Chapter 3: Solar Refinement (continued)
"Something like that." Mia changed the subject abruptly, her knife moving with renewed vigor. "Tomorrow's expedition—what supplies are you bringing?"
Kaito recognized the deflection but didn't press. Everyone in Orario had secrets, it seemed.
"Standard potions, rations, light equipment," he answered, rinsing the pot he'd been scrubbing. "The supporter—Lili—is handling most logistics."
"Smart. Prums make excellent supporters, especially that one." Mia sprinkled something fragrant into her pan. "But for ruins exploration, you'll need more specialized gear. Light sources that work in magic-dampening fields. Chalk for marking paths—the usual dust doesn't stick to ancient stonework. And silence potions."
"Silence potions?"
"Ruins below Floor 12 often have acoustic triggers—traps activated by sound." She reached beneath the counter and produced a small wooden box, sliding it toward Kaito. "Take these. Three vials. One drop on the tongue grants fifteen minutes of complete silence—your movements, equipment, everything. Useful for passing certain... sensitive areas."
Kaito accepted the box hesitantly. "This is generous. Why help me?"
Mia's expression remained unreadable. "Let's just say I'm invested in certain knowledge remaining accessible rather than lost. The gods..." she lowered her voice, "have selective memories about what came before their descent."
Before Kaito could question this cryptic statement, the kitchen door swung open and Syr Flova—one of the waitresses—poked her head in.
"Kaito, someone's asking for you out front. Says it's urgent."
With an apologetic glance at the remaining dishes, Kaito dried his hands. Mia waved him off.
"Go. But be back to finish these before evening service."
The tavern's main room was mostly empty during afternoon hours, making it easy to spot his visitor—a small girl with long black hair and red eyes. Hestia sat at the bar, idly spinning on a stool.
"Goddess," Kaito acknowledged, approaching cautiously.
Hestia stopped spinning, regarding him with those unnervingly perceptive divine eyes. "Walk with me," she said, sliding off the stool. "I need to discuss tomorrow's expedition."
Outside, the afternoon sun cast long shadows across Orario's busy streets. They walked in silence for several minutes, Hestia leading them toward a small park where fewer ears might overhear.
"Bell told me about your proposal," she said finally, settling on a stone bench beneath a flowering tree. "He's excited. Nervous, but excited."
"You're not here to forbid him from joining?" Kaito remained standing, unwilling to put himself at a physical disadvantage, even with the diminutive goddess.
Hestia smiled slightly. "Would that surprise you? That I'm not the overprotective deity Bell makes me out to be?"
"Somewhat," Kaito admitted.
"I protect what's mine," Hestia said simply. "But I also recognize the value of growth through challenge. This expedition offers Bell valuable experience with reduced risk, thanks to your... abilities." She patted the space beside her. "Sit. My neck hurts looking up at you."
Reluctantly, Kaito complied.
"I've been watching your meditation," Hestia continued once he was seated. "Your technique is impressive for someone with no formal training, but flawed in critical ways."
"You were spying on me?"
"Observing," she corrected. "And potentially saving your life. The way you're circulating energy—drawing it in without proper foundations—is dangerously unstable."
Kaito stiffened. "The system notifications mentioned instability, but—"
"System notifications?" Hestia interrupted, suddenly intent. "You're receiving guidance?"
Realizing he'd revealed something unintended, Kaito hesitated before deciding honesty might yield valuable information. "Yes. Golden text visible only to me. Status updates, technique availability, warnings about energy stability."
"Fascinating," Hestia murmured. "A self-guiding cultivation interface. The ancients were more advanced than even the gods remember." She shook herself, refocusing. "These notifications—they're why you're seeking ruins containing cultivation records?"
"Partially. Your warning about burnout was also motivating."
Hestia nodded, expression serious. "The burnout risk is real. Solar cultivation without proper foundation work is like building a palace on sand. Eventually, it collapses." She hesitated, seeming to debate something internally before continuing. "I can help with that. Not with divine grace—your core would reject it—but with knowledge."
"What knowledge could you offer that the ruins wouldn't contain?"
"Context. Understanding." Hestia's eyes took on a distant quality. "Gods retain fragments of cosmic awareness, even while incarnated. I've been... remembering things. About the cultivation arts that predated our descent. About why they were abandoned when the Falna system was established."
