In this chaotic world, it all started when they found an elf girl

　Roy said, "It's coming, be careful!"

　Thanks to the floor master Amphispina's rampage on the surface, the anomalies in the dungeon caused panic, and adventurers have been less willing to enter the dungeon recently, giving them the opportunity to defeat Goliath.

　Goliath came straight toward them.

　Lily broke out in a cold sweat from nervousness, but when she met Roy's encouraging gaze, she took a deep breath and gradually calmed down. She shouted, "Lady Daphne, be the vanguard and hold off Goliath! Lady Roy, prepare your magic! Lady Cassandra, prepare your healing and kill the monsters around you! I'll help you too!"

　"Yes!"

　The group acted according to Lily's instructions.

　"The relentlessly pursuing sun of the sky. All this is to escape your body. Bloom, armor of the laurel tree, Lamule!" Daphne unleashed her magic, greatly increasing her durability and agility attributes.

　Goliath is a LV.4 floor master specializing in defense, but his other attributes are slightly inferior. Daphne can barely hold him off, but in critical moments, Roy will step in to block Goliath's attacks for the opponent.

　Cassandra cast several spells in succession to heal Daphne, while Lily killed the other monsters.

　The two sides fought for a full half hour.

　"...The Wind of Light!" As Roy finished chanting, numerous emerald green orbs of light appeared around him, raining down and bombarding Goliath relentlessly. Boom! Boom! Boom!

　Goliath was engulfed in flames.

　"Did it work?" the three girls asked expectantly.

　No one asked Roy why he used Ryu's magic; everyone has their own secrets. It's not necessary to reveal everything to be considered a true friend.

　As the dust settled, the little giant was riddled with wounds, its skin torn and bleeding, but it was still alive! Its specialized defense and incredibly thick hide were evident. "Roar!"

　Goliath roared, lowered its body, and charged at Roy like a bull, the earth trembling under its heavy thud. "Lord Roy!" Lily cried out anxiously.

　Daphne and Cassandra also tensed up.

　boom!

　When the two sides made direct contact, a shocking scene unfolded before the eyes of the three girls: Roy's large hand was pressed on Goliath's head, and he was like an impenetrable wall, making it impossible for Goliath to move an inch.

　Even with all his might, Goliath's dog-paddle-like sand-throwing could not shake Roy.

　Roy's eyes were icy. The main purpose of this campaign was to help the three of them achieve their great cause. Otherwise, how could this Goliath possibly dare to act arrogantly in front of him? Boom!

　Roy grabbed Goliath with both hands, lifted the seven-meter-tall giant into his arms, and leaped into the air, slamming him heavily to the ground, causing the earth to shake. A soft cracking sound rang out; Roy had broken every bone in Goliath's body.

　Roy said, "Come up and slash it a few times."

　Seeing this, Daphne, Cassandra, and Lily were dumbfounded. It was too violent; it was practically a humanoid monster. They vaguely realized that the leader's abilities far exceeded those of an ordinary LV.4 adventurer.

　The three rushed forward and slashed at Goliath.

　Successful conquest!

　Although Roy did the most work, he was still a level 4 floor master, and the experience he gained was enough for these level 2 and 1 newbies to level up. The entire clan leveled up: Daphne and Cassandra reached level 3, and Lily reached level 2.

Chapter 241 The Way to Save Welf

　[Congratulations on defeating the floor master Goliath! You have received 50 attribute points and a silver treasure chest as rewards.]

　Roy waited a moment, then saw the reward panel pop up. He opened the treasure chest and found ten bottles of Panacea and two pieces of high-level equipment. He thought to himself, "Just as I expected." Even his durability, let alone other attributes, was higher than that of the defense-specialized floor master, Goliath. There was some pressure, but not much. Killing monsters weaker than him meant he wouldn't get many rewards.

　Roy casually added attribute points to Agility.

　The group returned to the Star Garden.

　The goddess Astraea updated the stats of the three girls, achieving a great feat and successfully leveling up.

　In the blink of an eye, the Astrea Familia had an elite squad consisting of one LV.5, three LV.4, two LV.3, and one LV.2, and its rise was extraordinary.

