No one's POV

All in all, the "Melen incident" was just about cleaned up that night.

The Guild decided to blame Kali Familia for Loki Familia's fight in the middle of the wharf. "An unfortunate accident brought about by savage Amazons from a remote land," was how they described it. As for the violas, well, those were just monsters who happened upon land at a most inopportune time.

The Guild's top brass didn't have much choice on the matter given how Loki had dragged them into the investigation. From the violas' release into the sea, to the involvement of wonder boy Njord, of all people, to the conspiracy of the Murdock estate, and perhaps most egregious of all—that a high-ranking Guild member would be involved in embezzlement—they knew that going public with everything would shake Melen to its very roots. The Guild, being the Guild, could already picture the kinds of criticism they'd receive (and the many ways other familias would be able to take advantage of them and invite them to ruin).

If details of this incident got out, plots to reveal their weaknesses would come out of the woodwork. It was almost as if they'd received a warning already, from the "thread" connecting the separate points of the scandal: "If I'm going down, you're going down with me."

Truthfully, the Guild had long been getting information from Loki Familia on the secret maneuvers of Orario's organizations, but they'd never acted upon any of the tips, perhaps already afraid of the retaliation (and mutual destruction) it would bring.

Loki: See, the reason they released the violas then...and also the reason why they only had 'em do so much damage...was to make it seem like they were never even there.

Riveria: I see. It was more than a diversion...It was insurance.

That was the explanation Loki and Riveria came up with. Then that "thread," that queen of beauty, could make her way back to Orario, smiling as though none the wiser. While nothing would happen to Njord or Borg, what with the strong influence they had on Meren's administration, there was no question as to the deal that was made behind the scenes promising their allegiance to the Guild. Thus, it came to pass that Guild Branch Chief Rubart would be the only one taking the fall.

(Timeskip)

Njord: The hell. So that guy Rubart was the only one to go down, huh? He really drew the short straw on this one.

It was the day after everyone had returned to the port city proper, making it the second day after the events had transpired at Melen's wharf. After dealing with the constant belligerence that was the Guild, Loki had made her way quickly—escaping, perhaps—to Njord and company to wrest out the full details of the proceedings.

Kali: It would seem so. Quite awful, what happened to him. Losing his job and everything.

Loki: Well, isn't that just a cryin' shame. Imagine, one of yer own kids gettin' caught up in my all-powerful plan and endin' up on unemployment the rest of their life.

Njord: I know. Which is exactly why I forcibly carved my blessing in his back and welcomed him into my ranks of fishermen.

Loki: Yer really the devil himself.

The two joked back and forth, faces deadpan. They were in Njord's chambers in Nóatún, Njord Familia's home.

Loki: Like throwin' a farmer onto a battlefield, you are.

Njord: Still...it's about the only thing I can do to atone for what I've done...

It seemed Rubart hadn't taken too well to the change, already resentful enough over what had happened and now surrounded on all sides by slightly too affectionate fishermen. Don't worry! We'll take good care of ya!" The entire thing had gotten a bit out of hand, no doubt making the gesture of goodwill feel more and more like punishment...

Loki: And what about you, huh? Fixed things up between you and your kid?

Njord: You mean Rod?...I'm not sure things will ever be the same between us...

He answered somewhat vaguely, with a weak smile that contained dozens of emotions.

Njord: What was it he told me? Ah, yes...'we'll keep doing our best so long as you try not to get involved in anything else strange.'

Loki: You really do have some good kids.

Njord: Indeed.

Njord smiled at Loki's sincere reply.

Njord: Though I still haven't solved the whole monsters-in-the-sea issue, I'll try to think of a way to do so without the violas going forward. To do so would, no doubt, put me back in your sights and in line for another scolding, as well.

Loki: That it would.

Njord: We'll keep on slogging away here...Rod, Borg, and everyone else.

With their plans for the future laid out, both of them turned around to face the same direction, where a certain young goddess currently sat tied up on a chair.

Loki: Now it's your turn, you demonic urchin. Ready to spit it all out?

