Chapter 20: Official new member of the Familia… and a date

Well, I forgot another person who also supports me a lot with the comments, thank you very much:ali_mhamad

Sorry bro :(

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Guys, my birthday is in a week :D . So I don't know how the updates will continue, so the chapters may take a little longer than usual. When I say usual, I mean like 1 or 2 days longer than normal XD

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The next morning arrived with sunlight softly filtering through the windows of the Xander Familia headquarters. Though the place was modest compared to the mansions of some of Orario's larger families, it had a cozy feel that made it feel like home.

Cassandra woke up early, accustomed to the discipline her caretaker had instilled in her, but for the first time in a long time, she had no clear instructions on what to do. She dressed in simple clothes, her mind still processing everything that had happened the night before: her decision to join the Familia, her strange ability, and the confirmation that her visions were real.

She went down to the main hall with some uncertainty, only to find Xander already awake, leaning casually against the table with a cup in his hand.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Xander greeted with a relaxed smile. "Ready for your official welcome?"

Cassandra blinked. "Official welcome?"

Just then, the dining room door opened and Veldrin and Lili entered, carrying a small table with a prepared breakfast. It was simple but hearty: freshly baked bread, fresh fruit, and some dried meat, accompanied by a pitcher of juice.

"Xander insisted on doing something special," Veldrin commented, placing the table in the center of the room.

"Lili helped too!" the little prum added proudly, crossing her arms. "It's not every day we get to welcome a new member!"

Cassandra felt a strange warmth in her chest. She'd never been welcomed like this before, and the feeling of being part of something… of being welcomed—left her speechless for a moment.

"This is… more than I expected," she admitted shyly, looking at the three of them.

Xander shrugged. "It's not a big deal, but here in the Xander Familia, we make sure everyone knows they're part of something important."

Veldrin nodded. "We're a small Familia, but that means we take better care of each other."

Lili offered her a confident smile. "So get ready! Because now you're part of this too."

Cassandra looked at the three of them, then at the breakfast she had so painstakingly prepared, and finally lowered her head with a genuine smile.

"… Thank you."

As everyone enjoyed breakfast, the conversation soon turned to plans for the day. Xander took a sip of his drink before speaking casually.

"Well, now that Cassandra is officially part of the Familia, it's time to make sure she's well prepared for what's next."

Cassandra, who was breaking a piece of bread, looked up curiously. "What do you mean?"

Xander leaned his elbows on the table, leaning forward slightly. "First, you need equipment. You can't just wander around Orario in normal clothes and expect to do well if you ever decide to explore the dungeon. So I'm going to escort you to get the basics: light armor, a suitable weapon, and maybe a couple of emergency potions."

Cassandra blinked, surprised by how prepared Xander seemed. She knew he'd have to gear up at some point, but she didn't expect him to take care of it.

Veldrin nodded, as if it were the most logical decision in the world. "It makes sense. It's best to go with someone who knows what they're doing. There are plenty of shops that sell useless equipment to novices."

Lili nodded enthusiastically. "Lili knows this well! There are too many novice adventurers in the Guild who spend their money on useless things and end up in trouble."

Cassandra felt a little nervous upon hearing that. She didn't have much experience shopping for things herself, let alone fighting gear.

Xander gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. We're not going to buy you the best armor in town, but we'll find something functional and comfortable. Also, after that, we'll stop by the Guild to file the paperwork so you can enter the dungeon legally."

"Do I need to do paperwork?" Cassandra asked with some hesitation.

Lili was the one who answered. "Of course! You can't just walk in like nothing happened. If the Guild doesn't have you registered and something happens to you inside the Dungeon, no one will be responsible for you. That's a rule for all adventurers."

Xander shrugged. "Yeah, it's more bureaucracy than anything, but it's better to do things right from the start."

Cassandra nodded, beginning to understand the seriousness of the matter. Before, her life had been quite structured, with Ulrich making most of the decisions for her. Now, she was in a completely different world, where she had to learn to fend for herself.

"So… today will be a day of preparation," she said quietly, more to herself than to the others.

Xander smiled. "Exactly. I promise it won't be as hard as it looks."

Lili leaned across the table with a mischievous smile. "And if you need help shopping, Lili can go with you! Lili has a good eye for discounts."

Xander laughed. "Today it'll just be me and Cassandra, but we'll take your word for it if we need a bargain hunter."

Lili puffed out her cheeks in slight discomfort, but didn't protest too much.

Veldrin, who had been silently watching, finally spoke. "It's a good plan. Cassandra needs to get used to this lifestyle before she even thinks about going to the Dungeon."

Cassandra nodded slowly, understanding that this would be her first real step as an adventurer. She had no idea what to expect, but at least she wasn't alone.

Veldrin and Lili prepared to leave while Xander finished giving Cassandra the last details of the plan.

"We'll go to the dungeon," Veldrin announced as he adjusted his grip on his glaives. "If all goes well, we'll be back before nightfall."

Lili, who was packing some potions into her bag, nodded vigorously. "Lili and Veldrin will bring more valis for the Familia! Although Lili would rather Veldrin not fight another rare monster…"

Veldrin smiled faintly, remembering the last time he went down with Lili. "I'll try not to do anything reckless."

Xander gave them a nod of approval. "Okay, then we'll take care of the Guild and the purchasing. Stay out of trouble."

Lili smirked. "That's what Lili should say."

Xander ruffled the prum's hair before she could protest. Then, Veldrin and Lili left the headquarters, ready for another day in the Dungeon.

Xander turned to Cassandra, who looked slightly nervous.

"Okay, now it's our turn."

Cassandra nodded, trying to calm herself. "We're going to the Guild first, right?"

"Exactly," Xander confirmed. "That's the most important thing. Once you're officially registered, we can shop for equipment at our leisure."

Cassandra took a deep breath and followed Xander as they left the headquarters. Orario was as lively as ever, with adventurers and merchants filling the streets. As they walked, Cassandra couldn't help but think about how this would be the first real step in her new life.

The bustle of Orario surrounded them as they made their way through the streets. Cassandra stayed close to Xander, looking around with a mixture of curiosity and nervousness. She had never walked through the city with such a clear purpose. Now, each step brought her closer to her destination.

Xander, with his usual relaxed demeanor, led the way without rushing. Occasionally, he'd casually nod to an adventurer or merchant he recognized, making Cassandra realize that her new god was already quite well-known in the city.

Finally, they arrived at the grand Guild building. Unlike the small shops and street stalls, the Guild loomed large with its refined architecture and unmistakable presence. Adventurers of all skill levels were constantly coming and going, some excited, others frustrated, and some simply exhausted.

