Hey guys! I'm finally back to upload the next chapter for 'TDM' took awhile as I was busy job hunting after my graduation, and surprisingly enough actually found a job that is a good entry level. Granted the salary is quite small but it's a start at least!
But this would mean that updates regarding my stories may take a while as obviously I have to focus on rl stuff. But I do promise that I will try at least send out one chapter every month between my two stories so look forward to it!
Anyways if there were any spelling mistakes or suggestions feel free to comment! With that over let's finally get on with this story!
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INSIDE THE DUNGEON
-FLOOR 17-
Inside a cavernous structure, a sizable band of adventurers strolled leisurely, their demeanor suggesting an absence of immediate concern or urgency.
"Even though I can still Fight ~ I haven't gone on a rampage yet!" protested a sun-bronzed woman, her attire consisting of only a tube top barely covering her chest and a pareo wrapped around her waist, punctuating her statement with punches aimed at the empty air.
*Sigh* "You're nagging too much; it's almost time for you to call it quits," griped another sun-bronzed woman, dressed similarly to her companion but with leftover cloth wrapped around her chest as she glanced at the other woman beside her.
Yet the other woman persisted in her complaints, shouting, "Despite all the hardships we endured to reach the 50th floor!"
The duo in question were none other than the Hiryute Sisters, and the group of adventurers that were with them was the formidable Loki Familia. Renowned as one of the strongest familia in Orario, Loki Familia ascended to prominence following the banishment of the Zeus and Hera familias.
This group was returning after a thwarted attempt to break the Zeus Familia's record, their progress halted by an encounter on the 51st and 50th floors.
The source of their setback?
An encounter with unknown monsters believed to inhabit the dungeon's lower depths.
This new type of monster resembled colossal insectoid caterpillars, capable of unleashing potent acid attacks that could dissolve weapons and armor. The Loki Familia had faced these creatures, depleting their arsenal and supplies in the fierce battle.
Stripped of their weapons and gear, and with their supplies depleted, the group unanimously decided to retreat to the surface. They needed to regroup, reassess their situation, and report their findings, acknowledging the severity of their losses and the need for a strategic reevaluation.
"Uwahh! So Frustrating! In the end, what on earth was that Monster!" Tiona's frustrated cries echoed through the cavern, her complaints about their recent ordeal persisting, while her sister Tione let out a tired sigh in response to her sister
The members of the Loki Familia proceeded through the 17th floor with relative ease, their demeanor relaxed and their guard lowered compared to the tense atmosphere of the lower dungeon levels. For a seasoned familia like theirs, navigating the 17th floor felt akin to a leisurely stroll.
As the group continued their leisurely walk and engaged in conversation about recent events, their progress was abruptly halted by the sound of multiple monster roars echoing from up ahead that vibrated the air
ROOOOOAAARRR!
"In front! A large group of Minotaurs!" called out a tall, jade-haired elven woman from the front of the group. It was Riveria Ljos Alf, the vice-captain of the Loki Familia, known by her alias 'Nine Hell'.
Currently, the familia had been split into two groups following the events on the 50th floor. Finn and Gareth led one group, while Riviera led this one. While their numbers might be fewer at the moment, it doesn't necessarily mean they're defenseless.
For the Loki Familia, a group of minotaurs is nothing more than a source of experience points for their stronger members. Coincidentally, most of the familia's senior members were currently with Riveria's group.
"Riveria, with that many, it should be fine if we engage, right?" Tione inquired, her gaze fixed on the group of minotaurs ahead, as she sought guidance from Riveria.
In situations like this, it was customary for the senior members of the familia to assign the task of confronting monsters like the minotaurs to the younger and weaker members. This was because creatures from the higher floors, such as these minotaurs, no longer yielded significant experience for the stronger members of the familia.
Given the sizable number of minotaurs ahead, it posed a potential danger to the weaker members of the familia, even under supervision. Understanding this risk, Tione proposed whether she and the other senior executives should take the lead in confronting the minotaurs first to weaken their forces.
"Ahh, it's fine," Riviera quickly reassured Tione before turning to another member with a bandaged arm in a sling. "Raul, this is Finn's order. Just consider it as accumulating experience. You'll take command."
Raul Nord, a member of the Loki Familia with the alias 'High Novice,' was highly regarded by Finn and was groomed as the next Captain of the familia upon Finn's retirement. This presented a prime opportunity for Raul to gain more experience in a leadership role.
Upon hearing Riveria's orders, Raul nodded in confirmation. "Y-Yes!" he shouted in response, then turned to the rest of the familia members. "Supporters, step down! Form a concentrated formation to reduce the burden of our equipment!" he commanded in a clear, assertive tone, swiftly issuing instructions to his comrades.
With a nervous expression, Raul glanced towards a particular trio slowly advancing towards the frontline. "Tione-san, Tiona-san, and Bete-san, it's protocol to allow lower-ranked members to gain experience on the middle floors!" he shouted, his tone tinged with nervousness.
Raul's voice took on a tone of tension as he addressed the trio once more."Please Look at the atmosphere around you guys!" he implored, his expression a mix of desperation and pleading.
Unfortunately for Raul, the trio seemed only partially attentive to his plea, their attention fixed on the approaching group of minotaurs. Their expressions bore an unsettling mix of calm determination and wicked amusement, hinting at their eagerness for the impending confrontation.
In other words, their expressions bore the unmistakable signs of an evil grin.
"No problem at all!" Tiona chimed in, her voice carrying a playful lilt as she twirled her right arm with impressive speed, a mischievous evil grin lighting up her features.
"I know! Hehe," Tione added with an eerie laugh, raising her hands in a manner that sent shivers down the spines of those around her.
"I ain't gonna use any weapons. I should give at least that much of a handicap!" exclaimed Bete Loga, the rude werewolf of the familia known as 'Fenris,' as he cracked his fists with an excited and evil expression.
