A/N at the bottom.

...

The very next day was one that everyone in the Loki Familia camp could feel. There was an underlying tension in the air. Thankfully, they thought the tension was about the expedition. For five very specific people, there was so much more. Finn was positive that no one else heard their conversation. Royalty coming in and hearing it was unintended but found that they were right.

Last night was not one of his finest moments. Still, that had to be put on the backburner for now. They needed to depart from the fiftieth floor. The Pallum Captain grabbed his spear and headed out from his tent. Upon his exit, he saw the ones who were going on the hardest part of the expedition. Riveria, Gareth, Tione, Tiona, Bete, Tsubaki, Lefiya, Ais, and Axton. Alongside five more supporters, and himself, a total of fifteen. This was the group that would brave the next nine floors. It was easily one of the only teams that could properly explore it.

Axton could be seen off to the side, head down but a thoughtful frown on his face. He was most certainly thinking about last night. He regrets acting the way he did, like a petulant child, but it was for the right reasons. His skill was now a hot topic for himself. It manifested fully just recently…so it was still a work in progress. A wave of calmness washed over him and he sighed, knowing the next thing to come would be reassurance.

As expected, not even thirty seconds later, did that feeling crop up and soothed him. He took a big breath in and one breath out. Guess it's time to move.

As he stepped off the wall, Riveria caught his eye and she gestured for him to approach. He nodded and made calm strides towards her. Ais was also approaching as well. They gave one another a small smile as a sign of support. "Riveria, I-"

"No need to apologize, Axton. It was rude of us to speak about a private matter in a public place, especially when it concerned you and Ais," The High Elf said.

The Sword Princess nodded at the statement, "Thank you."

"Ah laddy, lass, good you're here," Gareth said, arriving just off to Riveria's right. "Anyway, you understand what was being said previously?"

"I got it," the Prince replied. "It doesn't mean I liked it. I'd be happy to discuss further on the surface. I just want everyone to make it out alive." His own speech was merely his declaration to protect everyone he can. A surge of approval welled up within him. A faint grin appeared on his face but was gone in the next moment. Ais picked up on it and rested a hand on his shoulder.

"And you'll be among those who are alive, are we clear lad? Don't want ya getting all banged up in the hospital. The Saint will have your ass."

Axton shivered. The thought might have been enticing in another timeline but now…not so much. I know what I like… and he left it at that. That was not something he could go into right at the moment, as it did not pertain to the current objective.

Finn only nodded as he stepped beside Axton, gesturing with his head to get into position. It starts now. Some answers needed to be had and this expedition will be the thing that gives them.

The formation was as follows: Bete and Tione in the front. Ais and Tiona next. Tsubaki, Axton, and Gareth after them. Lefiya, Riveria, Finn, and all the supporters in the rear. The supporters accompanying them were level four, at minimum. If needed, they rush to the front and scoop up the weapons if they need to be substituted or change mid-fight. Dino and Jericho are two of them. They signed up for this and Axton's speech from yesterday stood tall in their minds. Despite being put as supporters, they know how to handle themselves.

"Advance. Pick as few fights as possible. Once we reach the fifty-second floor, it will only get more dangerous," Finn's voice echoed out across the group. "Tread lightly." However, what awaited them was the fifty-first floor. The walls were a familiar graphite color, and it looked like a maze that one can easily get lost in. That was nothing in comparison to what Axton went through.

Even in the mid-line, he was keeping an extra line out for that woman who all but defiled him. His virtue remain intact, and if they crossed that line, he was positive that he wouldn't be standing where he is now. Shaking off the thoughts, Axton brandished Requiem in his right hand as they all rushed forward, dealing with Black Rhinos and Deformis Spiders. There was no sign of the Virgas—or Violas—as of yet. That was something Axton was keeping an eye out for.

One monster was sneaking around the back and almost caught them by surprise. It was sneaking up on its prey, ready to tear their fleshy bodies to pieces, to bathe in their blood. The monsters of the Dungeon have two very basic functions. The first is being born. The second is to fight and kill the 'intruders.' They are not very smart but as one goes deeper into the Dungeon, one might find that some are smarter than others without being labeled an 'enhanced species'

"RAAAAHHHH!"

