Back with the expedition team, they had arrived at the end of Floor 63 and were preparing to explore the unknown lands of Floor 64. All they knew was that it was cold as hell and they were glad that they packed something warm to wear.
Callisto: You know, I would've liked it if the endless snow and ice ended like a floor ago.
Maxim: I'm sure we all would, but there's nothing we can do about it now. It may only be two floors, but the sheer size of them means we'll be spending the remainder of our time simply exploring.
Alexander: I'm ready to start the next set of maps whenever. *Holding pencil and paper*
And so, they moved out once more. A full week on that floor alone gave then lots of valuable information. Some being the monsters on that floor. First was powerful bear monsters with white fur. Alone, they were around mid level 5 in strength, but in a group they could be a whole level higher. The same couldn't be said about the so called "Frost Ogres" they also encountered. The way those fought was radically different from the bears, and thus made them even more dangerous in a group. They needed to take frequent breaks as their supporters got worn down quickly. Interestingly, some trees had frozen fruits on them that were quite filling if you were able to melt the ice encasing them. Without them, their supplies would have run out much faster. Right now, they were nearing a valuable landmark.
Alexander: What's that? Over there!
He pointed to a strange looking stairwell that looked frozen over.
Io: Is that the entrance?
Maxim: We should be on guard. No telling what's going to meet us on the bottom.
They cautiously made their way down and were careful not to slip on the ice.
Callisto: Alright, next time we come down here, mark down extra spikes for our boots.
When they got down, they came to an open area still covered in ice. Some large mounds of it still stuck out of the ground as many groaned in annoyance.
Zald: By Zeus, why is there still ice?!
Alexander: Well, at least we're here. Floor 65 and in decent time.
They kept moving some more until their survival instincts screamed. They drew their weapons as several roars were heard before Zald and Alexander had to jump back from a blast of ice that would've frozen them to the bone if they hadn't.
Europa: Above us!!
Looking up, they saw a group of blue and white wyverns flying above them and preparing to launch another barrage of attacks.
Io: No you don't!
She fired three arrows and exploded the heads of three, but two were still unaccounted for. They flew down to attack, but Maxim quickly smashed one into the ground while Europa finished a chant of her which froze the other before it shattered to pieces. They got a chance to breathe which was a relief.
Zald: Great, flyers are down here too.
Callisto: Well, at least Io can handle them.
Io: If they all come at once, I'll need a hand.
Europa: In any case, let's continue. We have a few weeks to spare so, we can spend a few more days exploring here before we bring the whole expedition team back up.
Back on the surface, the other group was also busy. Many days of practicing his magic made Silver even more adept with it than before. Quick bursts was his preference and that was effective and efficient in that it got the job done and conserved his mind. Though, the constant banter from Jupiter hadn't changed at all.
Jupiter: [So, I can't be the only one who's noticed her chest bulging slightly. There is a great treasure just over the horizon.]
Silver: [I don't need you to talk about the future of her amazing boobs while we're on our way back up!]
Jupiter: [See! You totally agree that they're great!]
Silver: *Blushing* [Will you just shut up?!]
Just today, the three successfully completed a trip to Floor 10.
Brioche: You know, I won't lie when I say that I got pretty nervous when all those killer ants swarmed us.
Silver: No kidding. They say those are the monster most responsible for killing newbie adventurers in the Dungeon.
Meteria: *Smiling* Yeah, but we made it through just fine.
Silver: We all had to brush up on the floor ahead of time. If we hadn't known the layout or gone over strategies about how to deal with those monsters, we'd be in rougher shape right now.
Brioche: Almost as rough as our wallets. We used all our potions.
Silver: It was a one time thing. I do agree though that using up our potions stinks. Hopefully the shops are still open by the time we get back.
Meteria: I've been thinking. Maybe we should look for more party members?
Brioche: I'd like that, but we can't just accept anyone. Besides, we shouldn't rush a decision like this. We need to find someone trustworthy first.
Silver: I agree. No telling what might happen if some random guy joined us and ripped us off.
Meteria: I guess so.
They made their way back up and were ready to split off from the guild.
Meteria: Well, see you tomorrow.
Brioche: Yup, I gotta get to dinner in time.
