Chapter 16

A week had passed, and Shirou quickly adapted to the rhythm of life as an adventurer in Orario. With Lefiya's supervision, he managed to explore the Dungeon up to the 4th floor—an early level but still challenging. Lefiya watched his every move, carefully observing how Shirou handled each situation.

Surprisingly, Shirou was able to defeat all the monsters they encountered without much difficulty. Goblins, kobolds, and even the larger, more aggressive wolves on the 4th floor were all taken down by Shirou with impressive efficiency. Despite being a rookie adventurer at Level 1, he displayed exceptional combat skills and strategy. His arrows always hit their mark, his movements were agile and calculated, and his instincts in facing monsters were sharp.

Lefiya, tasked with supervising Shirou in the dungeon, grew increasingly amazed by his abilities. "It's strange," she thought. "Shirou doesn't seem to need any help from me. It's as if he's been doing this his entire life."

What puzzled Lefiya even more was the fact that Shirou had not relied on the blessing of the goddess Loki. His status hadn't been updated since he first received it, meaning his current strength was purely from his innate human abilities, without any enhancements from Falna.

Each time they completed a floor, Lefiya tried to offer her assistance, but Shirou always managed to overcome all the challenges on his own. "You must have done this before, Shirou," Lefiya commented on the seventh day they were together.

Shirou simply gave a faint smile and nodded. "You could say that. I've faced things more difficult than this. But here, I feel something different... I want to prove that I can do it with my own strength."

Lefiya smiled at Shirou's words. "That's a good thing, but don't push yourself too hard. There's still a lot you can learn in this dungeon, especially on the deeper floors."

Shirou nodded in agreement but felt a slight relief in his heart. Although he didn't want to show too much of his strength, he was also aware that there was a limit to how much he could rely on his abilities without the goddess Loki's blessing. For now, however, he felt confident enough to continue his exploration without having to rely directly on the divine power of the goddess Loki.

As they prepared to return to the surface, Lefiya became increasingly impressed with Shirou. Though he had not yet reached a high level, his determination and innate abilities hinted at the great potential within him. And for Shirou, each day in this dungeon was an opportunity to better understand his limits in this world full of wonders.

After exchanging the drop items from the monsters they defeated at the guild, Shirou and Lefiya returned to Twilight Manor. As they entered the main hall, the atmosphere was more lively than usual. Many members of the Loki Familia were gathered, speaking with high spirits. Shirou noticed Finn, the Familia's leader, standing in the center of the room with Riveria, Gareth, and several other high-level members.

Finn raised his hand, calling for everyone's attention. "Listen up, everyone! The next grand expedition will start next week. Our goal this time is to explore deeper floors, reaching areas we've never been to before," Finn announced in a voice that was loud yet full of authority. "Prepare your gear, ensure your physical condition is optimal, and make sure to double-check all your preparations!"

Cheers greeted Finn's announcement, especially from high-level adventurers like Aiz, Bete, Tiona, and Tione. They seemed very excited about this expedition. Shirou, standing next to Lefiya, listened attentively. He realized how important this moment was for the Loki Familia.

However, Finn continued more seriously, "And for those who are still at a low level, including newcomers like Shirou, this expedition is not something you can participate in. The floors we will be exploring are much deeper and more dangerous. Level 1 will not be enough to face what we'll encounter down there."

Shirou nodded, understanding the situation. Although he felt disappointed that he couldn't join this grand expedition, he also knew that at this time, his level and experience weren't sufficient to face the challenges in the lower floors of the dungeon.

Lefiya, standing beside him, patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, Shirou. This is normal. Expeditions like this aren't for beginners. There's plenty of time for you to grow and strengthen yourself. You can learn a lot from training on the surface or in the early floors."

Shirou gave a small smile. "I understand. I'll keep training and improving myself. One day, I also want to join an expedition like this."

Lefiya smiled encouragingly. "That's the right spirit! We've all been in the same position as you. So, never give up!"

Although Shirou couldn't join the expedition this time, he felt more motivated to strengthen himself. He knew there was a lot he needed to learn and improve before he could face the dangers of the deeper dungeon alongside the other members of the Familia. For now, he would focus on his training and preparation, while waiting for the next opportunity to prove himself.

That night, Shirou sat alone on the balcony of the upper floor of Twilight Manor, gazing at the full moon shining brightly in the night sky. The night air was cool, and a gentle breeze blew, carrying the scent of blooming flowers from the garden below. Shirou held a cup of warm tea in his hand, inhaling the calming aroma of the tea. He recalled moments from his childhood with Kiritsugu, sitting in the backyard and enjoying the night under the same full moon.