She turned to face him directly. "The ruins will contain techniques, meridian maps, energy cycling methods. But they won't tell you why solar cultivation was sealed away, or what risks beyond simple burnout you might face."
"And you know these things?" Kaito asked skeptically.
"Not fully. Not yet. But more than most." Hestia's small hands clenched in her lap. "The gods didn't simply arrive and offer the Falna as a gift, Kaito. There was... conflict. History the Guild doesn't record because it predates their founding."
This was unexpected—a perspective on Orario's foundations that contradicted official narratives. "Why tell me this?"
"Because whatever awakened in you connects to that history." Hestia stood, smoothing her white dress. "I'm not offering this information freely. I propose an exchange: I'll share what I remember about solar cultivation principles to help stabilize your foundation. In return, you protect Bell during this expedition and bring me any records you find pertaining to the divine descent."
"Why would records about gods be in cultivation ruins?"
"Because the two histories are intertwined in ways most have forgotten." Hestia extended her small hand. "Do we have an agreement?"
Kaito considered her offer carefully. Divine knowledge about his cultivation method could prove invaluable, potentially saving him from catastrophic burnout. And protecting Bell was already his intention.
"Agreed," he said, shaking her hand. "When can we begin?"
"Tonight. After your shift." Hestia turned to leave, then paused. "One more thing. If you encounter symbols like these in the ruins—" she traced an intricate pattern in the air that momentarily glowed with divine light, "—do not attempt to interpret them yourself. They're divine script, dangerous for mortal comprehension without proper context."
"I'll be cautious," Kaito promised.
As Hestia departed, Kaito reflected on this unexpected alliance. Working with a goddess hadn't been in his plans, but neither had the cultivation system that now defined his development. Adaptability, it seemed, would be essential to his survival in Orario.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] Solar Pulse Refinement: 56% Complete Warning: Meridian Network Requires Stabilization New Insight Available: Foundation Reinforcement Through External Guidance Recommended Action: Accept compatible knowledge sources to prevent energy backlash
Even his system seemed to approve of Hestia's offer. Kaito stood, preparing to return to the tavern and his waiting dishes, when he spotted a familiar figure watching from the shadow of a nearby building.
"You can come out," he called. "I know you're there."
Ais Wallenstein stepped into view, her golden hair catching the afternoon sunlight. She approached with that distinctive grace that seemed more elemental than physical—as if she moved in harmony with invisible currents.
"You sensed me," she observed, neither surprised nor apologetic.
"My awareness is expanding," Kaito replied. "Part of the cultivation process."
"The goddess offered you knowledge." Not a question, but a statement. She must have observed their conversation, though Kaito doubted she could have heard it from that distance.
"She did. Why are you following me, Sword Princess?"
Ais didn't immediately answer, instead studying him with those penetrating amber eyes that seemed to see beyond physical appearance.
"Your energy signature changed during meditation this morning," she said finally. "It's affecting the city's ambient mana. Affecting how wind magic behaves."
That was concerning. "Negatively?"
"Unpredictably." She demonstrated by extending her hand, summoning a small whirlwind that danced above her palm. The normally silver-white energy contained threads of gold—the same golden hue as Kaito's Solar Qi.
"That's... not supposed to happen," Kaito said, watching the mixed energies with fascination.
"No. It's not." Ais dispersed the whirlwind. "Riveria believes our magics are resonating because they have common ancient origins. Wind and solar were complementary elements in pre-Falna energy systems."
"You know about pre-Falna cultivation?"
"Only what Riveria has uncovered through research." Ais's typically expressionless face showed a flicker of curiosity. "The expedition you're planning—is it related to this resonance effect?"
Kaito considered how much to reveal. Unlike other adventurers who seemed motivated by competition or divine politics, Ais Wallenstein's interest appeared genuinely focused on understanding.
"Yes," he admitted. "I need to stabilize my cultivation foundation before the energy becomes unmanageable. Ancient records might help."
Ais nodded as if this confirmed a private theory. "The resonance works both ways. Your energy affects my magic, but my magic might help stabilize your fluctuations." She extended her hand. "May I demonstrate?"
After a moment's hesitation, Kaito nodded. Ais placed her palm against his chest, directly over his core. Immediately, he felt a cooling sensation—like a gentle breeze flowing through his overheated meridians, tempering the volatile Solar Qi without suppressing it.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] External Energy Compatibility Detected: Aerial Element (77% Harmony) Temporary Core Stabilization Achieved Cultivation Insight: Wind element naturally regulates solar expansion
"Better?" Ais asked, withdrawing her hand.