Upon hearing this, Raul couldn't help but feel his life draining from him as he facepalmed with his right hand, wearing an expression that seemed to convey the sensation of someone slowly dying from stress.
"Oh God, I should've seen this coming!" Raul mentally shouted at himself, berating his lack of mental preparedness for their predictable responses. After all, he had lived with them for several years, so he knew their personalities all too well.
As Raul began to distress over the current situation, he noticed something peculiar about the behavior of the minotaurs.
Raul wasn't alone in his observation; Riveria, who stood beside him, also discerned something peculiar about the minotaurs ahead.
"These minotaurs... they didn't move at all" Riviera mused as she scrutinized the scene before them. It dawned on her that since their arrival, the minotaurs remained in the same place when the group had first saw them
That in itself was an aberrant display of monster behavior, a phenomenon Riviera had never encountered in all her years delving into the dungeon, especially not from creatures as typically restless as minotaurs.
It was common knowledge that minotaurs would typically charge recklessly at any adventurers they spotted. Their immense strength combined with this aggression posed a fatal threat to any low-level adventurer unfortunate enough to cross paths with them.
However, for experienced and stronger adventurers, minotaurs were relatively easy to deal with.
That's why seeing the minotaurs standing there in one spot, continuing to glare at her and the rest of her familia, was eerily strange.
"Could it be… that they are all enhanced species!?" Riviera thought, terror creeping into her mind at the possibility that the group of minotaurs in front of them were enhanced species.
Just as the name suggests, they are enhanced versions of the monsters within the dungeon, usually much stronger than their normal counterparts. These types of monsters were uncommon within the dungeon and had appeared multiple times in the past.
But seeing multiple of them in one spot?
That was something entirely new, a phenomenon she had never witnessed nor heard of in all her years as an adventurer.
Thinking of that type of possibility, Riviera was about to shout something towards the trio, who seem to not realized the odd behavior of the minotaurs
That is until….
ROAAAAAAARRRR!
A thunderous bellow resonated from the group of minotaurs, causing the ground to tremble slightly beneath their feet, and the minotaurs started to move.
"Haha! It seems these weaklings are finally about to move! Let me show you how we- Wait, what the hell!" Bete exclaimed in surprise, his expression quickly shifting from confidence to shock as he processed what he was witnessing. Tiona and Tione mirrored his reaction, their faces registering the same mixture of surprise and disbelief.
As the minotaurs began to move, everyone anticipated a forward charge, but to their astonishment, the creatures acted in a completely unexpected manner. Instead of advancing, the front ranks of minotaurs retreated, while those at the rear surged forward, defying all predictions.
Not only that, but the advancing minotaurs were carrying something that none of the familia members had ever seen a minotaur carry before.
Shields
The advancing minotaurs were each carrying large tower shields made of stone. In a surprising display of coordination, they began to line up, forming a defensive shield wall—a tactic the familia had employed multiple times in the deep floors whenever they encountered multiple enemies.
Once the shield wall was completed, the minotaurs in the front halted their movements, creating a clear division between themselves and the familia group.
The group of Loki adventurers couldn't help but stare in complete shock and bewilderment at what had unfolded before them. This was a sight unlike anything they had ever encountered in the dungeon.
As all of that happened within seconds
"Whoa, okay, that was something unexpected," Tiona commented in a calm tone of voice, though her expression betrayed her shock at the scene unfolding before her.
Tione nodded in agreement with her twin sister's observation. She too couldn't believe what was happening and was about to comment when she abruptly stopped, her attention drawn to movement behind the minotaur shield wall visible through the small openings.
Tione swiftly assessed the situation unfolding behind the shield wall. Through the small gaps, she observed that the minotaurs from the rear were wielding something akin to spears
"Javelins!?" Tione's mind raced, connecting the dots swiftly. The realization hit her like a lightning bolt as she deduced the imminent threat.
Tione's realization wasn't alone; her sister and Bete also grasped the imminent danger. Without hesitation, the trio sprang into action, propelled by urgency, their movements swift and determined as they raced to intercept the impending threat.
Bete, without looking back, shouted in a fierce voice "Oi! Hag! Get everyone to get down now!" he barked, his tone commanding and urgent, urging the rest of the group to take cover immediately.
Bete's urgent shout jolted Riviera out of her momentary confusion. Yet, even as she reacted swiftly, it was already too late—the minotaurs had begun their next move.
The minotaurs in the front lowered their shields in unison, creating a clear line of sight to the back where another row of minotaurs stood.
Ready to hurl stone javelins directly at the group.
Witnessing the imminent danger, Riviera and Raul acted swiftly, their voices brimming with urgency as they shouted in unison, "Take cover!/Get down!" Their words echoed through the group, urging everyone to seek safety.
A barrage of stone javelins hurtled through the air with alarming velocity, closing in on the Loki Familia members with terrifying speed.
Tiona, Tione, and Bete sprang into action, intercepting some of the hurtling stone javelins with lightning-fast reflexes, but despite their efforts, several projectiles managed to slip through their defenses.
Thus there were still several stone javelins that were heading towards the group
Caught off guard by the suddenness of the attack and the incredible speed of the javelins, Riveria found herself unable to conjure a protective shield in time.
Fortunately, they still had one member among them who could react swiftly enough.
"Ariel, Tempest!"
A lone female voice pierced the air, swiftly followed by a figure darting past Riveria and Raul, leaving a powerful gust of wind in her wake.
The figure leaped with astonishing speed and strength, effortlessly cutting down multiple stone javelins in one swift motion. Utilizing the wind to extend both their reach and power, they countered the barrage with remarkable skill and agility.
Sweeping aside every projectile that slipped through, the figure landed gracefully in front of Riveria and Raul. With sword in hand and poised for battle, she stood as a formidable barrier between her comrades and the group of minotaurs.
