No one's POV

Loki Familia's expedition party had returned to Twilight Manor. They'd collapsed into their beds and slept soundly their first night back, and their lips curled into smiles as they awoke to the light of the surface. They were home—free from the chill dark and far from the unceasing howls of monsters.

A certain elven maiden squinted her azure eyes as she peered through her window at the sun. Outside in the courtyard, two adventurers, one a golden-haired, golden-eyed swordswoman, and the other a blue-haired, blue-eyed swordswoman, had awoken for their early morning duel regimen, already hours into their routine as they lost themselves in the fragrant breeze and clear blue sky.

The late risers trickled out of their rooms one by one, eager to sate their appetites with the bread, hot soup, fried eggs, and meats they'd been deprived of for so long. The warm sunlight, the good weather, the fresh foods—all the pleasures of the surface they'd previously taken for granted soothed their weary bodies.
Before long, the manor was as lively as ever.

Loki: All righty, then! I know we've got plenty of things to deal with...but how's about we start off with yer Status updates, yeah?

Loki announced her intentions amid all the renewed hustle and bustle. And so, while the familia members who'd stayed behind were busy with organizing the resources, equipment, and spoils of war from the expedition— a task they'd been busy with since the night prior—the party members formed a long, snaking line leading to Loki's chambers on the top floor of the manor's central tower. Given how easy it had been for their Statuses to develop during the expedition, nearly everyone had to pay the goddess a visit, which meant there was no way to get through the whole throng on the same night they returned. Even Aiz had spent the evening merely resting, waiting until the next day to take her turn.

Updating the Statuses of more than thirty adventurers was no easy task, but Loki hopped to excitedly, as prompt and efficient as ever. It was during this time that—

Tiona: Level Six!! I caught up to Aiz!!

Bete: Finally! Heh-HEH!

Tiona's and Bete's exclamations echoed throughout the tower. Both of them had leveled up. The high-grade excelia they'd obtained after their decisive battle in the Frontier had been enough to bump them from Level 5 to Level 6. Just as the phrase implied, leveling up involved pushing their Status past its current limit to reach even greater heights in terms of skills and abilities.

Tiona clutched in her hands the updated parchment she'd received from Loki, grinning as she jumped and skipped about. Even Bete cracked a smile for once, not caring who was watching as he let out a howl.

Aki: Guess there's no point in even asking you, hmm, Tione?

Tione: Heh. Well, you know. Anyway, what about you guys? Aki? Elfy?

Tione asked the question while she tried her best to keep her own excitement in check after leveling up just like her sister.

Aki:What does this face look like...

Elfy: We still have ways to go, it seems. Apparently, Raul, Cruz, and Alicia are still Level 4 too. Lefiya still hasn't even returned from Loki's room... I wonder how it went?

The catgirl and human responded with strained laughs, their shoulders slumped. It would seem Loki Familia's alternates were stuck at Level 4, if Raul's drooping head was any indication.

Tiona: Hey, Aiz! Look, look! Level Six!

Aiz: Mmn...congratulations, Tiona.

Tiona: Eh-heh-heh...I told ya I wasn't gonna lose to you! Better watch out or I'll blow right past ya!

Tiona dashed forward to greet the swordswoman, still brimming with excitement as the group made its way down the tower steps and out into the courtyard. Aiz responded with a faint smile, spurring on the Amazon's cheer. Tiona launched herself onto Aiz's back with a practically audible sproing!

Tiona: What about you, Aiz, huh? You didn't level up again, did you?!

Aiz: Don't be silly...

That's impossible. Aiz finished the thought privately as she glanced down at the parchment in her hands.

Aiz Wallenstein: LEVEL 6

Strength: I30→84
Endurance: I39→89
Dexterity: I58→98
Agility: I57→93
Magic: I45→H101
Hunter: G
Abnormal Resistance: G
Swordsman: H
Spirit Healing: I

Her abilities had increased more than 230 points in total after she'd first embarked on the expedition—ever since the night of the black raid she'd weathered with Sora, Asuna, Bell and Hestia, actually. From that point, she'd taken part in the attack on The Dragon's Urn, then the life-and-death battle with the corrupted spirit. Taking all these into account, it was no surprise that her gains were substantial, even if she was already Level 6.

