Chapter 247 Lower Floor (Part I)
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
(Hiroya’s POV)
(Has the loneliness faded a bit?)
Next to me, young Rena sleeps. Her peaceful face makes me think it has, at least a little.
(I should head to Aluda soon.)
She’s probably waiting in my room.
(I feel bad leaving Rena like this.)
I kiss her cheek lightly and get up.
”Hiroya… thanks,” she murmurs sleepily.
”You’re awake. Thanks to you too. Just keep an eye on me so I don’t do anything reckless, alright?”
”Yeah… that’s my job. I’m worried about you, Hiroya.”
She sits up and leans against me.
”Aluda’s waiting. You can rest a bit longer.”
She trails off, her soft breathing brushing against my chest.
(Take your time sleeping.)
I lay her back gently, cover her with the blanket, and quietly leave the room.
* * *
(Gièze’s POV)
(Feels just like the first day of the dungeon release…)
There are four or five parties gathered here.
Among them, the ‘Rose Hip’ party stands out.
I catch the leader, Ms. Helena’s, gaze, and she gives me a small nod.
”Helena’s headin’ in with the first group. Frieda’s goin’ tomorrow with the second.”
Ms. Simona mutters this while waving at Ms. Helena.
”Looks like the ‘Porters’ managed to show up on time.”
”We can’t set anything up here.”
Karina adds this with a slight frown.
”Right, but for a dungeon this size, they’re essential. I think we’re the only ones with Porters prepared.”
Looking around, I spot a few Porters in the crowd.
”Oh, look, that party… there’s a big woman and a little girl.”
Karina’s gaze locks onto the pair.
”Didn’t know there were folks like that in this village. Never seen a girl like her before.”
Mr. Gorge chimes in, clearly intrigued.
”Yeah, they’re unfamiliar. A big girl like that would’ve stood out before.”
”Maybe they just arrived recently?”
Ms. Eluda offers her thoughts as she looks toward them.
If they were locals, we’d definitely have noticed them earlier.
”She might be from the Titan tribe.”
Mr. Gorge rubs his chin thoughtfully.
”I’ve seen folks like her up in the northern Count region.”
”She’s small for a Titan.”
Ms. Simona tilts her head, observing the taller figure.
As we talk, Lotta and Noriss return from purchasing a teleportation scroll at the ‘Great Labyrinth Outpost.’
’Titan tribe.’ I’ve heard of them too. Giants said to live in the far north of the Yugria Continent. This is my first time seeing one, though.
”No stones for setting up teleportation points, just a scroll. Works within this area and cost one gold coin. That about normal?”
Lotta asks this while handing the scroll to Karina.
”Teleportation magic is tricky… but for one gold coin, it’s a good deal,” I reply.
”Don’t lose it.”
Karina nods and carefully stores the scroll.
”That little one’s a rabbit person. So cute!”
Ms. Simona points to a girl with droopy rabbit ears.
”Looks like she’s hired as a Porter. Lucky timing for that party.”
”Noo could do the Porter job!”
Noo pouts, puffing her cheeks.
”Sorry, sorry. We’re countin’ on you, Noo!”
Ms. Simona ruffles Noo’s hair with a smile.
”Alright, it’s our turn. Let’s move.”
First, the ‘Rose Hip’ party enters the maze.
Fifteen minutes later, the second party follows.
Then, it’s our turn.
”Okay, everyone, let’s show what we’ve trained for!”
At my words, everyone nods.
* * *
”Where are we headed?”
Mr. Gorge adjusts his sword belt as he looks at me.
”The stairs to the Second Floor. We’ll pass through the First Floor,” I answer immediately.
”Good. With your skills, da First Floor monsters don’t stand a chance.”
Ms. Simona nods in approval.
”Shortest route. Let’s line up as planned.”
I give the signal, and everyone moves into position.
Noriss takes the lead, followed by me and Mr. Gorge.
Ms. Eluda is behind us, with Lotta and Karina close by.
Noo and Ms. Simona bring up the rear.
”Wisp.”
Karina casts a spell, illuminating the path ahead for Noriss.
We advance cautiously.
The halls are clearer than expected, likely because other parties have gone ahead.
Giant ants occasionally appear, but we handle them quickly.
”The treasure here is mostl’ ore, right?”
Ms. Simona speaks up as we clear another hall.
”Yeah, same as last time,” I reply, collecting magic stones from the fallen ants.
”Is something wrong?”
”Parties without Porters will struggle if dey’re collectin’ ore too.”
She crosses her arms, thinking.
”True. Carrying bulky loot while fighting is risky,” I agree.
Noriss hands magic stones to Noo, and the others follow suit.
”Well, Eluda has Noo with her, after all.”
”Thanks, Noo!”
Eluda and Lotta also handed over the magic stones, and ruffled my hair.
”Hehe~♡,” Noo giggles happily.
”I-I’m looking forward to the meal too… Ki, ki, I mean, I’m really looking forward to it!”
We still have some time before lunch, Karina…
* * *
”Noriss, circle around! Mr. Gorge, we’re going in!”
I dash into the hall, drawing my sword.
My first strike takes down a goblin on the left.
In one smooth motion, I sheath my blade and pivot to the next.
Beside me, Mr. Gorge swings his weapon in a brutal overhead arc, finishing another goblin.
I dodge a club with a half-turn and strike the goblin behind it from a low stance.
Then I finish off another that stumbles after missing its swing.
Noriss ends the last goblin with a clean slash to its neck.
”Your skills have really improved, Gièze!”
Mr. Gorge grins, clearly impressed.
”Three goblins down in no time. Impressiv’!”
Ms. Simona claps her hands in approval.
Their praise makes me a little self-conscious.
(I’m confident in my combat skills, but I need to work on my field awareness. That’s what sets leaders like Hiroya and Asuka apart.)
Even when facing an enemy, I need to be aware of my allies and the positions of other enemies.
(That’s one of the reasons why Lord Hiroya and Ms. Asuka are so strong.)
”I thought we’d get some exercise before lunch, but Eluda didn’t even get a chance to fight,” Mr. Gorge jokes.
”W-Well… a hungry stomach makes the food taste better.”
Eluda and Karina laughs nervously, her stammer evident.
The group’s morale is high, and it’s good to see them in such spirits.
We gather magic stones and treasure before moving to the next destination.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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