The Epic Story of the Heroic Spirit of Emiya Giant Warrior

However, Shirou simply cast a cold gaze upon them. That stern and sharp look immediately silenced these adventurers.

Under the enhancement of the Development Ability [Ruler], these adventurers only met Shirou's eyes before their courage quietly crumbled.

For a time, the scene was silent. The members of the Dionysus Familia silently lowered their heads, and no one dared to speak out in rebuttal.

“The upcoming operation will be planned according to the standards of the ‘Deep Floors Expedition’.”

Shirou said in an unquestionable tone: “Combatants below Lv.3 cannot exert any practical effect in this kind of mission. Brute force or fearlessness cannot change this fact.”

He glanced at the members of the Dionysus Familia: “On the Apollo Familia's side, only Mr. Hyacinthus, who is Lv.3, will participate in this operation.”

“If you think you already possess strength above Lv.3, then try challenging Aura.”

Shirou continued.

At this moment, Aura decisively abandoned her Familia companions, stood beside Shirou, and said with a firm look: “I won’t hold back!”

Immediately, everyone became more silent—how could they possibly challenge a Lv.3 when they are a lower level.

Dionysus seemed to want to argue, his mouth slightly open, but after feeling Shirou's unquestionable gaze, the words choked in his throat.

He silently withdrew his gaze, his eyes avoiding Shirou's with some unease.

Finn had the same thought in his heart. Adventurers at Lv.1 and Lv.2 are of little use in operations of this scale, especially when facing enemies like man-eating plants, they are very likely to become a burden. The supporters participating in the operation from the Loki Familia are all upper-level adventurers at Lv.3 or higher.

However, Finn didn't intend to completely reject these people. If both the God Dionysus and Goddess Loki agreed, having more people could at least be useful in certain situations, such as acting as scouts.

Loki looked at Dionysus, shrugged her shoulders quietly, spread her hands, and expressed "I can't help you" with a helpless expression.

She rarely saw Shirou issue orders so decisively, but in fact, Shirou had extremely high authority in the team, and no one would easily refute his requests.

Moreover, Shirou's point of view was correct, and the members of the Dionysus Familia were insisting on participating in the operation out of recklessness to some extent.

“But only a god can restrain a god.”

Dionysus said.

The subtext of this sentence was that Dionysus wanted to personally participate in the strategy operation.

In the Lower World, where humans slaying gods is regarded as the greatest taboo, god-slaying is an intolerable crime.

And if the [Mastermind] is really a god, the Familia members may hesitate due to their reverence for the gods, causing Him to escape. Therefore, a god is needed to accompany them.

Loki: “In that case, I also want to…”

However—

“Denied.”

Shirou said without hesitation: “Whether it is the God Dionysus or the Goddess Loki, it is too risky for you to venture into dangerous places.”

Once a god returns to Heaven, their Familia's abilities will be sealed.

The most extreme situation is that if Goddess Loki is repatriated, Finn and the others will instantly become ordinary people who are only slightly skilled in martial arts.

Such a risk is absolutely unacceptable.

Artemis' lesson was profound enough.

Dionysus: “But only a god can subdue a god…”

Shirou: “I can make a ‘capture device’ or ‘restraint device’ that will absolutely not harm the user. As long as the god is safely tied back, that should be fine, right?”

Dionysus and Loki's inner thoughts: “…Your idea sounds even more disrespectful than god-slaying.”

“If it really doesn’t work, then I’ll do it myself.”

Shirou said calmly.

Anyway, it wasn’t the first time.

“Shirou’s judgment is correct.”

Finn said: “We cannot afford the risk of a god possibly perishing. You must know that the artificial labyrinth not only has remnants of the Dark Faction, but also various powerful monsters.”

Monsters do not possess human reason and emotion; they will not show mercy to gods.

“However, let’s not leave this burden to the younger generation. When it comes to the point of no return, let us seniors take action.”

Seeing that Finn had said so, Loki could only sigh: “Oh, I understand.”

In fact, Loki herself really wanted to participate in this operation. As a god, one of her purposes for descending to the Lower World was to pursue excitement and fun.

Waiting at home for the children to return victoriously was indeed good, but for Loki, this “sitting in the rear” approach lacked the passion and challenge of adventure, and seemed too boring.

However, as Shirou said, once she personally took the risk, she would become the Familia's greatest weakness and lifeline. Her mistakes could even lead to the destruction of the entire Familia.

Loki showed a helpless smile: “Then, as always, I’ll be here waiting for your triumphant return. Don’t keep me waiting too long!”

Shirou nodded: “Like last time, Filvis, Aura, you two will still follow me on this operation.”

Aura immediately responded: “Yes!”

Filvis was slightly silent and just nodded gently.

Finn arranged: “Go back today, everyone rest well. Three days later, we will officially begin the operation.”

Shirou turned to Aura: “By the way, Aura, come to my workshop and pick a new weapon… Filvis, do you need one?”

The sword Aura was currently using was still the equipment from when she was Lv.2, and it was obviously no longer suitable for her current battles.

Filvis shook her head: “I… don’t need one.”

“Shirou-sama, is it really okay?”

Aura’s voice contained a hint of excitement.

“Yes, you can choose from these Second-Tier armaments and First-Tier armaments.”

Shirou said: “For this operation, I suggest you directly choose a First-Tier armament. After this is over, then consider switching to a lower-level one.”

Aura nodded, looking around Shirou's workshop warehouse with curious eyes. She carefully looked at each weapon, stroking the sharp blades again and again, feeling their weight and texture.

After some selection, she found a red sword on a weapon rack in the corner.

“This sword is…?”

She looked up slightly, looking at Shirou.

Shirou looked at the blade that had been forged a long time ago and then forgotten in the warehouse, and recalled: “This sword’s name is [Insect Slayer]. It was made using the drops from an enhanced species of Mantis monster…”

However, gazing at the deep red blade, Shirou's voice gradually slowed down.

【【Mind's Eye True activated】】

“Aura, there’s something I need your help with.”

He said softly.