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Once upon a time, under the leadership of the Zeus and Hera Familias, Orario delved deeper and deeper into the Dungeon.
No one knew the exact depths they reached.
But they certainly ventured beyond the 49th floor.
However, in the present, with both the Zeus and Hera Familias gone, Orario, led by the Loki and Freya Familias, hadn't even reached the 49th floor.
This was partly due to the current generation of adventurers still developing their strength, but more significantly, it was because of the disruption caused by the dark faction.
As the saying goes, "To fight external threats, one must first quell internal strife."
With Orario's internal conflicts far from resolved, the two leading Familias couldn't afford to dedicate resources to Dungeon exploration.
Especially recently.
Under pressure from the dark faction, the various Familias had even halted their regular Dungeon expeditions.
Instead, their efforts were focused on patrolling Orario.
This highlighted just how extraordinary the achievements of the two former leading Familias had been.
"Finn, isn't this too risky?"
The thought of reaching the 49th floor made Shakti's head spin.
The 49th floor of the Dungeon!
Even the average monster there boasted stats approaching Level 5.
As a Level 4 adventurer, she wasn't sure if she could contribute meaningfully in such a dangerous environment. Simply avoiding becoming a burden would be a challenge.
Seeing Shakti's worried expression, Finn understood her concerns.
Shakti wasn't afraid of death; she simply didn't want to hinder their progress.
"Don't lose heart, Shakti!" Finn said reassuringly. "I don't believe Balor is stronger than Zald and Alfia, even though they are all Level 7."
Everyone present agreed with Finn's assessment.
While the strength of Floor Bosses typically surpassed that of adventurers at the same level, there were exceptions.
Those exceptions were individuals who defied expectations, who possessed extraordinary abilities.
Zald and Alfia were undoubtedly among the most exceptional individuals in Orario's history.
Alfia, in particular, was hailed as the "Embodiment of Talent" by the gods.
Though both were Level 7, their true strength far exceeded their official ranking.
Moreover, there were two of them.
"If we can't even defeat Balor, how can we hope to defeat Zald and Alfia?" Finn asked, looking at the expressions on everyone's faces. A smile suddenly spread across his face.
"Of course, fighting Balor isn't your task. Balor is our target."
Finn glanced at Ottar, who was meditating with his eyes closed.
Everyone finally understood.
"Then what is our role?" Alise inquired.
As Shakti had pointed out, she, a Level 4 adventurer, would be of little use in a battle against Balor.
The same applied to Alise, who was currently Level 3.
"To increase your levels, of course!" Finn explained. "Besides Balor, according to our intel, several other Floor Bosses, excluding Goliath, are still active. We intend to use this opportunity to help you gain strength."
"Even if our plan succeeds, when the decisive battle begins, the rest of us will likely be occupied fighting Zald and Alfia."
"That would leave a void in our high-level combat power."
"We need you to level up quickly and take our place in the fight against the dark faction's strongest members."
"I see!"
Finn's explanation made everything clear.
Originally, Orario's Familias held a significant advantage over the dark faction, both in terms of high-level and average combat strength.
However, with the emergence of Zald and Alfia, all Level 5 and above adventurers would likely be needed to confront them.
Since they were outmatched in individual strength, they had to rely on numbers.
This would create a shortage of powerful adventurers to combat the remaining members of the dark faction.
Therefore, Finn planned to take a group of promising adventurers with them into the deeper levels of the Dungeon.
"Oh, I didn't expect that. It seems like a great opportunity for us," Tsubaki chuckled.
Shakti and Alise also smiled.
This was undoubtedly a beneficial arrangement for them.
"That being said, it won't be easy. Besides leveling up, you'll also be responsible for carrying a significant amount of supplies."
"The Floor Bosses on the earlier levels are predictable; they remain in fixed locations."
"However, according to information I received from the Guild, the Floor Boss on the 49th floor doesn't have a fixed location. It roams throughout the entire floor."
"And the 49th floor is quite vast. We'll likely spend a considerable amount of time searching for it. Furthermore, with our continuous battles against Floor Bosses, we can't afford to run out of restorative potions."
"Therefore, we'll need to carry a substantial amount of supplies."
"Don't worry, we might not be much help in the fight against Balor, but carrying supplies is no problem for us," Shakti assured him.
"Excellent," Finn replied, satisfied.
"Prioritize mental recovery potions. Airmid's magic, 'Dia Fratel,' is a large-scale healing spell that can also provide continuous treatment."
"Furthermore, her magic can also detoxify, cleanse abnormal statuses, and restore stamina."
"Therefore, as long as we ensure her mental recovery, she alone can handle all of our healing needs."
Mika carefully explained the effects of Airmid's magic.
Since they had already revealed their hidden strength to Finn, he felt comfortable disclosing other information that couldn't be concealed.
In the past, Airmid had never used her magic to its full potential.
Capable of using the individual effects of her magic separately, she had always disguised herself as an ordinary healer.
However, once the war began, abilities like her magic's true effects would become impossible to hide.
It was better to reveal them now and increase their strategic value.
"What? Airmid's magic can do all that?" Alise asked, surprised. She had frequently fought alongside Airmid.
"That's right. We've been concealing our true strength."
"I'm actually a Level 4 adventurer, while Mellie and Airmid are Level 3."
Since their true strength would eventually be revealed, Mika decided to be upfront about it.
"Huh?!"
"I thought Yahweh-sama only descended a few years ago?" Alise asked, flustered as she looked at Mika. "Are you all geniuses?"
"Something like that. That's precisely why we've been hiding our strength."
Everyone finally understood.
