Before she could even finish her words, upon seeing the state her companions were in, her voice broke, and not just hers, but every face around her froze in shock as well.
-------------------------------------
The environment was elegant and quiet, filled with the fragrance of old books washed by the years and time itself, that unique scent permeating the entire space, making one feel unconsciously refreshed and delighted.
The massive library was divided into three levels by suspended corridors and spiral staircases, with the lowest level decorated into a warm yet luxurious atrium, offering areas for reading and rest.
A grand and exquisite crystal chandelier hung down from the dome directly above the atrium, echoing with the artistic paintings brushed across the ceiling.
Illuminated by magic stones, the splendid chandelier and the countless crystals reflected brilliant rays of light, like a gigantic hanging cluster of crystals, as if the finishing touch to a masterpiece, utterly magnificent. It seemed to elevate the entire space to another level.
With a "snap," a golden-haired youth closed the yellowed old book in his hands, and put aside the parchment which was full of writings. He straightened up, rubbed his stiff neck that had frozen from holding one posture too long, and wore a thoughtful expression.
This was none other than the birthplace of Fron's rise, one of the foundations of the [Loki Familia], the [Archive].
Three days had passed since the retreat from the man-made dungeon [Knossos].
The aftereffects of unleashing such explosive power had already vanished by the second day upon waking. Then, following the command of their goddess Loki, he had joined in the post-battle cleanup and intelligence sorting.
As one of the few in the Familia outside of the three executives who not only possessed top-class combat strength at Level 7 but also had sharp intellect and command ability, and as the very core of the entire incident, Fron had been permitted by the three and the goddess to join the upper-level research meetings.
He poured everything he had seen in [Knossos] and all enemy intelligence into his report without reservation.
"A man-made dungeon [Knossos], huh? Tsk, tsk… what astonishing intelligence. No matter how much one predicts, who would've ever thought such a thing actually existed!"
Riveria frowned tightly, murmuring in a low voice.
"That sullen human male in the portrait… to think he's a direct descendant of the master craftsman Daedalus from a thousand years ago, and that his ancestors' spent an entire millennium constructing such a shocking work."
Finn, his face still a little pale, gave a bitter smile and said to Riveria:
"I admit, this work surprised me. But that's not the real issue. The real issue is… this thing was built under the guild's, Ouranos', and the gods' very noses for a thousand years. Even back in the prime days of Zeus and Hera before the Dark Age, not a whisper of this ever surfaced. That's… what makes it truly suspicious, doesn't it?"
Loki raised her wine glass, the liquid within catching the light.
The goddess slowly opened her crimson divine eyes, her expression utterly calm.
Yet that very expression made everyone present, Fron included, understand one thing clearly: Loki was in a foul mood.
"Finn, by your speculation, not only us, the [Loki Familia] and the [Freya Familia], but for all these years, no one noticed a thing. And after that great war back then, when the Evilus vanished without a trace… in all of this…"
Finn met her gaze.
"I think… no, I'm certain there's a traitor covering for them. Otherwise, there's no way we wouldn't have a single piece of intelligence about such a colossal thing hidden in Orario's underground waterways. Don't forget, that's practically a shadow dungeon right beneath the city."
Loki's lips curled into her trademark mischievous grin.
"Hehehe… to play me like a fool. Don't let me catch your tail."
Cruel and vicious, at that moment, the infamous trickster goddess revealed a sinister smile.
Fron lowered his head slightly. Aside from his initial intelligence sharing, he remained silent throughout the meeting.
When it came to strategy, he wasn't particularly skilled.
Besides… now, as a Level 6 with terrifying abnormal stats, he was confident he could even fight a Level 7 to a draw.
There was a saying he remembered: "Power can break all schemes."
Whatever plots or schemes there were, in the face of absolute strength, they were all nothing but paper tigers.
Since arriving in this world, he had always felt an urgency.
To rapidly accumulate knowledge, raise his abilities as fast as possible, and then impatiently throw himself into challenges, elevating his level step by step.
Now, he had reached the goal he long yearned for, he had everything he needed to face his enemies.
And with the greatest Familia of Orario, the Loki Familia, behind him, what was there to fear?
If the enemy enjoyed playing with human hearts, then Fron, with power in hand, would naturally play along, only to kick them down from their ecstasy at the very peak of delight, savoring their collapse.
Just imagining that scene brought an involuntary smile to his face.
"You brat, looking so cheerful all of a sudden!"
The still-bandaged dwarf slung an arm around Fron's neck and laughed boisterously, as if his injuries didn't exist at all. Fron couldn't help but mutter inwardly: Was this dwarf's body made of steel? With wounds like that, how could he not feel pain?
...
The sky was like a bright blue mirror, refreshing to the heart.
Orario bustled as always; the hidden currents of darkness and the [Loki Familia]'s ordeal didn't affect the lives of adventurers and townsfolk alike.
The main street was lively and noisy, with adventurers shouting and cursing in the crowd, drawing side glances from the onlookers.
After spending a whole day and night in the archive, Fron walked down the street in casual clothes, without carrying weapons, his face relaxed and cheerful.
The burden and pressure on his shoulders had all vanished with his growth in strength, allowing him to truly begin enjoying the life and beauty of this other world.
"Today you look a little different."
Perhaps it was just an illusion, but the golden-eyed girl tilted her head, blinking as she curiously looked at him.
"..." Fron paused in his steps, then instinctively reached out and tousled the girl's dazzling golden hair under her protesting gaze.
"Yeah, a little. I thought through some things, and my mood just got better for no reason. By the way… it's been a while since you had Jagamarukun, hasn't it? Today, it's my treat!"
"Waaaah! You scumbag! Take your hands off Miss Ais' head!"
Before the two could even take a step, a certain elf, who had been missing for quite some time, suddenly rushed out angrily from a corner, glaring at Fron like he was a criminal.
"Hehehe, Fron, don't bully…" Tiona, hands behind her back and a playful smile on her face, came over shoulder to shoulder with her sister.
"..."
"When have I ever bullied Lefiya? Clearly, "
"Scumbag!" The elf shot a deadly glare at the young man, pulled Ais away from his side, and clung tightly to her arm, glaring at him with full vigilance.
"???"