The Expeditionary Force's Withdrawal

A female-sized monster, a superior individual of the worm-type monsters, possessing a size comparable to the floor master and abilities far surpassing any worm monster. Once killed, it will self-destruct like a worm monster, releasing an unprecedentedly large amount of dissolving liquid that corrodes everything in the surrounding area, making it extremely dangerous.

Leo clearly remembered that in the original story, after the Loki Familia was attacked by the worm monster at their camp on the 50th Floor, this female-shaped monster arrived late, which temporarily hampered the entire Loki Familia and left them helpless. Only Ais, who was not afraid of the dissolving liquid, could deal with it alone, which led to Ais experiencing a rather arduous battle.

So, after casting a spell on the worm-like monsters climbing the rock platform, Leo didn't rush up to support the other members of the group like everyone else. Instead, he stayed behind, preparing to use his maximum-damage [Meteor Dance] to kill the female monster at a safe distance the moment she appeared, so that the large amount of dissolving fluid accumulated inside her body wouldn't threaten the safety of the entire expeditionary force.

However, Leo did not expect that the moment the other party appeared, it would sprinkle pollen on him as he was about to cast a spell, causing a huge explosion that engulfed him.

It was only at this point that Leo belatedly realized the truth.

"These monsters are exceptionally sensitive to Demonic Power. How could they not notice me and attack me immediately when I so openly prepared such a powerful spell?"

It can only be said that Leo was thinking too simply.

"If it weren't for the Giant Battle Suit, I'd probably be blown to bits by now."

Looking at his battle suit covered in dust and mud, Leo still felt a lingering fear.

Thanks to this suit, Leo was able to withstand that earth-shattering explosion.

This suit of armor, which is worthy of being ranked among the top-tier weapons, possesses powerful defense against both physical and magical attacks. In addition, it has been specially modified, giving it the impact resistance that Goliath's original hardened skin did not have. The cloak is also fireproof and coldproof, which is why Leo was not killed by the sudden explosion and was able to survive.

"I'll have to thank Loki properly when I get back."

With this thought in mind, Leo mustered his mental strength and activated his magic, releasing streaks of meteors that circled around him without needing to chant.

As before, the powerful Demonic Power unsurprisingly attracted the female-shaped monster, causing it to decisively abandon Ais, whom it had slapped away, and move closer to Leo.

Its countless warty legs writhed and crawled beneath it, and its numerous arms swayed incessantly. Its colorful, gigantic body and purplish-black belly brought a terrifying sense of oppression as it crashed down. Its appearance indeed reminded Leo of Goliath, the 17th Floor master whom he had once confronted alone.

No, the female monster before him was even more powerful and terrifying than Goliath, making Leo's heart race.

"We must keep our distance from it."

Just like when they fought Goliath, Leo was the first to confirm this strategy.

The difference this time is that Leo dared not let the female monster get close to him because he was afraid of the dissolving fluid inside her body.

His Giant Battle Suit could withstand the explosive pollen from the female-sized monster, but it was absolutely no match for the dissolving liquid that could dissolve even the most advanced level weapons.

Therefore, Leo must keep a certain distance from it, or even a very large distance, otherwise even if he can defeat it, he will be corroded on the spot by the dissolving liquid splashed out of its body when it self-destructs, leaving not even a bone behind.

"Take this."

Without hesitation, Leo unleashed the meteors that danced around him, transforming them into streaks of light that rained down upon the female monster.

The female monster reacted incredibly quickly. Sensing the powerful Demonic Power energy approaching, it immediately swung its manta ray-like flat arms, striking at the incoming meteors with astonishing speed.

"Bang bang bang bang----!"

The meteor that shot towards them was struck by the female monster and exploded, turning into bursts of Starlight that dissipated.

"It's not that easy!"

Seeing this, Leo immediately controlled the remaining meteors, causing them to suddenly veer off course, avoiding the waving flat arms, and slamming them down on the upper body of the female monster, creating a series of explosions.

The female monster let out a painful howl, then locked her attention completely on Leo. Her upper body suddenly leaned back, and a horizontal crack appeared on her seemingly faceless face, opening her mouth.

"Puff!"

The next second, the corrosive liquid shot out like a water gun, bringing with it a fishy stench.

The amount of corrosive liquid and the speed of the shots were worlds apart from those of the worm monsters.

If the worm monster's spray of dissolving liquid is like a water gun, then the female monster's spray of dissolving liquid is like a high-pressure water cannon.

Leo's pupils contracted, and without thinking, he dashed away into the distance, avoiding the incredibly surging purplish-black water cannon.

"Boom!"

The purplish-black water cannon grazed the spot where Leo had been a second ago, landed on the ground, and continued to sweep forward, creating a huge roar.

