No one's POV

Loki and Finn were currently on the Northern District of Orario visiting the Hephaestus Familia.

Loki: The Remnants of Evilus, a creature that isn't human nor monsters, and the jewel fetus... Things sure are getting serious.  I guess we can conclude that Sora-chi testimony is on the spot. Considering that Orario's already suspicious, I wonder what's waiting on the 59th floor. It's worrying me so much that my stomach hurts.

Finn: I'm excited for it too, Loki.

Loki seemingly had a smirk on her face as she and Finn did a fist bumps.

Loki: Make sure you come back alive, Finn.

(Timeskip)

Finn and Loki had finally made it to the Hephaestus Familia workshop and they were greeted by Hephaestus herself.

Finn: You're here. Thank you for accepting our request, Goddess Hephaestus.

Hephaestus: I'm honored to be thanked by the Pallum Hero. Why don't we go inside for now?

The three of them went inside and there was a woman, a dwarves as she was forging a weapon right now and it was the leader of the Hephaestus Familia "Cyclops" Tsubaki Collbrande.

Hephaestus: Tsubaki!

Tsubaki: Oh? How many weeks has it been? What do you need from me?

Hephaestus: It's only been 2 days. Loki and Finn are here, to discuss the upcoming expedition.

Tsubaki: Oh, that's right!

Finn: Long time no see, Tsubaki.

Loki: Guhehehe... You've got nice breast as usual.

Tsubaki: I'll gladly gave them to you if you want them. They're just lumps of fat that get in the way of my smithing.

Loki nearly choked. She hadn't expected her obscene remark to be met with such scathing retaliation. Tsubaki just cackled, the twin mounds in question bouncing somewhat stiffly within their clothes restraint.

Finn: We should get down to business.

Tsubaki: You're right.

And so, Hephaestus and Tsubaki decided to join the Loki Familia member in their expedition. They had purchased over 6 durandal weapons and 30 Magic Swords and over 20 adventurers from the Hephaestus Familia will be joining them and they all will meet in 4 days at dawn in front of Babel.

(Timeskip)

It's been 3 days since Lefiya started training with Aiz and Asuna, and she had a significant progress in avoiding attacks from the two swordswoman, but she still couldn't do concurrent chanting. And during the 4th day, both Bell and sora had a free day due to Lili saying that she had to do some Familia business, and so Aiz and Asuna decided that they will train with them the whole day and they apologized to Lefiya. And Lefiya was currently sulking as she was on her way to the dungeon to train on her own.

Lefiya: 😭... They're a member of another Familia. And yet... and yet... Maybe its fine for Mister Sora since we owed him, but that human...

???: Viridis?

Lefiya then looked back and looked behind to see who was calling her and it was none other than Filvis Chalia and her patron God Dionysus.

Lefiya: Miss Filvis?

Dionysus: "Thousand Elf"... Is she the comrade you were telling me about, Filvis?

Filvis: Yes...

Lefiya stood rooted to the spot. This was the first time meeting the God of Dionysus Familia in the flesh, and she found herself at a loss as to how to react. Dionysus however, just smiled, examining her with his glass-like eyes.

Dionysus: I've heard about you from Filvis and I'd like to thank you. Why don't we do for some tea?

The three of them made their way to a bustling outdoor cafe on a small corner of North Main Street. From their round table, facing the road, they were surrounded on all sides by the sounds of busy footsteps and lively voices and Dionysus had ordered a lot of desserts for Lefiya and she looked at them in awe.

Dionysus: You helped my child on the 24th floor. Let me thank you again. I feel indebted to you for saving her life, Lefiya Viridis.

Lefiya: N-No, Miss Filvis's helped me a lot too!

Dionysus: Eat as much as you'd like. Loki would strangle me if I didn't reward you properly.

Lefiya started eating all the desserts that Dionysus had ordered her and she looked towards him as if she was trying to observe him.

Lefiya(mind): Unlike a certain God, he's an affable person. And a dignified God. Still... He doesn't let his opponent realized his intent and tried to see through their mind.

At the same time, there was something inscrutable about him. In fact, those glass-like eyes of his seemed able to peer straight through her soul. He was a kind of all-knowing, ever-prudent godly presence, and she could see why he had offered his ill-tempered evaluation of Loki as "A Cunning Deity".