After a while, light footsteps were heard behind him. Shirou turned and saw Riveria, who was dressed casually tonight but still looked graceful in a long, flowing robe. Her long green hair was left loose, giving a peaceful and dignified impression.

"May I join you?" Riveria asked with a small smile on her face.

"Of course, please," Shirou replied, smiling and inviting Riveria to sit beside him. "Would you like some tea? I just brewed it."

Riveria nodded. "Thank you, I'm very fond of tea," she said as she accepted the cup of tea Shirou offered. She inhaled the tea's aroma with great interest before sipping it slowly. "This is good tea. You have quite a skill for making tea, Shirou," she commented, smiling warmly.

They sat in silence for a moment, enjoying the tranquility of the night. The moonlight gently illuminated the balcony, creating a soothing and calming atmosphere. Shirou stared at the full moon, lost in thought, before Riveria finally broke the silence.

"Are you feeling a little down because you can't join the expedition?" Riveria asked, staring straight ahead.

Shirou was silent for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, a little. But I know I'm still too weak to participate. I'm not ready," he said honestly.

Riveria gave a slight smile and gently patted Shirou's shoulder. "There's nothing wrong with that, Shirou. Every adventurer starts from the bottom, and levels don't increase overnight. What matters is that you keep working hard and don't give up. Even if you're left behind this time, it doesn't mean you're not valuable. You have great potential."

Shirou gave a small smile, feeling touched by Riveria's words. "Thank you, Riveria. I'll try not to lose heart and keep training," he said with renewed determination.

Riveria looked at Shirou with a gentle yet firm gaze. "And remember, one day, when you level up, you can join the expedition as a supporter. Everyone has their role in the dungeon. Maybe you're not ready as a front-line fighter, but you can support the team with your other abilities."

Shirou nodded, feeling more optimistic. "I'll prepare myself as best as I can. And when the opportunity comes, I want to be someone who can be relied upon."

Riveria smiled, taking another sip of the tea Shirou made. "I'm sure you can do it. Don't rush. Enjoy the process, and become stronger over time. Everyone in the Loki Familia will support you."

The night continued to pass, with a soothing silence. Shirou and Riveria remained there, enjoying tea and the full moon, bonded in a pleasant silence and mutual understanding, savoring a simple yet meaningful moment of togetherness.

After spending enough time enjoying the calm night with Riveria, Shirou finally decided to say goodnight. "Thank you, Riveria, for this conversation. I really appreciate it," Shirou said as he stood up.

Riveria smiled warmly. "You're welcome, Shirou. Remember, we're always here for you."

Shirou nodded and walked to his room. Upon reaching his room's door, he was surprised to see Lefiya already waiting there, her face looking a bit anxious. "Lefiya? What are you doing here?" Shirou asked, puzzled.

Lefiya bit her lip for a moment before finally speaking. "I wanted to apologize, Shirou... for not being able to accompany you during the expedition. I know you're still new, and I feel responsible as your mentor. But because I have to join the expedition, I won't be here to help you."

Shirou smiled reassuringly. "It's okay, Lefiya. I understand. This is an important mission for the Loki Familia, and you also have an important role there."

Lefiya nodded, still looking worried. "But... I want you to be careful when exploring the dungeon while we're away. Please don't try going beyond the 4th floor before I get back. The danger increases sharply, and I don't want anything bad to happen to you."

Shirou noticed how serious Lefiya was, and he responded gently, "I understand. I won't take unnecessary risks. I'll stay on the safe floors until you return, Lefiya."

Lefiya seemed relieved to hear Shirou's promise. "Thank you, Shirou. I'll be back as soon as I can, so please take care of yourself, okay?"

Shirou nodded with a warm smile. "I'll be fine. Don't worry about me, just focus on your expedition."

Lefiya smiled, reassured, and said, "Alright, see you soon. I hope your dungeon training goes well."

After their farewell, Shirou entered his room, closing the door with a slightly lighter heart. He knew he needed to be cautious while the Loki Familia was on their expedition, but he also felt more motivated to keep training and prove his worth among them.

At dawn, with the soft light enveloping Twilight Manor, Shirou woke up earlier than usual. He headed to the quiet kitchen and began preparing breakfast for the Loki Familia members who would leave for the expedition today. He knew that adventurers needed a good meal before facing the great challenges of the dungeon, so he decided to make a warm and filling dish.