Silver: Is it with Whitney again?
Brioche: Oh yeah, and I don't wanna hang around here before she shows up out of nowhere. See you!
He waved and ran off as Silver and Meteria went back home. They split off for their homes as they embraced the beatings they would receive from their respective teachers.
Timeskip...
Back in the dungeon, the floor looked to be similar in mechanics to Floor 58 only with cold instead of heat. Wyvern attacks were common, but not unmanageable. Fortunately, Io had a spell that let her shoot magic arrows instead of her actual ones which would save ammo as the ones she had were of very high quality. After days of travel they came to what appeared to be a giant mountain that was in the dungeon? This had them confused because of how large it was.
Europa: A mountain in the Dungeon? More in the back too.
Zald: To be fair, there is the series of waterfalls in the Middle Floors. A mountain isn't so farfetched if you think about it.
Alexander: The better question is what to do about this. We at least know where it is so we can leave and-
Callisto: Let's climb it!
Alexander: God dammit.
Maxim: I'm not sure we have that kind of time on our hands right now. We still have to make our way back up.
Callisto: Come on, where's your sense of adventure?
Maxim: Back where we left all our spare time. We can just come back on our next expedition.
Callisto: Party pooper.
Just as they turned around, a great roar resonated around them from the top of the mountain. They turned back to the mountain and saw a massive dragon flying down towards them. The appearance was similar to the wyverns they faced before, only this had three heads and another set of legs to walk on. It was clear to them that this monster was on a greater level than others before it. It flapped its wings which sent snow everywhere before landing with a resounding thud. It stared at the party before roaring loudly as they readied themselves.
Alexander: Looks like we're fighting after all!
Europa: *To the supporters* You two, get back with me!
They nodded and retreated with the mage while the others prepared to engage it.
Maxim: Zald, Callisto, we have to find some way to pin it down once Europa is done chanting!
Io: I'll do what I can to keep it out of the air!
Callisto: Time to throw down! HAAAAA!
The first thing the monster did after it saw the three try to rush it was to fly in the air, but Io made it clear that escaping by air wasn't going to work for it. This made the monster remain closer to the ground and made it easier for the others to deal with it. It wasn't long before the monster had the idea to try and attack the archer.
Callisto: I don't think so!
Alexander: Take this!
Slash* *Slash*
The woman cut through the side of it's face and made the ice attack explode. Alexander also landed a blow on the top of another head, but the wound wasn't as deep as he would have hoped.
Io: Everyone, back away!
She felt her comrade finish her spell and gave the warning to clear out of the blast zone. In front of the mage, she summoned a massive volley of ice lances and launched them all at the monster. It roared in pain as ice continuously crashed against its body. When the spell was done, the looked to be visible damage, but the woman smirked when she saw some small holes in one of its wings.
Europa: Perfect.
Callisto: Nice one!
Io: Hold on a second. Look at that.
She pointed to the monster and saw it partially freezing over the area where it's wing was damaged. When the ice shattered, the holes that were once there were nowhere to be seen.
Europa: Regeneration?!
Zald: Of course a dragon had to have that ability...
Callisto: Looks like round 2 is on!
Just as they were about to go in again, the monster flew high above them with a single flap of its wings.
Alexander: Now what?
Europa, who felt something was wrong, wanted to try and cast a shield of some kind, but there would be no way for her to be fast enough here.
Europa: Brace yourselves!
All three heads then released breath attacks that blew the party away and chunked them with large pieces of ice. Cries of pain where heard as the group was blown away by the force of the attack. The Captains were the first to pull themselves back up while the others had trouble.
Callisto: *Rubbing her head* Yeah, that hurt...
Maxim: Is everyone ok?!
Zald: I've been better, but I'm alive.
Alexander: Io, just use one of your arrows!
One by one they got up while Europa hepled the weaker supporters back on their feet. The monster roared again as Io quickly got her bow ready. She nocked an arrow and took aim before chanting under her breath.
Io: I am the hunter. My prey shall never escape from my sight. Strike true! Deadshot!
