After changing into their newly bought outfits, Akiyama Ren and Maki Zen'in made their way to the Dungeon.
The monsters lurking on the uppermost levels were relatively weak, and for someone like Maki with her Heavenly Restriction and the Magic Ren had taught her, dispatching them was a breeze. Her raw physical prowess, enhanced by new combat techniques, placed her easily at the level of a third-tier adventurer in Orario—around Level 3.
Adventurers at that strength could confidently traverse the Middle Floors.
The Dungeon itself was divided into several tiers: Upper Floors (1-12), Middle Floors (13-24), Lower Floors (25-36), and Deep Floors (37+). Each section represented a dramatic leap in difficulty and danger.
While the monsters on the 1st and 12th floors were all categorized as Level 1 threats, the ones deeper in had refined their strength—those on the 12th floor were peak Level 1, comparable to adventurers with A or S-ranked stats. Once you stepped into the Middle Floors, you were dealing with Level 2 and above.
The Lower Floors introduced Level 3-level threats, and the Deep Floors? That was where real monsters awaited—beings at Level 4 and higher, often with unique abilities and monstrous power.
Aside from the monsters themselves, adventurers had to be wary of the Dungeon's own will. Yes, the Dungeon was alive. It could sense an adventurer's exhaustion and injuries, spawning monsters directly beside them at the worst moments. This was known as an "Abnormal Monster Outbreak," and it was deadly.
Even worse were the adventurers themselves. Trust wasn't a given in the Dungeon. Many practiced the vile act of "Monster Baiting," intentionally luring hordes toward others to cover their own retreat. It was why party play was essential for deeper dives. Solo adventuring was a dangerous game.
As Maki cut through waves of enemies with her greatsword, Akiyama Ren followed behind her, calmly collecting the dropped Magic Stones and storing them in his System space.
These Magic Stones held refined mana, which the Dungeon World couldn't use for leveling—but the God-Slayer World's methods could.
Meanwhile, Maki seemed to be having fun. She was fascinated by each new monster, injuring them slightly to observe their behaviors and traits before finishing them off.
Their progress was swift. Before long, they reached the 17th Floor—the home of the first Floor Boss.
"This is the 17th Floor," Ren noted, stepping into a vast rock cavern. "This is where we meet the Dungeon's first Floor Master."
The walls here were different—no longer black but a pale gray. The oppressive air was heavier.
When they approached the Wall of Sighs, the surface began to tremble. Cracks spread like lightning bolts across the stone, and then—BOOM! Massive slabs of rock fell away, revealing a hulking figure over seven meters tall.
The Dungeon's first Floor Boss: Goliath!
Officially rated by the Guild as a Level 4 monster, Goliath was a true titan of destruction. But unlike regular Level 4 monsters, Floor Masters were in a league of their own. With their colossal bodies and bizarre abilities, they could take on entire parties solo.
Maki Zen'in's breath caught in her throat.
This pressure… this suffocating aura—it was like facing a Special Grade Curse Spirit back in her world. The same raw, overwhelming terror.
But instead of fear, her expression shifted. She was excited.
She'd failed to take down Yasaka-shakusama, that Imaginary Special Grade Curse Spirit. But this time, she would win. She had to win!
Meanwhile, Ren leaned against a protruding boulder, summoned a bag of potato chips from his System space, and opened them with a crinkle.
"If you can't beat him, I'll step in," he said casually, popping a chip into his mouth.
Maki glanced back, eyes burning with determination. "Hmph! Just you watch, Ren-kun. I'll handle this one myself."
"Then I'll be cheering you on from the front row," Ren chuckled.
Drawing her indestructible greatsword, Maki Zen'in pointed the massive blade at the towering Goliath. "Let's dance, big guy."
Goliath, who'd been silently observing the two, suddenly roared. The entire cavern shook from the force.
He opened his maw and released a blinding pulse of energy—an air cannon-like blast.
Maki's eyes widened, and she leapt aside just in time, her boots skidding against the rocky floor.
Maki's expression shifted the moment Goliath roared again. She moved like lightning, her body weaving through the air as a barrage of air cannons shattered the ground around her. Rubble flew in every direction, and the shockwaves from the bombardment nearly knocked her off her feet.
"Tch, you think you're the only one who can spam ranged attacks, huh? Baka monster!" Maki muttered in annoyance, leaping across a fallen boulder.
Gathering the magic Ren had taught her, she channeled it into the greatsword blessed with the Indestructible property. A surge of crimson energy crackled along the blade as she slashed.
A powerful red shockwave burst forth, cleaving through Goliath's air cannon and slamming directly into his chest. A gaping wound tore open on the monster's torso, blood and ichor spraying across the battlefield.
But before Maki could even smirk, she watched in disbelief as the wound rapidly began to close. The monstrous flesh wriggled unnaturally, mending at an insane pace.
"Oh come on! This guy's regen is on par with a Special Grade Curse Spirit! Seriously?!" Maki shouted, her brows furrowed.
But she didn't falter.
"Alright, time to use my trump card!" she whispered.
She chanted divine incantations Ren had passed to her from his travels through other worlds—words imbued with ancient power—and activated the Invisibility Magic.