"Ais!" both Riveria and Raul exclaimed in unison, relief flooding their expressions as they recognized the figure
Ais Wallenstein, with her striking beauty characterized by long golden-blonde hair and captivating gold eyes, stood before them. Renowned as the "Sword Princess," she held the esteemed position of a first-class adventurer and served as an executive within the Loki Familia, making her one of the most revered figures in all of Orario City.
Witnessing the successful interception of the incoming projectiles, Ais allowed a small smile to grace her lips, a brief moment of relief washing over her. Though momentarily stunned by the sudden turn of events, she swiftly regained her composure, reacting with impeccable timing to protect her companions.
Observing that all the stone javelins had been intercepted in the nick of time, Riviera swiftly resumed command from Raul and directed Ais, "Ais, help Tiona, Tione, and Bete in engaging the minotaurs!"
Upon hearing Riviera's command, Ais nodded with a determined expression, her senses honed for battle. With a resolute chant of "Ariel!", she summoned a gust of wind beneath her feet, propelling herself towards the impending conflict.
After a brief moment, the four executives successfully dispatched all of the minotaurs.
As Ais's sword swiftly severed the head of a minotaur, its headless body collapsed with a resounding thud. Soon after, the minotaur's form began to disintegrate into black ash, leaving behind a medium-sized magic stone.
Observing the minotaur's body dissolve into black dust, Ais turned her gaze toward her companions, swiftly sheathing her sword.
Across the battlefield, Tiona and Tione delivered the finishing blows to the remaining minotaurs with their powerful fists. Meanwhile, Bete descended from the dissipating minotaur corpse, his expression one of irritation.
"What in the hell just happened?" Bete's voice reverberated with disbelief as he struggled to comprehend the unexpected tactics employed by the minotaurs during their confrontation.
A shield wall formation with ranged units at the back?
That was one of the many formations commonly employed by familias when navigating the deep floors of the dungeon. It had proven itself time and again as a reliable tactic against hordes of monsters.
But witnessing a group of minotaurs employing the same tactic against them?
That was extremely concerning
If it were any other ordinary familia encountering this group of minotaurs, the chances of sustaining heavy casualties, if not total annihilation, would have been dangerously high.
"Hey, don't look at us for answers; we're just as confused as you are," Tiona retorted, indicating their shared confusion over the inexplicable turn of events.
Receiving nods of agreement from both Ais and her sister, Tione suggested, "Alright, let's head back and regroup with Riveria and the others. We'll need their insights on this," her tone composed and measured.
As consensus silently formed among the group, it was evident that the current situation was undeniably abnormal, a phenomenon unprecedented in their collective experience.
The quartet retraced their steps, making their way back toward the main group. The distance was short and their companions were still within clear view, waiting for their return.
Riveria, Raul, and the rest of the group watched with relief as the four executives returned from their brief encounter with the monsters unscathed. A collective cheer and smiles erupted from the group at the sight of their safe return.
Despite only being minotaurs, their unorthodox behavior raised significant concern among the group. However, as expected, the four executives dispatched the creatures skillfully, emerging unscathed from the encounter.
Riveria was on the verge of approaching them to inquire about their well-being, but her relaxed demeanor shifted abruptly to one of surprise and shock. The rest of the group mirrored her reaction, their expressions transforming from calm to wide-eyed astonishment.
Upon witnessing the sudden change in demeanor among their companions, the four executives sensed that something was amiss. Time seemed to momentarily slow, creating a suspenseful pause before they all turned their heads simultaneously, their instincts alert to potential danger.
However…
Fwooooosh!
Before any of the four could complete their turn and react, they caught sight of a single stone javelin hurtling between them at high speed, it passed by them with, hurtling toward the main group ahead.
"Kyaaaaaaaaaa!"
As a chilling scream pierced the air, the four of them swiftly turned their attention toward the main group, their hearts pounding with dread. What they saw caused their eyes to widen in horror.
All eyes in the main group were fixed on a lone figure, their expressions a mixture of horror and urgent concern.
The person at the center of attention was a female adventurer, her brown eyes wide with shock, her long braided black hair framing her face. She wore glasses and carried a sizable backpack on her back. Initially perplexed by the sudden attention, her confusion turned to realization as she glanced down, spotting the large stone javelin piercing her stomach
As blood spilled from her wound, the girl's trembling hand reached out to touch the javelin, as if verifying its reality. Her gaze shifted towards her companions, her body trembling with shock and disbelief.
"Ah" *cough* *cough*
The female adventurer could only manage a feeble gasp before coughing out more blood, her strength failing rapidly, she collapsed to the side losing consciousness, the javelin still lodged in her abdomen
"Liiinnneee-saaannn!"
A chorus of horrified shouts erupted from the group as those nearest to the fallen female adventurer rushed to her aid. Those skilled in healing magic began their incantations, their voices weaving spells to heal their fallen friend
Witnessing the sudden turn of events, the four executives swiftly pivoted, ready to charge towards the source of the attack. However, they froze in their tracks as they beheld the unexpected sight before them.
The four executives comprehended the reason for the group's shock when they laid eyes on a severely wounded minotaur, its arm severed and gone
But what got their full attention was the minotaur's rapid deterioration; its body already beginning to disintegrate into ash, half of it crumbling away before their eyes.
Before any action could be taken, the deteriorating minotaur collapsed to its knees, dissolving entirely and leaving only a magic stone in its place.
Witnessing the scene, the four executives froze for a moment before swiftly turning and dashing toward the group to check on their fallen comrade. A bitter feeling lingered within them as they raced to assess the situation.
Moments later, the four executives arrived to find several members of their familia surrounding Line-san. Some acted as guards while others, skilled in healing and recovery magic, assisted Riveria in tending to their injured comrade.
"Riveria, how's Line!" Tiona shouted with a concerned tone of voice as she rushed towards the vice-captain, her expression etched with worry for their unconscious friend.
Riviera, her expression deeply concerned, squinted her eyes and replied, "Not good. The javelin is too deeply embedded. The moment we remove it, she will bleed out even faster," her tone filled with anxiety and frustration.
