No one's POV

It's been 6 days since the murder incident in Rivira. Aiz and the others returned above ground for a short moment. They helped aid the casualties, escorted the evacuation, and informed Loki, plus the Guild, regarding the incident. Because Aiz and the others were at the middle of the incident, they had a lot of cleaning up to do. Also regarding the Red Tamer who Sora fought, the Ganesha Familia strongly demanded for the characteristic and features of the culprit. And so, Sora had informed the Loki, Ganesha Familia and the whole guild about everything he knows on the Red Tamer. And so, she was entered into the blacklist, for the murder of Hasharna.

It was also recorded that everything that happened during the surprise attack by the plant monsters, was actually related to the irregular as well. Large amount of the oddly colored Magic Stones were also recovered by the guild. That was so it wouldn't create any confusion among the Lower Class Adventurer. And the knowledge of it was limited to only the Higher Class Adventurers. The heated incident gradually started to cool down. And currently, Aiz, Asuna, Tiona, Tione, Lefiya, Riveria, Finn, and Sora were at the 37th floor in search of the Red Tamer while looking towards Aiz who had been behaving strange after the incident.

Aiz(mind): Not enough...! Not enough...! This isn't nearly enough!!

Aiz was killing multiple monster without giving any chance of break. Finn, Riveria and Asuna didn't say anything due to her acting, and after she had defeated the rest of the monster, she sat down silently near the wall holding her knees and burying her face.

Sora: So... why did you guys ask me to come along with you guys?

Asuna: What? You said that if we ever need help, just call!

Sora: I did say that, but not to look at her like this... How long has she been acting like this?

Sora said while looking at the blonde swordswoman with a worried tone and look.

Asuna: After the incident. I also thought it would be a perfect chance for you to help us, if you know what I'm saying...

Asuna said with a stern voice as she looked at Sora and the dual wielding swordsman didn't say anything.

Sora:...

Sora just look away, and Asuna quickly elbowed his shoulder a bit and he looked back at her and saw that she was serious.

Sora: What do you want me to do...?

Asuna: Maybe a little advice for her, if you understand what I'm saying...

Sora: Finn and Riveria are gonna kill me if I did...

Asuna: They won't, I'll make sure of it.

Sora and Asuna were talking further back from the rest of the group so they couldn't hear what they were saying as Sora continue to look at Aiz with a guilty look on his face.

Sora:...

Back with Aiz, Tiona, Tione and Lefiya were trying their best to cheer her up and she just shoved them away, telling them that she was alright as she continue to hugged her knees tightly.

Aiz(mind): That Red Tamer... She was very strong... And she knew about "Aria"...! If she knew "Aria", does that mean she also knew the other one...?! If I had the strength to beat her... I might have been able to ask her something...

???: Aiz... Aiz can you hear me?

Aiz finally looked up and saw that Tiona was calling her.

Aiz: What...?

Tiona: We've already beat up a lot of monsters. And we've already saved a lot of money right?

Aiz: Is that so...

Tiona: If we turn in everything, we should be at around 300 million valis.

Lefiya: After what we traded in at Rivira, we are almost at 100 million valis!

Tiona: Yeah, so don't you think it's almost time to go home?

Aiz:...

Aiz didn't say anything and looked down, until she noticed a horde of monsters skeleton known spartois and she quickly rushes in ignoring everyone and started killing them.

Aiz(mind): That's right... we are here to get money to pay off our debt... I also think I should apologize to that boy... But I don't want to see him right now... I'm scared if he sees me... like this... and Sora... please... look away...

Aiz's thought while looking at Sora was watching her killing all of the monsters as he was watching her with a worried look.

Aiz(mind): Please...don't look at me like that... Big Brother... Because of those eyes... My memories... my important memories. My Mother.

(Flashback)

Young Aiz(mind): She was like the wind. She would smile to everyone. A kind wind. I wanted to become just like her.

Aiz said on her mind while also started chasing her as she and her father started walking away and the young Aiz started chasing them

Young Aiz(mind): Wait... Don't go...! Please... don't leave me!!

Father: I'm sorry. Let's go Aria... My brother and your sister are waiting.

As both Aiz's father and mother left her to a place where Aiz could no longer reach.