The monster, a Black Rhino, snuck up on the adventurers that were trailing behind and was in prime position to strike but that ended too soon by the flash of green and silver. Axton purposefully broke formation to leap backward and slash the Rhino from the tip of its horn to its feet. Finn said nothing as the Prince used Ariel to propel himself back into his rightful place. This was only one moment where the Wallenstein siblings did what others call showing off.

Ais was with Tiona and she found herself missing fighting with her brother. No offense to Tiona, who is very much a capable fighter in her own right, but Axton understands her fighting style better. She felt him use his wind for a brief moment before it was dispelled.

"!" Golden eyes snapped forward as she heard them before she saw them.

However, Bete was much faster, "We got the new species ahead! Ais or Axton, give me your wind!"

Flosvirt could hold two magic 'charges' so when the siblings shouted ""Tempest!"" and the wind rushed to the awaiting wolf, he gave the approaching monsters a feral grin that showed off Bete's canines. Tione's mood also changed as she doubled down on her serious attitude, she had to impress the Captain.

"Let's go, you freaky bastards!" the ashen wolf shouted as he let out a large area attack with the stored wind, acting like razor-sharp blades. The Spiders and Rhinos stood no chance. The supporters shuddered as they felt some of the true power of first-class adventurers. Axton merely looked around, locking eyes with Lefiya for a brief moment. He smiled at her before his visage morphed back into his persona.

Speaking of Lefiya, she was terrified. Honestly, she felt like the Dungeon could smell or sense her fear and sent more monsters to keep feeding it. Meanwhile, her mentor was far more composed than herself. "Lefiya, do not use your magic at random. You could possibly attract more of the new species. Let everyone else handle the fighting," the High Elf said, "because you know who will protect you, as they have proven once or twice before."

A faint dusting of pink coated Lefiya's cheeks as she knew what her mentor was referring to. Now wasn't the time to be flustered. If this was the safe zone, then sure, make the joke but not her. The young mage wasn't going to criticize her for it as it would be improper for a normal Elf to correct a High Elf.

The elder mage continued, "Wait until we see the new species, the unleash your magic. Trust in our comrades and we will come out alive." Riveria deliberately did not say 'unscathed' because…it's the Dungeon. Murphy's Law is almost a requirement in here. The jade Elf continued to check over her shoulder to see the supporters keeping pace, Finn behind them.

"Narfi! My Urga!"

One of the five supporters put on a burst of speed, weaving through the group, taking a weapon, Tiona's Urga, out from their pack and seamlessly traded that for her Roland sword. Narfi fell back just behind Gareth. Axton cast a glance back, giving her a firm once-over, checking for signs of fatigue. It later dawned on him that Narfi caught up to Tiona, who was a level above the former, with ease. Her agility must have noticeably improved since the last expedition. That and they weren't cruising through the floor as fast as possible. Bete, Ais, and Axton would outpace everyone here.

Even as Bete, Tiona, Tione, and Ais tore up the front, the monsters never seemed to be thinned out. That changed when a mass number of yellow-green blobs came into view. Axton's adrenaline spiked, wondering if she was here as well. She wouldn't pass up the opportunity. If he were in her shoes, he wouldn't either.

With permission given from Finn, Axton ran up the front line Requiem at the ready. His fresh set of armor donned his person, and he had a large bone to pick with these foreign abominations. Just as he reached his sister, his wind surrounded him—as did hers—and these Virga quickly learned what it meant to cross the Wallensteins.

However, that meant that they wanted them more. Their magic was inherited from their mother, who was Aria, a Great Wind Spirit. These Virga were attracted to magic energy in general. Moreover, they felt the refined magic energy radiating off the two blond children. Their goal was simple: consume that magic. Almost a ravenous need to do so. The siblings began tearing up the front, their wind surrounding their bodies and even interchanging with one another when they got closer.

Guardian did not activate since no one was in mortal danger yet, so Axton kept an extra eye out. Even as they were fighting, the siblings sometimes acted like twins, being able to read each other at a single glance.