"At best, we can only slow down the bleeding, but we need professional healers and proper medical care, right now!" Riveria's urgent voice resonated through the group, conveying the gravity of the situation to everyone present.
Riveria turned towards Ais and Bete, her expression urgent. "Ais, Bete, I need the two of y—" But before the elven woman could complete her sentence, Bete interrupted.
"Take her to Airmid, we're on it," Bete replied swiftly, his expression a mix of concern and determination as he glanced down at Line lying on the ground.
Ais nodded with a determined expression before approaching Line-san. Swiftly unsheathing her sword, she made a precise cut, reducing the length of the javelin with a single fluid motion.
The group swiftly began to apply makeshift bandages to Line's wound, doing their best to stem the bleeding. After several tense moments of quick but careful work, Line-san was stabilized enough to be moved.
Observing the situation, Bete approached the unconscious Line and gently lifted her in a princess carry. Without hesitation, he directed his attention to Ais, his voice firm and decisive. "Ais, let's move!"
Ais and Bete surged forward, leaving a trailing breeze as they darted through the dungeon at breakneck speed, their determination unwavering as they raced towards the surface to secure urgent medical aid for Line.
As Bete and Ais vanished from sight in a blur of motion, the group's attention shifted to Riveria, who stood amidst them, her expression reflecting deep contemplation.
Sensing all eyes upon her, Riveria cleared her throat before speaking with unwavering resolve, her voice projecting authority. "We're moving out now! Stay vigilant and confront any monsters without hesitation!" Her words rang out with command, urging the group into action.
With unanimous understanding, each member of the group nodded in agreement, swiftly gathering their belongings and preparing to depart without delay, obediently following Riveria's directive.
As she watched the members of the group diligently carry out her orders, Riveria couldn't help but release a weary sigh. Though outwardly composed, inwardly she was fraught with concern and frustration, determined not to repeat the same oversight again.
Riveria's gaze then fell upon an orange-haired female elf amidst the group, her limbs trembling visibly as an expression of nervousness and uncertainty painted her features
She approached the trembling elf and gently placed a hand on her shoulder, concern evident in her voice as she asked, "Lafiya, are you alright?"
The person trembling was Lefiya Viridis, a level 3 female elven adventurer who had recently joined the Loki Familia. She was Riveria's pupil, studying magic under her mentorship, as Lefiya possessed a unique skill that allowed her to wield nearly any magic spell used by elves.
Undoubtedly, Lefiya possessed immense potential, with her unique skill promising great power in the future. However, her current lack of confidence revealed her inexperience. Thus this expedition was supposed to provide her with the necessary experience and even training.
Given the recent events on the 51st and 50th floors and what had just transpired moments ago, it was understandable that Lefiya was shaken up.
Upon hearing her mentor's worried voice, Lefiya snapped out of her dazed state and looked towards her teacher with a smile. "Ah, Riviera-sama! No worries, I'm fine hehe," she hurriedly explained, trying to dispel Riviera's concern.
Despite Lefiya's attempt to reassure her mentor, Riveria could easily discern that her student was only putting up a brave face. Inwardly, Riveria knew that Lefiya was extremely concerned, if not outright terrified, of what had happened.
In a calm, reassuring tone, Riviera addressed Lefiya. "Lefiya, it's natural to feel scared, but at this moment, I need you to focus on the present situation," she advised her trembling student with a serious expression.
Recognizing the need to prevent any further incidents like the one they just faced, Riviera resolved to have her student assist her closely during their movements.
Witnessing her mentor's serious demeanor, Lefiya understood what she needs to do, and the importance of her role. With determination, she steadied herself, quelling her nerves, and nodded vigorously, affirming her readiness to assist. "R-Right!" she exclaimed, her voice strong despite her initial trembling.
Riviera's smile widened slightly at her student's resolute response. With a nod of approval, she left Lefiya to gather her composure, turning her attention to Raul to assist him in assessing their dwindling supplies.
As Riviera's form receded from Lefiya's sight, the orange-haired elf exhaled slowly, focusing on regulating her breathing. "Alright, Lefiya Viridis, calm down," she murmured inwardly. "You can handle this. Riviera-sama and the others are counting on you." With renewed determination, she steadied herself, ready to face the challenges ahead.
Summoning her resolve, Lefiya readied herself to aid the group in their swift departure. However, before she could take action, she noticed the Amazon twins engaged in a hushed conversation, their expressions unseen as she can only see their backs.
Intrigued by what the Amazon twins were quietly talking about, Lefiya's curiosity blossomed as she made her way toward them.
As she drew nearer, she could faintly make out the hushed conversation between the two Amazon twins.
"You saw that too, didn't you?" Tione whispered to her twin sister, who responded with a nod.
"How could I miss it?" Tiona whispered back
"I guess that kinda confirms I wasn't imagining things huh," Tione commented softly, letting out a weary sigh in response to her sister's acknowledgment
As Lefiya approached the sisters, her curiosity piqued by their hushed conversation, she couldn't help but inquire, "Tiona, Tione, what are you two discussing?" Her tone carried a curious lilt. Causing the amazon sisters to turn towards Lefiya's direction.
"Hey there, Lefiya," Tione greeted with a casual wave and a small smile playing on her lips.
Tiona quickly closed the distance between them and enveloped Lefiya in a warm hug, her expression filled with relief and genuine joy. "Lefiya! I'm so relieved you're okay!" she exclaimed, her smile radiant with sincerity.
Returning Tiona's embrace, Lefiya reciprocated the warmth, feeling a sense of comfort in the midst of uncertainty. "Thank you, Tiona," she replied softly, her smile genuine. "Your quick action saved us all. I'm just glad we're all okay."
As they parted from the embrace, Tiona's expression shifted, quickly darkening. "But we weren't fast enough to react in time for the last one," she lamented, her voice tinged with regret and frustration.