Wherever the water cannon passed, an unusual dissolving sound rang out, and everything it touched instantly dissolved, turning into ditches emitting black smoke.

Trees fell in rows, and large amounts of black steam shot into the sky. The ground that was not touched by it changed color in the blink of an eye, becoming pitted and disgusting, as if it had been poisoned.

The terrifying rate of dissolution and the horrific destructive power sent a chill down Leo's spine, further solidifying his resolve to never be touched by it.

"[Light of Heaven, Sword of Stars.]"

"[Meteor Dance]!"

The fully chanted star magic was activated, and countless meteors shot out again, some heading straight for the female monster, others circling around to its sides, above, and behind, bombarding it from all directions.

The female monster struggled to wave her tentacles, fending off the incoming artillery fire while simultaneously opening her mouth again, attempting to eject the dissolving liquid.

"Whoosh!"

Just then, a figure arrived riding the wind, slicing through the air with a sharp blade.

"Pfft!"

The female monster was unable to react in time and was struck in the mouth by the lightning-fast slash. The corrosive liquid brewing in her mouth exploded like blood, causing her to let out a silent wail.

"Ais!"

Leo called out to the other person.

The blonde, golden-eyed female swordsman did not respond to him. Instead, she kicked into the air and shot back as if she had shattered the air. She raised her Desperate high, ready to cut off the head of the female monster.

"No! Back off!"

Leo's expression changed drastically, and he shouted this.

Because he clearly saw that the female monster's four arms were crossed in front of her chest, and with a forceful swing, a large amount of pollen was sprayed out, making one doubt their own eyes.

A large amount of pollen, like particles of light, scattered in all directions, enveloping the area where Leo and Ais were located.

"Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom -!!!"

Seconds later, an incredibly terrifying explosion occurred, causing flames and shockwaves to shatter completely.

At that moment, both Leo and Ais were engulfed by the earth-shattering explosion, swallowed by the oncoming flames, and completely disappeared into the sea of fire.

The massive explosion burned an entire corner of the Gray Forest, sending thick black smoke billowing up to the 50th Floor dome.

The expeditionary force members on the rock platform were also knocked to the ground by the hot wind and shockwave. Even the group of first-level adventurers were blown so hard that they could barely stand.

"Retreat! Retreat quickly!"

Finn gave the order again, raising his voice to its maximum.

"Take the bare minimum of supplies and evacuate immediately!"

Otherwise, if that female-sized monster were to launch another large-scale pollen bombardment, not to mention the level one adventurers, the rest of them would probably not be able to withstand the power of the explosion; they would be severely injured even if they didn't die.

The rocky platform is no longer safe. The two bombings by the female monster have left cracks everywhere, and the dissolving liquid from the worm monsters has corroded the area, making it pitted and uneven. It could collapse at any moment and bury them all.

Faced with the crisis, Finn couldn't care less about anything else; he only wanted to cover his teammates' retreat.

"Captain! Where is Miss Ais?!"

"And, and Mr. Leo too!"

Lefiya Viridis and Lefiya screamed, their faces pale, looking utterly panicked.

"Let's get out of here first!"

A flicker of struggle crossed Finn's eyes, followed by a blank expression as he gave the order.

"Ais has magical protection, Leo has his battle suit; they should be fine for the time being."

Upon hearing this, the reactions of the others were quite strong.

"You mean you want those two to cover our retreat?"

"Commander! This—!"

Tiona immediately protested, and even Tione showed a look of resistance.

"Let women and small fry cover our retreat? You've got a serious joke, Finn!"

Even Bete Loga roared in anger.

He considered himself a strongman and had always held the weak in extremely low regard. Now, he was being asked to protect and evacuate someone he had always considered insignificant. How could he possibly accept this so easily?

"I'll cover the rear! Tell Ais and that little brat to run with you!"

Without another word, Bete Loga was about to rush out.

Don't make me say it a second time.

Finn stopped him in an unquestionable tone.

"Those two are the best choices. If you want to be a hindrance, then go ahead and go."

After saying that, Finn ignored Bete Loga and the other two and led the group of his kin to retreat.

The other members naturally couldn't accept this either, but they didn't dare to openly disobey Finn's orders, especially since Riveria and Gareth had both come along without saying a word.

Both of them knew that Finn didn't want to go, but as the leader of the clan, he had to ensure the safety of his members first.

Only by ensuring the safety of the group members as soon as possible can they find a way to support Leo and Ais.

"Hateful!"

Bete Loga, Tiona, Tione struggled with their feelings, but in the end, they cursed and caught up with the main group.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!"

Behind them, the female monster was still screaming, her cries echoing endlessly.