Sorry about the impromptu gap. I tried to do a few side things, but bad luck sort of hit me. Also interruptions on the days I arranged to try and write for this. Once I lose momentum too, always hard to get it back.

As I am back though, this Loki Familia expedition - naturally for me - ended up longer than hoped. Made me have to split it to avoid another 20k monster like that Shakti IV. It will be three parts, but I have the first two written. Intend to do a Shakti or Ottar one before last as well, but the second will come out tomorrow at some time.

So, here is a Riveria perspective...that I hope didn't become a teaser since action ended up next chapter in Raul's POV.

InsaneMakaioshin - I guess I tend to view blacksmiths as more nuts&bolts and Mystery more...mystical. That, and I sort of want to keep the 'big' crafters as somewhat unique. Haha, those estimates on Zeus&Hera just make me feel a that Zald and Alfia are a bit underwhelming, even if we are talking headcanons here and you could be right. Multiple Level 8's each is not what I am going with here though. Not sure what you mean on Ausrine? Didn't do accents because they are a pain on keyboards, but is Aušrinė without them mean 'deep cut'? It's just what an old fic I pseudo-remember did, and I liked the idea of a 'pure elites' Zeus familia. I will say they did have reason behind everything they did, even if they might not have been 'nice' about it.

Goofy ahh writer - Thank you very much. Know this story isn't as directly exciting as some, so characterization and worldbuilding is rather what I need to manage well.

Thinker - I sort of ascribe to linear, as it simplifies things, but understand that shounen always need some extra parts. More I use that a base for rough estimates. 78 is a bigger jump than 12, but its not proportionally as great. I do subscribe to some stats being weighted, and 2000~ points more in a stat is going to be just as overwhelming if its 13k vs 11k as 4k vs 2k. Mainly it is me just needing to keep track though, and I'm usually always one to look more towards vibes than hard numbers. And do not get me going on crafting. I can be OCD if I get going.

As for Ottar's behavior. I don't generally try to write with any diagnosis in mind, since I'm not educated there. Much prefer to stick to more general descriptors. I will say however that with Ottar, even canonically he is a former 'feral child'. There's no animal stuff, but otherwise he's all but textbook. He's just high-functioning because Freya can communicate with anything possessing eyes and he has a falna. If there's a big underlying aspect of his characterization for me, it is that.

Ventanus - Thank you very much. Always good to hear people enjoy parts of this, since it isn't like a lot of other stories (I've read) in this fandom.

torresjuan010 - Glad eye's result was fun. I kind of wanted to avoid some straight weapon like Udaeus' Sword or Leviathan Fang, so I thought of what it did that looked like it could have some fun effects. It shooting beams made me think of it as key to usual fantasy wizard 'magic missile' type basic attacks. It's just bad for Ottar that not a whole lot of things are useful to him if they aren't a weapon of some kind. Guy's style is pretty simply, that way. As for armor, if he can get armor that works for him, he will use it. Just not easy for anyone to make armor of that level. Alfia...yeah, her petting him and looking at him disappointing is a bit weird. Seems to imply they knew of each other some, but in AR they never even talk. The two likely started around the same time as adventurers though. I do have an outline of Ottar's early years and whatnot. Alfia is not important figure of Hera familia beyond the earliest years though. Freya is very capable of differing moods that can affect her behavior. I will say I have absolutely one development in future that really gets Freya worked up, but whether that directly changes canon's path for her is not to be answered now. I'm not afraid to explore Freya's behavior outside of Bell though.

Guest - Yeah, checked summary of SO15. I'm not sure Corrupted spirit would due against Ottar in 1v1, but it knew its chance of killing him outright was small. It moved from the 60th floor of canon for a reason. Not at all because I forgot a few things in the early chapters. ~no siree~

She looked over the ruined Moytura of the 49th floor till she heard footsteps coming from behind and a respectful voice announcing, "Captain has called the expedition members to gather for a discussion, my Lady."

Riveria merely nodded as she turned and started back with the younger elf falling in with her, remarking, "About time. Best we lower any amount of time when anyone is without orders."

