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Twilight Manor.
Lyra looked up at the overly grand headquarters of the Familia and couldn't help but let out a whistle.
"No wonder they're one of the top two strongest Familia in all of Orario... So, are we here to thank them for helping us out last time?"
Dan was carrying some fruit and vegetables. Lyra had originally suggested buying a more expensive gift, but Dan had firmly refused.
After all, the Loki Familia lacked for nothing. Giving them something extravagant might actually cheapen the sincerity behind their thanks.
"Well, that's part of it... But I also need to ask the Loki Familia for a favor."
Lyra's eyes widened a little.
"Something even we can't help with? You're seriously calling in a favor from the Loki Familia?!"
She couldn't help but wonder—was Dan planning to start a war with the Freya Familia or something?
Dan shook his head with a small, amused smile.
"I do owe someone, but not Loki Familia—it's Finn who owes me."
"Wait, did I hear that right? You're asking Loki Familia for help, and they'll owe you a favor? And now our Familia's brave leader is involved too?!"
"Hehe, you'll see soon enough~"
"Ugh, I hate when people act all mysterious! Stop trying to fill in the 'enigmatic guy' role that our Familia never asked for!"
The Loki Familia's base looked like it had been carved from fire itself.
The mansion was huge and narrow, built like it had been forcibly wedged into a tight piece of land. Towering spires overlapped like a forest of spears, creating a scene as awe-inspiring as a mountain of swords.
This was Dan's third time stepping foot here, and every time his mood had been different.
"You've... gotten stronger."
Standing in front of them was the same doll-like girl with golden hair and golden eyes—Ais.
Tilting her head, Ais stared curiously and cautiously at Dan.
Last time she saw him, he was just some guy with weird speed.
But now, he gave off a dangerous vibe...
His eyes were different too—more confident, more determined.
Can someone really become this strong in such a short time?
"Weirdo..." Ais muttered in her usual flat tone.
"Hey! I heard that! And come on, you started training at like ten years old and hit level 3! You're in no position to call me a weirdo!"
Dan looked around, trying to spot Riveria.
But before he could do anything, Ais suddenly got mad—pouting and reaching for the sword on her back.
"Let's spar. Uncle Gareth said you're stronger than you look, and Riveria praises you all the time..."
"Next time, I promise."
"I—mmph?!"
Before she could finish, Dan swiftly pulled off an Iai-draw move—except instead of a sword, he whipped out a fried potato ball and shoved it straight into Ais's mouth.
Ais blinked, glaring at him, but quickly got distracted by how good the snack tasted. Her brows relaxed as she started happily munching away.
"If you don't mind, could you let Finn know I'm here? I'll wait in the guest room. That fried potato ball? Consider it your advance payment~"
Dan waved and left with the groceries. Lyra glanced back at the dazed and adorably confused Ais, let out a sigh, furrowed her brows, then quickly followed Dan.
Ais continued eating the fried treat, silently watching Dan's retreating figure, thinking back on the move he just used.
"So fast..."
"Ais, did someone come to visit? What are you staring at?"
Walking in from the entrance was a stunningly beautiful elf with long golden hair and a bow on her back—Alise.
She had the kind of flawless grace that embodied every fantasy people had about elves, and her cold expression gave off an intimidating aura.
"You're back, Alise. It was Dan..."
"Dan?"
Alise gave Ais a weird look, like, "You remembered someone's name after just one meeting? That's new." Then she herself made an odd face.
"That's the guy Lady Riveria keeps mentioning. I don't get it... He's not even an adventurer. What's so special about him that even a royal keeps tabs on him?"
Ais turned and pulled the potato ball out of her mouth, answering seriously:
"Dan... is strong!"
Alise blinked in surprise at Ais's sudden intensity.
"His speed, right? Yeah, that was impressive, but it's just a trick..."
Ais shook her head.
"He's way stronger than last time. It's like he's a completely different person. His sword is fast... really fast."
Now Alise couldn't keep calm. Her eyes widened.
"Faster than your sword?"
Ais thought about it seriously.
"No."
Alise finally sighed in relief—only for Ais to add softly:
"But if he keeps improving at this ridiculous pace... Next time, he'll be stronger than me."
"?!!"
Alise stared at her, frantically shaking her head.
"That's impossible... He just joined a Familia, and you're already a level 2 adventurer!"
Despite being nine years older, Alise hadn't even reached level 2 herself—so she understood better than anyone just how terrifying Ais's potential was.
Plus, with Riveria doting on Ais like a mother, Alise had also come to cherish her like a precious gem. There was no way she wanted to believe someone else could surpass her.
But unlike Alise, Ais didn't seem upset. If anything, she looked... excited?
If I could grow stronger as fast as Dan...
Alise took a deep breath, still conflicted and not fully convinced by Ais's words—but even so, she couldn't help but become curious about this boy named Dan.
"Let's leave the whole 'how strong is he really' talk for later... What was he even here for, anyway?"
"Ah!"
Ais's eyes widened.
POMF!
She smacked her fist into her palm.
"Crap! I need to go get Finn!"
With that, Ais suddenly panicked—something rare for her. A gust of wind burst from her body as she vanished with a thunderous whoosh.
"Cough, cough..."
Alise held down her now-messy golden hair, shaking her head with a wry smile.
"Why does it feel like Ais completely loses her cool when that guy's around... Whatever, I'll just go find Lady Riveria myself."
"....."