As one of the "Three Pillars" of the Loki familia and also its vice-captain, Riveria understood the importance of balancing work and rest. While she forbade Estelle and the others from recklessly entering the dungeon in the few days following their expedition, she wouldn't stop them from doing daily training in the courtyard at the base.
Thus, before heading to the Dian Cecht Familia that afternoon, Lumine went through a routine sparring session with Estelle, practicing sword techniques.
It was during this session that Estelle increasingly realized the terrifying speed at which her seemingly naive younger sister was growing.
Just over a month ago, when they sparred, Estelle still had to deliberately hold back. Holding back… that was never her strong suit.
But now, even with magic boosting her, Estelle could at best match Lumine at her normal level.
And Lumine was only Lv.4.
Though the "feat" of consecutively defeating the two Scorpions had allowed the Twin Stars to claim Lv.5, both Lumine and Aether were still polishing their abilities, accumulating their stats (as claimed publicly).
So this meant that Lumine, at mere Lv.4, was already matching Estelle—who was Lv.5 with magic—just in base ability alone?
And that was before even factoring in Lumine's many special skills, especially that secret technique: "Summon the Ultimate Valkyrie."
"If I could wield that kind of power… I could reclaim everything I've ever lost."
Estelle couldn't help but feel that even the "One-Eyed Black Dragon" would taste bitter defeat in the face of that move.
Clearly…
Having been obsessed with power for so long, she was now slipping into that dangerously conflicted mindset again.
So…
"Lumine."
"What is it?"
That midday, after the sparring session between the two golden-haired, golden-eyed girls ended, Estelle hesitated before finally speaking, making a request:
"If possible… I want to face the 'Ultimate Valkyrie' in combat."
Lumine took it in stride, but the others observing were stunned.
"Estelle, you'd better know your limits."
Riveria's face darkened, her tone unusually severe.
"Regardless of the reason, this request is far too reckless."
"It's irresponsible both to you and to Lumine."
Indeed.
The term "secret technique" carried the prefix 'secret' because all related information was classified: duration, effects, side effects, costs… nothing could be revealed, let alone casually "tried out."
Moreover…
The "Ultimate Valkyrie" had demonstrated immense power weeks ago, even countering the Cataclysm of the Gods head-on.
The "Arrow of Orion," said to be the strongest strike in the heavens, could level an entire continent even if not fully charged—and the Valkyrie had stopped it without trickery.
For Estelle to make this request now… frankly, it was like biting off more than she could chew.
Yet…
Lumine, observing the determined expression on her friend's face, knew that a simple rebuke from Riveria wouldn't make Estelle drop the idea.
Estelle would not force Lumine to do anything she didn't want—but she might take matters into her own hands.
Secretly… recklessly… seeking out a powerful opponent alone.
In the previous timeline of this world, Estelle had indeed done just that.
She had been lucky: the target she chose was Ottar, a straightforward martial artist who did not engage in trickery.
And the reason she sought a strong opponent then was very different from now.
"For myself" versus "for my companions"—the latter was much more socially acceptable.
Currently…
"The conditions for summoning are harsh, and… Estelle, I'm sorry, but I don't think you could withstand even a single, minimal strike from her."
"Trust me, I'm not belittling your strength—it's just that even Ottar couldn't do it."
Lumine's words were firm.
"Estelle, you're aiming far too high. You're like a newborn who can't even walk yet trying to leap across an abyss."
Estelle said nothing.
This girl, as a friend, would willingly risk her life for others' safety—something Renjiro could never do.
But when she was stubborn… she was a true "big kid trapped in a grown-up body."
"Even if I agreed to your request, your fight would be meaningless… no suspense, no training benefit."
Lumine moved in front of Estelle and smiled gently.
"So don't be impatient. Perhaps I can arrange a more suitable opponent for you."
"Someone whose swordsmanship and combat style are closer to yours."
"Wait a few days… is that okay?"
"And if you want a real fight, you need to rest properly first."
At this, Estelle's eyes brightened.
Taking advantage of the moment…
"If you don't rest, don't prepare properly… Riveria-sama definitely won't approve this duel… right?"
Lumine deliberately spoke loudly.
Upon hearing this…
"Naturally."
Riveria understood Lumine's intention. She knew Estelle's mindset and decided it was better to let her "explode" at the right time, in a controlled, supervised setting—just as before against Udaios.
In effect, her response tacitly approved Lumine's suggestion.
Of course, rules must still be followed, and any necessary punishment would come later.
At that moment…
"Hmm?"
Far inside the dungeon, Renjiro received the information transmitted by Estelle via their mental link.
"This actually aligns perfectly with our original plan."
Renjiro, having just snapped the neck of a Minotaur on the 16th floor, muttered to himself.
Then…
"Keqing, interested in facing a strong opponent from this world?"
At his thought, an apricot-eyed girl with high twin tails appeared beside him.
"Sure."
She tilted her head toward Renjiro, her serious yet slightly intrigued smile showing confidence.
"If they're truly a strong opponent… then I'll show some real skill myself."