Damien woke slowly, eyes opening to warmth and weight.
The first thing he saw was Hestia, fast asleep on his chest, her breathing soft and steady. To his right, Aisha clung to his arm like she intended to drag it into her dreams with her. To his left, surprisingly, Samira had claimed her territory as well, curled close with quiet confidence.
He stared at the ceiling for a moment, fully aware that this situation required precision.
Carefully, almost absurdly carefully, Damien activated his skills and began the slow escape. Inch by inch, he slipped free, easing Hestia's head onto a pillow, disentangling Aisha's grip, and sliding out from Samira's side without waking a single one of them. A miracle.
Before leaving, he paused.
He looked back at them, the soft morning light spilling across their sleeping faces, and allowed himself a small smile. Then, satisfied, he quietly made his way down to the kitchen.
There, Ryuu sat at the table, posture elegant as ever, calmly sipping her coffee and enjoying the meal Lana had prepared.
"Good morning, Ryuu," Damien said as he sat down, letting out a long yawn.
Ryuu looked up and smiled faintly. "Good morning, Damien."
Lana arrived a moment later, placing a plate in front of him. "Good morning, Captain!"
Damien returned the smile. "Good morning to you too, Lana."
Ryuu's eyes drifted over him, observant as always. "You seem to have had… an eventful night."
Damien raised an eyebrow. "Were we too loud?"
"A bit," Ryuu replied calmly. "But I understand. You will not be seeing them for weeks."
As Damien began eating, Samira entered the room, already fully dressed and composed. She bowed deeply. "I apologize for waking late, my lord."
Her tone was so formal it was almost impressive, especially considering the night they had just shared. She and Aisha had grown close to him this past month, and Hestia would som
Damien sighed. "Relax a little, will you? We have a long and exhausting expedition ahead of us."
"Yes," Samira said, straightening. "I shall. I am ready."
Ryuu finished her meal and stood. "I will meet you at the entrance. I need to say my goodbyes to the girls at the Hostess."
"Send my regards," Damien replied.
Ryuu nodded and left, the quiet confidence of a warrior returning to her path following her out the door.
...
An hour later, Damien stood at the entrance of the Dungeon alongside his Familia, Hestia at their center. The place was alive with motion and noise. Dozens of supply carts lined the stone road, packed to the brim. Around eighty five adventurers gathered in groups, checking gear, exchanging last words, steeling themselves. Beyond them, hundreds of onlookers crowded the area, voices overlapping in a restless chorus of worry, pride, and anticipation.
Damien glanced around, taking it all in, then turned slightly to his left. "Is it always this… chaotic?"
Riveria followed his gaze, her expression calm and knowing. "Yes. And it is necessary. Not everyone who leaves today will return. That is the life of an adventurer. For many, this is the only chance they have to say goodbye."
Damien grew quiet for a moment. Then he nodded. "I see. In that case… let's do everything we can to make sure everyone here comes back home safe and sound."
A firm tap landed on his back. Loki stepped in front of him, hands on her hips, grinning. "Well said, kid. That's the attitude I like."
She tilted her head toward the gathered adventurers. "Now it's your turn. Go talk to your people. Departure's in ten minutes."
Damien nodded without hesitation. "Of course. See you in a bit."
With that, he turned and walked forward, ready to face his Familia before they descended into the depths.
....
Damien made his way back to his Familia.
Samira had already finished her goodbyes with Aisha, Lana, and Hestia, her expression composed as she moved off to join the expedition preparations. Ryuu had just returned from the Hostess, quietly speaking with Ais and Tiona, her face calm but resolute.
Damien stopped in front of Aisha and smiled.
"Well then," he said lightly, "I won't say much. I think I already told you what your role is, right?"
Aisha raised a brow and laughed. "Wow. I was expecting a heartfelt hug or something. Not you reminding me I have to protect our home."
Damien chuckled. "Nah. You're not that type. I know what you like." His eyes sharpened just a little. "Do your job well, and when I come back, I'll make it worth your patience."
Aisha's grin turned feral. "Already missing me, huh?" She leaned in slightly, then grew serious. "Don't worry about me. Focus on yourself. No jokes this time. Expeditions aren't normal dungeon runs."
"I know," Damien replied. "I promise. I'll come back to you."
With that, he moved on.
Welf stood nearby, arms crossed, watching the bustle with a familiar grin. Damien walked up to him. "Well, look at that. You're actually here. Thought you'd be buried in your forge instead of saying goodbye."
Welf laughed. "Like hell I'd miss this. Everything I've got now is because of you. Of course I'm here." He studied Damien for a moment. "So? You ready?"
"Always."
"Good," Welf said firmly. "I don't want any of that sentimental crap. I trust you. Just come back alive and stronger."
Damien nodded. "You know I will. Take care, Welf."
Welf gave a short nod in return.
Finally, Damien stopped before Hestia.
"Goddess," he said softly.
Hestia looked up at him, hands clasped together. "Damien… be extra careful down there. I know how strong you are now, and what you can do. So all I'll say is this. Achieve whatever it is you're aiming for, and come back to me."
"I will," Damien said without hesitation. "I promise I won't take unnecessary risks." Then he smiled faintly. "In return, promise me my lovely goddess will be waiting when I get back. Maybe with a warm bath and those amazing back rubs."
Hestia's cheeks colored as she smiled, warm and sincere. "Of course. As always. And forever."
Damien turned, his smile lingering as he headed toward the expedition group.
He exchanged firm handshakes with those joining the descent before falling in beside Ais, Ryuu, and Tiona.
"Well," he said, "you girls ready?"
Ais nodded immediately. Ryuu followed with a calm smile. Tiona, however, grabbed his arm and hugged it enthusiastically. "Of course we are!"
She suddenly pointed ahead. "Oh, look, look. Captain Finn's about to speak!"
Finn climbed onto one of the supply carts, his presence alone enough to quiet the crowd. His sharp eyes swept over the gathered adventurers, every word measured, every breath deliberate.
"Everyone here knows why we stand at this entrance," Finn began. "The Dungeon does not care about our hopes, our titles, or our past victories. It will test us the same way it always has, with teeth and blood."
His gaze hardened. "But we do not go in blindly. We go in prepared. We go in together. Loki Familia and Hestia Familia will move as one. Protect the person beside you. Trust the commands you are given. Do not chase glory at the cost of your life or another's."
A faint smile crossed his face. "This expedition exists for discovery, for progress, and for survival. Bring back knowledge. Bring back strength. And above all else, bring everyone home."
He raised his hand high.
"Prepare to move out. Expedition begins now!"
The air erupted with voices, steel, and resolve as the gates to the Dungeon loomed open before them.
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