An unknown realm

The southern end of the 58th Floor.

A dark, gaping hole stood silently in the wall here.

When the expedition party arrived, a swarm of worm-type monsters was still burrowing into it.

"Take them out."

Finn wasted no time deliberating. At his command, everyone rushed forward and dispatched the worm-type monsters.

Now that they had weapons with the indestructible attribute and no longer had to worry about their equipment being corroded, the monsters that had once caused them so much trouble had become mere roadside pests. As long as they avoided the corrosive fluid released by the creatures' dying explosions, they could slaughter them at will instead of fleeing in panic as they once had.

After killing the worm-type monsters, everyone approached the hole and peered into the darkness within.

"So this is... the entrance to the 59th Floor."

Someone murmured those words, and a quiet tension settled over the group.

The 59th Floor was a floor the Loki Familia had yet to conquer, one that no exploration-oriented Familia currently in Orario had ever reached.

If they stepped into this hole, they would become the only Familia in present-day Orario to reach the 59th Floor, surpassing the Freya Familia, their fellow strongest faction, and taking the lead over every other force.

It would be an honor, but also a new challenge.

If they prevailed, the Loki Familia's fame would soar, and all of Orario would cheer for their achievement.

If they failed, the entire party might be wiped out.

At that thought, even Tsubaki, who did not belong to the Loki Familia, could no longer maintain her usual carefree manner.

"Just what... is waiting for us up ahead?"

Tsubaki licked her lips and gave a nervous chuckle.

Riveria Ljos Alf, however, spoke quite calmly.

"According to the records left by