Ais pierced another while Axton slashed and diced two more before they each swapped weapons with practiced ease. Using Desperate to its strength, Axton made a line that felt like it cut the very air in front of him. His precision derivative allowed this. The monsters simply disappeared, leaving only their stones behind.

Ais easily adapted to the bulk of the blade, as she easily brought Requiem down on two Virga, bisecting them and leaving the stones. Some acid coated the blade but Ais flicked it away. Another Virga appeared behind the pair and they dashed towards each other, trading weapons once more, back to their respective owners, as they killed the last two.

While they were slaying, everyone else was not idle. There were dozens upon dozens of monsters and Royalty couldn't possibly kill them all. Tione, Tiona, Bete, and Gareth all joined in on the slaughter-fest swinging their weapons about. Tsubaki even joined in on the fun, laughing gleefully as she swung about her newest creation.

Raul idly wondered if this was how she normally acted and how she got so strong. The aforementioned reason for testing her weapons was the outcome. It was easily one of those 'it happened' moments. Eventually, a large crowd of the Virga gathered and that was when Riveria began chanting.

"Fall back!" Finn ordered.

Once Ais pierced another, she grabbed her brother by the arm and dragged him back, noticing the wandering gold-onyx eyes. "She's not here…please do not worry."

Axton shifted his gaze to her in apology. The pair joined up with the aforementioned five others as Riveria released her signature ice spell. There was some banter between Tsubaki and Riveria but Axton barely heard it. He scrutinized the walls, looking for any possible place that she could come out of. Even now, his free hand trembled. The mere thought of being in her clutches again was enough to get him to release a shaky breath.

Technically, he could just say it was adrenaline but he knew such a flimsy excuse wouldn't work on Finn, or Riveria, or Gareth, or even himself for that matter. It was actually Lefiya who had caught him by the entrance to the fifty-second floor. She grabbed his hand, a very affectionate act for an Elf like herself. However, she knew it was the right thing to do as she watched him tense before gently cradling her fingers and giving her a thankful glance and small smile. He later noticed he didn't flinch from her or his sister's touch.

Dino did his best not to snicker whilst Jericho just nodded approvingly. Riveria gave a secret smile at her apprentice. Lefiya already had him figured out whether she knew it or not.

The Captain immediately gave another order, breaking the tender moment between the elven mage and swordsman, "Keep engagements to a minimum, repel the monsters."

The mood changed instantly, everyone was serious but the supporters were pale. Dino's previous smile was gone. Jericho's tail was twitching to and fro, his eyes darting to the floor he stood on. The raccoon could somewhat feel minute traces of magic if he put his mind to it, a family trait and it was never elaborated on. Too personal.

Tsubaki seemed eager to fight but it was Raul who brought her out of it, "Why can't we fight?"

"You'll get sniped if you stay in one spot!" The level four said. "Movement is the name of the game."

The High Smith could feel the presence of the king of monsters but that was the odd thing. She knew it was nowhere near her, so why were they so jumpy?

Finn and Riveria shared a quick word and that was when he commanded them to book it. You run or risk being burned alive. Lefiya took a deep breath, having only heard of these monsters. This was her first time past the fiftieth floor, and that's because anything below level three was a death sentence. Technically, people like Raul, Cruz, Aki, and Dino are at the minimum level required by Guild standards.

The elven mage knew that she was falling behind and a certain swordsman knew that wasn't going to fly. In a quick burst of wind, he turned and basically started carrying her like a princess. She squealed in surprise but he made no changes to his expression. Once she was back with the rest of the supporters, he joined the front and continued to follow Finn's directions.

The monsters responsible kept blowing up the ground beneath the group. If it wasn't for Finn, someone might have been separated then killed. They stopped for a split second before a literal fireball burst from the floor, sending debris everywhere. It tinked off of Axton's armor, his weapons, and obscured his vision. Lefiya was set on her feet as he turned to shield both himself and Lefiya.

He turned to see Riveria chanting a protection spell and then he saw Lefiya running towards Raul and pushing the man out of the way. His heart skipped a beat and Guardian activated. Lefiya was in danger because of a monster.

