Secretly Growing Stronger

The trip of the city's strongest faction, especially the elite core members, is far more eye-catching than the expeditionary force sent by the entire Loki Familia, even if it is not as conspicuous or attention-grabbing.

Especially in Leo's squad, in addition to their amazing strength, everyone is also incredibly good-looking. In particular, Ais, who is said to be as beautiful as a goddess, and Lefiya Viridis, whose beauty is known throughout the entire race, are both very attractive. It's impossible for the two of them to travel together without attracting the attention of others.

Therefore, when Leo and his companions appeared in the Central Plaza and headed towards the Babel Tower, they immediately attracted the attention and discussion of the surrounding crowd.

"Aren't those the Loki Familia?"

"[Sword Princess], [Thousand Elf], [Chopping Princess], [Angry Snake]—are these guys planning to go into the Dungeon together?"

Who is that man next to you?

"I don't know. Judging from his physique, he doesn't look like [Fierce Wolf], much less [Braver] or [Heavy Warrior]."

"To be able to team up with these four, they must be extraordinary people, right?"

"Could it be—"

Such discussions arose from the crowd, making Leo's team the focus of the entire event.

Leo had anticipated things would turn out this way, so before entering the Central Plaza, he pulled up the hooded cloak that matched his Giant Battle Suit, covering most of his face, so much so that none of the people present recognized him.

Otherwise, given his current popularity and level of discussion, he would instantly become the focus of most people's attention, and even Ais's limelight might be overshadowed by him.

There was no way around it; the news of him becoming a Level 4 was still being hotly discussed in the city, and he was the center of attention for countless people. If he appeared in public, it would be impossible for him not to attract attention.

To avoid trouble, Leo simply put on a hood to conceal his identity and prevent anyone from recognizing him.

However, judging from the way people were staring at him and whispering, they probably already had some idea of his identity.

After all, there were very few men in the Loki Familia who could join this group.

Therefore, along the way, many people kept their eyes on Leo, their eyes revealing a variety of emotions.

"You're a celebrity now, how does it feel?"

Tiona nudged Leo with her elbow and made a teasing sound.

Compared to Leo, Tiona and the others were clearly used to being the center of attention, completely ignoring the stares of others and walking forward as if no one else was around.

"How could I possibly be as famous as you guys?"

Leo said to Tiona in an annoyed tone.

"That's not necessarily true," Tione said sarcastically from the side. "It was one thing before, but now we're not necessarily as famous as you."

Let's see what Leo has been doing over the past two months.

He achieved another series of advancements, advancing three levels in one go, from Lv.1 all the way to Lv.4. He also single-handedly defeated the floor master Goliath, achieving a feat unmatched by anyone. All these achievements have built up an extremely large reputation and popularity for Leo, making him more famous than many first-level adventurers.

Although Tiona and Tione are also quite famous first-level adventurers, possessing both strength and beauty, and being twins, they are always the subject of much discussion. However, compared to Leo's recent achievements, they seem rather weak.

The same goes for Lefiya Viridis. Although her name, "Thousand Elf," is widely known, she is ultimately just a Level 3 back-guard Mage. Compared to Leo, who has accomplished all sorts of incredible feats, she is far inferior in terms of achievements and fame.

Of all the people, only Ais's popularity and fame are no less than Leo's. However, with the news of Leo's advancement to Lv.4 still circulating widely, her level of attention cannot compare to Leo's.

So it turns out Tione wasn't just talking nonsense.

"I have no interest in fame," Leo said unmoved. "If possible, I'd much rather grow stronger quietly and without anyone knowing."

Hearing this, Ais nodded silently in deep agreement.

She doesn't really like being famous; she doesn't like being constantly watched.

If possible, she also hopes to find a secluded corner where no one knows her, and quietly grow stronger.

Even Lefiya Viridis silently agreed with Leo's statement. She was sometimes quite socially awkward and really didn't want to be stared at all the time.

Unfortunately, their thoughts are not those of the majority.