Kaito nodded, surprised by the immediate improvement. "How did you know that would work?"
"Instinct," she said simply. "The same instinct that drew me to follow you today."
From anyone else, such a statement might seem mystical or evasive. From Ais, with her straightforward nature, it rang true.
"Thank you," Kaito said. "That helped more than you know."
"Before your expedition tomorrow," Ais said, "you should visit Riveria. She has translations of texts you might find useful—preliminary context for what you'll discover."
"Why would Loki Familia help me? Bete made their position clear."
"Bete doesn't speak for all of us." Ais's expression remained neutral, but her voice carried conviction. "Some knowledge transcends Familia politics. Riveria understands this." She turned to leave, then added, "North tower of Twilight Manor. Sunset. Ask for her by name."
With that, she was gone, moving with that preternatural grace that seemed almost impossible for even an accomplished adventurer.
Kaito stood motionless, processing this unexpected development. First Hestia, now Loki Familia's executives showing interest in his cultivation journey. The political landscape was shifting around him in ways he hadn't anticipated.
As he returned to the Hostess of Fertility to complete his shift, one thing became increasingly clear: in Orario, knowledge was currency. And suddenly, everyone seemed interested in his particular denomination.
Twilight Manor loomed against the evening sky—an imposing structure reflecting Loki Familia's status as one of Orario's premier adventuring organizations. Guards stood at attention before massive gates emblazoned with the Familia's emblem.
Kaito approached openly, making no attempt to conceal his presence. Deception would only complicate an already delicate situation.
"Halt," one guard commanded as he neared. "State your business."
"I'm here to see Riveria Ljos Alf," Kaito replied calmly. "She's expecting me."
The guards exchanged glances, clearly recognizing him from descriptions circulating throughout the city.
"The unblessed adventurer," one muttered. "Wait here."
Minutes passed in tense silence before the guard returned with a slender elf in formal robes—not Riveria herself, but clearly a member of her personal staff.
"I am Lefiya Viridis," the young elf introduced herself, her demeanor professional despite obvious curiosity. "Lady Riveria sent me to escort you."
She led him through the manor's expansive grounds, past training areas where Loki Familia members practiced combat techniques, and into the main building. The interior was elegantly appointed, befitting a Familia whose expeditions regularly yielded valuable treasures.
They ascended several spiral staircases, eventually reaching the north tower Ais had mentioned. At its summit was a circular room lined with bookshelves, magical artifacts, and large windows offering a panoramic view of Orario at sunset.
Riveria Ljos Alf stood by one such window, her tall, slender form silhouetted against the crimson sky. She turned as they entered, her ageless elven features composed.
"Kaito Asterius," she acknowledged. "Thank you for coming."
Lefiya bowed respectfully. "Shall I remain, Lady Riveria?"
"That won't be necessary," Riveria replied. "Please ensure we're not disturbed."
Once alone, Riveria gestured to a small table where ancient tomes and scrolls were arranged with careful precision. "Ais mentioned you seek knowledge about solar cultivation. These texts may provide context for what you hope to find tomorrow."
Kaito approached cautiously. "Why help me? I'm not affiliated with your Familia."
"Because knowledge preserved serves all," Riveria replied simply. "And because what's awakening within you connects to mysteries I've studied for decades."
She indicated the oldest-looking scroll. "This fragment describes the 'Heliastic Cultivation Assembly'—an organization that existed before the gods' descent. They specialized in stellar energy manipulation, achieving feats that rivaled divine abilities."
"What happened to them?"
Riveria's expression grew solemn. "The records are unclear. Some suggest they ascended beyond mortality. Others indicate conflict with the newly arrived gods. Most concerning—" she carefully unrolled a second scroll, revealing diagrams of human figures consumed by golden fire, "—are accounts of cultivators who lost control, becoming what these texts call 'Solar Aberrations.'"
The illustrations were disturbing—humanoid forms with their bodies partially transformed into plasma-like substances, expressions frozen in agony as their physical forms failed to contain the energy they'd cultivated.
"This is what Hestia warned about," Kaito murmured. "Burnout."