A lone spider had set up its web and started dragging the elf towards its awaiting maw. Her pale blue eyes widened as she saw the sharp teeth, just begging to dig into her beautiful pale flesh.

That didn't happen as an explosion erupted from the floor and disintegrated the spider but it left Lefiya hanging.

Then she fell through the hole previously made.

Lefiya was sure that she heard Axton cry out her name. The girl looked down and saw that it was a really big hole. That dragon punched through that many floors?! The mage felt despair bloom in her. Was this how she was going to die? Falling through a dragon-made hole and burning to a crisp?

She recalled how they mentioned that it was like descending into the depths of the second circle of hell. Or was it the fourth? Who knows because the situation is messed up no matter how one looks at it.

"Did you really think we were just going to leave you?"

"Let's go!"

Lefiya turned around to see the Hiryute twins and a silent Bete. Well, he was silent until, "Can't leave a weakling like you alone for a minute!"

A pale green glow was cast over their bodies. Lefiya recognized the magic as Riveria's Veil Breath. As they were falling, they were coming up with a plan. "Who knows if that dragon is going to fire again!"

"Not if I have anything to say about it! And wow, that's a little cliché….I'm a little upset that you left me out!" Someone shouted as a different green blur zoomed by and ended up in front of them. "You may want to prepare yourselves!"

The reason being is that it was getting a lot brighter…

…and hotter.


It almost felt like something snapped within him. The feeling of just knowing the goal or objective was within your grasp only for it to be ripped away was a feeling that no one ever liked.

That was true for Axton. Guardian flared up, shoving the feeling of protectiveness down his throat. "Permission to pursue?" He asked in monotone.

Finn twirled his spear and stabbed an approaching spider, killing it. "Make it snappy. Riveria, your spell's close?" It was more rhetorical in the latter part of the sentence. A glance in the High Elf's direction proved it.

"Ais, let's go! I need a boost, express elevator-style," Axton commanded as he watched his sister leap over the hole, high in the air. Here's hoping she understood that. It wouldn't be the first time he's expressed this idea and it was shot down.

The Sword Prince followed after her in order to prepare. Instead of leaping as high, he was slightly below her. Flipping around to look up, he saw Ais descend, and then their feet met before they pushed off using Ariel's assistance. The wind wave was potent enough to push a few monsters and adventurers alike off their feet. While unintended, it did send Axton flying down the hole at an increased speed. He was pleased to see that he was catching up.

Since Guardian was active—thanks to Lefiya falling down the hole earlier—the effect had faded as the distance increased. Now, the effect is increasing.

He blew past them all, seeing the flames coming. Instead of being scared—at least consumed by it—he was grinning. "Maneuver yourself behind me. Bete, take some wind, and on my mark, strike!" Axton ordered, sending wind to Bete's Flosvirt. The three remaining people followed his order.

There was something in his tone that made them want to follow it but only because the situation called for it. They still would have followed either way. Veil Breath could probably withstand this but Axton would not want to test that. Especially because of her.

The fire was coming closer and closer, yet he still did not waver. He looked back at Bete, "Ready?"

"I'm trusting you on this, Prince!" The ashen wolf shouted. It almost sounded like a scolding.

A few more seconds of free fall…

"Now, Bete!"

*Ariel: Tempest!*

The wind that just floated off his form surrounded him, almost coating his entire body. He funneled the wind into Requiem, and with one wave of his arm which he seemed to put forth the effort in, Bete pulled his leg back and kicked with all his might, sending the wind alongside Axton's strike.

The fire was upon them now, and the wind answered back with…to describe it properly…

Move, bitch, get out of the way.

The fire parted like some sea from another fairy tale, and the five adventurers were able to pass through unharmed and unscathed. "That was awesome, Princey!" Tiona shouted. "How are we going to land though?"

"With practiced ease, and the dragon currently below us," he responded.

"We have Wyverns!" Tione shouted. "This could work as a landing strategy!"

Axton turned himself around and looked around as they were falling. A plan formed in his mind. "Tione, protect Lefiya. Bete, Tiona, would you be so kind as to acquire some transportation? I'll assist if needed but that wind conjuring took a lot out of me." He admitted with no small amount of shame.

