CHAPTER 393: CHAPTER 393: LILIRUCA’S LACK OF UNDERSTANDING

"Daphne and Liliruca still don’t know the situation, so let me repeat the problem we’re facing."

After taking a deep breath, Finn looked at everyone with a serious and solemn expression.

The atmosphere in the room changed completely from just moments before. It wasn’t just the mood—everyone’s demeanor had shifted entirely.

Daphne instinctively glanced at Cassandra, but even the usually timid Cassandra had taken on a completely different air.

Liliruca seemed a bit lost, but she’d already begun piecing things together in her mind.

’So, the reason the captain and the others were in such bad shape before... was because they ran into something even worse? I actually guessed right.’

She had guessed correctly, but this time, there was no satisfaction—just growing tension.

Finn let out a sigh and drew back his gaze. His voice deepened.

"This time, we’re facing something even more troublesome than exploring the unknown. It’s a trial given to us by our Familia God."

"According to an insider, we will encounter a fully formed ’Spirit Fetus’ in the unknown floors. You could call it the ’Spirit’s alter ego’—it possesses the power of a Spirit."

At this, Finn’s tone grew heavier.

"And that is the objective of this expedition."

Daphne and Liliruca, who hadn’t yet grasped the situation, were suddenly hit with the revelation that their target was a Spirit.

But once Liliruca made sense of it, she shot up from her seat.

"Wait, Captain!"

Her voice quivered with disbelief.

"Captain, didn’t you say a Spirit’s strength is around Lv. 7? Are you saying our ultimate target is Lv. 7?"

Liliruca finally understood why the captain and the others had looked so grim. Facing a Lv. 7 Spirit—how could anyone stay calm in the face of that? Was this really just a trial?

"Is this supposed to be a trial? Isn’t it basically suicide?"

Even someone like her, only at Lv. 1, knew that a monster at Lv. 7 was far stronger than an adventurer of the same level.

A Lv. 7 Spirit was nearly on par with a Lv. 8 adventurer. And yet, they were sending a party whose strongest members were only Lv. 6?

Was this a mission?

Or a death sentence?

Liliruca was trembling all over. She simply couldn’t believe it. Why would Loki-sama, who had always treated everyone so kindly, give them a trial like this?

"Why would Loki-sama give us this kind of trial?"

Finn completely understood how she felt. When he first learned that this Spirit was a trial set by Loki, he’d been just as shocked—unable to believe that this was the surprise she had prepared for them.

But it was the truth.

"This is a necessary trial for us. Loki arranged it this way because she knew it’s the only way for us to keep moving forward."

"Riveria, Gareth, and I have been stuck at Level 6 for far too long. Loki wants us to progress, so it was inevitable she’d give us a trial like this."

"That’s not right! This is way too strange!"

Liliruca could hardly believe what she was hearing.

"Why would Loki-sama give us a trial that guarantees death?"

Her shoulders trembled as memories of Loki-sama accepting her, rescuing her from Soma Familia, came rushing back. Loki had worn a smile then. Even if her eyes were always squinting, the kindness in her expression was unmistakable.

Why? Why would that kind-hearted Loki-sama give them a trial like this?

"Loki-sama is a kind Familia God. Even someone like me was accepted by Loki-sama. So why would she give such an order?"

"This isn’t just a trial from Loki. It’s a choice—whether to move forward, or settle for the life of an ordinary Adventurer."

In truth, Finn already understood—this wasn’t just Loki’s trial. It might as well have been a trial from Orario itself.

"The Spirit Fetus is classified as Lv. 7. That level isn’t a real threat to someone like Ottar. Even if one were dropped into the world by the Spirit or Evilus, it wouldn’t pose a large-scale threat. But for us, a Spirit of that level is fatal."

Finn furrowed his brow at the mention of the Spirit Fetus. But retreat was never an option.

That was his conviction. And he never abandoned his convictions.

"Then why?"

"Because even though it’s deadly, it’s also an incredible opportunity."

"Op...portunity?"

Liliruca couldn’t grasp what he meant.

Finn knew Lili couldn’t understand just yet. It was no surprise—finding out it was Loki’s decision, being hit with everything all at once, her mind was still spinning. Maybe she’d understand if she stood where he did.

"For us Adventurers, the most important thing is strength."

"It’s not just talent or skill that holds us back. It’s also opportunity. The reason we’ve been stuck at Level 6 for years is simple—we haven’t had the Excelia to move forward."

"This challenge may be dangerous, but it’s also a rare chance. If we can overcome this obstacle, we can reach the next level."

As Finn continued, his tone softened. Seeing the confusion on Liliruca’s face, he gave her a more detailed explanation.

"And if it ever gets to the point where Evilus manages to drop the Spirit Fetus into Orario, then the city would face destruction. That would be a whole other disaster."

"Maybe we could turn a blind eye... but we in Genkai have no place to retreat to."

"If we don’t keep moving now, we’ll end up stuck in Orario waiting to die. That’s why, no matter how dangerous it is, we can’t stop. We have to move forward. That’s the only way to create our own future."

Once everything was laid out, Liliruca finally understood why the captain had chosen to accept the challenge. But still, she struggled to truly accept it.

"Hmph! That Loki might be unreliable sometimes, but none of us believe she’d throw us into the fire like that. She’s never been a cold-blooded god."

"Kid, don’t tell me you don’t even trust your own god?"

Bete’s words made Liliruca’s shoulders tremble slightly. She recalled Loki-sama’s gentle words and quickly wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes.

"No, I believe in Loki-sama."