For anyone who hasn't read this lately, I did do a chapter yesterday. Don't miss it.
InsaneMakaioshin - 1) Mystery is just easiest option to 'skip' some foundational knowledge other methods innately require, but it obviously works best when all three sides of the Physical/Magical/Conceptual triad are included. Just hard for one person to manage that alone. 2) Alfia was Lv7 at 16 and had a giant fuck-off attack. She didn't need to be able to beat multiple people higher leveled to be scary. Omori also rather overhyped Z&H and had to bring Haruhime into existence to try to correct, so I'm not one for add onto that by going for higher range possibilities. Maxim and Empress are only confirmed Lv8 and 9's, so I'm sticking with that. 3) For Ausrine, I just searched for 'Goddesses of Beauty' that I could have Freya sort of interact with. 4) Honestly hard to know what is OOC for Zeus when we know so little. Most everything is headcanon. 5) Thanks. 6) Proved why I am treating that carefully. I do not think Freya can quite separate sexuality from her relationships (and FF's tangled web of gratitude, respect, romantic love, and sexual love is kind of a central aspect of their dysfunction), but so is why I am treating this carefully and trying to make it so you can read this this story without that aspect because one can view them entirely as a mother-son.
'Scary! This all is so scary! Why the hell do I have to do something like this?!'
These were thoughts Raul tried to never let leak, but inevitably always felt.
He couldn't help it though?!
Beyond the 51st floor was terrifying!
Raul desperately dodged to the side to avoid the arm of a Black Rhino. The impact of its limb smashing into the floor was enough to make the trembles disrupt Raul's balance, but he still lashed out with a slice of his sword. The cut to its face drew blood, but could hardly be called a deep wound. The monster also merely roared and surged forward, the rhino suddenly entering a charge. All he could do was free one hand from his sword and grab onto the horn, pushing himself back even as it carried him back ten meters in but an instant.
"Stop it!" a dwarf cried behind him, moving fast enough to smash a shield into the rhino's side with another. The Black Rhino was hardly bothered by the moves of the two Level 3's, a swing of the arm sending them back with bent shields. "Now boya!"
They bought time though, bringing the monster to a halt.
Hand still gripping its horn, Raul used the other to try and stab right into its eye. It raised its arm, leaving the thick flesh to absorb the strike easily but leaving it open to two arrows sprouting right in its armpit. The pain prompted a roar, and distracted it long enough for Raul to pull his sword out. Lifting himself with hand still on the horn, he clambered up onto its shoulders and let loose with a flurry of slices down at its head and neck.
'What the hell am I doing?'
Raul's own strikes were of limited effectiveness on the thickly armored monster. The assault made the rhino buck and raise its arms to try and grab him regardless. It allowed two spearmen from behind thrust their weapons into its torso.
"They're breaking through," another dwarf called out as one was sent back. The shieldwall of dwarves was crumbling as soon as Raul looked up. Retreating in order, but no less than four Black Rhinos now bursting into the melee on this flank. The large monsters roaring and sending everyone nearby scrambling to make distance.
"Call the captain! We can't hold them."
"No, we can-" Raul called out, only for the monster serving as his footing to use the opportunity. The thrash of its upper body sent him rolling through the air. "~Ah crap~."
Unfortunately, he landed near the monsters. He was able to roll on landing to avoid a bad fall…but said roll put him closer. He immediately had to jump the side desperately as they started attacking.
"Aki!"
"Give me ten seconds!"
'Ten seconds and I'll die!'
Yet only able to grit his teeth – and keep dodging! – he called out, "Distract them from inside."
Which was kind of what he was doing. Accidentally rolling into the midst of four Black Rhinos, he could only dart between them. Their attention drawn by the fragile piece of meat between them, their own bulk hindered them as all four tried to chase and crush him.
Their knocking each other aside didn't mean he was safe though.
Tripping and falling onto his stomach, he quickly got onto his back and started crab walking back…just in time to avoid the rhino foot that stomped but a finger from between the fork of his legs.
…
"Help me!" he cried out as he continued squirming and crawling even as more stomps threatened to leave part of him flattened.
"Commander, this way," Sharon called out as she charged.
Holding a shield before her like the tip of a ram, she slammed into the side of one of the monsters. Despite being a strong Level 3 with strength that had often been compared to dwarves – much to her ire –, the result of the collision between woman and large monster was clear. She was sent flying back several meters, but…
"I love you, Sharon," Raul cried out as the monster stumbled, allowing him to scramble between the gap that formed between it and another.
"Forgive me for playing with claws unsheathed."
"Paw Bash."
As soon as he was clear, he heard the end of a familiar chant. He saw a form dart into the mob of monsters he had gathered in one place. The large humanoid monsters proved too large and close together to dodge or pursue the dark streak that moved in and out of their legs. Each pass sent blood flying as the sensitive tendons of their legs were cut, sending them to a knee one by one. Their scattered counterattacks missing wide as the form escaped from their midst, landing before Raul and straightening from the low posture she had taken.
"How nice for you to think of such things right now," Aki said as she looked down on him, not helped by how he was literally on his butt from crawling.
…ouch, her gaze was that of looking at a bug.
"I'm flattered, Raul," Sharon also said as she got to her feet, shaking her head to recover from the blow. Short auburn hair bouncing and a hand patting down her front in a way that drew the eye to the corset that showed off her slim figure and lifted her firm, round breasts for the eyes. She sent him a smile. "But I have absolutely no interest in you romantically. I prefer my men a bit more manly and dominant, you know."
It wasn't even a real confession, and he still got rejected outright!
So rudely too.
He was manly and domina…
"Ah, squads hit them now," he cried out to cut off the depressing though about to come over him.
Despite the chuckles from the byplay, everyone stepped forward with squads reorganized.
"Arrows."
The first wave of attacks were arrows from those handing back at the wagons, forcing the angry monsters to cover their eyes and other vulnerable spots.
"Squads forward!"
This time, the squads stepped forward towards the crippled monsters. The relentless advance of the Black Rhinos despite their crippled legs had only spread them out to allow each to be surrounded by a squad. Shield bearers absorbed their flailing arms and horn thrusts, opening the way for polearm users to draw blood from safety. Some of them had someone with an axe or hammer jumping on the backs of the monsters, landing harsh blows to their head.
The sight made Raul sigh in relief, before he looked between Aki and Shalla, a beautiful elf with short black hair and long robes that covered her entire figure, to ask, "Why didn't you use magic earlier?"
"Aki told me to hold back," Shalla claimed, shaking her head.
"Lady Riveria is not close enough to help recover her magic power," Aki pointed out, gesturing to where Riveria had moved to a point where Shalla wasn't within range of the elven princess' skill.