Right after she finished, her bow glowed a dark green color before her arrow crackled with lightning. It was enchanted before hand to give it a lightning element to its damage. Upon releasing it, the arrow traveled to the dragon at high speed. It tried to swerve to the side, but the spell from the bow allowed it to change trajectory and strike at the monster's chest. As it did, the dragon exploded in electricity and cried out before it fell out of the sky with a loud crash.
Alexander: Now is our chance!
They then ran to finish it, but they suddenly heard it growl before it glowed a bright blue. The light grew until it was encased in a orb of light that then split into three orbs. The light then died down to reveal three individual wyverns, but they felt more similar to the dragon that was just there rather than the wyverns they encountered previously due to the aura they gave off along with the dark blue horns coming off the backs of their heads.
Zald: They separated?! That's a new one!
Maxim: Let's do the same then! Zald, with me!
Alexander: *Looking back* Shall we, Io?
Io: *Nocking another arrow* Gladly.
Callisto: Guess the third one is all mine!
The battle from there got slightly easier. It was strange to them why the monster had split itself as they easily were able to isolate each individual one and deal with it. Maxim and Zald cornered theirs before slicing one of its wings off. With Alexander and Io, the two were doing just as well. The man fought evenly with it and Io was able to keep it out of the air. What they didn't pay attention to was Callisto wrestling hers. She threw her weapon to he side and jumped onto the monsters neck as it tried to shake her off.
Callisto: Woah, easy there!
It shook its head from side to side as hard as it could, but the woman held its horns tightly.
Callisto: Ah man, how do you steer this thing?
She felt herself fall to the side of it's neck making her grip tighter with her legs.
Callisto: How about this! *Pulling the horns to the side, hard*
Snap*
The head was turned at an unnatural angle that rendered that body dead on the spot. It exploded into ash, but the others who were still fighting were shocked to see theirs explode as well.
Zald: What?!
Alexander: The hell just happened?
Europa, who watched everything came with her theory.
Europa: My guess it that they were still connected in a way. The did used to be one monster, but then split into separate monsters. Killing one of them likely means the end for the others.
Callisto: Well that's weird for a monster rex. If that's the case, wouldn't it be better to stay whole?
Zald: Perhaps there wasn't a choice for it?
Europa: Care to elaborate?
Alexander: I think I know where you're going. You're thinking that it automatically separates after taking a certain amount of damage.
Zald: That's right. My suspension is coming from what happened after it was hit with Io's enchanted arrow. They are powerful enough to kill the Amphisbaena in a single hit after all.
Io: They take a lot of effort to craft, but I think it's still possible for them to do considerable damage, both inside and out.
Callisto: Perfect! We can keep that cataloged for later!
Alexander: Can we just go back up now?
Maxim: We've spent more than enough time here. Thankfully the next journey to this floor will be a little easier.
They kept the discussion going even during the brief break they took. It continued even during their climb back up.
Callisto: Now then, all that Monster Rex needs is a name.
Io: Do we really need to worry about that now? I'm sure we can talk about it when we get home.
Callisto: Now hang on. That thing is still fresh in our minds, so it's the best time to think about it. Besides, you're forgetting the biggest point about it.
Europa: That being?
Callisto: Having a name would make it sound much cooler. Better than just being a three headed dragon.
Alexander: *Facepalms* I knew it...
Maxim: Later. Our main objective should be to round up our Familias and return to the surface.
Alexander: It's going to be a long journey back to let's not waste any time.
They continued their long journey back up which would be mostly uneventful the further up they went.
With Silver...
Many days passed since last time and the team was reviewing the latest results of their status updates at a private bar. Normally adventurers weren't keen on revealing their exact statuses at all, but that just showed how much they trusted each other.
Silver Cranel
Zeus Familia
Level 1
Str G-242
End G-273
Dex G-224
Agl F-366
Mag H-132
Magic
Jupiter
-Chant: Strike/Jupiter
Meteria
Hera Familia
Level 1
Str H-198
End G-203
Dex G-230
Agl G-225
Mag I-0
Brioche Panera (Finally decided on a last name for him. I'll get one for Meteria and Alfia eventually.)
Demeter Familia
Level 1
Str B-733
End C-647
Dex C-651
Agl B-701
Mag I-0
Silver: Well, that about covers our previous updates. We've all grown a lot lately.
Brioche: Definitely.
