Chapter 20

Shirou slowly opened his eyes, his eyelids heavy and his vision slightly blurred as the morning light streamed through the window. He felt a dull pain throughout his body, but it wasn't as strong as he expected. It felt like he had been asleep for a long time, and as his consciousness fully returned, he realized he was lying on a soft bed, surrounded by unfamiliar wooden walls.

He tried to move and noticed something holding his hand. When he turned his head, he saw Aiz asleep, sitting beside the bed, her head resting on the mattress with a calm expression on her face. Her long blonde hair was spread messily over the sheets, yet it still looked beautiful in its own way. Shirou felt his heart race, a bit nervous. "A-Aiz-san?" he whispered, not wanting to wake her up too abruptly.

He noticed the mask he had once worn now lying beside the bed, and he suddenly realized that his identity had been revealed. "So, they know who I am now," he thought. He wasn't sure how to feel about that, but at least he was alive. For now, that was enough.

As Shirou gazed at the sleeping Aiz, she suddenly stirred and slowly opened her eyes. When she saw Shirou awake, her usually calm and expressionless face changed. She looked surprised, then her face brightened with a rare smile of relief.

"You're awake!" Aiz exclaimed, her voice louder than usual, filled with a mix of happiness and concern. Shirou, surprised by her reaction, leaned back slightly but smiled softly.

"Yes, I'm... I'm okay," Shirou responded gently, trying to reassure Aiz. "I'm fine now. Thank you for everything, Aiz-san."

Before Aiz could reply, footsteps echoed from outside the door. The door swung open, and Lefiya rushed into the room with a worried expression. "Shirou! You're awake!" she cried, but her expression quickly shifted to anger. "How could you do something so reckless?!"

Shirou was confused by Lefiya's sudden change in mood. "Huh? What do you mean, Lefiya?" he asked, trying to understand the situation.

Lefiya approached him, her eyes a mix of anger and worry. "You were supposed to be on vacation, weren't you?! Why did you put yourself in danger by going back to the Dungeon? And worse, you went to the 18th floor?! You didn't even follow my orders to stay on the 4th floor!" her voice rising, showing just how worried she had been.

Shirou sighed, trying to explain himself. "I... I just wanted to explore further, Lefiya. I felt like... there was something I had to do," he said, feeling a little guilty.

Riveria, who entered the room calmly, listened to their conversation. "Lefiya, calm down," she said in a firm yet gentle tone. She then looked at Shirou with a concerned gaze. "But Lefiya's right, Shirou. What were you doing on the 18th floor by yourself? It's very dangerous, especially for a beginner like you."

Shirou nodded, trying to stay composed. "I know it might seem reckless, but I had my reasons... I just couldn't sit still. I felt I had to try harder, to... prove to myself that I could."

Aiz, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke. "You don't have to prove anything to anyone," she said softly but firmly. "You already saved me. That's more than enough."

Shirou looked into Aiz's eyes, sensing the sincerity in her words. "I... I was just doing what I could. After all, aren't we all part of the same Familia? Fighting enemies and protecting our friends is part of that."

Aiz gave a small smile, gentle but relieved. "You're right... And you're an amazing adventurer, Shirou."

Lefiya, still a little angry but more relieved than before, sighed heavily. "Just... next time, if you plan to do something dangerous, let us know. Don't act on your own like this. We're a Familia now, right?"

Shirou smiled warmly at Lefiya. "I'll remember that, Lefiya. Sorry for making you worry."

Riveria also smiled, relieved to see Shirou recovering. "Rest, Shirou. You need time to fully heal," she said wisely, though her eyes reflected a newfound admiration for the seemingly ordinary young man who had shown courage and skill far beyond his appearance.

In that room, there was a strange but comforting warmth. Shirou felt a deep sense of relief, not only because he had survived, but also because he realized that, among these people, he had perhaps found a place where he truly belonged.

As the initial conversation quieted and the atmosphere in the room became more relaxed, Riveria looked at Shirou with a thoughtful gaze. There was something on her mind, and after a few moments, she decided to ask her question.

