No one's POV

The crystals growing from the Dungeon floor glimmered with a hazy, surreal blue glow. Deep, deep in the forest, they shed their light at the floor's easternmost tip. And from within those mighty crystals, towering among the trees, a cry of anguish reverberated against their glistening surfaces. There were two of them, gasping for breath. Above them, a figure stood with small tachi unsheathed, shrouded in darkness as their long cape fluttered in a nonexistent breeze. Blood dripped from the silver blade's gleaming edge.

Ryuu: Now then, there are a few things I'd like to ask the both of you.

The adventurer began in a low voice, her face hidden deep within her hood as she looked down upon the two figures on the ground. The two men were currently lying crumpled at her feet. It was the same two Evilus associates who had sicced the swarm of violas on Lefiya and Bell earlier. The young human and elf, now laid bare of their forehead protectors and hoods, trembled with fear as the cerulean eyes of the masked adventurer cut into them with an icy glare.

Ryuu: Were you the ones who released that monster here? And if so, what are you trying to accomplish?

The girl's voice was cold, calculating, entirely unbefitting the adventurer who'd only a short while ago been healing her fellow elf and white-haired companion. Bright-red splatters of blood dotted the surrounding greenery. Her weapon had cut them down to the bone, slicing through muscle and sinew and rendering them incapable of movement.

She'd gone after them the moment she'd left Lefiya and Bell, mostly due to her concern regarding the new monster species she'd fought earlier but also due to the twinge of doubt she just couldn't shake off. This grand forest was like her playground, after all. She knew where the white flowers grew, flowers she offered to the graves of her fallen comrades. She even knew where the wild fruit grew. She knew the forest so well, in fact, that the moment she'd given chase after the two men below her, their fate had already been sealed.

Evilus 1: Gwahh...!

The man on the ground groaned, his robes wide open to reveal the countless crimson pellets lining his body—firestones, to be used for his own self destruction. Neither one of them had been granted poison capsules in their teeth. Even if they were to attempt to cut their own lives short, the only way out was fire —otherwise, the hieroglyphics on their backs, the Falna that would reveal both their true names and the name of their patron deity, could be revealed with a Status Thief.

Knowing all this, the masked adventurer made no attempt to stuff their mouths. She held their lives—and their deaths—firmly in the grip of her hand, words callous as they hissed between her teeth.

Ryuu: I've seen these...self- immolation tools of yours before. They stole the lives of one of my comrades. You must be survivors of that...Familia... The Remnants of 'Evilus.'

The air ran thick with her hatred. Down on the ground, the two men could do nothing but tremble, the elf's pure, unadulterated contempt pressing down on them from all sides. They cowered like frightened rats, sweat pouring off them in rivers, and the thickset human, at least, seemed to have lost control of his bowels.

Ryuu: If you don't start talking, I'll have to defile those backs of yours. And if I find you're colluding with some kind of nefarious deity, I'll have no choice but to wipe you off the face of this earth.

Evilus: P-please, no! I-I'm begging you!!

The human suddenly screamed, no longer able to hold it in. He desperately attempted to put distance between himself and the demon in elf's clothing staring murderously down at him, but she quickly put a stop to his retreat. The male elf, on the other hand...simply watched his companion struggle and writhe with a tight-lipped laugh.

Evilus: Ha-ha...ha-ha-ha...

Ryuu: What's so funny?

Evilus 1: Y-your eyes. I can tell from your eyes. You seek revenge...and you won't stop until you've achieved it.

Another laugh.

Evilus 1: You're just like me.

It was a laugh of scorn. Of pity. And as the masked adventurer looked down at the elf and his derisive gaze, her eyes narrowed to slits.

Evilus 1: Nameless kin of mine, do you not, too, wish to lay your eyes once more upon those whom you've loved...those whom you've lost to the cruel reality of death?

Ryuu: The Dead cannot come back.

Evilus 1: And yet such a meeting exists within the realms of possibility.

Ryuu: What are you talking about?

The elf continued to laugh, his gleeful snickering forming a network of creases in the girl's brow. His human companion, on the other hand, remained crouched in terror, staring at the elf with a look of sheer disbelief. Perhaps he took pity on her—an elf like himself, with a similar history. Whatever the reason, he continued in a tremulous whisper as he spoke of the unspeakable.

Evilus 1: Swear your allegiance to our master. Then you, too, shall—

Suddenly— a brilliant flash of silver light shot toward them from straight overhead. In a show of breathtaking quickness, the masked adventurer leaped out of the way, dodging the attack meant for her. The same could not be said for the two men, however, the knives plunging deep into their necks.

