**Day 34 The Farthest Labyrinth 56F**
Got held up by the Spike Buffaloes on 55F and the Metal Snails on 56F—still only on 56. Only 10 floors past the deepest Oda-kun's group who reached at 46F.
It's been a week since Haruka fell. Six days since we started descending. And only 10 floors.
Once cleared, dungeon doors stay open for that person to descend freely—but the dungeon died, doors won't open anymore. Even resupply trips to town take forever. Going back now means walking from 46F straight through—no monsters, but long distance. Only brought 10 days' food.
If we keep going, 2–3 days max. Push on? Turn back? Send shopping team?
"Let's keep going—if food runs out, just turn around. 46F door's still open, no monsters to 56F, so back in a day or so."
"Yeah—splitting for shopping team leaves us too thin. Same as Spike Buffalo chase—numbers too low to hold."
"Right～ front-liners drop and it's Spike Buffalo repeat, rear-guard short and it's Metal Snail repeat."
Splitting too dangerous. 55F Spike Buffaloes scattered front line—slanted formation worked until rear kicks… Who knew cows kick backward? No one's seen cows lately! No agriculture club! Front-liners depleted, chased, retreated. Took another full day to finish.
Next day 56F Metal Snails. Iron shells—physical useless, turned magic fight. Mana drained—chomped MP mushrooms, still couldn't finish. Shells blocked front attacks—no damage, just wasted time.
Ended up past midnight. Tomorrow 57F—still no scout. Mana recovery takes time.
We don't have Haruka-level salt transport, after all.
Cyclops fight, werewolf fight, Spike Buffalo fight—front-line gear wearing down. Needs repairs.
Tomorrow scout—dangerous = temporary retreat possible. Pushed this hard, everyone at limit, only 10 floors.
Haruka probably still 40+ floors deeper. If 100+ total—how far?
"Rest well tonight. Sleep in tomorrow, scout late. Dangerous? Pull back."
Everyone nods. They understand. No one speaks—don't want to say it.
"Rear-guard eat first, sleep～"
"""Roger"""
Everyone shuffles off. Fatigue near breaking point. Return needed—they know.
Probably tomorrow's limit. No more pushing.
This broken at 56F—monsters this strong.
100F—100 floors—alive alone for a week.
Probably way more broken than us.
Way more exhausted.
Way past limit already.
Still alive = already surpassed limit long ago.
Thinking that, feeling that—everyone refuses to turn back.
Even knowing they're at limit—because he's fighting past worse limits.
Shimazaki-san's group leveled again today. How much exp share? What level monsters? How many nonstop?
Every level-up, worried faces, growing impatience.
That much exp share means insanely strong monsters—insane numbers defeated nonstop.
Probably blew past limit long ago, still trying to return alone. To everyone.
Even 100F—long war.
Need prep, plan revision.
So. Must retreat.
Because everyone here—every life—must be protected.
Haruka threw away his life to protect us.
Can't sacrifice anyone going to meet him.
Even slight danger—pull back.
Otherwise Haruka will get angry.
Otherwise can't face him.
Have to go welcome him with smiles—all together.