They had naturally given an overview before even setting out, but it was always good to remind people. The Dungeon had a way of pressuring someone, even with the number of times they had reached this far. Seeing the heads of the familia and receiving orders had a way of centering people.

Well, that and Finn always had an unneeded number of permutations of the general plan depending on the smallest detail.

He probably ensured he counted every minor injury or piece of damaged equipment before he could finally stop being indecisive.

"Lady Riveria?" her companion asked, hearing the slight chuckle that leaked out.

"It's nothing," she returned, smiling as she started down the stairs. "Just some old pre-battle rituals that I haven't ever been able to completely stop."

That answered nothing, but the elf didn't question her.

The Loki Familia had camped in their usual spot on the 50th floor safe zone. A large plateau above the forest, granting a height advantage against any monsters that came from deeper. A well-practiced and proven method.

It was all rote…except the lack of tents and much of the comfort amenities that were usually present. While never impractical, they usually allowed themselves some leeway in that regard. For longer expeditions that could easily last weeks, the bare necessities just weren't enough for most. Dungeon or not, that was just asking for additional stress and hardship to pile on. Better lack of supplies cut the expedition short than gambling someone won't make avoidable mistakes and cost lives.

This time though, they had refused even that and all that was brought was that which would contribute to their desired result.

This was that sort of high-pressure expedition, and pretending otherwise would be foolish.

"Ah, Riveria. Good to have you here," Finn said as soon as he spotted her approaching.

"Guess that means we can start then," Gareth added.

"I see no sign of change on the 49th floor, so we should be able to discount the chance of attack from there," she announced as she moved through the crowd of lower members to arrive at the same little stage of the two. She also sent a nod at Ais, Tiona, Tione, and Bete that were a bit further. "And yes, you can begin."

"Good," Finn said as he turned towards those gathered, clapping and starting to speak with his quiet voice effortlessly being heard by everyone. "Alright, gather around everyone. We have successfully reached the 50th floor. The strategy we took proved successful, and we should all be thankful. Riveria, how is the Fairy Force?"

"I do not know a force by that name, but if you are talking about our elven mages, they are well. Merely resting to recover their Mind," she answered, even that rebuke of that silly name of Loki's coming out dignified.

"I am glad. They all performed beyond expectations. I would stop by to personally say so, but they probably don't want visitors at this time. Please pass on my compliments, and I also trust you shall fill them in later on all that is discussed here."

She nodded.

For this expedition, they had switched up strategies on how to handle the floors to this point. The mages had been pushed forward to take the majority of the burden of clearing monsters. Using magic to wipe out as much as possible. Not their usual protocol, as draining their mages could be deadly in emergency situations where pure firepower was needed. The floors to this point were also ideal for the lower members of the familia. With the executives handling any exceptional case, the monsters were suited for training their members and earning them excelia. Against Level 4 Fomoire, battle formations and small unit tactics allowed groups to face a single one. Two shields, a polearm, and potentially a ranged combatant allowed Level 3's to bring them down. Or at least stall them long enough for mages to act. The cost in equipment was also usually not too important, since they wouldn't be going deeper.

This time was different. They needed everyone as fresh as possible, with as much gear as possible. With Mind being a renewable resource, the shift made sense despite its departure from usual operations.

"Okay then, now we turn our eyes forward," Finn's voice raising as it got more intense. "You all have been here before, but few among you have gone beyond. The Labyrinth Territory is no easy trial. Even we executives have faced setbacks and challenges there…yet this time, we shall not be facing it alone like all other times. No, everyone here shall face it!"

Finn slapped up a table that – Riveria had no doubt – he placed exactly for that.

"The 59th Floor. The Glacier Territory. That is our goal for this expedition."

That earned cheers, some of those listening starting to turn to each other to talk or slap each other's backs in congratulations.

"Don't get ahead of yourselves. You got to get there first," Gareth now spoke, stroking his beard while glaring to force them all to straighten. Although he then winked. "Then you can celebrate."

