The Demi-Spirit's explosion engulfed almost an entire floor, filling the air with dust and debris that obscured everyone's vision.
Like a warrior immune to mere smoke, Ais emerged unscathed from the gray haze.
"Thank goodness you're safe!"
When she appeared unharmed before them, the group erupted in joyful shouts — even Bete, that tsundere puppy, turned away with a light snort.
They truly cared about their idol's safety.
"Well done, Ais, Adam." Finn declared, openly praising their brave performance before the group.
Their heroic feat of saving everyone had certainly earned such recognition.
Tiona bounced with excitement, "I must record this! This will become a true hero's tale!"
"Yes, it seems so." Tione agreed, unusually aligned with her sister's sentiment.
After all, if this wasn't a heroic deed, what could be?
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Lefiya, the devoted elf, could barely contain her admiration for Ais's brave performance, eager to spread word of her idol's feat. Her wholehearted worship was on full display.
Having escaped death, celebration was inevitable.
However, exhausted as they were, they wisely chose to first return to the safe zone on the 50th Floor and reunite with the main force before properly celebrating.
After the festivities came a choice: return to the surface or press onward.
Finn settled the matter quickly — they would return.
The 59th Floor had proven to be this expedition team's limit.
None could predict what dangers the next floor might hold, so proceeding would have been reckless.
After regrouping, they began packing for the return journey.
Though they had faced the terrifying Demi-Spirit, they maintained their vigilance — the Dungeon could spring surprises at any moment.
Fortunately, the Balor on the 49th Floor hadn't respawned, sparing them another fierce battle — a possibility everyone was glad to avoid.
Perhaps their demonstrated might had deterred would-be attackers. Whatever the reason, they made it back to the surface without incident.
"Adam, this expedition succeeded thanks to your help. If it weren't for your magic in that final critical moment, we might not have made it back safely." Finn gave his farewell with sincere gratitude.
Having spent nearly twenty days together and witnessed Adam save their lives, Finn had developed quite a favorable impression of him.
"No, Captain Finn, you're too kind." Adam said with a dismissive wave, "Your Familia is full of talented people. Even without me, you all would have returned safely."
This was mere social etiquette — a polite exchange of pleasantries.
But such humble words made Bete, the stubborn tsundere, bristle with annoyance.
"Tch, how fake. A strong person should show some pride." He muttered, clearly disdaining such modesty.
Adam, being in good spirits, chose to ignore the jab.
Ais seemed to want to tell Adam something, but after hesitating for a while, she remained silent.
Adam guessed she wanted to request their promised duel, but given they were both exhausted from the expedition, neither pressed the matter.
Meanwhile, Lefiya the yuri elf noticed Ais staring at Adam. Assuming her idol might have feelings for him, she shot him jealous glares with puffed cheeks.
Yet remembering how he had saved her life three times, she found herself in quite a dilemma.
Her conflicted expressions drew both amusement and sympathy from the other expedition members.
"Captain Finn, I have some matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave." Adam said.
"Oh? That's a shame. I was hoping to invite you to our home base." Finn replied with genuine regret, "Next time, if there's an opportunity, let's go on another expedition together."
"If there's a chance." Adam said with a smile.
With that, he parted from the expedition team.
"That's everything about my expedition with the Loki Familia."
In the dim underground plaza, Adam reported the expedition's events to the Sky God seated on the throne, including details about the special monster on the 59th Floor.
"Lord Ouranos, was that monster truly the Spirit that Ais mentioned?"
"It was a Demi-Spirit — to be precise, an avatar of a fallen Spirit." Ouranos explained openly, then added, "As someone recognized by a Spirit, shouldn't you know what kind of beings they are?"
"I see, so it was an avatar of a fallen Spirit."
That explained everything. After all, Spirits in Adam's experience were beautiful beings like Betty and Puck. Even Ais, with her spirit blood, possessed an enchanting beauty that rivaled the gods.
How could such an ugly monster be called a Spirit?
"Then I have no other questions." Adam sensed there was more behind this God's words.
Having him join the Loki Familia expedition was clearly groundwork for future plans. The God must have other schemes in mind.
Honestly, Adam had no interest in playing the "Final Hero" with these old-timers. He simply wanted to Rank Up quietly, avoid their schemes and intrigues, and live peacefully as a handsome guy.
I'm not playing your games anymore!
But as he tried to leave, someone intervened.
"Adam, based on the Loki Familia expedition, I've made progress investigating the mysterious person. I need your help with another task."
"Because it's too dangerous! I barely survived this expedition — if you give me any more tasks, I'll surely lose my life." Adam stood firm in his refusal.
Both parties understood this was reasonable — after all, personal safety came first. Even Ouranos couldn't force someone to risk death.
Moreover, Ouranos wasn't Adam's primary god.
"Adam, if you agree, I can offer you a generous reward."
"No, whatever you say, I won't agree—"
"How about Demeter's Earth blessing?"
"I won't agree... wait, that's impossible!" Adam suddenly declared, "Forget about the blessing — I simply want to help Lord Ouranos out of sincere devotion!"
He had intended to refuse, but the offered reward was just too tempting!
T/N: To illustrate the importance of the blessing, it's as if he were receiving an "Advanced X Element Affinity" from each of these Gods. Aqua (Water) was the first, followed by Zeus (Lightning), then Hestia (Fire), Ouranos (Wind), and now going to Demeter (Earth).
And for an even better understanding, if before he could release, for example, a small fireball with x mana, he will now be able to release an even larger fireball with more destructive power using the same amount of mana.
Imagine Megumin with this affinity.