No one's POV

Loki:  So! To no one's surprise, our top contender for Orario's most suspicious spot is Daedalus Street, am I right?

Loki asked, looking out at the faces of her fellow gods. They were occupying their usual high-class pub—in the room with the soundproofing to ensure no prying ears caught wind of their conversation.

Dionysus: More like there's nowhere else left, I'd say.

Hermes: I've been combing the streets the last three weeks together with Dionysus's kid. We turned any place even remotely suspicious inside out, but no cigar, it would seem. Not a single noteworthy find.

After Dionysus spoke from his spot at the round table, Hermes quickly added his own comment. This was the first time they were meeting since Loki Familia's return from Melen, and the three gods were taking the opportunity to share the new information they'd uncovered after some time without seeing one another. They'd each brought with them their respective escorts to watch over the proceedings: Dionysus had the elf, Filvis; Hermes had Lulune, the chienthrope; and Loki had Gareth.

Loki: We've had the answer in front of us the whole time; we just didn't see it. Think about it: If you wanna hide a tree, stick it in a forest. Likewise, you wanna hide an entrance to the Dungeon? Hide it in a maze...Have we actually found anything there, by the way?

Hermes: On Daedalus Street? Not a thing. And we searched, Loki, trust me. That area is...special, even compared with vast Orario as a whole.

Hermes shrugged, his smile laced with irony as Loki took a glass of wine sitting on the table and downed it like so much water. It was just as Loki had said herself back when they'd first formed their unlikely alliance: They already knew their most likely target. Daedalus Street. Known as the Dungeon on the surface, the area was the brainchild of the master craftsman Daedalus himself.

Dionysus: That's the only place in the city we've yet to untangle. Considering the general populace is still very much in the dark about this second entrance, Loki's guess may very well be correct... What's more, Daedalus Street is a stone's throw away from the city's eastern side where the Monsterphilia was held.

When Dionysus mentioned the surprise appearance of the violas at the event, Loki nodded.

Loki: Daedalus Street it is, then. Maybe we'll head out there tomorrow and check things out.

Dionysus: And you're all right with that, Loki?

Loki: Oh, stop asking me like you weren't gonna have me do it all anyway! I know you.

She flashed them a cold stare, which elicited forced chuckles from the two gods in question. They were so in sync, Loki couldn't help the suspicion forming in her mind as she watched their chummy behavior. She snorted to let them know she thought complaining about it was more trouble than it was worth.

Loki: At any rate, Finn and my kids will have had enough time to rest up by this point...plus we're finally about to get a good look at our enemy.

It was true—between the various situations they'd dealt with and the clues they'd uncovered, the threads connecting the fragments of the truth were starting to come together. They were on their way to finally ripping the mask off their enemy.

Loki: Time to make 'em pay for thinkin' their harebrained scheme could actually take down Orario.

Loki added quietly. The hawkish smile rising to her lips was enough to make Lulune and Filvis flinch. Gareth, on the other hand, merely sighed beside the warmongering god. Hermes continued unfazed amid the reactions, still wearing his ever- charming smile as he asked.

Hermes: By the way, whatever became of your Melen investigation, Loki? I've heard tell it became quite the ordeal.

Loki: Oh, that? We made a few finds. Completely unrelated to that ridiculous fight with Kali and her troupe, though.

Loki offered a short explanation before spreading out documents on the round table—they described Njord's mysterious human contact for his dealings, as well as his accomplice in transporting the violas into the city: Ishtar Familia.

Hermes: Njord certainly went to some surprising lengths to protect the peace in the ocean... Quite the bold plan, buying up violas. Where did he come across this human?

Loki: In the sewers, apparently. No idea if he's got anything to do with our Evils friends, but somethin' sure smells fishy.

Loki replied, placing on the table the refined portrait Njord had drawn of the individual in question. One eye was covered by his long bangs, and the other was deeply sunken, making him seem rather suspicious. His doleful expression indicated he was a man with an obsession.

Dionysus: And then there's Ishtar. Considering what we know of her and where she spends her time, an investigation itself wouldn't necessarily be difficult. However...

Dionysus started, his princely features crinkling.

Loki: Honestly? She's bound to be even harder to feel out than our sewer dweller.

Loki agreed. "Though, at least accordin' to Njord she's interested in him for her own reasons.

Ishtar Familia was one of Orario's premier familias. Not only did she have her fair share of military might with the Berbera under her command, she also controlled many of the city's brothels—which meant the majority of the Pleasure Quarter. This grip on the Night District made her nigh untouchable from the Guild's perspective. To wrongly confront her would mean turning the Pleasure Quarter and all its supporters against them. Considering how many people worshipped the Goddess of Beauty, there was bound to be considerable backlash from that angle, as well.

Above all, Ishtar was clever, as was already apparent during the Meren ordeal. Just thinking about her and the disturbances she seemed to be connected to was enough to make Loki wrinkle her nose in frustration.

Hermes: Ishtar, huh...?

Hermes suddenly murmured after his long, contemplative silence.

Hermes: Perfect...Loki, Dionysus, allow me to look into this, would you?

Loki and Dionysus: Huh?

The other two gods eyed him suspiciously at his sudden offer.

Loki: What's this all of a sudden, huh? You're usually the one passin' the buck not takin' it!