Her form shimmered, then disappeared completely.
Goliath halted in confusion, snorting in irritation as it scanned for the vanished human. With no visible opponent, its gaze slowly turned toward Ren, who was still seated casually atop a boulder, munching on chips.
"Oi, oi. Don't look at me. I'm just the audience," Akiyama Ren said, waving nonchalantly.
He snapped his fingers, and a shimmering blue barrier materialized in the air—an isolation field formed by divine authority.
"I made a little cage for you two. Work it out in there," he said, chuckling.
Hidden in the shadows of the wall, Maki twitched at the corner of her mouth. "This guy... locking me in with a monster like this? Hmph. Tonight, he's paying for it."
With silent steps, she positioned herself directly behind Goliath.
She kicked off the wall with explosive force, launching into the air like a missile.
Gripping her sword with both hands, she descended, the wind howling around her.
The blade stabbed clean through the back of Goliath's neck, severing muscle and bone with ease.
"Gahhhhhh!" the beast bellowed, flailing wildly. But he wasn't dead yet.
His massive hands reached up toward his neck, grasping for her.
Anticipating the counterattack, Maki leapt down to the giant's leg, slashing through the Achilles tendon with brutal precision.
The tendons snapped with a sickening crack, and Goliath lost balance, collapsing with a deafening boom that shook the cavern.
"Now!" Maki shouted.
She drew on the inner magic Ren had helped her unlock.
Twenty percent of her reserves flooded into her body, amplifying her strength.
The remaining eighty percent split evenly: half fueling Destruction Magic, the other half Calamity Purification.
The Indestructible Greatsword glowed fiercely, a crimson and violet aura swirling around it like twin dragons.
With a fierce battle cry, Maki brought the blade down in a vertical slash across Goliath's torso.
The blade carved through him like butter, bisecting the creature with terrifying force. The massive purple magic stone within its chest glowed ominously.
Without hesitation, Maki drove her sword into the exposed crystal.
A sharp shattering sound echoed through the cave as the defensive barrier around the magic stone fractured and shattered.
Goliath's entire body froze, then began to disintegrate into ash and light.
All that remained was the massive purple crystal, now inert.
The barrier faded, and Akiyama Ren descended from his perch, still munching on chips.
He clapped slowly. "Not bad. I honestly thought I'd have to step in. But you handled it, Maki-san. Impressive."
Maki wiped sweat from her brow but flashed a triumphant smile. "He was big, but too slow. Much easier to handle than Yasakashakusama."
Ren nodded. "Killing a Floor Boss as a Level 1? Your status values are going to skyrocket. You'll probably break records."
At the mention of growth, Maki's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"Then let's keep going!"
Ren picked up the magic stone and stored it. "Let's head to the 18th floor—it's a safe zone. We can rest up before deciding the next move."
The two descended the staircase to the 18th floor. As they stepped into the new zone, their eyes widened.
Gone was the gloomy atmosphere of the Dungeon. Instead, they were greeted by the sight of wide meadows, shimmering streams, and gentle hills. Sunlight bathed everything in golden light.
"This... is still inside the Dungeon?!" Maki gasped, stepping into the lush grass.
Because the scenery on this floor was too beautiful—like a pristine, untouched forest from a fantasy world—it made one wonder if they were still inside a dungeon at all.
There was even gentle sunlight filtering through the trees.
"Wait... sunlight underground?" Maki Zen'in blinked in confusion.
She looked up and spotted a massive crystal embedded into the cavern ceiling, radiating golden light just like the sun.
"Sugoi...!" Maki Zen'in gasped, eyes sparkling in awe.
"Heh, welcome to the magic of the Dungeon," Akiyama Ren—still going by the alias Li An in this world—said with a soft smile. "Let's find a spot to rest, Maki-chan."
"Un!" she nodded, her spirits lifted by the picturesque view.
The two ventured deeper into the floor, walking past soft grass and blooming wildflowers, until they found a crystal-clear stream flowing gently between the trees. It was the perfect resting spot.
From his System space, Ren pulled out a lightweight tent, folding chairs, and a portable grill. Smokeless charcoal, neatly packed ingredients, and seasonings followed.
Watching this unfold, Maki giggled. "This feels more like a romantic camping trip than adventuring in the Dungeon."
"Well, it is a Dungeon, but I'd say this beats any campsite back in Tokyo," Ren replied with a grin.
"True, but still... it feels a bit too quiet. I mean, wouldn't it be more fun with more people around?" Maki asked as she began rinsing vegetables in the stream.
Ren raised a brow. "What, are you suggesting I invite Utahime, Suzuka, Miko-chan, and the others?"
"No way!" Maki shot back, puffing out her cheeks. "I know they'll eventually become part of our Familia, and one day they'll come here to train too. But for now, let me be selfish, okay? Just this once... let it be only us."
Her voice softened as she spoke, her eyes flickering with sincerity.
Ren didn't reply with words. Instead, he stepped forward and gently pulled her into his arms.
Maki closed her eyes and leaned into his embrace, resting her cheek against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
They stayed like that for a while, quietly enjoying each other's presence. Afterward, the two went back to preparing their meal together.
