"Oh ohhh—!"
A round of hearty applause broke out as everyone clapped and cheered with the perfect level of dramatic exaggeration.
"As expected of Lord Morningstar—the fastest level-up record holder in all of Orario! That magic of yours is seriously next-level!" Lyra exclaimed, her voice brimming with amazement.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves—I've only just started." Akira replied, feigning humility while striking a deliberately mysterious pose, his hands lifted as if conjuring another spell to match Lyra's energy.
Then, with a shift in tone, he lifted his chin high, nose practically in the air as he continued with exaggerated pride, "Just wait until we reach the deeper floors. I'll show you something even more spectacular."
"Alright, enough with the theatrics." Kaguya interrupted with mild irritation, cutting through his performance with a disapproving sigh.
This time, no one played along. They simply walked past Akira, casually stepping into the Wall of Sighs, chatting and laughing like usual. After all, they'd been journeying together long enough to know how to pamper him—once. Twice would be spoiling, and spoil Akira too much... and he'd just never stop.
Last week, the Guild had already entrusted the mission to defeat the floor boss Goliath to the powerful Ganesha Familia.
So now, the Wall of Sighs was calm and quiet, devoid of battle. The only sounds echoing through its hallways were those of girls laughing and bantering among themselves.
"Ugh... finally, the safe floor. If I had to run any farther, I think my poor delicate body would've fallen apart." Lyra groaned as she stretched, her limbs slack with exaggerated laziness.
Alise patted her belly with a lively grin, her eyes gleaming. "In that case, let's pick up the pace! This captain's stomach is rumbling with hunger."
"OOOH OH OH—!"
Morale surged at once. With Alise taking the lead, everyone followed behind her, spirits lifted by the promise of food.
Akira, however, remained momentarily still. His gaze was fixed on the towering Wall of Sighs before him.
As his level increased, so too did his senses. Every facet of his physical abilities had begun to subtly evolve—strengthening, sharpening.
He could now perceive things that had been invisible to him before. The mystical aura embedded within the wall, previously undetectable, was now vivid and distinct.
Beyond the stone wall, he could feel it—the slow, thunderous formation of a massive Goliath waiting patiently in its cocoon of rock, preparing to awaken.
Ais, noticing Akira still frozen in place, walked over to him. With that same vacant but endearing expression, she tugged lightly on his clothes and tilted her head.
"Akira, what's wrong? Did you sense something?"
Akira broke his gaze from the wall and smiled softly. He reached out and gently patted her head. "Nothing serious. Just… looking."
Some distance ahead, Kaguya, who had realized the two were lingering behind, paused. She turned, saw the two still standing there, and let out a quiet sigh.
She called out, "Hey! You two! Move it or no lunch for you!"
At the mention of lunch, Ais's expression lit up as if someone had flipped a switch. She instantly released Akira's shirt and took off running like an excited golden retriever.
After a few enthusiastic strides, she turned back over her shoulder and called out, "Akira, aren't you coming?"
"Yeah, yeah! Coming!"
With a final glance at the wall, Akira sprinted after them.
It was now 2 PM on the 18th floor—the first true safe zone within the dungeon.
This floor was like a hidden paradise. The vast forest around them seemed kissed by ancient magic. The air was cool and fresh, tinged with faint moisture. Every breeze that danced across their skin felt like the soft caress of a gentle hand, relaxing their nerves after hours of travel.
In the background, a spring gurgled softly, its waters singing as they flowed. The lake beside them shimmered like polished glass, so clear and calm it reflected the stones beneath it in vibrant colors.
Gathered beside that lake, Akira and the girls were finally enjoying a well-earned lunch. Their laughter rang out like bells, bright and cheerful, bringing life to the otherwise tranquil forest.
Dreamlike crystals dotted the landscape, scattered across the vibrant flora. Their irregular formations caught and scattered the ambient light, bathing the forest in a gentle, glowing blue hue.
The adventurers who defeated the monster rex and reached this hidden sanctuary were greeted with a serene atmosphere unmatched even by the world above.
Eventually, a settlement formed here. Over time, more adventurers reached the 18th floor and decided to build a base to aid in further expeditions.
But everything here came at a cost. Whether it was food, potions, or weapons, the prices were several times higher than on the surface. Still, for those desperate or daring enough, these steep costs were sometimes worth paying.
Even so, Akira's expedition team had no interest in the overpriced town ahead. Instead, they deliberately avoided it, choosing to rest within the peaceful forest, away from prying eyes.
Shortly after they entered the forest, a light descended upon the floor.
The ceiling above shimmered as the white-and-blue crystals intensified the light.
Within just ten minutes, the entire floor seemed to transform—brightening into something divine.
From the northern reaches of the floor came distant howls, as if even the monsters were praising the Dungeon's generosity.
As Akira accepted a steaming lunchbox from Kaguya, he spoke between mouthfuls, chewing thoughtfully.
"Why not rest in the town? Didn't we stash supplies there? Why stop in the forest instead?"
"Ah, that town?"
Lyra scrunched up her nose and answered with a look of disgust, "Some of the people there are plain rotten. Being underground and tied to shady interests… they only pretend to follow the rules on the surface. We've always suspected they're connected to Evilus."
Alise, after swallowing a bite, added with a grimace, "And their prices are criminal. Unless there's an emergency, we'd rather camp in the wild."
Kaguya nodded in agreement, then looked at Akira seriously. "And Akira—don't ever let your guard down just because this is a 'safe' floor. Especially not you… not as Astraea's child."
"Even though we all know your real strength far surpasses ours—"
"—Right now, the outside world only sees you as a Level 2 adventurer."
She locked eyes with him, her tone heavier now.
"That means you'll be watched not just by the gods of order… but by those in the dark as well. If they decide you're worth targeting, they won't hesitate."
"No matter where you are, or who you're with, you must always be vigilant."
(End of Chapter)
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