Evilus 1 and 2: Ghu...ah...?

Ryuu: Huh...?

The girl's eyes widened as blood sprayed from their lips. One after another, the dark projectiles came hurtling through the air. Quickly distancing herself from the two men, she waited and watched for the second wave that was sure to come. She watched for a further moment as blood gurgled out from the fresh holes in the men's necks—they wouldn't be telling her anything else, that was for sure—then checked behind her to see the source of the incoming blades.

Her eyes caught sight of a hooded purplish-blue robe among the rustling upper branches. But she couldn't identify its owner, a strangely patterned mask obscuring the figure's face.

Ein: Evils scum...Nothing but incompetent fools keen on making nuisances of themselves.

The voice from beneath its mask was spine-tingingly disquieting, almost as though multiple people were speaking at the same time. One metal-gloved hand disappeared into the robes before reemerging with a brilliant red magic sword.

Ryuu: ?!

All of a sudden, time slowed down to a crawl. The figure's sword moved. It was so fast, she could barely see it let alone react to it. The glowing ball of flames it launched swallowed up the two Evilus associates, dying breaths and all.

Ryuu: Flash—?!

She leaped back just in time, cape fluttering, before the resulting explosion lit up the sky. The fireball had set off the firestones lining the two men's robes.
Barely managing to escape the blast zone, she stood back and scrutinized the scene of carnage in front of her. The gouged earth; the blazing grasses; and the charred, shredded bodies of the two men in its midst. All around her, the nauseating stench of burned flesh saturated the air. She looked toward the branches above, but the masked figure was already gone.

Ryuu: Gone without a trace, huh?

So much for getting any information. Her one source had been effectively snuffed out.

Ryuu(mind): They got me good.

A sigh passing her lips, she quickly scanned the perimeter. Fortunately, the massive crystals surrounding the area were keeping the flames fairly well contained, stopping the fire from spreading farther into the forest. She made her way toward the center of the blast, smoke and embers whirling around her.

It would be of no use to search the men's bodies. The firestones had done their job well—one could barely tell the flaming remains were even human.

Various body parts lay strewn about, crackling and smoking and entirely unrecognizable. With one last pitying glance, she prepared to make herself scarce.

Ryuu:...?

Until a sudden glint stopped her in her tracks. Walking over to a nearby bit of brush, she stooped down to pick up the source of the tiny light.

Ryuu: What's this...?

It had belonged to the two men, no doubt. Though that would mean it was considerably resilient. Had it been tossed over here during the explosion? Bits of it were, indeed, charred, but its general shape and structure remained intact. It was an ingot of human construction, big enough to rest comfortably in her palm. A strange red orb, like an eye, almost, was inlaid within its body, and what appeared to be a letter 'D' had been carved into its surface, resembling neither Koine script nor the hieroglyphics of the gods.

Ryuu:...Some kind of magic item?

She murmured to herself, voice heavy with doubt. Then, tucking the stone away inside her robes, she disappeared into the night.

(Timeskip)

Finn: We couldn't find anything, Lefiya.

Finn spoke as the white crystalline light of "morning" shone down across the eighteenth floor. Most of Loki Familia's members were scouring the forest in search of clues when he approached the young mage, his words earning him a look of bewilderment.

Lefiya: But that's...

It had been less than twenty-four hours since their battle in that pit. Upon Lefiya's relay of the events, Finn had ordered a large-scale search of the eastern part of the forest. He'd had faith in her theory—that the two Evilus associates must have been protecting something, hiding something, if it justified going so far as to install that trap monster, the "Guardian of the Forest."

And yet, the results were just as Finn had said. No matter how much they combed the massive forest in increasingly larger circles, they discovered absolutely nothing—not a stone out of place nor a trace of questionable goings-on. Lefiya, now recovered after a night's rest, could only look out across the surrounding forest and at her weary companions in confusion.

Lefiya: B-but...but Captain, we...we truly did fight for our lives against that brightly colored monster!

Finn: I'm not saying that I don't believe you. I actually believe your theory is correct. You don't need to produce the hole itself for you to persuade me.

The pallum commander responded as he surveyed the ground in front of them, where traces of Lefiya's and Bell's magic scarred the land. The mess made it look almost as if the very stone itself had split and crumbled.

