Loki Familia Headquarters, Armory.
Finding the Hephaestus Familia for custom weapons definitely wouldn't be a fast process, it would take at least 3-4 days to complete. However, Zephyr knew that his progress in exploring the Dungeon absolutely could not be put on hold.
And the Loki Familia, no matter how you put it, was one of Orario's top factions. Naturally, there was a lot of old weapon inventory in the warehouse that had been phased out by Familia members.
Inside this armory, a variety of weapons were hung on the walls and placed on wooden racks. Greatswords, long spears, axes, daggers...
Loki pointed at those weapons, explaining nonchalantly, "These weapons are all retired by the children in the Familia. Although they have all been repaired, I thought it wouldn't be appropriate to give them to you as a welcoming gift."
"However, for your exploration during this period, they will be fine. Pick whatever you like."
"Alright then."
After his gaze swept over the weapons hanging on the walls, Zephyr felt a sense of emotion inside. He could only say that he had still underestimated the foundation of the Loki Familia.
Even for weapons discarded by the Familia's Adventurers, each piece possessed a solid metallic texture, and the blades were meticulously maintained. They looked very expensive.
Standing beside him, Lili stood on her tiptoes, her gaze falling upon a pitch-black axe on the wall. Although there were some subtle repair marks on the edge, its sharpness was several grades higher than Charles's axe.
She could only say that the situation of the Soma Familia had ultimately limited her horizons. She didn't even dare to imagine how much money these old weapons could sell for.
Based on his own needs, Zephyr selected an axe for combat, a greatsword to use as a chopping knife, and a dagger for finely processing ingredients.
"Loki-sama, these will do."
"?"
"Wait. What are you doing taking so many weapons?" Loki narrowed her eyes.
She didn't think Zephyr would take these old weapons out to sell, that wasn't his personality.
The key was, she really couldn't understand this behavior. After all, normal Adventurers basically only choose styles that feel comfortable when selecting weapons, as carrying multiple weapons at the same time is not easy. This has to take into account the factors of combat style.
But Zephyr?
Zephyr lifted his finger to point at the axe, the greatsword, and the dagger respectively and answered.
"The axe is for hacking at thick-skinned monsters, it has high efficiency in frontal combat."
"The greatsword can be used as a chopping knife, which is handy when processing large chunks of ingredients. If I encounter something large, ordinary knives aren't enough."
"The dagger is for finely processing ingredients, deboning, trimming meat, and slicing thin pieces. For this kind of meticulous work, this is definitely more appropriate."
"?"
Hearing this, Loki was finally able to understand why Zephyr had expressed wanting a multi-functional weapon.
Taking her own Familia as an example, like Finn and Ais, they basically fix their weapon types after determining their combat styles. They don't use other types of weapons during exploration as it would lead to a decrease in strength.
However, Zephyr was different. Rather than an Adventurer, it's more like a chef active in the Dungeon seeking fresh ingredients.
"According to what you're saying, do you also have to bring kitchenware? That way, it's convenient to cook and eat in the Dungeon."
"Can I?"
"?"
With the appearance of Gourmet Creatures, Zephyr knew that his meager culinary skills must be improved gradually through high-intensity practice.
He nodded. "If I can bring them, then that's definitely possible, it's just that it will be hard on Lili."
"?"
Loki's lips twitched.
.
But in the end, she didn't say anything. Just consider it honing Zephyr's cooking skills in the Dungeon, so she would be able to taste more delicious dishes in the future.
She waved her hand helplessly and said, "There are some in the kitchen, you can go and get them."
"Alright."
As for the matter of customizing equipment yesterday, Zephyr didn't have the nerve to ask for too much. After all, it was only for a transitional purpose, and furthermore, he was currently exploring his future path.
When the opportunity was right, he wanted to make some money and customize the weapons he wanted. Anyway, exploring the middle floors, a shovel was sufficient.
Subsequently, he looked at Loki again. "Then I'll go to the kitchen and move all the kitchenware away, okay?"
Loki smiled. "Take whatever you want. Anyway, no one in the Familia knows how to cook, and those kitchenware items are just gathering dust. It's fine as long as you can make use of them."
—
After leaving the underground armory, Zephyr handed the three weapons he had just selected to Lili to pack, while he headed to the Familia kitchen to select suitable cooking utensils.
An iron plate, a wok, a frying pan, various knives...
After finishing the selection according to the needs of Dungeon cooking, he packed everything into two bundles and loaded them into Lili's massive backpack.
Feeling the weight of the backpack skyrocket, Lili stared at the completely oblivious Zephyr, her mood complex.
Damn it! Why are you so selfish!
...
When the pre-Dungeon preparations were perfected, looking at Lefiya who was waiting for him, Zephyr couldn't exactly say he was under full pressure.
He was very clear that future Dungeon explorations would continue to increase in overall difficulty, especially in the situation where the team was currently missing members.
However, this was exactly what he needed. After all, the effect of Outsider was right there.
The Dungeon environment wouldn't lose its hostility toward him just because Charles and the others had left Orario. The challenges remained the same challenges. More risks would bring more rewards.
Zephyr said, "Let's go."
"No problem." Lefiya nodded.
This streamlined Adventurer team walked along the corridor toward the gate, with Loki walking at the very front.
After arriving at the entrance, Loki leaned her shoulder against the door frame.
Noticing their backs gradually fading away, she remembered the dishes made from those Gourmet Creatures she had tasted last night.
She said, "Zephyr, remember to bring back some ingredients. Without the food you make, I feel my divine life will lose its meaning."
...
Loki stood at the entrance of the Twilight Manor, stretching her waist lazily.
"I hope it goes smoothly."
As a goddess, what she needed to do was to handle the matters that the children couldn't attend to.
For example: Alias.
She hadn't expected the Denatus to be convened so quickly. It seemed like only a little over half a month had passed since the last one.
However, she didn't have much to worry about. The only Familia in Orario that could threaten her own was the one led by Freya. And from the perspective of their relationship, they could barely be considered friends.
Most importantly, logically speaking, Zephyr's resume was laid out there—a Supporter from the Soma Familia who took 4 years to rank up to Level 2.
Within the community of Adventurers in Orario, it could be said to be the most ordinary level, incapable of attracting the attention of the various gods.
The true potential that Zephyr possessed was something only Loki knew best.
As she turned around and walked towards the reception hall, her brows furrowed slightly, and complex emotions surged within her pupils.
It shouldn't be because of that guy, right?
Quite a few things had happened in Orario recently.
The internal changes within the Soma Familia and Zanis's disappearance could only be considered trivial matters. Who would care about the chaos in bottom-tier Familias?
Perhaps it was just that Orario had accumulated too many things, and that bunch of bored guys were just taking the opportunity to find an excuse to gather and find something to do.
Pulling her thoughts together, Loki stopped dwelling on it. She fished out a somewhat formal coat from her wardrobe, draped it over her shoulders, and set off toward the Central Plaza.
The Alias that needs to be secured this time seems to be only for Zephyr?
Lefiya had only recently transferred to the Familia and was still at Level 2. According to the rules, she had to wait until she ranked up to Level 3 to choose an alias. She could just pick a suitable one when the time came.
As for Zephyr...
The Gourmet Hunter alias that he wanted...
Aftee having tasted the gourmet dishes that he cooked, Loki felt it was absolutely well-deserved.