"More than mere burnout," Riveria corrected. "True burnout is simply exhaustion of energy reserves. This is transformation—the mortal form evolving or devolving in response to energies it wasn't designed to channel."
She indicated another text. "According to these fragments, proper solar cultivation required three foundational elements: a compatible soul resonance, which you clearly possess; structured meridian development, which I suspect your 'system' is guiding; and stabilizing counterbalances."
"Counterbalances?"
"Complementary energies that temper solar volatility. Wind is one such element, which explains your resonance with Ais. Water is another, particularly helpful during early stages when heat buildup threatens meridian integrity."
Kaito absorbed this information, correlating it with what his system had already revealed and what Hestia had promised to share. "These ruins we're exploring tomorrow—what might they contain?"
"If they're what I suspect—remnants of a Heliastic training ground—you'll find cultivation manuals, meditation chambers attuned to stellar frequencies, and possibly preserved artifacts designed to assist development." Riveria hesitated. "But you should also prepare for guardians."
"Monsters?"
"Not precisely. The Heliastic Assembly created constructs empowered by the same energies they cultivated—tests for disciples advancing through their ranks." Her eyes met his directly. "Constructs specifically designed to challenge those wielding solar energy."
"That could be problematic," Kaito acknowledged.
"Indeed. Which is why I'm offering this." Riveria retrieved a small crystal vial containing swirling blue-white liquid. "Hydromantic essence. If your cultivation destabilizes when confronting these guardians, consuming this will temporarily convert excess solar energy to neutral mana, preventing critical overload."
Kaito accepted the vial carefully. "This is extraordinarily generous. What does Loki Familia want in return?"
A hint of amusement touched Riveria's features. "Direct, aren't you? Yes, there is an exchange proposed. Knowledge sharing. Whatever cultivation records you recover, we request access to study—not to keep or restrict, simply to document before they're potentially lost again."
"That seems reasonable," Kaito said, though remaining cautious about potential hidden motives.
"One more thing." Riveria selected a final scroll, this one sealed with wax bearing an unfamiliar symbol. "This contains elven wind meditation techniques compatible with solar cultivation. Study it tonight—it may help prepare your meridians for tomorrow's challenges."
As she handed over the scroll, their fingers briefly touched. Kaito felt a momentary connection—similar to what he'd experienced with Ais, but different in quality. Where Ais's energy had been instinctive and raw, Riveria's carried centuries of refinement and control.
"You have some compatibility yourself," he observed.
Riveria smiled slightly. "All high elves maintain connections to elemental currents—an echo of ancient practices that predated even Falna. Perhaps why I've always been drawn to researching these cultivation arts." She stepped back. "Lefiya will escort you out when you're ready. Study quickly, prepare thoroughly, and above all—maintain balance tomorrow."
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] External Knowledge Assessment: Compatible (92%) Recommended Integration: Wind Meditation Techniques (High Priority) Hydromantic Stabilization Agent: Recognized (Useful for Emergency Cooling) Pre-Expedition Preparation: Critical for Survival
The golden text confirmed Riveria's information aligned with his system's needs. As Kaito prepared to depart, he felt both better equipped and increasingly aware of the dangers tomorrow might bring.
"One last question," he said, turning back to Riveria. "If these cultivation methods were so powerful, why were they abandoned in favor of Falna?"
Riveria's ageless eyes held his. "The most important question of all. Falna offers power with minimal risk—divine blessing channeled through established pathways, safe and predictable. Cultivation demands internal transformation, with all the dangers that entails." She gazed out the window toward Babel Tower—the gods' monument at the city's center.
"Perhaps more importantly," she continued quietly, "Falna creates dependence. The blessed remain eternally connected to their deities, their growth ultimately serving divine purposes. Cultivation, once mastered, grants independence that even gods cannot easily control." Her voice lowered further. "Some would say that was precisely why certain cultivation methods were... discouraged... when the gods established their current system."
The implication hung in the air between them—a perspective on Orario's foundations rarely voiced in a city where divine authority remained unquestioned.
"Study well, Kaito Asterius," Riveria said, her formal tone returning. "Tomorrow may reveal truths beyond what either of us anticipate."
The abandoned church basement that served as Hestia Familia's home was humble but surprisingly comfortable. Bell had insisted on meeting there rather than at Kaito's lodgings, promising privacy for the cultivation guidance Hestia had offered.
"Sorry it's not fancy," Bell said as he welcomed Kaito inside. "But it's home."
