Danmachi: Strongest Familia

[Let's end this year with a bang! 🎉 For every 1 review, I'll upload 1 chapter!

The extra chapters, along with the regular daily uploads, will kick off at the start of 2025!

P.S.: For those interested only.]

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As Alfia was rushing toward the battlefield, an unfamiliar roar echoed from above—a sound that didn't belong to any creature on this floor.

"What…?"

Moments later, under everyone's gaze, a giant beast emerged from the rock wall of the ceiling. Its skeletal frame and blood-red eyes radiated an intense killing intent. It surveyed the scene with slit pupils before springing from the wall with powerful hind legs, instantly targeting Noin, the Astraea Familia's vanguard.

Before Noin could react, the beast had closed the distance and slashed her body open with its claws. The vanguard's armor and shield, once sturdy, were ripped apart like paper, and blood sprayed from the deep wound. Her vision blurred as her consciousness faded.

"Noin!"

The others only now realized the horror that had unfolded. Noin could faintly hear her friends calling her name as her life slipped away.

Without missing a beat, Juggernaut lunged toward the enraged Neze, a white-haired wolf girl stricken by her comrade's death. But in the monster's eyes, Neze's rage only made her more vulnerable.

Suddenly, the sound of a sword slicing through the air filled the cavern, and a gleaming blade intercepted Juggernaut's attack, forcing it back.

A cloaked figure—a tall person, possibly a woman—stood between the Astraea Familia and the monster.

"Seems I'm a little late," the figure murmured, glancing briefly around. Without another word, she vanished at a speed surpassing even Juggernaut's.

In a heartbeat, she reappeared beside Noin. The girl's eyes were dim, her wound devastating.

The figure, Alfia, knelt and placed a gentle hand over Noin's face. A surge of vital energy flowed from her, restoring color to the girl's cheeks.

Just as Alise wondered why Alfia would bother to save someone so gravely wounded, a faint cough escaped Noin's lips. Alise's expression brightened with relief as she rushed to her friend's side. Though Noin was pale from blood loss, she was alive.

Earlier, Alise's heart had nearly stopped when she saw Noin's swift defeat. As the Familia's leader, Alise cared deeply for her team.

"Thank you for saving her," Alise said. "Please, tell us your name. The Astraea Familia will do everything to repay this debt."

"If you have time for gratitude, use it to figure out how you'll handle Juggernaut."

"I understand."

"I'll be right here watching, looking forward to your performance." Alfia replied. She had no intention of revealing her identity; her only aim was to train these young adventurers.

With Alfia present, this Juggernaut was a perfect opportunity for the Astraea Familia to gain experience. Juggernaut—a creature from the 30th floor—was a challenging opponent, especially for those encountering it for the first time. Even veteran adventurers struggled against its overwhelming speed, destructive claws, and magic-reflecting shell.

As Alfia spoke, Juggernaut slaughtered the dark faction adventurers nearby. These unfortunate souls, none above Level 4, stood no chance against the beast, and soon the floor was stained red with their blood. Juggernaut's mouth crunched on bones, and thick blood dripped down its jaws, pooling beneath it.

After dispatching the dark faction, the beast turned its attention to the Astraea Familia. Its terrifying speed belied its massive body.

This time, Alise was ready, but Juggernaut's speed was beyond her vision. Before she could react, the monster had positioned itself behind her and set its sights on Kaguya.

Juggernaut sprinted along the wall like a gecko, whipping its tail like a lash toward Kaguya. She raised her katana in a defensive stance, but the monster anticipated her move, shifting its tail into a whip-like strike that slammed into her back with bone-crushing force. Kaguya was thrown through the air, leaving a trail of blood as she crashed into the pit wall.

"Kaguya! You damn—!"

Juggernaut moved to finish off its prey, but Ryuu, a fellow Astraea Familia member, couldn't hold back any longer and rushed forward.

Though she and Kaguya often quarreled, Ryuu couldn't stand by and watch her comrade fall. She unsheathed her wooden sword, reciting a spell under her breath as she advanced.

In the art of parallel chanting, few could rival Ryuu, though she was still honing her skills. Even so, her potential was undeniable, showing every sign of a rising genius.