Upon emerging from the tunnel back into the familia, Ais immediately drew the attention of every member.
"???"
Confused, Ais tilted her head, unsure why everyone was staring at her so intently.
"Why are you all staring at me?"
Yes, that sounded like the Ais they knew.
For some reason, the moment Ais said this, everyone felt as if the Ais from their memories had returned.
"Ais!"
Tiona, who was closest to her, jumped directly in front of her.
"That was amazing! You actually fought almost evenly against a Level 8 adventurer. If that person didn't have regeneration, you probably could've won, right?"
But Ais shook her head slightly.
"I couldn't win."
"If Dad's consciousness were the one controlling the body, I wouldn't have had a chance to trade injuries with him. He would've seen through my opening deception immediately. I wouldn't have gained that early advantage."
That much Ais was certain of.
If it had been her teacher in her place, Dad likely wouldn't have been able to dodge at all. But if she faced her father directly, she would only lose.
"Dad is strong. Even if his body was being controlled by the Dungeon, he was still beyond what I could handle."
"But you still won."
"Mm."
Ais didn't deny it. She truly had won.
Maybe it wasn't a glorious victory, but just as her teacher had said—as long as she displayed her full strength, this trial belonged to her.
What made her happiest was that the teacher acknowledged her victory.
At that moment, Tiona felt Ais was truly dazzling.
She knew she wasn't a match for someone at Level 8.
Yet during the challenge, Ais hadn't backed down at all. Even when pushed to the edge, she had sacrificed her right hand to grasp victory.
For a moment, Tiona felt she would have to look up to Ais from now on.
Not long ago, they had been on the same level. But in just half a year, the gap had widened far too much.
Which meant the key had to be Bell Cranel.
Ais couldn't possibly have reached this level with only her own effort in six months. Otherwise, she would have long since reached this height.
So the one who trained her was the real monster.
'Ugh… the projection only showed Ais's battle. We never got to see that guy's fight at all.'
Tiona felt a pang of regret.
Even though that person returned with Ais's Mama—completely beaten up—it felt incomplete not seeing the entire battle.
"Alright, everyone calm down."
Riveria stepped forward, stopping the impending chaos.
"Ais, you've just finished a battle. Go rest properly. Anything else can wait until tomorrow."
"Loki, I'll leave Ais to you."
Riveria understood Ais's personality too well.
There was nothing she could do regarding her parents for the moment, since Bell currently had everything under control. Ais couldn't interfere.
But updating her status was something Riveria knew she wouldn't be able to delay.
Ais was surely wondering whether this victory counted as Excelia for her promotion.
Without knowing, she would not rest.
Loki, who had been sitting in the corner, patted her backside and stood.
"Finn, handle things here."
"Ais-tan, come with me."
"Mm."
The people surrounding Ais parted to make way.
Ais nodded, then followed Loki out of the dining hall.
Those left behind clearly had a great deal they wanted to say.
But matching Loki's pace, Ais could no longer hear any of the murmurs.
She followed Loki out of the hall in a daze.
Because today was Loki Familia's gathering, the corridors and the outside were empty—everyone was still in the dining hall.
Finn would clearly need time to handle matters over there.
It was rare for Loki Familia to hold a banquet, and this one had been prepared specifically for celebration.
Naturally, the reason was Ais's successful breakthrough to Level 8.
To be honest, it was a little early. Normally they would wait until her level-up was confirmed before holding the celebration.
As they walked, Loki suddenly spoke.
"Ais, doesn't this banquet feel sudden to you?"
"???"
Ais tilted her head, not understanding why Loki would say that.
But since Loki asked, Ais thought about it.
This celebration was clearly meant to publicize her achievement—its purpose was obvious.
"Is Loki doing this to draw attention toward Teacher?"
Ais's response made Loki nod slightly.
"Well, that kid has reached a critical stage too. He needs a little help diverting attention."
Ais nodded.
She'd heard something similar from her teacher before. It seemed he had reached a deciding point—and he must have already met the conditions for promotion this time.
…
The coming Level 9 would be crucial.
"Why is Loki helping Teacher so much?"
She helped Teacher because he trained her… but why Loki?
Ais didn't understand.
Loki stopped walking, turned, and gave Ais a smile.
"How should I put it… that kid is probably the person I most want to protect."
"!"
Ais stared, stunned and surprised.
The answer itself was shocking, but Loki's strange smile shocked her even more.
'I've never seen that expression on Loki's face before.'
'And… Teacher is the person Loki wants to protect most? Teacher and Loki are that close?'
The sudden thoughts crashed down on Ais, leaving her dizzy.
Loki realized she'd said too much, but didn't seem bothered. Only Ais had heard it—and in Loki's mind, Ais didn't cause trouble with such things.
"Everything I said just now is a secret. Don't tell anyone, alright?"
She didn't understand the relationship between Loki and Teacher, but she understood the importance of keeping a secret.
Loki turned around and resumed walking. Maybe because of the earlier conversation, her steps felt lighter than before.