"Shirou," Riveria began cautiously, "How did you manage to reach the 18th floor on your own? I've seen many experienced adventurers, but for a beginner like you... who just joined Loki Familia, this is highly unusual."

Aiz and Lefiya, standing nearby, also looked curious, though Lefiya was still a bit upset, but her curiosity was undeniable. Shirou felt that now was the time to be honest, especially since they had saved his life and already knew part of his secret.

Shirou sighed and then explained, "I use something I call 'Projection.' It's a technique that allows me to create replicas of weapons from my memory and imagination. With this technique, I was able to face the monsters in the Dungeon."

Riveria seemed very intrigued by Shirou's explanation. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and admiration. "Projection? That's an incredible technique... Can you demonstrate it for us?"

Knowing he had no reason to refuse, Shirou nodded slightly. "Alright, I'll show you," he said as he carefully stood up from his bed, mindful that his body was still not fully recovered.

He stood in the middle of the room, closing his eyes for a moment to concentrate. He extended his hand forward, and with a calm voice, he began to chant a familiar phrase, one he had used many times before.

"Trace, on."

In an instant, energy flowed through his body, and a faint light formed in his hand. Within seconds, a sword materialized, created from nothing. It was a replica of Kanshou, one of his favorite weapons, with a black blade and an elegant curved design.

Aiz, Lefiya, and especially Riveria watched in awe as the sword took shape in Shirou's hand. "Incredible," Riveria whispered, her eyes filled with admiration. "How is this possible? This isn't like ordinary magic..."

Shirou spun the sword in his hand before dismissing it, causing it to vanish like dust. "Projection is something unique to me. I don't need long incantations, just focus and a deep understanding of the weapon I want to create."

Riveria nodded slowly, processing the information. "And you used this technique to survive in the Dungeon? That explains how you managed to fight enemies that should have been beyond your ability."

Shirou gave a modest smile, feeling a bit awkward with the praise. "Yeah, Projection lets me summon the weapons I need to survive. But it doesn't make me invincible. I'm just doing my best."

Riveria looked at Shirou with newfound respect. "This is truly impressive, Shirou. But I'm curious... how does this technique work? Are there any limitations or risks you face?"

Shirou was about to explain further, but before he could answer, the door opened, and Finn entered with quick steps. He glanced at them all, then spoke in a calm but firm tone.

"Riveria, perhaps we should save this discussion for when we're back at Twilight Manor," Finn suggested. "Shirou has been through a lot, and I think it's best if we discuss everything later when everyone can hear the explanation at once."

Riveria looked at Finn, then at Shirou, and after a few moments of consideration, she nodded in agreement. "You're right, Finn. We don't need to push him now. Shirou, rest. We'll continue this conversation later."

Shirou felt relieved at hearing that. "Thank you, Finn, Riveria. I'll explain everything when we're back at the Manor."

Aiz, who had been quiet until now, seemed satisfied with the decision. She sat back down next to Shirou, showing that she intended to stay by his side until he was fully recovered. Lefiya also nodded, though her expression still showed deep concern.

With the mood more relaxed, Shirou lay back down, trying to ease his still-weary body. While he knew there was still much to explain, for now, he could rest, surrounded by his comrades.

The next morning, preparations to return to the surface began. The remaining members of the Loki Familia at Rivira hurried to pack their things and ensure everything was ready for the long journey back to Orario. Shirou, though still feeling a bit tired from his previous battle, also packed his things.

Aiz, who was usually calm and composed, seemed different that day. She stayed close to Shirou, often glancing at him with an expression that was hard to describe. Every time their eyes met, Aiz would quickly turn away, her cheeks slightly flushed.

Shirou, unaware of the reason behind Aiz's behavior, felt slightly confused. He tried to grasp the situation but couldn't recall anything unusual that might have happened between them. "Aiz, are you okay?" Shirou finally asked, trying to figure out what was going on.