Usually avoided by the Fairy Force surrounding, but impossible with their current formation. This time it instead fell to Riveria having to move as needed. The elven princess had naturally proven herself more than adept at judging where she was needed. Unleashing her own spells, passing by when any of the Fairy Force launched one to enhance their magic, and pausing by those running low of Mind to help them gather magic power again. She could still only be in one place though.
"Plus, we handled them fine, so it wasn't needed."
Raul puffed himself up, about to argue, only to deflate and concede, "Well, good job and thank you. You saved me."
As terrifying as that was, they got through.
"Another coming in."
"Block it off so we can-"
As Raul looked to where another Black Rhino spawned and was preparing to charge, a blur crossed the distance. Even faster than Aki had been, Raul only barely caught the silhouette. The monster was the same too. It could do nothing.
Nothing as a boot landed on its head.
Nothing as it slammed its head into the wall.
Nothing as its head all but exploded to spread gore over the wall and the remaining force shattered the Dungeon wall outwards from the impact.
Bete stared at everyone who was now staring at him, leg raised. Foot all but embedded in the wall, blood and cracks spreading out. A monster that took an entire squad of Level 3's working in coordination to defeat destroyed by a single blow of the executive.
"What the hell are you all looking at?" Bete growled as he pulled his leg out and walked right past them back to the convoy. "Speed it up already. You're slowing us all down. Do I need to hold your damned hands, weaklings?"
That broke the moment.
"Good job, all of you," a different voice called, making them look up to see Riveria had alighted upon the top of the central wagon. It gave her an easy view to scan them all for injuries. She nodded when she saw there were none. "We're advancing again. Move to the front till we hit the next intersection."
They all saluted and moved.
Moving to catch up to the front of the convoy even as it started forward again allowed Raul to once again scan the formation the Captain had prepared for this expedition.
The three wagons formed the core of the convoy, moving in a line down the long corridors and tight corners of the Labyrinth Territory. All three had been modified to have metal plates covering the sides like crenellations, offering protection for those inside. They also had several platforms built in that were taken up by the members of the Fairy Force, providing them with the height to easily launch magic over the heads of familia members.
The front and rear wagons held their supplies, with any remaining space filled by archers using the crenelations for cover. The middle one was their 'rest' area. In addition to any of their injured being seen by their few healers there, it also had an area for some of their members to try for quick naps and rests.
When you were looking at maybe two days of straight fighting, half a dozen people being able to catch a nap for an hour or two could make all the difference.
Raul made it up to the front where he could see Tiona and Tione acting as a vanguard clearing the way, archers on the front wagon supporting them as the convoy made it down another long corridor.
"Good job, Raul," the figure of their captain said from where he was strolling behind them with spear on his shoulder. "Holding that flank helped. It's a relief to know you all can be counted upon."
"T-Thanks, although I hope you don't need to rely on us like that too often," Raul confessed, sheepish at the admission even if it just made the Captain smirk. He then gestured as he added, "Aki ended up playing the biggest role too."
It made the cat girl raise an eyebrow and remark, "Appreciate the appreciation, but we all played our role. You kept them together and bought me time."
"I kind of just fell in their midst and tried not to get stepped on," Raul quickly retorted, scratching his head.
"If it works," the Captain declared with a laugh. "And my acknowledgement remains, regardless of any reasoning. That was a nasty six-way intersection, and we needed you to cover that side. You did so. That is enough, Raul."
Raul could only chuckle and scratch his head again at that, looking back at the convoy with an anxious heart.
For all that the expedition had been going well – suspiciously well –, Raul couldn't help his uneasy heart.
"Should we be worried or not?"
"C-Captain?" he asked when he heard that statement.
"There's clearly other factors at play, but should we be glad that it's smoothing the way for us even if it's beyond the scope of our plan?" The Captain asked, sending Raul a knowing look. Although when Raul hesitated, he merely looked forward again. "Join the archers for now, Raul. I want you close by should I need to give you orders."
"Yes, captain!"
It wasn't too hard for Raul to guess what the Captain was referring to. He had long followed and admired the pallum, after all. He could hardly have failed to learn the Captain's tells.
Although, the stairs from the 52nd floor to the 53rd floor made it not even a secret.
The expedition was sprawled out along the staircase. While monsters appeared in the stairs, it was generally few and only at the start. It made the area a good place for a quick rest when descending. After carrying the wagons down the stairs to the bottom, they had started resting and waiting as a group went ahead.
"I still haven't heard the blasting of the Valgang Dragons," the Captain muttered from where he was standing at the exit of the stairs, spear culling any monsters that tried to rush inside.
"Could you have missed it?" Raul asked.
"You an idiot?" Bete demanded.
"There's a lot of noise."
"No, I haven't heard it either," Riveria inserted, settling it.
Scratching his cheek, Raul posited awkwardly, "They could still be attacked soon?"
"Possible, but unlikely," the Captain noted, lifting his hand to stare at his thumb.
They all knew enough to give him time to work through his thoughts.
The lack of Valgang Dragons attacking was something weighing on them all. They had outright planned under the expectation that they would be acting. After fighting through the 51st floor, they had also stopped on the staircase to the 52nd. The advance team had been sent ahead to fight till the Valgang Dragons attacked, hoping to make them misfire. The main party could then advance without fear of them. Yet, said advance team had fought long enough to eventually return, the Captain deciding to press on as a single group. It wasn't entirely unusual for the Dungeon to try to draw people in, after all, so the Valgang Dragons holding back on such a large group till they got further from retreat wasn't unbelievable.
Not striking even on the 53rd was suspicious, however.
The Captain remained silent till the other team returned, all huffing and sweating from the exertion of fighting while trying to draw attention.
"Nothing, Finn," Gareth announced unnecessarily.
"The Valgang Dragons are distracted on the 58th floor. Or eliminated already," the Captain finally declared decisively. Despite the unexpected variable, he still smirked. "Fortune favors us."
Raul own anxiety didn't disappear as his mind raced at possible explanations, but it was hard to be concerned as the Captain spun to face them all.
"Prepare to head out," he yelled, skill allowing everyone to hear it perfectly. "The way is open. We need to make as much progress as we can before the Valgang Dragons become active again. The further we get, the less time we'll be separated later. Everyone, this is the time to make our push!"
"""Yes, Captain!"""
Despite the greatest worry and threat of the Dragon Urn seemingly removed from play, that did not mean these floors remained anything but harrowing.
