The Coming Expedition

In the Type-Moon world, a Heroic Spirit's status panel generally consisted of four parts.

Basic Parameters, Unique Skills, Class Skills, and the strongest Noble Phantasm.

Basic Parameters consisted of Strength, Endurance, Agility, Mana, and Luck. These values determined a Heroic Spirit's advantages and disadvantages in close combat.

Unique Skills were the skills possessed by the Heroic Spirit itself, usually abilities the Heroic Spirit had possessed during his or her lifetime.

A Noble Phantasm was formed from the legend of a Heroic Spirit during his or her lifetime and served as the Heroic Spirit's ultimate trump card.

As for Class Skills, they were abilities unique to each Class.

There were seven major Classes in the Holy Grail War.

They were Saber (Knight of the Sword), Archer (Knight of the Bow), Lancer (Knight of the Spear), Rider (Cavalry), Berserker (Mad Warrior), Assassin (Assassin), and Caster (Mage).

Each of the seven major Classes possessed different Class Skills. Magic Resistance and Independent Action were Class Skills belonging to Archer.

"I never thought I'd inherited even Archer's Class Skills. In that case, I've completely inherited everything from Archer Emiya now, haven't I?"

"So that means I won't be able to gain any more skills even if I level up from now on."

"But this is already enough."

As he looked at the values on the paper in his hand, Shirou Emiya's heart burned with boundless fighting spirit.

He had completely inherited everything from Archer Emiya. Now, he had to make good use of this power and bring happiness to Miyu.

Seeing the smile at the corner of Shirou Emiya's mouth, Loki, standing to one side, grew increasingly displeased.

"You're that happy even though you don't need me to update your Falna?"

Hearing the resentment in Loki's voice, Shirou Emiya shuddered and hurriedly said, "I'm only happy because my strength has increased. It has nothing to do with Independent Action."

"Besides, whether or not I have this skill, and whether or not I need your help updating my Falna, you're still my goddess, and I'll always be your familia member!"

Hearing Shirou Emiya's response, the resentment in Loki's heart instantly vanished.

"You're right. We're family, after all!"

Loki, who was especially susceptible to that sort of reassurance, instantly brightened up and became cheerful.

With her face full of smiles, she repeatedly slapped Shirou Emiya on the shoulder and said with a laugh, "You're already famous throughout Orario, Shirou!"

"Huh?"

Shirou Emiya stared at Loki in confusion, waiting for her to explain.

"Right, you're either in the Dungeon or in the Blacksmithing Room, and if not, you're at Twilight Manor. You're a complete shut-in, so it's no wonder you didn't know."

Loki's smile grew even more triumphant as realization dawned on her.

"In short, adventurers on the 18th Floor saw you defeating Goliath. Now, your legend is spreading throughout all of Orario."

"Bards and singers are all praising your Great Deed. By now, your legend is probably spreading beyond Orario, too!"

Looking at the smug Loki, Shirou Emiya finally learned about his current situation.

Had he become a celebrity?

A hint of excitement appeared in Shirou Emiya's eyes, but satisfaction filled them even more.

This should count as fulfilling part of his wish, right?

Seeing that there was no pride or arrogance in Shirou Emiya's eyes and that he remained as calm as ever, Loki was even more pleased.

This child doesn't know what he went through in the past, yet his heart is so mature and steady.

Still, this mindset was absolutely the best one for exploring the Dungeon.

It wasn't merely his aptitude. Even his mentality was top-notch.

This guy might—no, he definitely would—surpass the Brave Warrior Ottar and stand at the summit of Orario.

This child was a true hero.

As she looked at Shirou Emiya sitting there, Loki's eyes gleamed brightly.

"Shirou, although I may be worrying needlessly, you must be careful of that woman Freya. She isn't someone easy to deal with."

Although Freya had shown no signs of attacking Shirou Emiya, Loki had already made preparations.

After all, no one understood that woman's thoughts better than she did.

The only reason she had not acted yet was that he was not worth it.

But as Shirou grew stronger, that woman would gradually pay more attention to him. The only exception would be if another adventurer no less outstanding than Shirou appeared—and that adventurer belonged to another familia.

But Loki did not think such a person would appear.

Therefore, it was necessary to remind Shirou to stay on guard.

Hearing Loki's warning, Shirou Emiya immediately understood what she meant.

The Goddess Freya liked adventurers with shining souls and would even seize them from their familias for that reason. Although he did not know what determined the brilliance of a soul, Shirou Emiya felt he would not be in too much danger.

Because a certain boy was about to arrive in Orario.

That boy was the original protagonist, Bell. With him around, Shirou Emiya believed Freya would not pester him too much. After all, the Loki Familia and the Hestia Familia were not even remotely comparable in size.

"Please rest assured, Lady Loki. I won't leave the Loki Familia."

Looking at Loki's worried expression, Shirou Emiya spoke firmly.

"."

"Therefore, after much consideration, we've decided that you'll participate in this expedition as the rear guard."

"Yes, I understand!"

Looking at Finn seated across from him, along with Riveria and Gareth standing on either side, Shirou Emiya replied solemnly.

After updating his Falna, Shirou Emiya had been summoned here by the Three Greats, who had invited him to join the expedition.

An expedition was the process by which an exploration-oriented familia advanced deeper and deeper into the Dungeon as a group.

At present, the deepest floor the Loki Familia had explored was the 58th Floor, although they had yet to establish a firm foothold there.

This time, their goal was to secure the 58th Floor and then proceed to the 59th Floor.

That was an unknown region the Loki Familia had never reached before.

There, with Shirou Emiya's level of LV.3, he simply could not serve on the front line. That was why he would participate in the expedition as the rear guard.

Thinking of this, Shirou Emiya could not help falling into deep thought. It would be difficult for me to show much of my strength in the deep floors.

Seeing Shirou Emiya deep in thought, Riveria, unaware of what he was thinking, comforted him. "Don't worry, Shirou. We all recognize your strength. Otherwise, we wouldn't have let you join us."

Knowing that Riveria had misunderstood, Shirou Emiya did not explain. Instead, he nodded and replied, "I trust the judgment of the three of you."

Shirou Emiya was not worried about whether he could adapt to the expedition's environment. What he was considering was how to perform even better during the expedition.

To make a greater contribution to the familia.

After chatting with the Three Greats for a while longer, Shirou Emiya left.

According to the time Finn had given him, there was still one week before the expedition. During that time, Shirou Emiya also had preparations of his own to make.

After all, he had no intention of merely visiting the Dungeon and then coming back.

He had to do better.