Looking Forward to Another World - Chapter 19
“To be eligible for an expedition, one must be at least a Lv.2 special talent, like a Healer capable of using healing magic,” Loki explained with a sigh, her tone both earnest and concerned. “Even if you learn others’ magic and become a special talent, Finn won’t allow you to join an expedition unless you reach Lv.2. So, it’s best to dismiss any dangerous thoughts you might have.”
Upon hearing this, Riegel fixed his gaze on Loki. Realizing she wouldn’t relent on this matter, he reluctantly looked away. “Alright,” he conceded. “I’ll wait until Lv.2 then.”
Loki rolled her eyes at Riegel, sighing internally once more. She felt that her days ahead would likely be unsettled due to this young man’s reckless actions.
“Based on the timing, the expedition team should be returning soon,” Loki tried to shift the conversation. “Just wait another couple of days.”
“Understood,” Riegel nodded, accepting her suggestion.
Loki then revealed a mischievous grin, almost as if she was up to something. “I can’t wait to see the expressions on Finn and the others’ faces when they find out about the monstrous talent we’ve got in our Familia now. Ais, Bete, Tione, Tiona… they’re probably going to be quite shocked by your rapid growth,” she mused with anticipation. In the divine room, the Norse goddess of mischief chuckled secretly, enjoying the prospect of the upcoming excitement.
But the day Loki was looking forward to arrived sooner than she had anticipated.
…
The next day, as the sky began to lighten, Riegel woke up early, just as he had the day before. He quickly freshened up, spending no more than five minutes on his morning routine. He then geared up, donning his armor and clothes, ready to head to the Dungeon.
Today, Riegel planned to spend the entire day exploring the Dungeon, aiming to delve deeper without wasting any time. His Ability Values had grown since the last update, with both his Dexterity and Agility reaching the E-stage. According to the safety guidelines, he could now safely explore up to the 8th Floor. However, Riegel wasn’t one to stick to the ‘safe’ paths.
His plan for the day was to venture as far as the 10th Floor, perhaps even deeper. To prepare, he had carefully maintained his weapons the night before, ready to take on greater challenges. The thought of reaching deeper floors, beyond yesterday’s 7th Floor, filled him with a sense of excitement.
“I’ve heard that from the 10th Floor onwards, one encounters large-scale species, like Orcs, that are much bigger than regular monsters,” Riegel mused with anticipation. “Orcs, huh? I wonder how strong they are?”
As he was about to leave with his weapons, a sudden commotion erupted within Twilight Manor.
“The Captain has returned!”
“Everyone is back!”
“The members of the expedition are back ———!”
Excited shouts shattered the early morning’s stillness, stirring the entire manor into a bustle of activity. Doors opened, and footsteps echoed as people rushed outside.
“They’re back?” Riegel paused, a bit surprised, then stood up. Images of characters mentioned in the original story came to his mind, causing him to squint his eyes thoughtfully. Armed and ready, he left his room and headed toward the entrance of Twilight Manor.
At the front door of the Loki Familia headquarters, Twilight Manor was abuzz with a liveliness that hadn’t been seen in the past couple of days. Familia members, who had stayed behind at the base, were now expressing an excitement and enthusiasm unlike before, cheering and welcoming a group of people.
Riegel, descending from the high tower, arrived at the entrance just as the group was being joyously received by the stationed members. The group was surrounded by cheerful and relaxed smiles, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. Riegel’s eyes instantly focused on the leaders of the group, where several individuals stood out from the rest.
The first to catch his attention was a tanned young girl, dressed in a dancer-like attire with only a thin cloth covering her upper body and a long wrap skirt around her waist. Her exposed navel and shapely figure added to her lively charm.
“Tiona, you’re so loud,” commented another girl who, aside from her long hair and a slightly different physique, looked almost identical to the first. It was as if they were cast from the same mold.
Beside them, a Beastman youth with animal ears, a tail, and tattoos on his face expressed his annoyance with an impatient demeanor. It was clear from their interactions that the Amazoness twins and the Beastman youth were at the center of attention, engaging in playful banter.
But even more striking were the three individuals standing beside them: a member of the Pallum race, an Elf, and a Dwarf. The Pallum, child-like in appearance, the Elf with emerald hair and a white robe, and the Dwarf, broad and muscular, each brought their unique presence to the group.
Riegel’s gaze swept over them, but then something else caught his attention. Before he could fully observe this person, Loki’s exuberant voice interrupted the warm scene.
“I’ve missed you sooooo much——!” Loki, sounding like an uncle reunited with a beloved woman, rushed out from the tower towards the group. Specifically, she was heading towards the person who had captured Riegel’s interest.
“Ais-tan!” Loki exclaimed, but her enthusiastic approach was met with a swift response.
With a sudden movement, the owner of the long golden hair deftly sidestepped and delivered a punch to Loki’s chest. The impact sent Loki stumbling backward, gasping for air.
“…I’m back, Loki,” came a calm, clear voice from the young woman with golden hair. She possessed a beauty that rivalled Elves and goddesses, with a delicate figure and fair skin. Her eyes, matching her hair, shimmered with a translucent glow. Her otherworldly appearance seemed almost too perfect to be real. The only downside was her expressionless face, giving her a detached aura.
Loki, struggling to recover, managed a smile. “You’ve improved again, Ais-tan…”
Tiona, the lively Amazoness, approached with a teasing smile. “You had it coming, Loki!”
Another Amazoness, appearing more mature than Tiona, sighed, “We’re exhausted, Loki. Please, let us rest for now.”
The Beastman youth looked unimpressed, showing no respect for the Chief God. Yet, the atmosphere remained comfortable and natural, indicating a relationship built on mutual respect and ease.