Dionysus: Although I think I understand what happened during the recent incident, I'd like to hear another person's perspective on it. How was the incident on the 24th floor to you?

Their pleasantries finished, Dionysus faced hardened. Instinctively correcting her posture, Lefiya took a few moment to think through her response.

Lefiya(mind): I hear that they exchange information all the time, and children can't lie either. I guess it wouldn't hurt to tell him.

Lefiya then relayed her opinion as a firsthand witness and told him everything on her perspective.

Dionysus: An existence with a magic stone that the Gods didn't know about. And a jewel that modifies monsters... This subjects makes my head hurt no matter how many times I hear it.

Dionysus listened to Lefiya in silence before bringing his forehead to his palm with a heavy sigh.

Dionysus: Thanks to the information you've gathered, we've gotten closer figuring out our opponent identity. A third party that's connected to Evilus and the existence of "her" that a resurrected Olivas Act talked about... Lefiya Viridis, I'm starting to feel an intense feeling of danger.

Lefiya had heard from Filvis that some member of the Dionysus Familia was killed during the MonsterPhilia. Remembering this, she listened quietly to Dionysus words.

Dionysus: The Loki Familia will probably be doing most of the works, but we'll try to contribute as best as we can. Feel free to ask us whenever you need help.

Lefiya: Thank you very much! But all of this information that we've gathered was actually given to us by Mister Sora. So I feel like that I shouldn't be the one to receive such praise.

As soon as Sora's named was mentioned, Dionysus eyes twitched a bit but he managed to keep his composures.

Dionysus: Ah, The Flashing Strike. Yes... I remember seeing him carry you back to your Home a few weeks back. Personally speaking, Lefiya Viridis... What do you think of him...? In my opinion, since he was once apart of the Zeus Familia, I think that we shouldn't trust him that easily. Since his Familia tried to destroy Orario 7 years ago.

Lefiya just listened to Dionysus words, it's true that Sora's Familia was the one that cooperate with Evilus all those years ago. And it was done by Zald and Alfia who were both a Level 7. So Dionysus couldn't trust him.

Dionysus: And that's not all, he seemed to be working with the guild, who is hiding all of this facts. So it's kind of hard to trust him when he is not affiliated with any of us.

Lefiya(mind): He's basically declaring his distrust to Mister Sora.

Lefiya thought for a moment and she decided to speak her honest words about Sora.

Lefiya: Well, at first glance, he look like any average adventurer like no other. He is a kind person and sometimes would act foolish and tries to get attention from other people. But at the same time, he could be serious when he needs to be, and he has a high intellect that could rivaled our captain. And he also saved my life many times during this past event, so I'm forever grateful for him. That's why... It's true that I don't trust him completely... I am willing to bet on him. So please don't make such rude comments about him...

Lefiya told her honest opinion on what she thought about Sora. Since, Asuna and even Aiz trust him completely, Lefiya was also willing to try to trust him too. And Dionysus looked at Lefiya for awhile trying to maintain his composure before smiling.

Dionysus: I see... Then forgive me for my rude comment.

The sound from the bustling street enveloped them during the lapse between their words.

Dionysus: Come to think of it, I heard that you guys are heading to the deep floors soon. Filvis was really worried about you.

Filvis who had been quiet this whole time and was just drinking her tea minding her own business, suddenly choked as she was surprise by Dionysus remarks and she started blushing deeply which surprised Lefiya a bit.

Dionysus: She was very talkative about you after the incident on the 24th floor, it was as if she was talking about herself.

Filvis: Lord Dionysus?!

Dionysus: It's been awhile since I last saw Filvis lower her guard around someone. Do you often get linked by cats?

Lefiya: Um... What do you mean?

At Lefiya's perplexed inquisition, Dionysus's lips curled upward in a cheeky grin befitting a God.

Dionysus: I had difficulty with Filvis's cleanliness even after she joined. She was like a cat that was cautious of anyone that approached.

Filvis: What are you talking about...?! That doesn't have anything to do with this!!

Dionysus seemed to be enjoying himself thoroughly, shoulders shaking in mirth. The was he ignored Filvis's appeal as he revealed her past gave the impression of a mischievous child. Even Lefiya couldn't help chuckling to herself at Filvis's panic. Try as she might to suppress her emotions, she simply couldn't keep it together under the stare of the two. Already her face was beaming a brilliant shade of red.