Giving a small chuckle as the atmosphere lightened, Finn spoke softer again even as his eyes didn't lose their determination, "Gareth is right, on both accounts. We must take the dangers of the Labyrinth Territory seriously. That is why we must act perfectly. Intelligent and decisively!"

"The Valgang Dragons are our greatest threat, for they threaten our teamwork and formation. Within the Labyrinth Territory, the Dragon's Urn extends from the 52nd floor to the 57th. On these floors, they can and will blast through entire floors to kill you, drop people all the way to the 58th, or separate parties. We cannot allow ourselves to fall for it. That is why we must neutralize them as soon as possible. We shall split into two. Most shall compose the main force. The others shall be an elite force going ahead, with the Valgang Dragons as their target. They shall draw their fire on the early floors to allow the main force safe passage, and later descend to the 58th floor later to kill them or keep them busy."

"Hah, clearing them out ain't gonna be easy," Gareth remarked. "Who you putting on it?"

"Oh oh, me!" Tiona immediately said, raising a hand and waving it.

"Shut it, you dumb amazon," Bete snapped.

Which naturally made Tiona say with a grumble, "And definitely leave this guy behind."

"Hey, you ugl–"

"Enough, you two. I already had the teams picked out," Finn announced, genial smile holding despite the argument breaking out…and Tione now clasping her hands and sending him begging eyes…and Ais also watching him with focused eyes. He just raised a hand and counted off, "Gareth shall be going."

"Figured you'd give me the rough task."

"Ais-"

Made sense with Avenger's effect against dragons.

"Tiona, Tione-"

"Hah, that means you stay back, jerk!"

"You!"

"Ah, that means I'm not with the captain. My heart can't take it!"

"For supporter, Raul-"

"M-Me," Raul asked as he pointed at himself, already paling.

"-and Alicia."

Riveria nodded here, stating, "I shall inform her."

"I believe this force should be sufficient," Finn continued calmly. "Once descended, so long as the Valgang Dragons are distracted or killed, you are granted leeway to act as needed. You will likely need to retreat to the 57th floor to hunker down in an isolated corridor, but I'll leave it all to Gareth's discretion."

"Well…" Gareth started, fingering his beard. "…we probably won't die. Maybe Raul."

"Why did you have to say aloud my exact fears!" the plain looking Level 4 cried out.

The play made chuckles break out, raising the atmosphere.

Smirking, Finn continued, "The main group will need to move quickly. If it was a smaller force, I'd aim for ten hours or less to descend by going the shortest route and prioritizing advancing over killing all the monsters. That…is not possible with this group. Instead, we shall turn our entire force into an armored convoy. We shall turn form around three wagons into the core of our formations. With Bete, Riveria, and myself as the only first-class members, we shall rely on magic to defend and blow through. The wagons shall act as platforms for our mages."

"Putting us front and center here too," Riveria remarked, raising a hand to face and putting on a practiced expression of dignified irritation. "Making us do a lot."

Shrugging casually yet retaining his slightly taunting smirk, Finn merely retorted, "Only because I know you can handle it, Riveria. Should be no problem for you, right?"

"Naturally," she returned, although now she actually grew serious. "The mages absolutely need a day of rest first though."

"I always intended to give it," Finn waved off. "We'll use the time to modify the wagons and rest. You'll also be protected most dearly during the descent. We shall keep a strict perimeter. Shieldwalls and ranged units shall form additional defenses. The front and rear wagons shall hold supplies, while the center one shall be a mobile rest and recovery center. We-"

The details started to be spoken out, only for a voice to break out.

"Finn."

Riveria looked up even as Finn smiled knowingly and asked, "Yes, Ais?"

"If tomorrow we are not moving to allow the mages rest, can we hunt Cadmus Dragons? As training?" she asked, eyes intent at the mention of dragons.

Finn smiled.

"Absolutely not."

Ais wilted even as her face didn't change expression.

"I know we often do so for excelia and funds, but we cannot risk any equipment or injuries. Our goal is the 59th floor, and nothing less."

The Cadmus Dragons were one of the few sources of excelia available to them, especially the three of them Level 6.