Tione also had a similar reaction, her expression downcast and filled with frustration about what had happened moments ago regarding Line getting hit by the javelin.
Sensing the shift in the conversation's tone, Lefiya attempted to redirect it by expressing her curiosity. "Oh, by the way, what were the two of you discussing earlier?" she inquired, her tone filled with genuine interest.
At Lefiya's question, the sisters exchanged a quick glance, their expressions shifting to uncertainty and concern as they realized their private conversation had been overheard.
"Eh? Don't tell me that was a topic I shouldn't have asked!?" Lefiya panicked inwardly, observing the sudden change in their expressions to something equally concerning.
Lefiya attempted to come up with a new topic on the spot, but before she could say anything to redirect the conversation, Tiona responded to her inquiry. "Right, I guess anyone would be curious if they saw people like us discussing something in secret, huh?"
Tione nodded in agreement before speaking. "Well, it should be fine telling you this, Though we still need to confirm if Bete and Ais saw it as well," she explained calmly, her voice carrying a sense of caution.
As the two amazon sisters began to explain in detail what they were discussing a few moments ago, Lefiya's calm expression gradually shifted into one of concern. Her eyes widened in shock as she absorbed the gravity of their words.
Once the Amazon duo finished their explanation, Lefiya, with widened eyes, could only mutter a single word in disbelief.
"Eh?"
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INSIDE THE GUILD
-DUNGEON ENTRANCE-
As usual, the guild halls bustled with activity, the midday sun casting a warm glow through the large windows and illuminating the constant flow of adventurers moving about their business.
But upon closer inspection, one would notice a subtle tension in the air, an undercurrent of unease that lingered beneath the bustling energy of the guild.
Where several adventurers and even guild staff wore uneasy expressions, their furrowed brows and hesitant movements hinting at underlying worry or concern.
"Hey, did you hear? It seems there was another incident, this time in the 10th floor," a male adventurer with a shield and sword at his side said to his friend, his expression tinged with unease.
"Seriously? Shit It seems these incidents have been increasing lately, hasn't it?" replied the friend, a spear slung across his back.
"Definitely. When will the Guild make an announcement regarding this? It's obvious that something is happening," the male adventurer replied, his irritation evident.
"Not sure, but for now all we can do is to be extra cautious. We need the valis after all," his friend replied calmly, though his expression still betrayed his worry.
They weren't the only ones with such thoughts. Low-level adventurers shared their concerns, wearing expressions mirroring their worry. Higher-level adventurers, while not overly anxious, still bore cautious gazes.
Suddenly, a strange sound echoed through the Guild—a soft, eerie howling wind emanating from the dungeon's entrance.
Before long, however, the sound intensified, growing louder and more distinct until suddenly…
BOOM!
Fwoooosh!
A sudden powerful gust of wind erupted from the entrance, heralding the arrival of two speeding figures who emerged with unwavering momentum, showing no signs of slowing down.
"Out of my damn way!" came a booming voice of one of the figures, cutting through the air with unmistakable authority as they ran towards the exit of the Guild.
The figures swiftly exited the guild, their path leading to an unknown destination, their speed leaving bystanders in awe as they vanished from sight too quickly for most to follow.
However, among the crowd were several high-level adventurers who managed to catch a brief glimpse of the identities of the two figures. Though fleeting, it was enough for them to recognize the duo instantly.
"Wait... wasn't that Fenris and the Sword Princess of the Loki Familia?" remarked a female Amazon adventurer, her expression filled with bewilderment as she processed the unexpected sight.
"Eh! Seriously!?" her companion exclaimed loudly, causing nearby adventurers to overhear the revelation about the identities of the two figures.
"Definitely... and I think Fenris was carrying what seemed to be an injured person," the amazon adventurer added, her voice tinged with uncertainty, as she could only catch a fleeting glimpse before they quickly disappeared.
However, the amazon's words carried weight behind them. Everyone who heard understood that what she had mentioned meant something had happened to the Loki familia during their expedition.
Word regarding this had begun to spread like wildfire within the guild, and would later cascade beyond its walls and disseminate throughout Orario city.
Moments later, the group led by Riveria finally emerged onto the surface, greeted by the bustling yet tense atmosphere of the Guild. Sensing the unease but pressed for time, Riveria prioritized their immediate tasks over investigating the cause of the commotion.
Riveria fixed Raul with a commanding gaze, her tone brooking no argument as she issued her instructions. "Raul, take everyone back to the Twilight Manor. I will stay here and report what transpired inside the dungeon to the Guild," she explained, emphasizing the urgency and importance of her decision.
Raul briskly nodded in acknowledgment before addressing the group, informing them of their imminent departure. Riviera observed the subtle but unmistakable reluctance in the gazes of some members, recognizing their desire to follow Ais and Bete, in order to check on their friend.
Despite the lingering reluctance in the eyes of a few members, the group complied with Riveria's directive. They recognized the urgency of the situation and the importance of promptly returning to the Twilight Mansion to report their findings to their Goddess.
Raul took the lead as the group exited the Guild, leaving Riveria to attend to matters on her own. Observing their departure, she made her way toward the receptionist's area
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ON THE STREETS OF ORARIO
The group led by Raul continued through the bustling streets of Orario, heading back to their familia home to report to their Goddess and unload their supplies and loot.
As they continued moving, the members of the group gradually began conversing with each other. Inside the dungeon, the atmosphere had been so tense and serious that hardly anyone spoke, all too focused on the pressing matter at hand.
Having exited the dungeon, they found themselves in a comparatively safer area, allowing them to somewhat relax their guard. However, the concern for their injured friend still weighed heavily on many of their minds, driving a shared desire to check on her well-being.
Tiona, known for her outspoken nature, voiced her suggestion aloud. "Once we're done reporting to Loki and unloading our stuff, why don't we all head to the Dian Cecht Hospital and check on Line's condition?"