Dionysus: Oh-ho-ho, I can do my part sometimes, too, you know.

Dionysus: You do realize you're going up against one of Orario's most distinguished familias, yes? One careless move and you could very well lose your head.

Dionysus pointed out.

Hermes: Really now, there's no need to be so concerned. I just so happen to be right in the middle of fulfilling a request for Ishtar. Even if I probe a little, it won't seem suspicious at all. And if something did happen...my adorable children would be there to catch my fall!

Lulune: G-gimme a break, Lord Hermes...!

Hermes answered with a laugh while Lulune groaned with a long- suffering expression and drooping tail, unsure if the deity under her watch was being serious or not.

Hermes: Loki has already expressed her displeasure. I'll do my work properly... so leave Ishtar and hers to me.

Hermes finished with a soft smile, standing up from the table. Grabbing Lulune, he left the room.

Loki:...A real troublemaker, that one. Does whatever the hell he wants whenever the hell he feels like it. Not sure I'll ever understand why he does what he does.

Dionysus: I'm afraid he's always been like this...

Dionysus responded, nonplussed. He glancing toward the door Hermes had gone through. As his golden hair shifted, he narrowed his glass-like eyes.

Dionysus: And yet I'd watch out for him if I were you, Loki...

Loki: Huh? Where'd that come from? Kinda late in the game to be saying we can't trust 'im, don'tcha think?

Dionysus kept his eyes on the door.

Dionysus: I'm sure you've noticed this already, but...we're not the only ones Hermes is cooperating with. He also has Ouranos on his side.

Loki:...

Dionysus: I understand that Hermes, too, suffers the pain of having lost a child—a victim, the same as us—so I don't doubt his reasons for cooperating... However, I'm positive that old god is pulling the strings. Giving him too much information and allowing him free rein will only play into Ouranos's plans.

Dionysus explained. His distrust and unease toward the Guild's overseer was plain.

Loki: If yer so worried, why'd you invite him here in the first place?

Dionysus: I thought he might be of some use...And also, I'm interested in knowing just what Ouranos is hiding.

He replied, eyes turning toward the goddess.

Dionysus: Loki, I know you've said he may very well be clean, but even if he doesn't have anything to do with the Corrupted Spirit, he's hiding something else...  something bigger... it could very well make Orario fall into chaos. Or, at least, that's how I feel. Which is why I just can't bring myself to trust the Guild...or him. I wonder if some calamity doesn't await us in the old god's divine will. Don't get caught off guard, Loki. He is a God who doesn't trust anyone.

Loki remained quiet, neither agreeing nor dissenting.

Loki: Also...I have reason to believe Hermes may have his own goal, as well. A personal one.

Dionysus: ?

Loki: Colluding with us, playing lapdog to that old man—everything's part of his own plans. You saw the grin on his face as he left. He's up to something.

That was when Dionysus finally fell silent, almost as though he were about to warn Loki of some unbeknownst Irregular. When they saw the look on his face, both Filvis behind him and Gareth in his spot beside Loki gave him their undivided attention.

Dionysus:...Which is why all I ask is that you watch out for him. I get the feeling we could be in for some rough waters thanks to him.

Loki:...

Dionysus let out a tired sigh before bringing his now-cold tea to his lips. Loki glanced at him before turning her attention to the door, recalling the image of Hermes and the meaningful smile on his lips just before he'd left.

(Timeskip)

Daedalus Street was an expansive residential quarter located in southeast Orario. Residential though it may have been, its architectural makeup bordered on the obtuse. Stairs ran the length of the multistoried buildings rising from the stone in all shapes and sizes, and the sheer amount of alleyways or side streets was enough to confuse even the most directionally gifted. It was called the "Dungeon on the Surface," and for good reason—one wrong turn was enough to become forever lost in the neighborhood's mazelike roads, and not just for those unaccustomed to its twists and turns. Even those who'd long lived there had to be careful lest they lose their way.

It had been constructed close to one thousand years prior—almost immediately after the gods had descended from the heavens, apparently—in what was known as the Divine Era. A monument to Orario's past artisans, it was created by the renowned craftsman (and its namesake) Daedalus.

Tiona: This place always amazes me...

Lefiya: If one were to get lost here, I highly doubt they'd be able to find their way back...

The sun had just started its ascent from the eastern horizon when Loki Familia began their trek to Daedalus Street. As soon as they entered the labyrinth, Tiona murmured her impression, taking in the sights around her, and Lefiya echoed the sentiment. As Aiz listened to their comments, she found herself mentally nodding in agreement.

If it was possible to disregard the signs of modern life—laundry hanging out on lines, old folks absorbed in their games of chess along the roadside—it was easy to mistake the area for a set of ancient ruins.

Loki: Like I discussed back in the manor, there's a mighty high chance our elusive quarry is right here on this very street. Alls we gotta do is find it. I know it's gonna be a pain, but...let's do it!

Loki exclaimed exuberantly from the front of the group, doing her best to avoid naming the target of their search: a second entrance to the Dungeon. Behind her trailed the women of her familia, Asuna included, and no one else. Finn and the rest of Loki Familia's men were off on a mission of their own.

Tione: Find it, sure. But how? All we have to go off of is this picture!