Kali: Hmph.

She replied with a jerk of her head. Loki just cackled evilly from her spot a short distance away. Once the fight in the sea cavern had come to an end, she and her followers had taken pity on Bache and the other injured Amazons, healing their wounds and sending them back on their ship to Telskyura. Not so their patron deity, however, who'd been forcibly brought back with them. Seeing the tiny brat hopping mad at her current arrangements only made Loki all the more gratified.

Loki: First off, ya better goddamn well promise not to lay a finger on my Tione and Tiona, ya hear? And make sure those battle junkies of yours know it, too...

Kali: ...If you're talking about Argana, she's no use to me now anyway.

Loki: Huh? What are you talking about? Tell me! No way! It's that serious?

Loki asked dubiously. Elsewhere near the port, Finn and Tione were finishing up all the remaining damage. Once they were done, they were ready to head back to Orario, until someone bump into Finn who was in a hurry and fell down.

???: Kyah...

Finn: Oh, I'm sorry are you al—

Finn and Tione: ?!

Finn stopped mid sentence when he and Tione saw who bumped him and was shocked to see who it was.

Tione: A...Argana?!

Argana: Hey you! Don't you pay attention to where you are walking?

Argana wasn't even in her battle clothes but was wearing a school uniform. Her sadistic smile and her desire to fight was completely gone. As Finn and Tione were too dumbfound to even talk, Argana continue.

Argana: Ah... Ah... That's it! It's because of you that my bread fell right? Now take responsibility and have a child with me.

Tione: Bwah...!

Finn: -_-

Aragana was totally acting out of character. She was blushing while taking her clothes showing her full size body and breast towards Finn, that Tione who was standing behind him cough up blood, while Finn held his head trying to get rid of his headache.

Loki: What... What is this?

Loki ask at disbelief as she watch the whole thing from afar. Even Njord was at a loss for words.

Kali: It's the nature of the Amazons. Argana lost against your strong captain, so she fell in love with that strength! It's like she was drawn in by some God of Love or Victory.....!! And not just Argana, either...but all of them. Everyone except Bache has done the dishonor of losing to a man...

Kali continued, with a deep frown. Her eyes turned dark and glassy as she mumbled invectives:

Kali: If only they could have been Amazons! And don't even get me started on Tione! Damn girl. Fall in love, will she? With Argana down for the count, Bache doesn't even have a reason to fight anymore... The future is dark indeed... This may very well be the end for Telskyura...!! My poor beloved kingdom...!!

Njord: Hey, no need for such drama.

Loki: Eh, you deserve it. But let me get one thing straight. And this is for the sake of my cute little Tiona and Tione. You're gonna put an end to all this killin', you hear? Or at the very least, release those who don't like these 'rites' of yours.

Kali: Oh, right, because if I say, 'If you don't wanna die, just say so, and you can leave,' everyone won't raise their hands. What are you, an imbecile?!

Loki: You wanna die, you asinine punk?!

Kali: All right, all right. I got it, I got it! Love will save the world and all that. Love and peace, love and peace. All hail Lady Aphrodite.

Loki: You little shit—

Njord: This approach seems to be getting us nowhere. Perhaps you wouldn't mind lowering your fist, Loki?

Loki's clenched fist was trembling at the masked goddess's infuriating expression and cheeky comments, but when Njord interrupted with a well- placed jab of his elbow, she somehow released the breath she'd been holding.

Loki: Fine. First off, why did you all come to Melen?

Kali: Not sayin'.

Loki: I thought I just asked if you wanted to die, punk!

Kali: And that alone is what I can't tell you. Not after coming this far.

Kali harrumphed, once again turning her head to the side as big blue veins rose atop Loki's forehead.

Njord: Come on now, you two...

Njord attempted to mediate for Loki—a skill he'd developed far too well thanks to the long friendship they shared from back in the upper world.

Kali: If anyone, Ishtar certainly seems to have done a lot for him and his familia. You don't suppose she has something to do with it?

Loki: All right, out with it, midget!

