Extra: First Steps into the Dungeon I

Seeing Clinton's serious expression as he explained things to him, coupled with the ominous feeling emanating from the distant Dungeon,

Galan knew that the other person wasn't trying to frame him.

If what he said is true, wouldn't it be too risky to bring Lia along?

Ultimately, it's because I'm no match for this girl...

Now that we've come this far, there's no way we can just send her back.

"So, young man, when you go inside later, you'd better stay close to us, just in case anything happens, so we can look out for each other."

Clinton looked at Galan with a very serious expression; he wasn't just putting on a brave front, and clearly didn't want anything to really happen to him.

If something were to happen to Lady Serie's partner due to my negligence...

He unconsciously swallowed, unable to imagine what consequences they would face; perhaps it would be better for them to simply die in the Dungeon.

So no matter what, he has to ensure her safety from now on. "Okay, thanks. If anything happens, just keep an eye on her, don't worry about me."

Galan ran his hand through Lia's hair and smiled at Clinton.

Even if he were to encounter some danger, with his current strength, he wouldn't be completely helpless.

Leaving aside traps and such, even if I encounter some troublesome enemies, I'm confident I can handle them. Even if I encounter a powerful Demons, as long as they're not at the level of those overpowered [Seven Sages of Destruction], I can at least put up a fight.

Although he hadn't had any real combat experience in a long time, he had now mastered the [Blood Manipulation Magic].

With Fitz's help, they also successfully obtained a way to store large quantities of blood.

Galan touched the bottles filled with blood under his clothes and felt a sense of relief.

All the effort I put into this aspect has finally paid off.

With these blood samples in reserve, I have much more room to maneuver in battle.

It's like adding wings to a tiger, giving it an extra means of both offense and defense.

In one-on-one combat, he was even confident of defeating every enemy he had ever faced so far.

"I can protect myself too!"

With her fist clenched into a small bun shape, Lia punched Galan on the back, seemingly wanting to show off her strength, and said in a somewhat resentful and petulant tone.

Although she does possess a considerable amount of Mana, without systematic training, she is practically completely devoid of magical skill, let alone the ability to protect herself.

"Okay, okay, stop fooling around. You'd better stay by my side this time, or I won't bring you out next time."

Galan gave a wry smile. "Little darling, please don't torture me anymore. Even if it were the you from before you traveled back in time, I wouldn't dare let you do this."

If it weren't for so many people coming along, I would never have brought you along this time...

"Hmm, it seems that this kind of talk is quite effective on Lia."

Under Galan's threat, she had no choice but to obediently nod, indicating that she would comply.

"Alright, we're about to enter the Dungeon, you guys should get ready too."

"Um."

After giving some instructions, Clinton turned and left to rejoin the rest of the team.

The twelve teams quickly returned to order after the initial commotion caused by the discovery of the Dungeon.

Everyone gathered around their respective teams, preparing countermeasures for any possible scenarios that might arise.

The coordination and organization of elite adventurer teams are evident at this time, as experienced members can plan various opportunities in advance to prepare for unforeseen circumstances before a crisis occurs.

In the same situation, an ordinary adventurer would probably have already recklessly rushed in without a second thought.

After finding Clinton and the others, Galan and Lia joined the group's discussion.

Since we'll be traveling with them, we need to understand their plans.

Clinton formed a circle around the group and began making simple tactical plans:

"If we encounter any particularly troublesome monsters, Pass and I will absorb most of the damage, while Lucina, the girl with the purple magic hat, will provide us with magical support as needed."

"Good."

Lucina's voice was crisp, and her eyes gleamed with unwavering determination.

She doesn't look like a delicate young girl at all, but rather like a seasoned and valiant female warrior.

What Galan didn't know was that the other person was only presenting such a composed and reassuring persona because they admired Clinton.

She didn't want to confuse Clinton with her questions.

"And there's the problem of traps, Lucina. We'll need you to use magic to clear the way for us this time."

"It's nothing."

She gave a thumbs up, a slight smile revealing her white teeth, looking very confident.

Seeing that the girl had no objections, Clinton smiled and then turned to look at the other person:

"The Priest in Wallace's group, a rather thin older man, should provide support if anyone is injured. Safety should be the top priority in all actions; avoid reckless actions."

"Receive."

The middle-aged man gave a weak reply, his dark circles under his eyes making one worry that he might fall asleep at any moment.

But judging from the powerful Mana emanating from him, the other party was undoubtedly a seasoned Priest.

"As for Galan and Lia... they can stand behind us. If things get bad, they can leave first via a safe path."

We will ensure your safety.

When he turned to look at the two of them, he hesitated for a moment, but still revealed the truth.

He didn't know what level of warrior Galan was, but he himself wouldn't dare to put him at risk. To be on the safe side, it was better to keep him in a relatively safe situation.

"Okay."

Galan didn't make a fuss; he grinned broadly and happily accepted their arrangements.

To put it bluntly, I couldn't be happier that the other party made this arrangement.

Leaving the two of them in the safest positions will save them a lot of trouble.

Moreover, he had Lia with him this time, so the less potential risk he might have, the better.

The members of the team had already guessed Clinton's identity thanks to his hints, so they didn't voice any dissatisfaction with the arrangement at the moment.

In particular, Pass is now completely convinced that he regrets his initial words and actions when facing Galan, who may be Serie's partner.