A Conversation About the Expedition with the Loki Familia

Orario, Loki Familia headquarters

After leaving the Soma Familia, Falan came here.

As he approached the main gate, he saw a comical clown emblem hanging above it.

This was the symbol of the Loki Familia in this world, and it gave Falan an inexplicably familiar feeling.

"A clown? In some ways, that image suits a god like Loki quite well."

They came from the Titan Clan and were friends with Odin. They were playful and loved pranks. Compared to the gods of Asgard, Loki possessed far more "humanity." They were intelligent, alert, and exceptionally talented.

Yet for such an emotional god to be among the Asgardian gods, who would sacrifice even an eye for "knowledge" and enslave humans, Loki was an outlier. They did not stand above mortals. As the God of Wildfire, they brought indiscriminate warmth to humanity.

They left behind knowledge of "magic." Dwarves, especially skilled in Smithing, had also received their teachings and inspiration. Loki was the promoter of civilization in mythology, but because they were different, they were rejected by the Norse gods.

They were even hated by humanity because of it. It was truly absurd. The only god who valued humans was hated because of the Norse gods. That was the treatment Loki had received in Falan's impression.

Shaking his head, Falan headed toward the gates of the Loki Familia. After all, his impressions were only impressions.

Although this world called Orario also had gods, its Norse gods had far more warmth than the Norse gods in his memories.

At the entrance, a man in light armor stepped forward and blocked his path.

"Stop. Who are you? What business do you have with the Loki Familia?"

"Me? Falan of the Soma Familia. I'm here on business."

"..." Upon hearing Falan state his name, the man paused.

"I see. You're here to discuss the joint expedition? I just don't know..."

Seeing the man's gesture, Falan understood that he wanted a tip.

For the sake of his objective, Falan helplessly took out a purse of money.

"Five thousand Valis. Just a small token."

"Hehe, then I'll take it..."

Then a hand suddenly appeared on the man's shoulder and slammed the guard to the ground.

"Raul... who gave you the nerve to collect tips at the gates of the Loki Familia?"

The arriving Pallum then turned his gaze toward Falan.

At first glance, Falan found the other man's appearance extremely familiar.

Then he recalled the man's identity. "The 'Brave,' Finn?"

"Yes, Finn Deimne, captain of the Loki Familia. I believe I heard you say that you were here to discuss a joint expedition? As I recall, I already sent word that the rally would be held the day after tomorrow, and the expedition would begin the day after that. Is there something so urgent that it needs to be discussed now?"

"Uh... let me introduce myself. Falan of the Soma Familia."

"Falan? You're that 'Big Backpack,' right?"

"Yes." Falan smiled helplessly. The nickname "Big Backpack" had already become deeply ingrained in people's minds. "I came to the Loki Familia to discuss something in detail. In fact, this is Soma's intention. I wonder whether Captain Finn could introduce me?"

"Loki, huh? I have to say, your timing is perfect. They got drunk today, caused a scene earlier, and we had to forcefully send them back to their room. If it's convenient, you can discuss the matter with me."

"..." Falan was somewhat speechless. Was this what a drunkard god was like? Getting drunk in broad daylight?

After some time, Finn led Falan into a reception room within the Loki Familia, where Falan explained the purpose of his visit one by one.

First, there was his new skill: during this expedition, he could have a Backpack with as many as two thousand slots.

Then there was Soma's intention to have him lead a group of level 1 adventurers along with the expedition for training.

And finally, there were Falan's concerns. After all, not everyone was like him, and this expedition would not have powerful people accompanying them for protection.

In the end, Finn accepted the Divine Wine Falan had brought from Soma. After all, no one understood gods better than their children.

As the captain of the Loki Familia, Finn Deimne was naturally highly qualified. He understood perfectly that Soma offering the Divine Wine "Soma" was aimed at Loki's weak point, but this matter was not impossible to accept.

According to Finn, the Soma Familia's role in this expedition was equivalent to the support corps of nearly a hundred people that usually accompanied the Loki Familia's expeditions to carry the spoils. Now there would only be five of them. In fact, even if Falan had not come, the Loki Familia would have been responsible for protecting them.

After hearing this, Falan nodded in understanding and naturally left the Divine Wine behind.

According to Finn Deimne, protecting them in the Dungeon was an "obligation," but sometimes this world should not consist of obligations alone. A little goodwill was also needed, and Divine Wine was excellent for Mixing such things.

After all, in Orario, Divine Wine could be said to be priceless, or it could be said to be worthless.

It was only valuable here because it suited Loki's preferences.

Otherwise, to a certain steady and rational captain, this Divine Wine was probably not as important as several Magic Swords.

Afterward, Falan left the Loki Familia to meet the four youngsters of his own Soma Familia.

He had also heard that the rally would be held the day after tomorrow, and the expedition would begin the day after that.

He did not have much time left.