The executives were being pressed on all sides. Even as they tore through the monsters on all sides, it was hard not to feel like they were merely blowing back the tide. They were constantly on the move. Needing to fight with all they had. Even on the slower stretches where two or three managed to pull back for a rest, said rest was primarily being able to down a potion and take a few minutes to catch their breath. They weren't the ones able to be spared to take a nap in the center wagon.
It was more than harrowing for the rest of them.
"Silver Worms!"
"Shields!" Raul called out desperately as the slimy, silver worm monsters rounded a corner.
The shield bearers ran forward and raised them high as the monsters raised their heads and opened a hole in front of their face, starting to unleash barrages of small needles. Most rattled off shields harmlessly. Armor also deflected them. Yet, the sheer number of them allowed holes in armor to be found. For those without armor to be locked down behind shields.
Just in time for a Venom Scorpion to surge forward.
"Magic, magic, magic!"
Thankfully, this time the Fairy Force member unleashed a spell. A wheel of white flame rolled forth burning right through the needles in its way, its flames only feeling a comforting warmth even as it went right over anyone of their familia. The Venom Scorpion, its target, sent a massive stinger piercing through it, but the physical attack did little as the flaming wheel kept going. The monster screeched as the wheel hit its face and proceeding to roll right over top of it to them go at the rest of the monsters. After running through three more, it exploded to send purposeful tendrils of flame reaching for every monster nearby. The monsters writhed and screeched at the flames, but none were consumed. Even the Venom Scorpion only had a track of burned flesh running the length of its body to show lack of killing power from the spell.
It broke up the enemy momentum though, and created weaknesses.
"Our enemies shall fall."
"Spirit Edge."
Hearing her chant end, Alicia still called over as her sword glowed a pale blue, "I'm ready, Raul."
Raul's heart pumping so fast he felt faint, he yelled without giving himself a chance to hesitate, "Response Squad, forward! Block the Venom Scorpion. Archers, target the Silver Worms."
With him, Level 4's and a select few brave Level 3's ran forward past the shield line. Aki, using her skill Cat Walk, jumped and used the wall as a kickoff point to dodge the hail of needles. Meath, another cat girl that was Level 3, was behind her. Arcs ran forward with tall shield before him, Raul taking cover behind him. Alicia swung with her sword, each swing unleashing a gust of blue magic that froze and dropped the needles. Narvi behind her. Sharon, Remilia, and Claire all formed an advancing shieldwall with Nicol, Liza, and Stark behind them with axe, lance, and spear respectively.
Arcs grunted and was thrown back when the Venom Scorpions stringer strike landed on his shield. Raul barely managed to avoid running into him as he darted around, crying out as he swung his sword at its eyes. He got one, but his sword skipped off its carapace. He also had to dodge as its massive claw tried to swipe at him. Arcs came in with his far heavier blade, but the monster merely raised its other claw and blocked the Level 4's blow with ease.
"I'm coming!" Raul yelled loudly as he feinted to run forward, only to dodge back as it redirected its stringer strike from Arcs to him. "Again, Arcs."
The others were having more luck than the two of them. Diving into the Silver Worms, they started cutting into the monsters that were far weaker up close. Yet, even without their ranged attacks, every movement of the Silver Worms might as well have been an attack to the Level 4 and 3's. Sharon and Emilia were smacked into a wall from a tail whip, even if they stood right back up and charged in. Alicia froze parts of one, only for it to just start jumping at her to try and crush her.
And then the Dungeon walls cracked, and an attack came as soon as a snake head emerged.
Claire didn't even get a chance to scream as a lightning strike got her, only able to fall to her knees as her body seized. Aki was a bit better off. Her leg was only skimmed, although her midair position didn't help. Her quick recover only moderated a hard landing.
"Lightning Snakes!"
The Dungeon loved to pile on, so more Silver Worms also emerged to unleash a new wave of needles.
"Aaaaaah!" Arcs cried out as he grasped one of his arms, purple needles having slipped past his shield to pierce his unarmored upper arm.
Everyone acted as best as possible. Sharon moved and covered Claire, managing to maintain her feet and simply enduring as she was hit by one – two – three more lightning strikes. Aki was recovering as Meath and Liza came to her aid. Raul threw himself towards Arcs as soon as he saw the Venom Scorpion swing its claw again, pushing him out of the way but not able to dodge himself.
The sound of the impact on his armor rang out, followed near instantly by him slamming into a wall.
His back hurt. He also probably hit his head. He tried to land on his feet, but his legs weren't working properly. It was all he could do to land on his hands and knees. Even as he felt the large monster approaching, he could only wobble.
Then he felt heat blasting out, and he looked up to see another flaming wheel entering the midst of the monsters. Its harmless nature against their familia allowing it to clear the way. A simpler yet fiercer fireball also landed on the Venom Scorpion to explode and continue burning, making it pause its approach and screech again.
Raul automatically looked to see that Elfy had joined the member of the Fairy Force in launching spells.
Riveria was also there, and had seemingly finished her chant.
"Veil Breath."
Raul felt his mind clear as the spell washed over him. The slight healing effect allowing him to stand up again. He wasn't the only one. Everyone straightened back up, surrounded by a protective aura that helped fend off the lightning attacks and lesser needles strikes.
Yet, the Venom Scorpion emerged from the flames merely charred and the monsters still outnumbered them.
Raul looked to see Riveria had already moved to a different area, making the next move clear.
Gulping, Raul picked up his sword and charged again before he could think as he called out, "Keep attacking. We need to finish them ourselves."
Each fight left Raul wanting to curl up in a blanket cocoon and shiver from fear.
He was not alone. His fellow Level 4's were also struggling to face the monsters that they were being forced to, much less in the numbers they were. Aki and Alicia were faring the best, but even their eyes were tired and wearied. The rest of them were fraying at the seams with every new battle that battered their bodies and wills.
Raul genuinely felt sorry for the Level 3's.
Oh, they were doing more than their part. They had been split up as strategically impossible for their levels relative to the monsters. Shield bearers, polearms, and archers depending on ability and preferences. Always working in groups.
Raul had enough experience to know there was little better way they could do this with the people they had.
It didn't change the reality.
The bold Level 3's joining the Level 4's as strike squads had it far worse than them. Each one was thrown around, bruised, and exhausted. They were only able to do half the battles as the Level 4's, and started forming the most consistent members allowed to rest in the central wagon. That they were still willing to fight was enough to amaze Raul, and their resulting conditions enough to make him wince.
The rank and file weren't front and center, but they had their own challenges.
Dwarves who were well used to holding shieldwalls against hordes of Level 4 Fomoire found two or three knocked down with every swing of a Black Rhino's arm or a charge.
"Get up, ya bastards. Gonna sit on yur asses."
