Chapter 353: [353] Promoted to the Eighth Executive
"Have you two had enough?"
Just as Bete was gradually developing murderous intent, the golden-haired, blue-eyed prum appeared in the courtyard with a beaming smile.
"Fighting in the courtyard first thing in the morning—not only did you wake everyone up, but you also turned the place into this mess! You two are really something!"
Though the Familia captain's face was all smiles, there wasn't the slightest trace of amusement in his eyes.
Only sleep-deprived irritation.
He was still in his pajamas, likely having worked late into the night before being abruptly awakened by a loud crash. Anyone would be furious after losing so much sleep.
"I'd like to report that Bete was the one who started trouble with me!"
Eiji glanced around the courtyard before solemnly filing his complaint.
The entire courtyard looked as though it had been ravaged by a typhoon—flowers and plants flattened, stone tiles shattered, even the central fountain seemed damaged, with dust and dirt scattered everywhere.
"Is that true, Bete?"
Finn turned his gaze toward Bete.
Gnash!
Bete ground his teeth in frustration.
But he had no retort.
Because it was indeed him who had sought out Eiji for a fight, and him who had challenged Eiji first.
He had already braced himself for Finn's punishment, but being reported by Eiji left him seething—especially right after being falsely accused of being a pervert!
"Seems that's the case."
Finn sighed.
"Then you'll clean up the courtyard before breakfast and pay for the repairs out of your own pocket."
"...Understood!"
Bete lowered his voice, practically growling the words.
Money was no issue.
Cleaning up wasn't a big deal either.
But seeing Eiji walk away scot-free made his blood boil!
"Oh, Eiji—after breakfast, come to my office. There's something I need to discuss with you."
Just as Finn was about to leave, he suddenly remembered something and turned back to leave Eiji with those words.
"Got it."
Though puzzled, Eiji nodded in agreement.
Only Bete remained, watching their carefree retreating figures with a profound sense of desolation in his heart.
...
Knock knock knock!
"Come in."
Pushing open the door, Eiji stepped into Finn's office.
A red carpet covered the floor, towering bookshelves stood quietly in the corner, and Finn's petite frame sat behind a mahogany desk, backed by the Familia's jester-patterned banner and a grand floor-to-ceiling window.
The room was undeniably spacious and luxurious—a fitting office for a Familia captain, leaving no detail overlooked.
"Finn, I'm here... Riveria and Gareth are here too?"
Approaching the desk, Eiji spotted the figures of the elven queen and dwarven warrior standing nearby.
"Perfect timing."
Finn set down the documents in his hands and nodded at him.
"We were discussing the expedition," Riveria explained, standing gracefully in her usual robe, exuding elegance and composure.
"An expedition? Already?"
Eiji's eyes immediately lit up at the mention.
Expeditions—those were super experience boosts!
After reaching Level 5, the difficulty of leveling up had nearly doubled for Eiji.
If he stayed in this world and relied solely on regular training and dungeon crawling, it would likely take him a year or more to level up again.
But expeditions can drastically shorten this process—a single expedition can provide an enormous amount of experience!
"Exactly, that's what I wanted to discuss with you."
Finn nodded and began to explain.
"Our last expedition could essentially be considered a failure, and we were quite frustrated about it. So ever since then, I've been planning a second expedition."
During the previous expedition, after reaching the 50th floor, Loki Familia's first-tier elites had their weapons nearly destroyed by attacks from the new monster, the Green Caterpillar, making further exploration of the deeper floors impossible.
Although they still brought back a considerable amount of loot, for Loki Familia—who prided themselves on exploring the unknown depths of the dungeon—that expedition was almost no different from a failure.
"Coincidentally, the next expedition has already been scheduled to begin the day after tomorrow."
Finn informed Eiji of this.
To be precise, the date had actually been decided several days ago.
Eiji had just returned, so the timing happened to align perfectly.
"Take me with you!"
Eiji stepped forward and spoke to Finn with enthusiasm.
"I was going to suggest that even if you didn't ask."
Finn spread his hands and laughed.
"After all, during an expedition, every executive-level fighter is crucial. If you hadn't wanted to go, I might have had to force you, haha!"
As long as he could go, that was good.
Eiji let out a sigh of relief.
He wasn't sure how long he could stay in this world, so he needed to improve his strength as much as possible before leaving.
"There's one more thing."
Finn paused, then gave Eiji an expectant smile.
"Starting today, I'll officially promote you as a new executive of Loki Familia. I hope you'll continue to move forward and strive alongside us from now on!"
Promoted to executive?
Eiji hesitated slightly.
"Normally, anyone who reaches Level 5 can become an executive."
Riveria, also turned her gaze toward him, her emerald-like eyes filled with approval.
"However, becoming an executive also means taking on greater responsibilities."
Beside her, Gareth laughed heartily while offering a warning.
"It's different from before. You're now far stronger than most members of the familia. Everyone will follow your orders, but that also means you have a responsibility to protect their safety!"
Even for Finn and the others, this was an incredible experience.
In less than three months since joining the familia, this junior had surpassed former executive candidates like Raul Nord, Anakitty, and Alicia to become Loki Familia's eighth executive!
Eiji was the youngest in terms of seniority within Loki Familia—every other member had joined before him. Just two months ago, Finn had still been thinking of training him as an executive candidate.
Yet in the blink of an eye, he had already become a new executive.
"I understand!"
Eiji nodded solemnly.
Loki Familia had treated him exceptionally well.
When he was weak, Line and Alicia, among others, had generously helped him level up in the dungeon.
When he was in danger, the familia had sent half its members to support him, even capturing the opposing familia's leader.
One good turn deserves another.
To him, Loki Familia was undoubtedly part of his own circle.
He had the responsibility and duty to guide and protect the members of this familia, as long as it was within his capabilities.
Besides, where else could you find a familia with so many beautiful girls?!
***
Hey readers!
Want to read ahead? 📖 Join my Patreon for early access to 30+ advance chapters! Your support helps me write more and bring the story to you faster.
🔹patreon.com/aarvan🔹