Tiona: Show me! Whoa. Look at how much your abilities had increased, even if you're already Level 6!

The numbers made Aiz happy—relieved, almost. They were her reward for breaking her previous limits and reaching new heights.

Tiona: How about Asuna? Where is she anyway?

Aiz: Um, I think she was with Finn and the others. She is the Familia second in command after all.

Meanwhile, back upstairs where Lefiya was just now getting her own Status updated— Loki cried out triumphantly from behind the elf, whose clothes were undone to reveal the smooth curve of her back.

Loki: Congrats, Lefiya! You should be able t'level up!

Lefiya:...What?

Lefiya froze, halfway through retrieving her clothes. The crimson hieroglyphics on her back, which were not unlike an epitaph, pulsed with light at regular intervals. It took her all of ten seconds before she was practically stumbling back toward the grinning goddess.

Lefiya: L-l-l-level up? D-did you say...level up? M-me?!

Loki: That I did, little missy. To Level Four!

Lefiya: I...I did it!!

Lefiya shouted, unable to contain herself. Even though she was still only half-dressed and covering herself with her discarded shirt, she wanted to jump for joy. She'd certainly looked death in the face rather often recently, yet she had lived to tell the tale.

In fact, she'd been fully prepared to meet her end more times than she could count. As a Level 3, she'd already descended to the Dungeon's depths —a place where even first-tier adventurers like Aiz and the others couldn't be sure of victory—and returned in one piece. If the high-grade excelia Tiona and the others had earned was enough for them to level up, then it made sense that the quality of Lefiya's excelia was worthy of a "feat."

Desperate to catch up to Aiz and the others, she'd put her own life on the line to complete her adventure.

Loki: Quite a few of you kids came back with all kinds'a new magic and skills...Seems like this expedition was well worth it.

Loki was talking to herself, but Lefiya wasn't listening, her face still flushed and her head dizzy. She was beyond happy. Her heart was filled with the feeling that she'd truly grown stronger and that she might actually have a chance to catch up to Aiz and the others.

Lefiya(mind): And that rabbit—yes, that rabbit. I did it! Did you see that, hmm? How's that for size?

Pictured clearly in her mind was the boy she'd dubbed her rival for many reasons. She puffed her chest out with pride—on the inside. Her rival had taken down a minotaur all by himself when he was only Level 1, earning him a chance to level up. Even though she had faltered when the boy's accelerated growth led him to pull off his own feat, Lefiya was sure now that she hadn't lost yet.

For the time being, at least, she was in the lead.

Lefiya(mind): Still, I mustn't let this go to my head. His level may be lower than mine at the moment, but he's reckless to a fault and wields strange magic to boot. That's why I have to take advantage of every bit of strength I have—with even greater effort than he uses—and widen the gap between us as much as possible...!

Lefiya began to settle down, practically tingling with energy. Loki could almost see the blazing flames emanating from behind the elf, but her expression soon turned confused.

Loki: Hmm...y'know, Lefiya? This is just a tiny suggestion, but...could ya be patient for a little while longer? About leveling up, I mean.

Lefiya: Wh-whaaat?

Lefiya came to a sudden halt again, a puzzled question escaping her lips. Her goddess's "suggestion" had completely snuffed out the fiery sense of victory within her. As she turned around, asking why with her eyes, Loki handed over the parchment with her updated Status.

Lefiya Viridis: LEVEL 3

Strength: I84→86
Endurance: H121→184
Dexterity: G207→210
Agility: G252→271
Magic: B723→797
Mage: H
Abnormal Resistance: I

No new skills, though her abilities had improved quite handily since before the expedition, in particular her endurance and magic. Holding her clothes in one hand and the parchment in another, her gaze rose from the page.