　Goddess Astraea was filled with mixed emotions.

　This lineup completely surpasses the previous Astrea Familia; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it crushes them.

　"Upgraded!"

　Daphne, Cassandra, and Lily hugged Roy tightly, crying tears of joy. Each upgrade represented a qualitative leap, and the joy and impact it brought were no different from Fan Jin passing the imperial examination.

　All of this was brought to them by Roy.

　This wasn't a simple level up; it was a level up after maxing out their stats, resulting in a boost far exceeding that of ordinary adventurers. For many years, the number of high-level adventurers among the dwarves has been extremely small, and reaching LV.2 is incredibly difficult for any dwarf. If news of Lily's level up were to be announced, it would cause a sensation that would draw the attention of countless people.

　Cassandra is the same; she's a Level 3 healer, and there are very few in Orario, only Haze Bellpert of the Freya Familia and Amid Theasanare of the Deanquet Familia.

　They wouldn't hesitate for a moment even if Roy asked them to go through fire and water for this debt of gratitude.

　Lily chose the "abnormal resistance" development ability, as exploring dungeons is essential.

　Cassandra awakens a new magic, "Healing Nightmare," which has the effect of detoxifying and dispelling curses. She also develops the ability "Magic," which allows her to deploy magic circles, reduce magic consumption, and enhance magic power.

　Daphne chose to develop the "Steel Body" ability, which increases durability through skills and magic. She is on the path of becoming a tank and there is no turning back. Although she is only LV.3, her tankiness is no less than that of a LV.4 adventurer after activating her skills and magic.

　Roy had heard about the recent miserable state of the Soma Familia. He believed that those who act justly gain widespread support, while those who act unjustly find themselves isolated. When these fools abandoned the unparalleled Astrea Familia, their tragic fate was sealed.

　Orario has no laws; order is established by the moral principles that are generally accepted by the people.

　There's a saying: the more you lack something, the more you emphasize it. It's fine if people are corrupt in secret, but they can't be open about it. If the Soma Familia had offered a few hundred million in breakup fees, things wouldn't have escalated to this point. They're faithless and ungrateful, so don't blame everyone for wielding the big stick and beating them while they're down. Justice is something everyone welcomes.

　Without Roy's powerful suppression, the Soma Familia eventually reverted to its original state. The chief god became obsessed with brewing wine, and the members of the Familia resorted to all sorts of trickery and deception in Orario to get a sip of the divine wine.

　The only change is that this Familia once had a glorious history, brought by Roy, which the gods and adventurers of Orario remember well. Also, the Astrea Familia has gained an excellent, shrewd, and capable member of the Little People race.

　One hundred and eighty million plus two hundred bottles of divine wine were the compensation sent by various forces. Roy revealed a satisfied smile. However, there were a few who were not discerning. He might not remember who sent gifts, but he would remember clearly who did not.

　From now on, we'll make sure those forces are treated to a life of unparalleled pleasure. Do they really think there's no consequence for robbing them?

　A bottle of divine wine could fetch three million fabulous on the black market. After the Soma clan went bankrupt, the production of divine wine plummeted, meaning its value would only increase in the future. Roy threw the divine wine into the cellar.

　As for the more than 100 million Fali, to repay the debt, the Soma Familia incident proves how terrible the destructive power of breaking faith can be, and Roy must also abide by the rules of the game.

　The creditors left satisfied.

　Roy had barely had time to enjoy the 180 million Farries he had on hand, and now only about 60 million remained.

　Then came the last creditor—Tsubaki Kobrand, the leader of the Hephaestus Familia, for 36 million Fali for the materials of the Great Twin Blades. "Take it, take it, don't let me see this damned money again." Roy said with a pained expression, pushing the check stamped with the Familia's seal towards Tsubaki. Tsubaki Kobrand sat down, smiling, but didn't immediately take the check. "Sprout of Justice, don't rush, I have something I'd like to ask you."

　Roy lazily raised his head.

　Chun Kobrand said, "Well, Welf is a member of our Hephaestus Familia. It would be a loss of face for us to keep him detained in the Kingdom of Lachia."

