Hunted by Characters I Drew!!

"What… what is this? Why are we all inside this little box?!" 

"Stop acting like you've never seen the world. It's probably some kind of picture. But I have to admit, this is a stunning picture." 

"Huh? Isn't this a record of our past adventures? Wait, why isn't Alexander in it?" Tiona asked curiously. 

Before she could get an answer, Tione shot her a sharp look. 

"Isn't it obvious? Alexander's the creator. Why would an author insert themselves into their work? It's not an autobiography." 

"Oh… so that's how it works?" Tiona blinked, still a bit confused. 

"Wait, Ais! Isn't this from the dungeon expedition we went on two days ago? Look at this!" Lefiya interjected, her tone laced with suspicion. 

Her observation sent a ripple of unease through the group. It was one thing to see artwork based on their adventures, but it felt entirely different for these events to be portrayed so accurately. 

"Are you sure… you aren't being spied on?" Loki raised an eyebrow, her tone uncharacteristically serious. 

"Of course not!" Tiona said confidently. "How could anyone spy on us without being noticed?" 

Riveria, however, looked more concerned. She flipped through the remaining scenes with growing unease. 

"This… this isn't surveillance," Riveria said, her voice tense. "If you read further, it doesn't seem like someone is just observing us. It feels more like a prophecy." 

Finn nodded slightly, but the next scene left everyone frozen in shock. 

---

The depiction shifted to their upcoming expedition. They saw themselves seeking help from Tsubaki, Captain of Hephaestus

Familia, preparing for a second expedition. And then, the climactic moment appeared: the final battle. 

The animation showcased an intense confrontation between the Loki Familia and the enhanced Demi Spirit. Everyone watched with bated breath as their animated counterparts struggled against the powerful monster. 

When the battle concluded, showing their exhausted but victorious selves, a collective sigh of relief swept through the room. 

"That… that's the monster on the 59th floor?" someone murmured. 

"It's incredibly strong. Even four Level 6s, four Level 5s, and two Level 3s barely managed to win," Riveria observed grimly. 

"Indeed," Finn said, his expression serious. "It surpasses the strength of a typical Level 6. We'll need to prepare thoroughly for this fight." 

While Finn's strategic mind began calculating their next moves, no one questioned the animation's authenticity. Everything shown so far had aligned with their experiences. There was no reason for Alexander to fabricate such detailed predictions. 

---

"So… who exactly is Alexander?" Riveria finally voiced the question on everyone's mind. "How does he know not only our future but also our abilities, even details we don't share with each other?" 

The question lingered, but they had no immediate answers. For now, Finn took charge, issuing orders to the group. 

"Everyone, you've seen what we're up against. Start preparing immediately. Stock up on potions and supplies. Train hard and improve your combat readiness. Understood?" 

"Understood!" the group responded in unison, springing into action. 

Everyone except Loki, that is. As a goddess barred from dungeon crawling, she could only offer moral support—or, more accurately, stand around looking bored. 

But something caught her attention. Her gaze shifted to Ais, and a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. 

---

"Ais, what's that tablet in your arms?" Loki asked, a sly grin spreading across her face. 

"It's a gift from Alexander," Ais replied, clutching the tablet closer to her chest. 

"Ais-tan, why don't you let me have it? Pretty please?" Loki pleaded, her tone unusually sheepish. 

"No." 

"But Ais, you and Alexander are on good terms. Can't you ask him to make another one for me?" 

"No," Ais repeated firmly, her arms tightening protectively around the tablet. 

"Ais-taaaaaan…" Loki whined, but Ais remained resolute. 

Eventually, Loki pouted and gave up, muttering, "Fine! I'll just ask Alexander for one myself. Or maybe I'll buy it! Yeah, I'll buy it!" 

With that, Loki bolted out the door, her determination to acquire the tablet growing stronger. After all, what was the point of descending to the mortal world if not to have some fun? 

---

As Loki disappeared, Ais returned to her room, clutching the tablet. She'd noticed something intriguing earlier: there were more animations stored on the device. 

"Maybe… one of them has a clue about how to get stronger," Ais thought to herself. Excitement bubbled within her as she sat down and started exploring the tablet's contents. 

---

Meanwhile, in Hestia's domain, the goddess was indulging in her favorite snack: fried potatoes. She'd just returned home and was savoring the food when a familiar, frantic voice echoed through the room. 

"Alexander! Alexander! I want it! I want it!!! Can you give me one too?" 

Startled, Hestia nearly dropped her food.