Chapter 6 - Descent
With relatively little challenge, the happy group continued to merrily descend down the dungeon. Before they knew it, they reached the 37th level. Fortunately for them, no one has defeated Udaeus recently so the gang had a chance to test their new skills. Since Ais has already defeated Udaeus by herself and Finn had plenty of experience himself, they stayed on the sidelines. Tione and Tiona also decided that they rather watch argonaut-kun in action. Thus, Leifya, Mikoto and Filvis launched attacks from the rear, while Bell and Bete attacked with their weapons.
Unfortunately for Udaeus, that was more than enough. Before Bell and Bete could get much action and before Leifya finished chanting, Mikoto and Filvis already destroyed one of Udaeus' arms with Futsunomitama and Dio Thyrosos. At that point, Bell and Bete jumped in and finished Udaesus off. Leifya got mad at herself for being too slow, but Filvis reminded her that the most powerful magic takes longer to activate. Actually Filvis and Mikoto themselves were surprised at their own power levels, as this was the first chance since leveling to calibrate against a powerful enemy. As they were watching, Finn and Ais marveled at the group's performance in a rite of passage, while Ais still remembered her fight to the death with Udaeus a few months ago.
Everyone did get a good laugh at Bell for trying to drag Udaeus' sword with him. It was simply to big to carry even if it reminded him of his battle with the black goliath. After Bell gave up, the party started down the dungeon again. As they continue to descend, Finn realized something interesting. There has been no sign of virgas or violas. He was not sure why, but this was indeed unexpected. Is the dungeon setting a trap for them?
The party decided to stop for the day after reaching the 41st floor. They had a late dinner and set up camp. Ais and Bell had the first watch so they finally had some private time. Bell asked Ais more about Revis, and Ais told him about their battles on the 24th floor and in the Knossos. Bell was quite curious about Revis' current status and wonder how many magic stones she has consumed in the last 2 months ago. Ais asked Bell whether he was worried, but Bell said they can only prepare as well as they can. With that, he notice the tension in Ais' voice, so told her to relax a bit and gave her a lap pillow. Slightly embarrassed, Ais was not really used to being taken care of, but it was a nice feeling. But before she knew it, it was 'morning'. Apparently Bell carried her off to her tent when it was their turn to sleep. She wondered if Bell took any liberties...
Finn got more serious as they approach the deep levels. He provided more background on the deeper floors assuming Thanatos did not make many modifications. He said: "Colosseums will start appearing in which monsters are spawned nonstop until a certain amount is reached. The 49th floor is one huge room where the Balor roams. The 50th floor is like the 18th floor because no monsters are born. The 51st to 59th floors are labyrinths, and valgang dragons start appearing on the 52th floor until the 58th floor. The 59th floor used to be frozen but was a large jungle when they went there a few months ago..."
Being the consummate tactician, Finn also suggested the buddy system in which adventurers pair off for safety. The natural pairs are Finn and Tione, Bete and Tiona, Filvis and Leifya, and Bell and Ais. While Mikoto preferred to be with Bell and Ais, it was better tactically for her to line up with Finn/Tione. Because Finn/Tione do not have defense magic or magic resistance, Mikoto's defensive magic can buttress an area of weakness. These pairings also free up Ais/Bell to use Ariel without having to worry about Mikoto. Finn also sat their formation. Bell/Ais will take the lead, with Finn/Tione/Mikoto right behind, followed by Leifya/Filvis, and finally Bete/Tiona in the rear. This will put fighters with magic resistance up front and in the rear, protecting the magic casters in the middle. If Ais/Bell take off in Aerial, then Bete/Tiona will take the lead up front while Finn/Tione/Mikoto fall back to the rear. Finally, having fought virga and violas before, Mikoto is able to scan for them every few minutes using her detection ability.
With all the tactical details decided, the party descend into the deep floors...