Kali:—

Kali responded with a brash whistle. Though she examined things from underneath her half-lidded eyes, Loki had somehow narrowed down the candidates in her mind after hearing about Ishtar's involvement. The first face that popped into her head belonged to the abominable goddess of beauty she couldn't seem to get rid of... But considering she had no duty to warn Kali of the kinds of trouble she could get her into, Loki chose to keep her mouth shut.

Loki: Next. What do you know about those man-eating viola flowers?

Kali: Nothing, actually. I'm being honest.

Loki stared down at Kali but spotted no sign of dishonesty in her crimson eyes.

Kali: Though come to think of it, Ishtar certainly seemed to know a great deal about those flowers, no?

Kali mused.

Loki: Not Ishtar again!...Njord, you said yourself Ishtar and her gang were the ones who supplied your violas, right?

Njord: That's true. However, they were simply a trading partner...introduced to me as the perfect entity to help in transporting the violas to Melen.

Once the deal had been struck, they'd both used the sea cave near Melen to their own advantage. In exchange for their delivering the violas, Njord had agreed to finance their activities in the city. It had never been anything more than that, and certainly there was no sort of trusting relationship between the two.

Loki: She really chewed you up and spit you out, you know that, right?

Loki commented, holding nothing back.

Njord: Tell me something I don't know...

Njord replied with a sigh.

Loki: Hmm...Then our two leads are Ishtar and that mysterious human skulking about in the sewers...

Loki mused as the two finally turned toward the table where Ishtar Familia's emblem—one of the insignias on the Guild's official list—had been placed alongside a refined portrait of the mysterious figure Njord had drawn up. The illustration depicted an unhealthy-looking person with bags under their eyes, or, at least, under the one eye not hidden by a set of long bangs.

A shadier-lookin' guy than Soma even...Loki couldn't help but think as she eyed it.

Loki: Come to think, what kinda stuff did this fella want you to smuggle anyway?"

Njord: I'm afraid I never looked inside the boxes themselves, but likely valuable goods, occasionally alcohol...One time there was even a box that made a horrible ruckus. Something alive, no doubt. According to that human, he desperately needed money.

Loki: Money, huh...?

Certainly, if the remnants of the Evilus and those creatures had any hopes of fulfilling their dreams of destroying Orario, they'd need sufficient capital to support their activities. Then had everything been a wasted effort? At any rate, she'd at least gotten her hands on another clue, which was enough for the time being.

Loki: Yo, short stuff. Ishtar mention anything else? Doesn't even have to be anything important.

Kali: Hmmm...I'm afraid we didn't talk long. Both of us had things to do, you see...So I can't remember much else.

Kali began, her expression somewhat pensive beneath the gazes of the other two gods.

Kali: But... What I can say is...that woman is terrifying.

Loki:...? What's that supposed to mean? Your familia is kirlos ahead of hers when it comes to sheer power...

Loki said, confused.

Kali: I mean she's as crafty as they come. And she has an ace up her sleeve to boot. Surely you've heard something from your children concerning this matter, hmm?

And certainly, Loki had. Thinking back now, Loki remembered Asuna telling her that Ishtar's Level-6 captain, Phryne Jamil, had been wielding the combat power of a Level 7. And what's more, according to Bete, she'd had some kind of magic user in her arsenal, too... If that goddess really had gotten ahold of some kind of magic or curse that effectively leveled up her followers, she'd be a force to be reckoned with.

For instance, if those same effects had been used on either Argana or Bache, the situation they'd just dealt with would likely have gone much differently. Sure, she'd been able to play it cool knowing she had reinforcements in the form of Finn and the rest of the men, but had her calculations been incorrect, she'd have been in for a world of hurt. The mere thought of it was enough to send a drop of cold sweat down her temple.

At the same time, though, another thought crossed her mind. This was exactly what the lower world was about—the most thrilling board game, brimming with possibilities even she and her other gods couldn't predict. And it was for this reason that she couldn't get enough of it—a thought that had her indiscreetly licking her chops.

