"Finn's Decision"
The flames filled the entrance to the 51st floor, lasting seven seconds before dissipating.
Drake's magic sword, Dragon's Roar, shattered.
Dragon's Roar, forged with Drake and Fal's magic, successfully inscribed the magic rune of the Fire Dragon's Roar. It was a testament to Drake's fusion of magical knowledge from two worlds.
Dragon's Roar unleashed approximately 80% of the power of Drake's full-powered Fire Dragon's Roar, instantly wiping out the worms emerging from the hole.
Unfortunately, due to Drake's still-developing magic sword forging skills, Dragon's Roar I could only be used once.
Finn and the Loki Familia members approached. "That was your magic sword? Incredible power!"
Drake held the broken sword hilt. "Unfortunately, Dragon's Roar is a single-use item."
Finn said, "A single use is enough! But you used your magic sword; what happened?"
Raul stepped forward. "Captain Finn, it's like this…"
Listening to Raul's account, Finn frowned.
New species monsters whose blood corroded equipment—Finn hadn't seen such a thing in the Guild's records!
Seeing Raul's shaken state, Finn had to believe something unexpected had occurred.
However, unexpected events in the unexplored deep levels weren't surprising; Finn was prepared.
Finn looked intently at Drake. He hadn't forgotten that Drake had sensed the anomaly before the monsters appeared, proving Drake was even more mysterious than he'd imagined.
Riveria spoke, "What do we do next? Continuing deeper could lead to insurmountable dangers!"
Finn glanced back; because Drake had eliminated all the worm monsters, most of the Loki Familia hadn't realized the danger of the new species.
But he knew better; as the captain, responsible for his members' safety, and the persistent ache in his thumb, warned him of the dangers of continuing.
The appearance of a new species was cause for caution.
Licking his thumb, Finn said, "Indeed, we can't recklessly proceed. But a retreat is also unacceptable.
Our expedition's purpose is to explore the unknown floors and gather information about the Dungeon. Therefore, I've decided: the main force will remain on the fiftieth floor; I'll lead an elite squad deeper.
Riveria, Gareth, Ais, Bete, Tione, Tiona—I'm counting on you!
Riveria, please check food and water supplies. Gareth, gather the Familia's reserve weapons; we might encounter more equipment-corroding monsters."
Finn approached Drake. "Drake, do you have any more magic swords?"
Drake revealed his cloak; Finn saw the storage compartments inside, neatly holding four magic swords.
Drake smiled. "I understand; adventurers should prepare three sets of equipment: active, reserve, and emergency reserve. Considering magic swords are consumables, I brought all five completed Dragon's Roars.
I only had time to forge this many before we left."
Finn was speechless; he hadn't expected Drake to be so… prepared.
The sight of the four magic swords eased even the pain in his thumb.
He'd seen the power of Dragon's Roar; with these four swords, they could safely retreat even if they encountered difficulties.
Drake's goal was to highlight his "magic swordsmith" persona, and he'd succeeded.
Finn cleared his throat. "In that case, Drake, are you interested in joining us below?
Of course, including the magic sword you used earlier, if we need your support again, we'll provide adequate compensation."
Even if Finn hadn't offered, Drake intended to find a way to join the squad. Since Finn had, Drake wouldn't refuse.
"If I can be of assistance, I'll gladly help. I'll go prepare."
Finn nodded. "We also need to organize our supplies; see you soon."
After Drake left, Riveria approached Finn. "Normally, we'd just buy the magic swords. Why bring that Hephaestus Familia youth?
And Ais's attitude towards him is odd. Are you hiding something from us?"
Finn's suspicions about Drake were based on his deductions; he hadn't told anyone besides Loki and Ais, who'd noticed Drake's unusual abilities.
Finn smiled mysteriously. "That youth is quite interesting; perhaps you'll have the chance to see for yourself."
Riveria was puzzled, but she had work to do and didn't press further.
The elite squad quickly regrouped and advanced to the fifty-first floor.
Upon entering, they saw the true extent of Drake's magic sword's power; many areas of the cave were vitrified by intense heat.
They wondered if the Dungeon's self-repair capabilities could handle such damage.
Reaching the far end of the cave, they saw the charred remains and the fifty-first floor.
Finn raised his hand. "Wait!"
Everyone stopped, following Finn's gaze.
Near the entrance was a worm monster with half its body burned away. Perhaps it was lucky enough to be in a relatively safe location when Drake activated the magic sword, allowing it to survive.
Even so, more than half its body was gone; if it hadn't avoided the magic stone, it would have been completely destroyed.
Finn drew a short sword and approached, stabbing it into the still-moving worm.
Purple blood flowed; the short sword was completely corroded within seconds.
"As expected!"
Witnessing this, Finn accurately understood the new species monster's danger.
Though Finn's sword was corroded, it drained the worm's remaining life force.
The worm exploded into black mist, dropping a murky green magic stone.
Finn picked up the magic stone, examined it carefully, and put it away.
"Let's continue."
Though Finn remained outwardly calm, Drake noticed Finn licking his thumb more frequently.
However, Drake was more focused on the monsters constantly appearing.
Even the most common monsters in the deep levels were estimated to be Level 5, but thankfully, the Loki Familia's elite members were capable, smoothly advancing to the 52nd floor.
From here, the deep levels' structure became distorted. This area, up to the 58th floor, was known as the "Dragon's Pot"!
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