Tione chimed in, reminding everyone of the hospital's policy. "Let's not forget, they have a policy of limiting the number of guests allowed to visit a patient," she pointed out, emphasizing one of the hospital's rules.
"Ah, my bad, hehe," Tiona replied to her sister, playfully sticking out her tongue with a small smile and lightly bumping her head with her fist, closing her eyes to create a silly expression.
However, her playful expression quickly faded, replaced by a more solemn one. Tiona's eyes filled with worry and concern as she turned to her sister. "Hey... Line will definitely be okay, right?" she asked hesitantly, her uncertainty palpable.
Tione, understanding her sister's worries as they were shared among them, simply placed her hand on Tiona's shoulder and reassured her, "She will be fine. Airmid will be able to help her," she calmly explained, offering comfort in her words.
Hearing her sister's attempt to comfort her, Tiona nodded in agreement, accepting her sister's reassurance.
As for Lefiya, she fell into deep thought, pondering the series of sudden events that had unfolded, wondering if there was a deeper connection tying them all together. Such a link would at least offer some explanation for the recent turn of events.
She persists in her contemplation, shutting out any external distractions, her focus deepening with each passing moment as she becomes increasingly absorbed in her own thoughts.
Lefiya then began to recollect the words Tiona and Tione had shared with her before their departure, summoning forth the haunting information they had imparted.
SEVERAL MINUTES AGO
FLASHBACK
"During that moment when all four of us turned to face the Minotaur that hurled the javelin, Tione and I caught sight of it," Tiona explained calmly, though her expression still betrayed a lingering sense of perplexity.
Tione continued, her voice tinged with uncertainty, "We're not sure if Bete and Ais noticed it too, but both of us couldn't shake the feeling that the Minotaur….was laughing."
"Eh?" Lefiya exclaimed, her expression shifting to one of concern, her eyes widening in shock at the revelation.
A Monster laughing?
That was something entirely new to her, and quite disturbing in her opinion, especially considering the monster's role in causing serious injury to her friend.
"Yeah, that's the reaction I'd anticipate," Tione remarked, her arms crossed as she released a sigh, her expression clearly still preoccupied by the revelation.
Tiona then told Lefiya, "We're not entirely certain if we truly saw it laughing, or if it was just the rush of blood to our heads, playing tricks on our minds," she explained, rubbing the back of her head, her tone tinged with uncertainty.
"That's why you should take this information with a grain of salt," Tiona continued to advise Lefiya, who simply nodded in response, her expression still marked by shock.
"The Minotaur was laughing? That's deeply disturbing, but it shouldn't be possible," Lefiya thought, reluctant to entertain the notion of the Minotaur wearing a sinister grin as it laughed. Despite her denial of the possibility, she couldn't shake the haunting thought from her mind.
END OF FLASHBACK
Reflecting on it, Lefiya released a mental sigh before casting her gaze towards the Tower of Babel behind her. She couldn't help but ponder if something was shifting within the dungeon and if it was just the beginning—a realization that struck her with deep concern if indeed true,
However, unbeknownst to Lefiya at that moment, this very thought would soon come to fruition.
As everyone within Orario city, and even across the entire continent, would soon come to realize that the dungeon had begun to undergo profound changes.
A change that would disrupt the delicate balance the world had fought so hard to maintain, threatening to plunge it back into the depths of a dark age.
Going back to the group, they continued navigating through the streets that have numerous stores and stalls, with one particular establishment catching Lefiya's eyes.
Amidst the row of two-story buildings lining the street, one stood out with a sign above its door that read: 'Novel Nook'.
Though she had traversed this street countless times, either accompanied by her familia or venturing alone, it was the first occasion she had laid eyes on what she presumed to be a new bookstore on this street.
However, with pressing matters at hand, Lefiya only spared a fleeting glance at the building before redirecting her focus ahead, passing by the new store without affording it a second thought.
x-x-x-x-x–x-x-x-x-x-x
INSIDE NOVEL NOOK
Inside the building, numerous bookshelves adorned the room, each meticulously arranged and labeled with signs indicating the genres and types of books housed within.
At the rear of the store stood a solitary counter, where a single individual sat, engrossed in writing within a notebook. Occasionally, they glanced around the bookstore before returning their attention to the pages before them.
The entire room was silent, punctuated only by the steady ticking of a clock adorning the wall, and the sporadic rustle of pages being turned.
This continued until a door situated behind the individual on the left side creaked open, unveiling an older gentleman wearing a monocle as he emerged from the door.
The old man's eyes fell immediately on the individual seated in the chair, and with a warm smile, he greeted them, saying, "Ah, Bell! Diligently attending to your work, I see." With that, he began to make his way over to Bell.
Hearing the familiar voice, Bell turned his head and glanced behind him, spotting the approaching old man. A smile spread across Bell's face as he greeted him, "Mr. Fredrikson, are you already departing?" he inquired respectfully.
Adjusting his monocle, the old man known as Fredrickson replied, "Indeed I am, though I must confess it's rather early. However, given the recent rumors circulating, my wife insisted I return home sooner," he explained with a chuckle.
After a brief chuckle, Fredrickson continued his explanation, saying, "That's why, until the rumors subside, I'll need to depart earlier than usual. It means you'll be alone in the store until closing time," he explained carefully to the boy.
Upon hearing this, Bell simply nodded, his expression morphing into a confident smile. "Ah, that should pose no issue, Mr. Fredrickson. You can count on me," he assured, his demeanor exuding confidence and reliability.
Observing Bell's confident assurance, Fredrickson nodded with a satisfied smile. He knew he could trust the boy; after closely monitoring him for the past few days, he hadn't noticed anything amiss or any suspicious behavior after he hired the boy.
With confidence, he nodded and said, "Great, thank you, Bell, for all your hard work. I'll see you tomorrow then," giving Bell a small bow before making his way towards the door.