Young Aiz: Don't leave me alone...

???: Aiz...

The young Aiz looked back to only be comforted by a person with grayish-white hair and a blue eyes.

Young Aiz: Big Brother...

???: It's alright... I'm sure we'll see them again. You have your mothers wind... just like her. So know that she'll always be beside you no matter what. And if anything, I would always protect you no matter what. No matter how far apart we are.

The scene then changed again as now Aiz was standing on a pile of skeletons all alone as she hold her sword completely and utterly broken.

Aiz(mind): Those words... Those very words... and now you're gone too. You said that you would always protect me... but now you're gone as well!! It's because I'm weak!!

(Present)

Aiz had just finished the rest of the skeleton monsters and everyone just looked at her and Sora spoke up to Finn and Riveria.

Sora: Sorry guys, as much as I want to help you guys search, I have an appointment with my Goddess after this. So I'm leaving first.

Finn: Very well then... Thank you for your help...

Sora then started to walked back towards the upper floor and as he was walking away, he looked at Asuna for a moment and she only nodded her head and Sora sighed and he stopped walking and stood right beside Aiz and everyone other than Asuna looked confused.

Sora: Do you want to get stronger?

Everyone other than Asuna then looked surprised and Aiz looked at him and nodded her head.

Sora: You are weak in many things... with your skill you won't be able to defeat her...

Aiz:...

Aiz then looked down saddened when she heard Sora said that, and Lefiya was about to burst when she heard Sora said that to Aiz, while Finn and Riveria only stay silent as they watched them.

Sora: Not yet at least...

As soon as Sora said that, Aiz's eyes widened as she was now staring at him.

Aiz(mind): Not yet? Does that mean I can become stronger just like you?

Sora: Do not think about other things. There is only one thing you can do. Your wind... So master that wind to the upmost limits. Do not forget, what you must always imagine that you, yourself are the strongest. You do not need outside enemies. For you, the one you have to fight is none then your own image.

Aiz:...

Aiz could only stay silent while Finn and the rest just stare at them and and Sora went to leave them but mutter a few words that only Aiz could hear.

Sora: Awaken... Aerial...

As soon as Sora said that, Aiz felt a spark surging through her as she saw Sora leaving until she ran towards him and buried her face on his back. As if she had regain her long lost older brother again, even though they'd just met a few weeks ago, it seems that Sora had understand Aiz completely in a short amount of time, as if he'd known her his whole life.

Sora:...

Aiz: Thank you...

Sora only nodded his head and left them all and Aiz walked back to the others and looked at Finn, Riveria and Asuna.

Aiz: Finn... Riveria... Asuna... I would like to stay behind.

Finn:...

Riveria:...

Asuna:...

Tiona and Tione looked surprised. Aiz could feel their gaze, but her expression remain unchanged, full of determination. Aiz's face who was sulking just now was now change by a determination as if her spirit had returned to her.

Aiz: I don't need any ration. I don't want to cause problem for anyone. So, please...

Aiz's voice slowly but surely took on a pleading tone as she almost begged her allies to let her stay behind.

Tiona: Hey wait! There's no way we can leave you behind!

Tione: That's right! Even if the monsters here are all low level, being alone these deep is too dangerous.

Aiz just ignore their plea and continue to looked at Finn, Riveria and Asuna with a pleading look.

Asuna: I would like to support this request of her. Can you both consider Aiz's request?

Aiz then looked at Asuna surprised and the others looked at her shocked while Finn and Riveria stare at her.

Finn: Hmm?

Asuna: She rarely ask for anything selfish, so please grant this request.

Finn and Riveria sighed before Finn spoke up.

Finn: One question, Aiz. Just now, when Sora said those words... I thought it was some sort of encouragement to not get upset. But you took differently. What did you see in those words...? For you to suddenly change in an instant like this...

Aiz:...

Everyone then looked at Aiz and she spoke up.

Aiz: He was right! I am weak... I am weak in many things... I'm nothing compare to him after seeing his fight. But after hearing his words... I know what I need to do...

Finn: And what is that...?

Aiz: Go on an adventure... He was saying to go take a risk and go on an adventure...

