Chapter 174: Growth and Confidence~
Even Goddess Freya couldn't just stand by and watch anymore...
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After a whole day of strolling through the streets, everyone's mood became cheerful, and at the same time, they looked forward to the upcoming expedition.
The sky was still veiled by a black curtain, and only at the far edge of the eastern horizon could a faint trace of daylight be seen.
In contrast, the other three directions were still shrouded in total darkness.
The hands of the wall-mounted clock, crafted with top-tier workmanship by elven master artisans, had already passed midnight, marking that the new day had long begun.
But… it was still quite some time before dawn.
Even for people like Fron and Ais, who usually rose very early, it was still much earlier than their usual training hour.
Yet today, the young man awoke full of energy.
He pulled open the curtains, gazed at the silent and majestic city, and took a deep breath.
Lowering his eyes slightly, he looked out toward the mansion's vast courtyard.
There, many other early risers like him were already busily at work under the glow of magic stone lamps.
Piles of supplies were being carried to designated spots, then sorted, tallied, packed into wooden crates, and properly secured by those in charge.
Though the loads were heavy, Fron could immediately tell that this time's supplies were much fewer than the last expedition's, mostly consisting of spare weapons and equipment.
"Because Hephaestus Familia's smiths are accompanying us, there's no need to prepare extra weapons? And… most of the funds must have gone into purchasing magic swords." Thought the young man as he looked.
"It seems this expedition really is important to everyone…"
Even to Fron himself.
A long-dormant fire of passion stirred within his body.
The refined and easygoing exterior could not fully conceal the restless yearning for the unknown deep within him.
"Let's get ready."
Casting a final deep look outside the window, Fron picked up his toiletries and went to the men's communal washroom to wash up seriously.
"Yo, morning, Fron!" It was Raul and Cruz.
"Mm, you guys are up this early too? I thought I was the only one." Fron mumbled through a mouthful of foam.
"Huh? What's that you're using? A new kind of toothbrush?"
"Mm, it's a new tool I found in the industrial district a few days ago, a magic stone toothbrush, very convenient. I bought a bunch to give to everyone, but I've been so busy I forgot about them."
"A magic stone toothbrush? Magic stone products have developed this far already? Guess we're behind the times!"
"Well, this is Orario, the center of the world. Isn't it natural that new inventions pop up every day?"
"True! This thing really is handy. Don't forget to give me one later!"
"Then you'll have to wait until we're back from the expedition!"
Fron washed up quickly, the whole process took less than fifteen minutes. After greeting the others, he hummed a little tune and returned to his room.
Once he tidied up his room, he walked to the desk, pressed a hidden mechanism, and descended the spiral staircase behind the bookshelf into his magic workshop.
On the workbench, neatly arranged, was all of Fron's gear. Each piece had been carefully maintained; aside from some fading, they were practically as good as new.
And he actually liked that worn look, it gave a sense of weight and depth.
His staff [Scholar's Argoon], the short sword [Shortsword No. 6], [Black Night Fa-III], and [Fire Spirit's Cloth].
Along with magic tools such as "Explosive Oil" and "Magic Tide Pen," plus the prepared magic swords [Lightning Cutter] and [Flame Lion], two each.
This was his full set of weapons for the expedition.
As for his waist pouch, leg pouch, and backpack, they were filled with maps, ropes, water flasks, various tools, and medicines.
For this expedition, Fron had poured all the money he earned from selling crafted equipment into his preparations.
Before him now was such a luxurious loadout that, if not for being self-forged, the four magic swords alone would have cost over a hundred million valis, far beyond what he could afford.
"Let's go!"
Donning his gear, strapping on his pack, and slinging his wrapped weapons and magic swords across his back, Fron adjusted his glasses and left his little workshop with a resolute spirit.
Before departing, he cast a reluctant glance at his room, then closed the door behind him.
It would be a long time before he saw it again.
As time passed, the faint streaks of dawn in the east gradually spread, pushing away the darkness and illuminating the sky.
At that moment, within Loki Familia's home base, nearly all of the main force had gathered in the dining hall.
Everyone ate their meal in silence and seriousness; even the lively Tiona refrained from chatter.
Fron thought: This feels like a ritual.
Every expedition was a true adventure. No one knew what might happen, or whether some comrades might remain in the dungeon forever. That was why today's breakfast felt so solemn.
Until everyone assembled in the courtyard.
"Everyone, the expedition begins again!"
"This time, we shall venture into uncharted floors and claim the glory that belongs to Loki Familia!"
…
"As planned, we'll divide into two teams!"
"I'll lead the main force in the first team."
"Gareth, you'll lead the second team and oversee Hephaestus's smiths."
"Got it, Finn."
"Then, gather your belongings and assemble at the Babel Tower's main gate in the central plaza!"
"Yes!"
With Finn's command, the Familia moved out in order, marching straight down North Street toward their destination, Babel Tower.
"Hey, Fron. You seem different this time compared to the last expedition, huh?"
Fron and Ais walked side by side in quiet understanding, neither saying much. But of course, the first to speak up was Tiona.
"Hmm? Different? I don't feel any different. Even my gear is mostly the same, just swapped out a weapon."
"That's not what I mean. I'm talking about the little things. For example… last time you wore a hood to hide yourself, but this time you're walking openly. Isn't that a change?"
Yes, indeed. From the smallest details, the difference was clear.
Walking beside Ais with a bright, sunny smile was a display of confidence.
Revealing himself proudly to Orario's adventurers and townsfolk was proof that he had earned a reputation worthy of admiration.
The man named Fron Argon had grown.
And that growth had made him into a renowned and respected adventurer.
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T/N: Bonus chapter for crossing 50 power stones; next one at 100.