Hunted by Characters I Drew!!

With Alexander's leadership, navigating the dungeon was smooth and effortless. For these high-ranking and elite adventurers, the minor monsters lurking beneath the fiftieth floor posed no real threat. 

However, an unusual sense of chaos pervaded the dungeon. Along the way, there were significantly more monsters than usual, and many high-level creatures were inexplicably wandering in lower floors where they didn't belong. 

Finally, the group regrouped at the safety zone on the 50th floor. 

"Ais, Riveria, how did your side fare? Any casualties?" Finn asked anxiously as the two teams reunited. 

Alexander took note of the scratches and injuries on many adventurers, evidence of the intense battles they had faced during their journey. 

Riveria shook her head slightly as she responded, "No casualties, fortunately. Our journey was smooth overall. But did you notice the unusual number of monsters? Not only are there more of them, but their strength is abnormally high." 

Finn nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Something isn't right. This kind of disturbance doesn't happen unless a god has entered the dungeon, or... someone like Ottar is meddling again." 

--- 

Meanwhile, back in Orario, Ottar sneezed once more. 

"Achoo!" 

He frowned. "What's going on? Do I actually have a cold?" 

Freya raised an eyebrow, her voice teasing. "If you're sick, go rest. We can't have you sneezing all over the place." 

Ottar waved off her concern. "There's no need, Freya-sama. A little cold won't affect me." 

Freya smirked. "No, but I'm more worried about you infecting me." 

Ottar fell silent, slightly deflated. 

--- 

Back in the dungeon, the exhausted members of the Loki Familia rested on the 50th floor after a day of grueling combat. Recuperating their strength was crucial for the challenges ahead. 

Alexander, however, was off to the side, casually playing Flappy Bird on his phone while observing the high-level meeting of the Loki Familia. Completely unaware, he remained oblivious to the fact that the dungeon's abnormalities were caused by his own presence. 

Indeed, Alexander saw himself as nothing more than an unusually powerful human. The thought that his inner divine energy could disrupt the delicate balance of the dungeon hadn't even crossed his mind. 

Finn sat at the center of the meeting, his expression serious as he addressed the group. 

"These changes in the dungeon were unexpected. We need to decide—what should we do next?" 

Tione scowled, crossing her arms. "What choice do we have? We can't just turn back now, can we?" she grumbled. Clearly, she wasn't interested in retreating after all the preparation that had gone into this expedition. She had set her sights on reaching the 59th floor, and the idea of retreating because of monsters was unthinkable. 

"It's not an option," she continued firmly. "It would be humiliating if our expedition ended in failure again. We've prepared so well and made such a big deal out of this. If we turn back now, we'd lose all our dignity." 

Bete grunted in agreement. "Retreat isn't even on the table. What matters most is our pride—mine, and the Loki Familia's. Everything else is secondary. There's no way we're backing down." 

"But I still believe everyone's safety is the most important thing. I don't think Loki would want to see anyone get hurt." 

Riveria, ever the caring "mother" of the group, expressed her concern for everyone's well-being. 

Meanwhile, the usually silent Gareth voiced his willingness to follow the leadership's decision. Ais, however, remained quiet, clearly lost in thought. 

--- 

It was evident she was still preoccupied with what had happened a few days ago. That mysterious woman had told her that once they reached the 59th floor, she would reveal all the secrets Ais had been longing to know. Turning back now would mean forfeiting that opportunity, a failure she wasn't willing to accept. 

Yet, Ais kept her thoughts to herself. She understood that she couldn't risk everyone's safety for her own personal desires. 

Alexander, observing Ais's conflicted expression, seemed to understand her inner turmoil. As she stood in silence, he gently reached out and held her small hand, speaking with quiet confidence. 

"Don't worry. From now on, leave everything to me. No matter what happens, I'll support you." 

Ais was stunned. She didn't expect it from him.

The group, overhearing their exchange, began to shift their perspectives. Alexander's strength was undeniable, and their trust in him grew. 

After all, he was the man who had descended from the 59th floor. However, with the dungeon in such a volatile state, who could predict what might happen? If Ais were to perish because of this expedition, none of them would be able to bear the guilt. 

It was then that Bete, ever impatient and brash, stepped forward. 

"What's that supposed to mean?" he said, staring straight at Alexander. "Do you think we're scared of a little challenge? Let me be clear: whether everyone else retreats or not, I'm not backing down. Leaving Familia behind just isn't how the Loki Familia operates." 

"That's right!" Tiona chimed in enthusiastically. She hugged Ais tightly and declared, "I'm staying too. We'll face whatever comes together!" 

Tione wasn't about to be left out, adding confidently, "Count me in as well!" 

Faced with the resolute determination of his comrades, Finn let out a heavy sigh. Finally, he conceded with a faint smile. 

"Alright, then. If that's how everyone feels, we might as well go all the way. The Loki Familia doesn't retreat! We face danger head-on—fearless!" 

Alexander couldn't help but smile at the spirited group before him. 

"That's the spirit," he thought, full of admiration. "As expected of the Loki Familia. Only a Familia like this deserves to stand in the spotlight as true protagonists."