Several minutes had passed since we fell down the vertical shaft. Bell supported me by the shoulder as we moved through the dimly lit dungeon.
Fortunately, there were no signs of monsters nearby. But after our recent retreat, everyone was exhausted, and if we were attacked now, the chances of total annihilation were high.
Meanwhile, I pulled out paper and a magic pen, one of my magical items, from the shadows and began mapping the dungeon using my tentacles.
"Really, Toki, you can do everything, huh..."
"That's because Hermes-sama loves traveling. He often took me to all kinds of strange ruins."
I was trying to create an efficient map to find the best route upwards.
But while mapping, a troubling thought crossed my mind. I tried desperately to deny it, comparing the map to my memories of the 14th floor from before the expedition, trying to pinpoint exactly where we were.
Then, once again, we hit a dead end.
We were completely lost, the worst possible situation in a dungeon.
I looked at everyone's faces. Each time we reached a dead end, their expressions darkened further.
"Let's calm down for a moment."
Lili took a deep breath and suggested it. I followed her lead and breathed in deeply. It wasn't exactly fresh air, but it helped clear my head somewhat.
We sat down in a circle at the dead end. From here on, I'd take charge.
"First, let's check our healing items. How many does everyone have left?"
"Lili has four healing potions and two antidotes."
"I don't have anything left."
"I still have a few healing potions in my leg holster. What about you, Toki?"
"I've got four healing potions, three antidotes, three magic potions to restore spirit, and three high-grade magic potions for advanced spirit recovery."
Everyone was speechless at that. To prove it, I pulled the actual items out from my shadow.
"Wait, what's this?"
Bell held up a small bottle filled with pale liquid.
"Oh, that's a homemade healing potion I brewed for fun. It's only about thirty percent as effective as a commercial healing potion."
Alchemy Level 1
Can create imitation healing potions, but their effect is weak.
"Next, weapons. All my weapons are intact. I've got thirteen throwing knives left."
"Lili's crossbow is safe, though her bolts are running low."
"My greatsword is fine. Bell... you lost your greatsword and buckler, right?"
"Y-Yeah."
Their faces were grim, probably because we were trapped. If monsters appeared now, there'd be no escape.
I used a short knife's sheath to splint my injured leg. It should help a bit.
"But at least the knives are fine."
"And the Salamander Wool is still good, too."
"Alright. Lili, take only what you need from your backpack and put it in this smaller bag."
I pulled out a backpack about twice as small as hers, the one I used before I met her.
Lili set down her backpack and began sorting items.
"Listen while you work, Lili. We still have some weapons and items, but no energy for a fight. Our plan is basically to run away. Agreed?"
All three nodded firmly. Then I spoke about what I'd been thinking for a while.
"Everyone, listen carefully. I think we're on the 15th floor."
Bell and Welf were stunned. Lili's expression said, I thought so.
"You knew, Lili?"
"Yes. Based on the time we fell, the characteristics of the floor, the width of the corridors, the light sources, and the complexity of the labyrinth. What about you, Toki?"
"I... came here once with some seniors from the Familia."
My confused mind struggled to recall, but I finally accepted the truth.
"We have two choices. One, search for stairs leading upward. Or... descend to the 18th floor."
Bell and Welf fell silent again at the suggestion.
"The 18th floor is one of the few floors where monsters don't spawn. It's relatively safe, for now."
"W-wait, we don't even know if we'll make it out alive from this floor, let alone go deeper..."
"We can use the vertical shafts. There are countless shafts in the middle floors, and using them is more efficient than searching for the single stairway upward."
"What about the floor boss? That's on the 17th floor, right? The huge monster?"
"Two weeks ago, the Loki Familia set out on an expedition. I heard from senior Familia members that Goliath, the floor boss, appears just before the passage leading to the 18th floor. Whenever Goliath shows up, Loki Familia always takes him down."
I took a deep breath.
"The interval between Goliath's appearances is about two weeks. We should still have time to make it."
"Are you serious...?"
Welf groaned, doubt written all over his face.
"Still, with my leg like this, I'll only slow you down. So the final decision is yours, Bell."
Bell suddenly broke out in a sweat.
"W-wait, isn't Toki the leader of this party?"
"What are you talking about? This party came together around Bell, you're the center."
"Me, the center?"
"Lili wouldn't be here if you hadn't saved her. Welf is here because he contracted with you. I wouldn't even be here if I hadn't met you."
"Bell-sama, I entrust everything to you."
"Me too. No matter what you decide, I won't blame you."
Bell's face turned even paler. You could almost hear his heartbeat from here.
"It's going to be okay."
That's why I said it, as his friend.
"No matter what path we take, I'll cover you with everything I've got. Lili and Welf will, too."
Both of them nodded.
Seeing that, Bell's expression tightened, and his lips moved slowly.
"Let's move forward."
𓂀═════════════𓂀
Next up: The gods' side. How will Hermes and the others act? Stay tuned.
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