Silver: I'm still surprised you went through with the conversion. Were you not fine with your other god?
Brioche: He isn't really worth talking about. I just wanted a Familia to join so I could be an adventurer, but Lady Demeter is actually really nice and far better than my old god could ever be.
Meteria: You sure it wasn't to get closer to your girlfriend? *Smirking*
Brioche: No, it totally was.
Silver and Meteria: *Blank faces* What...
Brioche: I don't know what it is, but I have this feeling that we'll be much more than we already are in the future. Plus, I just feel better when I'm around her, so is it wrong to want to be closer to her?
Silver: Well, when you put it that way, I guess not. Anyway, we should discuss our plans moving forward. Obviously, I know you're looking to level up soon.
Brioche: Yeah, I just need a feat to do that.
Silver: I've just been thinking about it. I don't mean to offend you, but maybe you should hold off on leveling up.
This caused the other boy to raise an eyebrow at him.
Brioche: I'm not offended, but why do you think that?
Silver: Well, I've just been wondering about the future. I don't want to sound selfish about it either which is why I'm telling you all about this.
Brioche looked to Meteria who nodded.
Meteria: He explained it to me as well and I agree with his thoughts.
Silver: What I'm trying to get as is whether it's worth it to rush through our levels.
Brioche: What do you mean?
Silver: I mean, everywhere I hear, people talk about wanting to level up as quickly as possible. Even you're talking about it.
Brioche: Well yeah, that's the idea. Everyone wants to get stronger as quickly as they can.
Silver: But is it worth it to rush our level ups like that? The Guild says that most will try to level up once they are around the D and C ranges in their stats. Master even told me that many in our Familia are around the B and A ranks.
Meteria: The same is with us.
Brioche: I guess I shouldn't be too surprised by that. You're Familias are the strongest for a reason.
Silver: Well, this was all to suggest that maybe we should try to raise our stats as high as they can go. I asked Master for his opinion on it and he thinks it's a good idea.
Brioche: Are you being serious though? Every single one to S-999? *Stunned*
Silver: That's right. *Nodding*
Brioche: Wouldn't that take a lot of time?
Silver: It would. I've thought about that too, but the time it would take should be more worth while.
Brioche: Maybe, but you do know that raising our stats gets harder with each level, right?
Silver: I do, which is why we should do this as early as possible. Think about it; if we do this now, then we could end up much stronger than most people that are the same level as us and it would be more effective as we level up more.
This got his eyes to widen slightly.
Brioche: Oh, I get it now! Not only that, but we could even take on things higher level than us!
Meteria: So, what do you think about it?
Brioche: I have to say, it is interesting and I do agree with your logic.
Silver: So?
Brioche: Sure, I'll do it.
Silver: *Smiling* Thanks buddy.
Brioche: No worries. Still, getting a feat to have the level up should be fine as long as I don't go through with it.
Meteria: Yeah, the idea is to level up after we get as high as we can. It shouldn't take us too long considering the training we do.
Brioche: No kidding. Speaking of which, how is that going?
Silver: Oh, really good! My stats from before don't even compare to the ones from even 2 months ago!
They felt their morales rise to new heights. Everything was looking bright for them until Meteria brought something up.
Meteria: Oh no, we forgot something!
Silver: What?! *Worried*
Meteria: This doesn't apply to you, Silver, but it's a big problem for Brioche and I!
Brioche: What is it?
Meteria: Magic! We don't have any spells to raise our magic ability!
This hit them like a horse-drawn carriage magic was an important stat for later levels. Chiron and June both explained the value of having a high magic stat for any spells you have.
Silver: What can we do about it?
Meteria: Hm... well, I can always take my Goddess up on her deal and get a grimoire, but you don't have that kind of luxury. *Looking to Brioche*
Brioche: You're right. Normally you wouldn't get a spell until you're level 2. They only other ways is from racial inheritance or grimoires. I'm not an elf nor do I have a grimoire on hand.
Silver: Those things are really expensive too. Damn, so much for that idea.
After some silence, Brioche lightly slammed the table with his hands and got their attention.
Brioche: No need to dwell on this right now. We can focus on our other stats and I'll look for ways to get a spell or something. Meteria can get that grimoire if she wants.