Dionysus: Would you tell me your plans for the day?

Lefiya: Huh? Uh... Yes. I'm planning on practicing my magic in the dungeon.

Dionysus: If it's not inconvenience, would you mind taking Filvis with you?

Both Lefiya and Filvis were surprised by that.

Dionysus: How about it?

Lefiya(murmur): I don't mind...

Filvis: Please wait, Lord Dionysus!

Filvis tried to make some sort of objection, but Dionysus stopped her.

Dionysus: Don't worry about me, help her instead.

Filvis: But...

Dionysus: I won't stop you from deepening your friendship with Loki's child. Besides, I've already announced that I'll do whatever I can to help. Are you going turn me into a liar?

Cutting Filvis's flustered protest short with a single smile, he turned his gaze to Lefiya.

Dionysus: Lefiya Virides, please keep on being Filvis friend. There's a gap between her and the other Familia members. I'd be happy if you could bring out her smile. Now if you'll excuse me.

Dionysus then left and leave the two elves alone. Their eyes met and Filvis's lips parted in resignation.

Filvis: I'll go with you, if I'm not an inconvenience...

Lefiya: Yes, I look forward to training with

Lefiya and Filvis then left for the dungeon and Dionysus were watching them from the shadow and he decided to made his way out by using a small alley. It was quiet for a moment until someone called out to him.

???: It's wonderful to see the relationship of beautiful elves, or did you distance them so they wouldn't hear something that you want to keep a secret?

The teasing, provocative voice of one of his fellow Gods came from behind him.

Dionysus: It's unusual for you to be alone, Hermes.

Dionysus replied indifferently, almost as though he'd already been alerted.

Hermes: Hey, Dionysus. I want to talk with you, are you busy right now?

Dionysus eyes narrowed at the simpering god as his mislike smile came into focus. It had been Hermes's gaze on his back that led him to hand off, Filvis. An honest girl like her would only get in the way as he attempted to wheedle out his fellow God's true intention. You couldn't let your guard down around Hermes.

Dionysus: Did you switch sides and become Ouranus's Dog after you abandoned Zeus? Did you think I wouldn't notice that you and the old God are connected?

Hermes: That's a misunderstanding, I'm always neutral.

Dionysus: Forget it, you guys are untrustworthy. What is Ouranus hiding? Explain everything to me if you want to earn my trust.

Hermes: He isn't hiding anything. And if they are, I'd be first in line to want to know.

Dionysus: Then let me change it. What is the Flash hiding? Curious how he manages to appear at the most convenient every single time. It almost makes me wonder if he's the one behind it all. Since he is Zeus dog!

Dionysus decided to pick at fault here, since he doesn't trust Zeus nor Ouranus, nor anyone related to them. So that's the reason why he suspect Sora from the very beginning, but Hermes grin didn't falter one bit.

Hermes: Whoa! Whoa... Why bring him to the conversation all of a sudden? You are talking about Orario's... No, or should I say this World's Hero... Why would the Hero of this world bring misfortune to everyone? He is the one that save Orario 7 years ago after all...

Dionysus: Then we have nothing to talk about.

Dionysus finished with a cold glare and turned on his heel.

Hermes: Wait, Dionysus. Please listen to what I have to say.

Hermes dashed forward to stopped Dionysus in his tracks, then gently wrap his arm around Dionysus's shoulder.

Hermes: I was also a victims on the 24th floor. I want to keep track of what's happening. Here in Orario as much as possible.

Dionysus:...

Hermes: I'm doing this as a bond between friends from the same province in Heaven. You wouldn't mind some gossip, right?

Hermes eyes narrowed slightly as they peered into Dionysus's clear one.

Hermes: As a matter of fact, I've prepared a treasure bottle of wine. Who knows, maybe I might let something slip when I'm drunk.

Dionysus: You do know that I'm hard to please when it comes to wine.

Hermes and Dionysus: Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha...

(Timeskip)

Both Lefiya and Filvis went towards the dungeon so Lefiya could trained concurrent chanting and they went to the 5th floor.

Filvis: You were going to practice concurrent chanting, right?

Lefiya: Yes, I tried practicing in mock combat with Miss Aiz, while Miss Asuna gave her advice. Miss Asuna said that shouldn't attack and defense at the same time.

Filvis: Indeed, what Miss Asuna said was true. Attacking and Defending without preparation will only lead failure. You should focus on evading attacks and concentrate on activating your magic. It's said that those in the vanguard have an easier time learning concurrent chanting. This is because the amount of Magic Power used is different. Other than, Miss Asuna that is... She is the only elf in this world that could use a wide annihilation magic, while also fighting in the front.

As a Magic Swordswoman, Filvis occupied the role of High Balancer, an elite position in the center of formation, where something like Concurrent Chanting was virtually requirement. Adventurer on the front line needed to be constantly moving, engaged in a sort of sword dance and prepared tackle even most unforeseen of circumstances. After that, all that was left to do was throw one new element into the mix-chanting, for instance. Depending on the scale of the magic being cast, its magic power becomes difficult to control. A rearguard role like a mage using concurrent chanting to become mobile cannon would be ideal, however only a select few like Riveria and Asuna are able to pull it off.

Lefiya: Evading and... The amount of Magic Power...

The first thing that Lefiya should be prioritizing was invoking Magic at all.

Filvis: Now then, it won't do us any good to just talk. Let us begin...

Lefiya: P-Please begin!

Filvis: Although I told you to stop defending, make sure to learn to bare minimum in terms of self defense!

Lefiya: Y-Yes!

Filvis started to rush towards Lefiya and Lefiya prepared her magic staff. Filvis came at Lefiya with sharp movements, quickly eliminating the space between them, and Lefiya shifted her focus towards off each incoming attack, using every bit of staff technique that Riveria had hammered into her.

Filvis: Unlike the super short chants that I use, there's no need to go all out with short and long chants from the beggining.

Lefiya:...!!

Filvis: Don't rush without thinking. Instead of gathering Magic Power from the beginning, gather it all at once as you start the latter half of the chant.

Lefiya: Got it!

Filvis's theory was right on the spot. Lefiya received more and more sign that she needed to place greater emphasis on when and how she used magic power, as well as how she wove her spells.

Lefiya(mind): I can see it...! Its partly because Miss Filvis is good at controlling herself. But its also because of the result of my training with Miss Aiz and Miss Asuna! I can do it!

Lefiya was convinced that she could finished her chant as she started to sing.

Lefiya: Shoot sniper of the Fairies. Penetrate arrow of Absolute Accuracy... Arcs Ray!

Lefiya: I... I did it!

Lefiya muttered in awe as she'd been able to cast a spell. It might have also because that Filvis was able to control her attack power as well.

Filvis: Your chant just now was excellent. Don't forget that sensation.

Lefiya: Thank you very much!

Filvis: We'll move on to the next level now. Wait here.

Lefiya: Huh?

Lefiya looked confused while Filvis left her alone and after about 5 minutes of waiting, she heard a horde of monster and saw that Filvis was leading them towards Lefiya.

Lefiya: That's... FROGS?!

Filvis: Let's resume training, Viridis. This time, you'll be fighting these monsters.

Filvis dashed past the self-in-shock Lefiya, leaving the croaking mass of reptilian frog shooters nowhere to leap exact straight at the less experience elf.

Lefiya: Wha...WHAAAAAAT?!?!

Filvis: Viridis, I forbid you from attacking them physically.

Lefiya: What?!

Filvis: Destroy them with Magic through concurrent chanting. You shouldn't get any serious damage from monsters on this floor. They're perfect for practicing concurrent chanting.

Lefiya(mind): What are you, a teacher from hell?!

Lefiya wanted to scream those words, but she understand where Filvis was coming from. Quickly she started chanting her spell.

Lefiya: Shoot, sniper of the Fairies. Penetrate arrow of Absolute Accuracy- Ahh...!!

As Lefiya was trying to chant her spell, multiple frogs started lashing their tongue towards Lefiya sticking their wet saliva all over Lefiya's body.

Lefiya: Ewww... It's really sticky!

Lefiya didn't give up as she once again started to sing for her spell.

Lefiya: Proud warrior, sniper of the Forest...

There are times where Lefiya thought what if she had concurrent chanting? Would she be able to help her friends.

Lefiya: Take up our bows before the advancing plunderers... Answer the call of your brethren, ready your arrows...

The her that couldn't catch up to Aiz nor Asuna and the her who wanted to become stronger.

Lefiya(mind): There's a human that's trining just like me. I don't want to lose... Not to him... And not to myself either! I can't lose no matter what!

Lefiya: Tinge them with flames, the lamplight of the Forest... Release them, fire arrow of the Faries falling like rain, Burn away the savage... Fusillade Fallarica!!

Lefiya then fired her spell as the frogs were disintegrate by a raining balls of fire.

Filvis:...

Filvis who had been watching the whole narrowed her eyes at the spectacle. Lefiya stood authoritatively amid them embers, char, and residual magic, her staff clenched in both hands as she inhaled and exhaled.

Filvis: You're getting the hang of it.

Lefiya: Thank you very much! It's all thanks to you!

Filvis: No, the foundation was already there before I started teaching you, this is all a result of your own efforts.

Lefiya: Still, your teaching was really easy to understand. I could quickly feel that I was getting better at it. You'd make a good teacher, Miss Filvis.

Filvis: It's just a coincidence, I'm not the type to lead people unlike that Flash... Who is good at leading people...

Lefiya: Um... Miss Filvis...

Lefiya began as her cheeks reddened, drawing the gaze of her fellow elf.

Filvis: What is it, Viridis?

Lefiya: Would you refer to me by name... Would you call me as Lefiya from now on?

Filvis froze. Then she, too, turned a brilliant shade of red. An awkward silence passed over them as Filvis faltered, the true meaning behind Lefiya's request sinking in.

Filvis: That's impossible!

Lefiya: Please!

Filvis: I'm saying that's impossible!

Lefiya: Can't you do something about it?

Filvis: You're stubborn!

Lefiya: Yes I'm stubborn!

Filvis just looked at Lefiya and saw that it was pointless and she took a deep breath and sigh while her face was still bright red and her lips parted once, twice, and then, in the tiniest of frail voices, so soft it was hardly even there.

Filvis: Le...Lefiya...

Her entire profile was dyed vivid, radiant crimson all the way to the tip of the elven ears. Hearing her name, Lefiya felt her face grow steadily brighter, until practically sparkled.

Lefiya: Yes!

The two elves then decided to take a break from training and sat near the walls of the dungeon.

Filvis: Are you going on the expedition?

Lefiya: Yes... I'll be heading to the unreached floors with Miss Aiz and Miss Asuna and the others...

Filvis: I see...

Hearing this, Filvis averted her gaze, ruby eyes pointed towards the ground. She was quiet for a moment, a glimmer of anguish leaving a trace on her features, as though she were desperately trying to keep her feeling sealed inside.

Filvis: You're able to copy and summon the magic of other elves, right?

Lefiya: Huh? Uh... Yes...

Filvis: Can you tell me the condition for summoning the Magic of others?

Lefiya was hesitant at first, her magic was suppose to be kept secret, but ultimately, she trusted Filvis and she began explaining. The magic summoning technique, Elf-Ring. It was limited to elven magic, and it required a two-part chant and an expenditure of Mind to perform. As far as requirements went, it was necessary to have a complete understanding of the desired Magic's effects, as well as the proper chant. After Lefiya was done chanting, Filvis grabbed her wand and began chanting.

Filvis: Become a shield, Holy Grail of Crushing Evil... Dio Grail!

Lefiya's eyes widened as Filvis conjured her Magic almost instantaneously. The spell itself was a brilliant flash of light that illuminated the space around her.

Filvis: Dio Grail is a barrier magic. That activates from a super short chant. It protects the users and their companions from physical and magical attacks.

Filvis explained both the magic effects and the words of the chant with a soft smile.

Filvis: Lefiya, I'm going to entrust this magic to you. I want you to come back alive.

Lefiya felt her eyes well up with tears at seeing the snow-white elf's smile.

Lefiya: Yes!

Lefiya responded with a teary smile of her own. Filvis kindness and protective strength suffused her. Blue eyes met red ones as the two elves looked at each other with camaraderie and understanding. On that day, Lefiya not only took a great leap forward on her path to mastering concurrent chanting, but she also gained a new spell, Filvis's Dio Grail.