Skillfully, Shirou chopped vegetables, toasted bread, and cooked meat with simple yet delicious spices. The aroma of the food began to fill the kitchen and spread throughout the room. One by one, the members of the Familia started arriving, drawn by the enticing smell.

Aiz was one of the first to arrive. She approached the dining table with a slightly sad expression, her eyes landing on Shirou, who was busy in the kitchen. "You really woke up early for this, Shirou," she said softly.

Shirou smiled at her. "I just wanted to make sure you all had a good meal before heading out. It might be the last time I can cook for you before the expedition."

Aiz nodded quietly, taking one of the plates Shirou had prepared. As she took a bite of her food, a soft smile appeared on her face. "The food is as delicious as always, Shirou. I'm going to miss this."

Other members of the Loki Familia began gathering around the dining table, following Aiz's example. They nodded in agreement, some of them smiling. "Yeah, you're right, Aiz. We're going to miss Shirou's cooking," said Tiona as she took a bite of rice.

Tione, in a teasing tone, added, "I agree. Maybe we should ask Loki to recruit a special chef since Shirou won't be cooking for us during the expedition."

Even Bete, who was usually more cynical, nodded in agreement. "At least we won't have to eat boring food this time."

Finn, the leader of the Familia, gave a small smile while enjoying his breakfast. "Thank you, Shirou. This is just the boost we needed before heading out."

Shirou smiled warmly, happy to help in this small way. "Take care out there, everyone. I'll be waiting for you all to return safely."

As the Familia members began preparing to leave, Aiz looked at Shirou once more with a determined expression. "Thank you, Shirou. We'll be back as soon as we can."

Shirou nodded. "I believe in all of you. I hope your expedition is a success."

With high spirits and determination, the members of the Loki Familia set off, leaving Shirou behind, waving with a hopeful smile, though his heart felt a little empty knowing they would be gone for a long time.

As the sun rose higher, Shirou began his own adventure, filled with determination even though the members of the Loki Familia had departed for their expedition. With careful preparation and a strong resolve, Shirou entered the dungeon, ready to face the challenges waiting for him in the depths he had yet to explore.

As usual, he quickly reached the 4th floor without much difficulty. Once there, Shirou decided to do something a bit different. He searched for a large crevice in the stone to hide his valuable gear. After finding the right spot and marking it, he stashed away unnecessary equipment and weapons to ensure he wouldn't burden himself with items he didn't need as he continued deeper to the 5th floor.

Then, Shirou decided to use his Projection ability to create a replica of the mask and cloak of Hassan ibn Sabbah. Wearing this disguise, he hoped to conceal his identity from any monsters or adventurers who might be in the dungeon. Though he felt a little uneasy about doing this, he believed it would help him explore deeper without drawing attention.

As Shirou moved on to the 5th floor, he felt a bit anxious. He knew he was breaking Lefiya's orders not to go beyond the 4th floor alone. Nevertheless, the desire to explore and prove his abilities drove him to push forward.

On the 5th floor, stronger monsters began to appear, but with his sharpened archery skills, Shirou was able to deal with them efficiently. He proceeded cautiously, using his mask and cloak to stay under the radar. Despite the lingering guilt, Shirou felt a sense of satisfaction from overcoming these challenges and pressing on.

Whenever he found a safe place to rest, he took notes about what he had encountered and learned. He wasn't just focused on fighting, but also on observing the monster patterns and the deeper structure of the dungeon. Shirou knew this knowledge would be invaluable for future adventures.

As night fell and Shirou grew tired after exploring the 5th floor, he decided to rest for a while and plan his next steps. He prayed for Lefiya and the members of the Loki Familia to return safely from their expedition, and he hoped to one day show them the results of his hard work and learn from this experience.

Shirou continued his exploration on the 5th floor with heightened caution. The atmosphere became more tense as he encountered stronger monsters than before. One particular type of monster that caught his attention was the War Shadows, notorious creatures known by the nickname "Newbie Killers."

War Shadows were dangerous, possessing exceptional strength and speed. Shirou quickly realized that his arrows were not effective against them, and he knew that ordinary tactics wouldn't work. Faced with this challenge, Shirou decided to change his strategy.

Swiftly, he activated his ability and uttered the incantation, "Trace On." In an instant, a pair of swords—Kanshou and Bakuya—materialized in his hands. These swords, known for their speed and sharpness, glowed with a cold light as he wielded them.