They were knocked down. They got up to try and block or stall a monster for even a single second. They got knocked down again. Thick shields and plate armor bending more and more against the monstrous flesh of their enemies.
"Arrows."
Every elf made the art of archery look elegant. Their sharp eyes picked out every vulnerable point. Fingers grasped arrows and bowstrings with care. Lean musculature pulled and released the drawstrings in one smooth motions. Arrows flew with unerring accuracy.
Arrows landed in eyes. In mouths. Throats. Under raised arms.
"They aren't going down!"
The monsters did not care. Merely roaring as they were blinded. Ignoring bleeding puncture wounds. Relentlessly moving forward, no more stopped by arrows as the tide was bothered by rocks thrown into it.
"Healer!"
"Drag him back."
Those with polearms attacked. Allowed others to defend the monsters. Distract them. They were the ones that had to step forward to inflict the proper wounds though.
They were inevitably caught out at times. The monsters were comparatively slow for their level, but a slow Level 5 monster was still moving at a speed that could overwhelm any Level 3. A single swing of an arm or a tail could send them flying into a wall.
For the sake of inflicting a moderate wound, many a human had to be carried back to receive healing or potions.
Everyone had their own challenges, and sometimes they couldn't meet them.
"Crap, a horde of Silver Worms."
"We need potions!"
"Healers and mages!"
Unfortunately, Raul felt it would be too slow. The positive wave of needles came raining down on everyone scattered by the Black Rhino group they had just managed to kill. Everyone found themselves nursing at least a few that slipped through.
The pain was minor, initially. Then the poison started. That burned.
"Ku-Kuh!" Raul let out as he clenched his teeth, desperately trying to keep on his feet. He felt nausea rising in him even as the poison burned in his arm. "D-Don't fall where you are. At-At least get back behind lines."
It wasn't in time. He saw Lloyd fall to his knees behind him. The Level 3 puking as the poison set in.
He was not alone. Some of the Level 3's remained standing, but were as disoriented and troubled as Raul himself. Some of the Level 4's like Arcs were also in the same state, even if others moved to fend off the monsters trying to take advantage.
The poison of the Silver Worms. You had to have Abnormal Resistance rank-G to resist it. Unfortunately, only half of their number had such a rank. Not to mention, Level 3's of said rank were still affected and even Level 4's weren't free from risk since enough poison could generally overwhelm mere resistance.
Thankfully, the poison was not as bad as the Poison Vermis or Peluda, despite requiring the same rank of Abnormal Resistance. It was far more a short-term effect. It was also less resilient. Something that Riveria and their healers could cure.
This was not that sort of case. The sudden party of the monsters had caught them out. Too many of them had been hit and affected. Not enough Level 4's remained unaffected to hold back the rushing monsters or drag the affected to safety. Raul was trying to move himself, but every step sent his stomach roiling. His blood was also rushing, making his vision swim.
In this desperate situation Raul knew they wouldn't get out cleanly, the wind came.
And by wind, he meant a hurricane.
The feel of the rapacious breeze whipping past him made him too up to see Ais flying through the air. The Sword Princess calmly gliding through the air. Carried aloft by the wind that cradled her. Face blank and body language so natural it often felt like this was her natural environment.
It was almost easy to miss the blurred swing of her arm as she passed two monsters, only the two falling into pieces a second after making one aware.
Then the Sword Princess started really moving. The wind turned into a hurricane and the first-class adventurer a streak amidst the monsters. Both sword and wind sliced through monster after monster. Every time the enemy attacked, she had an answer. Black Rhinos charged, only to find her behind them and themselves already dead. Silver Worms launched their needles, only for the wind to knock them aside and their heads removed soon after. Even a Venom Scorpion easily had its stinger strike dodged, said stinger removed, and then a stab of Desperate cutting through its carapace with terrifying attack power to destroy its magic stone.
It wasn't even twenty seconds before the entire corridor had been cleared, only the bodies of monsters remaining.
Ais turned back to them. Raul knew her enough to see the sweat and exhaustion that had even started affecting the executives. To those less familiar, her blank face and lack of wounds made her appear shockingly fresh.
"Good job," Ais said, raising a hand with a thumbs up.
It…did not work with her complete lack of expression, only clashing awkwardly with the intimidation of her display.
Yet she merely jumped again, moving to another of the fronts.
Raul could only sigh, waving, "Don't gawk. Keep moving. Get anyone poisoned back behind the lines, and everyone get back into position."
Everyone did so, even if a different kind of weight seemed to have settled on them.
More than any, the members of Loki Familia knew how extraordinary their executives were. Many of them were older than the younger four. Had been in the familia longer, and yet had been handily surpassed. Their shining example was something to admire.
Sometimes, that shining light could be all but blinding.
The longer they were down here, the more that became the case. Every time they struggled and barely held a single corridor in an intersection while multiple others were handled by them. Every time one of the executives had to come and bail them out.
The thoughts started to arise in their minds.
'What are we even doing here?'
The executives were the ones doing near everything. This expedition was roughly sixty people. Just seven of them were the executives. Yet, the majority of monsters and approached towards the convoy were handled by them. It would be conservative to say the executives handled 75% of the burden of keeping the convoy surviving and on the move.
Even Lefiya, who was also a mere Level 3, occasionally used grand magic to clear out entire corridors in way that few of them had any chance of matching one day.
It was hard to fight the thought that the executives would be better off if the rest of them weren't here. Alone, the executives could have kept up a faster pace of only killing monsters they needed to and focusing on advancing. The rest of them couldn't hope to keep up such a pace, so the convoy was necessary. The convoy thus drew monsters, requiring them to fight a tide of monsters as opposed to merely those in their way.
The floors disappeared. The 51st. 52nd. 53rd. 54th. They were making progress. Multiple floors beyond what most of those present had reached before. Yet…
Every floor made them increasingly aware of how much they were in over their heads.
Fifty experienced adventurers, most at Level 3 or 4, working in cooperation just…didn't belong on these floors.
What greeted them on the 55th floor only made that growing acknowledgement clearer.
The sight was enough to make one gulp and have to hold back shivers.
Admittedly, it wasn't so uncommon a sight for those with enough experience in the Dungeon. It was out to kill adventurers, and everyone eventually felt that truth down to their bones. Expeditions were dangerous. Hell, regular dives were dangerous. The chance of monster parties being dropped on you. A mistake being made, and having to retreat with injured. Passing harrowed parties returning from the Dungeon was something one grew used to.
That said, only the insane didn't feel dread crawling up their spines when they saw such sights.
And damn if this wasn't exactly that.
The Ganesha familia.