Loki: You get a good look? Then let me take you through it step-by-step, okay? Lefiya...what level was yer magic at when you went up to Level Three?

Lefiya: It was...S...

Loki: Right? Right now, your Magic is B. Soooo... you can see why this time you don't have quite enough, yeah? At least that's what I was thinkin'. Don't want you losin' out to Asuna and Riveria, huh? Gotta make you a ridiculous magic powerhouse.

Lefiya: R-ridiculous magic powerhouse...

A bead of sweat worked its way down Lefiya's temple as the words hit home. She knew what Loki was saying. That she still had room to grow as a Level 3. Her Status had not exceeded the limits of her current "container" the way Aiz's had when she leveled up.

Loki: Now, if you were anyone else, I'd level you up as soon as I was able to. After all, the ability points of a higher level aren't even comparable to the level below it.

Lefiya: Yes, this is...true...

Loki: I can't stop you from focusin' on numbers, numbers, numbers all the time, either. Maxin' out an ability takes a lot of time and effort, and it'd be much easier to just up and at 'em to the next level. But... Those eensy-weensy little numbers you'd be giving up on could prove fatal in a familia like mine.

Lefiya:...!

If two adventurers of the same level were to go head-to-head, how those figures matched up could mean the difference between victory and defeat. In other words, it was an ability gap. Acquiring more points at an earlier level could confer a distinct advantage, since it would be reflected in a person's current level as "extra" power.

Of course, numbers weren't the only determining factor when it came to victory and defeat. An adventurer's expertise—their techniques, tactical finesse, magic, and skills—all played an important role, as well.

Still, it was a great advantage to have. And it went without saying that the higher one's level, the more excelia required to raise one's numbers.

Loki: Lucky for you, you've got Finn and the others who can help you get the experience you need. One more expedition like this and you'll shoot right up, don'tcha think?

Lefiya: Ah...ha-ha...ha-ha-ha...

The fact that other familias did prioritize leveling up was the problem. In a departure from how Loki Familia operated with its legion of powerful elites, adventurers in less influential familias had to risk their lives in the Dungeon for any hope of leveling up. This made the level-ups themselves, along with the increase in fighting power they brought, absolutely essential. They didn't exist in an environment where they could easily collect high- caliber excelia whenever and wherever they pleased.

Lefiya could only force a laugh as Loki shot her a somewhat sadistic smile.

Loki: I know, I know...you may be thinkin' life's a little bit cruel right now, but...Lefiya, think about it. Your level-ups have been comin' faster ever since you converted to my familia, yeah?

Lefiya: They have, yes...

Lefiya's first level-up had taken her three years to achieve. She'd been a mere eleven years old, still in the middle of her studies in the Education District. After one more year in school, she'd joined Loki Familia, and after only another year's time, she'd reached Level 3. Now, two years after that moment, she'd received the golden ticket that would accelerate her to Level 4.

Putting aside a certain white rabbit's insane growth, Lefiya's progress was nothing to scoff at, either. It was steady and sure, thanks to the strength of Finn, Aiz, and the others.

Loki: I know it's a lot of pressure hearin' it again and again, but Finn, the other top spots, and I all want ya to follow in Riveria's footsteps. Super Lefiya's great, but Hyper Lefiya's what we really want, no matter how much time 'n' energy it takes. Remember what your last Level Two Status looked like? We want something like that again, yeah? Leavin' yer magic at a B would be such a waste...so let's get it up to a high A.

Lefiya:...

Loki: O'course, I'll admit this isn't really my decision to make. You should do whatever you feel is right. If you wanna level up right now, I won't stop you. So...whaddaya think?

Lefiya was silent for a moment. Thinking. Finally, she nodded.

Lefiya: I understand. I'll continue at this level for a while longer.

There was pressure, just like Loki had said. All these expectations from those around her made her timid to the point of shame. But now she would rise to meet those expectations. Being Riveria's successor—that's what she needed to be thinking about if she hoped to compete against her boy rival. If she hoped to lend her strength to Aiz and the others. And it was the expedition, and its intense battles, that had allowed her to do so. Something in Lefiya had changed on that expedition, and even she had realized it.

