Chapter 31: Trouble Maker
(Oberon POV)
A week has passed since the incident that happened in Orario, and people have already come back to their daily lives because of the news that Evilus once again did not kidnap members of two Familia that failed miserably in the same week. There is a joint search for the vice-captain of Apophis Familia, but sadly, there is no trace of them.
Oberon mostly spends a week training his sword techniques with Ais, Orstrid, and Bara. As promised, Tsubaki did teach Oberon how to become a blacksmith and learn from the basics. I had not yet tried Smith a sword because I needed my hammer when Tsubaki believed I was ready. For the research of the material Oberon brings to Flora, she already could recreate the light that laminates the 18th floor, but it was not a perfect recreation because it needed to be turned on and off, not like the dungeon that had a day-night circle.
'This all should be enough.'
Today is the day Oberon, Sera, and Artemis Familia going to the dungeon.
"Orstrid, did we have everything we needed?"
"Yes, master and I bring the mana potion that Flora gave, but Flora did leave a note to write a report if there is something wrong with the potion, master."
Oberon's past and current research on magic, materials, and some other important knowledge leaves everything to Flora, and she looks like she loves to do so after all, which is the main reason she answers Oberon's call to become his assistant in research.
"Now, let's head out; we need to go early."
As I and Orstrid left the room, we walked to the hall. Just as he looked at the garden, there was Ais train alone with Riveria close while reading a book. Because of how conducive the situation in Orario is right now, many Loki Familia members have tried to level up their stats, including Alicia, Lola, Cynthia, and others.
'I should have met them before leaving the manor.'
"*Gasp*… *Slash*, *Slash*…"
Oberon could hear the swing; it became more heavy day by day, and by a week, Oberon knew the strength of her swing was becoming clearer. Her talent for the sword was commendable, and if she continued to train, she probably would surpass him in his sword technique.
'A fruit never falls far from the tree after all.'
Riveria just sat below the tree in the garden while she read the book of magic that I gave her. Since that night, Riveria has become more active, asking me to teach and give a piece of advice about magic. For comparison, this world's Elven magic and past-world Elven magic are significantly more advanced, and there are still many things he needs to understand and master, especially the magic that King Larfal sealed in the royal library.
"Riveria-san."
When he heard my call, she just laid down her gentle gaze and vivid smile. It makes whoever gazes toward her have their heart skip a beat because that is what Oberon just felt.
"Good morning, Oberon."
"Morning, Riveria-san, I will head out with Orstrid."
"I will pray for your safety, and I have something to tell you about the information you gave."
Oberon was already briefing Riveria about the situation he found on the border with Rakia and the involvement of one of the main enemies of the Elven Kingdom, which was the Empire. After hearing that unsettling news, Riveria was worried for a second, but Oberon assured her that it was preventable thanks to the information that Oberon Servan managed to gather.
"After I sent a letter to my father, he was grateful for the information, and it was indeed an unsettling revelation, but sadly, the only thing Father could do was increase the defense of the border with Rakia."
'King Larfal's choice was indeed the right choice because if we are not careful, there will likely be a war with the Empire.'
"I did know that Ryumilua was the only part of the kingdom that could do something to stop the shipment of the material, but the nobles who ruled that place were too eager to prove their loyalty, and the last time I came to visit that place with my father, it was not a good experience."
"If I were in my father's position, I would do the same, but is it a risk to let the empire do what they did, Oberon?"
"In my perspective, there is no available option other than waiting and thickening the defense."
Riveria nods in agreement.
"If there is something my father needs to know, just tell me. I will be the one who sends the message, and there is a note left from Hyrmr.
"Aunt Hyrmr?"
"She said, 'Prepared for a smack in the head when you meet her again.' That's the message from her."
Oberon then showed a wry smile because of the message that Aunt Hyrmr was angry toward me because she told me from the start not to get involved and only pay attention to my adventure.
"Haha… I will make an apology next time I meet her."
"Fufufu, you should... Loki-sama, Finn, and I are right now preparing for a big expedition in the dungeon; you would likely take part in it."