Meteria: Silver's plan sounds like a good one and I don't want to drag any of us down in the Dungeon. I'll try to get a healing spell.
Brioche: That would save us money from buying potions.
Silver: Then we all know the plan moving forward. (I still have my own personal one as well.)
Jupiter: [You've still got several days left until they get back. You should use this time to train harder than ever.]
Silver: [I plan too. I need to spend as much time training with Master as possible. I can't allow for any distractions.]
Jupiter: [Oh yeah, you also have you "private lessons" with Zeus.]
Silver: [Gh! ...Well, taking breaks is important too.]
Jupiter: [Well said!]
And so, the time came and went for everyone. As Silver and his friends carried out their plan, all of Orario anticipated the return of the Zeus and Hera Familias from the Dungeon. Eventually, that time came.
Timeskip several days...
After many days, every group had finally met together on Floor 18. The executives were now giving directions on how to exit.
Maxim: Alright, listen up!! We'll be leaving in a similar fashion as last time. We'll go group by crowd so we don't over crowd the floors. I and Zald will lead the second group!!
Callisto: Group 2 is gonna be with me and Europa!! Everyone else will be with XanXan and Io!! Is that clear?!
Everyone sounded off to show they understood. As they did so, the pink haired Captain was pulled to the side by someone.
Callisto: Alfia? What's wrong?
Alfia: I have something I want to bring to everyone's attention, but I wish to do it once we arrive. I'm just letting you know ahead of time.
Callisto: Gotcha. Don't worry, we'll be able to talk in a few hour, maybe less.
After some finishing touches and asking sure everything was packed, they all made their way back up. The first few hours were uneventful, until floor 12. There, the group ran into Silver's party who was in the middle of fighter a horde of monsters. Those being a large number of orcs, some imps and two silverbacks. Naturally, the Hera members were quick in arriving at the idea of helping Meteria once group 2 came. However, the executives had different thoughts.
Callisto: You guys thinking what I am?
Zald: Maybe. From what I see, those three have made significant improvements, Meteria and Silver especially.
Europa: *Scowl*
With Silver's party, they were busy dealing with the enemies they had already. Though, the boy caught a glance of the audience they had which reminded him of a conversation he had a while back.
Flashback...
Silver was still starting his training with Chiron. As he observed the boy, he could feel immense passion, but also noticeable anger and self-loathing. When the boy finished his sword drills, he went to talk to him.
Silver: *Panting on one knee*
Chiron: Silver.
Silver: Master? What is it?
Chiron: I know I said you would should them your growth, but you can't let their words get to you.
Silver: Hm? *Tilts head*
Chiron: Boy, I can tell you're still angry at them as well as yourself.
The boy they grimaced and looked at the ground. He felt that trying to hide it wouldn't do him any good.
Silver: I'm sorry, but I just want to prove them wrong. I'm not the useless weakling they say I am.
Chiron then got on his knee as well so he was now at eye level with him.
Chiron: Who are you trying to prove this to? To them, or to yourself?
The boy's gaze then met his.
Chiron: You shouldn't let their words dictate your identity.
Silver: I understand what you're saying, but it's just hard because I know they're right.
Chiron: Perhaps they were. Maybe at that time, their words had some merit, but things have changed. You aren't the same person you were before. You're stronger now. Listen to me.
He put his hands on the boy's shoulders and holds his gaze with his own.
Chiron: We are who we choose to be, not what others make us. Your choices, not their words, is what makes you who you will be. You can give in to their words and become what you despise, or you can choose your own path and become your own person.
With that, he got back on his feet while the boy processed his words.
Chiron: We'll take a break now, then you'll show me your form again once you've caught your breath.
End of Flashback...
Those words echoed in his mind.
Silver: (I already know what I want to be. Not the strongest or the smartest. The best in the world doesn't compare to being good enough for her.)
With that, his eyes burned with fire in them as he went about to clear out as many monsters as he could.
Silver: HAAAAA!!!
slash* *slash* *poof*
His technique improved to a degree that he was able to deal with the monsters in front of him. Still, Brioche and Meteria did most of the heavy lifting. All he needed to focus on was supporting them. So when a group of imps closed in on her and Brioche, who were busy dealing with the last silverback, it was Silver who dealt with their pressure and kept it away from his team. The expedition team grew anxious then fearful when they saw the monsters about to attack while the party wasn't looking. That's when he made his move.
