Expedition Start

The days passed by as I stayed at home, training. There was no need to go into the Dungeon, nor was there anything else for me to do. A new spear would cost more than 200,000 Valis, and even with the other saving I had I still held off, deciding to wait so I could get a good spear custom made.

Currently I was waiting in Embern's Armor, watching as Astrid finished helping her current customer. I had a slight smirk on my face as I watched her shuffle about under my gaze, her eyes constantly flickering over to me.

I looked around the shop, trying to see if anything caught my eye.

The table to my left had various gauntlets spread out. Some were full arm guards made from either metal plates or Monster Shells, while others were leather gloves. However, every single piece had obvious love put into it, as each one was unique and exquisite.

I continued browsing the gauntlets, admiring the armor Astrid made, when I felt someone tap my shoulder.

Looking back, I saw Astrid's grey eyes looking up at me, her cheeks slightly red.

I quickly looked around the room, and seeing the store empty I wrapped an arm around her waist, dragging her into me. Before she could say anything I leaned down, kissing her.

Swirling my tongue around hers, I placed my other hand on the back of her head, pushing her deeper into me. Moaning slightly, she wrapped her hands around my neck, finally returning my kiss.

I enjoyed the slightly sweet taste of her lips, before pulling away. She looked up at me, panting, her eyes burning with desire.

Smiling down at her, I held her close to me, before giving her another peck on the lips. Releasing her, I said "So, I just want to say... the 'payment' for the skirt may have to wait. I have an Expedition I need to be in today..."

Astrid clenched her teeth, before sighing. Stepping away, she gave me a small smile before turning. "Fine. I will need something before I let you leave the store with it though..."

I grabbed the pouch on my waist, placing it on the table. Hearing the thunk, she turned.

"I didn't know how much it would cost, so... here's 50,000 Valis. If you don't want me to... 'repay' you when I come back, you can keep the money."

Chuckling, she took the pouch, giving me a coy smile.

"Well, if you sufficiently 'repay' me, I might give you your money back..."

She turned quickly, though I could still see the blush on her ears. I grinned, before following her to the back.

Pointing to a mannequin, Astrid plopped into a chair as she watched me.

Looking at the skirt, I widened my eyes in surprise.

It was the same gray as the corset, and reached to the knees. It was pleated, and looked to be made from some Monster material. Sewn onto the hips were thin metal plates, and they reached down to the center of the thighs.

I turned to Astrid, who was looking at me smugly.

"How... How much is this? What's it made from?"

She grinned at me, saying "War Shadow Cloth, with simple steel faulds. Additionally, I managed to get the War Shadow Cloth to retain more of its original properties, meaning it can absorb some of the magic aimed your way. As for price... well, I think it would definitely be worth around 50 or 60 thousand Valis..."

When Astrid said that she managed to retain properties of the Monster Material, my surprise increased. To be able to keep properties of the material is the sign of an extremely skilled smith, even if it was made from materials from a weaker monster.

"Well... Keep the money either way. Thank you for making such a great piece Astrid!"

Hearing my praise, I watched as she blushed slightly and looked down, twirling some of her fiery orange hair.

Moving forwards, I took the skirt from the mannequin, quickly folding it. Turning, I smiled at Astrid.

Seeing me about to leave, she stepped in front of me, her eyes stormy.

"Please... please be careful..."

Her voice was small, and I could see her clenching her fists.

I lifted her chin, gently kissing her again. Pulling away, I gave her a smirk, saying "Well, I have to come back to 'repay' you, don't I~?"

She gently punched my stomach, chuckling.

After saying goodbye, I stopped by the other smiths shop to grab my Xiphos and a cloak, before making my way back home.

I had an hour or so before I was supposed to join the Expedition at the base of Babel.

Quickly making my way back, I threw on my new armor, looking in the mirror.

The corset and skirt flowed together, giving me stylish set of armor. The dark grey leather and cloth hugged my body, and after I placed all the pouches, potions, and blades on my body I threw on the cloak, before placing my spear on my back.

"You look like a warrior of Melia..."

Hearing Bia's soft voice behind me, I turned to see her looking at me with indescribable emotion in her eyes.

"Warrior of Melia?"

Pursing her lips, she sighed before saying "A small tribe that used to worship me. They lived near a Volcano and used ash - Melia - frequently."

I tilted my head, curious about this 'Melia' tribe. However, seeing my curiosity, Bia shook her head, saying "Be careful Agapi."

Moving forwards, she gently placed her forehead against mine, before moving away when she heard "I will, Mitera."

Nodding, she turned back towards her room, disappearing from sight.

I took a deep breath before exiting our house, making my way towards Babel.

As I walked, I mentally reviewed all the information I knew about the lowest of the Middle Floors, being the 19th to 24th Floors.

Each floor looked like it was inside the trunk of a giant tree, with vegetation and glowing moss decorating the floors. The various plants growing on the floor made it a dangerous place already, as some were highly lethal. However, like every other part of the Dungeon, the true danger lie in the monsters.

Lizardmen, Vouivre, Mad Beetles, Dark Fungus, Hornets, Trolls, Wyverns, Lamia Mormos...

There were so many dangerous monsters on the 20th Floor and below, and each had incredible strengths.

Lizardmen were like the more advanced versions of Goblins and Kobolds, as they worked in groups and used weapons and traps to fight.

Vouivre, while rare, are incredibly deadly. Their sharp claws can shred steel with ease, while the red stone on their heads can allow them to use some basic spells.

Mad Beetles were bipedal... well, beetles. They had sharp pincers, with a grip that could crush most level three's with ease. Paired with their shell, which was stronger than Hard Armored, they made for trick opponents.

Dark Fungus and Hornets were dangerous due to their group size and poisons, which were lethal enough to kill level two's easily.

Trolls were larger, stronger orcs. Tough hide paired with insane strength was a nuisance...

Wyverns and Lamia Mormos were the rare boss monsters of the Middle Floors, being incredibly dangerous and extremely difficult to kill. Thick scales on both, with the Wyvern using it's fiery breath and the Lamia using earth magic, both tended to be capable of wiping out strong parties, as they never appeared alone.

Wyverns appeared with tribes of Lizardmen, while Lamia Mormos appeared with a few Mad Beetles.

I sighed, not looking forward to traversing this dangerous area with a bunch of strangers.

Entering Babel, I made my way towards a Guild Standard, which was standing slightly above the dancing jester iconography of the Loki Familia.

As I approached, I saw the Expeditionary Force was already split into groups, probably of the Familias called upon. I walked towards the Guild Official, showing my Emblem.

It was the same Half-Elf girl from before, and her eyes widened when she saw me. Coughing slightly, she pointed towards the Loki Familia, saying "Miss Nikoletta, please go talk to Mister Raul and Miss Anakitty. They will inform you of the Expedition."

Nodding, I walked towards the Loki Familia, approaching the unassuming man and black haired cat woman.

While they may look unassuming, they were a reputable pair of Level Four adventurers, specifically the leaders of Loki Familia's Second String, which was the main bulk of the Loki Familia. Finn Deimne, the Captain, usually led all the other Level Fives and Sixs, leaving the remaining Fours and below to Raul and Anakitty.

Seeing me approach, I inwardly sighed when I saw Anakitty glaring at me. Thankfully, Raul seemed to treat me the same he treated everyone; scared as could be, and unconfident as a greenhorn.

"Nikoletta Bia, alias 'Ker', reporting in."

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Sorry bout the break. Destiny 2 revealing the new season and all that, paired with work, meant that this got placed on the backburner.

Anyways, I should be back to at least two a week. I have nothing coming up, and I have my nights free, so...

Enjoy~

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