　Roy glanced at it. "And then?"

　"I've heard you're resourceful. Please give me some ideas on how to rescue that kid Welf," said Chun Kebrand. News of Roy's plans for an autonomous region for the village had caused quite a stir in Orario.

　In addition to his previous exploits such as defeating the Rudra Familia, deceiving the Apollo Familia, and rescuing the Soma Familia from their predicament, Roy's courage and strategy have been fully demonstrated in the eyes of the people. Roy's strategies are on par with those of "Hero" Finn and "White Knight" Hedin Serland. You can't go wrong by asking him for advice.

　"Hahahaha!" Roy was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter. He was the one who had captured Welf and sent him back to the Kingdom of Lachia, and now the Hephaestus Familia had asked him to bring him back.

　"Not interested in."

　After laughing, Roy seemed to enter a sage mode, and said listlessly, "Your Hephaestus Families also have quite a few high-level adventurers, why don't you storm into the capital of the Kingdom of Lachia and kidnap them?"

　Chun Kebrand smirked. If they could do that, they would have done it already.

　Welf is of strategic importance to the Kingdom of Lachia. Not only is it heavily guarded, but its loss would inevitably lead to a war against Orario.

　Even though Orario will ultimately win.

　However, because of them, a war was started, and other clans were forced to get involved. They would definitely harbor resentment. If something unexpected happened and a few people died, the hatred would be even greater, planting a time bomb for themselves.

　The impact it caused was considerable.

　Therefore, they want to resolve the issue peacefully as much as possible.

　Chun Kobrand placed her finger on the check on the table. "If you're willing to come up with an idea, the amount on this check can be halved." As soon as she finished speaking, Roy immediately perked up, staring intently at Kobrand's massive breasts, which were no less impressive than Tione's. Why didn't he say something so important sooner!

　Halving that would be 18 million Fali.

　"cough!"

　Roy coughed lightly, sat up straight, and after a moment of contemplation, said, "Actually, there is a way to resolve this peacefully and bring Welf back, and this method doesn't require you to pay any price."

　Chun Kebrand perked up and said, "Go on."

　Roy said, "You all know that Welf loathes forging magic swords."

　Chun Kebrand nodded slightly.

　Roy continued, "So even if Welf is sent back to the Kingdom of Lachia, I suspect he won't be willing to forge the magic sword for the kingdom and start a war." That's for sure! Chun Kobrand hadn't known Welf for long, but she could tell that Welf wasn't easily persuaded. The two sides were definitely still locked in a fierce battle.

　A glint of wisdom flashed in Roy's eyes. "The kingdom wants the magic sword, and Welf wants freedom. Do I need to elaborate?" Chun Kobrand looked thoughtful. "You mean, let Welf exchange the magic sword for his freedom?"

　Roy smiled knowingly, "How about this: the kingdom grants him his freedom, and Welf forges a hundred magic swords for the kingdom every month?"

　..."Tsubaki Kobrand felt complicated. This plan was simply outrageous, making Welf exchange his most hated magic sword for freedom and work for the kingdom every month.

　Moreover, as Roy said, the Hephaestus family suffered no loss; it was Welf who was forced to serve them.

　"Anyway, this is my only solution. You guys figure it out. Freedom always comes at a price," Roy said, shaking his head with a melancholy expression. "I understand."

　Chun Kobrand was also undecided and needed to go back to discuss it with the goddess Hephaestus.

　Roy took back the original check, tore it to pieces, took out a blank check, stamped it with the family seal, and wrote 18 million Faris. He was delighted to have earned nearly 20 million Faris for giving someone a suggestion.

　After Chun Kobrand left, Roy took out a letter from his drawer. It was from Prince Marius of the Kingdom of Lachia. The letter stated that the kingdom had used all sorts of means, including threats and inducements, but Welf refused to forge the magic sword, even at the cost of his life. Marius had specifically sent a letter to ask for his help.

　Roy gave Marius the same idea: to have Welf exchange the magic sword for his freedom.

　It's a win-win situation.

　The kingdom obtained the magic sword, and Welf gained his freedom.

　Both sides will eventually agree; it just depends on how long it goes and how they figure out each other's bottom line.

