Only three days remained before the "expedition." Finn and Riveria finally stepped into the "rest area." Looking around at the enormous treehouse and the vast interior space, both of them fell silent.
"Riveria, is this what we originally envisioned?"
"Yes. When Loki brought him into the Familia and we learned about his ability, you were the one who suggested this idea. I just didn't expect him to actually create such a massive rest area—something that could directly affect the success rate of an expedition—so easily."
"I thought it would take him some time to understand his power before he could make real use of it. But his speed's way beyond what I imagined."
Neither Finn nor Riveria had expected Tsuna to master his ability so quickly. Once their surprise faded, what replaced it was pure delight.
"With Tsuna's help this time, we should be able to achieve even better results."
"Riveria, did you forget about the 'abnormality' Tsuna and I noticed?"
Too soon for smiles. Riveria's expression froze—she had forgotten that little detail. This expedition wouldn't be going as deep as they'd hoped, not even with Tsuna's special rest area.
"Unlucky timing. Of all things, we had to run into another Dungeon 'abnormality.' And it just had to coincide with this expedition. If we hadn't already used the same excuse last time, we could've postponed it for a month."
Riveria knew how rare Dungeon abnormalities were, but Finn and Tsuna really had stumbled into one during their last descent. That particular disturbance had even reached the upper floors, confirming that the Dungeon had entered another unstable phase. Chances were high that this expedition would encounter the same kind of situation.
"Enough complaining. At least we know there's an abnormality this time and can prepare accordingly. If we refused to go now, the Guild would accuse us of slacking off and probably hike our taxes again."
"True. That's exactly the kind of thing Royman would do."
The last thing Finn wanted was for the Familia's taxes to increase again because of the expedition. Balancing the cost and profit of every large-scale operation was already hard enough. Even with the new rest area improving future Dungeon yields, that benefit wouldn't come until the next expedition. For now, the tax issue was still a problem hanging over their heads.
The Guild, as Orario's administrative body overseeing Familias and Adventurers, levied different tax rates depending on each Familia's field. Commercial Familias paid the highest rates, while exploration-focused ones received partial exemptions—but in exchange, they had to take part in "mandatory expeditions."
This system kept Orario functioning smoothly—each Familia performing its role, from commerce to exploration. But any exploration Familia that refused a mandatory expedition would be punished with doubled taxes. That might not crush smaller groups, but for top-tier Familias like Loki Familia, it would hit hard.
Last year, Loki Familia had already used a "Dungeon abnormality" as an excuse to skip one mandatory expedition. There was no way they could use the same reason again this year, no matter how much the Guild viewed them as Orario's most enthusiastic expedition force.
Just mentioning the Guild made Riveria frown. Not because she disliked the institution itself, but because of one particular elf working there—"that pig from the Guild." A fellow elf who reeked of greed, lacking all the pride of their race, and even looking down on other elves.
Riveria rarely hated anyone of her own kind. That man was one of the few exceptions.
"So, we're basically using the Dungeon abnormality as a pretext to satisfy the Guild?"
"That's the plan. We'll boost supply shipments to show our commitment. Once we reach the eighteenth floor, we'll rest there and move all our supplies into this space. We need to make the Guild see our effort—otherwise, they won't believe a word we say."
"You're playing dirty." Riveria smirked faintly. "But I agree. I'd also suggest we request the Guild compensate us for the extra supplies we'll lose in the process."
Finn's grin widened. Riveria understood him perfectly. And thinking about that fat elf bureaucrat, she wasn't inclined to argue.
"Good idea. Our operational funds have been tight lately. This is the perfect chance to recover some losses."
"But are we sure we'll actually encounter an abnormality this time?"
"Almost certain. That day, Tsuna and I found signs of excessive monster spawning near the upper floors. Just imagine—monsters multiplying like that up there. If that's not a warning sign, I don't know what is."
Riveria nodded slowly. It was hard to disagree.
Any abnormal reaction from the Dungeon meant it was preparing for another disaster. History had shown that such events were never accidents—just omens of what was brewing deep below.
"Could it be the Dark Faction?"
"The Dark Faction…"
It had been three years since the end of the Great Feud. Finn hadn't heard that name in quite a while.
"It's possible," he admitted. "Those lunatics are capable of anything, even something suicidal. But most of their main force died off three years ago. If they really were behind this, what would they gain? It's not like they could still be plotting against Orario after losing everything."
He had a point. The Dark Faction's core had been decimated three years ago. Even if they wanted to rise again, rebuilding their strength and influence would take far more time than that.
"They're not idiots," Riveria said quietly. "They wouldn't burn themselves out without proper preparation."