Loki: Thanks a million, Lefiya. Finn and the others already filled me in on everything that happened down there, and it'll probably be a bit before we organize another. I know it might not feel great, but try and hold out till then, okay?

Lefiya: I will.

As Loki smiled, Lefiya turned her head over her shoulder to look at the Status on her back, currently stuck in its arrested state of development. The glowing hieroglyphs affirmed that a level-up was possible at any time as long as her patron deity allowed it. Once Loki had redone the lock and the light of her Status had faded, Lefiya redonned her garments and left the room behind her.

(Elsewhere)

Gareth: Well, I'll be. Still no Level Seven for the two of ye?

The mad rush of Status updates had just about ended when Gareth made his comment, arms folded as his fellow elites took their turns.

Finn: Seems it wasn't quite enough. Perhaps I should go to Sora or Ottar, hmm? Ask them for their secrets.

Asuna: I should probably started training with Sora again. With him, I always rank up faster.

Asuna said slumping her head as she looked at her status. But she was happy with the results.

Asuna Yuuki Level: 6
Strength: C 615-> 675
Vitality: D 545-> C 610
Dexterity: D 507-> 575
Agility: A 820-> 880
Magic: S 990-> 999
•Mage: E
•Treatment: G
•Abnormal Resistance: G
•Spirit Healing: H
•Magic Resistance: H

New Magic:
Healing Magic:
• Dia Giest: A high class healing magic capable of healing anything such as wounds, stamina, status ailments, and curses within a 5 meter radius. Once cast, the magic stays behind for a certain amount of time as a barrier of light, continuously healing anything that's in its effect range.

Seeing the new magic she attained, Asuna smile happily. She finally had her last magic. With this, she too now have all 9 magic at her disposal. Like Riveria.

Riveria: Then there yet remain only three Level Sevens, the strongest in the world...

It would seem all 4 Loki Familia elites, updated Status parchments in hand, had to spend a bit more time as Level 6s. As they glanced out the window, down to the courtyard where their friends either celebrated or lamented various Status updates, the trio felt the undeniable sting of impatience as well.

Loki: You guys are natural-born leaders. Fact is, I don't think there's anyone alive who could lead the three of you. Which is kinda the problem, yeah?

Asuna: I know it's tough, but you three still have a ways to go before you can match us, Zeus and Hera.

Finn, Riveria and Gareth: We'll catch up to you in no time!

Asuna: Well, I'm looking forward to it.

Even the experience they'd earned from their fight against the expedition's final boss, the spirit, had had to be divided up among the entire party—which was exactly what Loki was alluding to now.

Loki: Aaanyway, that's an issue for another time. I'm behind schedule! Y'all take care of tradin' in the spoils, all right?

Asuna: Of course.

Finn: We've dropped well into the red thanks to this expedition.

Riveria: There's the cost of the magic swords and Durandal weapons before we even left, plus all that poison-vermis antivenin we were forced to buy...

Gareth: And the drop items, too, aye. We had to give 'em to Hephaestus Familia in exchange for their services...

Loki: Hnnnnngh, stop, stop, stop, please! Yer givin' me a splittin' headache!

Asuna: Will we be holding a party tonight, then?

Loki: Of Course we will! Gotta celebrate your homecomin', after all!!

The conversation continued as the Loki Familia elites discussed the day's schedule with their patron deity. Almost as they were done wrapping things up, though, Finn seemed to remember something.

Asuna: Ah, right. There was something I forgot to tell you... about the incident with the minotaur down in the upper levels. Along the fight Sora had with Ottar, it would seem the Goddess Freya may have played a part in the attack.

Loki:...Hrmm?

Asuna: I'm sure we'd be able to uncover evidence if we investigate. But we should report it to the Guild, yes?

