In the depths of the dungeon, Ais faced Udaeus alone.
Supported by Shirou's arrows and Riveria's protective magic, Ais began a battle that would be remembered by all who witnessed it.
Against the enemy's relentless attacks, Ais repeatedly overcame danger and surpassed her own limits.
Finally, within a whirlwind of wind descending from the heavens, Udaeus was defeated.
After two hours of exhausting battle, Ais returned, weary and disheveled.
Yet no one looked down on her.
From that moment onward, Orario had another Level 6 adventurer: the Sword Princess, Ais Wallenstein.
"I'm back, everyone…" Ais said with a trace of excitement as she walked toward the radiant crowd.
"Welcome back!"
After Ais defeated Udaeus, Shirou and his companions took three days to return to the upper floors.
They traveled at a slower pace.
After all, Ais was visibly drained from the ordeal. Though no one voiced concern, everyone naturally adjusted their pace.
On the eighteenth floor, they even stopped to rest in the rebuilt city of Rivira.
It's worth noting that Shirou had now become a well-known figure in Rivira.
Many had witnessed, or at least experienced firsthand, the aftermath of the brutal attack that left many injured.
Even more terrifying were the marks Shirou left on the eighteenth floor.
The remnants of that devastating strike left a deep impression on nearly everyone who later visited the site.
Once news of the incident spread in Orario, it became a viral sensation, drawing countless visitors eager to see it.
Though the eighteenth floor was restored to its original state after three days of repairs, it left an indelible mark in everyone's memory.
Many in Orario now called Shirou "The Destroyer!"
Other nicknames quickly followed.
Titles such as "The Archer of Orario" and "The Arrow of Orario" sounded especially grand.
When Shirou heard such names being tossed around by adventurers on the eighteenth floor, his first reaction was déjà vu.
Though he felt helpless about it, he had no choice. After all, these names came from others—there was nothing he could do to stop it.
Especially since the gods, who had nothing better to do, delighted in such playful amusements.
Shirou could only hope that, at the next divine gathering, Loki would suggest a more satisfying title.
On the sixth floor of the dungeon,
Shirou and his group raced through the corridors.
After a week in the dungeon, everyone longed for their soft beds and delicious meals.
Especially since it was nearing midnight—if they returned now, they might even make it back in time for breakfast.
"Ah, we're finally going home! I can't wait for a hot meal!"
"Don't be silly! It's the middle of the night. Who's going to cook for you? Wait until tomorrow."
"How about this: when we get back, I'll prepare a small banquet for everyone. To celebrate me reaching Level 4, and Ais reaching Level 6!"
"Perfect! Shirou, you're amazing!"
Even Finn and Riveria couldn't suppress their laughter upon hearing that Shirou planned to host a banquet.
Loki had once described Shirou's cooking as rivaling that of a god of cuisine—without the divine power!
Everyone eagerly looked forward to it.
Before long, they reached the corridor of the fifth floor, where they found a white-haired boy collapsed on the ground.
The enthusiastic members of the Loki Familia immediately rushed over to help the boy up.
After examining him, Riveria said, "There are no external injuries. This is typical mental exhaustion. He must have collapsed from excessive use of magic."
"What's wrong, Ais?" Shirou asked knowingly, glancing at her with some surprise.
"This child… he's the one I mentioned, the boy attacked by the Minotaur."
"So it's him?" Riveria, who also knew of this, looked at him with sudden realization, then explained the situation to Finn and the others.
"So that means he was the one sitting back when Bete mocked him?"
Tiona, surprised, immediately looked disgusted.
"No wonder Ais was so upset that day. Bete's such an idiot."
"More than that, when Ais rescued this boy, it reminded her of her own rescue in the past—it gave her empathy."
After hearing Shirou's explanation, Riveria and Finn—who both knew Ais well—immediately grew serious.
"Is that so?" Riveria muttered. Not knowing of that connection before, she suddenly felt her punishment for Bete had been far too lenient. He deserved harsher discipline.
Looking at the unconscious boy, Ais raised her head and said to Shirou, "Shirou, I want to make it up to him."
"I know." Stroking Ais's golden hair gently, Shirou smiled.
"Didn't I promise to help you make it up to him?" he said.
"Then what should I do?" Ais asked.
Shirou rubbed his chin thoughtfully and said softly, "How about we take him back to the Twilight Manor? When he wakes up, we can ask what he wants, or if he needs anything."
"Besides, didn't he run away from you last time? Let's see how he manages to escape inside the Twilight Manor!"
"Excellent! Shirou's suggestion is good!"
Finn quickly agreed with Shirou's idea.
After all, this was a debt Ais felt she owed, even if she believed it one-sidedly.
As the princess of the Loki Familia, she was also their ace.
Naturally, they had to respect Ais's wishes.
A debt Ais owed was a debt the Loki Familia owed.
"Alright!"
Ais fully agreed with Shirou's plan.
So Shirou carried the boy, and together they hurried back to the Loki Familia's home.
"…Mother?"
"I'm not your mother."
Hearing a girl's voice, the boy, his eyes clouded with exhaustion, felt a finger poking at his face again and again.
The boy instantly awoke.
He saw a tanned-skinned girl smiling down at him.
"Am I dreaming?"
"This isn't a dream. My name is Tiona, and I'm a member of the Loki Familia."
"Loki Familia!?"
The boy knew of the Loki Familia. They were one of the strongest in Orario—and the Familia of Ais Wallenstein.
At the mention of their name, the boy quickly snapped awake.
He sat up and looked around, realizing he was in what seemed like a café.
"Hey, you're awake."
Hearing a voice behind him, the boy turned and saw it belonged to a pallum.
"I'm Finn, captain of the Loki Familia."
Realizing who Finn was, the boy immediately grew nervous.
Watching the scene, Finn smiled and asked, "And you, boy?"
"My name is Bell Cranel! I'm a member of the Hestia Familia!" declared the white-haired boy.
---
(End of Chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."