Aiz snapped out of her thoughts, her face flushing slightly as she responded. "Ah, yes, I'm fine," she answered with a hint of nervousness, which was very unlike the usually calm and confident Aiz.

Shirou nodded, though he still sensed something was off. "You seem… different today. Is something wrong?"

Aiz hesitated for a moment but then quickly shook her head. "It's nothing, really. I'm just… happy to see you recovered, Shirou."

Hearing that, Shirou felt a warmth in his heart. He knew Aiz wasn't someone who expressed her emotions easily, so those words held great significance. "Thank you, Aiz. I'm glad to be here with you and everyone else too."

Aiz gave a small smile, but her mind was still occupied with the events of the previous night. She remembered when she had given Shirou the elixir, an act she performed without thinking too much at the time. However, now she realized that she had given her first kiss to Shirou—albeit for medicinal purposes—and couldn't shake off the feeling of embarrassment.

As they walked towards Rivira's gates, leaving the 18th floor, Aiz continued to reflect on her feelings. She didn't know why, but something made her want to stay close to Shirou, as if he was someone very important to her.

Meanwhile, Shirou could only sense that something had changed in their dynamic, though he couldn't figure out what it was. He felt comfortable with Aiz by his side, but every time he tried to talk to her, Aiz seemed to get more nervous and flustered. "Aiz, if there's something you want to say… you can tell me anytime, you know," Shirou said softly.

Aiz nodded slightly, not trusting herself to say more. She knew that eventually, she would have to confront her feelings, but for now, she just wanted to enjoy being together without overthinking.

On their way back to the surface, Aiz stayed close to Shirou, even closer than usual. For the other members of the Loki Familia, this might have been a common sight—they had seen Aiz looking after Shirou before—but for Aiz, every step she took alongside Shirou felt more meaningful.

Midway through the journey, Lefiya, unable to contain her curiosity, approached Aiz as they took a short break. "Aiz-san, you've been paying a lot of attention to Shirou lately," she said with a tone mixed with curiosity and a bit of jealousy. "Is something going on?"

Aiz looked at Lefiya with slightly widened eyes, unsure of how to respond. "No… nothing's happening," she replied, though her blushing face gave away her true feelings.

Lefiya eyed her suspiciously but didn't press further. "Well, I'm glad. I just wanted to make sure you're okay," she said with a small smile, though she couldn't shake off the strange feeling seeing Aiz's change in behavior.

Meanwhile, Shirou watched their brief conversation from afar, still puzzled by Aiz's behavior. However, he decided not to dwell on it too much. What mattered most to Shirou was that they were all safe and ready to return to Orario.

As they continued their journey, Aiz remained at Shirou's side, silently enjoying the presence of the young man who had become her hero, even if Shirou himself wasn't aware of it. For Aiz, these feelings were new and unfamiliar, but maybe, just maybe, she was beginning to find someone who could be more than just a fellow adventurer in the Dungeon.

When the group returned to Twilight Manor, they were greeted by Loki, who had just arrived from her business at the Guild. Loki seemed excited but also a little confused seeing Shirou with them. "Eh, why is the kid back? I thought you were still on break, Shirou?" Loki joked, her eyes narrowing with a wide grin.

Finn stepped forward and calmly replied, "A lot happened, Loki. Let me explain everything."

Loki placed her hands on her hips. "Alright, I'm listening," she said, curious. She noticed the serious expressions on Finn and the other Familia members and started sensing that this wasn't a typical situation.

Finn sighed and began explaining. "It all started with the death of Hashana, a member of the Ganesha Familia, who was found dead in Rivira. We were sent to investigate and discovered that there was more to it than a coincidence. When we arrived, we were immediately attacked by Violas monsters that seemed to be controlled by a red-haired woman."

Loki frowned. "A red-haired woman? And Violas monsters attacking Rivira? That already sounds messy."

