Inside the Court of the Stars, the atmosphere fell into an eerie silence as Ryuu and Roy stared at each other.
How could the sharp-witted elf girl fail to understand what Roy meant? She let out a self-mocking smile. "What meaning is there in a Familia with no one left?"
The "Familia" that had once been her spiritual pillar, and the bond she shared with Alise Lovell and the others—ever since the day they were wiped out, her body and mind had become an empty shell.
The guilt of personally casting magic at Juggernaut and Alise weighed on her heart like a mountain. Unable to take revenge, yet also unable to forgive herself, in the end she could only succumb to desire and choose self-destruction.
"Is that something you'd dare say in front of Goddess Astraea?" Roy curled his lips.
A trace of irritation surfaced in Ryuu's eyes. This guy always managed to hit her where it hurt most.
She glared at Roy like a puffed-up kitten. After a long while, her expression finally softened. A hint of confusion flashed in her eyes as her thin lips moved slightly. "Alise and the others… can they really be revived?"
Roy's expression turned serious. "I can't guarantee it. But I'm willing to stake my life to try."
The unwavering resolve in the boy's eyes moved the elf girl slightly. A smile appeared on her face. "Then I'll have to seriously help you hunt monsters too."
Roy clutched his chest, looking as if he'd been deceived. "So you weren't being serious before?"
"Starting now isn't too late…"
Ryuu muttered softly, her gaze flickering.
…
Outside the Court of the Stars, the victory of the Astraea Familia undoubtedly caused a massive uproar.
Two people defeating over a hundred, with no overwhelming difference in level—this was something that had never happened before. The entirety of Orario was shaken.
Countless people rushed into the Guild headquarters, wanting to know how Roy and Ryuu had done it. The Ganesha Familia did submit a complete report to the Guild.
But the information released by the Guild was extremely limited.
Matters like the immaculate giant and the undead were suppressed and classified as top-level secrets within the Guild.
All people knew was that an abnormal event had occurred in the Dungeon that day—a Monster Festa, with large numbers of monsters, even new types appearing—which ultimately led to the total annihilation of the Rudra Familia.
Dungeon anomalies were not uncommon. Those unaware of the truth merely marveled at the Astraea Familia's luck, managing a miraculous comeback at such a critical moment.
But some things could not be explained by luck alone.
Ryuu was highly well-known in Orario, which also meant many people knew her well. They knew she was not someone who used schemes or tricks. That left only one other person.
Roy officially entered the sight of a certain group.
The Twilight Manor.
The three great leaders, having concluded their expedition, gathered together. All were Level 6, among the strongest adventurers in the city.
The Braver—Finn Deimne.
The Mighty—Gareth Landrock.
The Nine Hell—Riveria Ljos Alf.
"You suspect the abnormal situation we encountered during our last expedition is related to the Astraea Familia?" Riveria's emerald eyes looked toward Finn.
Gareth frowned as well. During their deep-floor expedition, a sudden roar from beneath the ground had directly boosted the strength of all monsters by an entire level, causing them serious trouble.
It had forced them to end the expedition early.
"I can't be certain. For now, that's my assumption," Finn said, licking his thumb.
Whenever danger approached, Finn's thumb would ache faintly—his unique intuition. Just thinking about the monster riot that day made his thumb throb with unprecedented pain.
"Using bounties to force the Rudra Familia into agreeing to a War Game, then completing revenge in one stroke inside the Dungeon… but how did they convince the Guild?"
Finn murmured to himself, a glint of wisdom flashing in his eyes. He had heard that on the day the Astraea Familia was wiped out, someone had also heard strange roars.
The total annihilation of the Rudra Familia meant Ryuu must have had an expert guiding her from behind. As for whether that person was Roy, Finn could not yet be sure.
Gareth spoke up. "Either way, the remnants of the Dark Faction won't have it easy now."
Finn and Riveria exchanged knowing smiles.
After this War Game, the Dark Faction's arrogance was thoroughly suppressed. The Familias, merchant guilds, and bandits that had cooperated with them all became much more restrained.
Finn suddenly remembered something. "By the way, why is there a sign hanging at the front gate that says 'No entry for unauthorized persons or dogs'?"
"That was after Bete got drunk and cursed Loki as a 'flat-chested hag.' While we were away on the expedition, Loki said she didn't want to see any werewolves for the time being, so she had someone hang that sign," Riveria explained.
When not entering the Dungeon, Bete spent most of his time drinking. His behavior while drunk was atrocious—he would even call her an old hag. Occasionally, Riveria would teach him what manners were through physical means.
"Isn't Bete a werewolf?"
"Loki said it's all the same. 'Dog' sounds nicer," Riveria said, a bitter smile appearing on her beautiful face.
Finn sensed something off. "What is it?"
Riveria could only recount the whole story honestly. On the day of the War Game, members of their Familia had recognized Roy at the Babel Plaza.
Roy had previously come to the Twilight Manor, lingering for a long time, hoping to join the Loki Familia—only to be turned away by that sign. Loki had been unwilling to meet him.
Hearing this, even Finn couldn't help but show a helpless, astonished smile.
Was this the unpredictability of fate?
Their own goddess had very clear preferences when accepting members—she adored beautiful women—resulting in a severe gender imbalance within the Loki Familia.
If they had taken Roy in that day, perhaps they would already know the truth behind the Dungeon riot and the destruction of the Rudra Familia, instead of brainstorming here now.
What a willful goddess.
Instead, she had pushed Roy toward the Astraea Familia, letting a sure catch slip away.
"Wait," Finn suddenly said, catching a blind spot. "That means half a month ago, that boy hadn't joined any Familia yet. But his movements didn't look like those of a rookie."
Riveria and Gareth's expressions grew serious. Thinking carefully, Roy's steady footsteps were comparable to those of a seasoned Level 1 adventurer.
Riveria voiced her doubt. "Could he have previously joined a Familia and accumulated status?"
Finn replied, "The Ganesha Familia might have his city entry records. Have someone investigate."
"Finn, is he worth that much attention?"
"I'm a bit concerned. Send Raul."
Finn looked out the window at the dazzling night sky. If his guess was correct, this was serious—Orario had gained a young man, and the days ahead were bound to become lively.
Finn sighed. "Oh, and remember to take down the sign at the entrance. I'll explain things to Loki."
"Got it."
…