As Fredrickson reached the door, he paused, a sudden recollection prompting him to turn back toward Bell. "Ah, right, Bell. If you'd like, you can close up the shop early just for today. Consider it a token of gratitude from me for all your hard work thus far," he explained with a smile.
Momentarily taken aback by the unexpected offer, Bell's surprise quickly transformed into gratitude. With a smile, he thanked Fredrickson, saying, "Thank you, Mr. Fredrickson!" and giving a small bow in appreciation.
Fredrickson simply nodded lightly with a smile before finally opening the door and exiting, closing it gently behind him.
Observing his boss's departure, Bell rose from his chair and made his way to the door. He reached out to a hanging sign, flipping it to the closed position before securing the door with a lock.
With a satisfied nod, Bell started to traverse the store, methodically checking and adjusting any misplaced books on the shelves. As he worked, he couldn't help but reflect on the events that had transpired since his arrival in the Labyrinth City.
"Still surprised that this entire building is basically my new home as long as I have this job," Bell mused, his gaze sweeping across the store.
It had been a week since he landed the job as a Bookstore assistant, yet Bell still found himself amazed by the benefits he received while working there.
Upon securing the job, Bell was informed that he would be staying in the upstairs area of the building from then on. This revelation greatly surprised him, as he had initially planned to seek out a dirt-cheap rental elsewhere.
During the tour of his new sleeping quarters, Bell was pleasantly surprised to find the area fully furnished, complete with a small kitchen and bathroom.
Therefore, he felt grateful for landing such a good job with excellent benefits and a competitive salary, a situation that would make any normal person quite content.
However, Bell was not a normal person…
As the boy diligently carried out his duties, an ominous black smoke began to materialize behind him, seemingly out of nowhere. Gradually, it swelled to the height of an average adult, revealing sinister red eyes piercing through the darkness.
Sensing a presence behind him, Bell turned around to behold the ominous sight unfolding. Rather than succumbing to panic, he responded calmly, "Ah, you're here. What's the report?" His voice carried a tone of patience, accompanied by a composed expression.
The ominous figure performed a low bow, its form shrouded in darkness, before a clear, feminine voice emanated from it. "Everything is proceeding as planned, my master," it declared with a tone of utmost respect.
The figure was none other than the dungeon itself. Gaining this ability to manifest in this current corporeal form, after Bell ascended as its new master, along with several other newfound abilities.
Bell nodded, his satisfaction evident as he observed that his plan had progressed smoothly thus far, albeit perhaps a bit too smoothly for comfort.
"However, it appears that everything is progressing a bit too smoothly," Bell remarked with a tone tinged with regret, his thoughts lingering on the ongoing rumors circulating around.
Around the same time as securing his job, Bell had ascended as the Master of the dungeon—a dangerous presence in Orario City and potentially to the entire world.
An existence shrouded in mystery, unknown to anyone, perhaps even the Gods themselve. Capable of commanding the very depths of the dungeon and unleashing new chaos upon the world.
Hence, Bell had to tread carefully in managing his plans concerning the dungeon, especially considering the surprises he had in store for the Labyrinth city. Keenly aware that if he was discovered it would mark him as a target for everyone.
But at present, he found himself in a predicament, prompting Bell to release a silent sigh at the current situation. "I should have been more cautious when augmenting the cognitive abilities of the monsters," he admitted with a hint of regret in his voice.
What Bell had done a week ago was straightforward: he enhanced the cognitive abilities of a chosen group of monsters within the Labyrinth. During this process, he also integrated detailed information on common warfare and battle tactics.
While this successfully achieved the desired cognitive enhancement in the monsters, it also drew unwanted attention far too quickly. This was a consequence of the increasing number of low-level adventurers being injured or even killed as a result.
Thus a rumor spread throughout the city concerning 'smarter monsters,' much to Bell's dismay.
"Perhaps it would have been wiser to start with a small group of monsters rather than entire floors," Bell lamented, his tone heavy with regret as he released a tired sigh in light of the situation.
"Should I halt the process and revert the selected monsters' cognitive levels back to their original state?" the dungeon suggested to Bell, its tone patient as it waited for Bell's decision.
Bell pondered for several seconds before shaking his head, his expression solemn. "No, that would only arouse more suspicion," he explained to the figure with a serious gaze.
Ceasing the process abruptly would only raise further suspicion among the more powerful and competent Gods and Familias, something Bell desperately wished to avoid at this moment.
Though Bell recognized that he would inevitably confront them in the future, engaging in a head-on battle was something he was not interested at the moment.
At least not until his own forces were fully prepared…
After several seconds of silence within the store, Bell reached a decision and addressed the dungeon, "Continue enhancing the cognitive abilities of the selected group of monsters. Whether we like it or not, it's already too late," he explained with a serious tone of voice.
"Anything we do could potentially be counterproductive to our goal, so our best course of action is to increase our speed in executing our other plans," Bell continued his explanation as he moved around the store.
The dungeon silently trailed its master without uttering a word, attentively listening to every utterance that escaped Bell's lips.
Bell then turned to the dungeon and inquired, "Can we expedite 'that' project?" He directed the question toward the dungeon as he proceeded to arrange the next shelf.
"We can, although it may have an effect on their personalities once it is completed," the dungeon replied to Bell's inquiry, fully aware of which project he was referring to.
"Do it," Bell replied without hesitation, his voice unwavering. He continued, "We'll need it to be ready as soon as possible so that we can initiate our other plans." His tone remained calm yet carried an unmistakable air of authority.
The dungeon nodded its head in confirmation of Bell's orders.
The two continued their discussion until abruptly, the dungeon fell silent mid-conversation. Bell, sensing the shift, understood what was happening and remained quiet.
After several moments of silence, the dungeon spoke once again, saying, "Master, they're on the move."
"I'm assuming it's the Evilus group, right?" Bell asked, eliciting a nod from the dungeon, which prompted a slight frown from Bell upon hearing the news.
