Gales of Resilience

As the trio walking their way back, Althea's perceptive eyes caught a glimpse of distress on Ais's face. Concern etched on her expression, she reached out with a gentle touch.

"Ais, is something bothering you?" Althea's voice resonated with genuine care, as she sought to understand her sister's unease.

Ais hesitated, her tone subdued yet devoid of emotion. "My armor feels a bit tight."

Gareth, who had overheard their conversation, raised an intrigued eyebrow. "Already? It seems you're growing at a faster rate than anticipated."

Althea paused, pondering Gareth's words, before a warm smile curved her lips. "You know what? I've noticed that my robe feels snug as well. It appears we're both going through growth spurts."

Gareth nodded, his gaze shifting between the two sisters. "Once we return to the surface, we'll make sure to find you armor and robes that fit properly."

Ais's voice softened further as she timidly expressed her desire. "And... I would like a sword that won't break."

Gareth's response was firm, laced with concern. "Ais, if you want a sword that won't break, you must be mindful of the ones Althea has provided you with over the past six months."

Ais's gaze dropped, disappointment evident in her eyes. Sensing her sister's deflated state, Althea stepped in, her tone gentle yet realistic.

"Don't worry, Ais. I'll do my best to find a solution," Althea reassured her sister, her voice laced with a touch of pragmatism.

A flicker of hope danced in Ais's eyes as she looked at Althea, her words carrying a soft, hopeful tone. "Really?"

Althea nodded warmly, but laid out a practical condition. "If you promise to listen to our guidance and follow our instructions without hesitation, I will make it my priority to acquire a custom-made sword for you."

Ais hesitated, reluctance tugging at her, but ultimately accepted Althea's condition. "Okay... I promise."

Althea's voice softened even more as she smiled at her sister, their bond evident in her words. "That's my girl. Trust me, together we will find you a fine and sturdy sword."

However, Ais wasn't done with her requests just yet. She mustered up the courage to ask, "Can I also go to the tenth floor?"

"Absolutely not." Althea's response was immediate and resolute.

Ais's brows furrowed in frustration. "But why?! I already went there twice!"

Althea couldn't help but remind her sister of the time she had saved her from a dangerous orc. "Ais, do you remember when I had to rescue you from that orc on the tenth floor? It was a close call. We can't afford to take unnecessary risks."

Ais pouted, clearly not satisfied with Althea's denial. She proceeded to engage in a verbal spar with her sister as they made their way back, their banter filling the dungeon corridors.

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"Kyaaaaaaaaaaa!"

The tranquil atmosphere shattered abruptly, replaced by piercing screams that echoed through the air. Ais and Althea swiftly sprang into action, their instincts guiding their every move. Gareth, witnessing the sisters' swift response, followed closely behind, curiosity piqued.

Together, they arrived at the path leading to the sixth floor above, where chaos unfolded before them.

"Grrrgh?! Damn it! Don't screw with me!"

"There are too many of them!"

"Someone, please help!"

A swarm of killer ants had converged upon a group of lower-class adventurers, outnumbering them and throwing them into disarray. The upper-level monsters proved too formidable for the inexperienced adventurers.

Althea swiftly assessed the situation, her sharp mind analyzing the scenario. She murmured to herself, "Looks like someone triggered a Pass Parade. Big mistake."

Driven by her stubborn nature and a strong sense of justice, Ais dove headfirst into the battle, her impulsiveness taking over.

Althea couldn't help but sigh, a mix of amusement and concern evident in her voice. "Impulsive as always, Ais."

Witnessing her sister's fearless charge, Althea made a swift decision to provide support. Extending her slender arm, she brandished her magic staff, Everflame, and began chanting an incantation.

"Whirling gales, converge and strike! Tempest Lance!"

The winds swirled around her, condensing into a spear-shaped projectile that shot forward with incredible speed and precision. It pierced through the air, finding its mark among the killer ants, momentarily dispersing their formation.

