Danmachi: Strongest Familia

Over the past few months, Riveria and Alfia had only interacted a handful of times, mainly during sparring sessions where Riveria endured Alfia's relentless taunts after each defeat. Alfia's cool demeanor and sharp remarks were as grating as her strength was overwhelming.

However, these encounters weren't without benefits. Thanks to these spars, Riveria's hand-to-hand combat skills had improved remarkably, and she'd even picked up the technique of striking with her staff.

"How do you feel?" Alfia asked her quietly.

"Much better. My body feels fine now, thank you so much…" Aina replied, glancing up to meet Alfia's gaze. But then she paused—she realized she didn't even know her savior's name. How rude!

She looked over at Sol for help.

"She's our new family member, Peruda!" Sol announced.

Aina froze in surprise at his words. Even after all this time, Sol still considered her part of his family.

"Thank you very much, Miss Peruda, for your help!" Aina said gratefully.

"No need to thank me; it was just a small favor," Alfia replied, her cold demeanor returning when addressing adults.

"But there's one more thing I'd like to discuss with you—about Eina," Aina said, shifting slightly.

"Whatever it is, Eina is also my daughter," Sol replied with a playful tug at Aina's hair.

Unfazed, Aina smoothed her hair back and continued, "Recently, some of the high-ranking deities approached me, asking if Eina might join their Familia."

"What? Someone's actually trying to recruit Eina?" Sol's expression immediately darkened.

Even if outsiders didn't know Aina's connection to Sol's family or her true identity, they should know well enough that this neighborhood fell under his domain. Who dared try to lure his family away?

But clearly, they had an eye for talent. After all, Eina wasn't destined to be a mere guild adventurer advisor, as the original story had outlined. As Sol's own bloodline, her talents were bound to be extraordinary.

Back then, before the city of Valoran was established, Sol had almost rewritten the script to bless his family with many children.

"Eina also seems interested in joining a Familia," Aina added. "I was hoping you might consider guiding her."

Sol nodded. "It's true; Eina's at the right age for it. If she really wants this, I'll support her."

Why send his own daughter to another familia when he could train her himself? Imagining Eina as one of Orario's top adventurers sparked a sense of pride in him.

"Then let's do it! I'll bestow my favor upon Eina right away!"

Without delay, Sol obtained Aina's consent, gently took Eina's small hand, and led her to Aina's room.

Lacking a silver needle to prick his finger, he made do with a sewing needle.

On the parchment appeared:

[Aurelion Eina]

'Level:' 1

Ability Value: 

- Strength: I0 

- Endurance: I0 

- Dexterity: I0 

- Agility: I0 

- Magic: I0 

Magic: 

- 'Flame and Wind Dance' 

 'Wide-Area Annihilation Magic' 

'Incantation:' 

"Winds of the sky, flames of the earth, lend me your strength in my hour of need. Destroy the forces of evil, rip through the shroud of darkness, and reveal the will of the Dragon Clan!"

Skills: 

- 'Blood of the Dragon' 

 - Increases all attributes 

 - Boosts resistance to abnormal conditions 

 - Enables dragon-only magic

Sol looked at the parchment with pride. As expected of his own daughter, she had inherited the dragon clan's blood and possessed a powerful magic ability.

Although he hadn't yet seen the magic in action, he knew that wide-area annihilation magic carried immense power, and the lengthy incantation suggested an incredible force.

Just look at Alfia's wide-area annihilation magic—it could bring down a leviathan with ease.

His little girl's future looked so bright! He imagined her stirring up the city of Orario one day, like a dragon's mighty roar!

——

Meanwhile, back in the dungeon, the expedition team was having a far rougher time.

With their small numbers, they moved faster than the larger Loki Familia, reaching the 39th floor for a brief rest.

They'd traveled nearly without pause to reach the deeper floors, and the oppressive atmosphere grew more intense as they descended. Although Gnar and the others were skilled, Riveria didn't dare allow them to act recklessly in such dangerous territory.

"From here on, we're entering the dungeon's depths. There's no room for foolishness," Riveria cautioned, gathering the team.

Her gaze lingered on Kret and Gnar. They weren't typical adventurers, after all.

So, Riveria made sure to speak with Kennen, the yordle elder, who had considerable authority among the little ones.

"Don't worry," he assured her. "I'll keep them in line."

Riveria felt reassured by his promise. Over time, she'd come to appreciate Kennen's stability and knew she could count on him to keep the others in check.

Though he hadn't yet reached a higher level himself, she trusted him to keep things under control and prevent any mishaps.