Loki: Ah, right...It came up at Denatus, too. Whole thing got pretty much left up in the air, though...so diggin' any further probably won't do much good. Let's just ignore it!

Asuna: Are you sure?

But Loki merely flapped her hand in nonchalant disregard. The unusually forgiving demeanor of their goddess was enough to draw questioning glances from all 4 elites. Loki, however, simply ignored their looks.

Loki: Anyways, I got somewhere to be! Meetin' adjourned!

She offhandedly dismissed them as she made to leave the room. On the inside, however, she was sweating up a storm. Actually, Loki had a secret agreement she'd made with the Goddess Freya. Moreover, it hinged entirely on Loki's own Achilles' heel. She wasn't allowed to interfere in any of Freya's doings. Naturally, she couldn't talk about those things with her followers, either. It certainly felt like her dignity as a goddess had taken a hit. As their patron deity scrambled out of the room, the remaining 4 adventurers could only stare at her back in disbelief.

Gareth: Somethin' happen between the two of them, ye reckon...?

Riveria: More drunken dealings? Really now...

Asuna: A secret agreement...?

Finn: Hmm, or perhaps something more like a debt.

Followers could not lie to their god. Similarly, Finn and the others were not about to be taken in by their goddess, either. Their time together had been far, far too long for that.

(Timeskip)

Their Status updates completed, the members of Loki Familia made their way into the city to finish off their remaining expedition obligations—namely, the exchanging of loot for money. Heaving bags on top of more bags, they set off from the manor en masse before dispersing into every corner of the city.

Finn: Finn Deimne of Loki Familia. As relayed previously, my familia has returned from its expedition, and I'm here to trade in magic stones.

Misha: You got it! Misha Frot at your service! Welcome back! We've been waiting for you!

Finn: We encountered many unreported monsters down in the Dungeon's depths. Though this will only apply to a small selection of familias, I'd like you to issue a warning for all floors below fifty. I've included further details in my report, along with a list of all our members who've leveled up.

Misha: Understood, sir! Now, let's see...Whaaaaaa—?! Three Level Sixes?!?

(Elsewhere)

Tiona: Amiiiid! Long time no see!

Tione: Shhhhh! Inside voices in the store, please!

Lefiya: Ha-ha-ha. Nice seeing you, Amid.

Aiz: Hello again...Amid.

Asuna: How are you doing, Amid?

Amid: Welcome back, my friends. I'm doing fine. Miss Tiona, Miss Tione, Miss Lefiya, Miss Asuna, and...Miss Aiz.

Lastly, a certain set of girls made their way to a certain clinic, where a certain friend awaited. It was the clinic of Dian Cecht Familia, complete with emblem of herb and light, a facility they'd not visited in some time. Today, as always, its rooms were filled with upper-class adventurers. From within the hustle and bustle, the human girl Amid greeted Aiz and the others with a smile.

Amid: Congratulations on the completion of your expedition. I had heard you ran into an Irregular and were forced to stay for some time on the eighteenth floor...Nothing too serious, I hope?

Asuna: It was a formidable battleground to be sure...but thanks to your potions and elixirs, we were able to pull through by the skin of our teeth. Well, there was the antivenin, too, of course.

Lefiya: Your magic potion helped me a lot as well! I cannot thank you enough!

Amid: It brings me nothing but joy to hear that my medicines were able to assist you.

The warmhearted healer answered with another smile, her long silver hair fluttering. Her delicate, doll-like features softened at the news that Aiz and the others had escaped unharmed. Then, all of a sudden. Her eyes turned toward Tione, almost as though she'd just noticed something.

Amid: Miss Tione...is something wrong?

Tione:...You can tell?

Amid: I am a healer, after all.

What with the countless sick and injured patients Amid had treated in the past, it was all too easy for her keen eyes to notice the change in the girl's pallor. The fact that the rest of her friends had not noticed anything yet was further proof of Amid's skills as a healer. Tione brought a finger up to scratch lightly at her cheek.

Tione: It's not really, you know, a big thing...I had a bad dream is all. You don't have anything that might help me sleep better, do you?