The space had been divided into living areas with curtains and screens. A small cooking area occupied one corner, while sleeping quarters took up another. Most prominent was a central space with cushions arranged around a low table.
Hestia emerged from behind a curtain, wearing a simple white robe rather than her usual ornate dress. "You came," she observed, seeming pleased despite her neutral tone. "And you visited Riveria first. I can sense her magical signature on you."
"She offered compatible information," Kaito replied carefully.
"Wise of you to gather multiple perspectives." Hestia gestured to a cushion. "Sit. We have much to cover before tomorrow."
Bell hovered uncertainly. "Should I leave you two alone, Goddess?"
"Stay," Hestia and Kaito said simultaneously, then exchanged surprised glances.
"You'll be venturing into potential danger tomorrow," Hestia explained to Bell. "Understanding what we're discussing might help you recognize warning signs if Kaito's cultivation becomes unstable."
"And an extra set of eyes on ancient records could be valuable," Kaito added pragmatically.
Bell sat eagerly, his natural curiosity evident.
Hestia placed several candles around them before kneeling opposite Kaito. "First, I need to directly assess your meridian development. This requires physical contact. May I?"
At Kaito's nod, she placed her small hands on either side of his face. Her touch carried a strange warmth—not the burning heat of Solar Qi, but a gentler, more universal energy.
"Divine perception," she explained, eyes closed in concentration. "I'm tracing your energy pathways without interfering with them."
Minutes passed in silence. Bell watched with fascination as golden light began to shimmer beneath Kaito's skin, responding to Hestia's assessment.
Finally, she withdrew her hands, expression troubled. "The good news: your core is exceptionally compatible with solar cultivation. Your soul resonance is among the highest I've ever encountered."
"And the bad news?" Kaito prompted.
"Your meridian development is chaotic—growing without proper sequence or reinforcement. Like a tree growing too many branches before establishing roots." She illustrated with her hands. "Solar cultivation requires structured progression. Foundation, branches, leaves—in that order."
"Can it be corrected?"
"Yes, but it requires retracing development steps you've skipped." Hestia retrieved a piece of parchment and rapidly sketched a human figure with intricate energy lines. "Tonight, we'll establish preliminary meridian anchors here, here, and here," she indicated points along the spine, sternum, and lower abdomen. "This won't fix everything, but it will create stability that should prevent critical failure during tomorrow's expedition."
What followed was three hours of intensive guidance. Hestia directed Kaito through meditation forms specifically designed for solar energy circulation, correcting subtle movements and breathing patterns that his system notifications hadn't specified.
Bell occasionally assisted, following Hestia's instructions to place his hands on specific points of Kaito's back or shoulders, helping guide energy flow through problematic meridians.
"Remarkable," Hestia murmured during one particularly successful sequence. "Your body remembers these forms despite never learning them. Almost as if..."
"As if what?" Kaito asked, eyes still closed in meditation.
"As if you'd performed them in a previous existence," she finished quietly.
Throughout the session, Kaito's system provided ongoing feedback:
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] Meridian Anchor Establishment: Progress 15% Guidance Assessment: Highly Compatible (Divine Perspective Enhancing System Integration) Foundation Restructuring: Initiated Warning: Temporary Energy Fluctuations Normal During Realignment
By midnight, Kaito could feel significant improvement in his core stability. The erratic pulses had settled into rhythmic cycles, and energy flowed more smoothly through newly established pathways.
"That's enough for tonight," Hestia finally declared, looking tired but satisfied. "Further adjustments require time for integration."
"I feel... different," Kaito admitted. "More balanced."
"Good. That's the foundation taking hold." Hestia stretched, her divine nature momentarily visible as subtle luminescence beneath her skin. "Remember the cooling breath technique I showed you. If your energy spikes tomorrow, three cycles should restore equilibrium."
Bell, who had been diligently practicing the same techniques alongside them, looked exhausted but enlightened. "Goddess, this is amazing. I never knew energy could move like this without magic."
"Because few remember these arts," Hestia said, her expression momentarily distant. "When gods established the Falna system, older practices faded from common knowledge." She focused on Kaito. "Which is why tomorrow's expedition is significant beyond your personal development. You're rediscovering pathways that have been obscured for millennia."
"The ruins might contain more complete guides," Kaito said, rolling up Riveria's wind meditation scroll, which had proved remarkably compatible with Hestia's instructions.