It was hard to even identify them as they first appeared down the corridor from them. Their usual battle outfits were ruined. Even the carefully tailored and expensive Dungeon outfits had been pushed beyond any self-repair ability. Every single one had numerous bloodstains. Every single one had clothes torn by claws or teeth. Armor was dented, if not mangled to the point of near uselessness. Hell, even most of their weapons were broken.
And that they still wielded the broken remnants of their equipment showed their desperation.
Some of them still moved fiercely. Raul spotted Shakti Varma combining slick punches with half a spear she wielded like a knife to cut down monster after monster. Others also steadily cut through monsters with a grim resolve. Yet, much of their party were beyond ragged and exhausted. He spotted an elf clearly low on Mind being carried on the shoulders of an armored figure missing an arm and still wielding a shield in the other. No less than two more had arms around the shoulders of comrades, being half dragged even as they used their free arms to try and help. Multiple had red skin that looked as if it had been half burned.
Only those who had fought on these floors and experienced the danger could understand the sort of strength and determination it required for a group to fight up multiple floors in such condition.
The Captain surged forward, with Ais and Bete right behind him. They quickly tore through the monsters between them and the Ganesha party. Cleared the way for the ragged familia force to drag themselves before them.
"Finn."
"Shakti," the Captain returned, spear on his shoulder as he met her eyes before looking over her party. "I expected to see you. Admittedly expected it a bit earlier based on that you must have fought the Valgang Dragons when we were on the 52nd floor, but looking at your party I suppose it isn't a surprise you moved slower."
"We did fight the dragons and we are moving slower than hoped, but I can also correct a misunderstanding you might have," the rival familia captain replied, somehow looking almost as dignified as the Captain despite looking like she's fought through a monster party with only her bare hands. Despite messy hair, a sweaty face, and bloody hands, Raul found it hard to listen to her words and not to stare at her elegant features. Admittedly, the torn clothes might have contributed. "We fought but two Valgang Dragons. Shortly before we left the 59th floor, we met Ottar. Our pathway has been smooth enough that I can only assume that we've been following in his wake."
That made the Captain frown, although all that came from his mouth was a hum before he remarked, "That makes sense. These floors were easier than I expected, even taking into account the lack of the Valgang Dragons making it far harder."
That made everyone but the executives flinch. This was easier than expected?! Raul had been to these floors before, but that was as a dedicated supporter and when they were moving as fast as possible. Avoiding as many monsters as possible.
The idea that what they had endured was less than what it usually would have made them all gape.
"Guess it shouldn't be a surprise he avoided meeting you," Shakti commented.
"Indeed."
Meeting other familia parties in the Dungeon was always something of a risk. Especially this deep. Even if one escaped, being forced away from the stairs or injured could be death sentences. For any rival familia willing to dirty their hands…
Even with Ottar being Ottar, a Level 8 would have to look at a party like theirs after he had spent weeks in the Dungeon as nothing less than an unnecessary risk.
The Captain would naturally never do such a thing, but experience meant adventurers had to consider such possibilities while in precarious situations.
"Ottar aside," the Captain continued, waving away that. "It appears I must offer congratulations on reaching the 59th floor. Considering your state too, I believe we can both benefit from taking a short break together."
"By that timeframe, we can expect a Valgang Dragon within an hour," Gareth mused.
"Same by my account," Shakti answered, sipping at some water between speaking. "It should be only one or two for a time. At these floors they only need a few hours before firing again, but if you dodge the first round-"
"We might be able to descend to the 58th in those hours," the Captain finished for her, nodding. "We'll consider that, but I can't deny that I am most eager for any information you have on the Glacier Territory."
"Poison and other such methods seem more common in the Glacier Territory. F-rank Abnormal Resistance should allow you to avoid any long-term debilitating effects, but E-rank is preferable to avoid the short term too," the Ganesha captain informed them immediately, only to shrug. "Shouldn't be an issue for anyone ready for this deep."
Raul felt his stomach roil, and sent a look at the Captain.
Wasn't the best route to avoid any abnormal status attacks?
That was the usual familia strategy. Even if that wasn't possible, G-rank was sufficient for this deep. Why would anyone have F-rank? Raul didn't know of anyone in the familia beside the Captain with Abnormal Resistance above G-rank.
If the Captain was worrying about the same things, he sure didn't show it as he merely nodded and remarked, "Thank you for the notice."
"We also left our winter gear in a crack of stone roughly a hundred meters to the left of the staircase, which you can take if it yet remains," the Ganesha captain continued.
"Thank you very much," the Captain answered again, although now he smiled as he tilted his head cunningly. "There is something in particular I hope you can give me a clue towards, however."
"…I shall if possible," Shakti returned after a moment's pause, eying the Captain warily. Her eyes were sharp too as she continued, "Although, I also have some thoughts on your…group."
"I expect I know what you are talking about," the Captain acknowledged, before sending Raul a look.
Raul nodded and move away. He instead looked around at the makeshift camp that had been formed. While the two different familias maintained some caution towards each other, they did mix. Riveria had focused in on the elf, who seemed to be trying to wave off the elven priestess despite her low Mind clearly affecting her. It didn't stop Riveria from forcing her to drink a Mind potion. The healers were also bandaging a few of the Ganesha members, revealing that the red skin of some was ice-burn from the Glacier Territory's environment. Most of the other Ganesha members were just sitting down and using the chance to rest as much as possible, with Loki members grouped up away and whispering while watching them.
"Use the chance to rest too," Raul told some of them as he approached, slumping himself. "I know I don't have the energy to waste a chance to rest. My stomach hurts~."
"We know," someone said, although still looked at the worn Ganesha members. "It's just hard to when it's…"
"When we see how they ended up," Arcs said, trying and failing to hide his nervousness. He also didn't do too well when he leaned forward to try and whisper, "We're going to the same place, aren't we?"
"Hey, the Captain and execs are on this," Raul quickly exclaimed, waving his arms.
"I know they are, but…they aren't really the ones we're worried about, are they?" Arcs replied, looking amongst themselves. "The Ganesha familia lost a Level 4 on the 59th floor."
Raul clenched his fists to hold in his shiver.
A Level 4. He wasn't sure if that affected Raul more as another level 4 or the Level 3's present. He hoped he was the worse off.
Casualties were a fact of life for adventurers. Yet, they also weren't as common as many pessimists believed. There were only so many replacements coming to Orario, after all, and raising an adventurer was no quick task. A Level 4 adventurer was usually a decade of effort and investment, if not more. Even for a familia as large as the Ganesha familia, losing a single Level 4 every expedition was not sustainable. The Loki Familia had gone three years since they last lost anyone to the Dungeon. People had transferred away from not being able to handle their ambitions and new people arrived, but they hadn't lost anyone.
