Everyone turned their gaze at Ais except Riveria who only sighed. They got stunned seeing Ais's expression. It's the expression of someone who had lost everything.
Lefiya: A-Ais, w-what happen?
Saying that Lefiya approached Ais. She was not the only one. Tiona and Tione also went to Ais. But Ais just remained sitting on her seat with her head down. Loki narrowed her eyes witnessing this. Even Finn and Gareth realized something was wrong. Loki suppressed her urge to approach Ais and turned her attention at Riveria.
Loki: What happen to our princess?
Sighing again, Riveria opened her mouth. Though inwardly she was wondering how many times she had taken sighs today.
Riveria: It's because of "The Black Swordsman".
Bete: Him. But didn't you say you didn't get any information about him.
Riveria: Yes. We didn't get any information about him...….
Bete: Then….....
Riveria: We met him.
All: WHAT!!!!!!!
Loki: You met "The Black Swordsman".
Riveria: Yes.
After that Riveria explained everyone about what happened. How they went to Guild to gather information on "The Black Swordsman". How she followed Ais when she sudden disappeared. How she saw the spar between Ais and him. How he suppressed her easily. How Ais created a new move but still lost.
Everyone kept on listening to Riveria quietly. Lefiya, Tiona and Tione were comforting Ais during the whole conversation. They all showed many expressions first shock when they heard how easily he defeated Ais. Then anger when they heard him disgracing Ais. And then it became one of dread when they heard how he still defeated Ais even when she created a new skill that was even stronger than Ariel.
SILENCE.
TOTAL SILENCE.
Finn put his hand on his chin and thought for some time before saying.
Finn: To think he is this strong.
Loki remained quiet while listening to everything. Only when everyone stopped, she spoke.
Loki: There is more to it, right?
Lefiya: L-Lady Loki?
Loki: There is no way our princess will become this dejected after a single lose. So, there must be something else.
Everyone again turned to Riveria again. Seeing everyone gaze Riveria nodded.
Riveria: Yes. He revealed an important information. He said "One-Eyed Black Dragon" has already reached Level 11. God's blessing limit is Level 9. So, even if Ais will reach Level 9 in future, nothing will change unless she finds a way to increase her strength beyond that.
BOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!
Riveria words fell like bomb in everyone's mind. Loki who remained calm all this time also stood up from her and looked at Riveria with shocked eyes.
Loki: Are you sure that's what he said, Riveria?
Riveria: Yes.
Bete: That's impossible. What kind of joke, is it? How the hell does he knows that "One-Eyed Black Dragon" is Level 11? It resides at the bottom Floor of the dungeon.
Riveria: I don't know myself. But I can tell that he was not lying.
Finn: You sure, Riveria?
Finn also had very serious expression on his face right now. Level 11. In that case, it's impossible to win unless they had many high-level potions, magic swords, and many other things. Last but not the least many Levels 9 Adventurers were needed. Even then the chances of winning were still slim.
Riveria: Yes.
Gareth: Now, this is a very serious situation.
Everyone nodded. Now, they realized why Ais was behaving like this. They all know how Ais's only aim in life was to kill "One-Eyed Black Dragon". However, If the news of "One-Eye Black Dragon" was correct, then it had become an almost unreachable goal.
Lefiya: A-Ais.
Ais didn't respond. Riveria continued.
Riveria: Lady Loki. I don't think someone like him will join any Familia. Let alone ours. I am also having a feeling that he is even stronger than Ottar the "King".
All: WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All became shocked again. The strongest Adventurer in the entire Orario was Ottar and one another who was Level 7 after the annihilation of Hera and Zeus Familia. But now someone who was even stronger had arrived. Loki sighed thinking about that.
Loki: Looks like Orario is really going to change just like I said yesterday. Hehe. Now, I really can't wait to see "The Black Swordsman".
Riveria: What now, Lady Loki?
Loki: For now, let's just wait. As for Ais...…
She moved her gaze at the depressed Ais. If it was other time, then she would have started to tease or played with her to distract her. But now, she knew Ais needed some time alone.
Loki: Ais, I think today was a very tiring day. So, why don't you go to your room and rest.
Ais nodded her head slightly before getting up for her seat and leaving the room.
CREAK!!!!
BANG!!!!
Lefiya also decided to follow but Loki stopped her.
Loki: Leave her alone, Lefiya. Right now, she needs some time to collect her thoughts 'alone'.
Loki specially emphasized the word 'alone' to stop Lefiya.
Lefiya: But Lady Loki----
Riveria: I also agree with Lady Loki. Lefiya give Ais some alone time for herself.
Lefiya: Ok.
Lefiya nodded her head and returned to her seat. When everyone became silent again, Loki spoke again
Loki: Start searching for "The Black Swordsman" again. This time with few members.
Tiona: Lady Loki?
Loki: In case "The Black Swordsman" really is even stronger than Ottar then we should at least establish friendly relation with him. Another reason is to make other Familias think that we are still searching for him.
Finn nodded agreeing with Loki.
Finn: If we send only few members searching for him then even if they won't be able to find him, but he will still get a message that we want to talk to him. On top on that, we will also hide the fact that we were able contact him from other Familias.
Loki: Yes. Also make sure no one will know about it. This information should only remain between us.
All: Yes, Lady Loki.
Loki: Ok, dismiss.
CREAK!!!!
BANG!!!!!
When one-by-one everyone left, Loki leaned back on her seat. There was a smile on her face.
'Loki: Now, things are getting even more interesting. To think someone even stronger than Ottar will come to Orario. Hehe. "The Black Swordsman" now I want to meet you even more.'
After that Loki closed her eyes to plan her next course of action.