Chapter 240

Chapter 243: Well-Grasped, Manageable, or Hard to Grasp? (Please Subscribe!)

“Fels…”

“Judging by your reaction, you must’ve noticed me already. Your perception is truly terrifying; I had completely concealed my presence.”

Inside a lavish private room within the guild, the black-robed magician Fels shed his invisibility cloak, appearing out of thin air in an otherwise empty space.

Draped in a black hood that obscured his face and wearing matching gloves, this renowned magician faced Izay.

“Not bad. My sixth sense has always been a little sharper than most.”

Izay casually leaned back into the plush sofa behind him, sinking into its soft embrace.

The heightened sixth sense granted by “Star of Enlightenment” allowed him to easily detect gazes, hostility, and other emotions.

“So every time you look at me, I can feel it? …You’re really something else. Even without eyes.”

The skeletal wise one chuckled while casting an admiring glance.

It had only been a month since their last meeting, yet Izay seemed even stronger now. He was probably on the verge of leveling up?

Coinciding with Loki Familia’s upcoming expedition, what would happen after this? If Izay leveled up, the long-standing balance between Orario’s two great factions might be broken.

After all, Loki Familia would gain another top-tier combatant.

Fels, who had accompanied Izay on many dungeon runs and kept close tabs on his exploits, was always trying to predict his ally’s strength as best he could.

Thankfully, Fels felt relieved that this “heretic” harbored no ill will toward him. Otherwise, if they ever faced off, Fels suspected he’d just shut down entirely.

“Enough chatter, why are you here, Fels?” Izay asked curiously.

“Some news about the dungeon. Consider it a heads-up.” Fels paused briefly before continuing, “Lately, Ishtar Familia seems to be up to something in the dungeon.”

“I stumbled upon this info through my crystal orb. Some of their people have been acting suspiciously inside. At worst, they might be planning to trip you guys up.”

With Loki Familia about to set out on an expedition, Ishtar Familia’s unusual behavior was hard not to suspect.

That goddess had never abandoned her desire for revenge, something both Izay and Fels were well aware of.

In the spirit of fostering their friendship and strengthening cooperation, Fels came to inform Izay of this sign.

Sighing, Izay muttered, “Ishtar-sama… same old antics.”

The type who won’t turn back until hitting a dead end.

“Thanks, Fels. I’ll keep an eye out. Let me treat you to dinner later.”

“… Wise One remains silent.”

“Oh right, you’re a skeleton. Can’t eat…” Izay trailed off awkwardly. “Sorry, force of habit.”

“… Wise One feels slightly bamboozled.”

After a moment, Fels watched Izay sheepishly grinning beneath his hood, which bobbed twice. “Go see Mary sometime. That girl misses you. It’s been over half a month since your last visit.”

“Hmm… maybe after the expedition. You know how busy I am lately. Could you explain to her for me?” Izay laughed wryly.

Through frequent dungeon explorations, his connection with the mermaid hadn’t been severed. Occasionally, he’d visit her, sometimes even with Fels.

He’d also met Rei and the others, establishing initial acquaintances and building trust.

Unlike Fels, Izay couldn’t visit the “heretics” at will, only when alone.

His situation was unfortunate indeed.

‘I should work on Transformation Magic soon. I’m capable now.’

Parting ways with Fels, Izay exited the private room, lost in thought.

Having attuned to Lunar Power, he gained the ability to “transform,” which could serve as the foundation for Transformation Magic.

For reference, he needed to study the Aries House of the Zodiac.

Also known as the Ascendant House, it represents the fixed position of Aries.

As the first house of the zodiac, it symbolizes the birth of life—”I am.” It reveals one’s character, behavior, health, appearance, physique, and first impressions.

Developing Transformation Magic based on Aries’ astrology was most appropriate.

Lost in thought, Izay soon reunited with Raul, and Anqi joined them shortly after.

Gathering intelligence, they wasted no time returning to Twilight Manor.

Later, Izay and Raul shared a couple drinks at The Bountiful Mistress tavern, and Izay dragged the unconscious someone back to the mansion that night.

Two days flew by, bringing them to the morning of the expedition.

Awakening naturally in his simply decorated personal room, Izay stretched instinctively as sunlight streamed through the curtains.

His whole body hummed with comfort.

Getting up, he freshened up…

Outside, a azure-white sky dotted with wispy clouds drifted lazily, marking the passage of time.

At the grand entrance of Twilight Manor, members constantly came and went.

When armed Familia members gathered in the courtyard, Finn and the others arrived at their waiting spot.

Then, the Halfling Tribe Leader announced the plan for this expedition.

“Everyone! For this expedition…”

Though Finn changed his speech pattern or rewrote his script this time, it wasn’t much different from previous ones.

Before reaching Floor 18, they’d still split into two teams, with no changes in personnel.

Except for the addition of a fox-eared girl to the rear guard magic team.

Though Haruhi was only Level 1, she possessed game-breaking magic, so there was naturally a place for her in the expedition team.

From Loki’s perspective as the deity, the expedition would both train Haruhi’s Ability Values and make the team’s journey easier—why not?

The fox-girl herself wanted to grow due to certain reasons.

This was a win-win-win situation.

Following Finn’s pre-battle morale boost, Loki also bestowed her blessings as the deity.

The team’s war cries echoed throughout the manor grounds.

Surrounded by shouts, the expedition team, carrying large cargo boxes, set off.

“Is that Loki’s Familia? So many people…”

At a fried potato ball stall in Central Square, a young goddess working part-time gazed enviously at Loki Familia’s long procession.

The goddess’s appearance fluctuated between child and teenager. Her black hair was tied into twin tails with cyan accessories matching her eye color, and she was rather petite.

Among the three types of goddesses—well-grasped, manageable, and hard to grasp—this one belonged to the latter category: hard to grasp!

However, the young goddess’s envy lasted only a moment before she pouted and huffed.

“Hmph! So what if there are lots of people! I already have a super cute kid! One day, my Familia will be bigger than that annoying Loki’s! Then I’ll surpass that tasteless goddess in every way!”

The goddess looked forward to that day with great anticipation…

…Riviria Mini-Theater #7…

“Hmm… Loki actually wants me to come to the basement!? What scheme does this guy have now?”

Izay, who had been resting peacefully in the afternoon, was suddenly approached by cat-eared Anqi, who said Loki wanted him to visit the mansion’s basement for some reason.

This was confusing.

Why say something important in the basement?

Could it be something shady?

“Confession Room.”

Izay: “…”

Izay: “…”


This setup felt oddly familiar.

Pushing open the door…

“Kya ha~ Welcome, lost little lamb! This is Sister Alph’s Confession Room~!”

“Hm?”

Izay froze mid-expression.

Some inexplicable BGM started playing!