Expeditions partake by one or more to go in depth of the dungeon with a considerable number to explore and harvest the material in the dungeon. According to Tsubaki herself, she always partakes in big expeditions with Loki Familia because of the material they could gather and use to make high-quality weapons.
"I can wait for that, Riveria-san. Now I will head to the dungeon with Iduun and Artemis Familia. Is there anything I need to know before I leave?"
"Nothing more, I need to tell you. This time the dive should be safe; after that night, the Evilus activity became more subsided so we could feel more at ease."
"That's good to hear... Riveria-san, there is something you would like to ask me about the book?"
Riveria's long ears flinched a bit, and she went silent for a moment.
"Can you teach me how to use fly magic?"
"You mean gravity magic? For learning that, you must reach each element of magic to sage level first because it takes great control and understanding of those magics to learn ether or gravity magic."
Riveria had already reached an intermediate level of magic; it was indeed a great achievement. Thanks to Oberon's experience tutoring his mother Viska about magic, Oberon could expand Riveria's understanding of magic instead of rebuilding it, which would take far more time.
"I understand Oberon. When I am ready, I will ask for your help, Oberon."
Oberon then laid his gaze toward Ais, who struggled to lift her sword again. From the look of it, she reached her limit, and that was when Oberon reminded her to take her well-deserved rest. Then Oberon gives her some icy water with his magic to ease her body.
"*Huff*, *Huff*, Thank you, Oberon-san, and good morning."
"Good morning, Ais-chan. Let me see your hands."
"Eh? um."
'Her palm looked like it was starting to like a real swordsman, and her arm muscles started to take their form, but her body was still a child, too early for her to learn Touki.'
"You had been working hard, Ais-chan, and I could tell you became much stronger. Just continue this circle, but don't forget to follow Riveria's class seriously."
"Um! I will train and learn hard to become stronger like Oberon-san!"
Oberon titled his head and continued,
"Why not be as strong as your father?"
Hearing my question, Ais went silent for a second, like she was trying to remember something.
"Ais don't know."
Riveria does tell Oberon that Ais shared her memory of her happy days with her parents. Riveria did want to ask about her past to learn more about the hero Albert Waldstein, but it only added fuel to the fire of hatred that is still deep within her heart. Oberon could only reply by patting her head gently.
"Ais-chan, Riveria-san, then I will go to meet Loki-sama before I leave."
"Be safe. We will wait for your return."
----
After that, I bid farewell to the goddess Loki, and I saw her sleep well while hugging the bottle of wine that I gave her. It makes me reconsider my decision to give her more alcohol in the future. Not so far away, Captain sat on his chair with a pile of paper on his desk. It seems like it was a daily occurrence because the goddess Loki got drunk at any chance she had, and everyone seems to have started to get used to it.
"Yo, Oberon."
"Captain, good morning."
"Hum, um, it's good you have a good spirit. Say my greetings to Gareth."
"I will. Captain, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, what is Oberon?"
"Did Captain and Goddess Loki already know that Rainer-san was the one who shared the information with the Evilus?"
"Hoo, why did you think that?"
"It was too obvious that a bar where most of the adventurers gathered and shared their information would be the spy. I had this feeling that Captain and Goddess Loki let him do what he wanted, and because of that, I was curious if there was a good reason behind it."
Finn went silent for a moment and started to grin.
"Indeed, it was too obvious to us to suspect him, and the Evilus did think the same from the information of the spy you captured. The reason we keep a blind eye is Rainar-San's daughter's safety, and it was goddess Loki's will because you may not know it before you arrive at the dungeon. It is chaotic, which is why Gareth stays there to keep the only safe floor safe …"
'It was indeed a right move, but...'
"It was indeed a big gamble from our side, but considering the information we gathered from Rainar, we managed to know who we could trust, thanks to you... But Oberon, are you sure to stay too long? I am not sure your party will be pleased if you come late."
"Haha, I understand. Then, Captain, I will head out."
"Take care, Oberon, Orstrid."