Riveria nodded. "Yes, exactly. The Violas, which are normally non-aggressive, were moving as if someone was controlling them. Finn, Tiona, Tione, and I were busy fighting monsters around the city, while Aiz and Lefiya faced the woman—Revis."

Loki raised an eyebrow. "Revis? That name's unfamiliar… but go on, Finn."

Finn continued, "Revis was incredibly strong. Even Aiz, using her wind magic, was overwhelmed. She fought hand-to-hand against Aiz and Lefiya, deflecting Lefiya's magic attacks with no effort."

Aiz, standing next to Shirou, nodded slightly to confirm Finn's statement. Lefiya looked a bit tense, recalling how difficult the battle had been.

Loki then asked, "And what about Shirou? What was he doing there?"

Finn smiled slightly. "Now, here's the interesting part. Despite being only Level 1, Shirou appeared in the middle of the chaos, wearing a mask to hide his identity. He got involved in the fight to protect Aiz and Lefiya. In fact, he managed to injure Revis, something not many high-level adventurers could do."

The room suddenly fell silent. Loki, who was usually cheerful and laid-back, widened her eyes in shock. "What?! You're serious, Finn? Shirou, a Level 1, injured Revis, a Level 6?" her voice filled with disbelief.

Finn nodded, with a small grin. "That's right. He used some sort of technique that resembled magic or a special ability. And he was quite effective in distracting Revis, giving us enough time to strategize and eventually force her to retreat."

Several members of the Loki Familia, hearing the story for the first time, began whispering among themselves in disbelief. "No way… a rookie fighting a Level 6?" one of them murmured.

Riveria added, "It's true. We all saw it with our own eyes. Shirou used some mysterious ability to summon weapons from the air, as if without a chant. And those weapons… somehow, they pierced through Revis's defenses."

Loki, still looking stunned, asked, "Weapons that could pierce Revis's defense? Shirou, who are you really?" her tone now more serious than usual.

Shirou felt awkward under everyone's gaze. "I just… I just did what I could to help," he said humbly, trying to avoid the spotlight.

Loki approached, her usually half-closed eyes now wide open, staring at Shirou with intense curiosity. "You did more than just help, kid. You saved one of our best fighters, and that's no small feat."

Tiona, who also looked surprised, patted Shirou's back hard, almost causing him to stumble. "Wow, Shirou! I had no idea you had such incredible abilities!"

Tione grinned, "Maybe we should take you on expeditions more often."

Lefiya, standing next to Aiz, added excitedly, "Shirou, you were amazing! You showed up just when we needed help the most."

Aiz remained silent, but a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she looked at Shirou with newfound respect. Though she had seen his abilities before, she was now starting to see Shirou in a different light.

Loki clapped Finn on the back, "So, Finn, what's your plan now that we know this kid has such great potential?"

Finn smiled, "I think, first of all, we need to learn more about Shirou's unique abilities. And maybe... consider involving him in bigger missions in the future."

Loki chuckled, "Ha! Interesting. I'm curious to see what else this young man can do."

The room buzzed with excitement, laughter, and enthusiasm, but one clear topic dominated the conversation—Shirou, the newcomer, had already shown extraordinary potential among the mighty adventurers of Loki Familia.

Loki, full of energy, threw open the door to her room and stood before the entire gathered Loki Familia, grinning widely. All eyes were on Shirou, who stood behind Loki, his face slightly tense but calm.

"Listen up, everyone!" Loki shouted, her voice echoing through the hall. "I've got big news! Shirou, our seemingly ordinary new adventurer, has just achieved a double level up!"

The crowd of Loki Familia members fell silent for a moment before an explosion of excitement and disbelief filled the room.

"WHAT?!" Bete yelled in shock. "Double level up?! How's that even possible?!"

Lefiya, standing near Aiz, also looked stunned. "He… he surpassed even Aiz-san?" she asked, unable to hide her astonishment.

Aiz simply smiled, clearly happy for Shirou, though she too was surprised. "That's incredible," she murmured softly.

Finn stepped forward, still in disbelief. "Loki, are you sure about this? A double level up in just over a month? Aiz took a year to reach level 2!"