The elder trio nodded whilst the youngest one was looking at Axton in concern. But with that concern turned fierce. She watched as Bete and Tione ran along the cavern's walls—as they were falling—and stabbed or kicked a Wyvern. However, "Damn, one of them is fast as hell!"

"Enhanced Species, then, stay on your toes…" Axton said before chuckling amusingly to himself, finding all sorts of irony in his words.

Lefiya already had a plan in mind, and she wanted to feel like she's done something to help. "Tione, toss me, I have an idea."

The elder twin saw that look in her eyes and agreed to trust her. Axton was wary of this as Guardian urged him to trust her. If he didn't mistake it, the skill seemed to realize what was going on.

That would lead to a private discussion with his mind to figure it out later.

Swinging Requiem, he cut off a Wyvern's wing and watched it fall helplessly only for it to crash into the wall.

"Axton!"

"!" His name being shouted made him turn sharply around as the enchanted Wyvern was making a beeline toward him. There was malice within the glowing eyes of the monster. It shouldn't have that kind of malice…unless…

That bitch…

It was his only logical explanation.

"Raaaagh?!"

The monster wailed as it was pierced and subsequently exploded from the inside out. Axton turned to see Lefiya rejoining the free fall with a pleasant yet victorious smile on her face.

"I owe you one, then."

"I'll hold you to that," Lefiya smirked, uncharacteristic of her but she was quickly bashful about the bold move.

Axton had already turned away, a small blush on his cheeks. Bete was already moving towards what was dubbed the Dragon's Den. This was because of the Valgang Dragons. Their ability to shoot fire through multiple floors of the Dungeon was one of the reasons why they had to rush through the fifty-first floor onward. If they paused for even a second, the fire could very well incinerate them.

Bete brought down a heel on a dragon's head, caving it in. With him going a terminal velocity, and a wind charge still in his boot, that dragon had no chance of living. He smirked, "Finally back, let's go you bitches." Vanargand was in play.

Looking up, he saw what could be called literal hellfire. Bete grunted, "Looks like that elf isn't so useless after all. Good luck, Axton."

Upon the activation of Lefiya's spell. Monsters rained down in the droves. They were falling from the sky burning. Axton could only watch on impressed and his hand went to his chest, somewhat knowing why his heart was beating slightly faster.

He saw the utter concentration on her face, the way she chanted was like a poem…and he didn't know how to comprehend that. I really need to figure this out.

"Lefiya, grab on."

"What?" She squealed, completely caught off-guard.

"You want to land like a crêpe?" He raised an eyebrow. The elven mage acquiesced at that before grabbing onto Axton. Requiem returned to its sheath as he felt her grab onto him, her staff clutched tight.

Under his breath, he called for his wind, forcing it to coat them both. Using the air that passed by them, he created a slight updraft to slow their descent. So, Axton found a hill and used that to slide down.

Besides the dirt being thrown up, it was a pretty smooth landing. Axton chuckled as he heard Lefiya scream about how she's never doing this with him again. It allowed him to laugh once he stopped. "Oh I needed that…but Lefiya, we've stopped."

The elf opened her eyes, looking around to see that Axton was telling the truth. She hopped off his back with crimson cheeks and she refused to look at him. That was embarrassing! But it was nice to cling… stop it!

The boy missed her internal debate as the trio appeared beside them, "Welcome to the celebration, ready to dole out party favors?" Tiona grinned.

"Those dragons will cause problems…so let's take them out first," Axton suggested. "Lefiya, drink a potion, we'll need your spells to allow an opening and I'd rather not let you pass out because of Mind Down."

The roar of another dragon brought him out of his order-giving state, "Or better yet, let's just kill them and hold out until then," the boy shrugged but there was a glint in his eye. Bete saw it for a moment and tried to jog his memory as to where he's seen it before. This time he was able to almost discern what it was. The wolf thought about asking later after this is all over.


Shortly after the quintet fell/jumped down the hole.