Shirou focused his attention on the War Shadows, who were trying to surround him. With rapid and precise movements, he began slicing through the monsters one by one. Kanshou and Bakuya proved highly effective, cutting down the enemies with ease and reducing the threat level quickly.

While he moved with impressive speed, Shirou remained cautious, always ensuring he kept a safe distance and never allowed himself to be overwhelmed. His archery skills, often relied upon before, were now replaced by deadly close-combat techniques.

Once all the War Shadows were defeated, Shirou felt relieved yet remained vigilant. He knew that although he had triumphed over these powerful foes, many more challenges awaited him deeper within the dungeon. He took the opportunity to gather Magic Stones from the fallen monsters and check his gear and supplies.

With renewed confidence and an increasing sense of self-assurance, Shirou continued his exploration of the 5th floor, determined to face whatever lay ahead and learn as much as he could from the experience.

Shirou returned to Twilight Manor with a sense of relief and satisfaction after successfully overcoming the challenges of the 5th floor. Kanshou and Bakuya had proven highly effective against the monsters, allowing Shirou to collect a larger number of Magic Stones than usual.

However, he realized the consequences of breaking Lefiya's orders by going beyond the designated floor. If he exchanged the Magic Stones at the Guild without Lefiya, the staff might suspect that he had ventured deeper into the dungeon on his own, disobeying orders. Carefully, Shirou decided to store the Magic Stones for the time being.

Back in his room, Shirou quickly hid his loot in a desk drawer. He made sure to cover the Magic Stones with a few books and clothes, ensuring they wouldn't attract attention if someone searched his room.

Afterward, Shirou sat down, reflecting on his actions. While he felt guilty for disobeying Lefiya's orders, he also felt proud of his own capabilities, which had proven sufficient for surviving on the 5th floor. Still, he knew this was only the beginning, and the challenges in the dungeon would grow more difficult with time. Determined to grow stronger, Shirou vowed to contribute more to the Loki Familia in the future.

Deciding not to take any further risks, Shirou planned to wait until Lefiya returned before exchanging the Magic Stones at the Guild. Until then, he would continue training and honing his skills in the dungeon without drawing unnecessary attention.

Loki knocked on Shirou's door with her usual casual style, and Shirou opened it with a faint smile, trying to stay calm. Loki looked Shirou over from head to toe, ensuring he was in good shape. There were no obvious injuries or signs of exhaustion, and Loki seemed satisfied with what she saw.

"Hey, newbie, you doing okay? How was the dungeon today? You stayed on the 4th floor, right?" Loki asked playfully, though her sharp eyes seemed to be searching for any small hints of dishonesty.

Shirou knew that lying to a goddess wasn't a good idea. But he also realized that telling the full truth might not be the best option either. He decided to give a half-truth. "Yeah, I'm fine, Loki-sama. I stayed on the 4th floor, trying to memorize the terrain and monsters there... just like Lefiya suggested."

Loki smiled widely, seemingly pleased with Shirou's answer. "Good, good! That's what you should be doing. Don't rush things, there's no point in being reckless in the dungeon. Just because you're new doesn't mean you have to prove yourself in one night."

Shirou nodded, feeling a moment of relief. While he knew Loki might be more perceptive than she let on, it seemed the goddess hadn't yet realized that he had ventured to the 5th floor. Loki continued with some lighthearted conversation, joking about the ongoing expedition and how some of the Familia members would definitely miss Shirou's cooking.

After a while, Loki bid farewell, reminding Shirou to rest well and not overexert himself. Shirou closed the door after she left, his heartbeat slightly faster. He knew he had to be more careful in the future—playing with the truth in front of a goddess could be a dangerous game.

The next day, Shirou decided not to venture into the dungeon. Instead, he began working on a project he had been planning for the past few days—transforming an old, unused shed in the corner of Twilight Manor's garden into a magus workshop. The shed looked dilapidated, with a nearly collapsed roof and dust accumulated in every corner. However, Shirou saw its potential as the perfect place for discreet magecraft training.

Before starting, Shirou made sure to ask for permission from Loki. Loki simply waved her hand with a laid-back attitude and said, "Ah, just take the shed. No one's using it. I don't care what you do there, as long as you don't burn the manor down!" Shirou smiled and nodded, thanking Loki for her approval.

Shirou then spent several hours cleaning the shed, sweeping away cobwebs and discarding old, unused items. Afterward, he began setting up the basics—magic circles, ritual tools, and magecraft materials he had managed to gather. The shed, though simple, started to resemble a proper workshop fit for a magus.