A secondary concern here.

The drops of the monster or spring water they guarded were also extremely valuable, and an easy target while they camped on the 50th floor to help the expedition break even.

Irrelevant right now.

One floor was the goal.

One floor might seem like nothing by this point. After all, it was always one more floor. The never-ending quest of all adventurers. One that no adventurer has yet seen the end of.

Yet, it was exactly that which any true adventurer could never give up on. A bit more. A bit further. A bit stronger. A bit more experienced. Another barrier surpassed. A new place explored. As soon as that single step stopped mattering, one stopped advancing.

Just one more floor.

…

Although, this time there were far more pointed reasons too. After three years of pressing their limit to advance deeper in the Dungeon, they had finally been perched on the edge. The same floor as their rivals achieved. An expedition planned in the near future to reach even further. Become the frontline in the battle against the Dungeon.

All upended, and now they needed to at least prove they wouldn't stand still either even as they realistically adjusted their timetable for several years to reach that point again.

Irritating to even consider.

Enough to make Riveria involuntarily click her tongue, although she quickly adapted when surprised looks were sent her way by telling Ais sternly, "Remain focused, Ais. We need you at your best, and not distracted."

It made Ais wilt even more, even if most wouldn't notice.

Riveria felt the urge to add more softly, "Plus, you are part of the team against the Valgang Dragons, and the 59th floor could offer its own challenges. Think of it as merely sparing your strength for newer foes."

The idea of new and stronger monster monsters – dragons – made Ais perk up with new determination in her eyes.

Finn quickly added on too with hands raised with a blasé shrug, "As Riveria says, I want you ready to go. Not that there isn't a chance elsewhere. Tomorrow, Bete, Tiona, Tione, and Gareth shall fetch a few spare monsters from deeper and drag them up. We shall have several controlled spars and demonstrations that I want everyone to watch. I want everyone with an idea of the monsters they'll be facing, and it shouldn't tax our equipment too much so long as the fetching group does so with bare hands."

"And now you're asking me to wrestle a Black Rhino up," Gareth moaned. "This audacious pallum."

"Sounds fun," Tiona commented.

"You'll probably kill it after forgetting what you're even doing," Bete growled.

"I will not!...Okay, maybe only a few times, and only because it sounds fun to wrestle a Black Rhino."

Tione looked Finn directly in the eyes as she fervently declared, "I shall get as many as you need, captain. Anything you want…anything."

Riveria chose to ignore Finn's unease.

Although Finn once again proved how familiar he was by changing the topic back to leadership, speaking as he looked over the members, "I do want to make something absolutely clear though. I understand what we are putting forth before you. We are not merely having you go beyond where you have reached before, but beyond where we have reached before. Thus…I am not ordering you."

Finn's eyes swept over them again, everyone silenced.

"This is a risk of another level to what we have done in a long time. Since many of you joined the familia. I am not going to promise you that this will all go well. That we shall not have losses," Finn continued, voice only growing more grave. Which also spread to those listening. Shifting feet, frowns, and looks sent between themselves became more prevalent. "As stated, I am not ordering you. We can yet shelve our current plan and shift to another. Us elites leading a smaller group to the 59th floor is less ambitious, yes, but no less a victory and step forward for our familia. Thus, tomorrow I shall listen to anyone who does not wish to take the riskier path. Whoever does so shall remain secret, and I do not want anyone even indirectly shamed for doing so. We all travel at our own pace, on our own path. So long as you all continue to take steps forward, I shall be proud of you as Captain of the Loki Familia."

In this, Riveria moved with Gareth to also send calm and accepting looks towards the gathering of the familia.

Organizing a proper convoy to the Glacier Territory as opposed to a small group was indeed a step up. It was a way that they could make a statement towards even the Freya Familia. One up the Ganesha familia that set out before them, and none of them wished ended in disaster.

There were also logistical and strategic boons. Without proper resupply, even reaching the Glacier Territory with a small, elite group came with an innate time limit. Mere days. Maybe a week, if one took enough supporters. The ability of the Zeus and Hera familias to supply their elites so, allow them to operate for longer stretches and press further, was truly a step above merely reaching the same floors.