Before I left the room out of nowhere, Loki just woke up while rubbing her eyes.
"Umm, Oberon, take care. Zzzz."
After waving her head for a second, she just went back to deep slumber. It made us both chuckle seeing our goddess's behavior.
"I am heading out, goddess Loki."
----
'Hm, it is just me that the crowd of adventurers has become larger than before.'
The market is more bustling than ever, and the people are already so busy with their morning activities, including the adventurer heading toward the dungeon. Instead of going straight to the dungeon, there is someone that Oberon would like to meet.
(*Thud! *, *Thud! *)
The place Oberon wanted to visit was the Hostess of Fertility. When Oberon left the alley, he could see the reconstruction of the bar. There, he saw Mia carrying a large amount of wood to the constructor, but from the foundation and the height, it was not using the same design because of its size and height.
"Mia-san."
Just as she put down the wood, I could see that carrying that on her shoulder was not so hard after all because she was a former adventurer.
"Oh, morning, Oberon. What to go to the dungeon, I suppose?"
"Yes, this time I will dive much deeper into the 19–24th floor."
"I see... with your magic and Orstrid strength, it should be walked on the park for you both but be aware of a long-range attack from the monster, and there is a mushroom monster that could spread poisonous spores. I suggest keeping vigilant and having some defensive magic and a shield to handle them; if you had it, there is nothing that I could add more."
"Thank you, Mia-san. I will put that in mind."
"Train hard and become strong, Oberon. Their eyes are on you, so show them you never stop growing and make them fear you. That's the best tactic if you want to protect everyone."
"I understand, and I hope I can eat Mia-San's cooking soon."
"Hahaha, you really know how to make a woman happy, Oberon. When the bar opens, I will let you know."
"Then Mia-san will see you later."
----
The Hostess of Fertility was not so far away from the Babel Tower; it was less than a hundred kilometers away. Just as Oberon arrived at the place where we should have gathered, he could see the familiar faces, and there was a new face.
When Oberon got closer, he noticed that Iduun and Artemis had a bit of an argument, and their children looked not so happy. There is a bit of worry in Oberon's mind because it is likely a problem just might happen knowing that Oberon is hurrying to meet the group.
"Sera, Iduun-sama, Artemis-sama, and everyone, good morning."
When others laid their gazes toward him, there was indeed something wrong that had just happened. Iduun then walked toward me and stared at me with her serious gaze.
"Oberon, help us."
"What happened!"
Then Iduun laid her eyes toward a certain goddess with blue hair and green eyes who had a reverse 'V' shape on her lips and eyed look—a person who decided not to change their mind for whatever reason we may give.
"Oberon, bring me with you."
"Eh?"
----
After hearing the reason Artemis insists on taking part in the dungeon party, thanks to the babbling of Iduun and Artemis, some adventurers start to glare at us. It seems like Artemis wants to go with us because of Argi, who is still traumatized by the incident. Artemis is already doing whatever she can to help her recover, but it seems like it is not working.
'How did she conclude? *sigh*'
From the look, Argi seems to be in a state of distress, the same as every Artemis Familia member, because her goddess will go to such a dangerous place. With such a realization, Argi should agree to join our party.
"You may not be aware of the rule that dictates the gods or goddesses are forbidden for any reason to go into the dungeon, Artemis-sama."
"See, Artemis, please; you don't want to make Oberon in trouble, right?"
Artemis seems to start to get reluctant and looks at Oberon.
"Oberon, could I talk with you alone for a few minutes?"
"Sure, Artemis-sama."
After taking a good distance from everyone, Artemis then sat silent for a moment before turning her face toward Oberon.
"I am sorry if I am asking you this, but please let me join you and others. Argi must have been able to go back to her old self before we left Orario. For that to happen, I need to be by her side to encourage her."
Sera did tell him that most of the Artemis Familia were orphan children who had been picked up by Artemis and taught how to hunt and protect themselves. Thanks to that, Artemis was looked at as their mother figure. I could see that from Argi and others, and even now, when I look at them, I feel pity because there is no way a child wants to see their mother in danger.