Cassandra swallowed.

"Nervous?" Xander asked without looking at her, as if he knew exactly what she was feeling.

She nodded slightly. "A little… this makes it official, doesn't it?"

Xander smiled. "Yeah. But don't worry, it's just a check-in. The hard part comes later."

With a sigh, Cassandra gathered her courage and followed Xander through the Guild doors.

…

Cassandra took the pen and, with an almost automatic movement, wrote her name on the form.

Name: Cassandra Ilion

Last name: ____________

An awkward silence followed.

Xander, who had been looking over her shoulder, cleared his throat and pointed at the paper. "I think you put your last name in the first name section."

Cassandra blinked, staring at her handwriting as if she were just seeing it for the first time. Then her face turned red with embarrassment. "Oh! Sorry…" She looked down at the last name box, completely empty.

The guild clerk sighed. "That paper is no good anymore."

Xander reached out with a smile. "Please give us another one."

The clerk pulled out a new form and handed it to her without much interest, while Cassandra tried to sink into the floor.

More carefully this time, Cassandra filled out the new registration form correctly.

Xander waited patiently while she filled out the rest with her age and Familia. When she finished, she handed the sheet to the guild clerk, who quickly reviewed it before sealing it.

"Everything's in order. You're now officially a registered adventurer in Xander's Familia."

Cassandra let out a small sigh of relief, though her expression was still a mix of nerves and excitement. Xander lightly punched her on the back. "Officially welcome to the business. You can now enter the dungeon without getting fined."

The young woman nodded, still processing everything. "So… what's next?"

Xander smiled. "Now comes the fun part. Let's get you some gear."

Xander looked at Cassandra curiously as they walked out of the guild.

"Well, you're officially an adventurer now… but tell me, what kind of adventurer do you plan to be?"

Cassandra blinked. "What do you mean?"

"I'm referring to your role in the dungeon." Xander raised a finger as he explained. "For example, Veldrin is a frontline fighter. He uses his glaives and fights up front. Lili, on the other hand, is a support fighter. He uses her crossbow and provides support from a distance. Where would you fit in?"

Cassandra thought for a moment. "Well… with my magic, I guess I can attack from a distance. Chain lightning allows me to hit multiple enemies at once, and the wolves can serve as a distraction or support during the fight."

Xander nodded at Cassandra's response.

"So, you're more of a mage type. You'll stay back and support with spells while the front line fighters keep the fight going."

Cassandra nodded. "Yes… I think that's the best option for me."

"Well, that makes things easier. You'll need a weapon to defend yourself in case of emergency and good gear to boost your stamina. We'll also get a light tunic so you don't lose mobility."

Cassandra seemed relieved that Xander was so clear about what she needed.

"So, are we going to the armory?" She asked.

Xander smiled. "Yeah, we're going to make you look like a real adventurer."

Xander and Cassandra wandered through the streets of Orario until they came to a modest but wellequipped armory. The sound of clashing metal and the murmur of adventurers filled the place.

Upon entering, a man with his arms crossed and sharp eyes greeted them with a nod.

"Looking for something in particular?" he asked, his eyes sizing them up.

Xander nodded and pointed at Cassandra. "She's new to the Dungeon. She needs something simple to start with."

The armorer looked at Cassandra and nodded. "If you're a beginner, a light robe and a simple wand should suffice. You don't want to carry something that will hinder you more than it will help."

Cassandra nodded silently as the armorer pulled out some options. Xander took a reinforced cloth tunic and handed it to her.

"This should do the trick. It's not much, but at least it'll protect you a little more than regular clothes."

Cassandra scanned the shop, her gaze scanning several wands until her eyes landed on something larger. In one corner, leaning against the wall, was a dark wooden staff with a blue gem embedded in the top.

She reached over and took it in both hands, feeling its weight. It wasn't excessively heavy, but it had a firm presence, and the gem gleamed faintly in the shop light.

"Um…" Cassandra murmured, as if the cane had chosen her instead of the other way around.

The armorer raised an eyebrow. "Good choice. It's reinforced ash, and the gem is treated to aid in channeling magic. It's not a magical item per se, but it will facilitate the flow of magic."

Xander looked at Cassandra and then at the cane. "If you like it, we'll take it."

The armorer nodded. "With the robe and staff, that would be 18,000 valis."

Xander took out the amount and paid without any problems.

Cassandra held her new cane in both hands, still somewhat unsure, but feeling a connection to it. Xander smiled at her expression.

"Okay, you have the basic equipment. Now you just need to get used to it. Let's try it out."

Cassandra nodded determinedly. She was one step closer to entering the Dungeon.

Back at headquarters, Xander led Cassandra directly to the backyard. It was a spacious area, with enough room to move around easily.

"Okay, before you think about using magic in the Dungeon, you need to get used to your equipment," Xander said, crossing his arms as he watched her.

Cassandra nodded, adjusting her robes and tightening her grip on the staff.

"Start with the basics," Xander continued. "Move it, feel its weight, walk with it. I don't want you tripping over yourself in the middle of a fight."

Cassandra obeyed. She took a couple of steps, holding the cane in front of her. She raised it, lowered it, even tried to twist it a little in her hand. It wasn't difficult to handle, but she still felt somewhat clumsy.

Xander watched her for a moment before nodding. "Good, now try hitting it."

"Hit?"

"Yes. You won't always be able to rely solely on your magic. A monster might get too close, or you might run out of mana. You need to at least know how to defend yourself."

Cassandra hesitated for a moment, but then nodded. She positioned herself and threw a punch forward, slashing the air. Then another, and another. She had no technique, but she was willing to learn.

Xander chuckled. "Not bad for a start. But now, let's get to the important stuff: your magic." Cassandra's eyes widened slightly.

"Come on, I want to see what you can do," Xander said with a confident smile. "Start with whatever seems easiest."

Cassandra swallowed and nodded, ready to give it a try.

Cassandra took a deep breath, tightening her grip on the cane. A few feet away from her, a training dummy stood, with several crossbow bolts embedded in the wood, likely courtesy of Lili.

Determined, she aimed directly at him.

"Chain lightning!"

Instantly, a brilliant blue beam shot from the gem on his staff, striking the dummy squarely. A loud electrical crack echoed as the discharge sparked around it. The initial impact was powerful, scorching some of the wood where it struck. But then something unexpected happened: a second electric arc leaped from the dummy toward another improvised target, an old barrel to the side. Then, a third flash leaped toward a training spear leaning against the wall. The energy ricocheted from point to point until it finally dissipated, leaving behind a faint smell of ozone.

