The March Under Everyone's Gaze
Central Plaza in front of the Babel Tower.
In the open space of the city center, which brings together all eight main streets of Orario, a large number of adventurers formed a crowd early in the morning, creating a surge of excitement.
Fully armed adventurers arrived one by one, representing various races. However, unusually, they did not immediately enter the space beneath the Babel Tower or the Dungeon. Instead, they stood on the edge, pausing to watch a group of people.
That group of people were the Loki Familia, who came from their headquarters located at the northernmost tip of the city.
They arrived at the Central Plaza via North Main Street and stopped some distance from the north gate of the Babel Tower. Several large cargo crates filled with equipment and supplies were pushed there, bearing the emblem of the Loki Familia, famous in the Lower World —a flag with a clown design.
That flag, as it traveled along, attracted the attention of almost everyone.
Needless to say, the pedestrians on the street were watching them from afar, and people in the alleys and corners of the city were also peeking out to watch them from a distance. There were also many people in the windows of buildings, some were citizens and residents, some were adventurers, some were adults, some were children. In short, everyone in the city was paying attention to these dozens of people.
Some chatted with each other, some looked up excitedly, and others cast envious and jealous glances, revealing the myriad aspects of life.
"Loki Familia's expedition is about to begin again—"
"It's finally starting."
Do you think they'll be able to successfully reach the unexplored floors this time?
"Who knows? Anyway, during the last expedition, their arrival floor was already the same as Freya Familia."
"The 58th Floor, huh? In the entire Orario world, only the Loki Familia and the Freya Familia are capable of reaching that level of depth."
"If the Loki Familia successfully reaches the 59th Floor and enters the unexplored floors during this expedition, they will be one step ahead of the Freya Familia."
People were discussing this, and among them even appeared the figure of a deity, seemingly chatting enthusiastically with everyone. An outsider might have thought they had a very good relationship.
Of course, many more gods are searching for that human who has recently caused a sensation throughout Orario.
Where? Where is that boy named Leo?
"Isn't that the boy standing next to [Sword Princess]?"
"Is he Leo Eligos?"
"Tsk tsk, he leveled up twice in just a month and a half, reaching Lv.3, and even managed to solo kill Goliath's child while still at Lv.2!"
Why aren't children like this in our clan?
"Yeah, that bastard Loki, his luck is just too good!"
The gods all climbed to the top of the trees, or to the top floors of the surrounding buildings, or even to the rooftops, gazing at Leo standing next to the blonde, golden-eyed female swordsman, their eyes filled with both fervor and longing.
Besides the gods, many citizens and adventurers were also paying attention to Leo, pointing and gossiping about him.
"I never expected that the legendary Leo Eligos would be so young."
"Didn't the guild already release his information? He's only sixteen years old!"
"----To be able to solo kill the floor master at sixteen years old, isn't that a bit too unfair?"
"So what? Look at the Loki Familia's executives, like [Sword Princess], [Chopping Princess], and [Angry Snake], aren't they all sixteen? They're all Lv.5!"
"No—there's no comparison between them, is there?"
"Yes, those three have been Blessing of the Gods since they were young. I heard that the Amazon sisters were already Lv.2 when they were five years old, and the Doll Princess was Lv.2 when she was eight. They've been training ever since, and it's been almost ten years since they got to this point. Unlike Leo Eligos, who leveled up twice in just a month and a half. His growth rate is ridiculously fast."
He hasn't even received the title yet, has he?
"Yes, I heard that the latest Denatus concluded about a month and a half before he received the Falna."
"Then he'll have to wait another month and a half to get the title, right?"
"I wonder what kind of title it will be?"
"He's already at Lv.3 and still doesn't have a title? That's ridiculous!"
People sighed in amazement, casting curious, envious, questioning, scrutinizing, and even hostile glances at Leo.
Leo naturally noticed those gazes, and his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
Are you alright?
Seeing this, Ais asked in a low voice.
"It's nothing," Leo shook his head and said, "I'm just a little uncomfortable being stared at."
