The Main Force Returns! A Newcomer Receiving Special Treatment?

The lingering warmth of the morning sun still hung in the air before Twilight Manor's main gate.

Several lower-ranking adventurers left behind at the manor beamed as they pulled open the heavy gates to welcome the expedition party home safely.

The first to enter was an Amazon girl. Dressed in light, dancer-like gauze, she generously showed off her healthy wheat-colored skin.

She swept through the gates like a gust of wind, threw both arms high into the air, and shouted excitedly.

"Woohoo! We're back!"

"Seriously, do you have to make such a fuss every time we come back? It's embarrassing."

Another long-haired Amazon woman stood with one hand on her hip, her gaze toward her younger sister filled with helplessness.

To their left stood a slender blonde girl in light azure gear.

Though her expression remained blank, her breathtaking beauty was even more striking than that of the golden-haired elf beside her.

A young werewolf wearing metal boots and with both hands in his pockets stepped out from the crowd.

The lightning-shaped tattoo on his face seemed to come alive along with his undisguised sneer.

"You're always so damn noisy. It's annoying as hell."

"Shut up! A bastard werewolf like you doesn't get to tell me what to do!"

"Hah! You wanna fight, stupid Amazon?!"

While the youths bickered noisily, the true three leaders of the Loki Familia stood at the rear, each wearing a different expression.

The heavily muscled dwarf warrior laughed heartily.

"To be young again. They're all so energetic."

The composed prum captain rubbed his forehead helplessly.

"Being energetic is a good thing, but don't waste it on this."

The stunningly beautiful elf woman opened only one eye and spoke indifferently.

"Let them be. We have more important matters to handle first."

Meanwhile, Kashu stood on the elevated corridor, looking down and taking in everyone gathered at the main gate.

He had already read through most of the library's records and had a basic understanding of the Loki Familia's main force, but this was indeed his first time seeing them in person.

The short-haired Amazon at the front of the group was Tiona, a Level 5 Familia executive known as the Great Cleaver.

The long-haired Amazon with the impressive bust beside her was Tione, also a Level 5 Familia executive known as the Angry Snake.

The quiet blonde girl beside them, whose delicate features made her look like a doll, was Ais, a Level 5 Familia executive known as the Sword Princess.

The golden-haired elf accompanying Ais was named Lefiya, Level 3, known as the Thousand Elf.

The young werewolf with a lightning tattoo on his face and a rough manner of speaking was Bete, a Level 5 Familia executive known as the Vicious Wolf.

The muscular dwarf warrior was Gareth, a Level 6 Familia executive known as the Heavy Dwarf.

The stunning elf woman was Riveria, a Level 6 Familia vice-captain known as the Nine Hells.

And that composed prum captain was Finn, a Level 6 Familia captain known as the Brave.

Aside from Lefiya, Riveria's disciple, all of them were first-echelon mainstays of the Loki Familia.

"Angry Snake, Vicious Wolf, Brave, Loki... Hm? Where is she?"

Kashu suddenly recalled something and turned to look beside him, only to find that Loki had vanished at some point.

The doors to the main manor were thrown open roughly. Like a whirlwind, Loki rushed out with sparkling eyes and her arms spread wide, charging straight at the returning expedition members.

"I missed you guys so damn much!"

The female members, whether they had been fighting or chatting moments ago, all frowned and sidestepped in perfect unison.

The goddess was left lunging at empty air, sliding miserably across the floor and leaving behind a clear scrape mark.

"Give us a break, Loki. The expedition was tiring enough already."

"Honestly, we just finished talking about Tiona, and now Loki's at it again."

"How is that the same? I'm not as disgusting as Loki."

"True. If Loki catches you, the outcome will definitely be terrible."

Though no one knew which female member had made the remark, every woman present wholeheartedly agreed.

Only after the female members had collectively put a safe distance between themselves and Loki did Finn walk over to his goddess and raise a hand in greeting.

"We're back, Loki."

"This expedition didn't go very smoothly, but fortunately, there were no casualties. I'll report the details to you later. For now, we should let everyone rest."

Loki rubbed her reddened nose, her voice sounding somewhat muffled.

"No problem. You handle the arrangements."

Finn smiled as though he was used to it, then turned and issued his orders.

"The members who stayed behind will carry the luggage and spoils. The expedition party should go bathe and rest first. Executives, remember to come to the meeting room after you finish bathing."

"Yes!" ×N

The members responded one after another and got busy with their respective tasks.

Kashu was also among those who had stayed behind, so he leaped from the elevated corridor, landed steadily on the ground, and headed straight for the bundles piled up by the expedition party.

Seeing this, Loki quickly raised a hand to stop him.

"Kid, let them handle those trivial chores. Why don't you keep shining in the Dungeon instead?"

Kashu nodded readily.

"Then I'll be off. I'll definitely be back before dinner."

Before his words had even faded, he started walking. Under the varied gazes of those around him, he headed straight out of Twilight Manor.

Having witnessed the brief yet revealing exchange between Loki and Kashu, every returning expedition member looked confused, unable to understand what their goddess was planning.

The ever-lively and outgoing Tiona rolled her eyes, pulled over one of the members who had stayed behind, and quietly asked.

"Hey~ That silver-haired guy was a newcomer who just joined the Familia, right? What's his name? What level is he?"

The member looked back at the direction Kashu had disappeared, scratched the back of his head awkwardly, and hurriedly explained.

"Actually, we don't know much either. Loki brought him back personally about a week ago."

"But he always ventures into the Dungeon alone, so we never got the chance to talk to him."

Tiona released the member so he could carry the luggage. She herself stared thoughtfully toward the entrance Kashu had long since passed through.

"A lone adventurer? That sounds kind of familiar..."

Tione looked up at the elevated corridor where Kashu had stood earlier, then at the ground below, admiration appearing on her face.

"He produced almost no unnecessary impact when he landed. His physical ability is exceptional, and his control over his strength is frighteningly precise."

Bete, who had been leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, snorted disdainfully and retorted.

"Even some Level 2 nobody could jump from that height without a damn problem. What's there to make a fuss about?"

Ais shot Bete a subtle glance, inexplicable displeasure rising within her. She did not like that kind of talk.

For some reason, she felt a faint yet strange sense of closeness from Kashu.

But she clearly... shouldn't have any family left.

Gareth stroked the coarse, steel-needle-like beard on his chin and spoke with some concern.

"Getting used to fighting alone isn't a good sign. Let's hope he doesn't turn out to be another Bete."

Riveria shook her head. "Probably not. Besides, didn't you see that he was about to help carry the luggage just now?"

Finn habitually licked his thumb. No stinging sensation came, and he smiled slightly.

"It probably isn't a bad thing. At the very least, my thumb hasn't warned me."

"Everyone's tired from the expedition. If there are any questions, we'll discuss them in detail at the meeting later."