'Haaa, It's a hard spot you put me in Artemis if I refuse her request and bring Argi only because she feels useless because she couldn't help in the fight; it makes her feel much worse than before, but if I accept her request, I run the risk of getting punished by the guild. It's okay if I am alone and being punished, but if my Familia suffers, I can't face Riveria-san and Captain.'
There was a desire in his mind to use Orstrid's illusion's ability to change her appearance, but Oberon couldn't sense any mana in Artemis. The same was true of every god and goddess he met; it was the same with Apophis, who summoned a large beast. Oberon hypothesizes that Apophis uses substantial amounts of magic crystal to summon the best, or he couldn't sense the gods and goddesses' power when they used it.
'Hm, maybe this is the chance for me to ask her about the god who rules Rakia, as I know they most are from Greek mythology.'
"*sigh* I understand. To make sure that the guild does not find us breaking a rule, we all must follow the rule I made."
"Those rules are?"
"Please understand that if Artemis-sama breaks this rule, there is a chance that we get caught. I don't mind myself being punished, but if my Familia gets involved, I can't forgive myself if that happens."
There is a hesitant reaction from Artemis, but she still nods in agreement.
"First, never talk or look at other adventurers that we encounter; second, never put a distance from Orstrid more than ten feet away; and last, when we reach Rivira or the 18th floor, I will send back Artemis-sama home."
"But how did you send me back home?"
"It was the key to getting in and out without being detected by the guard at the entrance, but first Artemis-sama and Iduun-sama should come back to the inn, and Orstrid will open the entrance."
Just as they are finished talking, everyone, from reading Oberon's expression alone, knows that he will likely be granted Artemis's request. Sera was probably the only one who was not surprised by my decision, and I could see the Artemis-Familia members had a better reaction.
"I am sorry, Iduun-sama, everyone. I will accept Artemis-sama's request. Orstrid, can you please bring Iduun-sama and Artemis-sama to their inn?"
"As your wish, Master."
"Then everyone, we will head to the dungeon. I will explain it when we are inside."
"Eh, did Artemis-sama not come?"
"I will explain later. Sera, in the meantime, don't mention this conversation to the guard."
As we arrived at the entrance, there was indeed a guard from Ganesha Familia, and the guild staff sat recording everyone that went inside the dungeon to make a record in case the group went missing.
"Oberon-san and everyone... Hm, I am not seeing Orstrid-san anywhere."
"Ah, about that, she will, so Rose, could you help me add her name to that list?"
"I understand. Please be careful, everyone. I will pray for your safety."
"Now let's go, everyone."
----
"That was shocking! I never knew you could hear what it was called again.
"Teleport Sera."
Oberon did explain to them about teleport magic. It is not a surprise that Sera had an idea to be able to meet him every day in Orario with this magic, but when he explained the risk of people knowing about teleport magic and the ramifications of other kingdoms, the very reason in his past life teleportation magic was forbidden, and even the famous Ranoa Magic Academy did not teach or keep any record of how to learn teleportation magic.
"Artemis-sama, we are now on the third floor; it should be safe, but please, whatever happens, keep your close distance from Orstrid."
"Don't worry, Oberon. I still remember the rule; it just... I always thought inside the dungeon would be darker."
"The light came not from the soil exactly, but from a crystal; some can see with the naked eye, but there are some that are so small that only seeing the soil itself is the one that was glowing."
Oberon did take a sample and research it in his lab with Flora. It had been found that the crystal would glow when it was connected to the ground, which most likely supplied it with mana to make it glow, but he still didn't understand how the dungeon had a day and night circle. In Flora's hypothesis, the dungeon was a living thing, since it fixed its scar from Oberon's magic, and it had an internal clock as every living thing had.
'If the dungeon was a living thing, then the monster is some kind of defense mechanism like an anti-body? What are they protecting?'
"Oberon!"
"I am sorry, I just got caught up with something."
"Are we keeping the formation we decide, or are there changes?"
