Chapter 41: "Expedition"

"Welcome."

Seeing Rige slowly walk in from the door, Finn, Leivia, and Gris, who had been talking about something, all turned their heads to focus their gazes on Rige. Their eyes were like those of people who had just seen a treasure, filled with satisfaction and comfort.

"Leader, Lady Leivia, Lord Gris."

Rige bowed to the three clan leaders one by one. His attitude was not overly respectful, but it was still quite courteous.

"Don't be too formal, be more relaxed."

Leivia, who rarely showed a serious and strict demeanor, smiled at Rige.

"There's no need to feel nervous. We old folks are just here to chat with you. As for you going alone to challenge the 17th floor boss, Loki will have a good talk with you later. We won't play the bad guy."

Gris stroked his beard, saying this with a half-smile, which made Rige feel a bit awkward.

He naturally wouldn't tell Gris that Loki had already scolded him.

After all, Rige hadn't told anyone about his solo challenge to the 17th floor boss, Goliath. He had gone there secretly. Not only Loki, but even Raphia had some complaints about it.

If Rige hadn't succeeded in the challenge and leveled up, shifting some of Loki and Raphia's attention, he might still be getting scolded by them now.

On the contrary, Ais, seeing Rige's successful solo challenge, seemed to have been inspired. She had been in a thoughtful mood since the morning, which made Rige worry that the doll princess might be influenced by him and do something rash and dangerous.

In such a situation, Gris's teasing was indeed embarrassing for Rige.

"Really reckless."

Leivia slightly reined in her smile, showing that she wasn't entirely pleased with Rige's risky actions.

Only Finn, looking at this super rookie who had achieved incredible results and combat records, having risen from level 1 to level 4 in just over a month, smiled and spoke.

"How are you? Have you adapted to your new level?"

Finn's words helped ease the tension, making Rige secretly sigh in relief.

"Almost there." Rige replied honestly, "A couple more practical battles in the dungeon should help me fully adapt."

"That's good." Finn nodded and said, "The main reason we called you here is to check on your progress and prepare for the upcoming expedition."

"Expedition?"

Rige was first taken aback, then his eyes lit up.

"Exactly, an expedition." Finn, seeing Rige's reaction, said with a mix of helplessness and understanding, "It's been over a month since our last expedition. It's time for the Loki Clan to venture into the dungeon again."

As one of the top exploration clans in Orario, the Loki Clan has always been at the forefront of dungeon exploration.

Just as adventurers take exploring the dungeon as their primary job, large clans launching expeditions into the dungeon is a must.

However, for a clan like the Loki Clan, which needs to explore to the 50th floor and deeper, the preparation alone is a massive undertaking.

Not to mention the resources needed for the expedition, which require a lot of time to prepare.

Food and water are secondary, as they can be obtained in the dungeon. The main focus is on weapons, equipment, medicines, and special items for various situations, which usually take a lot of time to prepare.

Therefore, large clans like the Loki Clan typically launch expeditions every one to two months.

Now, it was time again.

The reason Finn and the others called Rige here was simple.

"Although you've only been in the clan for less than two months, it's not usual to involve you in such a major clan activity right away. But you're already level 4, and for the next expedition, we want you to join us." Finn said, "This is a decision made by the three of us, with Loki's personal approval. If you have any objections, you can raise them here."

Objections?

How could Rige have any objections?

Exploring the deeper levels of the dungeon and battling the high-level monsters that few dare to challenge was exactly what Rige had been hoping for.

He had been looking forward to the expedition for a long time. Now that he finally had the opportunity, he wouldn't miss it.

Thus—

"I have no objections." Rige answered without hesitation, "Please let me join."

Rige made no effort to hide his anticipation and eagerness.

This made Finn and the others exchange glances, then they all smiled wryly.

"Knew you'd be eager for it."

Gris looked somewhat exasperated.

"Thought you'd be easier to handle than Ais and the others, but it looks like we'll have to keep a close eye on you too."

Leivia sighed.

"It's best if you have no objections." Finn shook his head and laughed, then continued, "However, the expedition is a big deal, and it's your first time. Think carefully, is there anything you need to prepare?"