All around them, large pieces of crystal lay scattered about, broken off from their toppled pillars. Already, however, new crystal columns were poking out of the ground to take their place, the stone circle regenerating itself. It would seem the Dungeon's restorative properties were especially swift in this region.

Finn narrowed his pool-like green eyes, long Durandal spear in hand.

Finn: There was something here...and perhaps it yet remains.

Lefiya:...

Finn: If it's the latter, however, it's not anything we'll be able to find as we are now.

Finn gave his thumb a lick, muttering in self-assurance.

Finn: Regardless, it wouldn't do us any good to continue our search. That's my guess, anyway.

Lefiya: Then we're just going to...?

Finn: Yes, it's time we put this place behind us. Gareth and the others back at camp will undoubtedly have finished packing, as well.

Riveria, Gareth, Asuna, Aiz, and the rest of the party were currently back at the base camp, readying the group for their return to the surface. Everyone was tired. There had been far too many incidents already on this expedition, and they weren't about to miss their day of departure. It was crucial that they meet with Loki and relay everything they'd learned. Lefiya had no choice but to hold her tongue at Finn's decision.

Finn: Still, I can't deny that this place seems fishy. We'll be back to investigate again once we've gotten everything in order.

Lefiya: Understood, sir...

Finn: Then we head out. Raul! Let's bring it in! Call everyone back!

Raul: Roger that!

The scattered members of the search party began to make their way back toward Finn. Lefiya could only stare at the remains of the hole where she'd fought the trap monster, staff gripped tightly in her hands. Knowing nothing of the masked adventurer's meeting with the two Evilusassociates, Loki Familia left the eastern edge of the forest behind them.

Finn: By the way, where is Sora Yatagami? He was here just a minute ago?

Finn ask looking around for the swordsman. He was there all night helping the Loki Familia look into any clues for what Evilus might have left behind. And even now as well. So, Finn was confused by the sudden disappearance from his ally adventurer.

Lefiya: Um... I think he is searching deeper into the walls of the eastern part of the dungeon.

(Elsewhere)

Near the most eastern part of the wall. Sora was there looking for what be any kind of clues that might be there but find nothing.

Sora: In the end. We can't find anything...

Slyphid: There may be some hidden passageway around here.

Slyphid said while appearing next to the Hero swordsman. Slyphid is an expert at espionage and gathering information for the boy. With her ability to go invisible. And disappear and reappear whenever she wants, makes her the best in gathering information.

Slyphid: The two Evilus that Ryuu confronted yesterday had been completely obliterated. Not a single trace was left.

Sora: Hmm... Slyphid, do you sense anything beyond this wall? Something of a spiritual energy that might be concealing this walls?

Slyphid: Rather, I feel it everywhere. Everything in the eastern wall is filled with spiritual energy.

It's probably because the two of them were close enough to the other entrance of the dungeon. After learning what had happened on the 59th floor, Sora was sure that the secret entrance that connects the surface and the dungeon was covered in spiritual energy. That was also the reason why they never find it.

Sora: That's alright. Can you sense a place that feels like it has a stronger presence?

Slyphid: Hmm... Probably here...

Slyphid said while placing her hand right in the most edge of the eastern wall.

Sora: Here?

Slyphid: Yes. It feels just a little bit stronger.

Sora: Let's test it then...

Sora then touched the part that Slyphid had mention. It feels soft. And unlike any other rocks, it gives a different feel than the rock surrounding it. Sora then vibrate his hand on a molecular level and phase through the wall. But to his surprise, he felt no resistance of any sort of rocks. Instead it feels soft, like he was touching a metal bar. The two of them look into each other eyes and gave a nodded and the two phase through the walls and reveal a secret path.

Slyphid: This is...?

Sora: Looks like we found it.

A single tunnel entrance yawned before them. It was large enough to allow large-category monsters to easily pass through, and the passage was made of numerous types of rocks and mineral.

Slyphid: This is not a natural Dungeon formation but something artificial.

The two of them made their way further into the tunnel. Their path was suddenly blocked by a towering metallic gate not even 5 meters in. The two froze in front of the gigantic doors. Two demonic statue looked down from either side of the gate in front of them.

Sora: Orichalcum...

Slyphid: This must be it. The other entrance to the dungeon. It must be the one that connect the surface and the dungeon together.

Sora: And this must also be the reason why Mother Alfia was able to get inside the dungeon 7 years ago without getting detected.

Sora walked and approached a piece of the wall beyond the door. The stone surface was silent but for a single shabby sign in Koine.