"Well, indeed, there is a change. Sera and Rethusa, you both have vanguard positions. I would take the middle position so I could support both of you, and Artemis, Argi, Atalanta, and Orstrid will be our support."
"I will do whatever I can to support you."
"I will count on it, Artemis-sama."
This time the party was made up of Loki, Artemis, and Iduun Familia. Most of them were women, so whenever Oberon walked with them, there was an intense, cold gaze toward him. The funny thing is that thanks to that, no one tried to stare at Artemis, who had a dark green robe covering her face.
In our group, there are eight adventurers in the party, including Artemis. There are three people assigned to the Vanguard position: me, Sera, and Rethusa. For the support, it was Orstrid, Argi, Artemis, and Atalanta, a cat person that I met that night who I had no chance to know the name of.
Most of them were archers, and the best among them, according to Rethusa, was the goddess Artemis because she was the one teaching Artemis Familia members how to use a bow.
It does not take us too long to arrive at the five floors where the group becomes more intense because there is a high chance, we will meet a monster.
("Master, enemy.")
"Sera."
"I understand."
Just Orstrid said there is a monster in number head; this way, it was 'Middle Rabbit' It had the same traits and look as Almiraj, but the size of its horn was completely different.
"Argi, take your shot."
"B-But, Artemis-sama, my hand is still shaking."
Artemis then went to Argi's side and guided her hand to start aiming her arrow toward the incoming monsters. Everyone stays and waits for Argi to take her shot.
"Take a breath. Argi, calm your mind. Remember my teaching."
Just as her goddess told her, Argi tried to calm herself, and from what Oberon saw, her aim was still shaking and most likely would have missed her shot, but Artemis tried her best to guide one of her children.
'I think I should stop their movement.'
"Oberon, please wait and trust Argi."
"I understand, but if they are too close, I will take them down, Rethusa."
'She must be able to fire an arrow before we reach the middle floor.'
Four rabbits are heading this way, and with their speed, they should be able to reach us in a matter of fifteen seconds. I could only see Rethusa standing while pointing her spear upward and looking like she didn't move before Argi made her shoot.
(Thunk!)
The arrow flies straight with high speed toward the rabbit; it was indeed pointed right into the rabbit's head, but the horn changes its direction from landing into the killing blow. Seeing that, Oberon put one of his palms into the ground and chanted.
{Quagmire}
Oberon created a small quagmire, stopped, and submerged the rabbit.
"Aim your bow once more, Argi; everyone is waiting."
I saw everyone stand and wait for her to aim her bow once again. Oberon gives a glare that adds to her weight and does not fail. She could only answer all their expectations with her bow once again, but this time Artemis didn't give her a hand.
'Hm, her gaze is different, and the atmosphere surrounding her is changing... I expected no need for me to help her.'
(Thunk!)
(Stab!)
(Boom!)
To everyone's surprise, Argi manages to land a killing blow ring in the head and kill instantly.
"Good job, Argi. Then let me clean this up. 'Multiple Ice Lance'"
Multiple ice lances appeared from the thin air and flew at high speed.
(Stab!)
(Stab!)
(Boom!)
Everyone was surprised to see Oberon's magic firsthand.
"As expected from Oberon, fufu."
"Thank you, Sera, but in the next battle I will mostly provide support magic."
"Um, did you have no attention to level up?
"Ah, about that... I may already have had enough stats to level up days ago."
.
..
…
((…. Eh?))
----
(Third POV)
"Loki-Sama."
Riveria tried to call her goddesses that sleep with indecent looks so careless she couldn't help but release a small sigh.
"Um, Riveria?"
From the look of it, Loki was in her hangover state, knowing that Riveria had started to use one of the magics that Oberon taught her yesterday. Then Riveria starts to concentrate and starts to chant basic detoxification magic. Before Riveria starts, she wakes her body, faces Loki back, and starts chanting.
"… Cleanse the impure 'Healing'."
When Riveria finished her magic and chanted, a green light started to appear. When the light was gone, Loki could feel his vision clearer, which was the same as her perception.