"Excellent! This significantly increases our chances of success."
Upon hearing Mika's explanation, Finn immediately recognized the importance of Airmid's magic.
This miraculous power might very well be the key to their expedition's success.
---
The banquet hall buzzed with lively chatter and laughter as Familia captains and their deities mingled.
In a quiet, secluded corner, Mika, Alise, and Shakti conversed in hushed tones.
"According to Finn's requirements, only Ryuu, Gojouno, and I can participate in this expedition," Alise said with a sigh of frustration.
Such a valuable opportunity, yet they couldn't fully capitalize on it.
Finn had stipulated that only Level 3 adventurers close to leveling up were eligible.
The Astraea Familia hadn't been established for very long.
They only had three Level 3 adventurers.
"Our Familia can send everyone," Mika said with a smug grin.
"Your Familia only has three members! What's there to brag about?" Alise retorted, feeling a pang of jealousy.
Despite the Yahweh Familia being even younger than the Astraea Familia, their members' growth was astonishing.
Alise had been utterly shocked when Mika revealed his, Mellie's, and Airmid's levels earlier.
"We have plenty of eligible members in our Familia," Shakti chimed in, instantly capturing Mika and Alise's attention.
They suddenly remembered that the Ganesha Familia was considered the third largest Familia in Orario.
A wave of envy washed over them.
Having a large number of members had its advantages.
They could take full advantage of opportunities like this.
Noticing their envious gazes, Shakti shook her head, understanding their thoughts.
"However, I don't intend to bring any Level 3 adventurers."
"Eh? Why not?" Alise asked curiously.
"There's no need. If our Level 3 adventurers want to level up, the other Level 4s and I can easily support them."
"Not to mention, after this expedition, we might even have a few new Level 5s."
"Damn, that's the advantage of a large Familia!" Mika and Alise grumbled through gritted teeth.
Unlike the well-established Ganesha Familia, both the Astraea and Yahweh Familias were still in their early stages of development.
Unlike the Ganesha Familia's balanced distribution of members across different levels, their own Familias lacked the same depth of experience and higher-level members.
Therefore, they had to rely on themselves to achieve further growth.
Their seniors could offer little assistance.
"Besides, since this operation requires secrecy, and we might be in the Dungeon for a considerable amount of time, we can't mobilize too many members."
"After all, the Ganesha Familia bears the responsibility of maintaining peace in Orario."
Mika and Alise were filled with respect upon hearing Shakti's words.
"Don't worry, Shakti. The Astraea Familia will always support you."
"The Yahweh Familia as well."
"Thank you!" Shakti smiled at their sincerity.
"But do you have enough valis to prepare the necessary supplies?"
Alise's face fell.
As per Finn's instructions, to maintain secrecy, they had to purchase supplies separately.
Finn had distributed a list of required supplies to each Familia.
And they had to cover the costs themselves.
They couldn't expect the Loki Familia to shoulder the expenses while they reaped the benefits.
This was a joint expedition, after all.
"What's wrong? Are your funds tight?" Shakti asked, concerned.
"Indeed."
"We aren't a large Familia, after all. We're still in our early stages, and there are many things we need to purchase."
"Moreover, because the children in our Familia are so talented, we replace their equipment frequently. Add to that the cost of maintenance, and our funds are quite strained," Alise explained with a sigh.
"We can lend you some," Mika offered with a gentle smile.
"Eh, Mika? Do you have ample funds?" Shakti was even more puzzled.
Logically, the Yahweh Familia, also in its early stages, should be in a similar financial situation as the Astraea Familia.
"We do have sufficient funds."
"After all, we don't have the same expenses you mentioned."
"Due to our small size, we haven't considered relocating to a larger home."
"Moreover, I forge and maintain our equipment myself, so we don't have any additional expenses!" Mika said proudly, glancing at a stunned Alise.
While his words were technically true, they weren't entirely accurate.
Besides the equipment Mika crafted himself, they also commissioned pieces from the Goibniu Familia.
Their wealth primarily stemmed from Gabriel's resourcefulness.
"Damn it! Why are you both so fortunate?" Alise grumbled enviously.
"Fortunate? What's there to be envious about, Alise?"
A familiar voice called out from behind them. Turning around, Alise saw Astraea approaching, accompanied by Yahweh.
"Lady Astraea! Yahweh-sama! What are you doing here?"
Mika, Alise, and Shakti straightened up, their expressions turning serious upon seeing their deities.
"The banquet is almost over. We came to find you so we can leave," Astraea explained.
"Oh, is it over already?"
The three adventurers glanced towards the banquet hall, noticing that the number of attendees had indeed dwindled.
"Time flies, doesn't it? I should go find Lord Ganesha as well."
With that, Shakti bid them farewell and departed.
"Let's go as well. We have a lot to prepare for tonight!"
"Indeed!"
Mika and Alise exchanged glances, smiling as they escorted their respective goddesses back to their Familia homes.
...
"What?! Reaching the 49th floor? Finn is playing a dangerous game!"
Back at the Yahweh Familia home, Mellie exclaimed in surprise after hearing Mika's explanation.
The 49th floor!
That was deep within the upper levels of the Dungeon.
Even the average monsters there had level stats nearing Level 5.
To them, that environment was like hell.
"However, I must admit, this is the best course of action for you right now."
"Nothing provides a greater sense of security than increasing your own strength."
"Once Finn and the others reach Level 6 and attain the hero's realm, the gap between you and Alfia will narrow significantly."
"True."
Mika, Mellie, and Airmid nodded in agreement with Yahweh's words.
This was undoubtedly their best option.
...
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