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[LFTAW] Chapter 17: Introduction
🕑 Added 2024-01-06 00:34:46 +0000 UTCAt this moment, Riezel had no idea that Loki had already gathered the entire Familia's first-class adventurers for him.
He ran through the streets, glancing at the completely darkened sky, and couldn't help but sigh.
'I'm completely late now...'
With Loki's prior instructions, Riezel had initially planned to explore only the 7th Floor, not going any further to avoid wasting too much time and returning to the Familia too late.
But due to his visible growth in strength after the status update, he found himself getting stronger, and even on the 7th Floor, there was no longer any excitement. Unable to hold back, he descended to the 8th Floor.
This decision led to an uncontrollable situation.
'Why did I get so excited again and completely forget about the time?'
Riezel slapped his forehead, unable to suppress another sigh.
He knew it was his bad habit.
In this second life, he became extremely eager for excitement and change. Now, with the effect of the skill 'Endless', he attained the highest rank of development abilities, making his stamina and energy seem inexhaustible. If he immersed himself in something, it was only natural for him to forget the time.
If it weren't for his growling stomach begging to be filled, he might've kept on with the killing spree, not giving a second thought to heading back.
'I hope Loki hasn't waited too long.'
Riezel quickened his pace to return to the Familia.
With his current speed and almost limitless stamina, he made good time. Before long, he smoothly returned to the Familia's base, back to Twilight Manor.
"Oy! Riezel!"
As Riezel prepared to enter the manor directly, a voice came from above, causing him to halt.
Looking up, Riezel realized that Loki was leaning out of a window on the top floor of the central tower, waving at him.
"You're finally back!" Loki shouted gruffly. "Hurry up and come up; everyone's waiting for you!"
Without further ado, Riezel nodded in understanding and headed straight to his room. He stripped off his dirty clothes and armor, placed his weapons by the bed, tidied himself up a bit, and then quickly made his way to the divine room.
"Here he is! Come in quickly!"
Without waiting for Riezel to knock, Loki, as if anticipating his arrival, opened the door and ushered him inside.
He entered the room, instantly bathed in the gazes of everyone present. Glancing around, he instantly raised his eyebrows in surprise.
'Well, well, all the Familia's first-class adventurers are here?'
As Riezel thought like that, the people in the room also observed him.
'It's him...' Ais, who had been silent in the corner, gently froze upon seeing Riezel.
"Aren't you the rookie Ais was spying on today?" Tiona exclaimed in surprise.
Her words contained so much information that everyone present, including Riezel, was left stunned.
""Ais was spying on someone?""
Finn and Gareth simultaneously exclaimed and wore puzzled expressions.
'So, Loki was talking about him?' Riveria also gave Riezel a once-over.
"Indeed..." Tione, staying by Finn's side, was somewhat surprised as well.
Only Bete stared blankly for a while, then exploded.
"You foolish Amazoness! What bullshit are you spouting again?!" Bete snapped with bared teeth. "Ais would never spy on such a small fry, right?!"
"You're the one being foolish!" Tiona, annoyed, retorted bluntly. "Why don't you go ask Ais herself?!"
All eyes turned to Ais.
"I..."
Ais, with a slightly embarrassed expression, struggled to explain and ended up blushing, not out of timidity, but out of embarrassment.
After all, why did Tiona have to phrase it in such a way that could be easily misunderstood? So, Ais didn't want to speak and dared not look at Riezel's expression at this moment.
Riezel, on the other hand, also didn't dare to glance at Ais. Although Tiona's bizarre statement made him pause for a moment, he quickly composed himself, taking the initiative to change the topic.
"I'm sorry for being late." Riezel apologized to all his Familia's seniors present.
"Tch!" Bete, with a disdainful expression, turned away, seemingly uninterested in saying anything to Riezel. Instead, he glared at Tiona, irritated by her unpleasant phrasing.
Everyone fell silent, looking towards their captain.
"Are you the rookie Loki mentioned?" Finn gave Riezel a generous smile.
Despite Riezel's attitude, Finn remained friendly, even expressing some appreciation.
"Venturing into the dungeon until this time, you're a hard worker one."
As the captain, Finn wouldn't blame someone for being a little late, especially considering the rookie's achievement who ventured into the dungeon until this hour.