They grilled skewers, roasted meat, and even made a pot of miso soup over the fire. The laughter they shared over minor cooking mishaps and taste-testing each other's creations made Maki feel truly alive.
It was the happiest she had been since childhood.
She wasn't just surviving anymore—she was thriving. Training, learning magic, exploring other worlds, and being with the person she loved... it was like living inside an RPG she never wanted to quit.
After they'd eaten their fill and cleaned up, the two lay side by side inside the tent.
They chatted about everything and nothing, until eventually Maki's hands began to wander, poking and prodding playfully at Ren.
"Oi, weren't you the one who said you were tired?" Ren asked, arching a brow.
"I am tired, baka! But I still want to be with you like this," Maki said, grinning mischievously.
Ren sighed. "You're too much sometimes..."
But he gave in, unable to resist her.
Ren reached up, his fingers tangling in Maki's hair as he pulled her closer, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. She melted into his embrace, her body pressing against his as they continued to kiss, their passion building with each passing moment.
Ren guided her onto her back, his body covering hers as he began to explore her, his hands roaming over her curves. Maki gasped, arching into his touch as he teased and tortured her, his fingers finding all the right spots to make her squirm.
He reached down, his fingers slipping beneath the waistband of her pants and pushing inside, making her moan loudly. Ren grinned, his voice filled with desire as he murmured, "I love it when you make those noises, Maki."
Maki bit her lip, her eyes fluttering closed as she felt the pleasure building inside her. Ren continued to tease her, his fingers moving in and out, drawing out her pleasure until she was writhing and begging for release.
Suddenly, he stopped, his fingers leaving her body, making her gasp in frustration. Ren smirked, his voice filled with mischief as he said, "Not so fast, Maki. I want to hear you beg."
Maki's eyes widened in surprise, her cheeks flushing pink at his words. She hesitated for a moment, but ultimately gave in to his demand, her voice filled with desire as she whispered, "Please, Ren. Please touch me. Make me come."
Ren groaned, his body responding eagerly to her words. He reached down, guiding his hardness to her entrance, pushing inside in one smooth motion. Maki gasped, her body stretching to accommodate him as he began to move, his pace slow and steady.
He reached up, his fingers finding her wrists and pinning them above her head, making her gasp in surprise. Ren leaned down, his lips capturing hers in a searing kiss as he continued to thrust into her, his pace quickening as he felt her body tense, ready to tumble over the edge.
Maki cried out, her body convulsing as her orgasm tore through her like a storm. Ren groaned, feeling her inner muscles clench and release around him, milking his own release from his body. He spilled himself inside her, his body shuddering as he rode out the waves of pleasure coursing through him.
They collapsed onto the bed, their bodies slick with sweat as they gasped for breath. Ren reached up, gently untying her wrists and pulling her close, his arms wrapping around her as they came down from their high together.
"That... that was awesome," Maki panted, her voice filled with awe as she looked up at him with shining eyes.
Ren smiled, his thumb brushing away a stray tear from her cheek. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Maki. But it's not over yet.."
He reached down, his fingers finding rope-ties for her wrists, this time binding them together tightly. Maki gasped, her eyes widening in surprise as she felt the soft restraint.
"What... what are you doing, Ren?" she asked, her voice filled with nerves.
Ren smirked, his voice filled with mischief as he said, "Just adding a little variation to our lovemaking, Maki. Don't worry, I'll always be here to guide you."
Maki bit her lip, her body tingling with anticipation as she looked up at him with shining eyes. "I trust you, Ren. " she whispered, her voice filled with determination.
Ren leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a searing kiss as he murmured, "Good girl. Now, let's see how many times I can make you come tonight."
Maki gasped, her body responding eagerly to his words. Ren reached down, his fingers finding her clit and circling it in tight, steady motions. Maki moaned, her hips bucking involuntarily as she chased the sensation of pleasure coursing through her veins.
Ren continued to tease her, his pace quickening as he felt her body tense, ready to tumble over the edge. Just as she was about to come, he stopped, his fingers leaving her body, making her gasp in frustration.
"Ren... please... don't stop..." she begged, her voice filled with desperation.
Ren smirked, his voice filled with mischief as he said, "All in good time, Maki. We have all night."
He reached down, his fingers finding the hem of her shirt and pulling it up, revealing her bare breasts to his hungry gaze. He leaned down, his lips capturing one rosy peak in his mouth, sucking and teasing until she was writhing beneath him.
Ren switched his attention to her other breast, giving it the same treatment until she was a writhing mess of nerves and desire. He reached down, his thumb finding her clit and rubbing it in tight, steady motions as he felt her body tense, ready to tumble over the edge.
"Come for me, Maki. Let me feel you come undone on my fingers," he growled, his voice low and filled with desire.
With a final cry, Maki's body convulsed as her orgasm crashed over her like a tidal wave.
After a few passionate hours in the tent, they packed everything up and made their way back toward the upper floors. There was no need to dive any deeper—defeating the floor boss for today was already a massive victory.
Back in their small wooden house in Orario, Ren had Maki lie on the bed as he updated her Blessing.
....