Jericho knew that Axton had a bit of a wild side to him but this was one of those moments that superseded all of the others. "He's really got it bad for her, doesn't he?"

The dark elf glanced over his shoulder, "And he better get his act together because they're both dense." Dino turned and landed a punch on an approaching spider. He grabbed Jericho and continued moving as the wind picked up again.

Ais was currently running amuck with her wind, it was creating a nice breeze for everyone, slightly. Otherwise, it was a warzone. Gareth was literally swinging his ax and slicing the Virgas in half. If they got close to the supporters, he would be the wall in between them. "Keep moving, we need to rendezvous on the fifty-eighth floor. Gareth, keep us covered."

"Aye, Cap'n," the burly dwarf said.

"Dino, Jericho, you two, move into the middle guard. Keep moving. Ais, clear a path. Raul, assist her," the Pallum continued.

The battle continued on and they kept progressing, eventually passing into the fifty-third floor. The new species was drawn out and because of that, their enemy was close. The group continued on, even though some were winded from the rush. Noticing this, Finn ordered them to drink some water but continue moving.

"Screeeeeeeee!"

"!"

"There's more of them!" Riveria exclaimed, bringing everyone back to an alerted status. The supporters capped their water, took a collective deep breath, and started running. Ais fidgeted, wondering about Axton. Her focus was still here but she knew he wasn't one hundred percent. That woman could be lurking anywhere. Her grip tightened on her rapier, ready for anything.

The monsters came into view and they were almost ravenous in trying to get to them. "No need to fight, keep moving. Ais, head left at the next intersection."

The Sword Princess nodded before taking that very left and blitzed through the monsters. Finn whistled, knowing that Royalty's level ups were making this easy, at least in part. Dino, Jericho, Narfi, Raul, and Alicia were all keeping up. Riveria ushered them forward and once they got to the fifty-sixth floor, Finn peered down one of the holes, "We're close, but not close enough. Gareth?"

"Finn."

"Could you make an entrance?" the Pallum asked. The dwarf grinned.

A hearty laugh followed before Gareth 'Elgram' Landrock disappeared from sight. Ais debated following but knew not to move. He'll be fine… she told herself. It assured her…for the moment.

"Jericho, how quickly can you chant your stealth spell?"

"It won't erase our presence completely and unlike most of the mages I-"

"How long?" Finn pressed.

The raccoon's ear twitched, "For all of us? Two minutes, and you run the possibility of myself falling into Mind Down and I can't stop mid-chant."

"We'll buy you time," Dino assured his brother-in-arms. "I'll be the one carrying your striped ass if you conk out."

The raccoon felt the tension leak out of his shoulders, "You should talk more befitting of yourself, especially in the presence of her majesty."

Riveria let the comment go, knowing that it was only in the heat of the moment. She recast Veil Breath to give that protection to everyone. Alicia used her ice magic to freeze another Virga. "These things just keep coming!"

Jericho, meanwhile, still felt the pressure. It was slightly relieved by Tsubaki's skill with her weapons. While not a member of Loki Familia, she definitely adapted to the flow of battle, despite her complaints about how 'fucking stupid these acid-munching freakazoids' were. "The power of the shadow is fickle. It neither bends nor breaks. It wraps and consumes all. The shadows declare open arms. Nótt, provide the means to cross the threshold. Allow the vessel to adjust the rules of the plane."

Jericho's chant started and he kept moving, more worried about his own foot placement rather than the monsters that wanted to tear his throat out and drown him in acid. Yeah, he chooses life. He has placed his faith in his comrades to protect him, as they do for any mage chanting. Jericho himself is not a mage as his magic is situational. It just so happens that his magic is needed for this exact scenario.

"Place the power within my grasp. Place your trust in my heart. Place your faith in the vessel of your will. Allow me the extension to those who beseech you."

*All: Spectre Inversion!*

The last sentence was needed for the 'All' portion. Otherwise, it would have only cast on himself. Jericho, now finished with his cast, waved his hand to have a dark hue cover the group's bodies. "Theerrrr youuu….gooo…" he slurred. Dino quickly put a potion to his lips and forced him to swallow. A Mind potion, one that would stabilize him for the time being. The cast was one thing but this was a drain spell. The longer it was held, the more it drained of the caster's Mind. Jericho would be lucky to hold this for more than three minutes.