To maintain privacy and security, Shirou decided to set up a simple bounded field around the shed. This field would detect anyone approaching and alert him if someone tried to peek or enter without permission. Though the field wasn't particularly powerful, it was sufficient to provide early warnings.

As he completed the setup of the bounded field, Shirou felt a sense of peace he hadn't experienced in a while. Despite being in a foreign world, having this workshop made him feel a bit more at home—a place where he could return to his roots as a magus.

"Trace, on," Shirou intoned the mantra calmly yet firmly. A blue glow began to radiate from his left hand as he initiated the process to project a Magic Sword.

He felt the flow of prana rush through his body, surging into his outstretched hand. With his mind's eye, Shirou visualized the first sword—a magic blade capable of unleashing a large fireball when swung. In an instant, the sword appeared in his hand, complete with the magical aura emanating from its blade. Shirou could feel the sword drawing a significant amount of prana from his body, as if the magical energy within him was being drained by the object.

Undeterred, Shirou continued with the second, third, and more swords. Each sword had unique characteristics: one emitted freezing ice blasts, another generated crackling lightning strikes, and yet another created shockwaves that could knock down enemies in the vicinity. With each projection, Shirou felt the prana in his body gradually depleting.

By the time he projected the fourth sword, Shirou began to feel fatigued. His heartbeat quickened, and cold sweat beaded on his forehead. However, his resolve remained unshaken. With labored breaths, he visualized the fifth sword, a more complex magic sword adorned with intricate engravings along the blade, signifying a higher level of craftsmanship.

As the fifth sword materialized, Shirou realized his body was nearly drained of prana. Every passing second felt heavier, and each movement sapped the last reserves of his energy. He stood in the middle of his workshop, surrounded by five glowing magic swords, feeling the remaining prana flow out of his body.

"As I suspected," Shirou thought, taking a deep breath, "the higher the craftsman's skill, the more prana required to replicate their magic swords."

Though he succeeded in projecting the five swords, Shirou was now almost entirely out of prana. He looked at the swords with a mixture of pride and caution. He knew his limits and recognized that, while this was a significant achievement, repeating this process too often could be dangerous.

Slowly, Shirou lowered his hands, allowing his body to rest as his prana began to recover gradually. At least he had proven that his ability to replicate magic swords in this world remained intact—the only cost being the much larger consumption of prana.

Shirou opened a small bottle filled with a shimmering blue liquid. The potion felt cool in his hand. Without hesitation, he drank it. A sharp, slightly bitter taste spread across his tongue, but the effects were almost immediate. He felt a fresh flow of prana surge through his magic circuits, like a wave of warmth enveloping his entire body.

"This… is incredible," Shirou thought, feeling the relief wash through him from his fingertips to the rest of his body. He could feel his magic circuits recharging rapidly, far faster than anything he had experienced before. In his world, recovering prana this quickly would take hours of meditation or complex rituals—now, just drinking a potion did the trick in seconds.

Shirou gave a bittersweet smile. "If magi from my world knew about this, they'd be willing to do anything—perhaps even kill—for a potion like this," he mused. The world of mages he came from was filled with fierce and often bloody competition for stronger and rarer magical resources.

This potion, while seemingly simple to adventurers in Orario, was an invaluable miracle to a magus. He briefly imagined how magi from the Clock Tower or even the Einzbern family would react if they discovered a way to instantly replenish prana. Their ambition and ruthlessness could turn this world into a new battleground.

"How ironic," Shirou smiled faintly, "that in this place, such an item is cheap and can be bought from a regular shop." He felt deep gratitude for being in a world that offered new ways to survive—but also a sense of caution, knowing he couldn't become too reliant on such items.

After a moment, Shirou stood tall again, feeling ready to resume his training or perhaps experiment further with more magic swords. "This potion is truly a valuable asset," he murmured. He glanced around at his small workshop, thinking of how best to utilize his time and prana moving forward.

Shirou stealthily moved through the dark corridors of the 5th floor of the Dungeon, cloaked in the Assassin's robe and mask to conceal his identity. His footsteps were nearly silent, only the faint sound of his breath audible in the damp air. He knew the lair of the killer ants was just ahead.

When he finally arrived, he saw the bustling activity of the monsters—large killer ants with sharp mandibles gleaming in the darkness. They posed a serious threat to beginner adventurers, especially due to their sudden and overwhelming group attacks.

