After a brief rest, the group continued their advance towards the seventh floor.
Layla, using her extensive knowledge, led the group off the regular path and into the depths of the seventh floor.
The pale green walls, the phosphorescent ceiling, and the ground beneath their feet all began to become uneven and bumpy.
The previously regular labyrinth began to become intricate and complex, as if moving from an artificial domain into a natural one.
"We've arrived. This is the Dungeon's pantry."
Layla declared cautiously at the same time.
The narrow passage suddenly opened up.
This was an extremely wide cavern, with colossal green crystal pillars extending all the way to the dim, cavernous ceiling, like giant crystal trees!
Transparent liquid seeped from the crystals, forming a large spring at the base of the trees.
All the monsters they had seen before were gathered here; Killer Ants and Purple Moths clung to the tree trunks, while Needle Rabbits drank from the spring below.
The monsters, which should have been ferocious and ugly, now looked somehow beautiful and peaceful.
This tranquil and harmonious scene, so out of place with the Dungeon itself, deeply moved the girls' hearts.
"This is the pantry, where the Dungeon provides food and sustenance to the monsters."
Layla looked at the harmonious scene in the distance with a complex expression.
"When Alise and I first came here, we were also startled. Sometimes I wonder what the difference is between monsters and us."
"Alise even shouted and rushed up to make friends with the monsters back then, but then we were chased by a monster army..."
Everyone's foreheads were collectively covered in black lines.
It was indeed something Alise would do.
Asta, the taciturn dwarf, was not so sentimental and spoke in a detached manner, much like General Duanmu.
"No matter what, monsters are monsters. We cannot understand each other."
Rod couldn't help but think of the Xenos deep underground.
Unable to understand each other? It might not be the case.
Aside from the first two floors, the pantry exists two to three times on each level.
Even with Rod's luck, aimlessly trying to stumble upon good fortune was not rational. Layla's solution was to wait here.
"And, this place has an additional benefit for us."
Layla's eyes sparkled with cunning light.
"Ryu, do you remember why I told you that even though everyone knows there are many monsters in the pantry, they don't come here to farm them?"
Ryu blinked her beautiful sky-blue eyes and replied hesitantly.
"Hmm, I think it's because although there are multiple pantries on each level, they are usually in the deepest part, taking more time to reach than going down two more levels of the Dungeon!"
"If you spend several hours to get here and also have the ability to clear all the monsters, it's better to go down to the lower levels, where defeating monsters with higher quality magic stones is more efficient for earning money."
Layla's mouth curved into a slight smile, and her eyes, looking at Rod, sparkled with triumphant excitement.
"Exactly, but that was only the correct choice when Rod wasn't around!"
"Wait, are you saying?!"
"That's right! The extraordinary luck to encounter rare species, coupled with an abnormally high drop rate! Although it's a bit unfair to those monsters, this place is our [gold mine]!"
Layla pointed to the vast, dreamlike Blue Morpho Butterflies in the distance, a knowing smile on her face.
"See? Haven't our targets already appeared?"
"It's up to you, Ryu!"
Ryu silently apologized to the elegant and beautiful Blue Morpho Butterflies in her heart.
I'm sorry, but for the Familia's funds, Goddess's hair ornament... and Rod's grimoire, I have no choice but to do this!
"—Come, wandering wind, traveling wanderer. Fly across the sky, gallop across the wilderness, move with speed surpassing all things. Conquer the enemy with the light of the stars!"
Countless large orbs of green wind appeared around Ryu, and the star magic fired in unison, instantly annihilating all the monsters in the entire pantry!
The Sharingan quietly activated, and Rod observed everything from behind.