Evilus, a radical group led by Gods who claim to embody evil, had nearly destroyed Orario in the past, plunging the city into what many refer to as the 'Dark Age.'
However, they were supposedly defeated when their Gods were returned to heaven, leading to the demise of the majority of their members who were inside the dungeon, effectively destroying the entire organization.
Though in the end, it appears they managed to survive through unknown means. In fact if what the dungeon had told Bell was true, they had also managed to connect the dungeon to a man-made dungeon outside
Bell was genuinely impressed by that feat. If he ever met the one who did that, he would certainly give them a round of applause.
But that's where Bell drew the line. While they may share an almost similar goal regarding the dungeon, their ideals, methods, and strategies were vastly different and often in direct contrast to each other.
"I see, so I guess the rumor about the 'smarter monsters' has stirred them into action as well," Bell remarked, his expression reflecting deep contemplation over what he had heard.
Then a deep grin spread across Bell's face as he spoke, "Actually, this may present an opportunity that we could utilize," he explained.
"An opportunity?" the dungeon asked, its tone laced with confusion as it tilted its head to the side.
Bell nodded before explaining, "That's right, an opportunity—one where we may be able to buy more time for ourselves and let other forces fight it out." As he spoke, Bell picked up a book titled:
'Strategic Deception: The War Art'
"However, we'll need someone from the inside to gather accurate information if we want that to have the highest possible chance of succeeding," Bell explained as he carried the book with him while walking.
Bell had several ideas on how to gather information from within Evilus, but each of them had severe drawbacks no matter how he looked at it.
He continued to ponder various ideas as he made his way back to the counter, until he recalled something the dungeon had informed him of a few days prior.
As Bell settled into the chair, he turned his gaze toward the dungeon standing beside him and inquired, "You mentioned that some of your... 'experimented children' are working with them, right?"
The dungeon instantly grasped Bell's intentions upon hearing his inquiry, before quickly replying, "Do you wish for me to contact one of them?"
Bell shook his head and said firmly, "No, I need you to focus on managing our other plans." He emphasized the importance of the dungeon's role in handling other matters.
He contemplated contacting them himself until an intriguing idea crossed his mind, causing a small smile to form on his lips.
"Now, personally, I don't mind contacting them myself, but I'm thinking that I should let 'Black Rider' handle this," he explained in a calm tone of voice as he looked towards the dungeon..
Despite lacking facial features with the exception of its eyes, Bell could sense the dungeon's surprise through the connection they shared between them.
"Master, are you sure about that?" the dungeon asked, its tone tinged with uncertainty.
"I'm sure," Bell nodded firmly, his expression darkening as he continued, "Besides, I do believe it's about time we gave the 'Black Rider' some exercise." A dark smile crept across his face, and a malevolent aura suddenly emanated from Bell's body, releasing a potent pressure capable of subduing anyone standing nearby.
Seeing this, the dungeon simply knelt its entire body to the floor, bowing its head in submission. In this moment, it uttered only words that felt appropriate for the occasion.
"Understood, my master"
Afterward, the dungeon's corporeal form began to slowly sink into the floor, gradually descending without lifting its end, until it vanished entirely beneath the surface.
Subsequently, the malevolent aura surrounding Bell, along with the emanating pressure, instantly subsided. The inside of the store fell into complete silence, with the only sound emanating from a nearby ticking clock on the wall.
"Now then, I wonder what's going to happen next," Bell quietly muttered to himself in the quiet store as he opened the book and began to read its contents with a patient gaze.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
? BOSS FLOOR OF THE DUNGEON
On an unknown floor of the dungeon, a boss floor that no familia had ever reached before in the entirety of Orario's history. This floor bore a striking resemblance to the many known boss floors that were documented.
But, what set this boss floor apart from the others wasn't any unique geography or special obstacles like lakes or pools of lava.
In fact, what distinguished this boss floor was its sheer size. If any familia had reached this floor, they would realize that it is the largest floor ever found in the dungeon—a size that defied any logical explanation for how it could have fit within the dungeon
With the ground and height of the boss floor seemingly stretching for miles, it became evident to anyone that the boss could be extraordinarily large given the vast expanse of the floor.
However, upon effective exploration of this floor, one would realize that at its center of the floor. lay a single throne made of stone, with a single figure seated upon it.
The figure seated on the throne not only resembled a bulky human form but was also clad in what appeared to be a full suit of black armor, adorned with a dragon-like helmet design. The helmet featured a single slit opening, where the eyes would presumably be located.
Beside the throne stood a single bastard blade, its blade firmly planted in the ground. The figure remained motionless, giving the impression of a lifeless corpse seated upon an empty throne—a sight that hinted at the possibility of many more years passing before anyone would venture this far into the dungeon.
That is until now…
Rumble!
Suddenly, the entire boss room began to shake violently as black smoke billowed from the ground. Before long, the smoke began to coalesce into a single mass, gathering directly in front of the seated figure.
The rumbling of the floor ceased entirely as the black smoke coalesced into a single entity with red eyes. It was the dungeon, manifesting in its corporeal form right in front of the figure.
However, the figure on the throne remained motionless, seemingly unperturbed by the arrival of the dungeon right in front of it.
Observing this, the dungeon also displayed no reaction towards the figure, though its tone of voice carried an air of full authority and command as it spoke. "The Master has given you a task. Prepare yourself," it explained.
Immediately after the dungeon had spoken, the slit in the helmet of the figure burst with life. Within the void of darkness, an intensely bright blue flame, haunting yet mesmerizing, flickered to life, illuminating the interior of the helmet's slits.
The figure then rose from its throne, sending cascades of dust from its body, which formed a sizable dust cloud around it.
It then emitted a small howl-like sound, powerful enough to disperse the dust cloud in all directions. Once the dust settled, the figure turned its gaze toward the dungeon, awaiting the task that the master had bestowed upon it.
Thus, the gears of fate for the Labyrinth City had once again begun to turn.