Truly a necessity for any advancing familia to eventually reach this point.

But not worth disaster due to pushing their lower members beyond what they were mentally ready for.

That thought in mind, Riveria added herself, "You'll have executives with you, doing all we can to prevent ruin, but we shall need the aid and cooperation of you all. If you are not ready, it would be our failing to put you in that position."

"This deep, everyone takes responsibility for the lives of their comrades in addition to their own," Gareth added, no move to lighten the tension this time. "Harden your wills in preparation for that, for if you yet lack the heart for it, better recognize your limits now over pushing with the lives of your comrades in your hands."

Of course, most of this was just theatrical since Riveria doubted any would be stepping forth with the attitude and atmosphere that had been prevailing the last few weeks since Ottar leveled up.

Weeks of planning this expedition, meetings to discuss how everyone would be training or trying to level up, and all other such excitatory buildup left little room for one stepping back when the time came.

It was up to them to judge what were the true limits of their lower members, despite the public words spoken here.

While likely thinking the same and of the true plans, Finn smiled to lightheartedly add, "Keep it in mind. You have all of tomorrow to think about it."

Despite the lack of usual tents that isolated groups, people still found ways to find some privacy. Some simply spread out further along the plateau. A few groups took over watch points along the perimeter and used it as opportunity to talk alone. Others mentally seemed to draw a line between different campfires, politely not looking or trying to listen in on those at another.

Tiona and Tione seemed to take a more brute force method, tearing down several trees to use wood and branches to make a functional lean-to for some of the high-ranked girls.

It was even large enough Riveria didn't need to lower her head as she walked in. The inside was still rough, but that wasn't important. She instead was looking at Tione, who had Lefiya's cheeks in her hands to squish her face. Both Tiona and Ais just watched.

"Everyone will be doing all they can, so relax and allow them to take some of the burden. In return, that which shall be protecting them is…" Tione asked softly, only a hint of demand present.

"My…my magic," Lefiya managed to get out between squished cheeks. It made Tione smile in satisfaction…till she continued, "B-but I'm still-"

Tione sighed.

"Riveria," Ais also spoke.

"Ah, Lady Riveria," Lefiya yelped, having been too focused on Tione to notice her arrival. She hurriedly bowed. "I am sorry for not noticing you, and for showing you such a sight."

"I already you to be more aware of your surroundings," Tione piped in, leaning back casually against her bedroll. "Although it is just Riveria."

"Just?!"

"It is no worry," Riveria cut off, remaining calm even as she looked over them all. "Good to see you all settling down."

"Tione and I used to do this all the time when we were traveling," Tiona pitched with a smile. "Kind of fun to do it with Ais and Lefiya."

"Not like we have much else to do," Tione added on.

"Well, I am pleased to see you spending the downtime so," Riveria commented.

Which served as signal for Ais to send her a lingering look before muttering with as much of a pout as the stoic girl could manage, "I'm bored."

"Ahhhhh! Ais, if you are bored, that just means we need to find something to do. Let's gooooo," Tiona said as she grabbed Ais arm and ran out of the tent with Ais flapping in the air behind her – blank expression still in place.

"No leaving the floor, and only light training," Riveria called after them.

"I…should probably go after them," Tione said as she forced herself up and moved too.

That left Riveria with Lefiya. Quite convenient. Made her wonder if the amazon twins had known her purpose, Tiona especially being far better at reading social cues than many would suspect.

Not important though, Riveria focused on a shuffling Lefiya to inform her, "Tomorrow, you'll be serving under my command. Us mages shall be protecting the main convoy."

"Y-Yes. Ais and the others told me," Lefiya replied, voice weak and head down.

It made Riveria tilt her head, asking, "Are you recovering well? We can talk tomorrow if you need to rest."

She also paired the question with raising her hand. Finger extended; she moved it as if to lift Lefiya's chin. It never touched though, Lefiya instinctively moving away from the touch by lifting her head up. The harmony of the move well familiar to the two elves.