Xander, who had been watching with his arms crossed, let out a low whistle.

"That… was impressive," he commented, approaching the charred doll. "It seems the spell actually bounces between targets. If you use that on a group of monsters, you could take out several in one fell swoop."

Cassandra blinked in surprise. She knew from her Falna's description that the spell could rebound, but seeing it in action was something else.

"Wasn't it bad?" he asked somewhat timidly, lowering his cane.

Xander smiled. "Not bad for your first attempt. But don't get too excited. This is training. In a real fight, you'll need to manage your position well and calculate where the beam will go."

Cassandra nodded, the emotion of the moment still on her face.

"Let's try it a few more times," Xander said. "I want to see how well you can control it before you enter the dungeon."

She took a breath, preparing to cast another spell. Now that she'd seen what he was capable of, she was even more determined to improve.

Cassandra raised her staff again, focusing her gaze on the training dummy. This time, she would try to maintain control over the beam as much as possible.

"Chain lightning!"

The lightning bolt erupted again, striking the wooden dummy with an electric crack. Cassandra watched as the energy bounced, but instead of chaotically jumping between objects as before, this time she managed to notice a pattern in its trajectory. Her spell was fast, but not completely unpredictable.

Xander watched with interest. "Good. Now try moving your staff while you cast. See if you can influence the direction of the lightning."

Cassandra nodded and, with more confidence, repeated the spell.

This time, when the beam hit the doll and bounced off, she subtly moved her staff. To her surprise, the energy seemed to respond to his gesture, deflecting slightly before hitting his second target.

"It worked!" She exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement.

Xander smiled. "Looks like you can give it some direction, though not complete control. Keep practicing. If you learn how to manipulate the bounce well, you could hit more enemies with each throw."

Cassandra nodded determinedly and cast the spell again. Time and again, she fine-tuned her control, until she finally managed to make the blast consistently hit every target on the practice field without wasting energy on erratic trajectories.

Xander crossed his arms, satisfied. "Not bad. If you improve it a little more, you could make the spell much more effective in combat."

Cassandra was breathing a little raggedly from the exertion, but she couldn't help but smile.

"I think… I'm getting used to it," she said.

Xander nodded. "Good. But there's still one more part of your training."

Cassandra blinked.

Xander smiled. "I want to see how well you use your wolves."

Cassandra swallowed. Her other spell… she hadn't tried it yet.

She took a deep breath, adjusted her posture, and prepared herself. It was time to see how well her summoning magic worked. "Spirit Wolf!"

The wolves appeared in a flash of ethereal light, their pitch-black fur made even more striking by the red "X" marking on their backs. They stood still for a moment, their eyes glowing crimson as they stared at their summoner.

Cassandra stared at them in amazement. Not only had she summoned them, but they seemed completely real, as if they were living beasts rather than mere magical constructs.

Xander leaned closer, examining the wolves curiously. "Interesting… they seem more solid than I expected. Let's see, try giving them a command."

Cassandra gulped and lifted her staff somewhat awkwardly. "Uhm… attack the training dummy."

The wolves reacted immediately. As if an extension of its will, they launched themselves at the doll with impressive agility. One bit into the wooden base while the other leaped and sank its fangs into the top, shaking it violently until it was almost torn from the ground.

Cassandra's eyes widened in surprise. Not only did they understand the order, but they acted in concert.

Xander whistled. "Wow… that's pretty helpful."

Cassandra nodded, but she still had a question in her mind. She carefully extended a hand and called the wolves back. "Stop."

They both dropped the doll and trotted back to her side. One of them sat, staring at her silently, while the other bowed his head, waiting for another command.

Cassandra turned to Xander. "How long do you think they can stay summoned?"

Xander crossed his arms thoughtfully. "That depends on your magic and stamina. Since they don't have a time limit and only disappear if you summon them again, you could test how long they last over a long session."

Cassandra nodded and looked at her wolves with a new sense of confidence. Knowing she had allies like these gave her a certain peace of mind.

Xander smiled. "Okay, I think that gives you an idea of what you can do. Now that you've tested your spells, tomorrow will be your first foray into the dungeon."

Cassandra felt a knot in her stomach. It was her first time descending into that place…

She gripped her cane tightly and nodded. "I'm ready."

Xander looked at her for a few seconds before smiling. "We'll see about that tomorrow."

As the sun began to set over the horizon, turning the sky orange, the sound of the headquarters door opening announced the arrival of Veldrin and Lili.

Xander and Cassandra, who were in the garden checking over some details about their team, turned to see them enter.

Veldrin, as always, maintained his serious expression, though there was a slight trace of fatigue in his gaze. Lili, on the other hand, had a more animated expression, with a slight hint of pride as she adjusted the crossbow on her back.

"Welcome back," Xander greeted, crossing his arms. "How did it go?"

Lili was the first to respond, with a satisfied smile. "Lili thinks it was a very good day. There were no problems, and we got a good amount of drop items."

Veldrin nodded. "Yeah, it was pretty uneventful. Nothing special, though…" He turned to Xander with a questioning look. "How was your day?"

Cassandra, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. "Um… we tested my spells and equipment. We also went to the Guild to register my official membership."

Lili tilted her head, curious. "And how did Cassandra do?"

Xander smiled. "Let's just say she's going to be a pretty striking mage."

Veldrin raised an eyebrow, intrigued, while Lili watched Cassandra with renewed interest.

"Striking how?" Lili asked.

Cassandra grew a little nervous under the attention of the two most experienced adventurers in the group, but she answered truthfully. "Well… I have two spells."

Veldrin frowned slightly upon hearing Cassandra. "Two spells from the start…"

Lili tilted her head. "That's not uncommon in our Familia. Xander is lucky to find people with two magics early on."

Veldrin nodded. "Yes, though it's still impressive. The important thing will be to see how he uses them in combat."

Cassandra blinked, surprised. "R-really? All of you…?"

Xander laughed. "Of course. Did you think you were special?"

Cassandra blushed a little, but shook her head. "No, it's just… I didn't think it was normal."

Veldrin crossed his arms and smiled. "It isn't. In other families, receiving only one spell at the beginning is already unusual. But in this one…"

Xander smirked. "Well, I guess that's one of the perks of having me as a god."

Lili puffed out her cheeks slightly. "Lili doesn't remember being given a choice."

Xander ruffled her hair in amusement. "Come on, admit it. You love your magic."

Lili just made a sound of annoyance, but didn't deny it.

Cassandra, for her part, looked a little more relieved. Knowing that the others had also started with two spells made her situation feel less overwhelming.

