"Wait," Riveria said, finally catching onto the blind spot. "You said you went adventuring... but you're still not LV.2?"
The realization hit her all at once.
Her head started to ache.
Delving alone all the way to the Seventeenth Floor-and returning alive-while still remaining at LV.1.
What kind of absurd feat was that?
How could something like that even be possible?
"That's right," Shirou replied calmly. "After all, I've only been an adventurer for about a month."
He spoke as if stating a simple fact.
Faced with Riveria's disbelief, Shirou showed no sign of agitation. To others, this was impossible. To him, it was merely the result of several factors overlapping.
For example, his magic circuits.
Compared to the adventurers of this world, Shirou possessed an additional magical organ. Because of that, his magical energy recovery speed far surpassed that of ordinary adventurers.
And under the effects of the Divine Blessing, those magic circuits had been strengthened even further.
Then there were his basic abilities.
They were far higher than those of adventurers at the same level.
Unlike most adventurers, whose basic ability limit capped at 999, his limit was 1199.
And even among those adventurers, very few ever actually reached their maximum.
Finally-
His combat experience.
And his stable mindset.
These were qualities typically associated with veterans and powerful figures.
But even the strongest adventurers had once been rookies.
Their growth began the moment they stepped into the Dungeon.
Shirou's growth, however, had already taken place long before that.
It had been forged during that mythological war.
That was why he could accomplish something others couldn't even imagine.
"One month..." Tiona muttered.
She stared at him, eyes wide.
"One month to go from a beginner to someone basically standing at the threshold of upper-tier adventurers?"
She suddenly grabbed Shirou by the shoulders and shook him.
"How is that even possible?! Do you have some kind of super rare skill or something?!"
Tione, having recovered from her shock as well, immediately leaned in closer.
The two Amazon warriors pressed in from both sides.
Shirou stiffened.
His face turned red almost instantly.
He had never experienced anything like this before.
Seeing the scene, even Ais seemed ready to step forward.
Fortunately, Finn stopped her in time.
"Alright, that's enough," Finn said firmly. "I know everyone has questions, but this isn't the place for them."
He glanced around.
Other adventurers nearby had already begun to notice the situation.
Their gazes were fixed on Shirou, who stood among the Loki Familia.
Confusion spread across their faces.
Whispers followed.
"How is that guy with the Loki Familia?"
"Is he one of them? I've never seen him before."
"A newcomer? No way... that's impossible."
They had all witnessed Shirou's earlier battle.
There was no doubt-his combat prowess was top-tier.
They had assumed that some lucky Familia was about to experience explosive growth because of him.
But none of them had expected that he already belonged to the Loki Familia.
Shirou also noticed the pointing fingers and murmurs around them.
He quickly slipped free from Tiona and Tione.
Taking a few steps back, he spoke with slight embarrassment.
"Captain... let's talk about this after we get back. I still need to finish my expedition."
With that, he turned and started walking forward.
"Wait! I'll go with you!"
Ais, who hadn't managed to say a word earlier, immediately chased after him.
Seeing that, Tiona, Tione, and Bete followed without hesitation.
"Hey! Where are you all running off to?!"
Watching the five figures disappear in the blink of an eye, Riveria let out a long sigh and rubbed her forehead.
These problem children really were impossible to manage.
"Alright, Riveria," Finn said. "Let's hurry back as well. I have far too many questions I want to ask Loki."
The information Shirou had revealed was simply too shocking.
Based on their experience, his growth speed was almost beyond reason.
But there was no point in doubting him.
If he were lying, it would be exposed immediately.
That contradiction left them deeply unsettled.
At this point, only one person could give them a clear answer.
Their patron goddess.
"Pick up the pace," Finn ordered. "Let's return to the Familia as quickly as possible."
"Yes!"
At Finn's command, the members of the Loki Familia began a forced march.
For them, the environment of the upper floors was no different from the surface.
As the exit grew closer, Finn's thoughts churned.
I hope Loki can give me an answer I can accept.
...
"So that's how it happened."
At Twilight Manor, the Loki Familia's base, Loki leaned back after listening to Finn's explanation.
Her expression turned serious as she looked at Shirou.
"I really didn't expect your idea of 'adventuring' to be diving alone to the Seventeenth Floor."
She crossed her arms.
"If I'd known, I would've waited for everyone to return and sent someone to go with you."
Her gaze sharpened.
"Adventuring is necessary for leveling up, but what you did was far too reckless."
She emphasized each word.
"Don't forget-you were still LV.1."
Around Shirou, the executive members of the Loki Familia were seated in the main hall.
All of them were staring at him.
Especially the team that had been responsible for resupply, led by Gareth.
After hearing about Shirou's feat, they were still struggling to process it.
The atmosphere was heavy.
Being stared at by so many people made Shirou extremely uncomfortable.
In both his previous life and this one, he had never experienced anything like this.
Seeing Shirou's slightly flustered expression, Loki's seriousness suddenly shattered.
She burst out laughing.
"Hahaha! It was dangerous, sure-but I'm satisfied!"
She threw an arm around Shirou's shoulders and patted his back repeatedly.
"This is exactly what a true hero looks like!"
Her laughter rang through the hall.
One by one, the other members of the Loki Familia began to smile.
Cheers followed.
"Excellent! Knowing it's impossible and still doing it-that's a hero!"
"Not the calmest approach, but that fighting spirit is unmatched!"
"He was born to be a hero!"
Amid the noise, the three core pillars of the Familia-Gareth, Riveria, and Finn-each voiced their praise in turn.
"I'm really not that amazing," Shirou said honestly.
But hearing their words, warmth spread through his chest.
"You," Loki said, patting his shoulder again, "always humble, never arrogant."
She grinned.
"This is your comrades recognizing you. Just accept it properly."
Then she turned toward the rest of the hall and raised her voice.
"Right, everyone?!"
"That's right! Emiya-kun is the best!"
"Go, Emiya! We know you'll become a hero!"
"You've even broken our princess's record! Believe in yourself!"
Hearing the voices echoing around him, Shirou felt his chest tighten.
"Yes!"
The shout left his mouth before he even realized it.
This feeling-
Being acknowledged.
Being supported.
It felt incredibly good.
He could clearly feel the sincere blessings his comrades were giving him.
There was no wariness.
No suspicion.
None of them looked at him differently because of his abnormality.
That unwavering trust struck deep.
Shirou cherished it.
Bang!
On a whim, Loki slammed her hand heavily against the table.
"Today is a double celebration!"
Her voice was full of energy.
"Our expedition team has returned safely!"
"And our Familia's new recruit has accomplished a great feat, officially stepping into the ranks of upper-tier adventurers!"
She spread her arms wide.
"With news this good, how could we not celebrate?!"
She grinned broadly.
"Everyone-let's celebrate properly tonight!"
--------More Bonus Chapters!!!!
Every 300 power stones = 1 Bonus Chapter