Rhode weighed the huge backpack on his back, feeling that if it were full, his previous body from his past life probably couldn't handle it.
"I can help Master carry it too~"
Silent Suzuka's relaxed voice came from his mind.
She had specifically drunk a bottle of Hagemi before departing and was now feeling full of energy!
In the state of mind-body unity, Rhode would load the Uma Musume's ridiculous stamina, and if his mind got tired, he could switch.
However, if he truly treated them as mere laborers, it might cause ethical issues.
"It's okay, Master, please rely on me as much as you want!"
"Although it's not on the racetrack, being able to participate in an adventure hero's tale like in a light novel is a unique and wonderful experience even among Uma Musume!"
Rhode shook his head with a wry smile.
The cheerful Silent Suzuka dispelled Rhode's concerns.
This quiet Uma Musume was now constantly urging Rhode to move forward in his mind; it seemed she was indeed looking forward to the adventure.
After registering Rhode as an adventurer, the group arrived at the first underground floor of Babel.
In the hall leading to the Dungeon, there was a single entrance to the underground labyrinth in the center of the floor.
A ten-meter-diameter hole gaped open.
Long, thick pillars were arranged at fixed intervals in the circular hall, and the ceiling murals reminded Rhode of Western artworks from the Renaissance period in his past life.
This was the boundary separating the underground labyrinth from the surface, where countless adventurers entered and exited day and night.
Their configuration of six women and one man was particularly eye-catching, and Rhode, surrounded by the girls, endured countless adventurers' envy, jealousy, and hatred.
Many well-informed individuals also guessed Rhode's identity.
The reason these people did not rashly approach and disturb them was precisely the terrifyingly unapproachable aura emanating from the Elf in the team.
The clean-freak Elf was using her sharp gaze to deter anyone attempting to approach!
Not far away, in the shadows beneath a pillar, a cloaked man carefully confirmed Rhode's identity, then his eyes widened in surprise. After repeatedly confirming Rhode's identity, he revealed a bloodthirsty smile and quietly departed.
"Heh heh… he actually dares to go adventuring. He's truly got guts… Lord Vite must be very eager to hear this news."
Dungeon, First Floor.
Walls and ceiling dyed light blue filled the entire field of vision.
The natural labyrinth, with no sky in sight, extended boundlessly in all directions.
"Oh oh oh, is this the starting point of a hero's tale?"
Silent Suzuka let out an excited shriek in Rhode's mind, seemingly unable to resist wanting to happily run around here, wagging her tail.
"Are you sure you don't need a few more days of rest?"
To Rhode's right was the masked Elf, who had deliberately fallen back half a step from her vanguard position.
"You just went through such a dangerous experience, and you're exploring the Dungeon after only one night's sleep. Isn't that a bit too hard on yourself?"
Rhode was somewhat surprised that this reserved, clean-freak Elf would actually initiate conversation with him.
Ryuu's slender ears twitched, and she cast a suspicious glance at Rhode.
"I feel like you have some kind of stereotype about Elves…"
"Uh, no, not really."
"Hmph, w-what can I say? I'm a senior in the Familia, so it's only right for me to look after a newcomer like you!"
Rhode suddenly understood and couldn't help but chuckle softly.
So, that was the reason.
In the Familia before he arrived, Ryu was the youngest junior.
And while he hadn't officially joined the Familia, he was tacitly accepted as one of their own by the girls, which finally gave Ryu the chance to show off her senior demeanor!
"What are you laughing at? I'm honestly sharing my way of survival with you!"
"Haha, yes, yes, then I'll trouble Senior Ryu!"
"Hmm… you don't have to be so formal. A-anyway, your goal isn't to become a professional Supporter, right? So learning how to fight is also a must!"
After Ryu joined the Familia, she was doted on by all the members, and thus she learned unique knowledge from everyone.
Now, with everyone's tacit approval, she intended to pass it on to Rhode!