Silver: NOW! Strike Jupiter
Lightning enveloped him and he cut through every single one. They rapidly exploded into dust while the expedition team was at a loss for words.
Hera Member A: No way.
Hera Member B: A swift strike enchantment spell?! How could he have something like that?!
Zeus Member A: *Whistles* Damn, I wish I had a spell like that.
With the executives...
Callisto: I know you all said they grew a lot, but that one takes the cake. *Pointing to Silver*
Zald: It's shocking how much they changed after only a few short months.
Europa said nothing. She could never admit her impress out loud and hated how she even recognized it. Alfia was partly the same as well. One hand, she was happy at her sister's growth, but on the other, part of her was annoyed at Silver's as well.
Back with Silver.
The other two made the finishing blow to the monster.
Meteria: HYAAA!!
Brioche: YAAAAAGH!!!
The girl swung her axe down and cut its back which made the monster fall forward while roaring in pain. That was all the opening the other needed to slice its head clean off. They surveyed their surroundings and decided that the coast was clear.
Brioche: Whew! That was a tough one!
Meteria: Sure was, but we made it. *Smiling with her hands on her knees*
Silver: We got a lot of higher quality stones here too.
Just as he was about to go and collect them, he heard clapping coming from somewhere. Following the sound, he found it was coming from the executives who were returning from their dive.
Maxim: *Clapping* That was an excellent showing! A job well done to all of you!
Callisto: I second that! You put on a good show and had some nice moves! Especially you, boy!
Silver: Me?
Zald: Yes, that magic spell you showed was a spectacular one. Very fitting for our Familia.
Silver: *Smiling* Thanks!
The complements felt nice, but he had to keep himself from showing a smug grin to the Hera members who currently had their jaws on the floor at what they saw.
Silver: (Suck it!)
Jupiter: [All's well that ends well.]
Maxim: Are you three going back up now?
Silver: Yeah, just after I round up the rest of these stones.
Zald: *Looking to the others* You can stay if you want. I can take the rest back up.
Europa: I'll go as well. *Annoyed*
Callisto: Thanks, Zald!
The man just waved his hand before leading the rest of their groups back up. The other executives inquired about what the boy had been up to while they were gone. As he picked up the stones, they were shocked to hear he received personal training from Chiron.
Maxim: Well, I wasn't expecting that. No wonder you improved so much.
Alfia: ...
Callisto: Gave us quite the shock there especially with that new spell of yours.
Jupiter: *Thumbs down* [Boo~]
Silver: Thanks.
Maxim: How did you get that anyway?
Silver: It's a long story. *Putting a stone in his bag* That's the last one.
Meteria: Great, let's get outta here!
They made their way back up and were actually just a few steps ahead of the last group. Upon returning to the surface, they said would meet Silver and Meteria back home. When the executives arrived home, both gods welcomed them at the gates.
Hera: Welcome home, everyone!
Zeus: Yes, it's good to see you all return safely!
Maxim: It's good to be back.
Callisto: Definitely!
Hera: Well, don't be strangers. Go on in and get yourselves cleaned up. The carts with all your loot can be cashed in later.
After that, many of the women went to their home to freshen up.
With Zeus...
Zeus: Now that they're gone, we must go and find some good viewing spots for them right away!
This invigorated many of the men as they felt quite tired before. The idea of a bounty of naked woman is just what they needed to get them going.
Zald: Oh here we go...
Maxim: I can make do with a small peek. Cover for me if I'm caught?
Zald: Not a chance. *Deadpan*
Maxim: Should've seen that coming. Well, I'll be back. *Smiling*
This left Zald outside who pulled the rest of the carts in and off to the side. Once he was done, he saw June going over to him.
June: Not going to join your pig Familia in peeping?
Zald: No, I'd prefer to stay alive. I could say the same of you being here and not going off to bash some their skulls for peeping in the first place.
June: Tempting, but my lady wanted me to inspect the carts and make sure everything from the expedition is accounted for.
Zald: Well say no more because it's all here.
June: I shall take you word for it.
