The figures standing behind Astraea were the members of the Astraea Familia, resurrected by Leon himself.
Loki hadn't noticed them at first, but now, seeing them in full, she couldn't help but let out a startled scream.
The Astraea Familia had all died years ago, leaving only Ryuu behind. Now, here they were, whole and alive again. It was no wonder Loki was shocked.
Even Ais stared at the returning familia with wide eyes, a mix of disbelief and amazement.
"Are they really the Astraea Familia?" Tiona blinked in curiosity, whispering.
"Shh… Except for Gale, I've never seen the others before." Tione replied with a shrug, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.
When the two sisters first came to Orario, the Astraea Familia had vanished, and their current situation was a mystery to them.
"They're all strong, especially Alise. Though she can't compare to Leon, she's a level 5 combatant at only level 4." Ais whispered quietly.
"Oh wow!" The sisters both showed surprised expressions. They hadn't expected Alise to be that powerful.
"But how did they survive?" Their curiosity deepened after their initial shock.
"That's what I want to know too." Ais murmured, her gaze never leaving the Astraea Familia.
At that moment, the residents and adventurers nearby also noticed the Astraea Familia's presence.
The clash between Loki and Kali had already drawn attention from many onlookers.
The Astraea Familia held a special place in the hearts of Orario's residents. Back when they existed, they protected the city's order alongside the Ganesha Familia. Many still remembered the alias and deeds of Astraea Familia members. As the captain, Alise's reputation was well-known.
When Loki shouted, the crowd's eyes naturally fell on her. Upon spotting Alise and the others, many residents gasped in surprise, exchanging whispers.
"Hey, Loki." Alise smiled warmly and waved at Loki, greeting her.
Her simple gesture confirmed the identity of the Astraea Familia to everyone, instantly surrounding them with excited fans. Within seconds, the Astraea Familia was completely encircled. Residents chattered and greeted them enthusiastically.
"They're still just as popular with the city folks." Loki sighed, watching the scene unfold.
Kali and her companions raised their eyebrows in silent surprise. Unaware of the Astraea Familia's background, the spectacle before them was unexpected.
"Forget it. Let's move on." Kali said, casting a few quick glances at Loki before turning her attention fully to the Astraea Familia.
After greeting Argana and Bache, Kali led them away.
"Tione, goodbye." Argana said, flashing a taunting look at Tione before departing with Bache.
"I really want to punch that woman." Tione muttered unhappily.
Argana's constant provocations irritated her endlessly. Though she could physically confront Argana, Tione knew fighting in the city would cause too much collateral damage, so she reluctantly held back.
"Here we go again." Tione complained to no one in particular.
She still couldn't understand why her feud with Argana hadn't cooled after all these years.
"By the way, why did Little No. 2 and the others come to Orario?" Loki's curiosity got the better of her as she watched Kali's retreating back.
"Oh, I don't know." Tiona shrugged.
The crowd didn't keep the Astraea Familia for long. They soon dispersed, and Astraea gestured to the group.
"Shall we find somewhere to talk?"
Loki nodded. "Let's go to my place."
"Alright." Astraea smiled gently.
"Astraea-sama, I want to see Leon." Ryuu suddenly spoke from behind.
"I want to see Leon too." Alise chimed in, waving her hand.
"I'm coming with you." Kaguya added.
"Sure, go ahead." Astraea said calmly.
"Then we'll leave first and come to the Twilight Manor later." Alise nodded, calling Ryuu and Kaguya to follow her.
"Suspicious…" Loki narrowed her eyes as she watched them leave.
There had to be something significant between the Astraea Familia and Leon.
Resurrection… Could this be the work of that kid Leon?
Loki's curiosity about Leon grew stronger by the day. More and more, she wanted to lure Leon into her familia.
Not only Loki, but Ais and the others harbored doubts and questions as well.
"Let's go, Loki." Astraea said gently.
"Right, let's go." Loki nodded, snapping out of her thoughts as they walked toward the Twilight Manor together.
The group arrived at the Twilight Manor soon.
Inside, Leon was deep in discussion with Finn and the others about plans for the next expedition. Suddenly, a knock interrupted them.
"Come in." Finn called out.
The door opened, and Raul, a notable member of the Loki Familia, entered with a troubled expression.
"Captain, Loki-sama has returned."
"She's back and safe, so why do you look like this?" Finn frowned, sensing something was off from Raul's behavior.
The others shared his confusion. If Loki had returned safely, why would Raul look so uneasy reporting it?
"But she didn't come alone." Raul continued hesitantly.
"She returned with goddesss Astraea and members of her Familia."
"Eh???" Finn and the others were stunned.
What was this about?
Had Astraea recruited new members in the outside world and returned to Orario?
"All of Astraea Familia have been resurrected." Raul explained.
"Except for Scarlet Harnel, Gale, and Yamata Rindou, everyone else is here."
Three pairs of stunned eyes exchanged looks.
"Finally back?"
Compared to the surprise and confusion flickering across Finn and the others' faces, Leon remained calm, quietly murmuring in his heart.
After all, the resurrection of the Astraea Familia members was his doing, his power, his responsibility.
Still, why hadn't Alise and the others come with them?
"Leon, the expedition plan will have to be put on hold for now. We need to go over and check it out." The three of them paused for a moment, then Finn regained his composure and spoke to Leon.
"Alright, let's go. I'll come along and take a look too." Leon nodded gently with a faint smile.
Without delay, the four of them left the office and quickly hurried toward the reception room.
As they neared the door, Loki's voice floated out from the half-open doorway.
The four pushed the door wide open and stepped inside.
Seeing Astraea and her companions, Finn's expression briefly blanked, disbelief written across his face.
"It's really you!" He blurted out before he could stop himself, eyes wide as he stared at the familiar yet almost surreal figures.
"Everyone from Astraea familia?" Riveria's voice trembled in shock.
"This is truly... incredible." Gareth's mouth hung open, his astonishment plain as he finally voiced what everyone was feeling.
At this moment, Astraea was seated on the sofa opposite Loki, calm and dignified. Behind her stood the resurrected members of the Astraea Familia, their faces radiating unwavering confidence.
"Long time no see, Finn, Riveria, Gareth." Astraea greeted them with a graceful nod.
"Long time no see, Astraea-sama." Finn and the others quickly regained their senses and responded in unison.
"I didn't expect you all to be resurrected." Finn admitted, his eyes sweeping over the members of the Astraea Familia behind Astraea, emotion thick in his voice.
"Riveria-sama, it's been a long time since I last saw you." Celty bowed respectfully to Riveria.
"Ah, long time no see, Celty. It's good that you've been resurrected." Riveria responded with a slight nod.
One by one, the others greeted the three giants, while Leon watched quietly from the sidelines, choosing not to interrupt.
After the greetings died down, a brief calm settled over the room. Then, Astraea rose from the sofa and stepped toward Leon, the members of her familia following her lead.
"Huh?"