For the next five levels, Kelly and Daichi's group joined forces with the main team, progressing smoothly. However, when they reached the seventh floor, they discovered a scarcity of monsters.
"Keep in mind that this floor is filled with traps, so proceed with caution and avoid touching anything unnecessary. Those with the tracker skill will advance with me," Agawa instructed, his voice carrying a sense of seriousness. The main team led by Agawa had diminished in numbers because most of the students were left behind to rest, but their skill levels were equal, allowing for seamless cooperation under Agawa's leadership.
In response to Agawa's orders, Daichi, Kei, and another student with tracking skills stepped forward, acknowledging their role. With Agawa leading the way, the trio followed closely behind, accompanied by the remaining students. The group now consisted of 17 individuals, each considered the cream of the crop, possessing at least one A-Rank skill. Agawa's friends formed the middle section, while Ayato and Kenji took positions in different directions. Kei's friends and Kenji's group formed the rear guard, with Sumire, Kelly, and other students in their midst.
Cautiously, they made their way forward avoiding traps which was not hard because of their skill levels and stats.
After hours of fruitless searching, the group grew increasingly anxious as they failed to locate the entry to the next level. The constant state of alertness, even in the absence of combat, took a toll on their mental fatigue. Exhausted, they collectively decided to take a rest near a wall, taking advantage of the presence of large boulders for comfortable seating.
"Do you even know where we are or if we are just going in circles" In a frustrated tone, Kenji questioned Agawa, seeking answers about their current whereabouts and expressing doubt about their direction.
"If you don't want to follow us you can go alone", watching Agawa met with aggression from Kenji, Hiroya also responded with a curt retort, suggesting that Kenji could choose to go his own way if he was dissatisfied with following their group.
"No one asked you, idiot!" retorted Daichi, his frustration evident in his voice.
"Are you looking for a fight?" Hiroya stood up, ready to confront him.
Agawa swiftly intervened, urging them to stop their bickering. "Enough! No, I don't know where we are. Sir William didn't provide us with a map. This is a middle-grade dungeon, and the upper levels are usually not dangerous for those who regularly explore such places. Experienced adventurers breeze through these floors without much trouble," Agawa explained, attempting to provide some context.
"Meaning we don't have a map?" Ayase questioned.
"That's correct," Agawa replied, his tone pensive.
"Well, it seems they didn't anticipate this situation," Kenji mocked.
"Enough of sitting around and talking. It won't change anything. Let's keep searching. I'm sure the entrance must be nearby. We just need to look harder," Ayase said as she got up and stretched, ready to continue their exploration.
Just as everyone had made their decision, a sweet voice interrupted them, saying, "How about you all continue searching, and when you find it, come fin-"
Before the person could finish their sentence, they learned their back against the wall, causing it to slide open, revealing a hidden door behind it.
"Keiii..." Everyone froze in shock, their eyes fixed on the newly revealed passage. The piercing scream of Daichi jolted them back into action, and they hurriedly rushed towards the wall to get a closer look at the secret door.
Just as they were contemplating their next move, the secret door slid open once again, revealing Kei as she stepped out. However, "What the… my clothes" Kei's reaction was far from expected as she screamed, not because of the door, but for an entirely different reason. Her three friends rushed to her side, holding her hands, and hugging her tightly, but their concern was also shifted to a different matter.
"Oh, Kei-Chan, you have dirt in your hair."
"And your makeup... Oh, let me fix that for you."
Everyone stood there, unsure of how to react to this unusual situation, until Ayase cleared his throat, diverting their attention to a more pressing issue.