Yet, the incident three years ago had left Raul petrified for days and Aki had even admitted to him once that she almost quit too.
Proof that even a group filled only with Level 4 and 5's had still lost someone made everyone hyperaware of the risk that had already been building in their minds, especially as said expedition would still be considered by all of Orario as a success.
That delving so deep to entirely new floors could end so much worse.
"Raul," Aki spoke, gesturing to him pointedly. "Say something."
Raul gulped at her expectant gaze. He looked back at Arcs, and then others in the group. He looked over at the Ganesha members, his eyes fixed on the other Level 4's they had taken.
…
Loki familia had garnered a reputation. The dream of most adventurers. To most of Orario, the Loki Familia was the home of the talented and gifted that was a pillar of the city.
The desired goal of adventurers.
It was something they all took pride in.
Yet, from the inside, they knew the truth more than anyone.
It wasn't like that because of them. It was the Captain and the other executives. They were the ones that deserved that fame. It's amazing being in the Loki Familia, but they could only look at the execs as entirely different types of adventurers than themselves.
They had complete confidence in their executives. Even with eight Level 5's in this Ganesha party, that wouldn't change. Bete might be rude in calling the Ganesha familia first-class adventurers as weaklings, be criticized for that, but some wouldn't argue the point. A cynic might say that for a good half of Ganesha familia's Level 5's, the main talking point would be genuine surprise that they even became Level 5 as opposed to anything else. Only Shakti Varma – and maybe Ilta Farna – deserved to even be mentioned in the same breath as Loki familia's younger executives, much less the Captain.
If Raul discarded that though and looked purely at comparing their Level 4's…
He couldn't say they were better. Some like Aki and Alicia were sure to eventually become first-class, but others – others like Raul – were just…lucky enough to be around better and more talented adventurers. Lucky to be in the Loki Familia.
Not special.
If the Ganesha familia ended up in such a situation, would they do better when there was so much more of a gap between them and those who belonged facing challenges such as this?
Half-hearted words wouldn't banish some thoughts.
Raul clenched his fist, and could only lower his eyes in shame before Aki's eyes.
…
"Gather around everyone," the Captain finally said a bit later, providing a thankful distraction to Raul's thoughts that hadn't lessened. "We cannot stay here, so we must decide how we're going to move."
"D-Decide?"
Nodding at the question, the Captain quickly confirmed, "Yes. Decide. We are near the staircase to the 56th floor, but that does not remove the question."
Gareth spoke up here, announcing, "We are heavily considering sending the convoy back. You all included."
"You have all done superbly, but we must also see opportunities before us," Riveria then took over, eyes looking over them. "You all have experienced the challenges these floors offer, and it will not diminish if you continue. Yet even with the luck we've encountered, we are at risk of overextending ourselves. The Ganesha familia had confirmed several things to us. The Glacier Territory…it is not a challenge you should focus on."
"I spoke boldly that night when we learned Ottar leveled up. Too boldly, it seems. I wanted to allow you all to see the Glacier Territory – to bring all of us there…but I shall not command you to walk into such risk when there is no desperate need. I shall not lead you into tragedy if I can help it," the Captain announced, actually lowering his head to bow at us. Although he then straightened to point to Shakti. "I trust Shakti Varma to escort you back to the safe floor. If we executives start from this point with as much supplies as possible, we can reach the Glacier Territory with enough to last for long enough to be well worth it. We shall also clear the 58th floor, allowing you to reach the 50th safely where you can wait for us to ascend again."
…
"This is the safest and most reasonable course available to us."
Silence followed that pronouncement.
Many of the familia starting to relax. The tension and fears that had been steadily building since they started descending fading to be replaced by relief. This was what many had been quietly musing, even if they were shamed to speak it aloud.
Yes.
All they had to do was accept this, and they wouldn't have to face this terrifying challenge before them.
…
So…why couldn't Raul raise his head?
"I'm going to be left behind?'
Of course he would. What did Raul have to contribute beyond this point? They could carry their own supplies if it was just several floors. He would just be someone they need to protect.
"I dun like giving up," one of the armored dwarf shielders said as he stepped forward, looking at his fellows who didn't pull him back. "But our armor an shields are foldin. Dun think they'll last if we add more ta da return."
No one shouted the point down, all of them knowing how tough and determined they were.
…
So, why did Raul feel such shame at the mere idea?
'I am doing nothing but chasing after the backs of people that belong to a different world as adventurers.'
"Raul."
His eyes flicked up, seeing Aki looking at him. Leaning over to look at him even with head lowered. As soon as she caught his eyes, she gestured. Motioning for him to say…something.
"I…I know what I cam capable of, and these floors are still beyond me," Arcs said as he stepped forward, the tall and muscular warrior that Raul often felt intimidated by looking disappointed but accepting. "I'm still too weak. I get that. I won't allow bravado to overwhelm me."
The Level 4's acceptance of returning made all relax as the atmosphere became easier.
…
Why did he have to be the one to say something?
'You are the one who has the right to speak up, Aki, as someone that will become great.'
Yet, she kept gesturing for him. Eyes turning increasingly pleading. He didn't know why. Didn't know what he could ever say that would matter more than what she could.
"We'll only hold you back," another Level 3 said, many of the Level 3's bitterly accepting the reality before them.
It prompted more and more to speak up with every second as the momentum built.
…
Why did his mouth still open?
'I guess if I'm nothing more than a leech that sticks around people more talented than myself, I might as well be a determined leech.'
His stomach hurt from nervousness. He felt himself sweating. Too much feelings was swirling inside him like some heat he didn't understand. He could only let it out.
"C-Captain!" he finally managed to get out, screaming to be heard over the other voices and draw attention. He didn't know how he looked, but he still shouted desperately, "Please…Please take me with you!"
The Captain's eyes were wide, as well as the other executives.
…
Raul couldn't even look at them, lowering his head even as he somehow managed to continue, "I…I'm not here because I want the safest and most reasonable course! I'm here because I want more than the safest and most reasonable course!"
Raul had felt terror during the Great Feud. Felt the helplessness of a Level 1 who could do so little but allow others to fight the battles to decide the fate of Orario and the world. Could only watch as people he admired and looked up to charged into death with smiles.
He didn't want to be helpless and left behind like that again.
"I know I'm too weak and will probably just be a burden, but I'll do whatever you ask. Just as long as I can come along."
Raul was no one special. It was almost certain that not even a lifetime of adventuring would allow him to reach Level 5. That was the cruel truth that these years of adventure had taught him.
