After dealing with the Minotaurs, Roy, Ais, and Bete didn't wait for the trailing Loki Familia members, swiftly returning to the surface.
Under Ais's slight reluctance and Bete's hostile glare, Roy bid Ais farewell and parted from them.
Roy headed straight to Hephaestus's forge.
Since Hestia worked odd jobs there, it was her daily routine.
After reporting his safety to Hestia, she eagerly updated his Status.
During expedition, Roy hadn't updated daily using Hestia's divine blood as before.
Hestia quickly finished.
[Development Ability]: Blacksmith I, Swordsman B, Mage B, Mystery G, Mixing I, Healing I
The half month expedition with the Loki Familia, especially using wide area magic in the deep floors, paid off.
Monsters past the 45th floor offered far more excelia than earlier ones, pushing Roy to level 4.
No new magic gains, but two new development abilities emerged.
Mixing, essential for potion making, wasn't surprising given Roy's replicated Miach medical knowledge.
Healing, for mind recovery, boosted mana regeneration, a practical boon for mages like Roy.
"This loki familia expedition was fruitful," Roy mused, eyeing his status parchment.
Beyond ranking up, he completed the random task 3 and earned nearly 1.5 million dimension points from loki familia members.
Finn and others gave less than key figures like Ais and Lefiya, but their numbers added up.
The loki familia's many named characters in the anime, each worth tens of thousands, summed to millions.
"Hephaestus, Roy and I are heading back," Hestia called out.
With Roy back, she wasn't staying at the forge and wanted to celebrate.
With Hephaestus's nod, they returned to the Hestia Familia residence.
"Mr. Roy!" An excited shout rang out at the gate.
Bell stood in a corner, rushing over eagerly, likely waiting for Roy.
"Roy, someone you know?" Hestia asked, eyeing Bell.
"Miach Familia member," Roy replied.
"That Miach guy, I haven't seen him lately." Hestia nodded.
"Mr. Roy, Goddess Hestia, hello," Bell bowed politely.
He'd never met Hestia, but god's distinct beauty and aura made her recognizable.
"Hello," Hestia smiled kindly.
"Seems you've got business with Roy. Want to come in?"
"No, I don't want to disturb you," Bell blushed, shaking his head.
"Then I'll head inside," Hestia said, leaving space for Roy and Bell.
"Mr. Roy, about Bete…" Bell spoke excitedly, eyes sparkling, after Hestia left.
"Bete?" Roy smirked playfully.
"Saw me in the dungeon, huh? Moved fast."
"Uh…" Bell's face reddened.
"I was too nervous and scared, ran without thinking. Didn't realize till I left the dungeon."
"Bete saved your life, and you bolted without thanks. Really hurt his feelings," Roy teased.
"Is… is that so?" Bell showed regret, nervous.
"Telling me's no use. Talk to Bete yourself," Roy smiled.
"In person?" Bell hesitated, overly embarrassed.
"Saying thanks for saving your life shouldn't be hard, right?" Roy countered.
"I'll do it!" Bell struggled, then nodded firmly.
"You seem to care a lot about Bete."
"You could've asked the guild receptionist about him. He's well known in Orario," Roy shrugged off playfully.
"I asked the receptionist, but she didn't know much…" Bell hesitated.
"You seem close with the Loki Familia, so…"
"Want some exclusive secrets?" Roy raised an eyebrow.
"Can I?" Bell looked eager.
"Of course," Roy nodded, lowering his voice mysteriously.
Bell leaned in, listening intently.
"Just one secret I stumbled on with the Loki Familia."
"Tell me, I'll keep it quiet!" Bell urged.
Roy coughed, glanced around cautiously.
"Actually, Bete's a girl."
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200 Stones = 1 chapter
400 Stones = 2 chapter