Amid: I see. Perhaps I can recommend some Argelica Root, as it promotes restful sleep.

Tione: Thanks...Uh, would you mind keeping this from Aiz and the others? Especially that idiot?

Amid: I don't mind, but I think Miss Asuna already noticed them.

Tione: Eh?

Amid: She's a healer too after all.

Tiona: Whaaatcha guys doin', huh?

The aforementioned idiot came bounding over when she noticed the two's conversation.

Amid: Merely discussing the details for an exchange of drop items. I assume all of you are quite busy again today, yes?

Tiona: Yup, yup! After this, I'm headin' over to Goibniu Familia so I can get my Urga fixed up. You're comin', too, aren't ya, Tione?

Tione: Yeah. I ran out of spares for my Zolas...and I could definitely use some more Filuka throwing knives.

Lefiya: Will you be going as well, Miss Aiz, Miss Asuna?

Aiz: Yes, I need them to take a look at my Desperate...

Asuna: The same with my Lambent Light.

The first order of business was turning in magic stones and drop items, but the second would be repair (or replacement) of their weapons and armor. For as many times as they'd done it now, it still always felt like a mountain of things needed doing after they returned from an expedition. Even as Amid gathered materials and replenished the supply of items from across the counter, Aiz and the others were already focused on the great many other tasks they still had yet to do.

Tione: Now that you mention it, didn't Loki leave the manor with us, too? I wonder what she could be up to.

Lefiya: She said she had an errand to run, I believe...

Tiona: Probably gettin' the goods for the big bash tonight, yeah?

Lefiya offered her own thoughts on the matter, as did the younger Amazon with an accompanying belly laugh. The conversation made Asuna think back to earlier that morning, when she'd seen Loki exit the manor before disappearing almost immediately.

Asuna(mind): It almost seemed like...something was wrong?

(Timeskip)

That night. Around the time dusk began to blanket the sky, a strange commotion was working its way into every nook and cranny of the city. News of Loki Familia's post-expedition feat—Bete's, Tiona's, and Tione's ascent to Level 6—was making the rounds. In their love of frivolity, the gods of Orario hadn't even waited for the official Guild proclamation, disseminating the news across the entire city at blinding speed.

Loki Familia was the hot topic in Orario, the first ones to make it to the Dungeon's fifty-ninth floor since the deities Zeus and Hera had so long ago. Once more, the blessed light of stars shone down on the city from above, the coveted seats of hero-hood beckoning the next generation of adventurers. Gods, adventurers, and citizens alike celebrated the familia's mighty deeds.

Loki: Shall we toast, then? To another successful expedition—cheers!!

Meanwhile, the familia in question was in the midst of its own celebration at a certain bar where their alcohol-loving patron deity had led them. The Hostess of Fertility, to be specific—a little place down on West Main Street. Its walls were filled to the brim with noisy patrons as a mighty clang of steins echoed through the air. Aiz raised her glass as well, though more like a skittish animal than anything else, quietly bringing the citrusy juice to her lips.

Riveria: Control yourself, Bete! You're not getting drunk on my watch!

Riveria directed a warning look toward the werewolf.

Bete: Hey, I'm always in control!

Tiona: Lefiya! Mind if I have that meat you got over there?

Lefiya: O-of course, Miss Tiona! But...that's your fifth piece already...

Tione: The food's not showing any signs of stopping, so why worry? Ah, could I get a refill of this?

Tiona was indulging even more than usual. Tione was helping herself freely to the food and drink as well while Lefiya simply shuddered.

Gareth: Heavens, Finn. We've not accounted for this kind of festivity in our budget.

Finn: Surely a party won't break the bank, hmm? And if worse comes to worst, we can always appropriate a bit from Loki's secret savings.

As Gareth mused with a wary eye at all the revelry while nursing his large drink, Finn merely laughed.

Loki: Hey! I heard that!...And I don't give a damn! Hey, everyone! Everything's on me tonight, so go wild!