Xander clapped his hands a few times. "Well, that aside, tomorrow will be Cassandra's first day in the Dungeon. So we need her to get a good rest."

Veldrin looked Cassandra up and down appraisingly. "I hope you're ready."

Cassandra swallowed, but nodded determinedly. "I will be."

Xander smiled. "In that case, let's call it a day. Tomorrow will be interesting."

…

Cassandra took a deep breath as she finished adjusting her light robe, making sure it wouldn't get in the way as she moved. Her new staff rested on her back, secured with a leather strap. Today would be her first day in the Dungeon, and although she tried to remain calm, the tension in her trembling hands gave her away.

Lili, already ready with her crossbow secured on her back and her bag of supplies at her side, looked at her curiously. "Nervous?"

Cassandra nodded slowly. "A little… I don't want to be a burden."

"Then don't be," Veldrin said calmly as he checked his glaives. "Follow our instructions and use your magic wisely. No one expects you to get everything right right away." Cassandra swallowed, but nodded determinedly.

Xander, leaning against the wall, watched them with a smile. "Okay, looks like you're ready. Just remember: if anything happens, back off. This isn't a race or a life-or-death test." 

"We don't plan to make mistakes," Veldrin says.

Xander smiled. "Nobody plans them." Then he looked at Cassandra. "Good luck on your first day."

Cassandra took a breath and let it out slowly. "Thank you… I'll do my best."

Veldrin nodded. "Good. Let's go."

With that, the three left the headquarters, heading towards the Dungeon.

The walk to the dungeon entrance passed in relative silence. The streets of Orario were as busy as ever, but Cassandra barely noticed the bustle around her. Her mind was too busy reviewing everything she had learned the day before, from how to use her staff to Xander's recommendations about staying alert.

At his side, Lili walked with the ease of someone already accustomed to routine. Veldrin, as always, maintained a relaxed posture, but with that constant vigilance in his eyes.

When they arrived at Babel, Cassandra gulped. From the outside, the building was imposing, but what truly worried her was what lay beneath it.

The Dungeon.

Once inside, they descended the grand staircase to the first floor.

Veldrin looked at Cassandra. "We'll explain some basics on this first playthrough. Monsters here appear out of nowhere, generated by the dungeon itself. Never let your guard down."

Lili pointed with her crossbow. "Our goal will be to advance calmly and make sure you get used to fighting here. We won't push you any further than necessary."

Cassandra nodded, gripping her cane with both hands.

And then, as if the Dungeon itself had sensed their arrival, a series of Goblins and Kobolds began to appear between the cracks in the stone.

Veldrin drew his glaives with a flash of steel. "Good. Time to begin."

Before Veldrin or Lili could move, Cassandra raised her staff and pointed it at the monsters without hesitation.

"Chain Lightning!"

A blue flash streaked through the air, slamming into the first Goblin. A sizzling sound filled the hallway as the beam leaped to the next monster… and then the next. One after another, the tiny enemies writhed beneath the blast before collapsing, charred and smoking.

Veldrin blinked, surprised. "Well… that was fast."

Lili frowned and crossed her arms. "Weren't you supposed to be shy?"

Cassandra, barely having processed what she had just done, slowly lowered her cane. 

"I… just reacted."

Veldrin gave a light laugh and patted him on the shoulder. "Good reaction. Though try not to use up all your magic at once."

Cassandra nodded, still feeling a slight rush of adrenaline in her body. She felt like maybe she could do this.

With the goblins eliminated, Veldrin took a quick look around to make sure there were no more immediate threats.

"Okay, let's keep moving," he said, moving easily down the hallway.

Lili walked beside Cassandra, watching her curiously. "Have you really never used magic in combat before?"

Cassandra shook her head. "I only practiced a little yesterday, but… never against real monsters."

Lili snorted. "I could swear you've been shooting lightning since you were born."

Cassandra blushed slightly, but didn't respond. Truth be told, she didn't even understand how she'd reacted so quickly. Perhaps it was instinct... or perhaps having seen those scenes so many times in her dreams had somehow prepared her.

They moved cautiously through the tunnels, encountering occasional groups of monsters. Each time they faced one, Cassandra stayed back, casting her magic with precision. Veldrin and Lili took care of any enemies that got too close, ensuring she wasn't in danger.

After a few minutes of exploration, Veldrin raised his hand for them to stop. "We're approaching a more open area. Prepare yourselves."

Cassandra swallowed, adjusting her grip on her cane. She knew they were just getting started, but she felt something important was about to happen.

Cassandra felt the weight of responsibility fall on her shoulders as Veldrin and Lili stepped aside, giving her the space to face the monsters on her own.

In front of her, three kobolds emerged from the shadows of the tunnel, snarling and baring their sharp teeth. Their claws gleamed in the dim light, ready to tear into their prey.

Cassandra pressed her lips together. She knew she wasn't alone, that Veldrin and Lili were ready to intervene if anything went wrong, but still, her heart pounded.

"I can't doubt."

She raised his staff and pronounced firmly: "Chain lightning!"

A blue flash sparked at the tip of the gem before a bolt of lightning shot out, striking the first kobold. The creature shrieked as electricity coursed through its body, and the lightning automatically jumped to the second and then the third, weakening with each bounce.

The first kobold fell to the ground, convulsing, instantly defeated. The other two were stunned, smoke rising from their charred skin. Cassandra wasted no time.

"Spirit Wolf!"

A flash of dark light illuminated the tunnel as two spectral wolves appeared in front of her, their Xshaped markings glowing brightly. The wolves growled and pounced on the remaining kobolds.

The monsters barely had time to react before the wolves tackled them, biting fiercely. Within seconds, the kobolds stopped moving.

Cassandra stood motionless, staring at the result. She could hardly believe it.

"…I did it."

Lili crossed her arms, nodding approvingly. "Not bad. Quick and clean."

Veldrin also showed a slight smile. "Good work. You handled the situation well."

Cassandra breathed a sigh of relief and lowered her staff. Her first solo fight had been a success, but deep down, she knew this was just the beginning.

Veldrin looked at the kobolds' lifeless bodies and then looked at Cassandra, who still seemed to be coming to terms with what she had done.

"Well…" he said, crossing his arms. "With your spells, it's like you're three adventurers instead of one. The wolves can take care of the front line, while you stay back as ranged support."

Cassandra blinked, surprised by the statement.

Lili nodded, touching her chin. "Now that I think about it, it makes sense. You can keep the monsters busy with the wolves while also weakening them with your magic. It's a good balance."