Everyone stay silent after hearing Aiz's answer and Riveria spoke up.

Riveria: Finn, I too am asking. After hearing her answer...

Finn: I am responsible for looking over the entire party, Riveria. I can't move based on just parental feeling.

Riveria: I will stay as well.

Finn: Ok then, I will allow it.

Everyone looked surprised and Asuna just smile.

Tiona: EEEEHHHH!!! Finn, persuade her not to!

Finn: It's unlikely that anything bad will happen if Riveria is with her. Instead, it may be us that I'll be more worried about.

Tione then pout.

Tione: Then I won't be doing any attacking or healing, leader!

Lefiya: Eh? Miss Aiz is staying behind?

Aiz: Yes... sorry for being selfish...

Lefiya: Uh, well, um.... Then I will stay behind as well! Please let me support you. I promise I won't hold you back!

Tiona: Right! Then I'm staying too!

Tione: We don't have enough supplies. We only have enough for 2 people even if we split all the food and water.

Tiona and Lefiya: Uuhhh...

Tiona and Lefiya started crying and Finn called out to Riveria and Asuna and the three of them started walking further away from the group.

Finn: So, what's the true motive behind both your proposal. And I think I need to have a word with Sora after this...

Asuna: You don't have to. I was the one who told him to give her some encouragement. So if you want to take your anger, take in on me.

Finn: Good grief... You can't expect me to believe all that.

Asuna: Even if we were to stop her now, we'd only be delaying the inevitable.

Riveria: And she will still act eventually. Personally, I'd rather have her blow up where I can see her. And I'm sure Sora understand this as well, I think that's why he gave her such words...

Finn: I see, I underestimated you both.

Finn laughed and closed his eyes for a moment. Upon reopening them, he looked sidelong at Riveria and Asuna. He seemed like he wanted to say something to the woman acting like a stern parent and a caring sister towards Aiz, but he just couldn't find the words.

Asuna:...

Riveria:...

Finn: I don't think that tamer will appear again, but be careful.

Asuna: I'll leave all the magic potion we have to you, Riveria.

Finn: You're one of the one that agreed to Aiz's proposal. You'll be just as responsible for whatever happens to her.

Riveria: I understand. Sorry... and thank you...

Everyone started to leave Aiz and Riveria alone and Asuna looked at Aiz.

Asuna: Well, I'm leaving..

Aiz then fidget her fingers and looked at Asuna.

Aiz: Um... I'm sorry, Big Sister...

Asuna then flick Aiz's forehead and Aiz looked confused and saw that Asuna was giving her to most gentle smile she could give.

Asuna: With that, you have to come back home to me. I'll be waiting above... Don't make me wait to long.

Aiz's face brighten when she saw her older sister figure smiling at her and Asuna left her behind alone with Riveria.

Aiz: Thank you Riveria...

Riveria: I'm just hoping this will be the only time we do this... Now try not to be too much of a burden to me. If something were to happened to you, that sister of yours will give me an earful talk later.

Aiz: I'm sorry...

Aiz felt exposed on so many levels when in Riveria or Asuna's presence. It was completely different from how she felt with Finn or Loki, and also not the same as when she was with Tiona and the others. She couldn't hide anything to Riveria and Asuna, close to being naked. The jade elf's small rebuke, as well as her own apology, made clear the bond between the two. Although she couldn't put into words, Aiz's felt a warmth with her that was different from the trust and camaraderie she had with other members of the Familia.

Aiz:...

Riveria(mind): She's not moving...?

Aiz stood there in silent as if she was waiting for something. Many monsters roar could be hear far away, but not one of them dare to come near them when suddenly, earthquake started to appear.

Aiz: It's here.

Riveria: Don't tell me...

The ground started to crack, and fangs could be seen. It was white misty surface, severals immense rounded walls are connected together by numerous passages. All of them are as wide and as large as those found on the surface. The total area compare to that of Orario. Taken extremely seriouslu and usually avoided. The adventurers that reached the depths of this region call this floor "The White Palace". Level 6, A King of Monsters...

White Palace's Black Skeleton Lord, "Floor Boss Udaeus".

Riveria: That's right... Three mont have passed.