Loki: Asking the locals, maybe? After that, not much else we can do but search every single nook and cranny.

Holding the sketch of the man they were targeting, Tione gave a weary groan at Loki's answer. There likely wasn't an adventurer in all of Orario who'd take on a task like this—searching Daedalus Street for a person who may or may not be there—no matter how much money was involved.

Lai: The Berserk Healer... The Sword Princess... Amazon the Slasher... Jormungand... and is that... Nine Hell, even?! Hot damn!

Fina: Lai, what gives? Stop pushin'!

Ruu: They're so pretty...and so cool, too.

The appearance of the most famous familia in Orario was enough to draw the awed gazes of the locals, watching from a short distance away. Asuna directed a soft smile toward a trio of children—human, chienthrope, and half- elf—who were staring at her particularly starry-eyed as they walked past.

Aiz(mind): I don't come here too often...

She thought, her golden eyes scanning the perimeter. The fashion of the area was very different from what residents of the Main Streets usually favored. More subdued.

Many of the city's underprivileged made Daedalus Street their home. In fact, not even the most downtrodden of familias or adventurers frequented its streets anymore, while more and more it was becoming a nesting ground for rogues and thieves. Though this lack of public order wasn't obvious by looking at the locals, it still required attention. The area certainly made for a perfect place to hide a second entrance to the Dungeon—alongside other plans of nefarious intent.

Loki: I'm startin' to think this place is even more of a labyrinth than the Dungeon itself!

Asuna: I'd ask what you mean by that, but I'm more interested in what you'd have us do next, Loki.

Loki: Guess we can find a meetin' place of sorts, then spread out to look for clues...Huh?

Loki started to answer Asuna's question before coming to a sudden halt as something caught her eye. Aiz and the rest of the girls came to a stop, too, following Loki's gaze to where a crowd was beginning to gather nearby. In front of the assemblage, with her back to a fountain in the middle of the square, stood an elderly goddess.

Goddess: Bring out your valis, filthy with the prints of covetous fingers! Relieve yourself of the excess of the body and soul! Only when you truly have nothing can the bounties of your hardships be reaped! Only then can your souls be cleansed!

The goddess exclaimed. In one hand, she held a bone wrapped with fresh meat and, in the other, a bottle of wine. Food particles and flecks of her drink decorated her wrinkled lips. As she held out her arms, the crowd of people cheered in exuberance.

Citizen 1: Hail Lady Penia!

Citizen 2: Lady Penia! Please accept this wretched pittance I have hoarded for my own selfish desires—a humble offering for your ladyship!

One after another, impassioned demi-humans brought forth large offerings of valis, presenting them to the goddess. Soon, a sizable pile had formed at her feet, swelling until it was enough to put the musicians and bards who earned their money on the streets to shame.

Tiona: What in the...world?

Tiona murmured in bewilderment, voicing the thoughts currently running through the rest of Loki Familia's heads. It was a strange sight to behold.

Loki:...

Penia:...

Loki: Whaaaaaaa!!!! It's the leach Peniaaa.... Run...!

Penia: Hihihihihhehe!! I'm poor gimme money, gimme fooood!

Loki: So this is where you ended up...is it, Penia?

Loki mused, equally as astonished at the unseemly state of her fellow deity. The elderly goddess, Penia, could be described in a single word—squalid. Clothed in a set of rags that could barely be called a robe, her long white hair hung down in tangles from the top of her head. While her divine nature kept her skin free from stains and dirt, it did little for her dignity, which was nowhere to be found. In fact, she looked altogether like an enchanting witch from the fairy tales of old who had since aged and fallen on hard times—or, at least, that was the first thought that popped into Aiz's mind as she took in the sight of the old goddess.

Riveria: Is this goddess a...friend of yours, Loki?

Loki: Friend might be a bit too strong of a word for our relationship...

Riveria's brows furrowed as she whispered in Loki's direction, unable to believe the person they were examining could be a goddess, and Loki replied somewhat ambiguously.

Loki: I know her...but it ain't like there's a god I don't know, so... She's kind of a joke among us gods. 'Oh no! Here comes Penia the disease! Don't let her touch you!' That kinda thing. But it's true most everyone'd hightail it away as soon as they hear her name. Up in Heaven, she'd go around snatchin' all our savings right out from under our noses... She's like poverty on legs. The most hated amongst the Gods.

The goddess Penia. Ruler of poverty. Black sheep of the gods.

Penia: There's no need to be rude, is there? Especially when penury is the one thing that can cleanse both human and god alike! Really now. The only one who doesn't treat me like some babbling old kook is Hestia!

Loki: Hey, I just call 'em like I see 'em, you eternally destitute panhandler... What are you even doing, anyway?

Penia: You can't tell? I'm preaching the wonders of poverty to my adorable children!

Penia replied with a broad grin. Apparently, all the people in the square were her worshippers, hanging on her every word and abiding by her teachings. Some appeared to be merchants of considerable fortune, presenting her generous donations of extraneous money and goods. The sight was less like a proper familia complete with god and followers and more like a new religion.

According to Penia, wealth was nothing but a "corruptor of the soul." Something that would "deprive the body of manual labor." Which, to be fair, made sense. It was a common message and seemed rooted in truth.