The young seer looked at her wolves, who were patiently waiting for further orders. It was strange to think that, even though she was only one person, her spells allowed her to fight as if they were a whole team.

"…I hadn't thought of it that way," she admitted quietly.

Veldrin smiled slightly. "Then start doing it. You have an advantage over other rookies, but that also means you have to learn to coordinate well with your own magic. It's not enough to just cast spells randomly."

Cassandra nodded seriously.

"Understood."

Lili patted him on the arm before looking down the tunnel ahead.

"Well, let's not stop. There are still more monsters to hunt."

With new confidence, Cassandra picked up her cane and followed the other two deeper into the apartment.

The group advanced in silence, with Cassandra leading the way while Veldrin and Lili stayed behind, watching their every move. Despite her reserved demeanor, the young woman's gaze showed determination.

In the distance, the sound of claws scraping on stone alerted the adventurers. Two kobolds and a goblin emerged from a side corridor, growling at the sight. Cassandra didn't wait for instructions.

"Spirit Wolf!"

Two flashes of light materialized beside him, and his spectral wolves launched an attack without hesitation. One charged the goblin hard, knocking it backward before tearing it to pieces with a bite. The other wolf leaped toward a kobold, knocking it down instantly while the second monster narrowly dodged the charge.

Cassandra raised her cane and aimed without hesitation.

"Chain lightning!"

The lightning struck the kobold that had dodged the wolf, but instead of stopping there, the electricity leaped to the other, causing both to shriek before collapsing to the ground, charred.

Lili, who had already raised her crossbow just in case, relaxed with a small smile. "I didn't think you were so good under pressure."

Cassandra took a deep breath before answering. "Me neither…"

Veldrin crossed his arms, analyzing the scene. "You have an interesting style. Your wolves take the lead, and you complement them with ranged magic. It's as if you're controlling a small squad on the battlefield."

Cassandra blinked, surprised by the comparison.

"So…" Lili crossed her arms with an amused smile. "What should we name you? Captain Cassandra?"

The young woman blushed slightly and looked away.

"I don't think a title is necessary…"

Veldrin gave a small laugh. "For now, let's keep moving forward. This is just the beginning."

Cassandra nodded firmly and adjusted her grip on the cane. She had a lot to learn, but at least she'd taken her first step.

The group continued forward, with Cassandra growing more confident in her use of magic. Her wolves led the offensive, keeping the monsters at bay while she supported them with her lightning. Everything was going well… until a mistake nearly cost her dearly.

He had launched his "Chain Lightning" at a War Shadow, confident that the impact would eliminate it as it had other monsters. However, the creature staggered back, its body smoking, but still alive.

Cassandra barely had time to react before the dark shadow launched itself at her, its claws ready to tear her apart.

"Cassandra, back off!" Lili shouted.

But before he could move, a black flash intervened. One of his spectral wolves leaped at the War Shadow, forcing it to turn its attack on the summoned beast. The claws slashed through the wolf, which vanished into particles of light, but that brief moment was enough.

Veldrin was already upon the monster. His glaive traced a shining arc, and the shadow split in two before falling lifeless to the ground.

Cassandra froze for a moment, staring at the spot where her wolf had disappeared. Her heart pounded.

"Are you okay?" Veldrin asked, turning to her.

She nodded quickly, though she still felt the adrenaline coursing through her body. "Yeah… I just… I thought he'd go down in one fell swoop."

Lili sighed and placed a hand on her hip. "That was a good reminder. Not all monsters fall on the first try. Always make sure they're dead before letting your guard down."

Cassandra swallowed and nodded again.

Veldrin patted him lightly on the shoulder. "It wasn't bad. But learn from this. Your magic is powerful, but relying too heavily on it without properly assessing the situation can be dangerous."

She took a deep breath, composing herself. "Understood."

Even with the scare, she wouldn't let it stop her. She had to keep improving.

The group continued their advance through the dungeon, with Cassandra adjusting her strategy and becoming more cautious with her attacks. Little by little, she learned to better gauge the damage of her magic and coordinate with her spectral wolves.

Veldrin and Lili let her do her thing most of the time, only intervening when necessary, allowing her to gain confidence in her own rhythm of combat.

Finally, after several hours of exploration and fighting, they decided it was time to return.

"That will do for today," Veldrin said, putting his glaive away.

Lili checked the bag of monster magic stones. "Not bad for Cassandra's first day. If we keep this up, she'll soon be able to go down to deeper floors."

Cassandra, although somewhat tired, smiled proudly. She'd had a few setbacks, but she'd proven she could fight in the dungeon.

"Let's go back to headquarters," Veldrin said.

Without further ado, they started back, leaving the Dungeon and crossing the bustling streets of Orario.

The walk back to headquarters was peaceful, with Cassandra still coming to terms with her first real dungeon experience. Lili walked beside her, checking the bag of drops, while Veldrin walked ahead with his usual calm expression.

When we arrived at the headquarters, the door was already open, indicating that Xander was home.

"We're back!" Lili announced, entering first.

Xander, who was standing in the living room with a book in his hands, looked up and smiled. "Welcome back. 

How did it go?"

Veldrin put his gear in a corner before answering. "Cassandra did a good job. She's adapting quickly."

Cassandra felt a little embarrassed by the praise, but nodded. "I still have room for improvement, but… I think I did well."

Xander stood up and walked over. "I'm glad to hear that. Do you feel ready to come back tomorrow?"

Cassandra nodded determinedly. "Yes."

Xander smiled and patted her head before turning to Lili. "And the magic stones?"

Lili took out the bag and placed it on the table. "It's not much, but considering Cassandra was testing her magic, it's not bad."

Xander nodded, scanning the contents. "We can sell them at the Guild tomorrow. But for now, let's eat."

Everyone agreed, and soon the room was filled with the sound of dishes and conversation. Cassandra, though tired, felt more secure in her place in the Familia.

After dinner, the group hung out in the living room for a while, relaxing after their day in the dungeon. 

Lili was sharing anecdotes about her time in the Guild before joining the Xander Familia, while Cassandra listened with interest. Veldrin, as always, only chimed in with brief comments, and Xander seemed to enjoy simply watching the interaction between the three.

"So, tomorrow will be another day in the Dungeon for you guys," Xander commented, leaning back in the couch.

Cassandra nodded. "I want to keep practicing. I still need to get used to the monsters' speed."

"You're learning fast," Veldrin said. "Don't get too confident, but keep at that pace."

Cassandra smiled slightly at the compliment.

Lili stretched, yawning. "Lili thinks it's time to sleep."

Xander stood up too. "Good idea. Get some rest, we'll continue tomorrow."