Thankfully, three minutes was all Finn and the rest needed to break free and bring the two parties together. Dino passed his supporting pack to Narfi, who was unbothered by the additional weight, claiming that it would raise her strength and endurance. Dino took the raccoon magician—since he claimed to not be a full mage—over his shoulder.

"Captain, we need to go."

The roar of a dragon and the smell of fire and ash reached their senses. "I think you're right," Finn replied dryly.


With Gareth's arrival, it made for quick work for the few remaining Valgang Dragons. Despite him wanting to fight, a tugging feeling within him told him to stay with Lefiya. Guardian wanted Axton to stay with the trigger.

It would make sense as the 'feeling' of the skill would allow for movements that Axton isn't normally able to perform. With the Wyverns still flying above, there wasn't much he could do unless he grew wings.

Then the new species came and it just became a five-way battle, somehow.

Gareth continued to swing his axes, killing anything that dared challenge him, "You youngins need a real good ass beating when we get back."

"Fat chance, gramps!" Bete snarled, yet there were hints of a grin on his face. The wolf ran into the fight, supporting the man known as Elgram.

Tione and Tiona were more than happy to fight as well, witnessing some feats that Gareth claimed to be a fluke. A one-time thing. That didn't make the feat any less spectacular. The remaining dragons then had to fight the new species as they came and swarmed the floor.

Axton had Requiem in hand as he stood close to Lefiya. Close enough to react but not close enough where he invaded her personal space.

"Axton, are you alright? You seem jumpy." He turned towards the elf, where she got a good look at what Bete had seen earlier, "What happened to your eye?"

Hearing this, he tilted his head slightly, just like how Ais would, "I'm afraid I don't get it. I can see you perfectly fine."

The elf sighed, "Look at the crystal." She held Forest Teardrop up to show the crystal and Axton peered at his reflection.

The Sword Prince was caught off guard as he felt pride in his appearance. That pride wasn't his but Guardian's. His left eye had a slight change. A small shield could be seen reflected in his iris and pupil. The physical shape of his eye changed—not the eyeball itself.

"That's new…might have to ask Loki when we get back."

"How are you not concerned?"

He shrugged, "I got used to all these weird things. It comes with the territory."

*Wynn Fimbulvetr!*

In the midst of their conversation, they failed to notice the arrival of the separated party. "Axton!"

"Ais/Miss Ais!" The duo cheered. The Prince could see Tione getting fired up once more because of Finn's presence.

Those dragons never stood a chance.

So, the entire party met up at the entrance to the fifty-ninety floor. Ais basically hugged Axton to the point of embarrassment. Lefiya watched fondly at the sight. Riveria shook her head with a smile, and it softened as he checked on every member not in the front line. When he got to Jericho, the raccoon waved him off with a smile, saying he was fine.

"You could've died."

"But I didn't."

A sound argument, moving on.

Axton looked to Dino, "Will he be fine?"

The dark elf shrugged, "Should be, and now that we made it here, a break is warranted. I'm sure many of us supporters are pretty wiped. Even though you guys are in a different league entirely. So, how was the flight?"

The blond gained a teasing grin, "The in-flight service sucked. It got too crowded and we had to deal with a horrible draft. The landing was the best part, it meant it was over."

Lefiya flushed, having heard the conversation, and recalled what she did during that. Riveria and Gareth looked over and shook their heads. One in exasperation and one in humor.

"The lass has to see it, doesn't she?"

"She's aware but she's unaware if he reciprocates."'

Finn took this moment to address the entire party, "What lies beyond us is the fifty-nineth floor. Unexplored territory since the departure of the Zeus and Hera Familias. According to their notes, observations, and even samples. These floors are supposed to be glaciers. Everyone has their Salamander Wool?" He received nods. "Good. I don't need to warn you of the dangers we face. Everyone on alert."

Axton tuned out halfway through as he felt the wind. Ais noticed and tried to do the same. "Uh, Finn?"