Loki nodded enthusiastically. "Yep! And not only that, all of Shirou's stats at levels 1 and 2 are ranked SSS!"

Tiona, who had been deep in thought, suddenly shouted with a wide grin, "How about we give him the nickname Sword Prince! It fits perfectly with Aiz, right? She's the Sword Princess, so Shirou can be the Sword Prince!"

The Loki Familia members began talking all at once, some agreeing with the idea while others threw out their own suggestions. "How about Masked Swordsman?" Tione joked, laughing. "He always wears that mask when he fights!"

But before the discussion grew too lively, Shirou stepped forward with a serious expression. "Thank you, everyone," he said calmly, "But… I have a request."

The crowd quieted down, listening to what Shirou had to say. "Loki," Shirou continued, "Could you keep this a secret from outsiders? I… I'm worried that if people find out about my level-up and my weapon projection abilities, other gods and Familias might start investigating or even exploit that information for their gain."

Loki frowned, thinking for a moment. "Oh? So you want to be seen as a level-one adventurer by the outside world, huh? Why?"

Shirou sighed. "If my weapon replication ability is known to the gods, we could have problems with the blacksmith Familias. They might boycott Loki Familia, which would harm everyone."

Loki considered his words seriously, then smiled mischievously. "Hmm… alright, Shirou! I like the way you think. You're looking out for the whole group. Fine, we'll keep this a secret for now. You'll still be seen as a level-one adventurer by outsiders!"

The Familia members seemed a little disappointed, but they nodded in agreement. Tiona approached Shirou and patted his shoulder, "Well, if that's what you want, we'll respect it. But you're still our Sword Prince!"

Shirou smiled slightly, feeling relieved. "Thank you, everyone. I appreciate your understanding."

Loki then turned to the group, ending the conversation with enthusiasm. "Alright, we'll keep this secret locked down tight! Don't let a single word slip out! And now… let's celebrate this achievement in true Loki Familia style!"

Cheers of joy filled the room again, and the night turned into a lively celebration full of excitement and laughter. While Shirou's true strength would remain a secret to the outside world, within the small family of Loki Familia, he had found a place where he was both accepted and valued.

As everyone began preparing to celebrate Shirou's accomplishments, Loki pulled him aside, away from the noisy crowd. Her face showed a meaningful smile, as if she had something important to tell him.

"Hey, Shirou," Loki said, her tone more serious than usual. "There's one more thing I need to tell you."

Shirou raised an eyebrow, slightly confused. "What is it, Loki?"

Loki pulled out a piece of paper from her pocket, a sheet that detailed Shirou's latest status. "Since you leveled up twice, you can choose two development abilities! One for level 2 and one for level 3."

Shirou looked intrigued. "What development abilities can I choose from?"

Loki showed him the status sheet she held, nodding slightly. "Here's what's available to you at level 2 and 3."

Shirou's Status:

Level 1:

Strength: SSS (1122)

Endurance: SSS (1132)

Dexterity: SSS (1126)

Agility: SSS (1190)

Magic: SSS (1400)

Level 2:

Strength: SSS (1123)

Endurance: SSS (1145)

Dexterity: SSS (1190)

Agility: SSS (1176)

Magic: SSS (1340)

Available Development Abilities:

Swordsman: Enhances swordsmanship abilities.

Hunter: Increases excelia gained when fighting certain monsters.

Mage: Enhances magic effectiveness and reduces chant time.

Archer: Increases accuracy and power of ranged attacks.

Spirit Healing: Slowly recovers MP during battle.

Escape: Increases ability to escape dangerous situations.

Level 3:

Strength: I (0)

Endurance: I (0)

Dexterity: I (0)

Agility: I (0)

Magic: I (0)

Available Development Abilities:

Martial Artist: Increases unarmed physical attack power.

Magic Resistance: Reduces damage from magic attacks.

Battle Healing: Slowly recovers HP during battle.