It allowed Riveria to inspect Lefiya's face even as the younger elf stuttered out, "I-I'm well, Lady Riveria. I still am low on Mind, but I am not suffering any ill-effects of Mind Down. I shall be ready the day after tomorrow."

Riveria nodded, satisfied that Lefiya's pale face was required nothing more than a day of rest, and asked, "Yet that means something else is weighing you down."

"N-No, I'm entirely unboth…" Lefiya started, only to trail off when Riveria sent her a single raised eyebrow. It made the younger elf deflate, head dropping again and feet starting to shift. "I was just thinking…is it true Alicia shall be accompanying the other team deeper?"

"She shall, yes," Riveria answered, waiting for more even if she had already pieced together the issue.

"I'm sorry!" Lefiya burst out, bowing. "It's because of me. Even though I'm supposed to be your successor, I'm still too inexperienced. Not reliable enough to be trusted yet. Because of that you have to-"

Riveria cut her off here, remarking coldly, "Lefiya, I was not aware you thought so little of Alicia."

"Huh? Haaaah?!" Lefiya let out, first in confusion than in fear. "N-No, never. I admire Alicia, and it's just-"

"You think that her going is a downgrade to if you were reliable or experienced enough to be sent," Riveria stated clearly, looking down at the now abashed elf. "Even if that is not what you meant, be careful on how you phrase it."

Lefiya timidly nodded.

"Good. Now, about your original point, you are both right and wrong."

"Both right and wrong?"

"You are indeed not going because you are too inexperienced," Riveria acknowledged outright, unmoved by Leiya acting as if she took a physical blow. "We admittedly likely would prioritize your firepower when it came to providing magic support over a magic swordsmen of lesser firepower like Alicia, but we would never preferably choose a Level 3 for this sort of mission. Nor a mage incapable of concurrent chanting. Both disqualify you. In turn, Alicia is a talented magic swordsman better suited. While any Level 4 is vulnerable in the while dropping as this mission requires, your own Level, lack of concurrent chanting, and inexperience would only leave you far more helpless in comparison."

Lefiya looked like a ghost with how lifeless she had become, muttering to herself.

"That is not your fault though," she continued, softer this time. She raised a hand, and this time actually initiated physical contact by patting Lefiya's head. The touch instantly earned Lefiya's attention again. Smiling softly, Riveria explained, "I know we place a great deal of pressure on you as one hoped to succeed me, but that is still far in the future. You are yet growing and learning. That is not a shameful state, Lefiya. You have not studied concurrent chanting because I have prioritized other magical skills, and we have already laid the foundation so it is not as far out of your reach as you likely believe. We do not wish to have your level outstrip your stats either, which is a common fear when one has spells or skills that allow them to perform above their level. Before all of this changed, the intent was to start having you experience the 51st floor on this expedition. If you are lacking, it is because we have little choice but to demand so much from you."

"Be proud, young child of Wishe Forest. You have nothing to be ashamed of."

Lefiya blushed deeply and lowered her head again, making Riveria chuckle, but she still managed to work out in a murmur, "It still doesn't feel enough. That I should be able to do more. Grow faster. I'm just…not satisfied with how I yet am."

Riveria allowed herself to laugh here, drawing an awed look from Lefiya, before she told her with a free smile, "That is good, Lefiya. Those who become satisfied with their strength are those who cannot imagine true majesty. Cannot see something greater yet awaiting beyond them."

And all fall prey to such complacency at times. Loki – Riveria refused to accept that boar as involved – had reminded Riveria of that recently. Unfortunate, since it was so bitter a draught to take.

Best it not occur among the youngest and most innocent.

"So, here is the situation," Riveria said as she straightened. "You were decided as better in protecting the convoy. Not only will your spells be better put to use clearing corridors, but I shall be relying on you if necessary to supplement our defenses with Veil Breath."

Clenching her hands on her staff, Lefiya nodded firmly and declared, "Yes, Lady Riveria. I won't let you down."