"Yes, Axton?"

"If it's supposed to be a glacier floor, and we're standing at the entrance…why aren't we feeling the cold air? If anything, that place feels more like a swamp…"

Finn looked startled. "Are you positive?"

Ais pushed some wind down to have it circle back around, "He's right. This is what she wanted us to see…"

Axton twitched at the mention and his visage reflected the lingering fear. "And I don't think we'll like what we see. Permission to scout ahead?"

"Granted. Ais, go with him," Finn agreed. "Do not stray too far and at the first sign of trouble pull back."

Royalty nodded and crept down the tunnel. What awaited them would be nothing short of horrifying.


The transitions between floors are usually just staircases, small inclines, or a quick drop down that one has to mantle over. This was a spiral staircase.

Every step they took, the air grew warmer. It grew much more humid. If the previous floor was lacking moisture, this one was the opposite. Sweat formed on their foreheads but neither wiped it away.

The siblings didn't speak in the meantime. Their mission was reconnaissance, nothing more. Light flooded the staircase and when they exited, the floor was obviously not a glacier.

It was a thick jungle. Premeditated paths were laid out before them. Thick trees littered the skyline, vines, and overgrowth were features that greeted the eyes of Royalty.

Nothing was too out of the ordinary but it was cause for concern. Ais led the way and she paused once she felt a presence looming over them.

Axton shifted, Guardian now once more active. Requiem was already halfway out of its sheath as he surveyed the surroundings, putting his back to Ais. Royalty slowly circled around each other, eyes constantly searching, opening their ears.

"This is about to be hell."

"Mhm."

"We need to go," he said, the urge to leave this place and never come back was strong. "We can't possibly recon when it feels like the entire Dungeon Floor is eyeing us."

"It's a good thing we followed," Dino's voice floated into their range. "We all got worried and followed, not that we didn't trust you. The staircase was longer than we thought. It took about five minutes to make it."

"Appreciated," Axton acknowledged, whilst internally berating himself for forgetting the scouting rule, seven minutes, in and out.

The Pallum regarded their tense stances, "The answer you're looking for is said to be on this floor."

Ais nodded, the tension slowly leaving her shoulders but not fully. Axton then started to shake, trembling against her back. Her concerned eyes turned to him, about to ask what was wrong before she felt it.

Magic power and a lot of it.

"Everybody, scatter!" Axton shouted before he pushed Ais out of the way, drawing Requiem.

*Tempest!*

He roared before a mass concentration of wind coated the blade and he sliced once…twice…thrice before a blob of red exited the dense treeline. A fireball.

Axton grunted at the newfound strain and the use of Mind. He does not possess Spirit Healing as Ais does, so this strain blurred his vision but he did not falter. His breathing could be heard in the silence.

He tensed as he, and therefore everybody else, heard a voice that uttered a sentence that threatened to expose him and his sister's closely guarded secret…

"Is that you, offspring of Aria? Ara, Ara, there are two…that means more for me. Come…let us…play…"

...

Hmm...almost two months since the last chapter. My fault. I was writing another long-ass one-shot, the one I mentioned at the end of 2021, and it got to 10k words before I stopped, wrote another 5k for some crack shot—which I've added like five different fandoms into it, and have to slowly build up to it, so that's far out from now. Literally did not write a thing for this until a week ago. The chapter title is one of two (possibly three if I stretch it out properly...) parts for this. I think I did okay.

Now, Delicate Balance. The other story that I write within this fandom. It's the one-year anniversary that is coming up. So on the seventh, that's Monday, there will be a new chapter for that. My upload schedule is based on motivation, how much I get distracted and how often I just flat out dodge it.

Important: I sifted through SO4, and I know the events play different than what is written here but I wanted to mess with it, add in some stuff, take out some stuff. I am truthfully experimenting with what I can mess with so that the story flows. Think like a minor butterfly effect. The ripples exist but the impact isn't as major. Still consequential but doesn't blow up in my face, at least that's the hope.

Aight, take care, hopefully, it won't be another two months before the next upload. I want to make a chapter on the anniversary date for this. (That would be April 24th.)