Zald: Good, because I need to go clean off as well.
June: Just don't take too long. I don't know how much food we'll be able to spare if you're late. *Smirking*
Zald: Heh. My Familia is smart enough to save me enough.
With that, they split off for now. As the rest of the Hera members tied up and beat the Zeus members, minus Maxim who escaped in time, Silver and his party were finishing their business in the Guild.
Silver: Now that that's done, Meteria and I should be heading off now.
Meteria: Our Familias are definitely holding a party to celebrate the return from the expedition.
Brioche: Sounds nice. You two have a good time.
Silver: You take care of yourself too.
After that, they parted ways and the two returned home to see the halls of the Hera building, where the party was being hosted for safety reasons. There, they saw everyone busy drinking the night away and laughing. Silver decided to go to the other building to wash up and Meteria did the same in hers. After, the two returned and found a table for them to sit at. They grabbed some food with them and ate as the reflected.
Meteria: Can you believe everything that's happened these past few months?
Silver: Not really. So much changed so quickly. I'm honestly having trouble wrapping my head around everything that's happened.
Meteria: *Giggle* Yeah, me too.
The night continued and the antics of both Familias went on.
With some of the executives...
Callisto: Come on, have some more! *Drunk*
Alexander: G-Get off me! *Slightly drunk*
She was currently trying to force him into drink more while the others just laughed. A bit further down was Zald who had his own problem to deal with. That being an intoxicated June.
June: *Drunk* Come on~ just have one drinking contest with me *hic*
Zald: That was your first glass of wine while I'm on my fourth mug. There's no need for that.
June: *Pouting* Mmm... don't be such a party pooper. Aaah!
She then went across and threw her arms around him.
Zald: Hey! What are you- get off of me!
June: Hehe. Not happening *hic*
Now he was stuck both trying to pry the mad woman off without hurting her as well as not causing a scene. Thankfully the hall was loud enough that their antics wouldn't be the main topic of the night. Back with Silver, he and Meteria were just enjoying themselves until Alfia came.
Meteria: Sister!
She went to hug her which the girl glady accepted.
Meteria: It's been so long! I missed you!
Alfia: *Smiling* I know. I missed you too.
Meteria: So, tell me what happened with you during the expedition! *Excited*
This made Alfia remember ber encounter from a while back.
Alfia: ( I can't tell her that. I haven't even told the others yet. I'll tell them after the party, but first I need to entertain her.)
Alfia told her a story of some of the things she did while Silver just stayed out of the way. Fortunately, or unfortunately however you look at it, he also had company.
Jupiter: *Whistle* [Who is that beauty? She is quite the looker.]
Silver: [That's just Alfia, her sister.]
Jupiter: [With a sister like her, you might as well try for both of them!]
Silver: [Not a chance.]
Jupiter: [Aw, don't be like that. Trust me, it'll be great once you start sharing a bed with both of them. Think about it, you'll have a beauty on each side when you wake up in the morning.]
Silver: *Blushing* [Stop putting ideas into my head. Even if I wanted that, which I don't, it's just impossible. Alfia and I go together about as well as water and oil if the oil ate all the water in the cup.]
Jupiter: [Oh, now you're just overreacting.]
As Alfia told her story, she noticed the faint blush on the boy's face which earned a scowl on her face.
Alfia: You better not be thinking of trying anything in her tonight. I've got my eye on you, Cranel. *Glare*
Silver: Yeah yeah. *Waving her off*
Jupiter: [Wow... uh, okay, that one's on me. I guess I misjudged her bit.]
Silver: [I'm telling you, she hates my guts. She'd much sooner kill herself than even imagine being with me.]
Jupiter: [Oh Silver, if only you knew of the reward that comes with winning the heart of a girl like her.]
The boy merely ignored the voice I his head as the night went on. If there was any positive to today, it was that he felt immense satisfaction as showing the Hera members how wrong they were.
Silver: (I'm touching myself tonight!)
AN: Okay, that's another down. Everyone is back safe and sound with no casualties and with new information on the Deep Floors. If you have questions, ask and I'll do my best to answer them, but there are some things I left in strange places and not for being lazy for once. I'm just holding off on revealing everything until later.
As always, thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed and I'll see you in the next one.