Lumine knew that in the past, the Loki and Freya familias had clashed many times.
Even though the two main gods had a fairly good private relationship, back when the Astraea familia still existed, they would even invite each other for afternoon tea…
But the officers between the two familias had a hostility almost reaching the level of oil and water.
The ordinary members weren't much better, they disliked each other just as much.
From what Renjiro knew, in the world's original future timeline, even when the Loki familia faced heavy casualties during an expedition, like after battling the fallen elf copies, when many members were poisoned and needed tons of healers, any recruitment notice posted at the guild headquarters would specifically state: no healers from the Freya familia.
By the way, the Freya familia had the largest number of healers in all of Orario.
Apart from the Dea Saint of the Dian Cecht familia, few could match them in healing efficiency.
Yet, even under such circumstances, the Loki familia still refused help from Freya's healers.
Honestly, Lumine's ability to mingle so freely within the Loki familia came down to her incredibly charming personality.
But that friendliness didn't extend to the familia as a whole.
Everyone knew the Freya familia was infamous for being… crazy.
Spending day and night fighting in the battlefield plains, honing themselves while training a group of highly efficient healers, they stubbornly refused to properly fulfill the responsibilities of a top-tier dungeon exploration familia.
Within the Loki familia, many members thus developed the mindset:
"I'd rather be beaten senseless by my own comrades than challenge myself in the dungeons. Every expedition is just going through the motions."
From this grew a deep-rooted attitude of "I refuse to associate with them."
What ordinary members didn't know…
Most of the Loki familia's budget deficits after expeditions were quietly covered by Freya.
And Freya herself, a wealthy goddess, was one of the few in Orario willing to financially support the slums, specifically the orphanages on Daedalus Street.
Because Freya didn't want to publicize these acts, the outside world only remembered her familia's terror and madness.
Thus, when Renjiro (Aether) and Lumine first visited the Loki familia's Twilight Manor, many members remarked: "You and the Freya familia's other members are very different."
In short…
"Rest assured. Considering how severe the current situation has become, even if I need to enforce certain measures, I will ensure all officers fully cooperate."
Inside the Loki familia's tent, Lumine gave this assurance to Riveria.
She understood the unspoken meaning behind Riveria's words: "Faced with a crisis that could destroy the world, you must unite your people. I will do the same."
In other words: Lumine didn't need to worry about hidden threats within the Loki familia, they would handle everything.
There was nothing left to say.
They simply understood each other and would coordinate efficiently.
After all…
"This time, you will have full command over the matters in the Large Tree Labyrinth."
Freya had decisively granted the highest authority on this front.
With her backing, Renjiro naturally felt more confident acting boldly.
And so…
"Then I'll take my leave."
"We'll have dinner together tonight."
Lumine smiled and left the tent.
Meanwhile, Riveria began teaching her familia's younger members, gradually explaining the dangers of divine power.
Her goal was to help these young people, who considered themselves more obedient than Freya's familia, adjust their mindset and stop opposing their upcoming collaborators.
Everyone knew: a disorganized team is nothing but a mob.
The trial the lower realm faced now required that no familia falter.
Meanwhile, elsewhere…
Dungeon – 50th Floor
"Bam~"
"Bam bam bam~"
Renjiro (Aether) fought a dark-gold, one-eyed giant scorpion in close-quarters combat.
Clearly, this wasn't a dungeon-born monster but a simulated training target crafted and controlled, modeled after Antares.
"Hng~"
A flash of golden light shot from the scorpion's eye. Renjiro narrowly dodged.
Immediately after, a shower of light rain fell from above.
"Boom boom boom boom~"
His HP decreased slightly.
Clearly, the golden light and the subsequent light rain were not very powerful, it was just a training tool.
Nearby…
"Take a break, traveler."
The Emperor sat calmly on a rock, speaking gently:
"You're still a beginner in martial arts. Even with your foundation, you can skip some stages, but many techniques cannot be mastered overnight."
"That's why I cannot rest."
Renjiro replied seriously:
"If that light rain had come from the real Secret Realm Scorpio, I'd be dead."
"Besides…"
He stared at the rock-formed construct.
"In my current state, I don't need rest. I can keep fighting… balance of work and rest doesn't apply to me."
"Time waits for no one."
Hearing this…
"Then we'll change the training method."
Zhongli rose and grasped the Black Tassel Spear.
"My simulated Secret Realm Scorpio is based on your memories. As you said, reality doesn't perfectly match the story, and differences are inevitable."
"Given these uncertainties, although Lumine has already handled the Scorpio Split and supplemented some monster data, I worry that continuing in this manner will make you develop rigid, formal habits."
"In short: you'll become bad at responding to emergencies."
Renjiro nodded.
I understand. Techniques are fixed, but people are flexible.
He humbly accepted the Emperor's guidance, allowing Paimon to retrieve the White Tassel Spear previously used by Xiao from his space backpack.
He needed to quickly strengthen both martial arts and spear techniques, for defeating Antares.
Lumine is doing her part. I cannot stop either.
He took a deep breath, ready to face the Martial God's sparring techniques.
Every second counts.
Until… ultimate victory is achieved.