Chapter 126

Chapter 127: Too Weak, Lacking Power (Fourth Update, Please Subscribe!)

“What’s the matter? Why are you so flustered? Refia.”

Riviria noticed Refia’s anxious expression as soon as she approached.

“Nothing! We were just talking about Mr. Izay’s cooking…”

“Izay?”

“That kid can cook?”

“The chef for today is Izay, quite a surprise.”

The order of speakers was Riviria, Gress, and Finn.

The three leaders were surprised to see the blond boy busy with Anqi and Rine by the large pot.

Male adventurers who can cook are quite rare, almost like exotic creatures.

To be precise, any adventurer who can cook is a rare find.

Otherwise, there wouldn’t be an entire bustling street full of taverns on the western side of Orario.

Adventurers go to taverns because they can’t cook.

…

Soon enough, dinner was ready, and the chefs distributed the food to all the members.

Compared to usual, tonight’s stew had no sweetness but was instead rich and savory, tasting light yet incredibly fresh.

With the help of seasonings, even dried meat tasted as good as fresh meat from the tavern, with added chewiness.

“Mmm—! So delicious!”

“No way!? Izay, did you make this? You have these skills!?”

“A master chef is right here!?”

Everyone tasting the stew for the first time widened their eyes and couldn’t help but praise it.

Shining eyes kept glancing at the steaming pot in the center of the camp, and many sped up their eating.

Smiling at his companions’ compliments, Izay quietly asked Ais, who was sipping her soup demurely beside him:

“How is it? This overly nutritious meal hasn’t affected Miss Ais’ fighting ability, has it?”

He had mentioned Ais’ habit of eating instant rations once before, and after she found it truly satisfying, this situation seemed to improve significantly.

Izay’s advice indeed worked.

However, the teasing tone in his words wasn’t lost on even the naturally dense Ais.

Miss Swordswoman silently turned her head and adjusted her ladylike kneeling posture slightly, indicating through action that she didn’t want to acknowledge Izay.

“Refia, what’s wrong with you? Why do you suddenly look so down…?”

“It’s nothing, I just feel like the delicious food in my hands has become tasteless…”

“Huh?”

Tiona tilted her head, unable to fully understand the elf girl’s words.

“Then let’s confirm the plan for afterward!”

After the meal, Finn came to the center of the camp where the pot originally was.

All members except the guards quickly tidied up the utensils and gathered in a circle to listen to the leader’s announcement.

“The purpose of the ‘Expedition’ is to open unexplored floors, which hasn’t changed.”

“But following our usual rules, starting from the fifty-first floor, the selected exploration team will take the lead!”

“The remaining members will stay behind, defend the camp, and wait for the return of the exploration team!”

For efficiency, to reduce casualties, to protect supplies…

Considering all practical situations, Finn’s decision was undoubtedly the best option under the current circumstances.

No one had objections to the Halfling Tribe Leader’s arrangement.

“The members of the exploration team include me, Riviria, Gress…”

Subsequently, he called out the names of the four senior officers including Ais, then began naming the supporting members.

“The supporters will be Raul, Cruz, Cos…”

Five core members of the second echelon were called by Finn as supporters.

Adding seven fighters, this twelve-person team was the final group to explore the upcoming uncharted floors.

“Those staying at the camp must increase vigilance. Although it’s a Safe Floor, monsters from nearby floors might still come up. Watch out and don’t let the monsters get close to the camp. Anqi, the command is yours.”

“Yes.”

The black-haired catgirl member was appointed as the leader of those staying behind, standing up to accept the task.

Finn explained all the precautions during defense and the command of the campsite to everyone.

The black-haired catgirl took on the role of leading the group staying behind and stood up to accept the mission.

After explaining all the precautions, Finn spoke with an encouraging smile:

“So, for tomorrow, everyone is dismissed. Night watch shifts every four hours!”

“Ooooh!!!”

With that instruction, the members responded loudly and started dispersing.

Some returned to their assigned tents, some went to check on the guards, and others eagerly exchanged stories with friends, each having their own tasks.

Izay had anticipated not seeing his name on the exploration team list but still felt a bit disheartened.

With his Ability Values, if he reached Level 3, he could keep up with the pace of the exploration team.

At Level 3, Izay would normally match an average Level 4, thus meeting the minimum requirement to participate.

But the truth was, he was still only a lowly Level 2.

“Sigh~ Still too weak, lacking power~”

The surface of Orario appeared calm, but beneath it, there were hidden currents.

The lurking “Dark Faction,” a certain deity disguised as “Eris” causing urban chaos, the artificial labyrinth incident…

All these were events and opponents Loki Familia would face in the future.

As a member of the Loki Familia, Izay naturally couldn’t stay out of it.

Thinking about these troubling existences, Izay couldn’t help but scratch his head.

“Once we return from this expedition, I’m going to solo Goliath and reach Level 3. Then I can freely explore Water Riddle City, obtain exclusive weapons, and greatly enhance my strength…”

“After enchanted weapons are released, I’ll make a fortune and stockpile magic swords in the warehouse. When we face off against the Dark Faction, everyone will have a magic sword, and we’ll see how they react…”

When Loki Familia clashed with the Dark Faction, Izay remembered that some members sacrificed themselves.

Among them was Rine Yarushu, the cute girl with braids who had just cooked and joked with him.

There was no way Izay could stand by and watch them lose their lives.

Besides ensuring his own strength, he needed to prepare some life-saving measures for them.

“Izay, you were saying something about enhancement? Did I hear ‘magic swords’?”

At this moment, Tione, who hadn’t left yet, heard Izay’s words and couldn’t help but ask curiously.

Not only her, but Ais hadn’t left either and turned around as well.

Rather than asking directly, the young girl preferred to silently gaze at Izay with her golden eyes, waiting for his explanation.