With that, everyone retired to their rooms.

…

The next morning, Cassandra woke up early. She dressed in her gear and grabbed her staff, ready for another day in the Dungeon.

When she left her room, she found Lili and Veldrin already ready. Xander was in the living room, seeing them off.

"Remember not to push Cassandra too hard," Xander reminded them.

Veldrin nodded. "We know."

Lili smiled. "Lili will keep an eye on her."

Cassandra looked at Xander. "See you later."

Xander nodded with a smile. "Good luck."

With that, the group left the headquarters, heading back to the Guild before descending into the Dungeon.

Xander watched the door close behind Veldrin, Lili, and Cassandra. He stood there for a moment in silence, enjoying the quiet of the headquarters before stretching and deciding it was time to move.

"Well, time for a visit."

With a relaxed gait, he walked out onto the streets of Orario, heading toward the Astrea Familia headquarters. It wasn't his first time there, but it always attracted attention. The Astrea Familia had an impeccable reputation for justice, and their headquarters reflected that image: a sturdy, elegant, and well-maintained structure, but without extravagance.

When he reached the entrance, he knocked on the door and waited. It wasn't long before he heard footsteps approaching before the door opened.

The door opened, revealing a young woman with short, dark hair and a curious expression on her face. She looked Xander up and down, assessing him with some interest before speaking.

"Yes? Can I help you?"

Xander smiled naturally. "I'm Xander, god of the Xander Familia. I'm looking for Alise. Is she available?"

The young woman blinked at the sound of her name, as if trying to remember if she'd heard it before. Finally, she nodded with a friendly smile.

"Oh, I see! I'm Maryuu. I don't think I've heard much about you. But it seems you're having no luck, Mr. Xander. Alise went out patrolling the city with some of the girls. You know, Familia duties and all."

Xander sighed softly, but smiled sideways. "Well, I had to try. Do you know when she'll be back?"

Maryuu shrugged. "It depends. Sometimes she comes back in a couple of hours, sometimes she gets distracted by some problem and takes longer. But if you want, you can wait for her here or try your luck looking for her in the city."

Xander considered his options for a moment.

Before Xander could decide what to do, a new presence appeared in the doorway.

"A visitor?"

The calm, serene voice made Maryuu turn around immediately, straightening slightly. In the doorway, with her characteristically peaceful air, stood the goddess Astrea. Her soft, kind gaze fell on Xander, observing him with curiosity, but without a hint of distrust.

Maryuu was the first to respond. "Ah, Lady Astrea. This is Xander, the god of the Familia that recently formed in the city. He came to see Alise."

Astrea inclined her head slightly in acknowledgment. "Nice to meet you, Xander. I've heard your name in a few conversations lately."

Xander smiled naturally. "I hope it was good."

Astrea smiled tenderly. "It depends on how you interpret the word 'interesting'." 

"Let me guess… Alise?" Xander said, with an amused smile.

Astrea nodded gently. "That's right. It seems you have a good relationship with her."

Xander crossed his arms, tilting his head thoughtfully. "Well, if you consider that half of our conversations are her trying to annoy me and the other half are me playing along… then yeah, I guess we have a good relationship."

Astrea laughed softly at his response. "That sounds like Alise."

Astrea gestured to Maryuu, who took the hint and bowed slightly. Then, the goddess looked at Xander with a gentle smile.

"Would you like to stay a while? I'd like to get to know the god who has befriended Alise better."

Xander raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Is this an interview or something?"

Astrea shook her head gently. "Nothing so formal. Just curious."

Xander shrugged and smiled. "Well, if it's just out of curiosity, I guess I can stay a while."

Astrea guided Xander into the headquarters with a calm gait, reflecting the serenity that seemed to surround her at all times. The Astrea Familia headquarters was sober but welcoming, with an atmosphere that inspired calm and order. There were no unnecessary luxuries, but every corner seemed well cared for, reflecting the disciplined nature of its members.

Xander glanced around as they walked down a hallway. "I have to say, the headquarters pretty much matches what I've heard from your Familia. Everything is in its place, nothing fancy."

Astrea smiled humbly. "Our mission isn't to live in comfort, but to make the city a better place. We focus on the essentials."

The god of heroes let out a slight laugh. "Now that's a righteous mentality."

Astrea looked at him with mild curiosity. "Are you surprised?"

Xander shrugged. "A little. Many gods come to Orario looking for excitement, games, entertainment… but you really care about the city."

Astrea stopped in front of a door and turned to him, her expression as serene as ever. "I don't see why I shouldn't. Orario is our home, and if we have the power to change it for the better, isn't it our duty to do so?"

Xander stared at her silently for a moment before snorting. "You're right. But most people don't see it that way."

Astrea opened the door and gestured for him to come in. It was a small meeting room with a wooden table and some seats, simple but cozy. Xander sat down naturally as she took the seat across from him.

The goddess gently placed her hands in her lap. "Tell me, Xander… what is it you're looking for in Orario?"

Xander smiled with a hint of amusement. "Is that the real reason you wanted to talk to me?"

Astrea shook her head gently. "That's one of them. I don't see many gods like you."

Xander leaned back slightly, resting an arm on the back of his chair. "I don't know. I guess 

I came for the same reason as many other gods… curiosity, boredom, wanting to see what I could do here."

Astrea looked at him with unwavering patience, as if waiting for him to say more.

Xander let out a sigh and smiled with some resignation. "Although, I guess now… what I'm looking for has changed a bit."

Astrea tilted her head slightly. "What do you mean?"

Xander stared at the ceiling for a moment before looking back at her. "At first, I didn't take this too seriously. But over time… with the Familia I'm starting… with what I see in this city… I think I want to see how far I can take them. What kind of story we can write together."

Astrea nodded slowly, with a slight smile. "That's admirable."

Xander chuckled. "I don't think it's that admirable. I'm just going with the flow."

Astrea shook her head gently. "Don't underestimate what you do, Xander. Not all gods see their families the same way you do. Many see them as pawns in a game."

Xander crossed his arms. "And you don't."

"No." Astrea held her gaze resolutely. "For me, every person in my Familia is someone who has decided to fight for an ideal greater than themselves. I just give them a place where they can do so."

Xander smiled. "You're definitely not like most people."

Astrea let out a soft laugh. "Nor you, Xander."

Xander held Astrea's gaze for a moment before letting out a sigh and smiling. "Well, it's nice talking to a goddess who isn't all about parties, gambling, or meaningless games."

Astrea closed her eyes with a serene expression. "All gods are different, but that doesn't mean they're bad. Some simply seek entertainment, while others seek purpose."

