What Orsted didn't know was that while he and Ais were heading to the monster site on the 24th floor, Lili and the others had already reached the 17th floor.

After slaying a minotaur, Lili turned to Tifa and the others.

"There's been no news of Goliath being defeated recently. Should we check it out?"

"No need," Elenoir shook her head.

"Lord Orsted and the Sword Princess just went that way. Even if Goliath wasn't defeated before, they'd have handled it by now."

"I think we should take a look," Eina countered. "Goliath doesn't always appear to block adventurers. Maybe he didn't show up when Orsted and Ais passed."

"I agree," Aerith nodded.

"If we find Goliath, we can take him down. Those who haven't ranked up might do so today."

"I don't mind," Elenoir shrugged, smiling.

"It's a short trip. Eina's right—Goliath might still be there. Let's try our luck."

The others had no objections.

"Then let's head to the 17th floor," Tifa said, waving them forward.

The group moved toward the 17th floor.

Soon, a monster's roar echoed from the otherside.

Excited shouts from Lili and the others followed.

"He's really there! Perfect!"

"Elenoir, Eina, combine your magic!"

"Aerith, form the A-type attack formation!"

"Senie, defend with full force—keep Goliath at bay!"

"Tifa, we'll snipe together as the situation demands!"

"Yes!"

A massive roar and explosion soon erupted...

The 17th floor was separated from the 18th by a free passage.

As the battle began, the explosions carried, audible even on the 18th floor.

Adventurers in Rivira and those stationed in the wild heard the commotion.

"Someone's fighting Goliath!"

"It actually showed up!"

"I went twice before and never saw it," Bors muttered, stepping out of his shop, gazing toward the passage with frustration.

Adventurers had reported Goliath's presence, causing trouble, so Bors had rallied Rivira's residents and wild-stationed adventurers to confront it.

Twice they'd gone, only to return empty-handed.

He planned another attempt tomorrow, but now Goliath had appeared, already engaged in battle.

"Bors, they might not be targeting it specifically," an Amazon said.

"I know. Gather everyone and move out fast," Bors replied.

"Goliath's here now—we can't let it slip. If they're attacking on purpose, we'll watch. If they're in danger, we help. If it's a chance encounter, we strike."

"Got it. I'll round up the group," the Amazon said, hurrying off.

In under five minutes, a large group assembled at Rivira's entrance.

Some were Rivira residents, others wild-stationed adventurers, all responding swiftly. They'd tackled Goliath before.

Goliath's presence on the 17th floor hindered weaker or smaller adventurer groups, who were vital customers for Rivira. Each loss hurt the town.

Wild-stationed adventurers joined for the thrill and the rewards of contributing to Goliath's defeat.

Led by Bors, the group rushed toward the passage.

The closer they got, the louder the roars grew.

"They're likely here to fight Goliath. Wonder which Familia they're from," Bors mused.

If they were just passing and got ambushed, most teams would retreat or flee to the 18th floor.

But minutes had passed with no one emerging, and the explosions grew more frequent and intense.

Any fool could tell this was a deliberate assault on Goliath, likely by a team evenly matched with it—not a top-tier, large-scale Familia.

"Speed up!" Bors shouted, taking the lead.

The others, understanding his urgency, quickened their pace.

Most entered the passage, leaving only those with siege equipment trailing slowly.

Bors and his group raced through, reaching the glowing entrance of the Wall of Sighs after a minute.

A shrill roar hit their ears.

Stunned briefly, Bors and the others stepped out without hesitation.

Light reflected in his eyes as Bors gaped at the sight.

"Hestia Familia!"

---

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