Unfazed by the chaos, Ais displayed unmatched agility and swordsmanship, cutting through the horde with a seamless flow of lethal strikes. Her every movement was fluid and precise, a dance of carnage amidst the chaos.

Althea synchronized her attacks with Ais, expertly aiming her Tempest Lances to augment her sister's onslaught, maximizing their destructive impact.

Among the onlookers, awe and disbelief swept through their whispers.

"T-those are the Loki Familia's..."

"Both of them have golden hair and golden eyes... There's no mistaking it..."

"Uwaah..."

Ais remained resolute, undeterred by the claws that tore at her flesh and the wounds that stained her body. She fought on, her blade cleaving through the swarm without faltering.

Althea, her mastery of wind magic honed through relentless training, provided well-timed bursts of assistance, dispatching the monsters with precision and finesse.

As the battle raged on, a group of nearby adventurers, inspired by the sisters' display of courage, found renewed determination within themselves. They rallied to Ais and Althea's side, forming a united front against the encroaching swarm.

Together, they formed a defensive line, pushing back the relentless onslaught and providing crucial support to the sisters' relentless assault.

Sensing their impending defeat, the killer ants surged forward, aiming to overwhelm Althea with their sheer numbers. Refusing to yield, Althea summoned her inner strength and chanted another incantation.

"Raging frost, embrace thy foes! Furor Borealis!"

A bone-chilling gust erupted from her outstretched hands, engulfing the assailants in a tempest of freezing wind. The monsters' exoskeletons cracked and shattered under the assault, immobilizing them in an icy embrace.

"...A killing doll... and a magical doll...."

"They're the Doll princesses... Nay, War Princesses...."

Whispers of awe and admiration spread among the onlookers, witnessing the golden-haired warriors drenched in the blood of their enemies, their unwavering resolve shining through the carnage.

Gareth stood at a distance, a silent observer, his presence a mere specter amidst the battlefield where his intervention held no place.

"It is done," Ais declared with pride, standing atop a mound of lifeless ant corpses.

Meanwhile, Althea approached the group of grateful adventurers, her golden hair swaying in the breeze. With genuine concern, she inquired, "Is anyone injured?"

The adventurers, still reeling from the intensity of the battle, presented their wounds, their gratitude palpable.

Althea smiled warmly and raised her staff, murmuring the incantation for healing magic. "Gentle breeze, mend and restore... Halitus Noti."

A soothing gust of wind enveloped the injured adventurers, weaving through their wounds and revitalizing their weary bodies.

Their injuries began to fade, replaced by renewed vigor and a deep sense of awe for the magical prowess that had saved them.

"T-thank you for saving us!"

"We are forever in your debt!"

"You two fought like true heroes. We owe you, our lives."

Althea nodded modestly, her mind already focused on her sister's well-being. She pivoted on her heels, locking eyes with Ais, and without hesitation...

*Bonk*

Althea playfully bonked her sister on the head, eliciting a startled outcry.

"Hey! What was that for?" Ais protested, rubbing the spot where she had been struck.

Althea couldn't help but chuckle softly, a mixture of amusement and exasperation in her eyes. "Consider it a reminder to think before rushing straight into danger, do you understand?"

Intimidated by Althea's expression, Ais sheepishly nodded in agreement. "Okay..."

Meanwhile, Gareth, an amused spectator to their sibling dynamics, couldn't contain a wry smile. He muttered to himself, "She's starting to sound just like Riveria."

The adventurers, unsure of how to respond to the dynamic between the sisters, stood in stunned silence, their admiration mingled with a touch of confusion.

And then, as if fate wanted to add another twist to the tale...

*Crack*

The sword that Ais was holding had shattered, splintering into countless glimmering fragments that descended like a silvery rain.

"Ah..."

Ais let out a sad sigh, acknowledging the consequences of her impulsive actions, while Althea pinched the bridge of her nose, a mix of fondness and frustration crossing her features.