Discard Thine Garments

In the distance, the Twilight Manor materialized on the horizon. It was an architectural marvel, a chaotic symphony of overlapping towers built on a surprisingly small plot of land. The central tower, was the tallest of the bunch, its very stones appearing to have been carved from solidified flames. This, Zephyr learned, was the home of the Loki Familia.

As they drew closer, the sheer size of the structure became even more apparent. Guards, clad in armor with the symbol of the Loki Familia, stood vigil at the ornate gates. But upon recognizing Loki, their stern expressions melted into respectful smiles. The gates swung open without a moment's hesitation.

"Welcome home, Loki-sama." one of the guards boomed, his voice filled with admiration.

"Thanks, Gordon," Loki replied with a casual wave.

Zephyr, still a little overwhelmed by the sheer grandeur of it all, followed closely behind. He cast a worried glance at Noir, who whinnied softly in response.

"Don't worry about your friend," Loki said, sensing his concern. "We have excellent stables here. Hey, Gordon," she called out, addressing the guard. "Would you mind showing Noir to his quarters?"

The guard, Gordon, grinned broadly. "Of course. Follow me, big guy," he addressed Noir, extending a hand towards the stallion.

Noir, ever the picture of stoicism, sniffed at Gordon's hand before reluctantly following him towards a separate building. Zephyr watched him go, a pang of loneliness tugging at his heart.

"Don't worry," Loki repeated, her voice softer now. "He'll be well looked after. Now, come on, let's get you introduced to the rest of the Familia."

With a reassuring smile, Loki, the goddess, turned on her heel and began to lead Zephyr towards the towering entrance of the Twilight Manor. A wave of nervous anticipation washed over him. He was about to step into the heart of the Loki Familia, a place of chaos and camaraderie, of mischief and heroism, and of course his family.

The grand entrance of the Twilight Manor swallowed Zephyr whole. The opulent interior bustled with activity - seasoned adventurers, clad in their fine gear, filled the hall. Each one emanated an aura of confidence and experience, their muscles honed from countless battles within the treacherous Dungeon. Even the Level Ones, Zephyr learned through a stray comment, were trained to a level exceeding most veteran adventurers in Orario.

A nervous gulp escaped his throat. This was a different world from the bustling marketplace, one filled with raw power and an underlying sense of camaraderie.

Suddenly, a flash of emerald green caught his eye. Loki, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, beelined towards a figure across the room.

As Zephyr followed her gaze, he saw a woman with an air of quiet authority. Her long, flowing green hair cascaded down her back, the pointed tips hinting at her Elven heritage. Her face, sculpted with an almost ethereal beauty, mirrored the grace and elegance often attributed to her kind. Even Zephyr knew that she was an Elf.

As Loki approached, her playful demeanor switched to a mock sheepish grin. "Oh, Riveria!" she called out, her voice laced with a hint of feigned remorse.

Riveria's brow furrowed, her emerald eyes narrowing slightly. "Loki-sama," she greeted with a formal bow, her voice laced with a cool professionalism that contrasted sharply with Loki's usual boisterousness. "You finally returned. Where have you been all this time? You do know that you still have paperwork to do, right?"

A playful groan escaped Loki's lips as she braced herself for the expected reprimand. But before Riveria could launch into a full-blown lecture, Loki's mischievous grin returned.

"Now, now, Riveria, my little adventure outside wasn't without reason!" she declared, her voice dripping with mock innocence.

Riveria, ever the skeptic, raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Is that so? Then perhaps you'd care to explain?"

Loki, with a flourish that could only be described as theatrical, gestured towards Zephyr. "Look!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. "I found a new member for the Familia!"

Zephyr, who had been silently observing the exchange, felt himself become the center of attention. A blush crept up his neck as all eyes turned towards him. Here he stood, a nervous newcomer, under the gaze of an important member of the Loki Familia.

"Ah, my name is Zephyr Bladehart," he announced, his voice slightly shaky but filled with determination. "Loki-sama recently recruited me into the Familia." He took a deep breath and offered a respectful bow to the Elven beauty, "I look forward to learning from you all and contributing to the Familia."

The corner of Riveria's lips quirked upwards in a subtle smile, an amusement sparked by Zephyr's formality and nervousness. Elves, despite their long lifespans, often retained a fondness for young, enthusiastic souls.

With her usual grace, she extended a hand towards Zephyr. "My name is Riveria Ljos Alf," she introduced herself, her voice cool yet surprisingly gentle. "I'm an executive member of the Loki Familia, and I oversee most operations here." Her hand, when Zephyr took it, felt soft, but strong.

A warmth radiated from her emerald eyes as she gave his shoulder a reassuring pat. "Welcome to the Familia, Zephyr," she said, her voice sincere. "We're always happy to welcome new people, especially those with the right spirit."

Zephyr felt a surge of gratitude wash over him. Riveria's gentle demeanor instantly put him at ease, despite his initial intimidation by her beauty and authority. "Thank you," he stammered, a sheepish grin replacing his nervous frown. "I… I'll do my best."

Zephyr wasn't great with women, the only women he knew in his life was Lilia, who was like his mother. And the village girls. As such, Zephyr wasn't great with interactions when it came to women. And in Zephyr's eyes, Riveria was the Final Boss of Women.

—————

The walk through the bustling halls of the Twilight Manor provided a welcome distraction for Zephyr. He stole glances at the other members of the Loki Familia, their focused expressions and well-worn gear hinting at countless adventures within the Dungeon.

Finally, they reached a quieter corridor, the distant sounds of training muffled by thick walls. Loki paused, her playful demeanor replaced by a hint of seriousness.

"Tell me, Zephyr," she began, her voice surprisingly calm, "do you know what a Falna is?"

Zephyr blinked, surprised by the sudden shift in topic. He pondered for a moment, recalling bits and pieces he'd overheard in taverns and marketplaces.

"Yes," he replied cautiously, "but only a tad bit. I know it's a blessing bestowed upon adventurers by the gods, granting them strength and abilities to delve deeper into the Dungeon."

The duo reached a door which Loki opened, she entered the room followed by Zephyr who closed the door behind her.

Under Zephyr's gaze, Loki stretched for a bit before sitting on a bed inside the office. Loki beckoned Zephyr to get closer to her.

"Alrighty now let's do this." Loki's smile returned. 'What is she up to?' Zephyr knew this goddess was a prankster in nature.

Suddenly, Zephyr felt the atmosphere shift. Loki opened her eye lids which were closed most of the time. She looked serious as hell.

"Strip." The Goddess uttured one word.

"Excuse me?" Zephyr stared at his Goddesses crimson eyes.

———[Chapter End]———

A/N: To make the Dungeon more difficult, I plan to implement Monsters from the Monster Hunter franchise into the Dungeon, there's gotta be a change if there's a fanfic MC.