Raul was no hero.
He had only gotten this far by riding the coattails of the Captain.
…if it allowed him to stay within the reach of heroes though, he was fine with that.
Raul was no hero, but he had the opportunity to watch and support heroes from up close as opposed to some storybook.
That had always amazed him more than the Dungeon, or Evilus, or even death frightened him.
"I don't want to give up here and watch you go further beyond where I am willing to follow," he continued, head still lowered. "Even if I fail, I want to try. Try to still be able to chase your back, Captain. Still be able to watch the story of a hero!"
Raul couldn't sprint to try to catch up to the backs of the Captain or the other executives and walk at their sides. He would only trip and fall like so many who tried to reach beyond their remit. He also could not take his time and go at his own pace. He would only be left behind without a second glance. He could only try to keep their backs in his sight.
"So, please…let me continue this expedition too!"
Raul followed with a deep bow, too filled with emotion to allow his face to be seen.
…
Silence followed, then…
"Honestly, Raul," the Captain's voice spoke up, making Raul look up despite himself. It revealed the pallum smiling with only wry amusement. "We did intend to take a supporter or two. I didn't intend to leave you behind."
Raul felt his face redden, and that made laughter start breaking out.
The Captain was amused, and Riveria and Gareth were also letting out chuckles. Tiona was smiling brightly, Tione was smirking too. While Ais was still emotionless, even Bete had directed his scowl away and not said anything.
Others were also looking at him, increasing his embarrassment. Shakti was looking at him with odd eyes. Aki was laughing openly, and so were some of the other members of the familia.
Raul hadn't really considered how his words would be received by the others of the familia who didn't feel the same, yet…
"Captain, I know I often take over command of our camp on the 50th, but this time I also want to continue on," Aki suddenly tacked.
Raul jumped at that sudden move, surprised.
Alicia stepped forward too, adding on, "I shall not flee from a fight you yourself are charging into, Lady Riveria."
"I…" Lefiya also spoke, halting for a moment to clench her fists with eyes closed. Clearly pumping herself up. Her eyes then burst open as she exclaimed, "I can still take another step. Now."
"Well, if Raul can continue as a supporter I sure can as well," Cruz joined in.
Sharon raised her gauntleted arms and started shadowboxing as she announced too, "Me too. I'm only Level 3, but I don't want to give up. I can't reject Raul for not being manly if I can't at least match him here, after all, and I really don't want to date Raul."
"Seriously? Now?" Raul demanded, only drawing more laughs.
More and more voices joined. Not close to a majority, but it still made Raul's eyes widen. Not understanding how the atmosphere from just minutes ago had turned into this.
Oh no, had he really just misjudged everyone's intentions and he merely made a fool of himself?
As the Fairy Force members tried to call out that they wouldn't abandon Riveria, the Captain raised a hand to immediately calm everyone.
"Not what I expected with that announcement," he claimed softly, yet everyone hearing it. He raised his spear, and clanged it on the ground three times ceremonially before calling out in an echoing voice, "But I shall never stomp down those who have been inspired! We cannot take everyone. The convoy shall return, and none sent with it should feel ashamed. Yet…we shall welcome a small number of your crazy enough to join us. If you are so mad as Raul, come speak to me and I shall organize who shall leave and who shall continue on."
And with that, the moment broke. A variety of looks being thrown out. Relief by some returning. Odd looks sent towards Raul by some of that same group. Others that had spoken up after Raul sending him nods before moving to the Captain.
…
Raul felt faint, and he slumped forward.
"That was exhausting," he muttered.
Although as Aki slid to his side and elbowed him playfully, he straightened when she told him with a smirk, "Good going, Raul, but you better follow through now that you got several of us into this too."
That made him slump forward again, whimpering, "So exhausting."
Although as Aki laughed and all but skipped forward towards the Captain, he decided he was fine with being a fool in over his head in this case.
She looked much better with that smirk and look in her eyes to the look she had earlier.
"You can use what equipment we'll be sending back with the convoy. You'll probably break it, but we can't really touch the executives' spares," Raul told Shakti and the other Ganesha members as he let them take some equipment. "Sorry."
"There is nothing to be sorry for, lad," a heavily armored man declared as he took one of Nicol's spare axes. "One can't expect anything in the Dungeon, or one day they'll be rudely surprised."
"Plus, we could hardly complain after what we just saw," another said, smirking at him. "Would have been willing to fight with bare hands up even before that. Now, I almost want to."
"Eh, enough of the macho crap," Ilta ordered, although she deliberately examining her hands. "After all, some of us already don't need anything more than our bare hands."
"Yeah, we all need to get moving anyway," Gareth said, standing besides Shakti. He did send her another look though as he asked, "You still sure though, Shakti? Finn said he'd allow you to use one of his spare spears. We are putting some of our baby adventurers in your hands."
"And I would not weaken your own efforts," she retorted, clenching her fists. The numerous wounds on them had healed in the half hour, despite Raul knowing no one had used a spell on her or provided a potion. Proved she'd been breaking her hands fighting upwards. Although her shattered armguards already illustrated that. "We are already benefiting from this arrangement, and I would not tip it in our favor. Plus, I ensure the familia is trained in unarmed combat for situations like these, and hold myself to no less…There are also always rocks one can use."
"As a dwarf, I have to accept and approve of the power of rocks," Gareth mused, hand stroking his beard as he nodded seriously.
Raul was about to laugh at the jokes…till he saw the utmost seriousness on their faces.
…okay, people who genuinely only took a lack of weapons as reason to beat monsters to death with bare hands and rocks were terrifying.
As Raul thought that, he was surprised to find Shakti now watching him.
"Um, is something on my face?"
"No," she claimed, shaking her head with an odd expression on her face. "Just thinking you remind me of myself."
"Y-Yourself?"
How did Raul remind the Familia Captain of Orario's third strongest familia of herself?
"There was a time too that I wanted nothing more than to be able to watch the backs of others while supporting them."
Raul…did not know how to respond to that.
"I hope spirits and gods smiled on you and your expedition," she merely continued though, actually patting his head before turning and walking away. "You have my acknowledgement, Raul Nord. It might mean little, but you have it still."
"You truly have a good eye, Shakti," Gareth remarked as he nodded, not at all baffled the same way as Raul was.
He did not get first-class adventurers; truly a separate type of existence to himself.
In but a minute, the Captain was standing before Shakti with those gathered around as he announced, "I am trusting you with thirty-two precious members of the Loki Familia, Shakti."
"I shall not betray that trust," she returned, raising a closed fist to her heart. "I shall always strive to protect all I can."
