When both sides finally sat down calmly to talk, Finn fully understood the situation of the Xenos and realized how deeply Loki Familia needed to support them.
The Xenos were enduring a harsh life in the Dungeon, and the threats they faced were the same that plagued the Loki Familia. Both sides were up against two common enemies: the Evilus and the Spirit forces. This shared struggle was the foundation for cooperation—only by confronting the same threats could these two largely separate groups unite effectively.
"Recently, the frequency of New Variant activity in the lower levels has been increasing."
"But those New Variants rarely go below the 50th floor."
Ray's intel immediately clicked with Finn—now he understood why those New Variants avoided the floors below.
"It's because the energy in the Magic Stones is insufficient down there. They're bypassing low-quality Magic Stones."
The New Variants were created solely to gather enough Magic Stones to fuel the growth of Spirit fetuses. To get better energy, Spirit Guardians deliberately ignored the floors below 50—to reduce attention while securing high-quality stones.
"These New Variants are constructs made just for harvesting Magic Stones—fundamentally different from the natural monsters in the Dungeon."
"It seems Spirit fetuses need massive energy. Otherwise, these New Variants wouldn't be roaming the Dungeon so recklessly."
Finn now fully grasped why the Spirits had been so adamant about nurturing fetuses. The previous failure was a significant setback—but they wouldn't stop. Their plan to raise fetuses and send them to the surface was still in motion. The implications were alarming.
Finn felt the danger lurking in this expedition. They might not encounter Evilus directly—but a confrontation with Spirit Guardians was all but inevitable.
"It seems we can't avoid running into Spirit forces on this expedition."
If Spirits continue nurturing fetuses in secret deep within the Dungeon, Loki Familia can't turn a blind eye.
Finn turned to Ray and the others.
"Are you still keeping an eye on the Evilus?"
"I am."
"Then lay low for now. The Evilus have been watching you closely. If I'm right, they're planning to capture more of your kind or even wipe you out when you make your next move."
Ray's face froze. Considering how many of their comrades had already been captured—and how aggressively Evilus had been acting—this warning hit hard. Finn stayed fixed on her expression until she truly understood.
"The Dungeon isn't just where you live. The Evilus have always been lurking down there."
"They've been able to keep evading your pursuit because they have their own secret paths within the Dungeon."
"So for now, avoid exposing your location. You need to move through areas they don't frequent. On the floors they know well, you're at a serious disadvantage."
Ray also felt it was entirely possible they'd be wiped out by the Evilus.
Recent operations already made that clear. If they kept chasing after them, they might drag the entire Xenos into this mess.
Finn continued, "There's a definite connection between the Spirits and the Evilus. I believe the Evilus are aware of what the Spirits are doing in the deeper levels, which is why they haven't tried to interfere with our expedition."
Back then, it might have been because the Evilus were wary of the Loki Familia's strength and didn't dare to act recklessly.
Even Finn used to think that.
But with the intelligence they'd gathered now, Finn no longer believed the Evilus were truly intimidated by their Familia.
If it were the Zeus Familia or Hera Familia they feared, that Finn could believe. But to say they feared the Loki Familia? That was just laughable.
Even Finn now realized how arrogant that line of thinking had been.
Riveria and Gareth's expressions turned grim as well.
"Finn, if that's true... doesn't it mean this expedition is exactly the trap Loki set for us?"
Riveria felt a flicker of unease, like being betrayed by someone she trusted most.
Even Gareth looked visibly displeased.
"You're overthinking this."
Bell, who had been waiting silently at the side, finally spoke up.
Watching Loki-sama be misunderstood by her own Familia was amusing—especially considering the scolding that would follow.
But internal confusion wasn't something they could afford on an expedition like this. That's the only reason Bell chose to speak up for Loki-sama now.
"...Before the expedition started, I met with Loki-sama to talk about some related matters. But she wasn't clear on the internal state of the Dungeon. At the time, her relationship with the Guild wasn't all that close."
"And with how much of a pervert Loki-sama is, do you seriously think she'd send someone she likes down into the Dungeon as a sacrifice?"
...Okay, Finn and the others weren't totally sure about the first part, but the second part? That was absolutely true.
There were quite a few members on this expedition. Would Loki really toss someone she liked into the abyss?
Even in Orario, a goddess as obsessed with women as Loki was pretty rare. There was no way she'd do something so harmful to herself.
"Yeah... with Loki's pervy personality, she definitely wouldn't do something like that."
Riveria's logic started to take hold again as she listened to Bell's analysis. It really didn't sound like something Loki would do.
Sure, if it was sneaking into a bathroom to peek or grope someone, Loki would absolutely go that far. But beyond that, she wasn't the type to cross the line into something this vile.
"True. I guess I was overthinking things."
Finn couldn't help but hold his head, clearly troubled that he'd even considered something so ridiculous.
"Sigh... now I almost wish Loki really did plan it."
Gareth's casual remark unexpectedly drew nods from both Finn and Riveria.
Being betrayed and kicked into a pit by their own god was somehow easier to swallow than having the world know their Familia God was just a giant pervert.
At least that way, they could still hold onto a bit of dignity.