Chapter 169: Internal Meeting of the Loki Familia (Bonus)

An emergency meeting was underway within the Loki Familia.

All Level 5 and Level 6 members were present.

Among them were Raul Nord, the "High Novice" from the Second Team, Anakitty Autumn, the "Alchat," Alicia Forestlight, the "Elleaf," and Aisha Belka, who was being trained as a future member of the Second Team.

Also present were Lefiya Viridis, the "Thousand Elf," being cultivated as a future core member, and Sanjouno Haruhime, regarded as a future ace.

The conference room was filled with both the current main forces and the rising stars. Standing at the front, Loki began to speak.

"Today, we had a good talk with Hestia's Familia and the shorty's Familia. After that, we finalized an order worth nearly 1.6 billion Valis."

"!?"

Nearly everyone in Loki Familia who hadn't known about it widened their eyes in shock.

"Loki-sama, isn't 1.6 billion Valis too much?"

Raul was clearly concerned about the Familia's financial situation—1.6 billion was roughly four-fifths of their total funds.

Loki was well aware of the potential issue. There would indeed be financial strain in the near future, but in the long run, this was undoubtedly a profitable investment.

"Although it's a huge order, after Finn and I went over it, we confirmed that this is a guaranteed win for our Familia."

"The list provided by Hestia's Familia includes the strategic resources we need. They'll greatly aid our Dungeon expeditions and could even bring us considerable profits."

Loki glanced at Finn, who gave a slight nod and stood up from his seat.

"This order effectively replaces our previous expenditure on magic swords."

"In addition, we've acquired Rune Stones imbued with extra attributes. Even ordinary weapons can be enhanced with these to boost their offensive capabilities."

"We've also secured a large batch of Rune Stones for weapon and personal enhancement, and some specifically for Limb Reattachment and Limb Regeneration. These will go a long way in protecting the lives and futures of everyone in the expedition team."

Many members present drew sharp breaths.

"Even limb regeneration is possible?"

Anakitty was visibly intrigued by the mention of limb regeneration.

Everyone knew how dangerous the Dungeon was.

Surviving with a severed arm or leg was already considered lucky—but for an Adventurer, losing a limb meant the end of their journey.

If reattaching or even regenerating severed limbs became possible, then so long as you didn't die in the Dungeon, you could keep pushing your limits without fear.

"It's possible."

Though he hadn't seen it himself, Finn chose to believe.

"The alliance between Hestia Familia and us has been solid for a long time. If they say the Rune Stones can regenerate limbs, then they can. Otherwise, how would they keep doing business?"

It was a logical and convincing argument.

Their reputation alone said everything that needed to be said.

To ensure better business prospects, Hestia Familia would have to guarantee that the Rune Stones they offered actually worked. If they couldn't even meet that basic standard, there'd be no point in selling them at all.

"There's no need to doubt it."

Loki stepped forward on this as well. Although she wasn't happy about that shorty taking credit where it wasn't due, she still had genuine respect for the shorty's companions.

"With that kid's skills, pulling off something like limb regeneration is nothing. He's capable of far more outrageous things."

That sealed it—this was real.

At the very least, the next time they went wild in the Dungeon, they'd have a strong safeguard in place.

"In addition, we acquired a special item this time."

Finn didn't bother elaborating on the miscellaneous goods. Once everything was delivered, he could explain them slowly. Talking about them now, with nothing physical to show, would just be a waste of time.

But a few items were worth explaining in detail.

"A storage bag with a capacity of five cubic meters."

"!?"

Raul, a Second Team member, immediately jumped from his seat.

"Captain, the storage bag you're talking about… is it the one I'm thinking of?"

"That's right, exactly the one."

"So our next expedition—we'll be able to cut down on a lot of hauling work? And we'll be able to bring back way more drop items from the Dungeon?"

"Just like you imagined."

Once he got confirmation, it felt like a rollercoaster of emotions.

As a Second Team member who often supported the First Team when needed, Raul knew exactly why their expedition earnings were always low—it came down to not being able to carry enough loot.

But if they now had a bag that could bring back large quantities of materials and drop items, Familia income would rise drastically.

...

Bete's eyes also lit up with intense emotion. He hadn't expected Hestia Familia to come through like this—to even present a space-type item he'd never heard of before.

Now, he understood why a Familia that had only just started gaining recognition could grow so rapidly.

They might've been newly established, but their standards were anything but low.

'Using Falna-granted magic to rapidly develop the Familia.'

'First they cooperated with Hephaestus Familia, now they've allied with ours. Looks like steady growth is next on the agenda.'

Bete understood how Rune Stones worked. The boost in Status was a sure thing. The attribute increases weren't massive, but as temporary boosts, they were absolutely solid.

Aside from the short duration, there weren't any real downsides.

This kind of business was in high demand throughout Orario.

Why? Because Dungeon monsters were truly overwhelming.

Sometimes, when you found yourself completely outclassed, a simple Rune Stone might be enough to level the odds.

With the business now established at this level, Hestia Familia had temporarily stabilized.

At the moment, no other Familia would dare stir up trouble for them.

Under such circumstances, as the sole member of Hestia Familia—and the creator of the Rune Stones—that person had to start growing as well.