Chapter 120: The Astounded Astraea Familia!
Ryuu, who insists on justice without compromise, and Kaguya, who also holds justice but has made compromises due to the cruel reality, quietly await the outcome of their debate.
Lyra, who is indifferent to their argument, and Alise, who always manages to lead the Familia on the correct path between ideals and reality, are the core members of Astraea Familia.
"Your name is Luke Ashburn, right?"
Luke, standing to the side, is somewhat baffled as the group of girls has not given him much chance to interject since the conversation began.
Thus, when Alise speaks to him, he feels a mix of relief and amusement that it's finally his turn.
However, what Alise proposes next takes Luke by surprise.
"If you don't mind, would you like to collaborate with us to explore the dungeon?"
The redhead girl has integrated the information from the previous conversation and, after observing Luke and Ais, extends an invitation without hesitation.
"Having only two people in a team must pose significant difficulties in gathering materials and dropped items. If we collaborate, we can handle the transportation."
"In return, we need the combat strength that allows the two of you to be in the lower floors of the dungeon."
"Of course, I swear by the name of goddess Astraea."
"Even if you refuse, we will not harbor any resentment, nor will we take this Under Coral before you."
Alise's demeanor shifts from her usual lively and cheerful image.
Her sincere invitation and explanation calmed the argument between Kaguya and Ryuu.
Honestly, Luke is surprised.
"Do you trust us that much?"
"In the dungeon, especially in the dangerous lower floors, inviting strangers to join the team is not a wise decision."
"Can you tell me your reasons?"
Seeing that Luke is not resentful because of Kaguya's harsh words but chooses to engage in conversation calmly, Alise immediately reverts to her original tone.
"Hehe, it's not that I trust you guys."
"It's because Lion doesn't dislike you that I judged you two are not bad people."
"After all, she's an elf, and our Lion is particularly strict. Having met a few times without being disliked proves you're not bad."
"Alise!"
Hearing the captain joking about herself in front of strangers makes Ryuu blush.
She knows she's not good at interacting with others, but that doesn't mean Alise can say such things to strangers.
"But what really reassured you was seeing that I wasn't angry because of your team member's comments, right?"
"Ah, you've seen through me."
Luke sighs. Such a significant change in attitude is apparent to anyone.
Regardless, Luke is indeed tempted by Alise's proposal.
Having a team capable of operating in the lower floors to carry items could double the dungeon's rewards for Luke and Ais's team.
Moreover, the other party belongs to the team of goddess Astraea Familia.
Just seeing Alise and Ryuu's attitudes is enough for Luke to trust them fundamentally.
As long as they do not betray his team, even if they don't help fight and only handle transportation, it's a win-win situation for Luke and Ais.
Once the decision to collaborate in exploring the dungeon is made, dividing the profits becomes much simpler.
Luke and Ais receive a portion of the relatively low-value items they otherwise couldn't carry.
Alise and her team get a share of the Under Coral that belongs to Luke and Ais.
Both teams profit from the arrangement. As long as their interests align during the exploration, no problems will arise.
...
After successfully collecting the Under Coral, Luke and Alise's team set off towards the 26th floor.
Alise and her team are not on an expedition nor plan to delve deeper into the dungeon, so both teams' time and objectives in the dungeon are roughly aligned.
Any slight differences are resolved through negotiation.
However, during their journey, Luke and Ais's combat style astonishes all members of Astraea Familia.
"Are you kidding me? Have those two always fought like this?"
"...No wonder they dared to venture into the lower floors alone."
"It's not just the lower floors. With that level of strength, it wouldn't be impossible for them to go even deeper."
"Deep floors might be a stretch...no...seeing them like this, it might actually be possible..."
Even Alise, an adventurer of Lv4, is astounded by their performance.
Luke and Ais, transforming into a streak of blue and green sword light, effortlessly slaughter monsters, making her think she's watching two first-class adventurers in battle.
Unable to intervene or, more accurately, having no chance to, the duo quickly clears the surrounding monsters without any need for assistance.
After the battle, Alise, who has barely caught her breath, turns to Ryuu and asks:
"Lion, you're considered a top newcomer alongside them, right?"
"Such strengths, when do you think you can achieve this?"
Ryuu doesn't answer immediately. Watching Luke and Ais fight, she feels a sense of defeat.
Although Ryuu has always considered them rivals, this is her first time witnessing their combat prowess firsthand.
"If it's just about destructive power, I can achieve that level with magic."
"But that agility to move through monsters effortlessly, without additional boost means, I would need to reach at least Lv5..."
There's no need to continue. Alise understands what Ryuu is trying to say.
In fact, she realized it the moment she saw Luke and Ais moving so fast.
Alise, who has reached the limit of Lv4, knows that those two can fight beyond their level.
"Fighting beyond their level, crossing the gap between the second and first-class ranks..."
"Loki Familia has acquired two remarkable monsters."
After clearing the monsters, Luke turns and walks towards Alise's team, wondering why the girls keep staring at him.
What's going on? Even if you don't help fight, at least you could help clean up the battlefield afterwards.
Why are they just staring at him and Ais?
As Luke approaches Alise with these thoughts, she suddenly asks a question that confuses him even more.
"Luke, tell me honestly, have you two been hiding your true levels?"
"Huh?"
"What are you talking about? Didn't we already publicly announce our upgrade to Lv4?"
Alise takes a deep breath, trying to calm her excitement.
Luke doesn't seem to be lying, but this revelation is harder for her to accept than a lie.
"Never mind, let's keep moving."
For the first time, the always energetic and vibrant Alise feels a bit weary.
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