Loki announced, face already a brilliant red.

Loki Familia: Yahooo!!

The celebratory cries from Raul and the other familia members practically shook the roof. Obeying their goddess's wishes, they continued to order more—frothy ales and the house's specialty fruit wines—and drain every cask. The table was lined with colorful vegetables, cheesy quiches, baked fish, and thick steaks. Tiona's tongue was restless as the waiters brought them out one after another. The waiters themselves, the cat people in particular, could only let out harried mewls as their eyes darted this way and that.

Loki Familia's wild celebration was even attracting the attention of other patrons. Customers seated at neighboring tables showed curious astonishment as they watched the group. Sensing the attentions, even the normally impassive Aiz found herself enjoying the party.

Lefiya: Miss Aiz, would you like me to get you some food?

Aiz: It's fine, really...Thank you, Lefiya.

Lefiya: Is...something wrong? You look as though you've got something on your mind.

Aiz: ?

Lefiya: You were staring off into space...B-but I apologize if my assumption is incorrect!

Aiz found herself taken aback by Lefiya's observation. Her mind really had drifted somewhere else before Asuna chimed in.

Asuna: Thinking of Bell and Sora again

Aiz: I guess there's no hiding anything from you, Big Sis.

Asuna: It so obvious. Don't worry about it. In fact, he's on his way here.

Aiz: Eh?

Just as Aiz was about to confirm what Asuna meant a cluster of voices rose up above the others from farther within the room.

Anya: Mama Mia! Ryuu's back!

Mia: What are you girls yapping about? Get back to work!!

As the owner and her waitresses shouted back and forth, Aiz's thoughts, however, were focused on the information she'd received about Bell and his party only a short while ago. It was when Ryuu, along with the Hestia Familia, Hephaestus Familia, Miach Familia, and Takemikazuchi Familia all came rushing in.

Asuna: See...?

Aiz: Mm... Bell... Sora...

Loki: Gah! Shrimp!

Hestia: Geh! Loki!

Hestia and Loki started bantering as always. Ryuu went inside and started changing to her waitress uniform, while Sora was confused to see that Syr is not here.

Sora: Is Syr away, Mia?

Mia: Yeah. She's taking a day off.

Sora and his party started to celebrate their return from the 18th floor. Asuna of course invited him to seat next to her and Sora comply with Rin sitting next to him as well. Aiz who was sitting to Asuna's left asked Sora what happened and Sora told the Loki Familia about the Black Goliath that appeared on the 18th floor the moment they left. Which caught them by surprised.

Aiz: But, you defeated it, right.

Sora: Nah, it wasn't me.

Aiz: Eh...?

Sora: Bell defeated it. I barely help.

The Loki Familia of course turned their attention to Bell. Bell's face turned red, embarrassed by the sudden spotlight, Lefiya sullen grumbly when she heard it. And Welf, Lili, Rin, and Hestia were all bragging how Bell defeated it with just one wing of his blade. And Aiz smile at him.

Aiz: You worked hard.

Bell returned the smile. Before long, Hestia and Lili immedietly rushed and hugged him not allowing Bell and Aiz to flirt with one another, and Loki also went for Aiz only for her to stabbed her face with a fork.

Rin: Sora! No fair! Why is it always her!

The rest all saw how Asuna is leaning her face towards Sora's shoulder.

The Loki Familia's elves immediately give Sora a cold glare. None of them had forget how Sora and Asuna kissed before he returned back to his companion. Rin was of course no different than the others who were jealous of their relationship.

Rin: Sora! How come it's only Asuna?!

Rin started hugging Sora's left arm. Asuna quickly lifted her head on Sora's shoulder and look at Rin while smirking.

Asuna: Too bad.

Rin: What's that supposed to mean?! I cannot let this go unchallenged?!

Rin bristled at Asuna's remark. Asuna tilted her head and put on her chin thinking. Then she pointed to herself.

Asuna: Winner.

Then she pointed at Rin.

Asuna: Loser.