"What adventurers crave most is fame, wealth, and glory, yet you say you don't want to be famous. That's not something an adventurer would say."

The naive and romantic Tiona actually said such a thing, which shows that Leo and his companions' ideas are indeed quite peculiar among adventurers.

Even the regimental commander can't escape this, so don't be ungrateful.

Tione even retorted to Leo.

Don't be fooled by Finn's calm and composed demeanor into thinking he doesn't care about material possessions and fame. In fact, Finn initially became an adventurer to make a name for himself.

Of course, he wanted to become famous not for himself, but to revitalize his community.

As a naturally weak and short race, the Prum have a low social status throughout the world, even higher than the relatively mediocre humans, let alone the powerful races like the Elves, Dwarves, and Amazons.

Finn couldn't accept this situation, nor could he accept his people's complete acceptance of it. That's why he decided to become an adventurer and come to Orario, the center of the world, determined to make a name for himself, awaken the courage in his people's hearts, and make the Prum truly stand up.

In light of this, Finn is actually the most fame- and fortune-driven person in the entire Loki Familia. However, everyone knows that he is not doing it for himself, but for the sake of the race, so they still respect him.

Under such circumstances, Leo's statement about being indifferent to fame and fortune naturally displeased the Amazonian shrew who was extremely infatuated with the leader of the Prum.

"I'm only speaking my personal opinion, not saying that this is the right way." Leo glanced at Tione and said, "The captain is now considered my mentor, how could I possibly have a problem with him?"

Upon hearing this, Tione was not satisfied; instead, he clenched his fists.

"Damn it! I really want the troupe leader to be my mentor! To teach me all sorts of things!"

The Amazonian shrew's jealousy inexplicably ignited.

"----The instruction this silly older sister is talking about is definitely not the same thing that Leo is referring to."

"Haha----"

Tiona muttered a complaint under her breath, which made Lefiya Viridis was carrying a huge cylindrical backpack, chuckle awkwardly.

"Arrive."

Ais had actually been paying attention to Leo and the others' conversation, and seemed somewhat concerned about how they were able to talk so harmoniously. However, she was ultimately tongue-tied and couldn't join in. She could only speak up to remind them after seeing the gates of the Babel Tower appear.

The group then joined the flow of adventurers around them and entered the Babel Tower, passing through a large hole into the Dungeon and heading down to the lower levels.

The group of five didn't particularly raise their guard; they simply increased their travel speed.

With their combined strength, there was essentially no difference between the upper levels and the central courtyard of their home. The monsters here posed no threat to them whatsoever, so there was no need for them to take things seriously here. They didn't even need to use their weapons; they could simply head down to the lower floors.

Their goal for today is to reach the 18th Floor, stop there briefly, explore the subsequent floors, and then continue their journey the next day to the Labyrinth Garden on the 28th Floor. Once they've designated it as a safe house, they'll begin their formal conquest.

The group's ultimate goal is the 37th Floor.

That place is the most efficient place, whether for honing your skills, defeating monsters, or making money.

There's no need to go any further; the risks might outweigh the rewards, especially now that the floor master Udaeus, could resurrect at any time. The consequences of recklessly wandering around could be unbearable for anyone.

The group did not forget Finn's instructions, setting their final destination as the 37th Floor, with a maximum of exploring one or two more floors, and returning before the floor master Udaeus revived.

Prior to this, Leo and his companions' main task was to travel, so there was no need to waste time on these earlier floors.

With this in mind, the group charged recklessly along the way, only taking action against unavoidable monster attacks.

They moved quickly, passing through the upper levels of the 1st to 12th floors almost effortlessly, taking only two or three hours. It wasn't until they entered the middle level, starting from the 13th floor, that they were slightly slowed down by the surge in the number of monsters. However, because vertical caves appeared from this level onwards, the group's pace remained quite fast.

Sometimes you jump directly to the next floor through vertical caves, and sometimes you cross two floors at once to reach a deeper floor. With this way of traveling, even if monsters block your way, it won't take too long.

And so, in just one morning, Leo and his group of five arrived at the 17th Floor.

