Just as Ronan expected, more and more parties gathered at the entrance of the floor passage as time passed.
He quickly scanned the area. The smaller parties only had two or three people, while the larger ones had five or six. Based on a rough estimate, more than thirty adventurers were already gathered there.
The crowd didn't stop growing. Just as Ronan was thinking to himself that there were barely enough people, another team slowly emerged from the thick white mist.
Their appearance immediately became the focus of the entire area.
Every gaze, including Ronan's group, turned toward that team at once.
"The Astraea Familia? Are they leading this Goliath hunt?"
Seeing Alise, Kaguya, Lyra, and Ryuu from the Astraea Familia, Ronan's worry vanished.
With the Astraea Familia joining the hunt, there was nothing to worry about. He could just relax and gain experience. No, he would listen to orders, help where needed, and learn from the team's leadership and combat experience.
Wasn't this much better than adventuring alone and risking his life out of stubbornness?
"Is it really the Astraea Familia? I didn't expect them to be the leaders..."
Behind Ronan, Lorie and the others had also noticed the four members of the Astraea Familia.
Jeanne looked a little surprised. She clearly hadn't expected things to turn out this way either.
Rose stood smiling next to Ronan. Her eyes fell on the energetic red-haired swordswoman nearby, and she spoke softly.
"If I remember correctly, you mentioned that Alise Lovell, Kaguya, Lyra, and Ryuu Lion are all Level 3. If they are the core of the hunt, our chances of success will be much higher if we join."
Ronan nodded slightly. He smiled under his hood.
"It seems we're lucky. Traveling through the Middle Floors with a large group will help us gain a lot of experience for future exploration. We can also learn from fighting stronger monsters. This is a rare opportunity."
While Ronan and the others spoke in low voices, the Astraea Familia team had just arrived. Because of their strong reputation, achievements, and strength in the city, they quickly took command of the mixed group.
"Good morning, everyone! I'm the beautiful Alise from the Astraea Familia! I'm Alise Lovell!"
Alise had a bright smile as she waved energetically at the gathered adventurers.
"Haha, hello, Captain Alise!"
"Yes, it's been a long time, Alise!"
"Kaguya, please look this way!"
"Kaguya, please look at me!"
"Lyra, please marry me!"
"Move! Lyra is mine! I'll fight you for her!"
"Wow, it's Ryuu!"
"It's Ryuu Lion! She really stands out!"
As the Astraea Familia members arrived, the group immediately broke into loud cheers and excitement.
Of course, because they were so popular, some strange behavior was unavoidable.
For example, a Pallum suddenly dropped to his knees in front of Lyra.
Or someone else rushed toward Kaguya too boldly, only to have a katana instantly held to his throat.
Ronan and his group watched this chaotic scene with stiff faces.
Especially Lorie and Aura. They watched as an Amazon woman, who was shouting about how pretty the blonde Elf was, was kicked away by an embarrassed and angry Ryuu. The Amazon still had a strange smile on her face as she flew through the air. Lorie and Aura froze.
"This... isn't this a bit too much? It's like people meeting gods..."
Jeanne couldn't help but whisper her complaint.
Ronan looked at her playfully and raised an eyebrow.
"Didn't you, our Holy Maiden who saved her country, experience similar support back then? How did it feel to be admired by crowds?"
"Stop talking!"
Jeanne glared at him fiercely. She blushed a little as she tried to stop him from bringing up the past.
"Oh, it sounds like I just heard some very interesting history."
Rose narrowed her eyes with a mischievous smile. She moved closer to Jeanne and whispered softly into her ear.
"Rose!"
Jeanne froze. Her face flushed red, and she struggled in embarrassment, trying to break free.
Seeing Jeanne's strong reaction, Rose's smile grew even brighter.
"Oh my, you're so embarrassed. Jeanne is just too cute, haha!"
"Aah! Stop saying that!"
Jeanne stomped her feet in embarrassment. She wanted to hide.
While their small scene continued, things moved forward with the Astraea Familia.
After Alise finished greeting everyone, Kaguya stepped forward with a calm expression. Her presence alone made the noisy crowd quiet down before she even spoke.
"I assume you all know who we are, so let's skip the pleasantries."
Kaguya's voice was clear and powerful, and her eyes swept across the area.
"For this Goliath hunt, please follow the plan exactly!" Her words were firm. After looking around, Kaguya smiled confidently. "As long as you follow orders and act properly..."
"Trust the Astraea Familia. We can win!"
"Of course we'll follow orders! If we hadn't heard the Astraea Familia was leading this, we wouldn't have come!" an adventurer shouted immediately.
As the first voice spoke up, adventurers from other parties also joined in. Their voices rose in support.
"Exactly. A Floor Boss hunt is no joke. You could lose your life if you aren't careful."
"Only the Astraea Familia can be trusted. We all know how the Dungeon is."
"Haha, with you here, we can feel safe!"
Ronan and his group silently watched this scene. As expected of the Astraea Familia, they easily won the trust and support of every adventurer.
Even Ronan's group found it hard to be an exception.
This was the power of reputation.
Although Ronan had a favorable impression of them because of his memories, he had to admit that as those memories and reality overlapped, these members of the Astraea Familia finally felt real to him.
"Then let's not waste time. Let's go!" Alise called out quickly as she waved. "Our goal is the Wall of Grief! We will assign specific tasks once we reach the room before it!"
After saying that, she led her party into the floor passage with quick, steady steps.
Ronan's group exchanged a look. Then, they quickly and steadily joined the moving crowd.