Furina could feel that she was different from the past.
It wasn't a difference in strength, but rather a shift in her own state of mind.
She couldn't quite say if this change was some sort of "warrior's heart," but she could feel that the confidence she once had to conjure through performance had now grown into something genuine.
She... finally possessed true substance.
"Alright, since today's lessons are finished, let's head back." Sushang sheathed her sword and rubbed her stomach with a goofy grin. "I'm getting a bit hungry. The dried rations we brought might fill us up, but they don't provide any satisfaction at all."
Seeing her like this, Furina couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Sushang was a peculiar person—Furina had known that for a long time—but fighting side-by-side with her, she felt more than ever just how extraordinarily strange she was.
This was not a derogatory sort of strangeness.
In Furina's eyes, Sushang was just like the swordswomen in Liyue novels and stories.
She wasn't the kind of distant, untouchable heroine, but rather one who would laugh and joke in daily life, only to become dashing and heroic in a pinch.
It used to be that she was the one called "someone who walked out of a play," but she never expected to meet someone who had walked straight out of a novel.
It was a contradiction that blended with perfect naturalness; both adorable and heroic at once.
"Then let's hurry back. We've been out much longer than planned, and she must be worried." Furina said.
Nearby, with the life-and-death crisis resolved, the three adventurers exchanged glances and stepped forward to face the two girls.
The man in the lead bowed directly to them. "I never imagined that so many killer ants could be handled without a single one slipping past the two of you. I am a member of the Ōmononushi Familia. I haven't seen the two of you before; are you adventurers who have just arrived in Orario?"
Sushang and Furina exchanged a look.
The gap between them in combat ability was clear, and their aptitude for social interaction was equally distinct. If the man had approached them as an individual, there would be no need to be guarded, but his demeanor clearly showed he was speaking on behalf of his Familia.
In that case, it was better for Furina to take the lead as the spokesperson.
"I am Furina de Fontaine. Compared to Shangshang, who has been in Orario for a few days, I only joined the Focalors Familia yesterday."
Furina de Fontaine? The name sounded vaguely familiar. Looking closely, wasn't this the girl with the unique style, rare beauty, fluffy white hair, and heterochromatic eyes?
The leader had indeed heard of the name and the rumors, but they were a low-ranking Familia with only a Level 2 adventurer as their captain, so they naturally had no luxury to stroll around the bustling districts for shopping.
Even when they needed weapons or consumables, they bought them directly from various Familia branches in Babel or from individual sellers.
That this girl—whom so many gods were scrambling to recruit—was standing right before them, combined with her grace and elegant combat style, it was no wonder so many deities were fighting to offer her their olive branch.
And...
The leader glanced at the brown-haired girl beside her.
Compared to Furina, the girl called "Shangshang" was no less beautiful.
If Furina was the type to strike you as stunning at first glance, then this girl was the type who became more appealing the longer you looked.
The only pity was... her temperament, perhaps?
Clearly, she had been heroic and dashing just a moment ago during the fight, so why did she look so spaced out and unfocused now?
No... that must just be a facade. What mattered most for an adventurer was strength, and their strength was simply preposterous.
On their second day in a Familia—likely their first time entering the Dungeon—they had reached the seventh floor and dealt with over a dozen killer ants.
One fought with the elegance of a sword princess, while the other possessed not only high-tier swordsmanship but also summoning magic capable of healing and restraining the enemy.
Either one of them would be a key talent for any major Familia, yet the Focalors Familia was one he had never even heard of.
"So you are from the Focalors Familia. Thank you so much for saving us. Are you two heading back as well?" The leader trailed off, then sheepishly patted his own head. "Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Lydi, and those over there are Claude and Shana."
After Lydi introduced his team and the others greeted them with friendly enthusiasm, he continued, "Since you saved us, if you have time, we would really like the chance to thank you properly!"
Furina's expression remained unchanged, though she understood Lydi's intention. If anything, it would be strange not to see through such a blunt overture.
Yet, his behavior took her by surprise.
Is there really so little competition or factional strife between Familias in Orario?
Even though they were from different groups, was it common to be so openly solicitous? Or perhaps it was just smaller Familias huddling together for warmth?
"You haven't introduced that girl yet; isn't she with you?" Sushang asked, looking confused.
The question stunned the three adventurers and made Furina turn to look at Sushang with a puzzled expression.
"That Pallum? I suppose you could say she's with us, but she's just a supporter." Lydi explained, his expression dismissive.
Thinking that since it was the pair's first day in the Dungeon, he took the opportunity to explain to them to build rapport.
"Supporters" were non-combatants who entered the labyrinth alongside adventurers. They were responsible for luggage, spare weapons, items, and retrieving magic stones—vital support staff.
Most novice adventurers served as supporters for senior members of their own Familia, gaining experience while lightening the load for their elders.
However, there were also freelance supporters hired by teams; these were generally looked down upon.
They were often people who had ceased being adventurers for various reasons, and they were frequently treated with cold indifference.
"That Pallum is in that situation," Lydi said. "We hired her, but she isn't really our companion."
"I see." Furina nodded in understanding. She didn't pay much mind to these unwritten rules, finding the idea of a supporter quite convenient.
After all, their Familia didn't know when they might get a new recruit, and she couldn't exactly have herself or Sushang take on the role.
Using Mademoiselle Crabaletta as a supporter was already a last resort.
"Uh... but if she isn't your companion, we might have a problem." As Furina was lost in thought, Sushang tugged at the corner of her mouth in embarrassment and pointed behind everyone.
Furina suddenly realized why Sushang had interrupted her and quickly stepped aside, shifting her gaze away from the "human wall" in front of them.
There was no sign of the supporter behind them, and even the magic stones Mademoiselle Crabaletta had set aside were gone.
"That little rascal!!??"
--+--
T/N: If you want advance chapters, you can find it at [email protected]/AspenTL