The dungeon that produces unlimited monsters. Within it, special floor bosses will be reborn again after fixed period of time. Udaeus's respawn time is 3 month. And it was none other than the Loki Familia, using all of their strength, who had defeated Udaeus three months ago.

Riveria(mind): So this is Aiz's target!!

Aiz: Riveria, I'm doing this alone. Tempest!

Aiz then summoned her wind and rushed towards Udaeus alone leaving Riveria behind.

Riveria(mind): I don't know the specifics of Aiz's status... but lately it's been obvious that she hasn't been improving much if one just looks at her movements. Meaning Aiz's reality may be that she cannot become any stronger.

In order to gain strengths and reached to a higher level. A person must undergo a complete change. [Rank up], to take one step closer to God. Accomplish a feat which the Gods will acknowledge.

Aiz(mind): Udaeus, a monster clearly stronger than I am. To make the impossible happen. To defeat a monster which you shouldn't be able to beat. An absolute accomplishment.

Udaeus went to swing its claw towards Aiz, but she ducked her head and avoided the attack and she went directly towards its magic stone, but she couldn't pierce through Udaeus's bone.

Suddenly, spikes started erupting from the ground and it was the lance of Udaeus and Aiz managed to dodge it by jumping into the air, and more spikes started erupting from the ground chasing after her. Udaeus has no lower body. More accurately, from below the pelvis, he can freely emit jet black shards throughout the entire floor. And also level 4 spartoi, numerous soldiers that are continuously summoned under the Kings will

Usually a battle which requires at least 30 people in a party. Aiz is taking on all of this by herself.

Riveria(mind): Aiz... You are just like your past self. In one year you recklessly gained strength... And set the record for reaching level 2 at the age of 8... why are you in such a hurry...?!

Aiz once again summoned her wind and managed to cut through the level 4 spartoi while dodging an oncoming spikes from Udaeus.

Aiz(mind): My wind's strength is not nearly enough! Even more than at that time. A lot stronger! More... Power and Faster!

Aiz: Aerial!! Tempest!!

Aiz then jumped into Udaeus's back and slammed her sword towards one of Udaeus's shoulder and cut through it and Riveria looked at her in awe.

Riveria: Amazing...!

Aiz(mind): I couldn't completely follow through. But it's attack power should be halved!

Suddenly, out of nowhere, Udaeus slammed his left hand into the ground and suddenly, a huge sword appeared in front of it completely shocking Aiz and Riveria.

Riveria: Impossible! Udaeus has a sword?! I've never seen this before...

Udaeus then raised its sword into the air and Aiz sensed danger and quickly moved away trying to avoid a direct hit from it and Udaeus slammed its sword and sent a very huge wind blast towards Aiz hitting Aiz in the back and completely changed the terrain.

Riveria: AIZ!!!

Riveria then looked back and saw that the spartios and the spikes that Udaeus had created had disappeared all in one shot. But Udaeus gave a loud roar and more spartoi started appearing from underground.

Riveria: You!!

Riveria was about to start her chant and helped Aiz for her battle but Aiz stopped her.

Aiz: Riveria! Do not interfere!!

Riveria: Don't be stupid! To solo that! Fighting so near it's just too reckless! Are you telling me to watch you die?!

Aiz: PLEASE!!

Riveria: !

Riveria looked at Aiz shocked that she doesn't wanted her help.

Aiz(mind): That attack will have a cool down... If I go straight, as fast as I can. And take his left arm I'll still have a chance of winning.

Aiz: Tempest!! AERIAL!!!

Aiz then thrust her sword with all her might and clear the path aiming straight towards Udaeus left arm and she managed to cut through every spartio and spikes that was coming straight towards her and Aiz saw that Udaeus had raised its hand wanting to swing its sword

and Aiz was about to thrust her sword towards its hand, but suddenly her body froze.

Aiz(mind): Wha... I can't react?! My body couldn't handle the continuous use of Aerial...

The town for adventurers, the city of Orario. Where adventurers from all around the world meat up, and half of them will inevitably rise no higher than level 1. Risking their lives to reach a higher summit. The reward for achieving a rank up is enticing. But on the other hand, for an adventurer to fail in their attempt. Their irreversible reality is... Death.

Riveria: AIZ!!!