24th Floor: Entering the Dungeon
"Seiya!"
I deflected the incoming blade-like antlers of a monstrous deer, the Sword Stag, with the knife in my left hand. Taking advantage of the opening, I quickly maneuvered to its flank.
"Haah!"
With my right hand, I swung my Harpe, slicing cleanly through the monster's neck. It collapsed to the ground with a dull thud.
"Whoa, that was intense! My heart was racing the whole time!"
"Haha, sorry about that."
The temporary party, including Ais-san, advanced deeper into the dungeon, cutting down the ever-growing numbers of stronger monsters with each floor.
As expected, the layout of the 24th floor was vastly different from the upper and mid-floors we had traversed so far. The corridors and chambers were far more spacious, and the number of monsters we encountered increased accordingly.
Still, my companions dealt with them effortlessly.
"You've got good moves, though."
"Thank you. But I'm still far from everyone else's level."
"Well, I didn't fake my level for nothing. I may not be much, but Asfi and the others? They're more capable than they look."
"You say that, but you're quite skilled yourself, Lulune-san."
"And so are you."
Following Asfi-san's command to advance, we continued deeper into the dungeon.
Compared to everyone else, my skills seemed average at best. Earlier, I handled the Sword Stag to preserve Ais-san's strength for the upcoming monster swarm, but that was my only contribution so far. Asfi-san's dagger work, in particular, was exceptional, perhaps a level above the rest of us.
"You're watching Asfi, huh?"
Lulune's voice caught me off guard, but her question wasn't directed at me, it was meant for Ais-san.
"...Lulune-san, what level is Asfi-san?"
"Just call me Lulune. We're not that far apart in age, right? Asfi's Level 4."
Lulune answered Ais-san's question casually. Well, I guess that much information is fine.
"What's your Familia's deepest floor reached?"
"The 37th floor. The monsters are ridiculously strong, so we haven't gone too deep."
Someday, I want to join an expedition to set a new record for the deepest floor reached… but that's still a distant dream.
"You've gone that deep without other adventurers finding out?"
Oh no, this could get dangerous.
"Well, our, "
"That's a trade secret!"
I raised my voice, drowning out Lulune's words. Any further would truly be risky.
"Lulune-san, your mouth is far too loose."
"She's right." Asfi-san chimed in, narrowing her eyes at Lulune. The others nodded in agreement.
"S-Sorry, Asfi. And, thanks, Toki."
"Honestly…"
"No problem."
After the exchange, Asfi-san approached Ais-san.
"Sword Princess, I'd like your honest opinion. What do you think about this mission?"
"...What do you mean?"
"I'm aware of the circumstances behind the Riveria raid, thanks to Toki and Lulune's intel. The mysterious black-robed figure with their obsession over that strange gem... Do you believe this incident is equally dangerous?"
Ais-san paused, seeming to ponder the question, before nodding. Her response caused Asfi-san to exhale, barely suppressing a sigh.
"We've really gotten ourselves tangled in a troublesome affair…"
"Asfi-san, here's some herbal tea."
"Thank you for the thought. I'll gladly take it."
"Lulune-san, here's some for you too."
"Oh, uh, thanks."
"Ais-san, would you like some as well?"
"...I'll have some."
I handed out tea to everyone. From this floor, and indeed, the middle floors as a whole, there was little I could contribute. I wasn't strong enough to participate fully in the party's combat coordination. Most of the time, I just watched battles unfold alongside Ais-san and Neri-san.
At best, I could distribute healing potions or, like now, lighten the mood by serving tea. Times like these made me grateful for the storage capacity my skill afforded me.
"It's incredible here. It really feels like we're inside a giant tree."
"Oh yeah, Toki, this is your first time this deep, isn't it?"
"Yes."
…..
The Large Tree Labryinth
On the 18th floor, a safety zone known as the Safe Point houses a massive central tree. From its roots, adventurers can delve into the 19th to 24th floors, collectively referred to as the Large Tree Labryinth. These floors are peculiar, as if one has ventured inside the hollow of a colossal tree. Every surface, walls, ceilings, floors, carries the illusion of being part of a living forest. Bioluminescent moss provides a soft, blue light, illuminating vividly colored leaves, enormous mushrooms, and silver-droplet-adorned flowers, creating an ethereal, dreamlike atmosphere.
However, the monsters here are far more troublesome than those on the upper floors. By the time adventurers reach the 24th floor, only the strongest Level 2 adventurers and tightly coordinated parties can survive the challenges.
...Which raises the question: why am I even here?
"Uh, Asfi-san?"
"You're here because we need you. Your presence significantly reduces the burden on me and everyone else."
The others nodded firmly in agreement. Someone, please, argue against this!
"Well, Toki, Asfi said she'd give up being captain if you hit Level 4. Isn't that right?"
"Wait, what?!"
"It's true. With your talents, you'd manage the Familia far better than I ever could. I've already prepared the handover documents. So please, hurry up and get stronger."
"Wait, what?!"
-------
Toki has acquired the title: Next Captain.
-------
For a while, I tried to convince Asfi-san to reconsider, but she was adamant. With the others supporting her, there was no way to overturn the decision. Well, at least I have time! I'll use it to change her mind!
"Oh, a White Leaf tree! Asfi, should we collect some?"
"Don't. Venturing out to gather it will only get us surrounded by monsters. Don't waste energy before the mission."
"But it's in high demand at every shop right now. It'd sell for a fortune… such a waste."
Lulune-san's tail swayed wistfully as she glanced toward a room ahead where the white-leafed tree grew.
Now that I think about it, both Mercurius-sama and Airmid-san from the Dian Cecht Familia mentioned that supplies were running low... Could I reach it from here?
I extended my shadow toward the tree. Unless it was one of those carnivorous flowers, monsters shouldn't react to magic. I severed a single branch and stored it in my shadow. Perfect.
"Toki, what are you doing? Hurry up!"
"Y-yes!"
I realized I had strayed from the group and rushed to rejoin them. Staying with a party was harder than I thought, I'd need to work on that.
….
A little later, we came across a tree adorned with beautiful red and blue gem-like fruits. The sight stirred excitement in the party.
"Lulune-san, what's that tree?"
"It's called a Treasure Tree. Rarely seen! Ugh, if only this weren't such a bad time, I'd be harvesting it!"
"Let's keep moving forward… No, wait." Asfi-san said, stopping in her tracks. Then, she turned to me.
"Toki, can you reach that tree?"
"Uh… probably?"
"Your quota is ten fruits. Get to it."
"...Yes, ma'am."
For some reason, Asfi-san's tone always softened but became more commanding when addressing me. Well, I'd do it anyway.
"Ais-san, could you keep an eye on that dragon over there?"
"...Shall I take it down?"
"No, that won't be necessary."
I stretched my shadow toward the tree while keeping an eye on the dragon, a Green Dragon, as I later learned. Carefully avoiding detection, I retrieved the fruits and quickly returned.
"Man, that was nerve-wracking."
"Great work!"
"Well done!"
"Awesome!"
"Good job!"
"Excellent." Asfi-san added.
With that small episode behind us, we pressed onward.
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Note: Inspired by Sword Oratoria Vol. 3. It might even work as a stopping point, but that's a lie! Toki's difficulty with teamwork isn't about his strength; it's just that he's not used to working in a party. He's a bit nervous being surrounded by experienced seniors.
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