Chapter 903 Dungeon: Can You Guys Take a Break Already?

Hephaestus, uninterested in purchasing what she deemed useless intel, handed over the magic swords to the Loki Familia and departed. Her workload awaited, as there were still countless swords to forge.

Crafting magic swords wasn't something just anyone could do. Only the elite blacksmiths had the skill, and even then, many refused to create them, considering it irresponsible craftsmanship.

To blacksmiths, their weapons were like their children. Watching someone misuse or discard them carelessly was infuriating. This was akin to Tiona's situation in the original work. After her weapon was corroded by an acid monster, her blacksmith nearly lost their mind remaking it.

Now, Hephaestus herself was busy dividing responsibilities among her Familia's members to meet the overwhelming demand. Meanwhile, the Loki Familia had secured a steady supply of weapons thanks to renting an exclusive team of smiths from the Hephaestus Familia.

These smiths worked solely for them, bypassing the usual waiting times for commissions.

"These magic swords feel different than before." Riveria observed, examining the swords closely, "I can sense some special attributes infused into them, ones originating from the other world. It seems the Hephaestus Familia has learned to integrate forging and enchanting techniques from the other world!"

Both worlds had their own systems of crafting and enchantment. While the dungeon replica worlds offered unique attributes, they weren't as pronounced as those found in Dark Souls.

That world, despite its vast array of elemental properties, required specific attribute stones and lacked one-use weapons like magic swords. By combining methods from both realms, the Hephaestus Familia had achieved an innovative breakthrough.

However, acquiring attribute stones was no small feat. Without adventurers scavenging them from the other world, their only choice was to purchase them at a premium.

For now, heading back to that world to gather materials directly was off the table due to time constraints.

"Even without divine power, Hephaestus truly deserves the title of the God of Forge." Finn remarked in admiration, "Her comprehension of weapon crafting surpasses all others. These swords are a testament to her unparalleled mastery."

"Store the magic swords carefully." Finn commanded, "We're heading back to the other world as soon as possible. Every valuable opponent there must be eliminated. This is our chance to attain divinity, even the weakest of us must rise to this occasion. Let's give it our all!"

His fervor lit a fire among the group. Knowing the opportunity to ascend to godhood was within reach, they couldn't contain their excitement. Preparations were completed swiftly, and before dawn, the Loki Familia charged headlong into the dungeon replica once more.

"Isn't that the Loki Familia's main force? Didn't they just return yesterday!"

Near Babel Tower, adventurers gawked in disbelief as the Loki Familia's main force marched past.

"They're already diving back into a dungeon? These maniacs barely rested!"

"No kidding." Another adventurer added, "I saw them at the Hephaestus Familia yesterday. They didn't even take a proper break before heading back. Are these people even human? Don't they know the meaning of exhaustion?"

The sight of the Loki Familia, brimming with energy and determination, left the crowd speechless.

Despite spending days in the other world and returning just yesterday, they had replenished their supplies and launched into the next adventure without hesitation. For those watching, it was both awe-inspiring and unnerving.

Adventurers have always lived with their lives hanging by a thread. Any day could be their last, so they tend to spend whatever money they make, knowing that saving it won't do them much good, as dead men can't use gold.

So they indulge in fleeting pleasures daily. However, when people look at the Loki Familia, they see a group that truly embodies the spirit of adventure, dedicating themselves entirely to their missions. Their commitment is awe-inspiring and has earned them the admiration of many other adventurers.

What these admirers don't know is the real reason behind the Loki Familia's fervor, which is their pursuit of divinity. If given the same chance to become gods, others would likely match or even surpass their zeal. Yet, the Loki Familia remains composed and rational compared to what others might be like under such circumstances.

Once the Loki Familia entered the dungeon, their focus was absolute. Monsters stood no chance, every creature encountered was dispatched with ruthless efficiency.

Even intelligent monsters, like the Minotaur, which learned how to retreat after being defeated, found no escape this time. In the original work, such creatures at least had the chance to flee, creating tense situations for adventurers like Bell. But now, these monsters met their end in panic and despair, a tragic and hopeless demise.

After conquering the floor tied to the Dark Souls World, the Loki Familia didn't bother returning. Instead, they ventured deeper into the other world altogether, leaving the dungeon utterly deserted.

Previously, adventurers explored up to the 40th or 50th floors with great effort, but now, the original dungeon had become irrelevant. Even reaching the 20th floor seemed unnecessary when the rewards of the alternate world were far greater.

After all, the Dark Souls World provided an unprecedented speed of growth. With enough souls, adventurers could overcome limitations entirely.

Even the gods' blessings in Orario depended on an adventurer's aptitude. Those with natural talent advanced quickly, but many others, despite decades of effort, were stuck at Level 1 or Level 2. This frustrated countless adventurers who felt trapped by their own limits.

Now, with this opportunity to grow unhindered by innate talent, they saw their chance to shine. Many who had been stagnant for years pushed themselves to Level 2, and those with mediocre potential worked harder than ever.

Ironically, this shift left the traditional dungeon neglected. While adventurers poured into the alternate world, Orario's dungeon watched in dismay as its significance waned.

Attempts by the dungeon to assert its influence failed. Orario's adventurers had established strict checkpoints at the portal to the other world, blocking even the dungeon's own constructs from infiltrating.

The passage itself was narrow and well-guarded, making it impossible for monsters disguised as familia members to slip through.

The dungeon's pride had taken a blow. It is unable to draw adventurers back to its depths or gain access to the riches of the other world. Left behind, it simmered in its humiliation.