The Loki Familia witnessed the birth of a hero.
This was the beginning of Bell's true transformation.
Here, he broke free from his weaknesses, overcame his limitations, and became a real adventurer.
It was the moment he took his first step onto the path of heroes — a deadly duel, a battle of life and death between a boy and a Minotaur.
From being unable to even face it, to gradually matching it, and then slowly gaining the upper hand — Bell continuously pushed past his limits, surpassing himself again and again as he reached new heights.
Watching the boy's desperate battle against the monster, the members of the Loki Familia were filled with excitement and awe.
"He's just like the Argonaut!"
Hearing Tiona's murmur, everyone's childhood memories stirred — the tales they had once heard came flooding back.
It was a heroic story about a young man who dreamed of becoming a hero, loved by the spirits, defeating a mighty being, and rescuing a princess.
Watching the scene before them, everyone felt as if they were witnessing a living fairy tale.
Under the gaze of all present, the boy defeated his powerful foe and claimed victory.
He had accomplished a great feat — he had become a true adventurer.
"I remember now. That boy's name is Bell Cranel," Finn suddenly said, looking at the boy who had collapsed from exhaustion after overusing his magic.
"That's right. Ais and I trained him," Shirou replied with a smile, noticing Finn's glance.
Even Ais, standing beside him, looked proud.
Bell's achievement was something worth being proud of.
"According to what you said earlier, this boy reached that level in just one month."
"It seems he's no less talented than you, Shirou."
Hearing Finn's teasing, Shirou chuckled and answered, "Wouldn't it be terrible if he couldn't even learn his master's skills?"
After a few light words, Shirou's tone turned serious.
"Finn, Ais and I will take him back to the surface first and return immediately. With our speed, we can catch up quickly."
"Alright, we'll leave it to you," Finn replied.
"We'll be back soon."
With that, Shirou carried Bell on his back while Ais carried Liliruca, and the two sprinted toward the surface.
After delivering Bell to the treatment room above ground, Shirou and Ais returned to the Dungeon.
After all, they were still on an expedition — they couldn't be gone for too long.
It would be troublesome if they lingered on the surface and everyone had to wait for them on the eighteenth floor.
Thanks to their speed, the two swiftly made their way through the Dungeon and eventually caught up with the second group on the seventeenth floor, who were slowly transporting supplies.
Seeing their comrades from the second group, both of them let out sighs of relief.
After all, they would have felt guilty if everyone had been waiting for them.
"You two, why were you running so fast just now? What happened?"
"Something really interesting. The first group can barely wait to fight those monsters!"
"Really? Tell us what happened!"
Surrounded by the elite members of the second group, Shirou raised his voice and began to speak.
After all, Bell was his student — and the better Bell performed, the prouder Shirou felt.
---xXx---
On the 49th floor of the Dungeon.
Standing on a high slope, Shirou used his clairvoyance to survey the terrain, supporting battles across multiple areas with his bow and arrows while keeping watch over the field.
Amid the swarming monsters, Ais, Bete, Tiona, Tione, and the others fought ferociously.
Facing enemies whose base stats rivaled their own, they unleashed their inner passion without restraint.
Watching the fierce battle unfold, Shirou couldn't help but smile.
"Looks like Bell's battle animation buff is working wonders…"
It was the sixth day of the Loki Familia's expedition.
At this pace, they would reach the safe zone on the fiftieth floor today and take a brief rest.
The Loki Familia had reached the fiftieth floor in just six days — a speed entirely thanks to Tiona and the others, all driven by Bell's fight.
Unlike the original timeline, where only the top executives knew what had happened, this time, thanks to Shirou's announcement, everyone in the Familia did.
They also understood the reason behind the executives' reckless excitement.
That knowledge united them, making the Familia's advance even faster.
"Looks like everyone's in top form."
After downing a monster that had disrupted their formation with a single magic arrow, Shirou lowered his bow and sighed softly.
As the Familia ventured deeper, Shirou's role became increasingly vital.
His magic arrows made him essentially a mage capable of casting powerful spells instantly, stronger than most close-range magic.
On top of that, his attack range was vast.
That made Shirou an exceptional source of support for his comrades.
"Well done, Shirou."
Hearing Finn's praise, Shirou replied modestly, "I still have a long way to go."
To make the most of Shirou's strengths, his position was naturally near the center of the formation — which was also Finn's command post.
Unlike the others, who proved their worth through combat, Finn's strength lay in his leadership.
Even though his personal power ranked among the best in Orario, it was his tactical command that truly shone.
Thus, Finn spent most of his time in the middle of the team, directing the battle.
Hearing Shirou's humble response, Finn smiled faintly.
After all, Shirou's humility was nothing new.
But then, his expression turned serious.
Noticing Finn's change in demeanor, Shirou quickly asked, "What's wrong, Finn?"
Finn lightly bit his thumb and said cautiously, "My thumb's starting to throb… I think something bad's about to happen."
Hearing Finn's words, Shirou's face grew serious as well.
Finn's thumb would always ache whenever misfortune approached — it was an omen, a warning.
Though Shirou's memories didn't mention any danger on the 49th floor, considering the "animation budget," he took the situation seriously.
Of course, it could also be a butterfly effect caused by his own interference.
After all, unexpected changes due to his existence were nothing new.
As Shirou pondered what could be happening, the entire 49th floor suddenly shook violently.
Then, to everyone's horror, a massive monster emerged from the ground, rising from the desolate earth.
The colossal creature let out a thunderous roar, announcing its presence to the world.
The master of the 49th floor — Balor — had appeared.
Staring at Balor's towering form, Finn's eyes gleamed with battle spirit.
"It's been a while since we've seen this guy."
As regular visitors of the fiftieth floor, the Loki Familia had fought Balor several times before.
They hadn't encountered him in recent expeditions — but unexpectedly, he appeared today.
"Listen up, everyone! Gareth, lead the officers to contain Balor!
Riveria, command the elven forces to wipe out the surrounding monsters and clear the field for the coming battle!"
"Adventurers! Show me your strength!"
"Yes, sir!"
Encouraged by Finn's words, Shirou's fighting spirit ignited.
With Balor before him, this battle would surely give him enough experience to level up.
"Show me your strength, Balor…"
(End of Chapter)