The problem was Penia herself, preaching these ideas while feasting greedily on fresh meats until her cheeks bulged. All in all, it smacked of hypocrisy, at least to Aiz and the rest of Loki Familia. In their eyes, Penia was nothing more than a goddess taking advantage of her children in order to enjoy an indulgent life in the mortal realm.

Aiz: They seem like a familia and yet...they're not...

Lefiya: It's not altogether uncommon, though. Gods descending to this world in search of their own salvation, soliciting help from their followers rather than bestowing their blessings...

Tione: What are you saying, that they're brainwashed?

Tiona: Look at how much money she's made without havin' to lift a finger!

Aiz, Lefiya, Tione, and Tiona each expressed a mixture of wonder and incredulity as the realization of just what was going on hit home—an accomplishment, for sure, considering the elderly goddess hadn't even formed an actual familia.

However, all was not as it seemed, as apparently Penia gifted most of the offerings she received back to the poor of Daedalus Street as a sort of blessing, which was the one reason she wasn't accused of being a fraud as she made her rounds. The Goddess of Poverty had the support of nearly everyone who lived in the slums.

Asuna: The matriarch of the slums...it would seem.

Asuna sighed. None of them had ever laid eyes upon such a god. Even the high elf found it a bit too much, never mind how Aiz and the others felt. Loki, however, just leaned forward curiously.

Loki: Hey, Penia. Just wondering—how long you been down in this dump, huh? A long time, I reckon.

Penia: A long time? To me, it's been nothing more than the blink of an eye, but if you were to ask one of my children, I suppose they would say a few centuries or so.

Loki: Perfect! Then tell me—you ever seen this bloke before?

Loki exclaimed before holding up the detailed portrait of their mysterious gentleman. Penia's eyes fell toward the man's melancholic face.

Penia:...And what business do you have with this human?

Loki: Need him for a little adventure is all. Wondered if he might hang out on Daedalus Street, so we came to track 'im down.

Loki explained, sparing Penia the details as the elderly goddess studied the portrait. Finally, Penia raised her gaze to Loki and her followers. Then she snorted.

Penia: I've never seen him before in my life. At least, not around here. And even if I did know him, I wouldn't give up information so freely to the likes of you.

Loki: Sooooo... if we paid up, you'd help us?

Penia: Don't make me laugh! You think I like going out of my way for people? I want nothing to do with this!

Penia huffed, turning her back on the group.

Penia: No, no, it won't do! Riches impoverish the spirit, and abundance deprives the body of labor. All I wish for is to live this day. My place is right here, with these glittering beauties.

She continued as she hefted up the bulk of the offerings from her followers, then vacated the square.

Loki: Guess that's that, then...Was hopin' we'd get at least a little help from the big bosses around here, even if they didn't know anything...

Riveria: Then we'll move forward with just us, as planned?

Riveria asked, to which Loki replied with an agreeing sigh. Trying to work herself back up, Loki turned toward the rest of the group.

Loki: All right, then! Let's get this party started, shall we? We'll split up from here, usin' this square as our meetin' point. Let's say...two groups to start, yeah? Considering how easy it is to get lost here.

Tione: Two groups? You don't think that's a little extreme?

Tione interjected.

Loki: Remember what happened back in Meren with that short pain in the ass? You can't be too careful, I say, 'specially if our enemies know this place like the back of their hand.

When Tione interrupted Loki's orders, the goddess's reply was enough to convince everyone. They didn't want a repeat of what had happened in Meren, after all, when Kali Familia had kidnapped Lefiya. With that decided, they reorganized themselves into two units. Loki and Riveria headed one, comprising mostly lower-level familia members. The other contained, among others, Loki Familia's close-knit quintet: Asuna, Aiz, Tiona, Tione, and Lefiya.

Tiona: But if we just go searching around without any sort of plan, we're totally gonna get lost, right? What now?

Tione: Hee-hee-hee...Don't worry! I know just what to do.

Tiona seemed discouraged as she gazed out across the convoluted expanse of roads before them, but her sister turned to her with a grin, as if she had something up her sleeve.

Tione: They have those ariadne guides all along the road, right? So long as we follow those, no matter how lost we get, we'll always wind up back at the exit! Even the people who live here use those when they're in a bind. Or at least that's what I've heard.

True to Tione's words, red lines had been drawn on the walls of the square, indicating the direction of the exit. Lefiya and Tiona tilted their heads curiously at the sight.

Lefiya: Erm, while this is true...

Tiona: What're you tryin' to get at, Tione?

Tione: Well, if it was me personally trying to pull some kinda nefarious scheme down here, I'd wanna make sure nobody could find it— not just adventurers but even the people who live here. So I'd make my own ariadne guides... leading in the opposite direction of my secret base.

Listening next to her, Aiz let out an "Ah!" of realization.

Aiz: Then...if we go in the opposite direction of those ariadne guides...

Tione: Exactly! We should end up smack on our enemy's doorstep!

Tiona and Lefiya: Wow!

Asuna: -_- Wait... Isn't that a bit to obvious for a hideout.

Tiona and Lefiya shouted in unison. An eager murmur ran through the rest of the party, too, as they realized there could be some merit to the suggestion. Only Asuna was skeptical.

Tiona: I've got a good feelin' about this now!

