Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

Loki and the other gods found an answer by observing the movements of the opposing forces.

That is, people have always thought that the dungeon has only one entrance and exit, but there is actually a second one. There must be a small path that allows hostile forces to transport the carnivorous plant (monster) to the surface, bypassing the management (guild) or the adventurers' eyes.

"Yes, of course. But before that... Loki, have your retinue (children) made any progress at the expedition site? Didn't they reach the 'deep layer' where the colorful monsters appear?"

With Dionysus's statement as the starting point, all eyes turned to Loki.

Loki remained silent for a moment, then slightly opened his narrow eyes, observing their reactions as he began to speak: "We heard there's a demonic 'spirit' there, so powerful it almost defeated Finn and his group. And... the enemy's goal is to summon that 'spirit' on the surface. That's our conclusion."

The "she" implied by the strange people is actually a "filthy fairy".

A divine messenger whose existence is reversed, surviving even after being devoured by monsters.

The "treasure fetus" existing at the core of the incident, like the monster, is a product of that being. It uses man-eating plants and other creatures as tentacles to collect and continuously absorb "magic stones," evolving into a "demi spirit."

The enemy's objective is to summon "fairy spirits" on the surface.

They attempted to unleash powerful "celestial clones" under the blue sky to destroy the "lid" of Orario, this underground city.

— "Destroy the labyrinth city (Orario)".

The words spoken by the white-haired demon (Olivas Actor) in the 24th-floor pantry resurfaced in the minds of the familiars who had been there. Lulune's face paled, and a sound escaped her throat; the tiger-man youth's eyes widened. Philvis struggled to conceal her emotions as she looked at her lord.

After listening to Loki and the others' deductions about the enemy's plan (script), the male god covered his face with one hand and quietly exhaled.

After a moment of silence, the handsome man raised his face, his glassy eyes distorted.

"We need to find it as soon as possible... where is the second entrance and exit, and where the 'treasure' that has most likely already been brought in is?"

The god's deep voice shook the ears of everyone in the room. The deep purple wine on the table reflected the magic stone light from the ceiling, emitting an eerie glow.

The children all fell silent, while Loki, sitting rather slouching in his chair, spoke up:

"That's what you say, but you still want us to be the first to suffer, right? You always make us the ones to fight."

"Haha, I'll help. But isn't there a saying, 'Everyone should make the best use of their talents'?"

Loki's reproachful look made it clear that "you can't get away with this," and Dionysus forgot his previous serious expression, a refreshed smile appearing on his face. Compared to the goddess's half-open eyes, the god's pearly teeth gleamed.

Witnessing the agonizing exchange of divine will, Lulu was on the verge of tears, saying, "I want to go home!" The tiger-man youth, who had been begged by the dog-woman to come with him, sighed again.

Philweis stood beside the Supreme God with her eyes closed, silently letting things unfold as they would.

"...Okay, whatever, we've already followed them. Anyway, where do we even begin? I think we'll eventually have to do a thorough search, but we've got some leads on the suspicious locations—"

"Uh... about this..."

At this moment, Lulu interrupted Loki and timidly raised her hand.

Hermes

"It's like this, after the chief god (Hermes) returned from his travels, he said he had something he wanted to ask Goddess Loki and you... um, he wanted me to pass on a message."

Luluney said that Hermes had asked her to relay his message if he couldn't be there; Loki frowned upon hearing this.

As she was wondering if trouble was brewing again, Dionysus smiled:

"I've heard about this, and I don't think it's a bad thing for Loki and the others. Perhaps it can even help them change their mood."

"?"

Dionysus adopted a serious expression in response to Loki's suspicious gaze.

"And there's something else that's bothering me. We'll handle the city search; please go do something else."

✿

That night.

Just as night was about to blanket the entire sky, an unusual hustle and bustle swept through every corner of the city.

This was because the news of the Loki Familia's "great achievements" upon their return from the "expedition"—that Bert, Tiona, and Tione had reached Lv.6—had spread far and wide.

Before the guild could make an official announcement, the amusement-loving gods quickly spread the news throughout the city, and the topic immediately caused a stir in Orario.

Some say that the Loki Familia will now be on par with the Freya Familia, which possesses the "Fierce (King)".

Some people say that's not right; the Loki Familia actually overtook them.

Some say that the current faction is now at the forefront of the Labyrinth City.

