"Return and Encounter" Everyone gathered; the area had been recently cleared by Fal, so no more monsters were expected. Finn looked at Drake
"Return and Encounter"
Everyone gathered; the area had been recently cleared by Fal, so no more monsters were expected.
Finn looked at Drake. "So, Drake, you've made a pact with a sprite, just like the heroes in the stories."
Drake stroked his chin. "While there are differences, you could say that."
Finn continued, "So, your ability to sense those new species monsters is due to the sprite?"
Drake nodded. "Those new species monsters possess a similar power to sprites, but they've been completely corrupted. The source is likely a sprite who's become a monster."
Finn licked his thumb, his expression bitter. "This is getting more troublesome! A sprite, a fragment of a god, has fallen; what secrets are hidden here?"
Drake added, "Fal sensed an exceptionally powerful presence on the fifty-ninth floor; it's either the Fallen Sprite itself or another fragment."
Riveria looked at Ais with concern. "Finn, you decide! Do we continue deeper?"
Finn shook his head. "No, confronting that powerful being in our current state is too dangerous.
As Drake said, it's no longer a sprite that aids heroes in their achievements; it's a corrupted monster.
We can't hope for negotiation; we must prepare for battle."
Everyone fell silent; even Ais, eager to reach the fifty-ninth floor, didn't speak.
Though Drake had provided timely support, Bete and the Amazonian sisters retained only some of their fighting strength; they couldn't engage in high-intensity combat.
Finn, Riveria, Gareth, and Ais were in better condition, but their supplies—food and especially potions—were almost depleted.
Three of the four Omni-Potions were used; encountering a strong enemy would be dangerous.
Finn sighed. "Though I'm reluctant, this expedition ends here. Let's return to the fiftieth floor and rejoin the main force."
No one objected; everyone began packing to return.
Unfortunately, the Cannon Dragon's crater had already been repaired; otherwise, Fal could have carried them back to the fifty-fourth floor.
However, this was also good; it allowed Drake to experience a normal deep-level adventure.
The Fallen Sprite had lost the White-Haired Ghost, the giant plant, numerous carnivorous plants, and worms. The Dungeon, having lost a wave of monsters, needed to repair the Cannon Dragon's damage; neither side could act immediately.
The group returned to the fiftieth floor without encountering many monsters.
The camp was also fine; the squad began their ascent to the surface.
Soon, the main force reached the middle levels, encountering a swarm of Minotaurs.
Drake was speechless at this seemingly fated event.
In the original story, the Loki Familia returned from the fiftieth floor due to the equipment-corroding worms.
Thanks to Drake, the Loki Familia's actions changed; they spent three or four more days in the deep levels than in the original story.
Yet, it still triggered a Minotaur surge.
In the original story, this surge put Bell in mortal danger, rescued by Ais, and he awakened the skill "One Heart's Longing."
This surge was inexplicable; this number of Minotaurs constituted a monster feast, likely triggered by the Dungeon.
However, for the Loki Familia's expedition team, this was nothing.
Why did the Dungeon create this fruitless anomaly?
Besides Bell's protagonist aura, Drake couldn't think of a reasonable explanation.
Several Minotaurs escaped towards the upper levels.
As Dungeon-born creatures, the monsters inherited the Dungeon's malice towards adventurers; their relationship was one of unending conflict.
Even experienced adventurers like Finn hadn't anticipated their escape.
The Loki Familia immediately pursued the Minotaurs. These Level 2 monsters were death itself to upper-level adventurers; none could be allowed to escape.
Watching Ais and Bete, Drake couldn't understand how these slow Minotaurs managed to reach the seventh floor.
Drake wasn't interested in something unrelated to him; he returned to the surface with the main force.
It was noon when they left the Babel Tower.
The Loki Familia returned to the Twilight Manor, and the blacksmiths returned to their workshops with their spoils.
Drake, having contributed significantly, received a large share.
Drake exchanged his share for materials and ores. As he prepared to leave, Finn approached. "We're holding a celebratory banquet at the Hostess of Fertility tonight; join us, Drake!"
Drake nodded. "I wouldn't miss it; see you tonight!"
After setting a time, Drake returned to his workshop. As he organized his spoils, a knock came at the door.
Drake wondered who would visit so soon; it wasn't Tsubaki; she wouldn't knock politely.
Opening the door, he found Hephaestus.
"Goddess, why are you here?"
Hephaestus entered Drake's workshop. "Zard reported on the expedition! Tell me, how much did you reveal to the Loki Familia?"
Hephaestus had anticipated this when discussing the Dark Faction with Loki, but Zard's report revealed the Loki Familia's intense interest in Drake.
The Hero and the Sword Princess's attitudes were unusual; Drake was even included in the squad that ventured to the fifty-second floor.
Drake said, "I couldn't help it; Finn is too perceptive; I don't know what he discovered. But I only showed him the magic sword and Fal; nothing more has been revealed."
Hephaestus rubbed her forehead. "It's fortunate it's the Loki Familia; we don't need to worry about trouble for now! But since you've revealed something, be prepared! Things might get troublesome."
Drake nodded. "I understand; thank you for your concern. I'll handle it; a little trouble won't defeat me!"
Hephaestus smiled. "You're reliable!"
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