Aiz: Yes, the theory was certainly persuasive...

Tione: What else did you expect? The captain's left the capture of this criminal in the capable hands of yours truly, after all!

Asuna: -_- I'm the one whose supposed to be in charge.

Tione boasted, crossing her arms across the sizable curves of her chest after Tiona and Aiz offered their approval. Asuna interjects the idea but, Tione's desire to avoid letting down the man she loved so passionately had produced a rare perceptiveness in the Amazon, though to Lefiya, at least, it was evidence that the true genius lay in whatever it was Finn had told her.

Tione: Anyway, so long as there's no objections, let's get going!

Asuna: -_- I'm objecting. We might just end up getting lost.

With the square and Riveria's group at their backs, Aiz's group set off with a defeat sigh from Asuna and triumphant Tione taking the lead as they made their way into the twists and turns of Daedalus's maze.

(Timeskip)

However.

Tione: We haven't found a single damn thing!

Tione's exasperated cry echoed through Daedalus Street at night as she waved her hands in dismay.

Tiona: Never mind discovering the enemy hideout, we're too busy being hopelessly lost!! What're we supposed to do now, Tione, huh? Look how dark it is!

Tione: Would you just shut up for a second?! This...this wasn't supposed to happen, okay?! This wasn't...supposed to...

As the two sisters quibbled, the rest of the group had taken to leaning wearily along the nearby walls, worn near to their cores. The exception was Aiz, currently fretting nervously holding Asuna's hand, who shook her head with a sigh.

Asuna: -_- I knew we'd ended up getting lost.

It was already the middle of the night. The sun's light had long since vanished. As it turned out, the name "Dungeon on the Surface" was no overstatement, given how its twisting streets had completely decimated Tione's naive plan of attack. The more their group had ignored the ariadne guides, the deeper in they ended up, repeatedly encountering dead ends or going around in circles through the same passageways.

Lefiya: I thought I understood...but Daedalus Street is truly a struggle...

Lefiya muttered, feeling beyond exhausted, and both Asuna and Aiz couldn't help but nod in agreement. Even when they tried sticking to exactly one of Daedalus's roads, they soon found it splitting into countless smaller byways, almost like a convoluted web. The number of stairs and hills they'd climbed and descended made it feel as though they were trapped in a never-ending spiral. Strange buildings towered above them on either side, like a set of opposing cliff faces connected with a network of crisscrossing stone as intricate as the passages below. The sight of all that blackened brick on top of the weaving roads was enough to make their heads spin, looking more like an optical illusion than an actual place. Line, the healer and support member of their group, had made a heroic attempt to map out the roads as they'd walked, but halfway through she simply gave up, frustrated tears welling in her eyes as she'd exclaimed.

Line: This is impossible!

Daedalus Street had oft been described as a window into the depraved mind of an eccentric lunatic. More and more, they were beginning to see why. Even Aiz, at home as she was in the winding corridors of the Dungeon, was having trouble keeping her head straight in this residential labyrinth.

Asuna: Alright, that's it! We are going back to the front! It's pointless to just aimlessly wander into a place we don't know!

Everyone: Agree!

Tione: No way! I have to at least bring something back. What'll the captain think of me otherwise?!

Asuna: We could be here for days and we still wouldn't find anything!

Asuna gave out an order immediately, and everyone agrees, but Tione insisted, but Asuna was having none of it. With the party's opinion divided, they were at an impasse.

Asuna: Let's climb some building and go back to the reunion spot from above.

Everyone: Agree!

Tione: Nooooo!

Filvis: Lefiya!

Lefiya: Huh...? Oh, Miss Filvis!

A lone elf jumped down from a nearby rooftop. Lefiya started as the other first-tier adventurers readied themselves for an attack. They lowered their guard, however, upon realizing the newcomer was Lefiya's acquaintance. Her jet-black hair swept past crimson eyes as the elf landed, donned in her usual snow-white battle clothes. Thanks to her clothes and demeanor, Dionysus Familia's Filvis was the very image of a shrine maiden.

Lefiya: What are you doing here?

Filvis: On Lord Dionysus's orders, I've been instructed to cooperate with Loki Familia. I realize this may seem sudden, but...will you allow me to join you?

Lefiya: O-of course I would! I'd be happy to! Thank you so much!

Lefiya asserted with a warm smile. Lefiya wasn't the only one who had a history with the dark-haired elf. Aiz had fought beside her during the battle in the twenty-fourth-floor pantry. Tiona's yelling earlier must have cued her in to the party's location.

Lefiya: Erm...Miss Asuna? Would it be all right if Miss Filvis worked with us?

Lefiya turned to Asuna this time, barely able to contain her delight.

Asuna: Of course it's alright. The more the merrier.

Filvis: U-Uh... It's a honor, Miss Asuna Yuuki !

Asuna: Please. No formalities.

Asuna abide to the request, glancing at the rest of the group to receive their nods of approval. Aiz agreed right away, of course, but even the other girls seemed fine with this newest addition. Filvis was being nervous around Asuna since she's a high-elf. Fearing that she'd taint her beauty, but Asuna wasn't concern one bit.

Tiona: Ho-ho, that's great! The more the merrier! Filvis, was it? I'm Tiona! Welcome aboard!