"Phew, thank you, Riveria. That magic that Oberon teaches is sure handy. Is there something you need from me?"
"I-… I need your help, Loki-sama."
Loki then stretched her body, patted her head, and released a heavy sigh.
"It's about Oberon, isn't it?"
Riveria then nodded, affirming Loki's guess. Then Riveria shared the information that suspects Rakia had planned to attack the Elven Kingdom from the buildup of material for weaponry.
"*Sigh* That warmonger, air-headed bastard never stopped, didn't he? Rakia was currently under the leadership of Ares; we both know how idiotic he was, so I was not worried when I heard he was likely to attack, but with the Empire's involvement, it indeed could put us in a precarious position."
Orario had a bad record of a relationship with Rakia, who, almost like a season, came back a couple of years later and tried to attack and conquer Orario. Only on the day when Zeus and Hera were reigning did Ares try to attack Orario for an obvious reason.
"But we don't know for what purpose... Oberon will probably try to find a way to know the reason."
"So, what to worry about? Now we know he had someone watch the enemy close. Ah, I know what you mean."
Just as he realizes what will likely happen, Loki and Riveria have a grim reaction written all over their faces. What Loki and Riveria thought was that if there was any sign that something dangerous was reported, he would likely make his move without anyone's notice.
"I was not worried that he would spark a war, but he will force himself and... I don't want him to push himself into that state again. Loki-sama, I know he was strong, but he is still a boy."
"*sigh* Sometimes I wonder if he was a boy. Hm, I will try to approach someone, but I need to discuss this matter alone with Oberon later."
"May I know who this person Loki-sama is talking about?"
"It's not a good time for you to know who this person is. Well, not exactly a person; she was a goddess. To know if she will be on board with this, I need Oberon's help first."
"You have my gratitude, Loki-sama."
"It's a natural thing for a goddess to protect their child, but still, that boy is such a handful, Kukuku."
----
At the same time, Oberon was fighting his way through toward Rivira Tsubaki, the captain of Hephaestus Familia, standing in silence while listening to her goddess hammering hot steel from her workshop.
(Clank!)
(Clank!)
(Clank!)
The only time the hammer was stopped was when Hephaestus had to take a rest, even though the furnace in her workshop had never stopped burning. The room itself was so hot that it felt like it was inside a lava chamber.
Hephaestus has spent most of her time in the workshop. Some of Hephaestus's members are worried about their goddess, but every blacksmith's beating sound made from the hammer stops anyone trying to distract Hephaestus from trying to create her new masterpiece.
This time the weapon she made was not for the sake of profit or self-presentation; only Tsubaki and others were aware of the reason she had been locking herself in the workshop for a long time.
"That kid, what has he done to my goddess... *sigh*"
Tsubaki didn't know what she had to do in this kind of situation that her goddess got into, but in her heart, Tsubaki was happy for the first time. Hephaestus wanted to make something that was not for the sake of self-predestination; instead, it was because of love.
"I wonder what kind of sword was made by the goddess of smiths because of love Hahaha."
Tsubaki had mixed feelings of concern and excitement to see for herself what kind of weapon would be born from the new kind of material in front of her. Hephaestus and Tsubaki agree on their approach to how to melt Aurorium, but they both reach the same conclusion about the need for Hihiirokane to weaken the heat resistance of the material.
The idea of magic that could create a new kind of material was unheard of. Tsubaki did ask Oberon in their class yesterday about how he managed to obtain the idea of creating the new material, and he did mention a story of golden armor that created the same material that amplified the user's strength. It does make sense because it has the same nature.
"But there is a risk of using such material. If not careful, it will weaken the sturdy nature of aurorium. I wonder what Hephaestus-sama would do."
(Clank!)
Tsubaki's worry was indeed reasonable, but when she heard the hammering sound of the hot material, it washed away her worries from her mind.
"Umm, I had to take over Hephaestus-sama's work... Good luck, Hephaestus-sama. I hope the sword you make will reach his heart."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone