Emerging Threats and New Alliances

The following day brought a mix of relief and determination as Neze and Iska had finally recovered from their injuries.

All the members of the Astraea Familia gathered in the main room, eager to hear Neze and Iska's account of the shocking events that unfolded in the Market District's alleyway.

Approaching them with a caring smile, Alise's concern was evident in her eyes. "Neze, Iska, are you both feeling well enough to tell us what happened?"

Neze, her werewolf features softened with exhaustion, nodded. "Yes, Captain. We're feeling much better now."

Iska, the stalwart amazoness, added, "We'll do our best to remember everything."

With all eyes on them, Neze and Iska began recounting the harrowing encounter. They described being ambushed by a group of mysterious assailants dressed in white robes, their identities obscured by shadows. The attackers were swift and coordinated, catching them off guard.

"We fought back as best we could," Iska said, frustration evident in her voice. "But it felt like they knew our moves beforehand."

Ryuu, with her composed demeanor, listened intently. "Did they say anything or give any indication of their intentions?"

Neze shook her head. "No, they remained silent throughout the attack. It seemed like they had a purpose, but we couldn't figure out why."

Iska added, "They didn't seem interested in any valuables or money. It was almost as if their goal was to harm us."

As the confrontation intensified, Neze and Iska found themselves overwhelmed by the assailants' sheer numbers. Their injuries mounted, and they were close to defeat when an unexpected turn of events occurred.

Struggling to remember the details, Iska said, "Then two young girls with golden hair came to our rescue. They drove the hooded attackers away."

Kaguya leaned forward, intrigued. "Golden hair? Can you recall anything else about them?"

Neze shook her head. "It's all a bit hazy, but they're quite strong. One of them fought with a sword, and the other used magic."

"It was like they were protecting us," Iska added, showing gratitude.

At that moment, I remembered my encounter with two adventurers with golden hair during our first dungeon exploration. "Wait, I think I saw them too," I added, eager to contribute.

All eyes turned to me, curious to learn more about the two individuals with golden hair.

"Tell us what you saw, Kiara," Alise urged, prompting me to share.

I described how I had come across two adventurers with golden hair, one carrying a sword and the other wielding a magic staff. They exuded confidence and skill, leaving a lasting impression on me.

Kaguya's eyes lit up with interest. "They could indeed be members of the Loki Familia. They are known for their strength and bravery."

Lyra chimed in playfully, "Well, it seems we have some mystery heroes among us."

Despite the gravity of the situation, a few Familia members chuckled at Lyra's comment, offering a brief moment of relief from the tension in the room.

Ryuu remained composed, processing the information. "If they are indeed from the Loki Familia, it would explain their intervention. However, the hooded assailants remain a mystery."

Alise nodded in agreement. "We should inform the Guild of this new development. They might be able to shed some light on the situation."

With a plan in place, we focused on gathering all the information we could about the attack and the mysterious hooded assailants.

The investigation had begun, and we were determined to get to the bottom of this threat to our Familia's safety.

---------------------------------------------------

As the day progressed, the Astraea Familia sprang into action, each member determined to play their part in the investigation.

Kaguya and Lyra hurried back to the Guild, carrying crucial information about the white hooded assailants. They hoped the Guild's extensive resources and network of adventurers could shed some light on this mysterious group.

Meanwhile, Alise, our dependable captain, took it upon herself to visit the Loki Familia's base. She sought their assistance and any additional information they might have about the golden-haired girls who had intervened in the attack on Neze and Iska.

As for the rest of us, we were assigned to patrol the perimeter of our base. The incident had put us all on edge, and our Familia's safety was of utmost importance.

Watching my fellow adventurers depart on their tasks, I couldn't shake the feeling of restlessness. I longed to be out there, seeking answers and standing alongside my comrades, but I understood the wisdom of Alise's orders. She knew what was best for us, and I trusted her judgment.

Inside the base, I focused on strengthening our defenses and preparing for any eventuality. I sharpened my sword with determination, double-checked our emergency supplies, and kept a vigilant ear out for any unusual sounds from outside.

The hours ticked by, and the tension within the base remained palpable. Every creak and rustle made me jump, my nerves stretched to their limits.

"Kiara, are you doing alright?" Lady Astraea's soothing voice reached my ears. I turned to see her approach, a sense of comfort emanating from her presence.

"I'm doing my best, Lady Astraea," I replied, trying to sound composed despite the unease within me. "It's just... it's hard to shake off the worry after what happened."

Lady Astraea's gentle smile conveyed her understanding. "It's perfectly normal to feel that way, my dear. Such events leave a mark on us. But remember, you are not alone in this. You have your Familia by your side, and together, you can overcome any challenge."

Her words were like a balm to my anxious heart, filling me with renewed determination. Lady Astraea had a way of instilling confidence, and I felt grateful for her guidance.

"I know, Lady Astraea," I said, grateful for her encouragement. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect my Familia."

Her hand rested on my shoulder, radiating warmth and support. "I have no doubt about that, Kiara. You have already shown great potential, and I believe you will continue to grow stronger."