"Your secondary objective is to look to yourself as well," Riveria added on, leaning forth to put her face closer to Lefiya's. Huffing in amusement at it once again setting the younger elf's face aflame, she still continued, "Do not forget yourself, and your own progress. Stop thinking about some ambiguous future. Think of what you now. Not a year from now. Or with a month of training. Now. Do what is within your grasp, and take even a step further beyond your current self if possible. No matter how small or seemingly minor. So long as you keep moving forward, a day shall come where you look back and realize how far you have come. Am I understood, Lefiya?"

…

"Yes, Lady Riveria!"

Riveria afterwards continued a circuit of the camp. Several times she passed and exchanged updates with Finn and Gareth. All three of them were making sure to make appearances among every member, calm fears, and provide encouragement.

While a day to rest might appear purely a benefit, without the proper atmosphere maintained it could prove a day of growing tension and anxiety.

It eventually led her to a group. Several of the second strong members such as Raul, Anakitty, Orba, and Alicia were there. So too were some low-ranking members that nonetheless had a bit more prominence. Line, Level 2 but one of their few healers. Rakta, a Level 3 supporter with a few niche skills that shined at times. Sharon, a veteran Level 3 that had increasingly formed the core of whatever team she was part of through grit and determination. A few more.

What drew her attention was Raul's trembling mutters, "I'll die…I'll die…Aki already knows what to do with my money."

"Not this again," Anakitty sighed out.

"A-Are the floors below the 51st really so dangerous?" Line asked.

While a number of their second strong members have garnered some experience on the 51st floor, only Raul had yet descended further. It was the right choice, at the time. Limited the number of supporters they needed to protect. Allowed them to focus on clearing the floors.

However, the limitations of only a single supporter with supplies had already led to their intent to expand on their supporters in hopes it would allow them to push further.

"Below the 51st floor of the Dungeon is Hell," Raul muttered, crouching and with head in hands. "All the experience you have above the 50th floor doesn't apply there."

It was a good thing Riveria caught this; being the exact sort of sentiment they didn't want to spread as they waited.

"Raul, don't scare the people around you more than necessary or you'll be a failure as a superior," she said as she approached, looking at the commander of their second string members. The others present spoke a few words at her arrival, but she merely waited till Raul looked up and met her eyes before she looked around them and told them reassuringly, "You all don't have to be so tense. We do not hide the challenges before you, but we have a plan and we executives shall be with you every step of the way. We will not push ourselves into a tragedy. So…please do not give up before you even try."

Riveria's gentle and beautiful smile made her last words hit even harder, making those listening all call out.

"Of course!"

"We won't let you down."

"I wanted to get a giant bone of some monster anyways."

"Idiot, how will you even carry it?"

"I'll make Raul carry it."

"Hahahahaha."

Pleased with the reaction of a single well-placed smile, Riveria cast a purposeful look at Raul.

He caught it, and couldn't help jumping. He then grew thoughtful, understanding her point. It took him a moment to gather his courage, but he managed to do so.

"Alright, let's have a card tournament. Everyone place bets! If you can win against me, think of all getting all the money I have stashed away!"

Not her style, but Riveria accepted Raul's move to add to the mood as well. He could be reliable, after all…except when he was extremely unreliable. He was more Finn's disciple than Riveria's though, and she still acknowledged him.

He would do well enough once they started.

Satisfied with that, Riveria turned to the tired Alicia and checked on her condition while ensuring she knew everything necessary of the plan.

"Ais."

It was the next morning that Riveria approached Ais.

"Riveria," she returned, looking away from the stairs to the 51st to turn towards her. "What is it?"

"Just checking in on you," Riveria replied, moving to stand alongside her. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes."

"And what are you doing now?"

"Nothing."

"What are you planning to do?"

"…nothing," Ais replied, despite the notable pause. When Riveria sent her a look, she could see Ais tremble slightly despite her blank expression. Her silence eventually broke. "Tiona and the others went deeper for Finn, so I don't know what to do."

"Lefiya is still here and would no doubt enjoy your company," Riveria reminded her.