"Thank you for your understanding."
Riezel also didn't underestimate Finn, despite his deceptive appearance.
After all, the Pallum before him, who looked like an underage human child, was not only a Level 6 first-class adventurer but also considered a hope and a hero within his race. He had led Loki Familia for decades, turning it from a newly established small Familia into one of the strongest Familia in Orario. With numerous adventures and a personal epic, he was a legendary figure known worldwide.
So, whether it was the Elven royalty like Riveria or the distinct and independent personalities of the Familia executives present, they all sincerely respected Finn who seemed to lack any authority.
Even Loki as the Familia's Goddess was now just smiling and watching everything unfold, completely giving the stage to Finn. This clearly demonstrated his ability and prestige.
In addition, despite his youthful appearance, Finn was already 42 years old, older than Riezel in his previous life.
All in all, Riezel had no reason to underestimate Finn.
On the other hand, Finn was filled with goodwill and curiosity as he faced Riezel calmly standing before him.
"Loki couldn't stop praising you. She was just singing your praises endlessly in front of us, y'know?" Finn chuckled. "To be the subject of Loki's admiration, it's a rare thing... Honestly, I'm quite curious about you."
"Yeah, yeah!" Tiona couldn't hold back any longer. She raised her hand and shouted eagerly. "Loki really admires you! We've never seen her talk about a guy so much before!"
"Yeah, there are quite a few girls..." Tione added with perfect timing and spoke mysteriously. "But Loki only praised their looks and figures."
Everyone present immediately nodded in agreement.
"..."
Loki, who had been smiling, lost her smile after hearing that statement.
'Did they just blatantly talk shit about me? I'm your Goddess, for fuck's sake! You guys are totally enjoying this!'
"Hmph! Serves you right." Bete threw in a remark from the side, almost causing Loki to snap.
"Okay, enough fooling around." Gareth slapped the table, stopping the atmosphere that was gradually turning sour. "I'm genuinely curious. This kid must have some talent to be praised so much by Loki."
"I heard you joined the Familia just a few days ago and received the blessing around the same time..." Riveria interjected. "Loki mentioned you have something to ask of us. Just tell us. As long as it's not too much, as members of the same Familia, we'll absolutely try to help you."
Her attitude matched that of the others towards Riezel—friendly.
However, the lone Werewolf Bete still stood there, sporting a disdainful expression and a hint of impatience. It appeared that he didn't quite fancy Riezel.
"Just a small fry who received the blessing a few days ago. I don't know why you guys are being so attentive to him." Bete complained grumpily, making the atmosphere subtly tense.
"Bete!" Finn warned with a furrowed brow, causing Bete to snort lightly, not pushing it too far.
"Ignore him."
"He's just foul-mouthed."
The twin sisters, Tiona and Tione, approached Riezel and comforted him.
Ais shifted her gaze back to Riezel and observed him with worry.
But Riezel only glanced at Bete who showed no remorse on his face and calmly shook his head, unfazed.
"Thanks for the concern; I'm fine and not bothered at all." Riezel pondered for a moment, then continued. "But, speaking of which, I do have an awkward request. I was hoping seniors could lend me a hand."
"Heh~ What is it?" Finn chuckled and was still a bit unclear about it.
After all, Loki had gathered everyone here to introduce Riezel, and the only reason could be for this so-called awkward request. In other words, she was indirectly telling them to assist Riezel.
With this thought in mind, Finn exchanged glances with the other two top executives, waiting for Riezel to speak up.
In this silent situation, Riezel finally opened his mouth.
"I want to consult about magic."
With just one sentence, everyone blinked in surprise.
"Consult about magic?" Riveria, who was known as the strongest mage in Orario, became intrigued when the request involved magic.
"Yes." Riezel nodded. "I've awakened a magic, but to use it, I need to meet certain conditions."
The specifics of these conditions didn't need much explanation. In short, he needed someone he could consult with to be able to use his magic.
"What kind of magic is it?" Tiona couldn't contain her curiosity.
Finn, Riveria, and Gareth all looked directly at Loki.
"Well~ His magic is somewhat similar to Lefiya's Elf Ring." Loki chuckled and remarked mysteriously.
With just one sentence, everyone simultaneously raised their eyebrows in surprise, and the way they looked at Riezel also started to change.