Kali: And one more thing... This is just a hunch, but... the reason she didn't bat an eye at leaving my girls and me out to dry even after going all the way to invite us here? She's got something else. Another one of her hidden aces.

Loki: Another ace in the hole...

Loki ruminated on the words as Njord threw a gaze in her direction. Outside, night had already blanketed the building in shadow. Inside, Loki heard the sound of two unexpected divine wills interlocking.

(Elsewhere)

A mass of candles flickered in the subterranean chamber. The stone hall was replete with robed figures wearing bands around their foreheads, their mouths hidden beneath folds of cloth. It was a sight undeniably reminiscent of an underground organization or arcane religious sect. Though the air was heavy with a solemn silence, the depths of every eye present were aflame with passion. It was a peculiar zeal, nestled into the stillness.

Man: My Lord, a new sister is here to ask for your benediction. Anoint her with your blessing.

A man said, his robes a different hue to designate his higher level. The hall consisted of a simple stone room, yet it was decorated like a sacred altar. The wall at the room's center bore the crest of the patron deity's familia—a heart of iron and bronze coupled with a single black wing, evocative of the reaper's scythe. Kneeling before the altar was a beautiful elven maiden clad in naught but a robe. As the man raised his voice, the god himself appeared before her.

He was utterly gorgeous, radiating decadence and charm. Long silken hair like a woman's flowed down his back in a river of deep purple, and his towering frame, shrouded in tattered black robes, was both graceful and delicate. A bewitching smile graced his lips. His eyes, the same dark hue as his hair, narrowed at the elf knelt before him.

Elf: M-my Lord, is it true that...that you can grant me my heart's desire?

???: It is...so long as you are willing to make the pledge. You've heard of it, yes? Sacrifice yourself according to my divine will...and I will see to your future.

As the god replied, he bestowed upon her a smile of the divine, seductive and yet full of blessing. The elf was entreating him with her gaze, but then, hands shaking, she removed her robe and exposed her bare back to the slender god. He responded by scoring his finger with a knife, releasing droplets of red blood. She was receiving the god's blessing; his Falna. Once the hieroglyphs had been carved into her back, she was reborn as a follower of her new god.

Thanatos: This goes for everyone as well! Once the promised day has arrived, I shall make all your desires reality! All your dreams! Pledge yourself to my name...to Thanatos!!

The robed figures immediately raised a great shout. Their bodies trembled with fervor, and some had tears running down their faces at the sheer flood of emotion.

Evilus: 1: Long live Lord Thanatos!

Evilus 2: Please...please make our dreams come true!!

Again and again, his name rang through the hall, reverberating against the rock and stone. The god, Thanatos, smiled down at them from his altar. Their cries still ringing in his ears, he turned his back as he made his way out of the hall into the dark passage behind the altar. Soon, the blue glow of magic-stone lanterns surrounded him, with nothing but the echo of his own footsteps accompanying him in the gloom. He walked until a man and woman, with their back against the passage wall, came into view.

???: Thank you for your hard work today, Lord Thanatoooooos.

She was human, and on her shoulders hung an overcoat of feathers and skins—drop items from monsters in the Dungeon. Beneath it, she wore only close-fitting fabric over her chest and tight leather pants to cover her legs. The second was a human man wears a hooded cloak of dark color covering his face one a shadow, and he wields a kitchen knife dagger Chinese type. The smile they gave the God was derisive, at best.

???: I wonder if you've gotten used to the benevolent God Act.

Thanatos: Hardly. The truth is, this makes me stiff. Sure you don't wanna switch with me, PoH and Valletta dear?

The god's captivating aura disintegrated in a flash. The alluring gaze and grin he'd directed toward his followers devolved into the facade masking a god with far too much time on his hands. With that air of dignity gone, all that remained was his degeneracy.

Poh: That's soooo dumb. Why would I?

Valletta: That's right! There's no point if it's not a god on the job. You need majesty to convince those schmucks their dumb little dreams are gonna come true.

