The Expedition Begins (Continued)
Killing these monsters is pointless to him anyway, and he doesn't even care about the magic stones on his fingernails anymore.
"William, what are we going to do the day after tomorrow?"
With her keen hearing, Alicia overheard their conversation and took a few extra steps from the middle of the group to get behind them.
"This kid wants to take on Udaeus!"
Gareth untied the wine pouch from his waist and took a gulp.
For dwarves, drinking during battle doesn't numb their senses; on the contrary, it acts as a stimulant that enhances their fighting prowess. That's why Gareth always brings two wine sacs with him when he goes to the Dungeon.
"Udaeus!"
Alicia's large, bright eyes were filled with shock.
The group marched through the room of the most miserable floor master, "Goliath." William now had serious doubts about whether Goliath could actually survive for more than half an hour each time he was resurrected.
"Gareth, you've finally arrived!"
Finn, who had been waiting at the entrance to the nineteenth floor, jumped down from the tree trunk where he had been standing and greeted the crowd.
"Yeah yeah!"
"I'm so impatient, my bones are itching to get here!"
Tiona also swung her massive twin blades, "Urga," quite fittingly. This enormous weapon was crafted from countless rare materials, and it was said that the crafting alone cost 100 million Valis.
Weapons made of so much metal are naturally incredibly heavy, yet in her hands they feel weightless, as if they were her own arm.
"Stop talking nonsense! How fast do you think the supply trucks can move?"
"Alright, now that everyone's here, let's not rest any longer."
"Continue forward for three more disappearing moments, then set up camp on the 24th floor for today!"
According to Finn's calculations, the plan is to go straight to the 24th floor today and rest for one night.
On the second day, continue sprinting for 12 more floors. After reaching the deeper levels, maintain a pace of advancing 5 floors per day as you descend.
This way, they can reach level 50 in five days, allowing the Familia to significantly reduce resource consumption.
"Now, everyone, move forward in the pre-planned formation. Anyone who violates this rule will be punished severely!"
Finn coldly surveyed the spirited members; he had now fully embraced his role as the leader of the Familia.
No one voiced any objection; on the contrary, everyone quickly found their place and waited for Finn to give orders.
All the Mage, supporters, and supply trucks hid in the very center of the group.
Then there are melee-type adventurers like Raul and William.
The outermost layer is protected by the first-rank adventurers of the Familia.
After passing through the 18th to the 19th floor, they reached the "Great Tree Labyrinth," a realm William had never been to before. The "Great Tree Labyrinth" corresponds to floors 19 to 24, which is William and his companions' destination for today.
As the name suggests, the names of the Dungeon's floors are almost all based on the environment of the Dungeon itself. For example, the upper level is mostly made up of stone caves and tunnels, so it is called the "Grotto Labyrinth".
The "Great Tree Labyrinth" is just like its name suggests; all you can see on these six floors is an endless expanse of towering shrubs.
Not only were the ground covered with trees, but the ceiling and walls were also covered with tree bark. Even the paths were covered with moss. It's no exaggeration to say that you couldn't find any trace of soil or stone in the entire room.
"What a magnificent view!"
William took a deep breath, inhaling the delicate fragrance of various flowers and the fresh air.
"Right! Right!"
Lefia, who was close to William, immediately leaned over and said that her favorite Dungeon was the "Great Tree Labyrinth".
Rather, it's more accurate to say that all the Orario elves love this place. Having grown up in the forest, returning here feels like coming home.
"Gah! Gah!"
A series of mournful bird cries came from the bushes ahead; the monster making the noise was the Firebird that William had dealt with some time ago.
"Bete, Tiona, Tione, Ais."
Finn, standing at the very front, looked at the Firebird before him without saying much, simply uttering the name calmly.
Four figures immediately darted out from the group and rushed forward.
"Sizzle!"
"Bang!"
"Bang!"
As the four figures darted about, scalding crimson blood sprayed onto the lush green leaves, forming eerie, demonic flowers.
Even the Firebird that had previously stumped Ais and Bete could not escape their fate of being slain, dying tragically on the spot under that flash of cold light.
"Everyone seems to be very motivated today."
Lefia stared blankly at the four people leading the way, because there was no need to collect such low-level magic stones, so they only needed to follow along.
Even so, their progress was still slower than the four freaks ahead of them who were clearing out the monsters.
Who knows!
William had his hands in his pockets. Ever since Alicia spread the word about his challenge to Udaeus, Lefiya had taken the supporter's backpack that he was carrying, telling him to get some rest.
The safety was taken care of by the dwarf elder Gareth, so he was now extremely relaxed, as if he were just strolling around town.
"That's because they were all spurred on by a rising star!"
Even though Riveria was only a level 6 Mage, she was still protected and stood in the middle of the group, so she naturally heard her two apprentices whispering.
"It's because of William!"
Lefia said with a complicated expression, "Ever since that time, I have been studying magic diligently. I even estimate that I will be able to level up to level 4 after this expedition."
Even with all her efforts, she didn't feel that the gap between her and William had narrowed by even a fraction.
"Yes!"
Riveria looked at her little apprentice with a smile on her lips; she was quite satisfied with Lefia's attitude towards learning.
Every day, I would bring my notes to my room to study on time, and I would no longer doze off or get distracted during class. I would also go to the Dungeon every day to practice my chanting skills.