Tiona, all smiles, quickly jumped at the chance to introduce herself, but—

Filvis:...Filvis Challia.

—was all she received in return; the earlier warmth the elf had directed at Asuna and Lefiya was all but gone. The reserved, almost cold response bewildered Tione and the others. Aiz and Tiona, especially, could only blink in silence.

Lefiya: Ha-ha...ha-ha-ha...

Lefiya laughed awkwardly.

Tione:...Psst. Lefiya, is that elf just super–socially awkward or what?

Lefiya: Erm, it's more like, well...she has her reasons...

Asuna: The poor girl and her past. Since we're a party now, let's get along!

After Asuna waved her over, Lefiya did her best to explain. Meanwhile, Tiona called out with her usual cheer but that was soon cut short.

Filvis: I may have said that we would be cooperating, but I have no intention of befriending you. It would be improper for all of you to fraternize with a member of another familia as well, no?

Filvis snapped, abruptly turning away. Her modest clothing, hiding the better part of her surprisingly white skin, made it plain how concerned her people were with propriety, and her behavior was the complete opposite of that of the Amazons, Tiona and Tione. Though her response wasn't necessarily cruel, it was certainly blunt to the point of hostility.

Needless to say, she earned a great many frowns from the members of her new party. This unknown, fussy elf was just too hard to approach. Somewhat self-consciously, Aiz marveled at being around someone who was apparently even worse with words than she was... but if Lefiya seemed so comfortable around her, she couldn't be that bad, could she?

Filvis: What are you and the others doing now, Lefiya?

Lefiya: Erm, well...We were in the middle of an investigation of sorts, but just now we were thinking it might be better to return to our meeting point and regroup with the others...

Lefiya explained, pacing restlessly back and forth between her colleagues and the other elf. She knew all too well the story behind Filvis's alias, Banshee. For the time being, at least, they decided to head back. She, Filvis, Aiz, Asuna, and the rest of the group began making their way down the road—following the ariadne guides they'd previously been ignoring—progressing as one big group. A strange silence settled over them; they were all overly conscious of Filvis, who'd fallen in step beside Lefiya.

As Aiz was beginning to lament her own inability to help despite her best intentions—as Lefiya flitted this way and that in awkward confusion—it happened.

Tiona: Grrrrr, I can't take it anymore! Will someone just say something already?!

The naive Amazon, notoriously bad at reading the atmosphere, abruptly broke the silence.

Tiona: C'mon, Line! You've gotta know somethin' we girls can talk about, yeah? Somethin' real juicy!

Line: M-me?! I, erm...you mean like...gossip about our love lives or something?

The healer's face flushed a brilliant shade of red.

Tiona: Yeah! Romance it is, then!

Tiona responded with a full-faced grin of approval. And then:

Tiona: Hey, Filvis! You got anyone you liiiiiiiiiike?

Filvis: Bwuh?!

Filvis almost choked. In less than an instant, her snow-white skin went completely red. Supportive oohs and aahs erupted from the other adventurers at the surprise attack from Loki Familia's celebrated vanguard warrior. Lefiya, in particular, was taken aback by Filvis's extreme reaction.

Filvis: D-don't you think that information is a bit private to be sharing upon one's first meeting, Amazon?!

Filvis sputtered.

Tiona: Oh, c'mon! Gossip is the world's best icebreaker!

Tiona insisted, her smile never faltering. The sight of her fellow elf in such a panic gave Lefiya shivers.

Lefiya(mind): M-Miss Tiona is...truly amazing! Here I've been trying so long to accomplish what she did in a matter of moments...

Lefiya was forced to recall a moment from some two months ago, when she, Filvis, and Bete had formed a party on their way to the twenty-fourth- floor pantry. Her eyes sparkled with awe and respect for the Amazon and her ability to smash through her opponent's walls without even trying.

Lefiya: I—I will gossip, too! Erm...Oh! Could it be...your constant companion —Lord Dionysus?!

Filvis: Lefiya!!

Tiona: Wow! Crushin' on a god, huh?

Lefiya: Though isn't that uncommon, is it? Especially in the more upstanding familias.

Lefiya wasn't about to let this opportunity pass her by, but her "assistance" did little more than turn Filvis's face an even deeper shade of red. Tiona and Tione were more or less unfazed, but the damage had already been done. Soon, the entire group of girls had joined in the conversation, all of them gushing with their own stories of kiss-and-tell. The only one not participating, in fact, was Aiz, altogether quite unsure what to do with herself given the current topic.

Filvis: What about you lot?! If you're going to ask someone, then at least offer something first?!

Filvis demanded.

Tione: I'm after the captain!

Tiona: Me? I'm not really interested in all that lovey-dovey stuff, y'know? But I am rootin' for a certain little adventurer, hee-hee-hee-hee!

Tione: Did I mention the captain was mine?!

Lefiya: I don't really...have anyone in particular, either...though there is someone I look up to...

Tione: I've got dibs on the captain!!

Tiona: Oh, shut up already, Tione!!

Tiona finally shouted once the other Amazon began to sound like a broken record. Meanwhile, Lefiya could only throw hesitant glances in Asuna and Aiz's direction upon revealing her heart's weakness.

Tiona: Then there is Asuna here who is with Mr Flash!

