The Flame Demon had fallen many years ago, yet its nest was far from desolate.
In a cave at the boundary between the Tenth Floor and the deeper levels, dim Fluorescence outlined the figures gathered within.
They were all masters in their own right, each wearing a different expression. Their sole common feature was the "D" mark on their bodies, formed from Mycelium.
Above the cave, a narrow passage slanted outward. Back then, Linden had watched from here as the Flame Demon fought the Silver Thorn Squad.
Now, Orcas stood there, revealing only a bit of his mushroom cap as he quietly watched the waiting figures below.
"A powerful enemy will invade through here. Whoever among you manages to injure the enemy will be granted freedom." That was what the Fungal Lord had told them three days ago.
Not the "freedom trial pass" that required them to risk their lives fighting for just a few days of freedom, but "true freedom"!
In this terrifying Paradise, where even death was not the end, no D-Rank individual could resist the allure of that promise.
Thus, although everyone knew the enemy would be no pushover, they had all gathered by the passage.
As usual, Orcas soon picked several unfamiliar faces from the crowd, settling on one he intended to use as a meat shield, a stepping stone, or rather—a companion.
Paradise was never short of newcomers. He could always find someone who had just arrived and did not yet understand the rules to serve as a foothold, while the rule against private fights even spared him the worry of later retaliation.
With this trick, he had secured quite a few benefits for himself and rarely failed.
But this time, his cute and harmless Puji appearance and enthusiastic friendship spiel failed to produce the