Danmachi: Strongest Familia

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The team approaching was led by Finn, and Riveria also noticed some members of the Astraea and Ganesha Familias among them.

A coalition?

If they were here to rescue the adventurers who had perished on the 27th floor, something didn't add up.

This only suggested that the monsters in this area hadn't been disposed of by the Guild.

So where had the floor boss and other monsters gone?

Could it be that some mysterious hero had happened by and defeated the floor boss in a stroke of mercy?

Or maybe some lone powerhouse passed through on a grocery run and took care of the monsters in one hit?

"Riveria? What brings you here?" Finn asked, surprised to see a familiar face.

"We happened to be nearby while returning from our expedition. We also captured some members of the Dark Faction—they're in the City of Water on the 28th floor. Would you like to take a look?"

"That's excellent," Finn replied with a hint of weariness. "I was worried they might have scattered."

His smile was somewhat forced. From the beginning until now, he hadn't claimed much credit for any of it. Whether it was the Evil Gods or the Dark Faction adventurers, someone else always seemed to beat him to the punch.

How did Riveria and her group manage to be so lucky, stumbling upon these Dark Faction remnants on their way back? It was as if these people were just throwing themselves into a trap, delivered right to their doorstep without a fight!

They practically came with a bow on top. It was enough to bring him to tears.

If that kind of luck had fallen to him, he might actually have cried.

Riveria then led Finn and the others to the City of Water on the 28th floor, where they quickly located Valletta and her team.

Seeing Finn approach, Valletta seemed to realize something instantly.

Could it be that Finn had long since seen through their plans?

So he'd attacked their camp, only to come for them now!

"Finn, you're despicable!" Valletta shouted angrily. "From where I stand, you're nothing short of a devil! You didn't even try to save the people on the 27th floor! The moment you heard the news, you led these people to attack our God!"

Valletta's accusations weren't far off the mark. Finn had indeed deduced the intentions of Valletta's group back then.

Realizing the enemy's defenses would be weakened, Finn had chosen that moment to strike against the Dark Faction.

Knowing he couldn't get there in time to save the adventurers on the 27th floor, he'd made the tough call to abandon his allies and launch an attack on all known Dark Faction bases.

If he could pull off this plan to turn the tables, it would decisively shift the balance of power in favor of the Guild, potentially ending the Dark Faction's hold once and for all.

The only thing that didn't go according to plan was that the credit seemed to be slipping out of his hands—yet again.

When faced with Valletta's groundless accusations, Finn could only respond with an exasperated sigh.

This was just the rage of a defeated group, lashing out.

Besides, he couldn't let the Loki Familia's efforts go unnoticed. If the credit for the captives was gone, he had to ensure something came from all this.

Valletta's accusations were perfect; when he brought her back to the Guild, it would make it clear he'd taken decisive action.

Finn's ambition was to become a symbol of hope for the common adventurer. For him, reputation and achievements were essential!

He needed them more than anyone else.

"It seems a lot has happened in Orario while I was away," Riveria murmured with a sigh.

So much had transpired here, and she couldn't help but worry about her god's well-being.

As Finn and his group prepared to escort Valletta and the others back to Orario, Riveria decided to join them for the return trip.

There was nothing else for them to handle here, and following along made the journey easier.

Plus, she needed to return to the Guild to receive a reward for their efforts. They had taken down numerous Dark Faction members and saved Felvis, the lone survivor from the 27th floor and Captain of the Dionysus Familia.

Surely the Guild wouldn't let these achievements go unrewarded?

This expedition had yielded quite the bounty.

...

Back in Orario, Riveria handed the captives and Felvis over to the Guild officials.

She took care of the rest of the spoils from the expedition, trading the magic stone of the floor boss, Balor, along with other forging materials, for farlies at the Guild.

When the team returned to their Familia's quarters, everyone carried bags stuffed with farlies, the jingling sound of coins especially satisfying as they walked.

Their fellow adventurers watched with envy in their eyes.

"We're back!"

Pushing open the door to the Familia house, they expected to find it a bit disorganized after being vacant for so long.

But to their surprise, everything was neat and well-kept. The yard was immaculate, filled with bustling activity, and they could hear laughter from the doorway.

"This… is this our home?"

"What's going on? Did Sol-sama hire someone to clean up while we were gone?"

"I heard voices inside. Could Sol-sama have brought in new people while we were away?"

"Is it… perhaps a woman? That voice sounded like a woman's…"

The expedition members exchanged curious glances, whispering amongst themselves.

Riveria caught their words, particularly the mention of an "unknown woman," which piqued her curiosity.

No, Alfia was still here, so it couldn't be that someone had taken over their home.

Still, she hastened the unpacking. They stored their loot and farlies in the warehouse, and the rest of the team was dismissed.

Yet, sensing that something interesting might be going on, no one really wanted to leave.

Their fatigue seemed to vanish, replaced by a newfound energy, as they followed closely behind with eager, watchful eyes.

"Sol-sama! We're back!"

After a quick knock, Riveria pushed open the door and entered.