Her unwavering belief in me ignited a sense of pride and responsibility. I was a part of something greater, and I had a role to play in safeguarding my Familia.

Speaking of growth, Lady Astraea's suggestion caught me by surprise. "How about we update your Falna?" she proposed.

"Update my Falna?" I asked, intrigued and eager to learn more.

"Yes," she nodded, explaining, "Updating your Falna will enhance your status and abilities. It uses the excelia you earned from the dungeon."

"Excelia?" I queried, curious about this new term.

"Yes, it is the essence of the experience and growth you gain as an adventurer," Lady Astraea clarified. "Each time you defeat monsters or accomplish significant feats, your Falna absorbs the excelia and empowers you."

Understanding dawned upon me. "So, updating my Falna will make me stronger?"

"Exactly," she affirmed with a smile. "It will boost your stats and unlock new skills. It's an essential part of an adventurer's journey."

Feeling a surge of excitement, I declared, "I'm ready to update my Falna. I want to become even stronger and better prepared for any challenges."

Lady Astraea's smile widened, her encouragement spurring me on. "Good. Come with me, and I'll guide you through the process."

We made our way to Lady Astraea's chamber where she performed the update on my Falna. The procedure was familiar, and Lady Astraea's touch filled me with a sense of power and renewal.

As the process concluded, I felt a surge of energy coursing through my body, as if I had unlocked new potential. Lady Astraea handed me a parchment with the updated information, and I eagerly read its contents.

Name: Kiara Everwood

Level: 1

Attributes:

Strength: I (0) -> I (10)

Endurance: I (0) -> I (11)

Dexterity: I (0) -> I (8)

Agility: I (0) -> I (10)

Magic: I (0)

I marveled at the changes, knowing that I was now stronger and more capable than before. Lady Astraea's belief in me had been rewarded, and I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Armed with newfound strength and resolve, I returned to my duties, prepared to continue the investigation and protect my Familia from any unseen adversaries in the shadows.

--------------------------------------------------

Once the sun dipped below the horizon, the Astraea Familia members gathered, willing to hear the results of the day's investigation.

"We have important information to share," Alise began, her voice steady. "The white hooded assailants are known as the Evils. They're a newly emerging group in Orario, and it seems they targeted Neze and Iska because they view them as a nuisance to their operation."

Gasps of concern filled the room. The presence of a mysterious and dangerous new group in the city was alarming.

Kaguya and Lyra exchanged glances before Kaguya spoke, "On the bright side, the Guild has been mobilizing its forces to gather more information on this group. We won't be facing this danger alone."

Lyra added playfully, "And you know how eager the Guild can be when it comes to eradicating threats. They won't rest until the Evils are dealt with."

Alise nodded in agreement. "That's right. We must stay vigilant and rely on the Guild's support. Our safety and the safety of the entire city are at stake."

As the conversation shifted, Alise continued, "On another note, I managed to meet with the Loki Familia, and they shared some intriguing information about the two golden-haired girls who saved Neze and Iska."

All eyes turned to Alise, excited to learn more about the mysterious duo.

"Their names are Ais and Althea Wallenstein," Alise revealed. "They are new recruits of the Loki Familia, but they have already made quite an impression with their strength and skills. Ais is a skilled swordswoman, and Althea is a talented mage."

Ryuu raised an eyebrow. "New recruits, you say? It's impressive for newcomers to have such prowess."

Kaguya smiled, her intrigue apparent. "It seems the Loki Familia has a knack for recruiting exceptional members."

Alise nodded. "Indeed, but what makes this even more interesting is that Ais and Althea weren't officially assigned to the Market District at all. They happened to be roaming the area, and that's when they encountered the attack on Neze and Iska."

"You could say they must have been in the right place at the right time," I chimed in, assuming how they had swiftly come to our Familia's aid.

"It appears so," Alise agreed. "They're determined to protect the people of Orario, and I must say, their bravery and sense of responsibility are commendable."

Kaguya mused, "It seems like fate brought our Familia and the Loki Familia together today. I wonder what this connection will bring."

Lyra grinned mischievously. "Perhaps a new friendship or a friendly rivalry?"

Amidst the serious situation, Lyra's playful remark earned a few chuckles from the others, easing the tension momentarily.

Alise's expression turned serious once more. "In any case, we must be cautious. The presence of the Evils in the city and the involvement of the Loki Familia mean that we have to stay vigilant."

She looked at each of us, her gaze unwavering. "Our priority is to protect one another and ensure the safety of our Familia. We will stand strong together, no matter the challenges that come our way."

The room filled with nods of determination. We were a united Familia, ready to face whatever threats lurked in the shadows of Orario.

As the night fell, we stayed in the main room, sharing stories and experiences, finding strength in each other's presence. The investigation was far from over, but we knew that as long as we stood together, we could overcome any adversity.

The journey ahead was uncertain, but with the support of our Familia and the newfound alliance with the Loki Familia, we were ready to face the darkness that lay ahead and protect the city we called home.