　The kingdom also knew that it was impossible to make Welf work like a slave, forging magic swords for them day and night. They would be lucky to get a hundred or so swords a month. If they pushed too hard, he might even commit suicide, and they would end up with no magic swords at all, which would be a huge loss.

　Welf had no choice. If it weren't for the Hephaestus Familia's intercession, he would have been used by the kingdom for experiments long ago. For example, they might have forced him to have relations with women to see if the children born could forge magic swords, or they might have forcibly controlled him to forge magic swords, using drugs, mental magic, and curses—everything imaginable. In any case, the biggest winner in this whole affair was Roy, the bystander.

　He used one favor to do two favors.

Chapter 242 Re-entering the Dungeon

　Ishtar's family residence, the pleasure district.

　One of Orario's once most prosperous areas is now in ruins, with numerous buildings destroyed, turning it into a desolate wasteland. The destructive power of the floor master, Amphispina, is undeniable; its massive body easily smashes through various structures, and its unquenchable azure flames are even more astonishing.

　As far as the eye could see, there was only a chaotic gray-yellow color.

　The towering buildings crumbled, collapsing completely into a massive burial mound composed of broken precast concrete slabs, twisted door and window frames, and shattered furniture. Cement and bricks were ground into a fine powder, mixed with shards of glass and fragments of various objects, covering every inch of the ground. The area was sparsely populated; few could be seen on the streets, except for members of the Ishtar Familia and the prostitutes who couldn't leave. In Orario, although there were many adventurers and gods who thought with their lower bodies, they could still distinguish between a full stomach and a regular meal. Until they were certain that the floor master, Amphispina, wouldn't reappear, they dared not come here for pleasure again.

　This situation makes it easier for certain people to operate covertly.

　A man with effeminate features appeared on the pleasure street, a pleased smile on his lips, emanating a faint divine aura. He crossed the street and went straight into the heart of the Ishtar Familia.

　"who?"

　The Amazon girl responsible for guarding the mansion immediately noticed the unusual figure that had suddenly appeared. She turned her head sharply, and her eyes reflected the face of the god. She was immediately shocked, "You are? The chief god of the Ikeros Familia, who has been identified by the guild as belonging to the dark faction!"

　Ikeros's smile remained unchanged as his gaze passed over the Amazon girl and landed behind her.

　A tall, stunningly beautiful figure appeared, exuding an astonishing charm with every gesture, drawing everyone's attention—it was Ishtar. The girl was completely unsuspecting of her own goddess.

　"Lady Ishtar, this is the chief god of the Dark Faction. Please be careful. I'll fire a signal flare right away." The Amazon girl looked slightly nervous, unaware of how many more crazed thugs were lurking in the shadows.

　"Need not!"

　The instant their eyes met, a strange purple light flashed in Ishtar's eyes. "Forget what just happened, and get lost!" "Yes!"

　The Amazonian girl left the place with a blank expression and glazed eyes, like a doll.

　Led by Ishtar, Icelos swaggered into the heart of Ishtar's Familia, exclaiming, "How convenient! The allure of the goddess of beauty." "Are you mocking me?"

　Ishtar turned her head slightly, staring coldly at the other party. Her charm had no effect on the "berserker," which she considered a great humiliation.

　"No, no, I dare not." Ikelos waved his hands repeatedly in fright; the goddess's desire for control was truly terrifying.

　Entering Ishtar's room, located high up in the building, and standing by the window, one could see the dilapidated pleasure district—it was practically a ruin. Ishtar's face was incredibly grim.

　"That's terrible," Ikeros said, a hint of amusement on his face.

　It will take at least several years for Pleasure Street to regain its former glory, all because of a mysterious adventurer and a floor-lord monster. They caught everyone completely off guard.

　What's even more frustrating is that the Ishtar Familia couldn't swallow this insult. They mobilized all their members and their entire network, digging deep into Orario, but couldn't find a single soul in sight.

　Ishtar was so angry she felt dizzy and disoriented.

　The Ishtar Familia suffered heavy losses, indirectly affecting the dark factions within the man-made labyrinth.