"They might," Hestia agreed. "But remember our agreement. Any records pertaining to the divine descent—"
"Will be shared with you," Kaito confirmed.
As he prepared to leave, Bell walked him to the door. "Thank you for including me tonight," the young adventurer said earnestly. "I feel more prepared for tomorrow now."
"You're welcome," Kaito replied, finding Bell's enthusiasm oddly refreshing after the complex political currents he'd been navigating.
"One thing I've been wondering," Bell continued. "These cultivation methods—could anyone learn them? Or do you need special compatibility?"
An interesting question—one Kaito had pondered himself. "According to both Hestia and Riveria, compatibility varies. Some have natural resonance with specific elements, others might develop it through practice."
"So theoretically..." Bell began, then stopped himself, looking embarrassed.
"You're wondering if you could learn them alongside your Falna development?"
Bell nodded sheepishly. "Is that crazy? Trying to follow both paths?"
"I don't know," Kaito admitted. "But perhaps the ruins will provide answers for both of us."
As he departed the church, heading toward his lodgings to prepare for tomorrow's expedition, Kaito reflected on how quickly his solitary journey had become intertwined with others. Bell's earnest interest. Hestia's ancient knowledge. Riveria's scholarly pursuit. Ais's resonant energy.
In seeking to understand his own awakening power, he'd stumbled into a current of rediscovery that clearly held significance beyond his personal cultivation.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] Solar Pulse Refinement: 65% Complete (Accelerated by Foundational Correction) Core Stability: Improved (72% Optimal) Pre-Expedition Assessment: Prepared for Initial Exploration Recommended Action: Complete Sleep Cycle for Meridian Settlement
Tomorrow would bring challenges, certainly. But also, perhaps, answers that had been waiting millennia to be rediscovered.
Chapter 4: Ancient Echoes
Dawn had barely broken over Orario when Kaito arrived at Babel Tower. The massive structure loomed against the lightening sky, its upper levels still illuminated by magical lamps while its base remained shadowed.
The main Dungeon entrance would not officially open for another hour, but Guild staff were already preparing for the day. Supply carts were being checked, quest boards updated, and security positions established.
Bell and Lili waited near a side entrance reserved for registered expeditions. The young adventurer looked alert despite the early hour, while his prum supporter was methodically organizing an oversized backpack.
"Right on time," Bell greeted, his enthusiasm evident despite obvious nervousness.
Lili looked up from her inventory check. "Lili has prepared all standard supplies, plus extras as recommended for ruin exploration." Her suspicious nature seemed tempered by professional pride in her supporter role.
"Thank you," Kaito acknowledged, genuinely appreciative of her thoroughness. "Did you sleep well?" he asked Bell, looking for signs of fatigue after last night's intensive energy work.
"Better than expected," Bell admitted. "Those breathing techniques Goddess Hestia taught us—they're amazing. I've never felt so rested after only four hours of sleep."
That was an unexpected benefit—one Kaito's system hadn't specifically mentioned. Cultivation apparently enhanced recovery alongside combat capabilities.
"Are we ready?" Kaito asked, adjusting the new short sword at his hip—a significant upgrade from his previous weapon, purchased with his recent crystal earnings.
Lili cinched her massive backpack closed. "Lili is prepared. But Master Bell and Mister Kaito should review the expedition plan once more before entering."
From her pack, she produced a rolled parchment—a map of the Dungeon's upper and middle floors with their intended route clearly marked.
"Standard descent through Upper Floors," she explained, tracing the path with her small finger. "Minimal engagement strategy to conserve energy. Floor 10 begins Middle Floors—environmental hazards increase significantly."
Bell nodded attentively. "Monster varieties shift too. Fewer goblins and kobolds, more Hellhounds and Hard Armored."
"Floor 13 contains our objective," Kaito continued, pointing to an area Eina had marked on the map. "Ancient ruins discovered during a Guild survey expedition five years ago. Minimal exploration was conducted due to unusual energy readings that interfered with magic."
"Perfect for our research," Lili noted with a hint of irony. "Lili suggests designating roles now. Master Bell handles forward security, Lili manages navigation and support, Mister Kaito focuses on research objectives and primary combat if necessary."
"Agreed," Kaito said, impressed by her organizational skills. "One addition—if my energy becomes unstable, both of you maintain distance. I have countermeasures, but they require space to implement."