"Then it is here we part," the Captain said, turning and walking away with eyes closed. Not even looking at the Loki Familia members leaving. Although he did call out, "Till I see we see you again on the 50th floor, children of Loki."
"""Captain."""
He then walked up to the far smaller group that awaited him, Raul watching in nervous anticipation
The executives.
Anakitty. Alicia. Narvi. Cruz. Himself.
Lefiya.
Sharon. Four more Level 3 members of the Fairy Force too.
"Eighteen of us, huh?" the Captain commented facetiously, smiling. "The size of a mid-sized familia expedition. All the way to the 59th floor too."
"It'll be tight, but I know one audacious pallum will probably just lump all the hard work on a poor dwarf," Gareth remarked in a joking groan.
"Almost like how I know someone will be complaining when all he can offer is an absurdly tough body," Riveria added on.
"Or an elf will tell us to buy her time so she can just swoop in at the end and take the credit," the Captain even joined in.
Raul blinked before and leaning over to whisper, "Are they fighting?"
Unfortunately, he was naturally heard.
Although it just made the Captain smirk again as he got moving, both Gareth and Riveria falling in at his side, the dwarf guffawing out, "Just a pre-battle habit rearing its head again cause a challenge lies before us."
"Don't worry about it, Raul," the Captain added, walking ahead so the second strong adventurer could see his back. Although he did look over his shoulder give him a half grin. "Just focus on the 59th floor. I expect you to not let me down."
It naturally drew a response from Raul.
"Yes, Captain!"
'Extra' Side Scene for additional context
"Everything looking good for the return?" Finn asked as Gareth joined the other executives gathered outside hearing distance of the rest of the expedition.
"Looks like it. Shakti and hers can be trusted if they were already going to fight up like that, and are up and at 'em," Gareth claimed.
"Tch, at least the weaklings have energy when they're running," Bete snapped. "Better than dumbasses who only have energy when they are being stupid shits."
"Hey, don't call them dumbasses," Tiona quickly protested, arms behind head as she beamed. "I like their spunk."
"Spunk is going to get them killed."
"I'll protect them."
"You can't protect dumbasses. As bad as weaklings."
"You really shouldn't talk about being a dumbass," Tione interrupted calmly.
Although it drew Bete's fury, spitting, "Says the person who loses half her brain at the idea of Finn's underwear."
"The Captain's underwear is a treasure worth ignoring stupid things for," Tione burst out immediately, growling.
"Enough," Riveria spoke, sending a look that quieted them. She then refocused on Finn. "You sure about this? It wasn't your plan."
"Plans change," Finn merely said casually.
It had to have. In truth, all of them knew Finn had always been skeptical of the entire convoy reaching the 59th floor. Reaching a floor with attached Level 3's and other lower members that they hadn't even reached alone was a massive challenge. For all numbers could help, it rarely allowed a group like this to move as efficiently as a small, elite team.
They had made a point of allowing one to back out on the 50th floor for a reason, because to a point…this was all performative.
"Guess we did get deeper than originally planned," Gareth admitted.
"That is part of it. I estimated that it was before the 53rd floor that we'd have to turn around. Good fortune is what allowed us to push this far," Finn acknowledged too. "Only fools waste good fortune."
"Yet, I suspect that isn't why you are allowing so many to join us," Riveria stated, tilting her head and eyeing him critically.
Finn closed his eyes as he gave a self-deprecating grin.
"I acted rashly on that night, when I declared we would all reach the 59th floor. I put too heavy a burden on them all," Finn said simply. "I estimated a 40% chance of being able to reach the 59th floor so, and even less a chance without casualties that wouldn't be worth the gain. I would not force them to take that risk upon themselves."
They waited, already knowing all this. The real plan, known only to them, was to merely use this as an opportunity to give the lower ranked members a taste of the Labyrinth Territory. Once the advance team had split to handle the Valgang Dragons, they fully expected the convoy to slow and be at serious risk. To avoid that, they had intended to push only so far as to make clear to the lower ranked members that they weren't ready. Give them the experience, but then return to the 50th floor before the executives had to split. Once everyone was on the safe floor, they would then descend again with elites and supporters alone.
It was all to provide a chance to experience the brutality of these floors, but ultimately limited compared to the words spoken beforehand.
…
It was on the stairs to the 53rd floor that Finn had been presented the decision to push further or play conservative according to previous plans, and he had chosen to trust that the other members would prove themselves if given a bit more of an opportunity.
Finn's eyes snapped open, declaring with a grin, "I am willing to admit I underestimated them. A failing as a strategist, but I shall happily accept being a lucky man leading a familia that has risen above my expectations. They reached the 55th floor, and no small few have the will to go further. I shall give them the respect they have earned as adventurers, and adapt myself."
"Don't need to tell me twice," Gareth said, rotating his arm as he too couldn't help grinning.
"This is still a risk, and offers complications," Riveria said, even if she too then nodded. "We shall never be free from needing to take risks though, and I shall not deny any of them the right to take the step that is before them. Let us bear the burden of complications over failing as leaders by stifling them."
"Thank you both," Finn said, before looking at the four younger executives. "How about you four? This will affect our decisions later. It could affect you."
"They are troublesome idiots," Bete spat, before turning and walking away. "That's hardly new though. Not like I need to do anything different than always."
"I won't go against the Captain," Tione added.
"And I'm pumped up for them too. So, no problem," Tiona then claimed.
Ais stared, but finally nodded and said, "Un. They want to get stronger…I understand. I want to help them, if I can."
"Oh, Aisssss," Tiona said as she suddenly leaned closer to her, beaming. "You smiled."
"It was a cute one too," Tione agreed.
Ais stared blankly, eventually claiming, "But I…often smile?"
"Well, we better move out then," Gareth remarked, already moving. "Talking is not going to get us down four floors."
Finn nodded, and moved too.
So, I will admit that an issue with this one was that the 'promise' I'd had Finn make didn't make much sense. Once I reread the scenes in the LN's, I just didn't see a convoy - no matter how organized - being able to reach 59th floor. I could very much swing things in their favor with Ottar and Shakti, but I was fighting a bit against my skepticism.
Had three 'paths' on how this could have ended. One was to have everyone but execs and one or two supporters return to 50th floor. Second would have Raul speak earlier, and they all press on and...I just press down on the scales in their favor. Actually what I first wrote. This one is just me having some of the more significant characters also drop down. Them acting as supporters of execs is a bit more reasonable than convoy, I hope.
Does not mean next part will be encouraging for them.
Otherwise, next chapter should be Shakti or Ottar. Hoping to get that out before Spring Break ends, but I am unreliable.