Chương 109: Into the Great Tree Labyrinth

The party entered the Dungeon again. The Upper Floors no longer slowed them down. With their previous experience and the Hashira's increased strength, they pushed straight through the first seventeen floors. Monsters appeared, attacked, and were cut down. Cael's newly recorded weapons performed even better than expected. A projected third-tier sword could explode with enough force to tear apart a pack of monsters. A second-tier weapon struck like heavy artillery when used properly.

The continuous output still consumed energy, but the results were satisfying. When they reached the Eighteenth Floor, everyone felt the pressure ease. The Hestia Familia party came out of the Seventeenth Floor and did not head for Rivira. Supplies in Rivira were too expensive. Unless they had no choice, Cael had no intention of being overcharged.

"This formation really is comfortable," Cael said as they walked along the enormous roots.

"Clear roles, quick support, and easier coordination. It feels better than our previous trips." The sight of huge roots forming paths halfway above the ground had shocked them the first time, but the Dungeon had too many strange sights. They adjusted quickly.

"Parties larger than seven usually slow down," Lili said.

"Supplies become a problem too. Five is common, and seven is already close to the limit for normal adventuring. Expedition teams split into squads unless they are very confident."

"There are fewer monsters this time," Tengen said, looking around.

"I noticed that as well," Shinobu said.

"Did another party clear the route before us?" This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

"Unlikely," Kyojuro said.

"Except for the Monster Rex, monsters appear too randomly. Perhaps we are simply fortunate today." Cael knew the reason. The previous abnormal frequency had likely come from the Dungeon Mother's attention. Since he had not provoked her again, that gaze had shifted away for now.

"Do we rest on the Eighteenth Floor or continue to the Nineteenth?" he asked.

"Our consumption is low," Shinobu said.

"If supplies become an issue, we can return here."

"Then we continue," Kyojuro said. Cael nodded.

"Formation. Kyojuro and Tengen take the front and open the path. Shinobu and Lili handle support and logistics. Giyu covers gaps, finishes enemies, and watches for ambushes. I will handle ranged attacks." Everyone accepted the arrangement.

"The Great Tree Labyrinth has more ranged monsters," Lili said.

"Firebirds and Blade Wing Bugs are both common. We forgot to buy Salamander Wool or fire-resistant Spirit Cloth, so please avoid taking Firebird flames directly." Spirit Cloth was a special cloth often produced by elves. Fire Spirit Cloth could reduce fire Magic damage, but it was expensive enough to rival advanced healing potions. The party remembered the warning. The Nineteenth Floor had far more monster variety than the previous floors. Harpies. Sirens that sang sleep songs. Lizardmen with strong bodies.

Spider women that trapped prey. Blade Wing Bugs that fired poisonous needles like machine guns. Gargoyles that hid as stones. There were many monsters whose names were not widely known, but the named types were the ones most adventurers learned to identify and destroy first. The passage down to the Nineteenth Floor lay north of the adventurer town, opposite the entrance from the Seventeenth Floor. Rivira stood on the highland to the right.

The Eighteenth Floor was smaller than Orario, so it did not take long to reach their destination. The road was wide, and footprints showed that adventurer parties passed this way often. Near the entrance to the lower floor, more blue crystals grew from the ground like straight blades. Some were as small as grass. Others looked like enormous broken swords. Light from the ceiling reflected across them, giving the land a veil of blue stardust. Roots and trees glittered under that glow like something from a dream.

Even after everything they had seen, the party still looked around for a moment.

"Focus completely," Cael said.

"Do not stumble in the first fight. Everything we learn on each floor becomes Hestia Familia's foundation for future members."

"Understood!"

"Ready," Giyu said. Lili tightened her grip on her pack. The party stepped into the passage. The environment changed around them.