"I understand." Ais nodded understandingly and said, "I've never been used to it either."
In a sense, Esbury is more conspicuous and eye-catching, which explains why she said that.
But there was no way around it; the aura surrounding this blonde, golden-eyed girl was no less dazzling than that of Leo, and perhaps even more so.
The city's strongest female swordsman, a first-class adventurer, and possessing beauty comparable to a goddess—each of these qualities is synonymous with popularity, let alone having several combined.
So even though it wasn't the first time she'd been stared at, Ais still felt uncomfortable.
"Let's not stay together, it'll just draw too much attention," Leo said with a wry smile. "Tiona and the others should be coming to find you soon, you should go back to your own group."
One characteristic of Dungeon is that the deeper you go, the larger the floor becomes.
The 5th Floor is roughly the same size as the Central Plaza, but once you reach the 40th Floor, its area becomes equal to the entire Orario region.
While some floors may not conform to this characteristic, in principle, the Dungeon can still be considered to have a cone-shaped structure, becoming wider as you go down and smaller as you get closer to the surface.
Therefore, when large clans embark on expeditions, they often need to split up, dividing the team into multiple groups and entering the Dungeon to avoid causing roadblocks in the more crowded upper levels. That would not only restrict their freedom but also make dealing with monsters much more difficult.
Furthermore, the act of queuing up in a long line in the enclosed space of the Dungeon is itself a violation of etiquette. Therefore, whenever the Loki Familia goes on an expedition, it is customary to divide the troops into two groups, entering the Dungeon after the other. Once they reach a more spacious floor, they will meet up again on a pre-arranged floor and reorganize into a group.
For this expedition, Leo and Ais were assigned to different units.
Ais was assigned to the first unit, the vanguard, which was responsible for handling any unusual situations that might occur along the route and scouting ahead for the rest of the group.
Leo was assigned to the Second Unit, the follow-up unit, which had more personnel than the vanguard of the First Unit and was responsible for transporting supplies and spare weapons.
The First Division is usually the main fighting force because they need to ensure that the follow-up troops and the supplies needed for the expedition can advance safely. Therefore, it is led by Finn, the captain, and Riveria, the vice-captain, and includes first-level adventurers such as Ais, Bete Loga, Tiona, and Tione. The lineup is extremely strong. In addition to them, there are many core members of the Second Division such as Raul.
The second unit will be led by the remaining first-level adventurer, Gareth, and will include a rearguard and support team composed of Mage or healers such as Lefiya Viridis and Lefiya, as well as Leo.
As mentioned earlier, Leo was assigned to the team as a dedicated defense Mage for this expedition.
Therefore, he, Lefiya Viridis, and Lefiya were all in the second unit, and they would not set off until half an hour after Ais's first unit entered the Dungeon.
"I'll head over now."
Ais looked at Leo and said softly.
"I'll be waiting for you on the 18th Floor."
The two forces will meet on the 18th Floor, which is designated as a safe floor.
That's also where Leo and Ais first met.
"Good."
Leo looked back at Ais, his eyes gentle.
Ais felt a little shy under that gaze and ran away somewhat flustered, making Leo chuckle to himself.
"Snort!"
The next second, a cold snort rang out beside Leo, causing the smirk in his heart to immediately surface on his face.
"He's flirting with Miss Ais again, how despicable!"
A fairy girl wielding a long magic wand appeared out of nowhere, muttering something that sounded like she was hurling a very offensive insult.
"Mr. Leo."
Lefiya also came over, giving Leo a shy smile; her attitude was much better than that of the certain elven girl.
"Please guide me from now on, both of you."
Leo greeted the girls with a smile.
He was Mage in the rearguard this time, as was Lefiya Viridis, and Lefiya was a healer and supporter who needed to protect those in the rear. So even after they met up on the 18th Floor, the three of them would be moving in the same position.
Especially Lefiya Viridis, whose team was positioned right next to Leo, the two of them were practically touching.
Clearly, Finn and the other clan leaders had arranged it this way on purpose.
