Sunset fell like a curtain sweeping across the horizon as late-returning Adventurers trod on the last glimmers of twilight, making their way to familiar homes. The streets were sparsely lit, and taverns that should have been bustling had few Adventurers lingering.
In the dark Labyrinth City, flames occasionally flared up, followed by thunderous noises. Sounds of commotion and fighting echoed through the quiet night as streets and alleys filled with pursuit and combat.
In the eastern part of the city.
Inside the Twilight Manor — headquarters of the Loki Familia, renowned as one of the two largest factions in the city — multiple Adventurers hurried in and out of a particular room.
"Captain, unknown individuals have damaged the magic stone workshop in the eastern industrial district!"
"Violent incidents have also occurred in the southwestern trading district, with multiple casualties!"
"Troublemakers are causing chaos at the gambling den in the southern district!"
...
Reports flooded in to the desk of the golden-haired pallum.
Finn Deimne, a Level 5 Adventurer crowned by the gods with the title of Braver, now served as a key strategist and commander in the fight against Evilus.
He studied the reports coming in from across the city, biting his thumb in thought, "The attack locations have no connection. Random crimes? Or are they trying to cover up some unknown scheme?"
"Captain, what should we do?" The spiky-haired young human man asked nervously.
"Raul, tell them not to be led by the nose. First conduct rescues, then strengthen patrols. Don't forget to interrogate the captured criminals — report any findings to me immediately."
"Yes!" Raul Nord saluted and left.
Finn sat back in his chair, rubbing his temples. Evilus's activities had grown increasingly frequent lately; he could smell the approaching storm.
Not long after, Raul returned to the room after delivering the messages.
Finn looked up at his capable junior, "Raul, how are you? Getting used to it?"
"Compared to the Captain, I can only do messenger work like this. I'm just glad to be of help." Raul said excitedly.
Finn sighed, "Ah, it's hard on you. In contrast, Aiz... Speaking of which, what is that child doing? Are you all getting along well?"
Raul's expression froze, "I... I'm not really sure. We... always feel a bit afraid of Aiz-san."
"San? Raul, aren't you older than her? Using honorifics?" Finn looked surprised.
"Aiz... san. She always cleaves monsters we could never defeat in half like cutting cake..."
"Well... indeed. Being surpassed by someone younger than you by such a margin does make it difficult to get along." Finn paused hesitantly, "So, is that child alone now?"
Raul scratched his head, "Usually, Riveria-san looks after her. We can't keep up with Aiz-san's pace and always feel like we're holding her back."
"Riveria..." Finn frowned, biting his slightly painful thumb, "I remember she went to visit those black market dealers trafficking 'Great Holy Tree Branches', right?"
"I think... yes." Raul recalled, thinking of the tasks assigned to various members.
Criminals had been looting and selling "Great Holy Tree Branches" from elven villages in Yenite Forest. This special material with powerful magical conductivity was the best material for wands that any spellcaster could hope for.
The Great Holy Tree was a revered and worshipped presence in every elven village. Its branches were typically only given to elves from their own village, making them extremely rare.
As the Princess of Elves, Riveria naturally had reason to intervene in this illegal trade. However, based on Finn's understanding of those merchants, her mission would likely not go smoothly.
Right now...
"So Aiz is alone today? Did she go to the Dungeon?" He asked with concern.
"I think... probably not. Yesterday Aiz-san's sword broke and she hasn't gotten a new one yet. Riveria said she had prepared a surprise for her and told Miss Aiz to wait..."
"So Aiz has no weapon?" Finn felt somewhat relieved.
No matter how reckless Aiz might be, she wouldn't enter the Dungeon without a weapon... right?
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This unease lingered until morning, when sunlight washed over the city and the lurking darkness silently receded.
An exhausted Riveria hurried back to the base and discovered something troubling. She burst into Finn's office and announced to the weary Pallum:
"Aiz didn't come back last night!"
"...As I feared." Finn touched his thumb, his earlier premonitions returning.
"Other members say they haven't seen her all day!" Riveria's jade eyebrows knitted together in worry.
"..."
"Why aren't you saying anything?!"
"Now is not the time to assign blame. I'm thinking of a solution." Finn rubbed his temples firmly.
"..." Riveria opened her mouth, then closed it, allowing him to concentrate.
"She has no weapon — she shouldn't have run off. Let's be patient and have Raul gather information from other familias who were on patrol yesterday."
"..."
Raul: ...Me again?
Having just settled into bed, the poor young man was once again pulled from his well-earned rest.
The cat girl Anakitty Autumn patted her friend's shoulder, "Captain's orders-nya. The capable get more work..."
"Yes! This guy will definitely not disappoint the Captain!"
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Two hours later. In the hall.
Loki stomped her feet frantically, her squinting eyes filled with impatience, "What, still not ready?"
"Soon, I think. Don't worry."
"Eeyah? How can I not worry? That's our cute Aiz we're talking about! If something happens to her, can you take responsibility?"
"...Loki, we're also worried, but right now we should wait for Raul..."
Before Riveria could finish, Raul's voice came from outside.
"Captain—"
"Come in, speak!"
Raul swallowed, taking a sip of water from the table...
"Hey? Why aren't you speaking? Why are you drinking water? You're killing me here!" Loki urged in a Kansai dialect that sounded like a comedy routine.
Raul almost choked on his unfinished water and quickly said, "I found her! This morning, Adventurers saw Aiz entering the Dungeon with a supporter."
"A supporter? Do you know which Familia?" Finn asked.
Raul nodded, "I asked the supporters who were with them. It seems to be from the Soma Familia."
"Soma? Great, so that guy had someone trick our Aiz-tan! Waaah, not coming home all night! Death penalty! Death penalty! Just you wait!" Loki angrily kicked open the door, raising a cloud of dust, and rushed toward the other side of the city.
"Wait... Loki!" Finn couldn't stop her in time as the Goddess vanished from sight. He turned to Gareth who was watching, "We can't let Loki run wild in the city alone. Old man, follow her and keep an eye on her."
"Hmm, you really know how to boss people around."
After the dwarf Gareth left, Riveria fixed her gaze on Finn, "Aren't we going to take action?"
Finn breathed a sigh of relief, "The strongest in the Soma Familia is only Level 2. Even if they have ill intentions, they're no match for Aiz. She probably just got restless again and persuaded someone to take her to the Dungeon."
Then he changed the subject.
"However, we still need to find her. Recently there have been 'Adventurer Hunter' cases in the Dungeon, which is equally unsafe." He looked at Riveria, pointing at the pile of reports on the table, "As you can see, I don't have time."
Riveria understood, "I'll go."
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