Shirou took his position and summoned the first magic sword he wanted to test: a sword that glowed with a warm red hue, signifying its fire element. This sword, the work of a skilled blacksmith from Hephaestus Familia at level 3, looked both beautiful and deadly. Shirou could feel the prana coursing through the sword, like molten lava ready to be unleashed.

"Alright, let's see how strong you are," Shirou muttered, gripping the sword tightly. He swung it toward the killer ant nest, activating its magical power.

In an instant, a massive burst of fire erupted from the sword, like a fiery dragon devouring the air. The flames quickly spread throughout the nest, engulfing everything in their path. Shirou stepped back, shielding himself from the intense heat.

The killer ants had no time to react. The fire was too fast, too powerful. Shirou watched in awe as the flames consumed the nest, incinerating the killer ants to ashes in mere seconds. Their dying screams were brief before being drowned out by the roaring inferno.

"This… is clearly overkill," Shirou muttered, slightly surprised by the result. "I only wanted to test the sword, but the outcome far exceeded my expectations."

The fire soon died out after exhausting its fuel, leaving behind an empty nest and charred dungeon walls. Shirou observed the remaining magical particles evaporating from the sword, signaling that the weapon had reached its limit and would soon disappear. He watched as the sword slowly dissolved into light particles before vanishing entirely.

He sighed. "This is just one of many magic swords I now possess… If this one is already this strong, what could the more powerful swords do?"

Still, he knew that such great power came with risk. Using a magic sword with effects that were too flashy could attract unwanted attention. He would need to be more cautious moving forward.

With a slight smile hidden behind his mask, Shirou turned and began heading to another part of the 5th floor. There was still much he wanted to test, and the Dungeon was the perfect place for it.

Shirou, still disguised in the Assassin's cloak and mask, continued deeper into the Dungeon. Unconsciously, he had used the remaining four magic swords he had projected earlier. Each time a monster appeared, Shirou swiftly activated the power of the magic sword, annihilating them with a single devastating strike.

As Shirou ventured further, he found himself reaching the 6th and then the 7th floors, not realizing that he had crossed the boundary Lefiya had set. Each swing of his magic swords resulted in spectacular displays: icy blasts freezing monsters in an instant, lightning bolts stunning them, and sharp energy waves slicing them in half. Monsters like War Shadows, Frog Shooters, and Imps stood no chance, being obliterated under Shirou's overwhelming power.

Over time, Shirou became so engrossed in the battles and testing his magic swords that he didn't realize he had used up all four of the remaining swords in a short span. After each magic sword was used, Shirou watched as they evaporated into light particles, like shooting stars fading away in the grim atmosphere of the Dungeon.

By the time he reached the 7th floor, he paused to catch his breath, realizing just how far he had come. Shirou noticed that his final magic sword had dissolved into light particles, leaving him without any more swords to use.

"I've… gone too far," he thought. Shirou's eyes widened as he realized his grave mistake. He had broken his promise to Lefiya not to go beyond the 4th floor, and now he was on the 7th floor, much deeper than he had intended. Shirou also realized that he had exhausted all of the magic swords he had projected, leaving him without additional protection beyond his original skills.

"I shouldn't have done that," he whispered, a hint of worry in his voice.

However, Shirou also felt adrenaline coursing through his veins. He had come this far, and even though he knew there would be consequences, he couldn't turn back now.

"I'd better head back to the upper floors before anyone realizes I've been down here," he thought. But before he could move, a distant rumbling sound caught his attention. It was like the heavy footsteps of a large group of monsters, growing closer with every second.

Shirou knew he would have to face one final challenge before he could retreat safely. He sighed, readying himself for whatever might emerge ahead.

As the rumbling grew louder, Shirou saw a group of Frog Shooters—large, frog-like monsters with bulging eyes and wide mouths capable of firing poisonous projectiles from a distance. They approached in a large pack, their eyes glowing red in the darkness of the 7th floor. Shirou immediately understood that his advantage lay in maintaining distance.

"Trace on," he whispered softly. Instantly, Shirou projected a large black bow, one commonly used by Archer, sturdy and elegant in structure. He also projected arrows that were all too familiar to him—designed to pierce through enemies with immense force.

Shirou quickly drew the bowstring, feeling the magical energy flow from the projection into his hands. Calm and focused, he aimed and released the first arrow. It whistled through the air, embedding itself in the head of one of the Frog Shooters, killing it instantly. The monster dropped to the ground with a heavy thud as the others became aware of the distant danger.

