smacking the creature's outstretched claw aside. The War Shadow recoiled, and Lei took the opening to put some distance between them.
Marauder's keen perception kicked in. The War Shadow's movements were fast, but not flawless. Its torso twisted slightly every time it struck. Telegraphing its attacks—barely, but it's there.
The War Shadow darted again, this time feinting right before lunging from the left. Lei had predicted it. He ducked low and rolled beneath the swipe, springing up behind it. In one swift motion, he nocked an arrow and released it at point-blank range.
The arrow struck deep into the creature's back. It shrieked—a high-pitched, garbled noise like a beast and wind howling in chorus—before thrashing wildly.
Not giving it a chance to vanish again, Lei sprinted forward, using his speed rather than waiting. He grabbed another arrow and jammed it directly into the creature's torso with a grunt, pinning it to the dungeon wall. Its body twisted violently before disintegrating into black particles, leaving only a faint trace of magic stone behind.
Breathing hard, Lei stood up straight. "That was… intense."
Raul clapped lightly. "You read it well. That's impressive for your first time."
Lei looked at his hand, still trembling slightly from the adrenaline. "I didn't think it'd be that fast. The kobolds felt like practice targets in comparison."
"War Shadows are a different class," Raul nodded. "Speed, stealth, and precision. They're what trip up most new adventurers. But you handled it smart—used your head, not just your hands."
Lei gave a small, satisfied smile. "Guess the training's paying off."
"Sure is," Raul chuckled. "Now let's wrap up and get out before the floor decides to throw another one our way."
After the War Shadow's disintegration faded into glittering motes, Lei picked up the magic stone and slipped it into the pouch at his waist. It wasn't large, but it had weight—weight that proved his progress.
Raul gave him a satisfied nod. "You've done good for today. Five floors is solid for a first run. Let's head back."
Their journey back was smoother. The earlier fights had drained Lei, but not enough to dull his senses. Kobolds and Dungeon Lizards came and went with manageable resistance. The pair reached the first-floor exit and with a relieved sigh, they rode upward—back to the surface, back to light.
Once outside, Lei stretched his arms toward the sky. The sun was starting to dip, casting Orario in a warm amber glow. "I didn't realize how much I missed sunlight."
Raul chuckled. "Welcome to the life of an adventurer. We start appreciating the small stuff."
Their next stop was the Guild.
As Lei and Raul walked into the Guild Hall, the atmosphere buzzed with the usual bustle—footsteps echoing off stone floors, clinks of coins, and the low murmur of adventurers discussing their hunts. Their entrance didn't stop conversations, but it turned heads—not because of Raul himself, but because he wasn't alone.
A few seasoned adventurers glanced over, eyes narrowing slightly when they noticed the rookie walking beside the Level 4 of Loki Familia.
"Is that Raul?"
"Looks like it. Wait, he's escorting a new guy?"
"Since when does he do that?"
The murmurs didn't carry far, but Lei could feel them brush against his awareness. Raul kept walking, unfazed.
At the counter, Misha looked up from a ledger and blinked at the pair.
"Well, well, if it isn't Raul. Bringing in fresh blood now? Didn't peg you for the babysitting type."
Raul snorted. "Don't get used to it. He just needed someone reliable for a first run. He's not completely green."
"Hmm." Misha leaned forward slightly, peering at Lei. "Looks a little too calm for a rookie."
Lei gave a small smile. "It's my first run, not my first day alive."
From a nearby desk, Eina tilted her head and stood up. "Welcome to Orario. Loki Familia, right?"
"Yes," Lei replied, keeping it brief.
Eina nodded at Lei with a gentle smile. "Nice to meet you. Loki Familia doesn't usually take in level one adventurers, so I suppose you made an impression."
"You could say that," Lei answered, careful not to say too much.
Around them, the low buzz of adventurers continued, but more eyes lingered now—mostly on Lei. Some were just interested. Others seemed impressed. A few… less so.
"Looks a bit scrawny to me."
"Still Level 1, huh? Must have connections."
"Loki Familia doesn't take in just anyone..."
The admiration mixed with skepticism was palpable, but Lei stood calm under it.
Misha returned to sorting papers. "Well, if he survived five floors on day one, that's more than most newbies. Better than that guy last week who got scared by a Dungeon Lizard and ran into a wall."
Eina's eyes flicked toward Raul, expecting more, but he merely shrugged. "Just helping out. Nothing fancy."
That was enough for Eina—she knew better than to press when it came to Loki Familia.
Behind them, quiet gossip began to bubble.
"Raul brought him down?"
"Loki Familia's always picking up weird ones."
Raul offered no further explanation, and Lei followed his lead. There was no need to shine too brightly.
After they sold off the day's magic stones, Raul took Lei around the guild floor, pointing out the quest boards, request counters, and locations for special Familia missions.
"Don't expect this tour twice," Raul muttered. "I'm only doing this because Reveria handed you over. And because you didn't get us both killed."
Lei gave a casual nod. "I'll try to limit our near-death experiences to once a week."
Raul grinned. "Spoken like a real Loki Familia member."
As they stepped out into the fading orange light of the evening, the city humming with life beyond the marble halls, Lei let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
"I noticed you didn't say anything about me in there."
Raul didn't look at him, just kept walking. "You think I want every Familia, broker, and back-alley scumbag looking your way? You're new. You stay low. You grow. If people underestimate you, good. Use it."
Lei was silent for a moment before answering, "Thanks."
Raul glanced at him and smirked. "Don't thank me yet. We're not done."
"Let's go," Raul said after they wrapped up.
As they stepped out into the fading evening sun, Raul stretched. "Get ready. The real test is about to start."