Thanatos: I know, I know! But still! I could have all the children in the world hanging on my every word and it still wouldn't be enough...And don't deny that officials and leaders in the mortal realm aren't doing the exact same thing. This is gonna get even worse as the organization grows. Did you need something, by the way? I'm sure you're not just here to give me a hard time.

Valletta: We have a visitor.

She responded, pointing her chin farther down the passage to a fluttering swath of red hair, wreathing around a pair of green eyes and a face that was callous and cold. It was the red-haired woman, neither human nor monster but a "creature."

Thanatos: Well, hello there, Revis dear. It's been a while. You need something?

Thanatos started toward the woman, ever-present smile on his face.

Revis: I have a message from that masked Ein. 'It's about time for Loki Familia to show up.'

This stopped him in his tracks.

Thanatos:...I see. Then they're coming after all. What's the plan?

Revis: Lure them here...and trap them. Kill all of them except Aria.

Thanatos: Aria...? Ah, the little Sword Princess. What about you, Revis? What will you do?

Revis: I will deal with Aria. I'll get information about Mio's whereabout. PoH, you deal with that blue elf.

Revis's voice suddenly intensified with her reply, a strange, disquieting aura surrounding her. Intimidation, perhaps, or was it simply her presence? At any rate, she seemed entirely different from when she previously crossed swords with the boy revered as the Flashing Strike. A lust for blood permeated Revis's taut green eyes. Seeing this made PoH laugh.

PoH: Ahahahaha! You expect me to deal with their strongest all on my own? Well its fine. If something were to happen to that elf, the Flash will definitely appear.

Thanatos: Wait just a minute here, Revis. I'll do what you ask, but hear me out. Or maybe help me out would be the better choice of words. Loki Familia's no joke! Not sure I can do all that on my own.

Revis: I don't care. Figure something out.

Thanatos: Come on! This is the surface, yeah? Luring them here is all well and good, but if they get a look at those Demi-spirits? Won't be pretty.

Revis:...

As Revis started to turn to leave, Thanatos fearlessly laid a hand on her shoulder. She batted it away, turning to look him square in the eye.

Revis: I will dispose of Aria... That is all I can offer and all you need.

Without another word, she walked off, disappearing into the shadow of the passage. Though Thanatos deflated a little in response to the ever-callous resident of the underground, his features betrayed an inkling of amusement.

Valletta: Thanatos. PoH. Leave Finn to me. No matter what happens, yeah?

Valletta asked with a venomous smile.

PoH: Just like Revis-chan said. I'll deal with the Berserk Healer.

Thanatos: Right, you two have your own bone to pick with them, if I remember correctly. By all means, have your fun.

Thanatos nodded in return.

Thanatos: : Though I'll be screwed if you don't take care of him.

A blanket of gloom seemed to settle atop him—until he suddenly remembered something with an "Ah!"

Thanatos: Why don't we pay our dear Barca a visit, too? And speaking of which, is Ishtar here already?

They all made towards a certain passageway where a certain Goddess of Love is waiting furiously.

Ishtar: That incompetent fool...falling to Loki Familia. It's just as I predicted...

A bewitching figure made its way along the stone passage. Woven hair swaying with each step, Ishtar cursed the tiny goddess under her breath. Her human manservant remained silent alongside her. But her grumblings were not to last long, and her frown turned into a smile as she let out a puff of noxious purple air from her kiseru pipe. She'd reached the end of the dimly lit passage.

Ishtar: If I can't rely on them, I'll have to rely on myself...even if it means using it.

The room in front of her opened up. In a grand hall of stone, robed figures were walking to and fro across its floor. She looked down at them from atop the balcony-like plateau jutting out into the room, and to that which was tied up at the room's center. It was a monster, a giant beast bound by countless chains.

Ishtar: I'm sorry for having you locked up here, Bull of Heaven.

The goddess of beauty simply narrowed her amethyst eyes. Two colossal horns protruded from its head, warped and twisted in gallant depravity. And from its forehead, a female figure, feasting itself on magic stones, rolled its hideous eyes upward.