Asuna: You don't have to bring that up!

Filvis: Eh?! B-But... Miss Asuna in a relation  with a human!!

Elves: I know right! We'll never approved it!

Asuna: -_- Not your decision to make. I get to be whoever I want.

Elves: I swear we will kill that Hero!

Asuna:💢 Not before I kill you girls first!

Elves: Eeeek! We're sorry!

Filvis: U-Um... I thought that marriage between other Familia is prohibited.

Elves: Riiiiiiight!!!!!!

Asuna: Oh... Don't worry about that. Before I joined this Familia, I make sure to tell Loki, Finn and the others that no one interferes my relation with Sora. If she does, I wouldn't hesitate to leave this Familia.

Girls: Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!!!!!

Elves: No way....!!!!! Our hopes are crush!!!!!

Asuna(mind): -_- This is why I change my name. It will be an even more riot if they know who I truly am.

Elfie: Um, okay.... What about you, huh, Aki? You and Raul sure hang out a lot.

Aki: Not a chance. For now...

It didn't take long for the entire group to offer up their own thoughts on the matter, and soon the air was buzzing with the distinctive energy of girl talk. Even as they continued noisily down the dark road, it was obvious the familia's pallum captain had most of the votes.

Tiona: What about you, Line?

Line: Me? Erm...

Tiona had finally turned to the human girl who'd started the conversation in the first place. The bespectacled girl played bashfully with the rim of her glasses, braided hair swaying.

Line:...Mister Bete, I suppose.

Everyone:...

Asuna(mind): Bete... Oh boy.

Tione: Seriously?! You've gotta be kidding!

Tiona: Talk about bad taste, Leene! Bete? Really? The guy going on and on about how 'concerning himself with weaklings is a waste of time' on the last expedition?

The Amazon sisters balked, unable to believe their ears. Meanwhile, Line practically curled in on herself in embarrassment, cheeks aflame.

Line: Yeah, but... he can be quite gallant when he wants to be... a-and I think he's a good person... deep down...

Asuna(mind): Oh yeah. She was amongst the few that knows.

Tiona: Nahhh, no way! No freakin' way!

Line: It's a difficult love... That I know...

Line(mind): Since Mr Bete had a crush on Miss Asuna.

Line glance at Asuna slightly to which she just close her eyes.

Asuna:...

Line: Even still, I will help Mr Bete as much as possible. That's my goal.

Tione: If you say it like that, all i can do is support you.

Aki: I will also back you up.

Tiona: Me too!

Elfie: Come on, Line.

Filvis: Really? Really, are you alright with that?

Lefiya: Miss Filvis...

Asuna(whisper): I'm rooting for you, Line.

Line(whisper): But what about his feeling for you?

Asuna(whisper): You know that I'm already with Sora. There's no way I can accept his feelings. And beside, I don't think what he likes about me is love. So go for it.

Line(whisper): I-I'll do my best.

Line's expression softened as she spoke but Tiona, who was constantly on bad terms with the werewolf, fiercely voiced her doubts. As Lefiya and the rest of the girls smiled weakly, however, the attention finally turned to the only victim left: a certain golden-haired, golden-eyed swordswoman.

Tiona: Right, then. What about you, Aiz?

Aiz:...I don't really...have anyone...

Tiona: Oh, c'mon! You've gotta have at least someone! Even the teensiest bit of a crush!

Tiona continued, urging her on with a smile.

Aiz: I...

Aiz struggled to find her words as everyone in the group became intently focused on the Sword Princess's plight—Lefiya in particular. The zealous conversation had originally been intended as a method of inducting Filvis, who was now utterly exhausted, but it couldn't be stopped anymore. Its original purpose had long been forgotten, and the topic was simply too mouthwatering for a group of girls in their prime to resist.

Aiz: It's not love... But I think I have someone I admire.

Tiona: Ooooo! Who...?!

They were all immediately interested.

Aiz: I guess, it's Sora.

Everyone:....WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!?!?!

Aiz: I think he's really cool in many ways. He's as smart as Finn. As strong as Gareth. His swordsman is far greater than mine and Asuna's. And I even think he's magic is far greater than Riveria.

Asuna: Ah... Not surprising.

Aiz: And... He's really, um... Heroic...? I think...

Lefiya: Uughh! First Miss Asuna, and now Miss Aiz admires him. Mister Sora is such a Casanova.

???: What about me...?

They all jumped in surprised when they saw Sora there with a bag of food and treats. He was holding lots of things. Potato Snacks.... Cupcakes... Cookies... Honey jar... and more so. They didn't even sense him come near them.

Sora: Well... This is a party...

Asuna: Sora...

Sora: Yo!

Aiz: Potato snacks...!!

Sora: This is not for you.

Aiz: Give me!

Sora: No!

Aiz: Give me!

Sora: No!

Asuna: Aiz...! Hold yourself! And Sora... What are you doing here...?

Sora: Heading towards one of the orphanage that I just become acquaintances with. With some treats. What about you guys... Seeing all of your Familia, I'm guessing this isn't an ordinary field trip.

Asuna: We're doing a search party for the other entrance to another dungeon.

Tione: Wai- Asuna! The captain said to keep it confidential outside our allied Familia.