Riveria recognized the subtle signs of Ais pouting as she instead remarked, "The others are allowed to go to the 51st floor."

"They can be trusted to do only what Finn asks," Riveria answered, before adding on bluntly. "You cannot."

"But-"

"No."

"Just a few-"

"It would not stop at a few."

Each time, Ais' protests and weak claims were cut off decisively.

Finally, Ais just muttered, "I'm bored."

"Then come with me," Riveria told her, starting away. "You clearly haven't brushed your hair."

"I didn't bring a hairbrush. We are only taking the essentials."

"Ais," Riveria said, sending her a pointed look. "For a woman, a hairbrush counts as the essentials. Did you forget the kit to maintain Desperate?"

Ais shook her head.

"Then you can also justify brushing your hair."

Ais once again did her near unnoticeable pout, but didn't fight as Riveria guided her. They soon ended up near where Riveria had slept. Pushing Ais into sitting, Riveria soon brought both a hairbrush and a mirror. She set up the latter to reflect Ais' image.

"You also brought a mirror?"

"We have three that are being shared between all the women," Riveria informed her. "Which you should have known already."

Not wanting to focus on that though, Riveria instead focused on her self-assigned task. Taking Ais' vibrant golden hair in hand, Riveria started combing it. Each time she focused on only a bit, working out all the kings and tangles slowly and gently. In no rush. Fully willing to take her time with this.

Ais also relaxed slightly, even if her face didn't show it.

Smiling, Riveria even started to hum. It helped set the mood. Drawing to mind for herself – and hopefully Ais – the numerous times this exact scene had played out since Ais was a child.

"Riveria," Ais eventually spoke up.

"Yes?"

"The 59th floor…we'll get stronger reaching it, right?" Ais asked.

"We hope so," she answered, too used to this from Ais to be bothered by the topic brought up. "We would have preferred you all spend a bit more time training in the Labyrinth Territory, but we no longer can take our time. If we reach the Glacier Territory, we can hopefully all take a step forward."

Ais hummed now, her face finally revealing a glimpse of her own eagerness.

"I hope so," the blonde finally stated. "I want to get further. Push further. Even if things nice now…there's too much further I need to go. I can't be satisfied. Not anymore."

Riveria paused her brushing, sighing but still saying comfortingly, "I know, Ais. We know. We'll also do our best to help you go further. This…this is a part of that."

Ais nodded, the barest hint of a smile forming on her lips.

It made Riveria take in the reflection of her stubborn disciple. Even that barest smile made that hard to deny. Despite not being an elf, Ais' features were as fairy-like as any elf could claim. Golden hair shining and skin pure, she looked so innocent. A princess that should be protected from any dragon.

Yet Riveria knew that this was but surface level for Ais, that something darker lay beneath, but she wanted this to be what Ais was always able to be like.

Humming again, Riveria started brushing again as she tried to recapture the atmosphere despite her own thoughts now taking a different turn.

'I'm sorry, Ais. I'll clear the way for you as best I can, but…allow me yet to do this in your place.'

Her mind was going over it all. The plan the lower ranked members of the familia knew. The plan the the executives knew. The hidden objectives that only her, Gareth, and Finn knew of for this expedition. That which was better for Ais to know nothing of yet.

Thalia's Ice Garden.

What awaited them there?

Even as she continued brushing, Riveria resolved once again to do her best to find out before Ais was made aware of their desires for that place where Ais had been frozen for so long.

This chapter wasn't meant to be one alone. Intended to have it with Raul's, but it ended up being like 14k, so I split them and added the final Ais scene to round it out. Still resulted in this one being mainly planning and interaction, but hope it worth the read.

Next chapter is a lot more combat though, so look forward to tomorrow if you like that sort of thing. It's also Raul's POV, which I feel like I was able to do better than Riveria.

Also, did an 'extra' Ottar chapter on QQ. There because it has a sex scene. With Freya. I'm pretty sure I can post it here on , but I am at least going to try and not make it needed for the story. I get tastes can vary. So, in reviews you can voice if you want such a chapter on this site or not.