Chapter 68: Shirou's Amusement
"Idiot, fool! Why bother with his threats? Couldn't you have just played dumb to the end?"
"Now look, you've dragged the entire Familia into this."
A furious Asfi scolded Lulune, and even other members of their Familia looked on coldly. After all, this mission was truly suspicious.
"Wuwu! Forgive me, Asfi!" Looking at the pitiful Lulune, Asfi's anger flared.
"Dealing with Lord Hermes's whims is enough for me; now I'm even involved in something like this. It's incredibly troublesome!"
After a moment, Asfi calmed down. She approached Ais and Shirou and said seriously.
"Allow me to confirm the mission. The destination is the granary on the 24th floor. We need to investigate the reason for the monster surge and eliminate it, correct?"
"Yes!"
"Understood. We have a total of fifteen people here, most of whom are LV.3. These are all the forces we can provide."
"Oh, your Hermes Familia has quite a hidden force!" Shirou couldn't help but click his tongue, scrutinizing the adventurers behind Asfi. Good heavens, how much tax revenue are you saving?! Who else would the Guild target if not you?!
After confirmation from Ais and Asfi, both parties reached a consensus. Shirou and Ais would temporarily join the Hermes Familia's team.
"Please take care of us!" Asfi extended her hand to Ais with a smile. She was naturally delighted by the Sword Princess's inclusion. After all, with the Sword Princess's strength, she was a top-tier existence in all of Orario. Having the Sword Princess, Ais Wallenstein, dramatically increased their safety factor! And...
Asfi, shaking hands with Ais, glanced out of the corner of her eye at Shirou, who was talking with Lulune, and couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. The Magic Sword Archer! This is an existence rated 'Destruction First' by the Gods. Such an existence is incredibly useful for dealing with large groups of enemies. Thinking this, Asfi's previously gloomy mood, caused by Lulune, suddenly improved significantly.
---
Meanwhile, Lefiya, who was heading to the Dungeon to support Ais with Bete and Filvis of the Dionysus Familia, found herself in a difficult predicament. When Ais's letter was delivered back to Loki by Fels's messenger, Loki was discussing the events on the 24th floor with Dionysus. This male god had encountered Loki in the sewers when Ais and her group were exploring the Dungeon and stumbled upon a murder. He was investigating related incidents due to the sudden death of his Familia members and thus ended up teaming up with Loki. However, it was more like he actively sought them out, wanting to involve the Loki Familia in the matter.
After learning that the incident on the 24th floor had been suppressed by the Guild and not spread, he came to the Twilight Manor to discuss with Loki. He happened to be there when Loki received Ais's letter.
An anxious Loki quickly ordered Lefiya to call Bete, instructing the two of them to support Ais and Shirou. To gain Loki's trust, she ordered Filvis to accompany Lefiya and Bete. However, this only put Lefiya, caught in the middle, in a tough spot. Both Bete and Filvis were extremely aloof individuals. This caused the sociable Lefiya to constantly hit a wall, showing a bitter expression.
Looking at the Babel Tower in front of her, Lefiya sighed helplessly, "What should I do, Brother!"
---
Dungeon, 24th floor.
Facing the continuous onslaught of monsters, Shirou continuously brandished the weapons in his hands. His nimble footwork allowed him to dodge enemy attacks, then turn and cut them down. Facing Shirou's offensive, the nearby monsters had no means of retaliation; they were unilaterally cut down.
"So amazing, as expected of the Magic Sword Archer!" Observing Shirou's continuous offensive, the members of the Hermes Familia, who had no chance to attack, admired his movements.
"But the Sword Princess is still stronger, after all!" Looking at Ais's even more agile figure on the other side, Lulune praised excitedly.
"As expected of powerhouses renowned throughout Orario, neither of them are ordinary individuals!" Astounded by the strength of the two before her, Asfi pushed up her glasses and said, feigning composure.
Just then, more monsters appeared before everyone's eyes.
"Everyone, let the Sword Princess and the Magic Sword Archer see the power of our Hermes Familia! Don't embarrass yourselves here!"
"Yes!"
After Asfi spoke, the excited members of the Hermes Familia charged forward enthusiastically. Soon, the surrounding monsters were cleared out. The group then set off again. Walking in the center of the team, Shirou looked at Lulune, who was happily conversing with Ais, and sighed at Ais's charm. He felt that Ais seemed to be the type to win over both men and women. It wasn't just men who liked her; even women easily fell under her charm. For example, Lefiya, Lulune, and Loki. Of course, Loki, who already liked girls, should be put in the category of men.
A keen-eyed Shirou quickly noticed that at the very front of the team, the Captain of the Hermes Familia was constantly watching Lulune and Ais. Could Asfi also be captivated by Ais's charm? No, that shouldn't be it. Her gaze was clearly different from Lulune's. In that case, is she looking at... Thinking this, Shirou's lips curved slightly. Looking at Lulune's back, Shirou chuckled maliciously in his mind, I'm very vindictive, you know!
"Hey, Lulune. I just saw that your Familia members are quite strong, especially their teamwork. Of course, Miss Asfi is the most outstanding."
"By the way, Lulune, what's Miss Asfi's current level?"
"Asfi? She's already LV.4! How about that, she's strong, right?!"
"She is indeed strong, truly worthy of being the Captain of the Hermes Familia!" Shirou praised Asfi while glancing out of the corner of his eye at Asfi, who was walking at the very front, trembling all over.
"Then, what's the furthest floor your Familia has reached?"
"The 37th floor! But the monsters there are really terrifyingly strong, so we didn't advance much!"
The 37th floor, huh? That's already deep. Shirou remembered that the Hermes Familia was registered with the Guild as having only reached the 19th floor. Goodness, they're hiding quite deeply! As expected of you, neutral god Hermes.
Shirou continued to praise the Hermes Familia's strength while observing Asfi's movements. That woman's fists were already trembling. She probably couldn't hold back anymore! Should I add more fuel to the fire? Shirou's lips curved, and he continued to ask,
"You've delved so deep into the Dungeon, and you haven't been discovered by other adventurers?"
"Our Captain is Orario's renowned All-Rounder! She has many powerful tools. Among them is one that can make us invisible..."
"Lulune, I need to talk to you!" Lulune's words were cut off as Asfi grabbed her by the neck with her arm and led her away.
Watching this scene, Shirou's face showed a hint of amusement. That dog has been throttled by fate's throat! You're really brave, Lulune!
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