Bell looked concerned. "Is that likely to happen?"
"Precautionary only," Kaito assured him, though privately less certain. Despite last night's foundational work with Hestia, his cultivation was still developing unpredictably.
Their planning complete, they approached the Guild checkpoint. The sleepy-looking official examined their authorization form with surprise.
"Floor 13 research permit? For ruins exploration?" He scrutinized them skeptically. "This requires senior approval."
"Already obtained," Kaito replied, producing the document bearing Eina's signature and official Guild seal.
The official studied it carefully before reluctantly stamping their expedition card. "Standard protocols apply. Emergency crystal activation if retreat becomes necessary. Maximum exploration period: eight hours."
With official clearance granted, they entered the Dungeon proper—a massive circular shaft descending into darkness, with stone staircases spiraling along its walls. Unlike Kaito's previous unauthorized entry, this main passage was well-lit and reinforced with structural magic.
As they began their descent, Bell matched pace with Kaito. "Can I ask something? About last night?"
"Go ahead."
"When Goddess Hestia was guiding your energy, I noticed something strange. Your meridians—they sometimes glowed with patterns that seemed to match hers, even though your energies are completely different."
Kaito hadn't observed this himself, being focused on internal sensations. "What kind of patterns?"
"Like... echoes. Or shadows of something ancient." Bell struggled to find appropriate words. "Goddess seemed surprised too, though she didn't mention it."
Before Kaito could consider the implications, Lili hissed a warning from ahead. "Movement. First monsters approaching."
Three kobolds emerged from a side passage, snarling as they spotted the adventurers. Standard Upper Floor threats—barely worth concern for their current capabilities.
"I'll handle them," Bell said confidently, drawing his knife—a curious weapon that seemed to shimmer with faint white light.
Kaito observed with interest as the young adventurer engaged the monsters. Bell's movements were surprisingly fluid for someone so new to adventuring, his reflexes exceptional. Each strike landed with precision, dispatching the kobolds efficiently.
"Impressive," Kaito noted as Bell collected the small crystals. "Your growth rate really is unusual."
Bell looked embarrassed by the praise. "Goddess says I'm progressing quickly, but I still have so much to learn."
"Lili suggests less chatting, more moving," the prum called from ahead. "We have eleven more floors to cover."
Their descent continued smoothly through the Upper Floors. As planned, they avoided unnecessary combat, engaging only monsters that directly blocked their path. Kaito noted with approval how well Bell and Lili worked together—clearly accustomed to each other's rhythms despite their relatively new partnership.
By mid-morning, they had reached Floor 10—the official beginning of the Middle Floors. The environment shifted noticeably: ceilings grew higher, passages widened, and the Dungeon's natural illumination dimmed, requiring them to light magical lamps.
"Lili recommends caution from here," the supporter advised, her normally suspicious demeanor replaced by professional focus. "Middle Floor monsters are significantly more intelligent and often hunt in organized packs."
As if summoned by her warning, a low growl echoed from a nearby passage. Moments later, two Hellhounds emerged—wolf-like creatures with burning red eyes and smoke curling from their nostrils.
"Fire-breathers," Bell murmured, readying his knife. "Weak against water attacks but resistant to blades."
Kaito stepped forward. "Allow me."
Drawing on his Solar Qi, he channeled energy not into heat but into pure light—a technique he'd developed during morning practice. Golden radiance burst from his palm, momentarily blinding the light-sensitive Hellhounds.
"Now!" he called to Bell.
The younger adventurer darted forward, striking precisely at the vulnerable spots exposed when the creatures reared back from the light. His knife found vital points with remarkable accuracy, dispatching both monsters before they could recover.
"Effective combination," Lili noted approvingly as she collected the crystals. "Lili suggests maintaining such tactics—conserving energy through strategic advantages rather than brute force."
They proceeded deeper, encountering increasingly challenging monsters. Hard Armored beetles with nearly impenetrable shells. Needle Rabbits whose projectile attacks required careful dodging. Each encounter tested their coordination, but the party adapted quickly.
Kaito found himself impressed by both his companions. Bell's fighting instincts were extraordinarily sharp for his experience level, while Lili's situational awareness repeatedly allowed them to avoid unnecessary confrontations.
By early afternoon, they had reached Floor 12—the final level before their destination