Asuna: Sora is an allied friend, and someone I trust. So it's no trouble if I tell him. And besides, judging by your less reaction, I'm guessing you know something.

Sora: As a matter of fact, I do happened to know where it is.

Loki Familia: Really...?!

Asuna: See...? Told you.

Sora: Well, I happened to found it when I'm doing an investigation on my own. And I managed to found something, to which I'm guessing the entrance to another dungeon.

Sora put the treat bags aside and slip his hand towards his inner pocket and pull out an envelop. He gave it to Asuna and she opened it and went to check it out along with Aiz and the others. Inside the envelop contains a map of Daedalus Street inner and underground sewers that Asuna, Aiz and the others would have never guess to imagine. From the map, they all saw one big spot that Sora had sign.

Sora: While I don't recommend you guys going inside there without any preparation. Or some tips, don't split up your team, or get to caught on by your own pride.

Sora said before passing Aiz and the others, but just as he passed Asuna, he whisper something that only she could hear.

Sora(whisper): If something goes wrong, contact me through Slyphid.

Asuna(whisper): On it.

With that, Sora left the Loki Familia.

Aki: Uwahhhh. There's so many places that I never even been in here.

Elfie: He cover almost all the tracks in Daedalus Street.

Line: With this map, we won't get lost.

Aki: It's crazy how he managed to map this all by himself. So he's a high level strategist, a super strong warrior, a master swordsman, a powerful magic users. And he's also good at mapping things. Just how much talent does one person posses?

Elfie and Line: I know right!

Lefiya: Ahahaha...

(Elsewhere)

Bete: Aaaaaaaachoo!!

Bete let out a ferocious sneeze, drawing the attention of his peers.

Finn: Caught a cold, have you, Bete?

Bete: C'mon, Finn, as if! More like some punk somewhere's bad-mouthin' me.

Raul: Come to mention it, you've been shivering a bit yourself, there, Cap'n.

Finn: It is a bit strange. It's just a chill, but it never seems to end.

Gareth: Likely Tione and her lot are up to no good again...

As Finn, Bete, Raul, and Gareth conversed, their voices echoed off the walls of the tunnel surrounding them. They were in the sewers beneath Orario. While Loki had taken the ladies of the familia to search Daedalus Street, Finn and the rest of the men had been tasked with investigating the winding passages beneath the city. Among them were ten or so lower-level familia members, each one— including Raul—carrying a portable magic-stone lantern.

Gareth: While it may be true that Njord first met our mysterious gentleman here beneath the city...' twas nigh five years ago now, no? Probably nothing left to find.

Gareth mused somewhat despondently.

Finn: I don't disagree with you. Bete and Loki have both done their share of searching down here, and even the girls and I did our own investigation of the place back when Asuna and the others got caught up in that pantry debacle on the twenty-fourth floor. Though we did find a few violas, there wasn't much else.

Bete: So why are we here now, huh?

Finn: Because looking for people isn't the same as looking for monsters. Also...we'll be focusing mainly on the section of sewers beneath Daedalus Street—the city's southeastern quarter and its vicinity. If we can at least limit the range of our search, we may just be able to find something.

Finn answered Bete's doubts with no sign of hesitation in his voice. Equipped with his long spear, the prum captain kept careful watch of their surroundings from his spot in the middle of the group. Likewise, the others readied their weapons lest an unexpected attack catch them off guard. When their superior perception and awareness were focused, even the slightest movement was unable to escape their gazes as they investigated the city's complex sewer system.
Down the dank tunnel they advanced, ears honed toward the sound of flowing water.

Bete: !

Finn: What's wrong, Bete?

The werewolf had come to an abrupt stop the moment his foot crossed the threshold between south and southeast—Daedalus Street's border. And he wasn't the only one, either; every animal person present was responding to a certain scent in the air, their noses upturned and sniffing.

Bete: I could recognize this stink anywhere—violas.

Finn's features hardened in an instant. Quickly reorganizing the rest of the group, he herded them forward in a new direction with Bete in the lead. The werewolf's metal boots were pointed directly toward the Old Sewerway. Passing through the antiquated double-swinging iron gate, they crossed over a stone bridge, the intervals between their echoing footsteps urging them to hurry. Finally...

Raul:...A hidden staircase?

It was in a small passage jutting off from the main waterway. The opening leading downward was just slightly ajar, almost as if its "lid" had slipped, the panel of stone wide enough that even the long bodies of the violas would probably have had no problem passing through.

Bete: We found a whole lot of nothing last time...and now this just appears. Seems pretty fishy, if you ask me...

Bete muttered under his breath, and anxiety gripped the rest of the group as they grasped the implications. It was enough to make Finn and Gareth narrow their eyes suspiciously, but they ordered the group to proceed down the stairs all the same. The make of this new stone tunnel was considerably different from that of the sewers up above, and the residual scent of monsters permeated the air around them Still, they continued—until they stumbled upon something.

Raul: A gold...door?

Raul murmured in awe.

Gareth: That shine...It's orichalcum!

Gareth was equally as astonished.

Finn: This is... A challenge for us?

The brilliant golden door standing before them now was well over three meter tall. Within the flawless silvery luster, the glitter of red gemstones could be seen. The men of Loki Familia could only look upon the soaring structure in wonder, unable to speak.