(Timeskip)

Lefiya: Nnnnnggghhhhh...!

Lefiya was shaking. As her uncontrollable emotions sent shudders through her body, a wordless, guttural moan tumbled out from her thin lips. For you see, a certain piece of news had made its way to her home, Twilight Manor, setting its residents abuzz.

Bete: That bastard...!!

Tiona: Bete, you big lug! Lemme see!!

Bete was holding the parchment with the news between tightly clenched fists in the manor's dining hall while Tiona pressed him so she could have a look. A considerable crowd had already gathered around him. Asuna, Aiz, Tione, Raul, Aki—everyone, from first-tier adventurers to the rookies, couldn't believe their ears when they heard the news.

It had hit the papers that morning. Before the excitement of a certain "meeting" had a chance to die down, a bit of information was stirring a frenzy of excitement among the adventurers.

Lefiya: Bell Cranel had reached Level 3. Time... One... One Month?!

Everything had started a week prior, when Hestia Familia and Apollo Familia had conducted their War Game—a "proxy war" of sorts meant to settle their dispute. Given the pleasure-seeking antics of the gods and goddesses in Orario, it had turned into a major affair involving the entire city. Then, somehow or another, the underdog, Hestia Familia, had come out on top—a feat that had everyone buzzing with stories of slaying giants. But now this? While Orario was still at fever pitch? It was only natural for the members of Loki Familia to be equally as flabbergasted as the rest of the city.

Tiona: Asuna, Aiz, look, look, look! Mr Argonaut! Level Three! Can you believe it?!

Tiona bounded over toward the swordswoman in question, all smiles.

Aiz: Yeah, he's...really something else.

Aiz responded with a series of thoughtful nods.

Asuna: And in a mere month as well...

Asuna said with a smile as she look at the paper. Two people had rank up in the Hestia Familia. The first was Asuna's rival in love. Rin Azumi. She had reached Level 4 in 2 years. That wasn't that surprising since it was a standard level up. But what surprise them was Bell reaching Level 3 in a month.

Tione: Still, don't you think it's a little bit...weird?

Tione said, as perplexed as everyone else.

Tione: Maybe it has something to do with that time he beat the minotaur. When all his abilities maxed out, you know? What do you think, Riveria?

Riveria: It's certainly not a feat achievable by mere effort alone. An undiscovered growth ability perhaps...or a rare skill? With something like that, it's considerably more plausible.

Finn: Hmm, well, I don't think even the most extraordinary of powers would make it easy for him to trounce both the minotaur as well as Phoebus Apollo's Hyacinthus...

Bete only offered a disgruntled

Bete: Hmph!

Next to the group, the catgirl and human pair, Anakity and Raul, were having a conversation of their own among their fellow second-tier familia members.

Aki: Bell Cranel... Didn't he come to the manor once?

Raul: Sure did. He said he wanted to see Miss Aiz and Miss Asuna. Pissed everyone the hell off, too...

Bell Cranel wasn't exactly a favorite of Loki Familia's lower-level members—for multiple reasons—which made this piece of news particularly unwelcome. None of them wanted to acknowledge this new feat of his, no matter how well he'd stood his ground against opponents that far outranked him. Needless to say, the latest development in the tale of the Little Rookie was the number one topic of conversation in the dining hall that morning, and it even drew in Finn and the other elites, as well.

Tiona: Bet it's all thanks to my, Asuna and Aiz's help—Whoops! That's a secret! Eh- heh-heh...Still, though. Pretty exciting!

In an especially animated mood, Tiona gushed to her enthusiastic companions. Lefiya, on the other hand, could only stand there shaking as she eyed the others.

Lefiya(mind): Just what is going on here?! Does no one think this is bizarre?! So what if Hestia Familia had felled the giant? Big deal!

Well, it certainly was a big deal, but that was a different matter entirely.

Lefiya(mind): It's just as Miss Tione said—his growth is simply too fast! Suspiciously so...! He reached Level 2 only a short while ago!! That feat had been remarkable enough. Now this!