She then went back to nuzzling Sora's right shoulder. It was at that point that Rin snapped.

Rin: Fufufu... You're a weird one, Asuna. Sometimes you say things that just don't make sense... Did you hit your head or something?

Rin swayed back and forth, and her staff-wielding demon stand flared to life behind her in a flurry of wind and snow.

Rin: It falls upon me to correct her.When something is broken... You beat it back into shape!

Sora: -_- Oh brother. Can this two stop fighting over one guy?

Fighting spirit started oozing out of Rin. The pub and everyone else  hugged each other tight, terrified of the pressure Rin was emitting.

Welf: I-Is that really Rin?

Asuna once again lifted her head off of Sora's shoulder and grinned faintly at Rin.

Asuna: Don't do it. You know you don't stand a chance if I got serious, right?

It really irritated Rin to hear that familiar phrase come from Asuna's mouth.

Rin: Bring it on! I'd like to see you try!

Rin wasn't backing down either.

Asuna: Mmm, do your worst.

Sora: Do I get a say in this?

Asuna and Rin: No!

Sora: Um, you two...please stop! You do realize I love the both of you right. I can't pick either one of you.

Sora's statement made both girls blush. The remainders that were watching all look at Sora in awe. Boys of course were glaring at jealousy that the Hero is showing off his Harem.

Bell: So this is what Grandpa meant when we should pick girls in a dungeon!

Before long, Asuna and Rin started fighting outside the pub only to be stopped by Sora who is doing his best to hold their bloodlust. Before Loki interrupted the two fighting girls.

Loki: Oh, right! Next week we're gonna make a trip outside the city!

Loki suddenly declared, red-faced and ever so slightly unhinged.

Riveria: Oh? What's all this out of the blue?

Riveria, ever the voice of the whole familia, raised the question as she regarded their goddess suspiciously. Around her, the rest of the familia sported weak smirks and looks of exasperation. Loki, however, just smiled complacently as she looked out across her followers.

Loki: The expedition's over, yeah? So I thought we could have ourselves a little vacation! You know, some R&R!

Tiona: Huh? A trip? That sounds fun!

Tiona piped up, only for Bete to immediately shoot her down.

Bete: You're not seriously believing her, are you? Idiot...

Tiona: What'd you call me?!

Tione: It means that it's probably gonna come with trouble.

The Amazon snapped back angrily, but it was just as the werewolf had said—Loki's explanation was hard for any of them to swallow. While this wouldn't be the first time their patron deity had made a similarly offhand proclamation, whenever she did, it usually signified something was about to happen.

This time, too, everyone was already bracing themselves for whatever it was the trickster goddess was planning. Finn, on the other hand, simply smiled, as if already aware of her true motives.

Gareth: Where in blazes are we goin'?

Loki: Well...I'm not gonna go into too much detail here, but... Let's just say it's right outside the city. Port Melen, to be exact.

Hearing that she will be out of the city made Asuna frown. Seeing her opportunity, Rin smirk at Asuna.

Rin: Too bad. I guess I get to have my time with him while you go on your nicely vacation.

Asuna: Don't think you've won. I'm still his special!

Rin: It won't long till I took that special place in his heart.

Sora: SERIOUSLY.....!!!!! STOP FIGHTING OVER ME ALREADY....!!!! YOU GUYS ARE EMBARRASSING ME.......!!!!!!!!

Asuna and Rin: Not until she backs down from you!!

After that, Sora was treated to a lecture from Loki and Hestia about how they would never approve or their relationship. Rin interrupted midway to point out that after the things he'd done with Asuna, something that took her innocent. Sora and Asuna of course deny it, but none of them believe a word Sora and Asuna said. That led the other elves getting even noisier, and a number of the male adventurers got very uncomfortable boners. Needless to say, it was quite a chaotic party.

A/N: This is the Melen Arc. The Arc three of this whole story was after Sora and the others were back from Artemis's expedition and before Sora and his Familia had the War Game with the Apollo Familia. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and thanks for reading.