Transfer Magic, as the name implies, is a form of Spatial Magic.
Currently, throughout all of Orario… no, even across the entire Lower World, even in that so-called nation of magic, there has never been any confirmed case of someone awakening such an ability.
At least, not publicly.
But now,
"Riveria-sama, Tione, Tiona, you all know this already. As long as Xiao is with me, with his abilities escorting me into the Deep Floors, there is absolutely no danger."
Inside the first-floor hall of the Guild headquarters, Lumine didn't even bother lowering her voice as she continued:
"On the contrary, bringing one more person would only make our movements more cumbersome, and that would be counterproductive."
"So this time, Goddess Freya didn't assign anyone to accompany me. Not even Aether came along."
Well… that was obviously a lie mixed with truth.
In reality, the reason Aether wasn't present was simply because he had other matters to take care of. That was why Lumine went into the Deep Floors, to serve as a fixed 'Starry Abyss' buff anchor, while conveniently placing a transfer marker on the 39th Floor.
But there was no need to explain all that.
Right now,
"…Let's see. Among the people here who reacted badly the moment they heard Lumine mention Transfer Magic… mm. I'll remember them."
Aether had always been the type to plan before he moved.
He knew there would come a time when the existence of Transfer Anchors would be exposed, especially since he planned on using them frequently in the near future.
But just like how Paimon's existence eventually had to be revealed, the timing of that reveal must be controlled by him, and used to extract the maximum benefit.
For example, now.
"Transfer magic, is it…"
Riveria frowned again. She glanced around, sweeping away the nearby eavesdroppers simply through the pressure of her gaze, before turning back toward Lumine.
"We can discuss the details later… Lumine, do you have time to come to Twilight Manor today?"
"No problem."
Lumine nodded, smiling.
"I happen to have the whole day free, so I came here to check on the situation regarding the monster outbreak in the Large Tree Labyrinth."
"Aether, you?"
"No issues for me either."
Even outside of mental-link conversations, Aether simply spoke aloud:
"Welf, and the Hephaestus Familia, are extremely busy right now. There's nothing I can help with at the moment."
"And I'm also very interested in what's happening in the Large Tree Labyrinth."
Hearing both siblings bring up the incident,
"Oh? You two are keeping track of this as well?"
Riveria's expression softened.
"Our Familia also received a request from the Guild. We came here to confirm details. If you have any questions, feel free to ask."
Upon hearing that,
"You're sending people outside Orario as well?" Lumine asked.
"Yep," Tiona sighed, hands resting behind her head.
"We came here to check the situation before choosing who to dispatch."
And right then,
"Haah… mostly because our last expedition failed, and the Familia is drowning in debt." Tione added helplessly, "We need to take on more missions to earn funds."
"We still haven't secured the budget for the next expedition."
"I even saw Captain Finn staying up again last night… ahhh, it hurts my heart."
While speaking, the elder Amazon crossed her arms and twisted her waist dramatically.
Not surprising, considering she was the Jörmungandr.
Yeah… well…
"So… debt, huh. Ahaha~"
Lumine could only give an awkward laugh.
Because, this was absolutely the normal state of the Loki Familia.
Anyone in Orario who understood the industry, whether god or mortal, knew how bad their finances were.
Despite being the second-largest familia in the entire city, their treasury was constantly in the red.
Compared to Freya Familia at the top, as well as Hephaestus Familia and Dian Cecht Familia, both famous for their wealthy logistics, Loki Familia was… poor.
Even the Ishtar Familia (who ran the entertainment district) and the Soma Familia (with its massive alcohol trade) were financially healthier.
Because repeated expeditions… cost a fortune.
Which was exactly why, after Lumine revealed just a portion of the truth regarding the Transfer Anchor, Riveria, despite maintaining composure on the surface, was internally ecstatic.
Because she saw hope,
Hope to finally break through the 58th Floor.
Of course, Lumine was still a member of Freya Familia, and although they had cooperated before, this level of collaboration required careful and respectful negotiation.
Wait,
"You said you also awakened Transfer Magic?" Riveria finally processed the key point.
Also?
Meaning,
"Yes." Lumine nodded.
"Aether can also use Transfer Magic."
==========
Inside the top-floor conference room of Twilight Manor.
Loki Familia's core members were gathered.
"Transfer Magic… huh. I see."
Finn, the Pallum Hero, finally understood why goddess Freya had shown zero concern about the twins' safety during the expedition.
Transfer Magic was so absurdly rare that it only ever appeared in stories approaching the realm of the gods.
Unfortunately,
"Lumine and I can only use Transfer Magic on ourselves. So we couldn't bring Lefiya out with us last time. Sorry."
Aether stated simply.
To which Finn calmly responded:
"This is not your fault. Unforeseen abnormalities occur often in the Dungeon. Any adventurer must be prepared for such risks."
"And considering you could have escaped alone, yet chose instead to remain in the Deep Floors to protect Lefiya, we owe you our thanks."
Right after he finished,
"Tch. And you just went ahead and announced something that big in the Guild lobby." Bete muttered from near the door.
"Seriously, no brain."
As usual, the wolfman needed subtitles for every sentence.
Naturally, he didn't understand Aether's long-term planning.
For now, the fact that Aether's main body had already reached Level 2 was known only to him and Freya. And since the Traveler Twins' public levels were still low, it was better for Freya Familia, a small, weak Familia, to remain unassuming for now.
But soon, very soon, the Twin Stars would publicly rise to Level 3.
And then,
Things that couldn't be revealed at Level 1 would soon become usable pieces on the board.
Aether's thoughts sharpened.
It's about time I start developing the "Synthesis" skill. Materials from Teyvat aren't just for cooking.
Once we finish gathering intel on the Large Tree Labyrinth and settle the expedition collaboration details… I'll head to the Free Market in District Six.
With that, his course of action was set.
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