In every tavern, heated debates raged about Orario's two giants, debating which faction was truly the strongest in the city. Bards sang hymns praising valiant first-class adventurers, their melodies filling the streets. The gods, of course, celebrated with groans and laughter. Meanwhile, adventurers, driven by envy, jealousy, or ambition to one day achieve greatness, reacted in various ways. Excited demih-human children, dressed in tattered cloaks or pot helmets, ran and skipped through the alleyways, mimicking adventurers.

Furthermore, since the gods (Zeus) and goddesses (Hera) lost their status, there has been no news of anyone entering the 59th floor for a long time, and the reputation of the Loki Familia is being talked about everywhere in the city. They enjoy the throne of the next generation of heroes, which is bound to be celebrated, and the boundless starry sky above the city also shines with blessings.

The faction's unparalleled achievements fueled a frenzy among the gods, adventurers, and the common people.

"So, let's toast to everyone's hard work on this 'expedition'!"

As for these parties involved...

Led by the god who was addicted to alcohol, everyone held a victory celebration at their usual tavern.

The tavern "The Abundant Mistress" is located on West Street.

Inside the bustling, elegant restaurant, several tables were lined up together, beer glasses raised high and clinking together with a loud, boisterous sound. Ais, too, secretly raised her glass with the adorable gesture of a small animal and sipped her citrus juice.

"Don't drink too much and lose control, Bert."

"No way, it won't be good."

"Lefia—! Can I take some meat from over there?"

"B-Sure... But Miss Tiona, this is already your fifth round..."

"The food will keep being served, so don't be in such a hurry. Oh, could you please bring another one of this?"

"Damn it, I didn't include the cost of this in my budget, Finn."

"Alright, alright, let's all enjoy the victory celebration. If there are any problems, we can just use Loki's secret stash of money to cover them."

"Hey—Finn—! Are you serious—?! But it's okay—! This time it's my treat, everyone eat and drink as much as you want—!"

"Whoa whoa--!"

Hearing Riveria's admonition, Bert, having probably learned his lesson last time, kept a straight face; Tiona and Tione had an even stronger appetite than usual, which frightened Lefia; Grace glanced at the scene, tilted his head back, and chugged a large beer mug, while Finn laughed. Loki, already flushed from drinking, gave an order, and Raul and the other members of the crew roared with renewed vigor.

Like a divine declaration, additional dishes kept arriving at the table, including lightly foamed beer and the tavern's proudly brewed fruit wine, even in large kegs. Vegetable and cheese omelets, braised fresh fish, and thick-cut steaks adorned the tables, and Tiona's irresistible feast was served one dish after another by the pitifully dressed staff. The cat-like staff were so busy they were meowing and their eyes were blurry.

The Loki Familia's customary banquet celebrating their return from the expedition attracted the attention of the surrounding guests. Coupled with the topic at hand, even more curious and anxious glances were cast their way at them than usual.

Like a bee drawn to a beautiful flower, everyone stared at Ais; though expressionless, she felt the gazes of others while inwardly enjoying the atmosphere of the banquet.

"Miss Ais, would you like me to get you some dishes?"

"It's alright, Lefia... thank you."

"...Um, Miss Ais? Is there something on your mind?"

"?"

"You seem to be lost in thought... Ah, if I've misunderstood, please forgive me!"

Ais was a little surprised by what Lefia said.

Because her thoughts had indeed wandered off to other places.

As the chaotic noise of employees and the female shop owner, "Seele, Ryu is back, meow—!" "Ryu!?" "These idiot girls! Do your own thing!" echoed from deep inside the shop, Ais recalled the news she had just received about the boy (Bell) and the others.

Before the victory celebration, Ais finished exchanging money and repairing weapons, then wandered around to report her return from the expedition to a few acquaintances outside the faction. Just as she was about to thank Lulu for the rations she had been given, she overheard the return of the Supreme God (Hermes) and the others. At the same time, she also heard about Bell and the others.

For some reason, the boy and his companions didn't join the rest of the group and remained on the 18th floor. Ais, who had been worried about them, finally breathed a sigh of relief. However, it seemed that Bell and the others had encountered many problems along the way, and it was said that they were covered in injuries when they emerged from the skyscraper facility (Tower of Babel).

(I'll go visit them tomorrow... Ah, but I don't know where their headquarters is...)

While listening to the commotion of Tiona and the others, Ais pondered the mysterious location of the Hestia Familia's headquarters, and as she racked her brains...

"Ah, we're going to the outskirts of the city tomorrow—"

Loki, slightly tipsy, blurted out these words out of the blue.

"What's going on? This is all so nonsensical..."

Rivera raised her eyebrows suspiciously and spoke on behalf of the [Family]. The other members of the group also wore expressions of dumbfounded disbelief or wry smiles at the fickle god's instructions.

