While Tsuna was still lost in thought, Loki casually plopped down beside him like she owned the place.
"What's up? Still thinking about it?"
"Yeah," Tsuna said, nodding slightly. "The Alternate Dimension needs better intel support. Being able to observe the real world from within it is incredibly useful, but I'll need to refine that aspect more."
"For recon and intelligence gathering, that ability's top-notch," Loki agreed. "But before you can pull it off, you'll need detailed knowledge of the terrain. That's a pain. Maybe you can make some kind of 'eyes' that scout for you."
"Hmm… I'll think about how to create those eyes. If I want them operating outside, they'll need stealth. Otherwise, they'll just cause trouble if anyone spots them."
Loki's suggestion made perfect sense. The Alternate Dimension was powerful, but its limitations were just as big.
The overlap between that space and the real world depended entirely on Tsuna's perception of reality.
In other words, the structure of the Alternate Dimension was a physical manifestation of his own understanding of the world. Once his imagination ran out, that dimension would start duplicating what he already knew—endless copy-pasted rooms differing only in mirrored layouts.
That's why Loki's idea appealed to him. If he could link external observation directly to the Alternate Dimension, he could get real-time updates—letting the world inside reflect the real one.
He'd just have to figure out what kind of "eyes" could do that. Whatever he made, they had to be hidden well. Ideally, he wanted to connect them to the Rabbits. That way, the eyes and the dimension could sync, improving both awareness and practicality.
"There's a lot of room to dig into your ability," Loki said with a grin. "But that's exactly why it's gonna eat up a ton of your time and energy."
Seeing him so caught up in thought, she decided to ease his mind a little.
"Look, you've got all kinds of secrets tied to your powers. You're not gonna figure everything out overnight. Take your time—one thing at a time."
"Yeah," Tsuna admitted quietly. She was right. Whether it was uncovering what lay hidden within himself or mastering Annihilation Maker, neither would come easily. Both required patience and time. He exhaled and let the tension drain from his shoulders.
"You've only been in this world for a few hours," Loki said, patting his shoulder before tugging him up from the bed. "Stop overthinking. Let's get dinner—and I'll introduce you to everyone."
It was time for introductions. And with how colorful her Familia members could be, Loki knew she'd better handle this personally.
Especially Bete Loga. That wolf's mouth could cause a war if left unchecked. Best to have Gareth smooth things over before it came to that.
Gareth, at least, could rein him in a little. Loki wasn't too worried about the others, but Bete? His temper and sharp tongue were a disaster combo waiting to happen.
Dragging Tsuna along, Loki led him out of the room and downstairs toward the dining hall.
The hall was where Familia members ate—free of charge, open to anyone within the Loki Familia. The only rule was simple: no drinking inside.
Naturally, that rule drove the dwarves nuts. Most of them either went drinking at taverns after dinner or skipped the hall entirely to eat while drinking elsewhere. Because of that, the dining hall was rarely full.
But tonight was different.
Nearly all the Loki Familia elites were there—the first and second squads, fully gathered.
Anyone who realized that both main squads were eating together decided to stay put. No one wanted to miss whatever was going on.
"Did something big happen today? It's not every day the captain and vice-captain sit down together like this."
"Yeah. Not just Captain Finn and Lady Riveria—look over there."
One adventurer pointed toward Gareth and a bruised, sulking Bete.
"Apparently, Sir Gareth had a 'discussion' with Bete before dinner. Judging by his face, it was a pretty one-sided talk. I'd bet it's related to tonight's mood."
"Wouldn't be surprised."
Their whispers reached Bete's sharp ears easily.
"...Tch."
He scowled and grunted, only to wince as the movement tugged at the bruises on his face.
"Hey, Finn," Bete growled, "what the hell's going on today? The old man didn't say a word, just socked me in the face. I didn't even do anything!"
He racked his brain. Had he done something stupid while drunk again? He knew he could be a jerk after drinking, but he hadn't touched alcohol lately. Ever since preparations for the next Dungeon expedition began, he'd been training nonstop—no booze, no bars.
"It's just a precaution," Finn said calmly. "Loki's bringing in a newcomer today. To keep you from running your mouth and starting something stupid, I asked Gareth to 'have a word' with you."
Bete's eye twitched. His jaw clenched so tight his bruises throbbed.
A new recruit… and they punch me first?
He sighed, frustrated but not really surprised. His sharp tongue had earned him this reputation.
"A new recruit, huh?"
Tiona's eyes sparkled instantly.
"Finn, Finn! What's the new guy like?"
Her excitement spread through the room like wildfire. Everyone leaned in, eager to hear about the mysterious newcomer joining the Loki Familia.