Sharp Shooter: Significantly increases accuracy of ranged attacks.

Blacksmith: Enables crafting and repairing weapons and armor.

Loki continued, "You can pick one from each level up, so think carefully. Each ability has its own strengths and can really change your fighting style."

Shirou looked over the list thoughtfully. "Hmm… if I had to pick one for level 2, I think I'll choose Archer," he said, recalling his ability to use magical arrows. "It'll enhance my long-range attacks and suit my fighting style."

Loki nodded. "Good choice. And for level 3?"

Shirou pondered for a moment before answering, "For level 3, I'll go with Magic Resistance. I've been hit with magic attacks in the Dungeon often, so I think that'll come in handy."

Loki grinned with satisfaction. "Smart choices, Shirou. And you also got a new skill."

Shirou looked intrigued. "A new skill? What is it?"

Loki pointed to his status and said, "It's called Underdog. It makes you gain less excelia when fighting enemies of equal or lesser strength, but increases the excelia you get when battling stronger opponents."

Shirou stared at the paper with deep interest. "So, this means I have to keep fighting stronger enemies to grow faster..."

Loki nodded. "Exactly! So don't be afraid to take risks. This is the perfect skill for someone like you."

Shirou smiled. "Thank you, Loki. I'll do my best."

Loki looked at Shirou with admiration. "Looking at your status now, it's truly amazing. Not only did you manage to level up twice at once, but you've also maintained the highest rank in all your attributes."

Shirou gave a modest smile. "I'm just doing my best," he replied humbly.

Loki enthusiastically patted Shirou on the shoulder. "Don't be too modest! You've just made history in this Familia, maybe even in all of Orario. With this ability, you can achieve great things."

Loki chuckled and patted Shirou's shoulder again. "Great! Now, let's enjoy the party. You've surprised everyone today, but I'm sure they'll all appreciate your success."

With renewed energy, Shirou and Loki walked back to the hall, ready to celebrate the night with all the members of the Loki Familia. The surprise was still in the air, but Shirou felt more prepared than ever to face the challenges ahead.

Shirou stepped out of the hall with a smile still on his face, but curiosity began to creep into his mind. Amidst the cheerful party full of laughter and cheers, he didn't see Lefiya. Among the happy faces of the Loki Familia members, Lefiya's usually cheerful presence was nowhere to be found. "Where is she?" Shirou wondered, heading toward the garden outside the hall.

As he got closer, Shirou saw Lefiya sitting alone on a garden bench. Her face looked gloomy, and her eyes were staring blankly ahead, as if lost in her own thoughts, far away from the bustling party behind them.

Shirou approached Lefiya carefully, not wanting to startle her. "Lefiya," he called softly, his voice as gentle as the night breeze. "Why are you here alone? What's wrong?"

Lefiya started, quickly wiping away the tears that had fallen on her cheeks, trying to hide her sadness. "Ah, Shirou… It's nothing. I just didn't want to interrupt your celebration," she replied in a shaky voice.

But Shirou didn't give up easily. He sat beside her, looking at her attentively. "I saw your face," he said gently. "You looked sad. What's really going on?"

Lefiya took a deep breath, her eyes flickering for a moment before she finally decided to speak. "I feel… bittersweet," she said softly. "I'm happy to see you reach level 3 so quickly, matching me… but I also feel like… I'm being left behind."

Shirou listened quietly, not interrupting. Lefiya continued in an even softer voice. "I'm proud of you, Shirou. You used to be so innocent and clueless about the Dungeon when you first arrived in Orario, and I was happy to guide you at the beginning." Tears started falling on her cheeks again. "But… I also feel guilty for telling you to stay on the 4th floor. I feel like… I was holding you back. And now, you're able to walk beside Aiz… my idol, while I'm left far behind…"

Shirou felt his heart move, hearing Lefiya's deepest feelings. Without hesitation, he reached out and warmly hugged Lefiya. "Lefiya, you never held me back," he said softly. "You gave me guidance that meant a lot. Without you, I might have been in big trouble, or even worse."