And Loki Familia hadn't even had time to catch their breath upon returning from Port Melen and their scuffle with Kali Familia. In the time it had taken them to sleep off their fatigue back in the manor, a conflict had broken out between Hestia and Apollo, the already overzealous gods had stirred the pot—even Loki had joined in—finally culminating in the War Game. To top it all off, the Little Rookie had leveled up.

For Lefiya, she had returned from her trip only to find her rival was suddenly the same level as her. All in all, it seemed much more likely to have occurred in the Dragon Palace of the fairy tales of the Far East than in reality.

Lefiya(mind): It took me two years to reach Level 3...!

The white rabbit was practically on the verge of overtaking her, though she could already hit Level 4 if she wanted. Still, the shock hit her like a two- ton brick to the face. The War Game report made the rounds from adventurer to adventurer until it reached Lefiya's hands. As she stood there, staring at his portrait, her hands began to tremble, the paper clenched between them threatening to release a crumpled scream.

Tiona: Hey, hey! Lefiya! What do you think of Mr Argonaut's...erm...?

Tiona startled.

Lefiya: If I felt like it, I could become Level Four anytime I want... I'm not bitter at all! Not one bit...!! No, that is a lie! An infuriating lie! How could I think of saying that at a time like this, when...when in the blink of an eye he could very well...No! I refuse to lose. I refuse...!!

The sheer demonic energy exuding from Lefiya's every pore as her body shuddered was enough to stop Tiona in her tracks. Everyone in the vicinity quickly backed away, envisioning the great fire that had destroyed the elven forest. With the flare of animosity, the elven magic user's determination was born anew.

Tiona: Is it just me, or is Lefiya kinda terrifying right now?

Aiz: Yes, Lefiya is also...really something else.

Aiz nodded at Tiona's comment.

Asuna: She finally met her match.

Riveria: Well, she's at an age of complicated emotions. We should give her some space.

Asuna and Riveria seemed to have gotten a sense for how Lefiya was feeling and offered some advice to the others as their elder. Aiz, in her own way, also had considerable interest in the Little Rookie's recent level-up due to her constant desire to become stronger, but...even her concern paled in the face of Lefiya's current state. Nevertheless, as the boy's face rose to the forefront of her mind, she made a mental note to pay him a visit.

Tiona: Asuna! You know the secret don't you?! Mr Flash must've told you!

Asuna: In fact, he did me told Bell's secret. If I ask something, Sora will definitely tell me without a second thought.

Aiz, Tiona, Lefiya: Tell us!

Aiz, Tiona, and Lefiya close in on Asuna to tell them the secret. Even Finn, Riveria, and Tione sneak a glance. They too were interested. But Asuna reply...

Asuna: It's a se-cr-et...

Asuna said with a smile.

Tiona: Eeeeeeeeeeeeeh!! Why...?

Aiz: Tell us.

Asuna: I promised Sora I won't tell a soul to anyone. And you know, if it comes to Sora, he's priority is first to me.

Tiona: Over your own Familia?!

Asuna: Yup!

Tiona: No fair...! I'm so jealous of your relation!!

Aiz: Booo... Big Sis...

Asuna: Ahaha... Forgive me...

Tione: It's quite lively for this hour of the morning... Captain?

Finn: What is it, Tione?

Tione: Do we have plans for what to do next? I know there was the War Game and all, but...we never did find anything on that second entrance to the Dungeon during our investigation of Melen. Where do we go from here?

She asked, glancing at Lefiya, Asuna, Aiz, and the others. Loki Familia's recent trek to Melen had been for exactly that reason—to find any information they could on the elusive second entrance to the Dungeon. They'd need to uncover it if they had any hope of putting a stop to the secret maneuvers of both the Evilus' Remnants and the Corrupted Spirit.

Finn: Hmm...Well, I'm sure Loki will figure out something for us shortly...

The pallum captain concluded, only half believing his own words.

Finn: Who knows. Maybe we'll move our investigation to Daedalus Street?