"What's wrong?"
"Don't believe in my strength?"
Seeing the doubtful look in Daphne's eyes, Raven Eltharion chuckled with amusement.
"Well then, since you've all joined the Hestia Familia… I'll consider you family too. I won't hide my true power anymore."
He had no choice.
Their understanding of Raven was still far too limited.
After lunch, he didn't allow them to rest.
Instead, Raven used spatial teleportation magic to bring everyone directly to a safe zone on the lower floors.
The 28th Floor.
—The Garden Labyrinth.
This place was different from the 18th floor's Labyrinth Paradise.
Countless sky-blue crystal pillars stood tall all around them.
Below…
Lay a colorful and beautiful flower field.
From the high ceiling, clusters of blue and white hanging wisteria-like flowers emitted a gentle, mystical glow.
The entire floor was bathed in light—shimmering in hues of blue, purple, and white.
It created an atmosphere so enchanting, it felt as if it could draw one's soul into another world.
Springs dotted throughout reflected the radiant light and gently rippled with every breeze.
Simply put—it was stunning.
What was rare, however…
Despite the lower floors of the Dungeon generally expanding in scale, the 28th floor was actually smaller than the Paradise.
Though still spacious, the clearer view made it feel like a true garden on the surface.
The light from the crystal pillars and overhead blooms gave it a dreamlike air.
Unlike the Paradise, this floor didn't have a city like Rivira.
The depth of the floor and the limited number of adventurers made it unprofitable for black-market merchants to bother.
Indeed, compared to the bustling 18th floor that Lv.2 adventurers often frequented…
Only a few select parties could break through the Water Capital to reach the 28th floor.
Most importantly…
In the event of an emergency, adventurers on the 18th floor could escape to the surface.
But on the 28th floor? That was basically a death sentence.
"Alright."
"What I'm about to show you is forbidden magic, so don't go telling anyone."
"This is one of my trump cards—understood?"
Raven looked at the three girls seriously, his tone uncharacteristically solemn.
"Understood."
Mikoto nodded.
"Don't worry, Captain Raven. Your secret's safe with us," Daphne also agreed with a small nod.
It was the first time they'd seen him act so seriously. Cassandra trembled slightly in response.
"This is an extremely rare summoning magic."
Raven began.
"Summoning magic?"
Daphne blinked.
"Of course."
"But it's not on the same level as the Thousand Spirits' summoning magic."
After a brief explanation, Raven began chanting.
"—O supreme god of darkness in the underworld…"
[Reincarnation Summon]
As the incantation concluded, ten dark magic circles began to rise from beneath him.
One by one, humanoid silhouettes emerged.
In that moment—
Mikoto, Daphne, and Cassandra stood frozen in place, their eyes wide in disbelief.
Their bodies didn't move, as if turned to stone.
Raven ignored their stunned reactions.
With a thought, the summoned individuals opened their eyes.
"Raven?"
Alise Rollofelle scanned the area, quickly noting Ryuu's absence.
"Ryuu… isn't here?"
"She's probably still washing dishes at the pub."
Raven chuckled.
"How did the War Game go?"
Alfia asked calmly.
"Complete victory."
"I reached Level 4."
"That fast?"
Lila was surprised.
"As expected of Lord Raven!"
Meteria clung to his arm without hesitation, snuggling close.
"But hey, who are these girls?"
Zald eyed Mikoto, Daphne, and Cassandra suspiciously.
"They're new members of my Familia."
"You should all get acquainted."
Raven gestured casually.
"Nice to meet you! I'm Alise Lovell. Looking forward to working with you~!"
The fiery Alise greeted them with a beaming smile.
"H-Hello… I'm Yamato Mikoto."
Snapping out of her daze, Mikoto answered with a trembling voice.
"Are… are you the 'Crimson Justice Flower'...?"
Even Daphne stuttered, her voice laced with disbelief.
"Yes~!"
"Didn't expect someone still remembered the pure, just, and stunning me!"
Alise puffed out her chest, proudly striking a pose.
"There she goes again, idiot captain."
Princess Kaguya sighed and rubbed her temple in exasperation.
"You… you're Gojouno Kaguya from the Astraea Familia?"
Cassandra clung to Daphne's arm, whispering nervously.
"Seems like I still have some reputation left."
Kaguya's crimson eyes narrowed playfully, forming sly curves like a fox.
"Lady Kaguya...?"
Mikoto gulped.
As someone also born in the Far East, how could she not recognize this legendary princess?
"Hahaha!"
"No need to be scared, little ones. I don't bite~"
Zald let out a hearty laugh.
To be honest...
As the embodiment of Gluttony, he had once even eaten humans.
While the introductions carried on, Raven reached into his storage space.
He retrieved a set of first-class equipment.
It was crafted by the Goddess Hephaestus herself, valued at 1.25 billion valis.
The sword was named Heavenfeather Blade, and the light armor Magicfeather Mail.
The handle, sheath, and even the blade were all jet black.
Moreover—
Intricate engravings and feather-like patterns covered the sword edge.
Its function…
Was similar to the original Hestia Knife valued at 200 million valis in the canon.
It consumed the user's experience as fuel to evolve.
As the user grew, so too did the Heavenfeather Blade.
In other words—
As long as the wielder continued leveling up, the sword's power would grow in tandem.
"Here, Meteria. This is your custom-made first-class gear."
Since they were his strength, Raven would never treat them unfairly.
"Thank you, Lord Raven!"
Meteria accepted the gift and promptly kissed his cheek.
"Alright then."
"I'll begin summoning the next character. Let's welcome her together."
"Celty… it's your turn."
As he finished speaking, Raven's gaze naturally landed on the beautiful elven girl.
"I'm here."
Celty nodded in understanding.
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