Shirou kept moving, maintaining a safe distance from the monsters. With each step, he loosed arrow after arrow, each one striking true. Every shot hit its target, piercing through heads, bodies, or limbs of the Frog Shooters, leaving them powerless and quickly destroyed. Some of them tried to get closer, firing their poisonous projectiles, but Shirou agilely dodged their attacks, always keeping himself just out of their range.

In time, the number of Frog Shooters dwindled until Shirou had eliminated them all. Breathing steadily, his sharp eyes scanned the area, ensuring no more monsters were approaching.

Satisfied the area was safe, Shirou quickly gathered the dropped items left behind by the Frog Shooters—magic stones of small to medium size, as well as some monster materials that could fetch a high price on the market. He placed them all in a cloth bag he carried, noting that today's haul was far better than he had anticipated.

With the bag growing heavier from the dropped items, Shirou decided to return to the surface before the situation became more dangerous. "That's enough for today," he thought with a faint smile, pleased with his accomplishments, though slightly anxious about the potential consequences of his actions.

After ensuring all the dropped items and magic stones were securely collected, Shirou quickly made his way back up to the 4th floor. Upon reaching it, he immediately sought out a hidden spot where he could return to his true self without being seen by other adventurers.

Behind one of the large stone pillars, Shirou stood still and took a deep breath. With full concentration, he silently chanted, "Trace off." The Assassin mask and cloak that had been concealing his body began to fade, dissolving into shimmering magical particles that disappeared into the air, leaving Shirou in the simple clothes he had been wearing before.

Once back to his original form, Shirou moved toward the crevice in the stone he had marked earlier. Carefully, he retrieved the standard equipment he had hidden there, putting it on piece by piece to ensure nothing looked suspicious. His bow, arrows, quiver, and backup dagger were all neatly strapped to his body.

With his equipment now appearing normal and without any signs of suspicious activity, Shirou breathed a sigh of relief. His heartbeat slowed, and he felt calm once more. "I need to be more careful," he thought as he stepped out of his hiding place. With steady steps, Shirou began making his way back toward the staircase leading to the surface, ensuring that each step did not attract unwanted attention.

Shirou hoped that all his actions today would remain unnoticed by others, especially Lefiya and Loki, who had placed their trust in him.

Once back in his room, Shirou carefully stored the dungeon drop items in the drawer of his bed. Feeling both relieved and exhausted, he noticed that night had fallen, and the usually bustling manor was unusually quiet without Loki, who was out drinking.

Deciding to make use of the quiet, Shirou opted to rest. He sat on the edge of the bed, reflecting for a moment on his days in Orario and the various challenges he had recently faced. His thoughts drifted to his encounters with members of the Loki Familia and how he had ventured deeper into the dungeon using his diverse collection of magic swords.

Shirou sighed deeply, realizing he was beginning to understand this world better, even though there was still much to learn. He felt satisfied with today's achievements, but he also knew he had to remain cautious and not forget Lefiya's warnings about the dungeon's dangers.

After organizing his gear and putting away unnecessary items, Shirou lay down on his bed. He thought about his plans moving forward, including how he would continue his training while keeping his identity safe.

Finally, Shirou closed his eyes, trying to release all the tension and worries before drifting into a peaceful sleep.

The next morning, Shirou encountered Loki, who still appeared a little hungover from her night of drinking. Loki, sitting lazily with an empty glass in hand, responded sluggishly to Shirou's questions.

"Eh, the expedition usually takes about a month," Loki croaked, "You know, exploring the deeper parts of the dungeon takes time. Plus, we have to be careful."

Shirou nodded, understanding that during this time, he would be on his own in the dungeon without Lefiya or the other members of the Loki Familia. However, he also saw this as an opportunity to further hone his skills and perhaps find ways to adapt more fully to his new world.

Armed with this information, Shirou decided to continue his preparations and return to his daily routine while anticipating the Familia's return and the new experiences he would face during their expedition.

Shirou walked to his workshop, determined to test an idea that had suddenly occurred to him. After entering the small room he had outfitted with various tools, he began projecting one of the magic swords he had copied from Hephaestus Familia's shop.

With the magic sword glowing in his hand, Shirou attempted to imagine firing the sword using the large black bow wielded by Archer, the weapon he commonly used for unleashing magical arrows. However, as soon as he drew the bowstring, he immediately sensed something was wrong.