After all, both of them are Mage with firepower reaching Lv.5, and their importance as defenders is almost second only to Riveria, who is Lv.6.
Once the team fight begins, the two of them are positioned closest to Riveria, making them essentially Riveria's right and left hands, and the team's second line of firepower.
"I... I'll be cheering for Mr. Leo from a more distant spot!"
Lefiya clenched her little fists, indicating this.
Please give me your guidance.
Lefiya Viridis responded with some confusion.
The thought that the other person was now at the same level as her, Lv.3, and that even her most prized firepower had been surpassed by the other person, made Lefiya Viridis feel as if she were in a different world.
Just a month and a half ago, this man hadn't even received Falna!
In just a month and a half, I was caught up with, looking so fresh and beautiful?
Sure enough, this man was his mortal enemy!
Lefiya Viridis was both frustrated and resentful, to the point that her cheeks unconsciously puffed up.
Leo found this scene extremely amusing and couldn't resist reaching out his finger to poke the girl's cheek.
"Ah!" Lefiya Viridis immediately let out a small scream, then said angrily, "Don't touch a girl's face like that!"
You rude bastard!
"What? Do you have a germaphobia like other elves, where you can't be touched by people you're close to?" Leo chuckled and said, "Aren't you a social elf?"
"Who's a social elf?!" Lefiya Viridis got even angrier, glaring fiercely at Leo, and yelled, "I don't want to socialize with you!"
Why does that sentence sound a little bittersweet?
Leo wanted to tease Lefiya Viridis a little more, but Finn's voice suddenly rang out.
Attention all personnel!
Finn stood at the very front of the troops, and his unexpectedly loud voice made everyone turn to look at him.
The sounds in the plaza suddenly subsided. Not only did the Loki Familia fall silent, but the other adventurers also subconsciously lowered their voices to listen to the speech of the Prum leader.
"This expedition is about to officially begin. The vanguard, led by Riveria and myself, will depart first, followed closely by Gareth. Bring all the supplies and we will enter the Dungeon in half an hour!"
"As initially planned, we will meet on the 18th Floor, and then head straight to the 50th Floor. Aside from necessary rest stops and setting up camp, we will not stop along the way!"
"We have only one goal, and that is the floor we haven't reached yet— the 59th Floor!"
The leader of the Prum, unlike his usual calm and gentle demeanor, made a passionate and impassioned declaration.
This declaration was like a fire, causing not only all members of the Loki Familia to clench their fists in silence, but also stunning the onlookers.
Seeing the flames burning in everyone's eyes, Finn unconsciously smiled slightly, then quickly regained his composure.
Within his clan, he was not only the leader but also a commander, a strategist, and a wise general who could rank among the top three even in Orario, or even be guaranteed second place or strive for first.
He can be gentle and kind in normal times, but during expeditions, he must be calm and rational, and sometimes even cold and ruthless, otherwise a momentary lapse in judgment could lead to serious casualties.
Now, he put on the mask called "Family Leader" and the crown called "Commander," showing his side as a superior leader.
"You are all elites of the Loki Familia, the best of the best even in the Lower World realms!"
Even if there are many difficulties ahead, nothing can stop us from moving forward!
"Follow me, let's conquer the Dungeon together!"
Finn raised his spear and shouted.
"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-!!!"
The next second, all the adventurers of the Loki Familia roared in fury.
That was a signal for war.
That was the clarion call of victory.
"Set off!"
After boosting morale, Finn led the main force of the advance team, parting the crowd and marching with strong, powerful strides into the Babel Tower.
Ais was in the group. She glanced at Leo, who was smiling and seeing her off, and then put on the mask called "Sword Princess" and stepped coldly into the Chalk Tower.
"It's finally starting----"
"Um--
Lefiya Viridis and Lefiya whispered to Leo, their expressions tense.
"Get ready! We're leaving in half an hour!"
"Yes!"
Behind them, Gareth was also giving loud commands, prompting the remaining members to respond in unison, their voices very loud.