Chapter 26 - Riveria's Thoughts
The monsters Finn was talking about weren't the ones in the Dungeon. They were abnormal existences that, although in human form, were even more monstrous than monsters.
"Could this kid be a descendant of the ancient heroes? No, he might even be stronger than them!"
Hearing Gareth mention "ancient heroes," Finn's gaze turned to the wall across the room. A tapestry hung above the white stone fireplace. The pattern, woven from gold and silver threads, depicted an armored woman surrounded by various weapons.
She was Fianna, the fictional goddess worshiped by the Pallums. If the prologue of the Heroic Age was opened by the "clown" Argonaut, then the main theme throughout that age was the "Knights of Fianna," composed of Pallums.
That was the first and last glory of the Pallum race. Even after the Pallums declined during the Age of Gods, the Knights of Fianna were abstracted into the concept of the Goddess Fianna and were worshiped by them all.
For Finn, who has always taken it as his mission to revive the ancient glory of the Pallum race, it was impossible for him to remain indifferent after seeing a being suspected to be the "descendant of an ancient hero" appear before him.
"Well, it's clear from our expeditions that the Familia is lacking a strong vanguard core. I originally wanted to wait for Ais to grow up, but now it seems this has solved our urgent need. As long as he grows up..."
"Gareth, it's a bit too early to say that now. Even the most promising adventurer is still weak at Level 1. If there is no one to educate and protect him..."
The Pallum captain and the dwarf warrior looked at each other, and suddenly a smile appeared on the corners of their mouths. Their eyes focused simultaneously on a certain high elf who had been silent in the room.
After hearing the words "educate and protect," Riveria, who had been thinking about something, subconsciously became alert and met their gazes. "Wait... is it me again?"
Finn shrugged, spread his hands, and showed a frivolous smile that he would never show in front of the other Familia members. "It can't be helped. After all, you already have experience raising children... ahem, educating new people, don't you?"
The dwarf next to him also had a funny smile on his face, revealing a few large teeth. "Yes, yes. This is a rookie with great potential. Riveria, haven't you always been worried about the elven mages not being protected on the front lines? If this kid grows up, there will be absolutely no problem!"
If we only look at levels, there seems to be a big gap between the Loki Familia, which has only three Level 5 members, and the Freya Familia, which has one Level 6, three Level 5s, and four Level 4s. However, the two are still called the two major powers by the outside world.
The reason for this is magic. In addition to Riveria, the "Nine Hells" and strongest mage in Orario, the Loki Familia also has a magic corps composed of elven mages.
In Orario, magic is one of the only means believed to be able to transcend levels and defeat first-class adventurers. Many adventurers believed that if the two Familias went to war, and if Ottar and his companions were unable to kill Riveria before her bombardment magic was ready, then only the top executives in the Freya Familia would survive.
Therefore, the two Familias are ranked side-by-side not because they are equal in level, but because both sides have the ability to destroy the other.
But, Riveria thought, who wants to perish with them?
Whenever Riveria heard people praising her ability to take the Freya Familia down with her, she was not happy at all. However, it is an indisputable fact that the Loki Familia did not have as many powerful vanguards as the Freya Familia.
After all, Finn had to command from the center, while Gareth had more than enough defense but not enough speed to provide comprehensive support. During expeditions, there had been many times when monsters broke through the front-line defenses, causing casualties among the mage corps.
So... she was really happy to have a powerful swordsman like Noah join the Familia.
Just the thought of having to take care of another child, a grown-up one who looked mature but might actually be as troublesome as Ais, made Riveria feel a sharp pain in her temples.
"Fine... I understand."
After some hesitation, Riveria recalled the young elves who respected her, and she finally nodded and accepted the task. However, although she was his guide, Noah was not a seven or eight-year-old child. He only needed to be taught the basic common sense of an adventurer.
And judging from their previous meetings, Noah seemed to be a very mature and steady young man. She probably wouldn't need to spend too much time on him... right?
After looking at the magic and skills written on the paper, Riveria could only reluctantly comfort herself. From the perspective of combat power, Riveria had no doubt that the boy would soon surpass her.
But from the perspective of whether he would be an easy subordinate, Riveria had a very bad premonition. An older problem child is more difficult to deal with than a simple, fixated little girl.
Looking at the high elf who was secretly distressed, Finn and Gareth looked at each other, and a mischievous smile appeared in their eyes. The perceptive Riveria immediately noticed the smiles in her companions eyes. She woke up from her distress and couldn't help but sneer internally.
Laughing? You'd better laugh while you can. It's hard to say if you'll be able to laugh so happily in the future. That boy will definitely be the center of a storm that sweeps across Orario. None of us in the Loki Familia will be able to escape it!
"There's one more thing I haven't told you. When I met him at noon, Noah was fighting Evilus. Do you know who it was?"
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