Lefiya bit her lip, holding back her sobs. "But now… I feel like I'm just a burden…"

Shirou shook his head firmly. "No, Lefiya. You're much more than that. You're a powerful magician and someone who cares deeply for her friends. Don't feel like you're being left behind because I'll always reach out for you."

Lefiya was silent, stunned by Shirou's words. She felt her heart lighten, and tears continued to flow, but this time not just out of sadness. "Shirou… you're really… a hero," she said in a choked voice.

Shirou smiled gently. "And a hero never leaves a friend behind. We'll grow and become stronger together, Lefiya. I promise you that."

Lefiya nodded, smiling with tears on her face, feeling warmed by Shirou's sincere presence. "Thank you, Shirou… thank you," she whispered.

They sat there in comfortable silence under the starry night sky, feeling closer to each other than ever before.

Shirou smiled at Lefiya, who finally seemed more at ease. He then stood up, extending his hand to her with a look full of enthusiasm. "Come on, Lefiya," Shirou said warmly. "The party's not over, and we can't let everyone have fun without us, right?"

Lefiya looked at Shirou's outstretched hand, hesitated for a moment, then smiled and accepted the hand. "Yes, you're right, Shirou," she replied softly. "I don't want to miss out on moments with everyone either."

Shirou helped Lefiya stand, and they began walking back to the hall. Their steps were in sync, moving slowly but surely, leaving the quiet garden behind as they headed towards the lively party inside. As they approached the hall's door, the sound of laughter and lively music grew louder. Shirou could feel the energy radiating from inside, as if everyone inside was celebrating life to the fullest.

When they entered, all eyes turned to their arrival. Some Familia members immediately greeted them with cheerful shouts. Tiona, always full of energy, waved enthusiastically. "Hey, Shirou! Lefiya! You finally came back!" she shouted with a wide smile.

Finn, who was standing near Tiona, smiled slightly as he raised his glass. "We thought you two might be having an important conversation," he said teasingly, causing Shirou and Lefiya to blush for a moment.

Lefiya felt her cheeks heat up, but she chuckled softly. "We were just… taking a little break," she replied, trying to cover up the feelings she had just poured out to Shirou.

Shirou also laughed and nodded. "Yes, we just needed a little time to reflect on everything."

Loki, who was busy filling her glass with wine, glanced at them with a mischievous smile. "Oh-ho, look who's back! Lefiya, you had us all worried! But it seems like you found what you were looking for," she said, winking at Lefiya.

Lefiya bowed her head shyly, but her smile couldn't be hidden. "Thank you, Loki-sama," she replied politely. "I feel much better now."

Tiona ran over to Lefiya and pulled her into the middle of the room. "Come on, Lefiya! Don't just stand there! This party is for Shirou, but it's also for all of us. Come on, let's have some fun!" she said, laughing as she enthusiastically held Lefiya's hand.

Lefiya laughed joyfully, feeling her spirits return. She glanced at Shirou, who also smiled and gave an approving nod. "Alright, let's enjoy this party!" she said in a more cheerful tone.

Shirou looked around, seeing the joy on his friends' faces. He felt warmth inside, seeing how they all supported each other and celebrated together. To him, this was something precious—a rare moment of togetherness. Without realizing it, he grabbed the glass that Gareth handed him and raised it high.

"To this Familia, and to our future together!" Shirou shouted loudly, his voice filling the hall.

"To the Loki Familia!" everyone shouted in unison, followed by laughter and the clinking of glasses. Shirou smiled, feeling truly accepted in this Familia. Lefiya stood beside him, her smile brighter than before.

They both immersed themselves in the joy of the party, celebrating victories, defeats, and everything in between. They knew the journey ahead was still long, full of challenges awaiting them. But tonight, they would enjoy every moment with their new family, feeling the bond that was growing stronger.

And amid the lively party, Shirou knew one thing for sure: he wasn't alone, and he would never feel alone again.

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