The magic sword lacked the aerodynamic shape needed and felt too heavy and unbalanced when placed on the bow. Shirou tried several times to imagine a scenario where the magic sword could be fired perfectly, but in reality, the sword was too bulky and unsuitable for his archery technique. Each time he pulled the bowstring, the feeling of discomfort grew stronger, and Shirou realized that this idea wouldn't work.

"I'm forcing something that doesn't fit," Shirou muttered, sighing. He released the bowstring and allowed the magic sword to dissipate into magical particles.

Although he failed in his experiment, Shirou saw it as a valuable lesson. He understood that not all concepts could be combined seamlessly, and sometimes, special modifications were needed to make something work perfectly. With this in mind, he decided to return to the basics and consider other ways to maximize the use of the magic swords he had copied.

Shirou paused for a moment, recalling how Archer, his future self, used techniques that were highly unconventional for a magus. One of the most impressive techniques he had witnessed was how Archer transformed the large sword of Fergus mac Róich, Caladbolg, into a high-powered projectile that could be fired from his bow. The technique was known as Caladbolg II, a modified version of the original sword that had a spiral form and deadly speed.

The process of transforming a large sword into a projectile was called Alteration, a magecraft technique where Shirou or Archer could alter or modify the form and properties of a projected object to suit their needs. In the case of Caladbolg II, Archer not only altered the sword's shape to make it more aerodynamic, but also enhanced its destructive power by turning it into a rapidly spinning projectile, obliterating everything in its path.

Inspired by this memory, Shirou began considering the possibility of applying Alteration to the magic swords he had projected earlier. If he could reshape the magic swords to be slimmer and more suited for use with a bow, he might be able to fire them like Caladbolg II.

"Trace on," Shirou whispered calmly, focusing his concentration on the Alteration technique. He felt the prana flowing through his body, reshaping the structure and form of the magic sword in his hand. Slowly, the sword, once large and unwieldy, began to change shape, becoming longer and thinner, with a sharp, aerodynamic point, like a giant arrow ready to be loosed from a bow.

Carefully, Shirou placed the altered magic sword onto Archer's large black bow. This time, it felt more comfortable and balanced. The sword now seemed far more suitable for firing, and Shirou could sense that its destructive power had remained intact, perhaps even increased due to its new form.

Shirou took a deep breath, focusing his mind, and steadily drew the bowstring. As he released it, the projectile shot forward at an incredible speed, leaving a trail of light as it streaked through the air. Shirou smiled with satisfaction, realizing that the Alteration technique could become one of his most powerful assets in the more dangerous dungeon battles.

"This could be really useful," Shirou thought, as he prepared further plans to explore deeper floors.

For over a week, Shirou locked himself inside the small workshop he had built in the corner of Twilight Manor. With strong determination, he focused on honing his ability to use Alteration to transform a dozen magic swords into their ideal forms as projectiles. Every day, Shirou practiced this technique, paying attention to every small change in the structure of the swords he projected. He ensured that each altered magic sword not only had the right aerodynamic shape but also retained its magical power when fired.

Time seemed to fly by quickly. Shirou often became so focused that he lost track of time, only realizing it when exhaustion overtook his body, forcing him to fall asleep in the cold, hard corner of the workshop. Several times, he woke up with soreness in his back and neck, but he ignored the discomfort. He simply continued his training and refining the magic swords, striving for perfection in every step.

Occasionally, he would stop to drink the remaining mana potions, feeling the flow of prana replenish his body, then return to his work. Shirou noticed his magecraft skills gradually becoming sharper, and he began altering the magic swords faster and with more precision than when he first started.

During this period, Shirou hardly left the workshop. He didn't go to the dungeon, nor did he interact with anyone, completely immersing himself in his training. Sometimes, when he was extremely tired, he would fall asleep on the workshop floor, surrounded by scattered magic sword equipment. Even though his body was worn out, his mind stayed focused on his task.

Day by day, his efforts began to show. The magic swords he had modified now had the perfect shape for projectiles, with much better balance and aerodynamics compared to his initial attempts. Shirou felt pleased with this progress, but he knew it was only the beginning of his preparations. While he was happy with the improvements, he also understood that the true test would come when he used these weapons in the more dangerous dungeons.

After more than a week, Shirou finally felt that he had reached the point where the weapons were ready to be tested. With a sense of relief, he decided to rest for a moment, leaning back in the wooden chair in the workshop, savoring the quiet after a long stretch of hard work. "The next step is to test all of this," he thought as he stared at the workshop ceiling, allowing his eyes to close for a moment before he resumed planning his next moves.

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