Inside the silent forest, the irregular crystal formations reflected the light from the ceiling, tinting the woods in a dreamlike pale blue. Even the massive tree roots were covered in thick moss and shimmering azure shards.
This looks like a pre-rendered cinematic, Aiden thought. Back on Earth, what kind of GPU would you need to render this in real-time?
The mysterious, fantasy-like scenery was enough to make anyone marvel at the world's creation. Faintly, the sound of running water echoed from nearby. Soon, they emerged from the crystal woods into an opening flooded with brilliant white light. As they crossed the boundary, the sheer radiance forced them to squint.
"Breathtaking..." Robin, usually the picture of composed elegance, couldn't help but gasp.
Before them lay a grand natural vista. A vast, rolling emerald prairie—a sight rarely seen even on the surface—dominated the view. Small black dots in the distance were monsters grazing peacefully. Massive crystals were scattered across the landscape like diamonds on a green velvet carpet. To the left was a body of water so massive it was more a lake than a swamp, its deep blue surface hosting a quiet rock island. To the right was a dense, endless forest.
In the center of the prairie stood a colossal tree that reached toward the ceiling. Even from this distance, its massive hollow was clearly visible.
Following the tree's height upward to the ceiling, they saw the "sky"—countless crystals blooming like a giant chrysanthemum. The center was pure white like a sun, surrounded by the pale blue of the heavens. It wasn't a real sky, but the crystals used their own light to mimic one.
"The crystal light fades over time... so there is a night cycle here as well," Daphne explained to the newcomers. She pointed in a specific direction. "Over there. That's where the Apollo Familia used to camp. Since the Familia is disbanded, it should be vacant."
Following Daphne's lead, they soon found a prime campsite backed by a crystal rock wall, near a water source, and with a wide-open view.
"Alright, let's get to work!" Aiden clapped his hands.
Then, an awkward moment occurred. As the Captain, Aiden wanted to lead by example. He tried to set up the first tent, only to get into a wrestling match with the support poles. Eventually, the tent fabric snapped back and completely buried him.
"Captain... are you alright?" Tifa stifled a laugh as she stepped in. With practiced ease, she rescued the trapped Aiden and snapped the tent into place in seconds.
Aiden stared at the sky, speechless. He was the fastest-leveling adventurer in the city, a man who would charge a Level 5 monster without blinking, and yet he had been defeated by a small tent. He had lost all dignity in front of his members.
Daphne and Cassandra looked on with strange expressions. They hadn't expected their powerful, steady Captain to have such a clumsy side.
Deciding to stop "helping," Aiden cleared his throat. "Um... I saw some fruit on the trees on the way in. I'll go gather some for dessert."
Eina's files had mentioned that most fruits on this floor were edible—a gift from the Dungeon to adventurers.
"I don't think I'm much help here either. I'll go with the Captain," Robin said with a smile, naturally following Aiden into the forest.
Watching them leave, Cassandra whispered to Daphne, "When it comes to camping... the Captain and the Vice-Captain are both kind of useless, aren't they?"
Daphne nearly burst out laughing and nodded in agreement.
The two walked side-by-side through the silent crystal forest. The atmosphere was tranquil. Suddenly, Aiden broke the silence, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
"Robin... do you ever resent me? For tying you down to Orario? You probably have things you'd rather be doing than being an adventurer here."
Robin stopped and turned. Her lake-green eyes, reflecting the crystal light, seemed full of stars. She simply shook her head with a smile.
"There's no such thing as being 'tied down,' Aiden. Being part of this Familia with everyone makes me happy every day." She paused, her tone turning serious. "Besides, I've been reading the Guild's files on the outside world. It's a feudal society—kingdoms, nobles, even slaves. Those are just different stages of civilization. My philosophy is 'Help the weak,' not to start a revolution. What truly worries me is that the outside world is in a bad state."
She looked at him, her gaze grave. "The monsters of Dragon Valley often bypass the barriers set by the School District, ravaging the lower world and leaving countless families destroyed. So, my goal is simple: get stronger, use my songs to heal the wounded, and support you... as you save the world, Captain."
She winked playfully. "Sounds quite romantic, doesn't it?"
"Save the world, huh?" Aiden smiled. The term was both distant and familiar.
He hadn't really thought about such a grand goal. Initially, he just wanted power so he wouldn't be at the mercy of others. Then, he wanted to prove to Alfia that he wasn't just "noise"—that he could be the hero she hoped for. And now, with Robin and Tifa, he felt a heavy responsibility. Since he had brought them to this world, he had to protect them.
His goals changed, but the core remained: get stronger.
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