"Brother, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh!"

In the enormous cavern that even large groups could pass through smoothly, Leo and his companions unsurprisingly encountered the most representative and strongest monster on this floor— the Minotaur.

They appeared in droves, roaring and stomping the ground as they charged forward. Their bloodshot eyes were full of ferocity and menace, making even the timid elf girl, Lefiya Viridis, shrink back in fear.

In contrast, Leo, Ais, and Tiona went to meet them without hesitation.

"Pfft!" "Pfft!" "Pfft!"----

Ais was ruthless and taciturn. The silver military knife in her hand, now in perfect condition, instantly transformed into countless cold arcs of light in the dimly lit passageway, slashing at the Minotaur. She dismembered these bull monsters, which were much larger than herself, into pieces one by one, displaying indescribable cruelty and ruthlessness.

Ais's sword is like that; it only becomes as cold as her indifferent expression when fighting monsters. Her figure, swaying with golden hair as she charges forward, is undeniably beautiful, but when she slays monsters, her methods are cruelly unbecoming of a woman. Every strike is fatal, and usually, it's done by dismemberment.

Although Tiona wasn't as cold and cruel as Ais, the bloody scenes she created when she wielded her deadly blades were in no way inferior to Ais's. Every monster that came near her would be cleanly cut in half by her large twin blades. She herself was like a moving meat grinder on the battlefield, and no life could get even an inch close to her.

In the past, Leo certainly wouldn't have been able to cut down the Minotaur like these two did.

Now, even at Lv.4, he can still unleash overwhelming power against these Minotaur, which are classified as Lv.2.

Without even needing to use his most prized magic, Leo unleashed a carnage the moment he charged into the monster horde, his Dragon Fang Sword tracing seemingly intangible paths as he slashed at the surrounding Minotaur.

"Huh?"

Holding a recurve knife, Tione, acting as a center-back, didn't rush out like Leo and the others. Instead, he stayed beside Lefiya Viridis, watching Leo's fighting figure, and suddenly let out a soft sound of doubt.

"What's wrong, Miss Tione?"

Lefiya Viridis, who was staring intently at Ais's back, turned her head and asked in confusion.

"Nothing," Tione said, still watching Leo's figure, narrowing his eyes. "It's just that the kid's fighting style is different from before."

"Different?" Lefiya Viridis looked at Leo but couldn't see anything wrong. She asked, puzzled, "How is it different?"

Isn't he still fighting Miss Ais just like before?

Lefiya Viridis really didn't want to say those words, so she could only stand there and act all sullen.

"The swordsmanship is still the same old style; you can tell at a glance that it was personally taught by Ais." Tione didn't care about Lefiya Viridis's feelings and said, "But in terms of details, the changes compared to before are quite significant."

Like Ais, Leo used to prioritize efficiency in battle. He would defeat his opponent in one second if possible, never dragging it out to the second. He was swift, decisive, and straightforward, with astonishing destructive power.

But now, Leo's sword has acquired a new rhythm and a new sense of calculation. Sometimes he will deliberately leave monsters that he can deal with directly as roadblocks to block the charge and attack of subsequent monsters, making himself safer.

If his previous battles were all-out offensives, then now he considers leaving himself some room to maneuver.

This method might be less efficient at killing enemies, but it also significantly reduces the probability of problems occurring.

If a metaphor must be used, it's like transforming from a sharp, unsheathed blade into a sheathed, refined sword with its edge concealed.

Although its sharpness has been concealed, it has also been hidden. Once this famous sword is drawn, its destructive power will definitely surpass that of the past.

"No wonder he received personal instruction from the commander-in-chief—"

Thinking of this, Tione couldn't help but feel jealous again.

"You only need to watch over me, Commander----"

The Amazonian shrew's resentful mutterings sent a shiver down the spine of a Prum leader who was processing documents in his office.

Why did I suddenly feel a chill?

The Prum leader didn't want to delve into it further, so he quickly put it out of his mind.

Well, it's best not to think too much about it.