Chapter 141: Fels' Request~
"Of course, I won't send you to investigate blindly. I already have some clear leads."
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Speaking of this, he paused, looked at the two of them, and then said in a solemn tone:
"The monster pantry on the 24th floor has had a problem. As long as you go there, you will definitely be able to investigate some results.
When it comes to such formal matters, the clever mind hidden beneath Ais's natural airheadedness came into play.
'This person, according to Fron's words, has been tracking us ever since we entered the dungeon.
Then the purpose is obvious, the target is us. But... shouldn't this sort of thing fall under the jurisdiction of the [Ganesha Familia]? Why was it entrusted to us? In the end, after much thought, Ais could only come to one answer.
That is: the other party wants to deliberately take the opportunity to make contact with us.
But... the information Fels revealed made Ais throw all of that to the back of her mind.
Because... "In fact, this monster riot incident, has a precedent. That is... not long ago, on the 30th floor, there was also a monster riot, almost exactly the same as this time."
"You should still remember the Hashana of the [Ganesha Familia], right?"
Ais nodded, recalling that Lv.4 adventurer who was killed in Rivira Town by the red-haired female tamer.
"Last time, the place I sent him to was precisely the 30th floor. At that time, the exact same situation as the current 24th floor occurred. So I suspect there must be some hidden connection."
"So, we can conclude that the mysterious red-haired female tamer who attacked Rivira Town must be connected to this incident!"
"..."
Hearing this, Ais' expression changed.
She recalled her weak and shameful state in Rivira Town, when her body had become restless, completely weakened, because of the mysterious orb fetus, so powerless she could hardly fight back.
Even she felt deeply ashamed. In her heart, she made a firm resolution: she would never let herself become like that again.
But...
'This person came to us... and even gave us this information. Obviously it's bait to make us accept the commission. But Fron seems very interested in the commission's reward. Th-then... let's just go with him.'
Neither Fron nor Fels knew Ais' current inner thoughts. The girl, unconsciously, was considering the young man's feelings.
Perhaps even she herself hadn't realized it, her stance had already changed.
Slaying monsters and avenging the black dragon were no longer her whole life. She had begun to form new bonds.
"Alright, we'll accept this commission. But the reward must be sufficient."
"..."
Fels was slightly surprised. Was this really the same Sword Princess, indifferent and merciless to monsters, a little airheaded? Even so, he thought this small change should be written into the [Loki Familia] observation diary. It would be valuable reference for future heroes.
"No problem. But, I also have one small request. I hope you begin action immediately, because the situation no longer allows for delay."
Ais looked toward Fron, waiting for his decision. He also understood what the girl meant.
Besides, they were only in the upper floors here, they had hardly consumed any strength. So there was no need for preparation.
"Fine. But, our own safety still depends on you. Make it easier for us."
"Leave that small matter to me. But... make sure you watch your reward closely."
...
The deal was concluded smoothly, and Fron got what he wanted. While Fron was carefully observing Fels's magic, Ais tore a page from the notebook Fron carried and, using the 'Crimson Tide Pen,' wrote down their information and the events, marking the key parts.
"For this commission, I didn't only ask you two. There are others. After all, just two people alone would be too dangerous to handle unexpected accidents. So I've found you helpers as well. Please head to the 18th floor, to Rivira Town. Your helpers are already waiting for you there."
Helpers?
Ais was a little surprised, but Fron thought this was more in line with Fels's style.
Wasn't the previous orb transportation incident also entrusted simultaneously to both the Ganesha Familia and the Hermes Familia?
If this time he only hired the Loki Familia, that would be unusual indeed.
The matter was entrusted to the two of them clearly and without delay. Fels stepped back slightly, his figure fading away into the white mist.
"Let's head out too, Ais."
"Mm."
"Our first stop is Rivira Town on the 18th floor."
"Mm."
"By the way, let me say this upfront. If we encounter that red-haired female tamer, don't act rashly. You must stay calm."
"Mm."
Fron was full of helplessness. Ais' unchanged expression and one word replies clearly showed she was treating his words like wind in her ears.
At that moment, Ais' mind was filled with thoughts of the Jewel Fetus, the red-haired woman, the name Aria, and the sight of Fron protecting her when she was unconscious.
The girl's heart and body were now bound by determination. Absolutely, I won't let her off!
...
Meanwhile.
On the surface, in the Guild headquarters.
When the delicate hands of the clock, crafted with elven artistry, pointed to ten, the once-busy hall for adventurers taking commissions had already passed its peak hour, leaving it quiet.
The receptionists had become more relaxed.
Only before the huge bulletin board in one corner, adventurers from various Familias still gathered daily, waiting patiently, or whispering among themselves in twos and threes.
Naturally, people who sold information were also present, trading intel with familiar or unfamiliar adventurers, whether seasoned or novice. As for the truth of that intel, even they themselves didn't know.
But recently, the hottest topic was none other than the [Loki Familia].
After the [Flame Demon] Fron Argon successfully advanced to Lv.4, the city's strongest swordswoman, [Sword Princess] Ais Wallenstein, executive of the [Loki Familia], had achieved the great feat of single-handedly slaying the 37th floor's floor boss, Udaeus, shaking the city.
"As expected of the Loki Familia. So strong. The Flame Demon, the Sword Princess..."
"Guess how long until the Flame Demon levels up again?"
"Lv.5? Even though he only took a few months to get from Lv.3 to Lv.4, going from Lv.4 to Lv.5 is a whole different dimension of difficulty. I'd say at least a year!"
"No, I bet two years."
"A year and a half. Any shorter and I'll eat your cooking."
"Huh? What did you say, can you repeat it? I think I heard something wrong!"
No one subconsciously believed that the Flame Demon could level up in the near future. But often, the truth hides right in the corner you overlook...