Lei raised a brow. "Another one?"
Raul chuckled. "Dinner with the Familia."
The sun had dipped behind the city walls by the time Raul and Lei returned to the towering estate of Loki Familia. Warm light spilled from the windows, the comforting scent of stew and roasted vegetables drifting through the air as they stepped through the grand front doors. Members passed them in the hall with casual nods, and the familiar murmur of evening chatter echoed from the cafeteria beyond.
"Go wash up," Raul said, stretching his arms with a groan. "You don't want to show up to dinner smelling like kobold guts."
Lei chuckled. "You sure it's not part of the charm?"
"Not unless you want Tione to throw you out the window."
After a quick shower and change into fresh clothes, Lei made his way to the cafeteria. The long hall was buzzing with energy—rows of tables packed with adventurers, bowls clinking, laughter rising, and the occasional shout from someone losing a bet over dungeon loot.
As soon as Lei stepped in , he was ambushed almost immediately.
"Well, well, well—look who finally returns from the depths!" Tiona called out, practically leaping from her seat.
"Survived your first dive?" Tione added with a teasing grin. "How many times did Raul have to pull your butt out of trouble?"
"I'm still alive, so not too many," Lei replied with a dry smile.
Akki leaned over the table, smirking. "So, rookie, how many monsters did you actually kill, and how many did Raul finish off for you?"
"Want a breakdown by floor?" Lei shot back, grinning.
"Cheeky," Akki chuckled.
Bete scoffed from the corner. "Tch. He still smells like a weakling."
Gareth let out a hearty laugh. "He might be green, but I hear he handled himself well. Keep this up, lad."
Reveria, more composed, nodded. "You followed instructions. That's good. Continue with discipline."
Finn, ever the tactician, leaned forward. "Did your skills activate at all? Anything unexpected?"
Lei nodded. "Seer helped a bit—like an instinct before a hit. Error gave me a feel for movement, pattern… nothing supernatural, just edge perception. As for Door…" He shook his head. "Can't make any portals. Dungeon walls have too much magic in them."
Ais tilted her head slightly. "You did… well." Her attempt at encouragement was awkward, though genuine.
It was enough to make Lefiya twitch. "A-Ais-senpai...!" she blurted, clutching her tray tightly and glaring daggers at Lei.
Before any drama could escalate, a familiar laugh rang out. Loki appeared behind Lefiya with her trademark grin—and wandering hands.
"Ara~ my Lefiya~ You're too cute when you're jealous~!" she purred, groping the poor elf with glee.
"L-L-Loki-sama!" Lefiya flailed, red-faced and panicking.
Loki turned toward Lei, fixing him with a suspicious stare. "Oi. You. Hands off the girls. They're mine, got it?"
"I have no plans otherwise…" Lei raised both hands with a helpless expression.
"Better not," Loki grinned mischievously.
THWACK! Reveria bonked her on the head with a wooden spoon.
"Leave Lefiya alone during dinner," the elf chided firmly.
"Ow, ow~! Reveria's so cold~" Loki pouted dramatically. Then she turned to Lei with a more anticipating tone. "You're coming to my room after dinner. Time for a status update."
Loki's private room was tucked away on the top floor of the mansion, a cozy space littered with paperwork, wine bottles, maps of the dungeon, and mismatched cushions that looked like they hadn't been moved in weeks. Lei followed her in, his curiosity subdued beneath the faint tension humming in his chest. It was his first official status update since joining, and he didn't quite know what to expect.
"Alright, sit your butt down and strip the back," Loki said as she rolled up her sleeves. "Time to see how many bones you managed to not break."
Lei sat on the stool and pulled his shirt off, the cool air prickling against his back.
Loki knelt behind him, her expression sharpening as she pricked her hand and drop her blood on his bare skin. A warm glow sparked between her palm and the back of his shoulder blade as the Falna appeared, lines of divine script illuminating and shifting in slow rotation.
For a moment, Loki said nothing.
Then her brows furrowed. Her eyes narrowed, tracing the whorls of runes. Her playful smirk faded into a tight line.
Her expression stiffened.
"…What the hell is this?"
Lei blinked. "What's wrong?"
Lei felt a chill creep down his spine. His intuition blaring .
"No kidding," she muttered, more to herself than him. "unexpectedly or expectedly?Stats… still all at I0, … Skills, no change. No development in the magic slot—wait, that makes sense, you don't have one. And this—"
She paused. Her fingers hovered over a faint, jagged glyph that hadn't been there before. Unlike the structured divine script of the Falna, this one looked almost like a burn mark etched across the surface.
"There's something foreign in your Falna," she said carefully. "Some kind of… mark. A curse."
Lei stiffened. "What kind of curse?"
"I don't know yet. It's subtle and aggressive, held back by falna but eating away at your exalia in return—and it wasn't there before. I'm sure of it." Loki's expression was no longer playful. There was a tension in her voice, a sharp awareness like a thread pulled taut. "Whatever this is, it's watching."
"Watching?" Lei's mouth went dry, a chill in heart, his mind wandring to the horrors of mystery.
Loki leaned back, rubbing her temple. "I'll keep investigating it. For now, it's not harming you. But we can't ignore this. Don't mention it to anyone else yet—not even the others. Got it?"
"…Got it."
She smiled then, her usual mischievous glint returning—albeit thinner, like a veil drawn over steel. "That's my boy. You're more interesting by the minute."
She patted his back and stood up with narrowed eyes. "Now get some rest. You've got a long road ahead—and from the look of this thing, someone or something is already targeting you "
"Looks like the real fun's about to start," Loki muttered, her usual playfulness gone.