Xander leaned an elbow on the table and rested his cheek on his hand. "And which one do you think is mine?"

Astrea looked at him gently. "You're still figuring that out, aren't you?"

Xander let out a soft laugh. "Wow, how convenient."

Astrea smiled slightly. "I'm not the one who should tell you what your purpose is. But I can tell you this: if you truly want to see how far you can go with your Familia, then you're already on the right path."

Xander watched her silently, analyzing her words. Although her tone was gentle, there was a weight to what she said, as if she were speaking from experience.

After a few seconds, Xander casually changed the subject. "By the way, how did you end up dealing with someone like Alise? She doesn't seem like the type of person who would just follow orders."

Astrea let out a small laugh. "Alise is… passionate. But her sense of justice is genuine. From the first moment, I knew her spirit was unbreakable; she just needed a place where she could channel it best."

Xander nodded with a smile. "Yeah, that sounds like Alise."

The conversation continued smoothly, with Xander and Astrea sharing perspectives on the city, their families, and the nature of adventurers. For Xander, it was refreshing to talk with someone who saw things from such a different angle than the other gods.

After a while, Astrea bowed her head slightly. "I must admit I'm glad Alise found a friend like you."

Xander raised an eyebrow. "Why is that?"

Astrea smiled warmly. "Because she needs someone she can talk to without worrying about her image. Alise is strong, but even the strongest person needs support."

Xander crossed his arms, pondering this. Knowing Alise, it was true that she sometimes put too much pressure on herself. Maybe that's why they got along; neither of them took things too seriously when they didn't need to.

Finally, Astrea stood gracefully. "I don't want to take up any more of your time, Xander. But if you ever need a place to reflect, you're always welcome here."

Xander smiled. "I appreciate the offer, Astrea. And I must admit, your headquarters feels… different from other families."

Astrea stopped and tilted her head curiously. "Different in what way?"

Xander looked at the adventurers in the room. "There's an air of… tranquility, I guess. I've been to other venues where it's all noise, training, and competition. Here, though, it feels more like home."

Astrea closed her eyes with a slight smile. "That makes me happy. Justice isn't just a matter of battle, but also of the heart. I want my daughters to have a place where they can feel safe and at peace."

Xander looked at her with interest. Not all gods were so concerned about the emotional well-being of their families. Some saw their adventurers only as pawns in a game.

Just as Xander was about to respond, the door to the headquarters swung open.

"I'm back!"

The energetic, familiar tone made Xander turn his head with a smile.

Alise strode in, still wearing her light armor and her sword hanging at her side. Her green eyes sparkled with excitement when she saw Xander sitting comfortably in the seat.

"Well, well… Since when do you become a guest in my house?" She asked with a mocking smile.

Xander leaned an elbow on the back of his chair and smiled back. "Ever since I discovered you had an incredibly hospitable goddess."

Alise raised an eyebrow and looked at Astrea, who simply smiled serenely.

"Your friend is quite charming, Alise."

Alise rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "Yeah, yeah… But what are you doing here, Xander?"

Xander stood up, stretching a little. "Just checking on you. You know, making sure you didn't get into trouble without me."

Alise burst out laughing. "Please, I'm the one who should be worrying about you."

Xander smiled. "We'll see about that."

Astrea watched them calmly, seeing how naturally they spoke to each other. Without a doubt, the friendship between them was genuine, which made her feel at ease.

Meanwhile, Alise nodded. "Come on, let's go for a walk. I'm curious to know what you've been up to."

Xander nodded. "Sounds good."

With that, they both left the headquarters while Astrea waved them goodbye with a smile.

Xander watched Alise with a relaxed smile as they walked out of the Astrea Familia headquarters. "Well, since I finally found you, how about I treat you to lunch? I owe you a night out, after all."

Alise raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms, looking at him with amusement. "So you remember that? I thought you never would."

Xander put a hand to his chest, feigning indignation. "Please! What kind of god do you think I am?"

Alise laughed and started walking. "In that case, I'll choose the place."

Xander sighed in resignation, but followed her without protest. "Of course you will."

The streets of Orario were bustling at this time of day, with adventurers and merchants busily going about their business. As they walked, Xander glanced at Alise. "So, where are we going?"

Alise smiled confidently. "Somewhere with good food and a good atmosphere. You'll see."

Xander looked at her cautiously. "That sounds suspiciously ambiguous."

Alise just laughed, increasing Xander's curiosity as they continued their way through the city.

Xander stopped in his tracks when he saw the place Alise had taken him to. It was a fancy restaurant, with a pristine facade and a golden sign that made it clear that cheap dishes weren't served here. The kind of place where even high-level adventurers thought twice before spending their money.

"…Sure, I should have known," Xander muttered, glancing at Alise.

She smiled innocently. "You said you'd pay, right? Well, I thought it would be a good time to teach you a little."

Xander sighed, but ended up laughing. "I hope you have a small stomach, because if not, this ride is going to hurt."

Alise gently punched him in the arm. "Come on, don't be so dramatic."

They entered the restaurant, and Xander couldn't help but notice several glances directed their way. Not only because Alise was recognized as the captain of the Astrea Familia, but because he himself was starting to attract attention in the city.

A waiter led them to a table in a quiet area overlooking the streets of Orario. Xander leaned back in his seat and looked at Alise with a smile. "Okay, we're here. Now tell me, is this just to get money from me, or did you actually want to eat with me?"

Alise leaned an elbow on the table and rested her chin on her hand, looking at him with an amused gleam in her eyes. "What do you think?"

Xander sighed. "Probably both."

She laughed, but didn't deny it. Then she took the menu and began to calmly look through it. Xander imitated her, mentally preparing himself for what was to come.

When Xander saw the prices, he almost felt like he was having a heart attack.

"Are they cooking with gold or what?" he muttered, scanning the list of absurdly expensive dishes.

Xander sighed. "I'm going to have to sell a kidney."

Alise burst out laughing and put her menu aside. "If you're that worried, we can make a deal."

Xander raised an eyebrow. "What kind of deal?"

Alise leaned forward a little, with that playful look she always had when she was up to something. "If you admit my Familia is better than yours, I'll pay my share."

Xander stared at her, then resignedly placed the menu on the table. "I'll just get the cheapest one."

Alise laughed heartily, and they finally ordered. When the food arrived, Xander had to admit it was worth every penny.

As they ate, Alise looked at him curiously. "So, tell me, how's your Familia doing? I've heard rumors."

Xander raised an eyebrow. "Rumors?"

"Veldrin did something ridiculous again."

