As mentioned earlier, the reason Renjiro had been so eager to level up recently was the continuous reports of monster uprisings from the Large Tree Labyrinth.
One slip there could easily result in a world-ending disaster.
Before now, relying on Lv. 2, or at most temporarily Lv. 4, combat power to face the ever-evolving, rapidly reproducing Scorpions would have been completely useless.
"Wait, in the original timeline of this world, some red-eyed rabbit boy killed a Secret Realm Scorpion at Lv. 2?"
Sorry, Renjiro never risks his life on something as vague as a protagonist's luck.
Besides, that rabbit boy had both the Orion Arrow and Hestia Blade, plus the Hero's Wish skill that even amplified divine power. If Renjiro blindly used him as a template without leveraging his own advantages… that would have been foolish.
Thus, between:
"Stay safe and level up first, or risk being obliterated by a Moon God Arrow along with the underworld," and
"Charge in without preparation and get crushed by the scorpion horde,"
Renjiro wisely chose the former.
As a side note, anchoring on the 50th floor was also preparation for potential disasters.
Now…
"Not everyone is fully prepped, but we've reached my minimum standard… okay, time to move."
Using Starfire's Flowing Light magic again to split his form, Renjiro left the Babel Tower's top floor. The Traveler twins didn't head straight to the guild to receive their commission. Instead, they went to the Loki familia headquarters first.
After all, collaborators deserve a heads-up. Otherwise, if the next expedition started and the team suddenly couldn't find them, it would be awkward. Outsiders might even think the Starry Twins were playing a burn-bridges prank.
About ten minutes later…
"So, you're going to the Large Tree Labyrinth too?"
"Huh?"
At the top floor of the Twilight Manor central tower, in Finn's office.
Aside from old man Grace, who had already left Orario with his team, all other core members were present.
Finn, seated at his usual desk, pointed at his deputy and smiled:
"Actually, we also received a request for aid from Grace. Next, Riveria will lead her Elf Mage Unit to join with Alicia and Lefiya."
Hearing this…
"Elf Mage Unit, huh."
Even without checking prophetic memories, Renjiro, a traveler from the Celestial Empire, had heard the unit's legendary name many times within Orario.
Outsiders only knew the Loki familia had such a trump card, but details were scant, it was a classified matter within the familia.
Renjiro, however, knew clearly,
Riveria Lios Alfr, the Nine Demon Princess, was an elf royal who awakened a rare skill early on: Fairy King Seal.
With this skill, as long as she cast a magic circle beneath her feet, all allied elves within it had their magic power greatly amplified.
Moreover, the magical energy they consumed converted into mental power, absorbed by Riveria.
In short, any elf standing in that circle both boosted their magic attacks and replenished Riveria's mana simultaneously.
Consequently…
Even without considering Alicia, leader of the Loki familia's "second echelon," Lv. 3 Lefiya alone, could double attack magic power. Standing in Riveria's circle would make it even stronger.
"Indeed, aside from myself, this is the most effective strategy against large-scale monster groups."
Currently, only Renjiro's team could consistently outperform the Elf Mage Unit in combat efficiency, able to fight nonstop without fatigue.
At that moment…
"Renjiro, Lumine, since the disaster in the Large Tree Labyrinth is so severe, our side (Loki familia) cannot just sit idly by."
Finn adopted a casual "hand on cheek" posture and said frankly:
"However, someone must stay behind at the base, and I assume the same applies to your side.
"In any case, we won't launch any expeditions in the near future. You can rest assured."
He glanced at Riveria, who immediately nodded and added:
"Renjiro, Lumine, due to the urgency, I'll depart for the Large Tree Labyrinth tomorrow morning.
"Do you want to accompany me?"
She didn't explicitly ask the Starry Twins to act together. She only assumed that with White and Black Knights, and the Gulliver Brothers there, it would be odd for Renjiro and Lumine to group with them.
In truth, Freya had long planned this, directing Renjiro to meet her (Ciel)'s friend.
Thus…
"We're fine with that."
Renjiro and Lumine exchanged a glance, nodding in agreement.
Renjiro smiled:
"Then we'll prepare our supplies before departing tomorrow."
"And we'll stop by the guild headquarters to pick up our commission."
Riveria nodded:
"Alright, tomorrow at 7 a.m., gather here at Twilight Manor. Be punctual."
"Got it!"
That night, cautious Renjiro spent most of his current savings. Using Freya's connections, he purchased a huge amount of supplies within Orario, on a legion-scale.
To avoid exposing information about Paimon, even stationed guild members were temporarily enlisted as transporters.
After hours of moving supplies into the headquarters…
The main goddess of the Ishtar Familia was startled. She assumed her rival was preparing for war.
But for Renjiro himself…
Visiting the guild to pick up related commissions was essential, a way to showcase his familia's strength and a fully legitimate source of income.
By the time Renjiro and Lumine made their first public appearance before many guild members, met deputy leader Goddess's Chariot Allen Fromel, and quietly collected all the new supplies under Otto's silent supervision…
It was already 4:00 a.m.
This time, the regular gacha rolls…
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Skyrider Greatsword| ☆☆☆
Leisurely Travel · Zhongli (Geo) | ☆☆☆☆☆
"Hot drops~"
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