Sora: Daedalus.

Sora read a single name in a hollow voice.

Slyphid: Should we tell the Loki Familia?

Sora: Hmm... No we better not. Knowing them, they will definitely charged inside without knowing what their enemies capable off. We don't know how many surviving members of the remnants of Evilus. What kind of Evil Gods other than Enyo? If there are more creatures like that Red Tamer, Revis.

Slyphid: Yeah, I guess your right. Knowing that man-made Hero of a pallum, he will definitely charged inside to get his fame increase even higher.

Sora: They will get too caught up in their own pride. And instead of learning about this man-made dungeon, casualties will be inevitable.

Sora and Slyphid knew exactly what the Loki Familia will do once they find this door. They will definitely charged inside without getting help from any other Familia. Finn Diemne who is the Light of the Pallum, will definitely want to increase his fame even further, if he and his Familia are the only one that conquer this new dungeon. Even though they knew that, Orario's destruction is at stake.

Slyphid: Do you want me to head inside? With my ability to go invisible and erase my presence that even detection spells is useless. I can go inside and give you all the detail first.

Sora: You can, but still, could those corrupted spirits sense you? We don't know if there is more of them. So please be careful...

Slyphid: You got it. I'll head in everyday. At least for 2 or 3 hours. But, if I sense that the other corrupted spirits might sense me, I'll head back right away.

Sora: Then please. You can start when we return to the surface. We've already gone long enough. Finn will get suspicious.

Slyphid: As you command, My Master...

(Timeskip)

Bete: What the hell is all this about that rabbit brat and flashing bastard bein' here, huh? Why does no one tell me anything?!

Tiona: Cause we knew you'd throw a fit, just like you're doin' now!

Bete: I'll show you a fit, you stupid Amazon!

The day had finally arrived for Loki Familia's expedition party to return to the surface. And the camp was already abuzz with morning activity. They all still had another hour before they depart. Everyone was preparing for the departure. All around Aiz, her companions were folding up their tents and packing everything away in large cargo bins for easy transport. It had been in the midst of all this bustling activity that Bete had first been made aware of Bell's presence in the camp, a fact he didn't take to calmly, and about which he was currently interrogating Tiona and Tione.

Indeed, given the werewolf's recent trip up to the surface, everything that had happened with Bell would come as a great surprise. Even last night, when Bete had finally returned, he'd been too tired to even notice the additional guests they'd picked up, having gone straight into the nearest tent and promptly passed out.Tiona and Tione had known all too well what effect the news would have on Bete, so they'd done what they always did and simply told him nothing.

Bete: Hey! Aiz! Is it true? About the rabbit brat and flashing bastard?

Bete turned toward Aiz, clearly not trusting anything the two Amazonian sisters might have told him, as a very obvious vein started to bulge atop his forehead.

Aiz: It's...true, yes.

She responded frankly, nodding.

Bete: The hell!

Bete stuck out his tongue in disgust...before slowly clamping his mouth shut. All of a sudden, a very strange, awkward silence washed over him. Aiz cocked her head to the side in confusion before Bete leaned forward, his voice no more than a hissed whisper.

Bete: Th-then...then is it true?

Aiz: Is what true...?

Bete: You know. That! That, uh...you know...about them peekin' in on all you girls durin' a bath!

And here the Sword Princess Protection Unit had sworn everyone to secrecy! The normally impassive Aiz felt a flush rise to her cheeks as her eyes widened in surprise. Her gaze dropped to her feet as she began rubbing her hands together, the same way she had last night, before finally, not saying a word, she nodded. There was no way to hide her embarrassment. Bete stopped short in shock upon the confirmation of his fears.

Bete: That...that bastard! So easily accomplishing what I never could!

His entire body trembled with unadulterated rage at the albeit misunderstood image in his head.

Bete: Aiz.

Just as Aiz was about to explain that Hermes had lured Bell in, Bete pulled an about-face, suddenly impossible to read, almost as though his earlier outburst had never happened. His amber eyes stared at her with a kind of wild glint.

Bete: If he made it here...to the middle levels...then that means he's a Level Two now?

Aiz nodded a second time.

Bete: Man, that guy...

Bete repeated with a curse.

Bete: Where are they, huh?

Aiz: If its Sora, he's right over there...

Aiz pointed towards Sora. He was talking with Asuna. And Bete quickly rushed towards the boy shouting.

Bete: You bastard!!

Sora and Asuna look at Bete rushing towards Sora with so much rage. Or probably jealousy about what Sora had done. Asuna just steps away and the fight broke out.

Sora: Give it a break will you?!

Bete: You damn bastard! How dare you peek on Asuna?!

Sora: It was an accident!! And she's my girlfriend!!

Bete: WHAAAAAAT?!?! How can you pull of shit even I can't do?! I'm going to murder you!!

Sora: Looks like some lesson is a must for someone like you!!

The fight broke out with Bete giving multiple punches and kicks towards Sora, but he easily dodge them all.

Bete: Trying to make a fool out off me?!

Sora: You are a fool!!

Sora jumped back and Bete rushed in but Sora ducked his head and Bete's kick misses him and Bete went straight flying behind Sora. Sora quickly speed blitzed and did a kick on his chest and sent him skidding a few meters back. While the rest of the Loki, Hephaestus, and Hestia Familia and his other companion just watch their fight.

Bete: You didn't think that kick would hurt me!! You may have insane reflexes, but that kind of attacks are pathetic!!

Sora: Says the person who couldn't even land a hit on me, considering you are the fastest in the Familia!

Bete: Why you!!

Sora then speed blitzed and did multiple punches and Bete wasn't able to to block them all and was forced on the defense.

Sora: What's the matter, Bete? Is that all you got for me?

Bete glared at him and did a kick, but Sora reappeared behind and kick Bete and sent him flying.

And while Bete was still sent flying back, Sora did a motion punch and sent a wave of air pressure and hit Bete right in the stomach.

Bete: You!

Sora: Will you knock it off already? You still got a lot to learn before you can take me on!!

As they continue to fight, Sora noticed sense something coming behind him. An attack was coming. So he jumped to avoid Bete's kick and quickly spun around and grabbed a spear that was coming directly by Finn.

Finn: That will be enough both of you.

Sora just let go off Finn's spear and saw Bete was being restrained by Gareth.

Finn(mind): The way he jumped to avoid Bete's kick and still managed to grabbed my spear from behind even without looking. He really is a dangerous person to have as an enemy.

Sora: Sorry Finn. But he just couldn't resist the urge to fight can't he?

Finn: Yeah, sorry about that. He's always like this...

Bete: Gramps, let me go!! I need to kick his ass!

Gareth: Will you give it a rest, lass! You clearly aren't a match for him!

Finn: That's enough, Bete! We're leaving in a few minutes. Please restraint yourself!

Bete: Tch! Just you wait, you flashing bastard!! I will one day be the one to beat you.

Sora: Your still a thousand years to early for that.

Bete just walk away with a scoff and both Asuna and Aiz approached him.

Asuna: Well, not that I care for what you did to Bete, but please stop doing this reckless things!

Sora: Yeah, yeah!

Aiz: Well... Its time to go...

The vanguard, which would include Aiz, was already leaving the campsite behind—they were on their way to the south, toward the passageway that led to the next floor up. Others in Aiz's group included Finn, Asuna, and Sora, as well as Tiona, Tione, and the other elites, since they would need ample fighting power if they were to take down the seventeenth floor's Monster Rex, Goliath—which Bete had successfully slipped by during his earlier antivenin run. Speaking of Bete, he, too, had joined the advanced group.

It was time to go. She had everything equipped, from her breastplate to her waist guard. Trusted sword by her side, Aiz made her way to where Tiona and the others awaited, along with Sora and Asuna and from there, the party began their trek to the cave that would lead them to the next floor.

Bell: Sora, M-Miss Aiz, Miss Asuna!

When suddenly... a voice called out from behind. They could identify him from his voice alone, Aiz's eyes widening in soft surprise as she turned around from her spot at the back of the line. The white-haired boy in question hesitated a moment before making his way toward them.

Sora: Well, Bell just like I said. I will be helping Finn fight the Goliath.

Bell: Yeah, you're leaving, too, Miss Aiz, Miss Asuna?

Aiz: Yes. The two of us were assigned to the party that's leaving first.

Asuna: You're going with the second party, right?

Bell was also decked out in his lightweight armor, readying himself for their return to the Dungeon proper. He looked good. Recovered. The dark shadow of fatigue was gone from his eyes and face, and the energy was back in his arms and legs. Aiz felt relief wash through her. Only then.

Bell: I-I, uh...

Aiz: ?

Sora and Asuna:...

Bell's eyes shifted back and forth as if he had something he wanted to say. He looked doleful almost...and Aiz could only blink curiously as he struggled with whatever complex mixture of emotions was pulling at his thoughts. Finally, however, his gaze rose, the turmoil gone from his eyes.

Bell: Yes. Um...Please be careful out there.

Shock washed over Aiz like a tidal wave. They were words the Sword Princess hadn't heard in a long, long time, even from her own companions in Loki Familia. While this was only proof that those around her had nothing but faith in her and her strength, there was something about hearing them now, after so long, that made her heart warm with affection.

Sora: You got it...

Aiz: Same to you...

Asuna: We'll see you later...

And with that, the three turned away, leaving the boy behind them. It was actually very possible that they wouldn't see each other again upon their return to the surface. Aiz would go back to her home, and Bell would go back to his.

Aiz(mind): Please be careful... it's been awhile since I've been told that. Ever since I joined the Loki Familia... And I came to be called, 'Sword Princess'... There was no need to say a thing like that to me. It's like I'm back from back then... It makes me feel a bit, happy.

Sora and Asuna who were walking right beside her could clearly tell what she was thinking.

Sora: She's on her own world again.

Asuna: Fu-fu... Looks like it...

Tiona: What were you and Mr Argonaut talkin' about, hmmm?

Aiz: Just...good-byes.

Tione: You're sure you didn't ask him how he got all his abilities to S? Sure would've been nice if you had. I mean, if he was gonna tell anyone, it'd definitely be you!

Sora: Um, even if he would, I don't think I'll allow it.

Tiona and Tione: Eh.... No fair!

Tiona and the others were as talkative as ever as they made their way through the forest. Laughing along at their antics, Aiz and Asuna glanced to where Lefiya was walking alongside them.

Aiz: Did you say your good-byes, Lefiya?

Aiz asked, still under the assumption that the two had completely patched up their relationship.

Lefiya:...

The elf's face turned sour.

Lefiya: I've already said everything I needed to say.

Aiz: ?

Lefiya: I'm sorry. Thank you. But I still don't forgive you.

Those were the three things she'd expressed last night. Was that really everything she had to say? Aiz could only cock her head to the side in curiosity at the young elf's expression, Tiona and the others still chatting idly about the boy behind her.

Finn: All right, then. There's something I'd like to confirm before we head to the seventeenth floor.

Finn brought the group to a stop once they were clear of the forest, gathered together in front of the cave along the southern wall. He would be leading the vanguard on their trek to the surface, and Riveria and Gareth would do the same for the squad that would follow soon after. Scanning the group, his eyes passed from Tiona, Tione, Bete, Lefiya, and Aiz to the faces of Raul and the other lower-level Loki Familia members.

Finn: The floor boss Goliath lurks in the hall above us. We will, of course, eliminate him. Normally, this would be a great opportunity for everyone, not just the elites, to gain some experience...However, these are no ordinary circumstances, and we're still hurting greatly from encountering a string of Irregulars during our expedition. For this reason, I would like Aiz and the others to participate in the battle from the beginning. I don't imagine... anyone will be against this, yes? All of us are quite anxious to see the sun again. And truthfully, even I'm itching to crawl back into my own bed for a good night's sleep.

The group erupted in laughter and smiles at the small captain's words of jest.

Tione: Why not sleep together with me!

Tione called out, completely misreading the moment and being held back only by her sister, draining the tension from the faces and shoulders of Raul and the others. Finn waited for a moment before straightening out his expression.

Finn: Tiona, Tione, Bete! You three will be on the front line. While I won't say anything if you bring Goliath down entirely, focus on his legs first. Always recovers any magic stones.

Tione and Tinoa and Bete: You got it!

Finn: Aiz and Sora, you're in the center. The two of you will be backup for the offense and defense.

Sora and Aiz: Understood!

Finn: Raul, you and the others lower member will guard the back line. Take care of any monsters that overflow from the walls.

Raul: Rogers!

Finn: Asuna and Lefiya and the other Mages, begin casting the moment we enter the main hall. Once you're ready, launch all you have at once. Asuna will give you the signal.

Asuna and Lefiya: Okay!

Finn relayed his orders in turn.He was calm, with a sort of all-knowing air, as though he didn't even have to think about it.

Finn: Everyone, prepare for battle! This should only take 3 minutes.

Every hand readied a weapon in one coordinated movement. They were ready—Orario's top elites—and the only ones capable of taking down a Monster Rex in a matter of minutes. Aiz let her eyes travel upward, peering into the darkness of the dim tunnel before them.

Goliath: Grruuuuaaaaaaaaaoooooogh!!

Then they ran, the roar of the mighty beast beckoning them into its lair.

(Elsewhere)

Ouranos:...

The torchlights flickered. Darkness saturated the stone room, its construction not altogether unlike the ancient shrines of old, and it was silent save for the crackling of flame. They were in the Chamber of Prayers beneath Orario's Guild Headquarters. The venerable god Ouranos narrowed his brine-colored eyes from atop the throne at the room's center, four torches illuminating him from every side.

Fels: What is it, Ouranos?

The black-robed figure next to him spoke up as the aged god stared down at his feet.

Ouranos: My voice no longer reaches the Dungeon.

Ouranos replied to the Magus Fels's question. Fels stiffened, jet-black robes shuddering from the sudden shout.

Fels: You don't mean...the prayers have been cut off?!

Ouranos: Indeed. The Dungeon is...unstable.

Ouranos responded, visibly rattled. His eyes bored grimly into the floor below, toward the winding labyrinth under his feet.

Ouranos: I can only guess that another god has entered its halls, and the Dungeon has taken notice. Yet that would mean...

He began, motionless, before letting his own thought die. A heavy silence weighed down on him, suffocating, almost as though the fears gripping his heart were simply too much to bear.

Fels: Ouranos...could this mean...?

Ouranos: Yes...With Zeus gone, it seems to be... mutating.

He turned his eyes toward the ceiling, shrouded in darkness, his gaze somewhere far, far away. Then, finally, his eyelids fell in silence.

(Elsewhere)

Aiz:...?

A tremor underfoot caught Aiz's attention, and she turned her gaze groundward.

Asuna: A quake...? Its not even 5 minutes since we separated from Sora?

Tiona: The Dungeon, is it...shaking? Is it making new monsters?

Tione: These are the upper layers you know? And we just defeated them on the way, so that can't be possible.

Lefiya: The Dungeon itself feels like its trembling...

Soon, the entire vanguard—Tiona, Tione, Bete, Lefiya, and the others—was staring at their feet. They'd made it to the Dungeon's upper levels, the eighth floor. Already free of the middle levels and feeling decidedly less tense as a result, they felt the sudden trembling of the earth below them, and it brought the group to a halt. Anything unexpected could be the harbinger of an Irregular, after all. As first-tier adventurers, they knew this well.

Even the monsters roaming about the floor scuttled away in fear. Startled and confused, they could only throw one another looks of abject concern at the quake seemingly who knew how many floors beneath their feet.

Raul: Captain...

Raul's voice trembled slightly.

Finn: We keep moving. Reaching the surface is our top priority. Cruz, take Narfi, then go make sure Riveria and the others behind us are fine—just in case.

Finn responded calmly, in direct contrast to Raul's open unease. The chienthrope Cruz nodded with a quick "Understood" before grabbing Narfi and heading back along the main route. The rest of the group, as per Finn's instructions, pushed ahead as planned. They made it all the way to the Dungeon entrance, in fact, as the rumblings stopped almost as quickly as they'd started.

(Elsewhere)

Back at the 18th floor. Sora and Bell were currently facing against the Black Goliath as the two of them were charging up their attacks.

Hermes: And that's why we need him. The last Hero. And the Light of Hope to guide him there. The Era is... Changing.

(Elsewhere)

The Loki Familia party made their way up the great spiral steps and exited the enormous hole in the ground, emerging from Babel's gate. The breeze tickled their skin. It was the surface.

Tiona: Ahhhhh, how I've missed this!!

Tiona exhaled in a grand show of emotion, still holding her Urga. And, indeed, the warm sunlight, great blue sky, and rejuvenating breeze were enough to bring smiles to every face in Loki Familia's expedition vanguard.

Lefiya: The sun is setting...

Lefiya murmured, eyes unexpectedly wet with tears.

Tione: It's always so bright stepping out after an expedition.

Tione commented, squinting, unaccustomed to the light. Before them, the city's Central Park was awash in brilliant red crimson. To the west, the sun was gradually sinking beneath the city's walls. It was a sight they'd seen so many times already, and yet at that moment, after having fought for their lives deep within the earth, it was the most beautiful thing they'd ever laid eyes upon, more precious than the most valuable of treasures.

Asuna: Riveria and the others came too.

They waited there for the rest of the group. It took about thirty minutes, the crew gathering considerable attention in their spot along the northern edge of the park, but finally, the other party appeared with Gareth and Riveria in the lead, carting large cargo packs laden with their equipment and items. They broke into smiles as quickly as Tiona and the others had as they took in great gulps of fresh surface air.

Aiz: Sora and his parties...they're still on the eighteenth floor?

Aiz asked of Riveria as the two groups converged, free from casualties.

Riveria: Yes. It would seem they had some sort of minor business to attend to.

Asuna: There's no need to worry. If Sora is with them, they should have all sides covered.

Aiz:...

While Aiz couldn't help the worry that bubbled to the surface of her mind, she followed her companions home all the same.

Tsubaki: Well, that sure was fun! You folks get into any other business downstairs, you gimme a call, okay?

Finn: Thank you, Tsubaki.

The two familias, sworn to Loki and Hephaestus, went their separate ways in the park. Tsubaki and Finn, the former with her uncovered eye crinkling in mirth and the latter with a smile on his face, shook hands upon their parting, prompting the rest of their familias to do the same. The adventurers shook hands and knocked shoulders with the smiths.

Finally, the craftsmen and their hammers took their leave, and the two familias walked in opposite directions and back to their respective homes. First, out of Central Park, then down North Main Street, and finally, into the complex series of side streets and roads that would lead them home.

As the group lugged their heavy bags along in triumphant return, they were met with a grand welcome, the citizens of Orario offering them greetings and blessings from the sides of the street or the upper windows of their homes. The welcoming cheers of adults and adoring gazes of children were enough to instill a sort of pride within Loki Familia's hearts, as well as the tiniest glimmer of embarrassment, as they made their way along the crimson, sun-drenched street.

It wasn't long before the overlapping towers of their home appeared before them.

Tiona: We made it...

Tiona murmured beneath her breath. It was a grand mansion, sitting along a winding road away from the main street to the north of town. It stretched higher and wider than any of its surrounding buildings. The members of Loki Familia all took a moment to look up at their home, Twilight Manor.

Finn: We've returned. Open the gate.

Finn instructed the guards at the manor's entrance, who responded respectfully with a pair of broad smiles. Already, their numerous companions who'd stayed behind were cramming themselves into the narrow corridor just inside the gate. Suddenly—a shadow raced forth from the mansion to greet them, almost as though she'd been lying in wait.

Loki: Welcome baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!!

The crimson-haired goddess bolted straight past the men, not stopping until she'd reached Aiz, Asuna and the other women. And then, she leaped.

Loki: How are ya?! Everyone okay? I'm so excited that you're back! Ahhhhhhhh!

The womanizing goddess flew at them with her arms outstretched, same as always. First Aiz, then Asuna, then Tiona, then Tione quickly sidestepped her wriggling reach, same as always. And, same as always, Lefiya alone was left at the end of the line—

Lefiya: I...P-please don't!!

Loki: Gwuuaagh?!

Grabbing the incoming hands by the wrists, Lefiya threw Loki to the floor beside her. Aiz and the other girls exchanged looks of admiration, applauding the elf's magnificent performance.

Loki: Gnnmph...You've...gotten stronger, Lefiya. Barely recognize ya...

Loki groaned as she writhed on the ground, beaming with approval despite the tears stinging her eyes.

Lefiya: Please refrain from such perverse behavior!

The panting, red-faced elf shouted in response.

Finn: We've returned with no casualties, Loki, and made some great gains. We have much to talk about...but perhaps you'd like to compose yourself first?

Finn approached with a smile. Loki looked up at the prum from her spot on the ground before responding with a laugh of her own.

Loki: Heh, ya make a good point! Right, then—first things first!

She proclaimed, springing to her feet before making a mad dash toward the manor. She screeched to a halt in front of the other familia members who'd come out to greet the expedition party, then turned around to face them once more.

Loki: We've got a real mess of problems on our side, but for the time bein'...

Her eyes passed each of them in turn—Finn, Riveria, Gareth, Asuna, Tiona, Tione, Bete, Lefiya, Raul and the other supporters, and finally, Aiz. After she'd rounded the entire circle, her face broke out into a grin.

Loki: Welcome home, everyone.

Everyone behind her raised their hands in a simultaneous cheer. Their family was welcoming them back, and the sight brought smiles to the whole party.

Aiz: We're home.

Finn: Glad to be back.

Far above them atop the central tower, the Trickster flag fluttered in the breeze, glittering with a crimson radiance. Loki Familia's long expedition had finally come to an end.