Xander smiled. "Yeah, he killed Goliath."

Alise paused for a moment before sighing. "That lunatic…"

"You say that like it's a bad thing."

Alise looked at him in disbelief. "It's not bad, but the last time someone single-handedly took down Goliath was Ottar. And now you have a crazy elf repeating it."

Xander smiled. "And we sold the magic stone for 3.1 million."

Alise put her glass down on the table. "Tell me at least the people in the guild were amazed."

"Oh, completely."

Alise laughed and raised her glass. "To the chaos he caused, then."

Xander clinked his glass against hers. He'd started the night worried about the check, but now he was just enjoying the conversation.

Xander leaned an elbow on the table and watched Alise with a sly smile. "You know, if you're so amused by the chaos I cause, maybe you should consider moving into my Familia."

Alise raised an eyebrow, still smiling. "And leave my girls alone? How cruel."

Xander shrugged. "You could bring them with you. I wouldn't complain."

Alise laughed and leaned slightly toward him, that mischievous sparkle in her eyes. "Are you trying to tempt me, Xander?"

Xander smiled and rested his chin on his hand. "Depends… is it working?"

Alise stared at him for a moment, then shook her head with a smile. "You're an idiot." 

"A lovely one."

Alise rolled her eyes, but her smile didn't fade. She took a moment to sip from her glass before speaking again. "You know, it's weird."

Xander tilted his head. "What?"

Alise turned her glass between her fingers, her tone becoming softer. "I so enjoyed talking to you."

Xander raised an eyebrow, amused. "Are you surprised?"

Alise placed her glass on the table and rested her arms on it, leaning a little closer to him. "A little. Most of the gods I've met aren't like you."

Xander looked at her curiously. "What are they like, then?"

Alise sighed and shrugged. "Some feel too distant, as if they're above mortals. Others interfere too much in their Familia's affairs and end up becoming more of a problem than a guide."

Xander nodded. "Yeah, I've seen both extremes."

Alise looked at him directly. "But you… you're different. You're approachable, but not suffocating. Powerful, but not arrogant. You're easy to talk to."

Xander smiled softly. "Is that a compliment, Alise?"

Alise smirked. "Maybe."

For a moment, there was a comfortable silence between them. Their eyes met, and although there were no words, the connection between them was palpable. It wasn't romantic, but it was intense.

Xander broke the silence with a mischievous smile. "So, does this count as a date?"

Alise laughed and shook her head. "If it were a date, you'd pay for everything."

Xander put on an exaggeratedly hurt expression. "But I am!"

Alise shrugged in amusement. "Does that answer your question, then?"

Xander blinked, surprised, and Alise just smiled, enjoying having taken him by surprise.

"Oh god…" Xander laughed and raised his glass again. "So, to our first date."

Alise clinked her glass against his, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "To our first date."

The conversation flowed just as naturally, a dance of sharp banter and knowing smiles that only two people with undeniable chemistry could sustain. Although they both knew there was no romantic interest involved, the intensity of their connection was undeniable, like two swords that, when they collided, produced sparks but never blunted each other.

Xander watched as Alise calmly sipped from her glass, her posture relaxed but always with that alert sparkle in her eyes. She wasn't a simple captain; she was a warrior, a leader who had carried the banner of justice in a city where chaos still lurked in every shadow. She was someone with whom sharing words felt like a duel without aggression, a clash of thoughts and personalities that kept the interest alive throughout.

The restaurant still had its refined atmosphere, but Xander wasn't too concerned about luxury. What made the evening special wasn't the exquisite food or the carefully selected wine, but the company.

Alise leaned an elbow on the table and stared at him. "So, Xander. What's next for you?"

Xander exhaled, leaning back in his seat. "Growing my Familia, strengthening them, making sure they survive in this place."

Alise nodded, appreciating the honesty of his answer. "No grander ambitions?"

Xander smirked. "What's cooler than that?"

Alise held his gaze for a moment before smiling. "You're right. Taking care of your own is the most important thing."

Time passed without them even noticing, and when dinner finally came to an end, Xander took care of paying the bill without complaint. Alise didn't try to argue, simply getting up naturally and walking with him out into the fresh Orario night air.

The city was still alive, illuminated by lanterns and the activity of those who preferred the night. 

The streets had a constant murmur, the pulse of a metropolis that never quite slept.

Alise stretched slightly and turned her head toward Xander. "Well, it was fun."

Xander dug his hands in his pockets. "I'm glad to hear that."

She watched him with a half smile, assessing him for a moment before nodding. "I'll see you later, Xander."

And with that simple yet meaningful goodbye, Alise turned and disappeared into the streets of Orario, leaving Xander with a smile on his lips as the night continued its course.

Xander arrived at his Familia's home under the cover of night, his mind still on his conversation with Alise. It had been an interesting evening, filled with the spark that always accompanied their interactions. But now, his attention had to return to his own home.

As he walked through the door, he found the three of them waiting for him in the living room. Cassandra looked exhausted but content, Lili sat with her feet dangling from a chair, cleaning her crossbow, and Veldrin simply had his arms crossed, his expression as calm as ever.

"Welcome back," Veldrin said neutrally.

"Welcome, Xander!" Lili exclaimed, raising her hand while still polishing her weapon.

Cassandra, more reserved, only gave him a slight smile. "Did you have a good time outside?"

Xander sighed and smiled. "Let's just say I ended up paying for a dinner that probably cost more than our monthly grocery bill."

Lili snorted in amusement, and Cassandra looked a little surprised. Veldrin simply shook his head, with an expression that seemed to say "typical."

Xander looked over the three of them, noting the progress each was making in their own way. There was something comforting about coming home and seeing them there, growing, improving.

"So, how was your day at the Dungeon?" he asked, leaning against the wall.

Lili was the first to speak, enthusiastically. "Cassandra didn't do too badly! She still needs to calculate her attacks better, but with those wolves and her lightning, it's like having a small squad at our disposal."

Cassandra looked away, a little embarrassed but pleased with the assessment.

Veldrin nodded. "He'll be able to handle the first few floors without any problems. His stamina is still low, but that will improve over time."

Xander nodded, satisfied with what he heard. After a moment, he stretched and yawned. "Okay, I think that's enough for today. Get some rest, tomorrow will be another day of training."

One by one, they retreated to their rooms, leaving the house quiet. Xander stood for a moment in the living room, staring out the window at the dim city lights.

His Familia was growing. Not just in number, but in strength and confidence.

And this was just the beginning.

With a slight smile, Xander turned off the lights and headed to his room. Tomorrow, they would continue.