Despite his blushing face, Loki smiled contentedly at his retinue.

"Now that the expedition is over, let's take a break and go on a staff trip!"

"Huh! Traveling? That sounds like so much fun!"

"You actually believed that, you idiot?"

"What did you say--!"

Tiona's roar echoed everywhere, but Ais and the others, like Bert, didn't take Loki's words seriously. This wasn't the first time Loki had made such unplanned remarks, and almost always something would happen that left the crew members confused.

Just as the group members naturally became more alert, wondering what mischief Loki was up to, only Finn seemed to understand God's will and smiled.

Where are you planning to travel?

"Hmm~, we'll discuss the details back at headquarters, but—" After finishing his opening remarks, Loki curled the corners of his mouth.

"It's not far from the city... the port city (Merlen)."

Gaiden: Sword Oratoria 6 Chapter 2 Port City Mellen

Melen is a port city located southwest of Oralie.

They are about three kilometers apart, practically next door. The towns that thrive on the shores of the vast brackish Lake Rolog are like the gateway to the ocean for Orario.

The brackish lake, connected to the sea, has seen countless foreign ships arriving in its harbor daily, unloading vast quantities of cargo. Most of this cargo consists of goods imported into Orario. Before being transported to the city's exchange, traded goods are first gathered at Melen. Orario's world-renowned magic stone products are also shipped overseas from Melen, alternating with foreign goods.

This area is crucial for Oral-ri's development of overseas markets.

"Ugh—! It's been so long since I've been here—!"

A bustling avenue leading to a vast bay and harbor.

In the very center of the street, which was depicted as gently sloping downhill, Tiona's excited shout rang out.

Just as Loki had predicted, Ais and her Loki Familia left Orario and arrived at the port city last night. Although she didn't scream like Tiona, Ais couldn't help but admire the vast brackish lake and the harbor with several ships moored in front of her, opposite the bustling crowd.

"Really? It's been years since you last came?"

"I haven't been here since I went into the dungeon—!"

Tiony couldn't help but smile at the view of the port city, and Tiona replied with a smile.

Like trade goods, many people enter Orario via this port city. Those from the mainland will knock on the gates of the labyrinth city from the north or east; conversely, those from island nations or seafaring countries in the Far East will arrive in Melen first. Tiona and Tione are among them.

Only Ais and a few others were captivated by the surrounding scenery. Even most of the group members present, like Tiona and the others, felt nostalgic for this place.

"This giant black fish is huge! They sell giant black fish in the city, but this is the first time I've seen one this big!"

"Her scales are just as developed as a monster's..."

Tiona was overjoyed to see the huge fish lying steadily on the stall. This giant black fish was definitely at least a meter long. Lefia was right; these fish had twisted and sturdy scales, often mistaken for monsters. It's generally believed that they evolved this form to protect themselves from monster attacks. Besides the giant black fish, there were also shrimp, crabs, and other fresh, lively seafood unique to the port city, all sold on the beach.

The streets, lined with stone buildings, were bustling with activity due to the presence of foreigners, merchants, and fishermen.

Along the roadside, vendors sell rare handicrafts on carpets, and tents and huts are filled with freshly caught seafood such as fish and conch. There are many voices haggling over prices, as if negotiating a business deal. If you only look at this bustling street, it even resembles an exotic bazaar. However, the many tanned people, including fishermen, and the aroma of the sea breeze tell you that this is a coastal city.

"Lefia also came to Orario by sea, right?"

"Yes, when I was a student, I often came to this port city with my friends to relax."

"Do you know where there's good food? Take us there later!"

Lefia was caught off guard by Tiona's embrace, flustered yet seemingly secretly delighted. The other members were the same. Centered around the girls, everyone's cheeks were flushed, and they couldn't help but look around as they walked.

Among them, Ais placed her hand on her chest.

(I don't remember this lake, nor do I remember this town...)

Memories of battling monsters from morning till night were corroded by the splattered blood, and Ais wasn't sure if she had ever been to this port city. She even felt as if she had always been in the dungeon, lingering in the land of Orario.

(...But I think I recognize this scent.)

However, the unique scent of the sea breeze stirred up Ais's deepest memories.

This damp wind will not reach Orario, which is isolated by the massive city walls.

The brackish lake, a mixture of fresh and seawater, smelled much milder than the ocean, gently embracing Ais. The breeze, carrying the fragrance of her golden hair, made Ais squint her eyes.

"What's wrong, Ais? You seem very happy. Are you excited too?"

"...Rivia, have you ever been to this town before?"