Finn's words made Rige fall into deep thought.

He didn't really need to prepare much.

For others, they might need to prepare their equipment and medicines, but Rige didn't need to.

The "Light Armor" development ability meant Rige no longer needed to wear armor. The less equipment and weight, the better. So, when he reached level 2, Rige had already given up on armor.

Rige also didn't need many medicines. Whether it was physical strength or mental strength, due to the "Endless" skill effect, with the highest-level "Healing" and "Mental Healing," he had never been exhausted. With "Abnormality Resistance" also at the highest level, he was immune to abnormal statuses. Apart from high-level healing potions and universal potions, Rige didn't need many other medicines.

During the expedition, the clan would take care of most of the medicine preparation, so Rige didn't need to go through the trouble of preparing them himself.

Thus, Rige didn't really need to prepare anything.

No, that's not right.

There was one thing that needed to be addressed.

Thinking of this, Rige involuntarily turned his gaze to his waist.

There, a sword hung, which Rige always carried with him.

Finn noticed this.

"I see, there's a problem with your weapon?"

Finn hit the nail on the head.

Leivia and Gris exchanged glances, showing no surprise.

"Is it because of Ais's magic?"

Leivia asked.

"Yes." Rige nodded and sighed, "Because of the magic, the weapon I have is no longer sufficient for the current combat intensity."

The weapon Rige was currently using was specially made for him when he reached level 2.

During the battle with the crocodile dragon, Rige's main weapon, a rapier, broke due to the excessive strain from the maximum output of "Wind Spirit Dash."

After that, Rige found a reputable weapon shop and had the blacksmiths there use the crocodile dragon's claws, which Raphia had picked up for him, to forge a new weapon.

In the end, for a price of 800,000 faris (courtesy of a certain elf girl), Rige successfully obtained a third-level weapon, which he is currently using.

A third-level weapon should be sufficient for a level 2 adventurer.

At least, for a regular adventurer, it would still be usable even at level 4, without being a hindrance.

However, for Rige, who possessed the exceptional magic "Wind Spirit Dash" and could potentially overburden his weapon, using a third-level weapon made from crocodile dragon claws was already becoming a strain.

Even before reaching level 4, it was somewhat dangerous.

For example, during the encounter with the Monster Feast on the 16th floor, to break through and protect Raphia, Rige once again unleashed the maximum output of "Wind Spirit Dash," causing a crack in his weapon.

During the solo challenge on the 17th floor, Rige again unleashed the maximum output of "Wind Spirit Dash," resulting in multiple cracks, nearly breaking the weapon.

These two damages led to Rige spending a considerable amount of money on repairs afterward.

Now, Rige was level 4, his strength had increased dramatically, and the power of his magic had become even stronger. If he used "Wind Spirit Dash" in battle, even without unleashing the maximum output, just a bit of serious effort might damage the weapon.

This was seriously affecting his combat.

Especially since Rige had obtained the "Swordsman" development ability, having a sword or not would greatly impact his strength.

So—

"If there's anything I need to prepare, I probably need to find a weapon that is strong and durable enough."

Rige thought about it and felt this was the only thing he needed to prepare, and it was urgent.

"Weapons?"

Leivia and Gris nodded in unison.

"Alright." Finn pondered for a moment, then said to Rige, "If that's the case, let's go to the Hephaestus Clan."

The Hephaestus Clan.

This is the top blacksmith clan in Orario.

In Orario, there are various types of clans, including exploration clans focused on dungeon exploration and commercial clans engaged in business activities. The Hephaestus Clan is the latter.

The main business of this clan is selling various weapons and equipment, and most of its members are high-level blacksmiths, those who have learned the "Blacksmithing" development ability.

"I have some orders to place there. Since you need a good weapon, let's go together."

Finn extended an invitation to Rige.

"Sure!"

Rige nodded firmly.

Not long after, the two left the office and the Twilight Hall.

New book, seeking support! Seeking recommendations! Seeking collections! (*^▽^*)

(End of Chapter)