"All my stats have reached their limit. It's time to advance to LV.5."
Looking at his base attributes, Shirou felt genuinely satisfied.
It had been more than three months since he arrived here in pursuit of power.
After over three months of relentless effort, Shirou was finally about to reach the level of a first-class adventurer.
A level befitting someone who wished to stand as a true powerhouse in Orario.
Now, he could fight Servants in close combat.
With his many weapons and Unlimited Blade Works, he could even battle lower-ranked Servants on his own.
He finally possessed the basic qualifications necessary to save his sister.
"Everyone, I can level up now."
The moment Shirou spoke, the chaotic chatter around him abruptly stopped.
Stunned by his words, everyone fell silent for a moment.
Finn was the first to react.
Looking at Shirou's faint smile, Finn said brightly, "Really? That's fantastic! Shirou's evolution is extremely important for all of us!"
"Indeed!"
"Exactly!"
Following Finn, Riveria and Gareth also voiced their agreement.
For them, the stronger the Loki Familia became, the better.
Ais also stepped forward to offer her congratulations.
"Congratulations, Shirou!"
"Yeah!"
The level 6 adventurers were naturally thrilled by Shirou's progress.
But for Bete and the others, their reactions were… very different.
The fact that Ais had reached level 6 first had already pushed them into a state of anxious determination.
They had been training nonstop, desperate to catch up as soon as possible.
But now, not only had they failed to catch up to Ais—Shirou had overtaken them.
Who could accept that?!
Hearing the sudden news that Shirou was about to advance again, the three practically twisted in frustration.
They were furious!
Seeing their distorted expressions, Shirou chuckled knowingly and said, "Feel free to keep talking. I'm going to start my level-up."
With that, Shirou sat down and began his advancement.
Watching Shirou level up, faint rays of light glowing where the divine blessing rested on his back, the group—who moments earlier had been so lively—fell silent.
Some didn't even know what to say.
Only when Tsubaki returned carrying the massive red fangs and scales did things become animated again.
"Tsubaki, don't worry. Since we made a contract, the materials we collected here are yours."
"But these things are way too big to move right now. It would interfere with the rest of the expedition, so we'll sort everything out when we get back!"
Hearing Finn's words, Tsubaki reluctantly set the materials aside and sat down to rest.
"Even with the party split in two, we still managed to conquer the fifty-eighth floor. Our results are excellent."
"Hmph! As long as it's not our first time seeing it, we can handle anything."
Hearing Riveria's sigh, Bete replied arrogantly, his tone steeped in indifference.
"You were panting earlier."
Tiona had no interest in sparing his pride and called him out immediately.
"That's right!"
Hearing Bete squawk, everyone burst into laughter.
Just like that, the tension melted away.
After a round of laughter, Tione noticed that Finn, their captain, hadn't joined in. Instead, he was gazing silently toward the passage leading to the fifty-ninth floor.
What she saw in his eyes was deep seriousness.
"What's wrong, Captain?"
Hearing Tione's question, the resting members also turned their attention to him.
Leaning on his spear, Finn stared at the passage to the fifty-ninth floor, his thoughts racing.
"According to the records left behind by the Zeus Familia, the fifty-ninth floor and beyond should be the Glacier Domain, right?"
"That's right. They say glacial lakes flow everywhere, making travel extremely difficult. The extreme cold numbs the body."
"The cold-weather gear is ready. Although some came from other Familias, we gathered enough for everyone, including the supporters."
As Finn and Tione spoke, Raul quickly reported the status of their equipment.
Ignoring the Familia's reactions, Finn narrowed his green eyes at the entrance.
"A freezing cold strong enough to numb even a first-class adventurer's hands and feet… If that's the case, why don't we feel anything?"
"We're standing right at the entrance."
Hearing Finn's analysis, everyone tensed.
Indeed—if the fifty-ninth floor was truly as described in the Zeus Familia's records, the freezing temperature would have reached the end of the fifty-eighth floor.
But they were standing here now… and felt nothing.
Understanding the implication, everyone gripped their weapons and became alert.
"So something has changed?"
"I'm not sure. But I don't believe the Zeus Familia lied."
Gareth spoke while staring cautiously at the silent passage.
Listening to the conversation, Ais suddenly recalled something Revis had told her about twenty days earlier on the twenty-fourth floor.
"Go to the fifty-ninth floor."
"Something interesting is happening there right now. You'll find what you're looking for."
Staring into the deep darkness of the cavern ahead, Ais tightened her grip on her sword.
"Captain, what do we do now?"
"Leave the cold-weather gear behind. Everyone, prepare yourselves. We depart as soon as Shirou's status is updated!"
"All done!"
At Finn's command, Shirou slowly rose to his feet.
"You reached Level 5?"
"That's right. I'm now a Level 5 Adventurer."
Finn smiled — Shirou's promotion couldn't have come at a better time.
"Then switch formation positions. Everyone rest for three minutes; we move out immediately after!"
"Yes, sir!"
Everyone began preparing.
They all understood that a great battle was about to begin.
This wasn't just a simple expedition into a new floor — it was also a confrontation with those plotting against Orario.
Silently readying their gear, everyone made their final preparations.
Meanwhile, Lefiya, who had been watching Shirou closely, approached him and quietly asked a question.
"What is it? You've been acting strange lately."
"Have I?"
Suppressing a sting of sadness, Shirou smiled gently. "I'm just happy to be getting stronger."
"Because you reached Level 5?"
"No… It's because I've awakened a new magic."
(End of Chapter)