Hours later…
The small-scale Monster Riot, sparked by the inexperience of the expedition's newer mbers, had finally been resolved. With the remaining monsters in the area cleaned up, and Finn's crisp command to move on, the group re-ford into their star-like exploration formation and pressed deeper into the Dungeon.
Luck was on their side. Since then, they hadn't run into any troubleso abnormal situations.
As for minor skirmishes with wandering monsters, they were hardly worth ntioning. Having just survived a large-scale battle, the squads now handled such encounters smoothly and efficiently.
This was the benefit of accumulated experience, plain to see.
And it was precisely in this way that the Loki Familia had grown to what it was today.
Because their progress hadn't slowed much, before long…
"Next stop, the 22nd Floor."
At every floor staircase, the expedition regrouped. That was when the supporters, those in charge of logistics, would start their work:
Swapping out overly damaged weapons and armor.
Handing out potions to help mages recover mana.
Treating injuries.
And so on.
Among them, Line Arshe of Aether's squad moved gracefully between groups, tending to wounds in her role as a healer.
It was worth noting: to join this expedition, the bare minimum requirent was Level 2.
Even those only serving as temporary supporters had to qualify. A Level 1 adventurer, or a civilian, wouldn't last under the relentless strain of such a march. Even soone with great stamina, without the baseline stats provided by Falna, wouldn't be able to dodge or escape in a crisis.
And so, even the Level 2s who only pushed supply carts and avoided direct combat were already exhausted.
The exception was Line. Because of her status as a healer, she had been allowed to join a combat squad.
"Traveling with Lumine really is so much easier."
"Yeah, her brother's been a huge help too."
"They're the ones handling most of the monsters."
"We barely even need to cast support spells."
"They're amazing!"
At the 22nd Floor staircase, Lefiya whispered to Line while lending a hand with support work.
Though her mindset wasn't yet fully tempered, Lefiya wasn't lazy. She genuinely wanted to help her companions, which earned her quiet goodwill.
And truthfully, when it's just mid-floor monsters, she can just barely fight now.
Sure, sotis she trembles like a leaf, but at least she can finish her chants.
Not far away, Aether and Lumine, finally allowed to rest, watched quietly.
During the lull, Finn, Gareth, and Riveria, the latter treating Lefiya as her heir, had gathered, questioning her gently about her earlier combat performance.
The twins exchanged a glance, both recalling the sa conclusion.
Lefiya, the Thousand Spells Elf who could unleash Level 5-tier magic despite only being Level 3, was slowly but surely progressing in her own way.
Looks like I won't need to use "Genshin Descent" to save the day today… That's a good thing.
Aether mused silently. But tomorrow, once we reach the Lower Floors…
He was certain Finn would reorganize squad assignnts during their camp on the 24th Floor, based on each team's performance.
And truthfully, Line wouldn't be able to stick with the twins much longer.
If conditions allowed, Lefiya should also stay with the middle squads.
Because for Aether, he and Lumine were most efficient as a two-person team.
Without fragile backliners to babysit, they could cut loose, reckless, but effective.
And still fulfill their role as scouts and vanguard defenders.
Because…
"Genshin Descent" isn't just a last-resort save-the-day spell.
Proactive offense ant more gains.
And the upcoming 22nd Floor had the perfect opportunity waiting.
So,
"Finn."
Aether stepped forward, addressing the trio of leaders.
"Once we enter the 22nd Floor, if we co across a Bloodhive, let Lumine and handle it."
Finn studied him.
"Though you and Lumine are still only Level 2, your basic stats are clearly far above average. And your teamwork, comparable to the Gulliver Brothers, is formidable. Your strength already rivals, even exceeds, most Level 3s."
He paused.
"But. The Bloodhive might not be on our path. And if it is, can you handle it? Alone, just the two of you? No reinforcents?"
Finn wasn't worried about ti, only whether they could win.
Because a Bloodhive wasn't a normal monster.
It looked like a gigantic pinecone, but it continuously spawned Killer Wasps.
The wasps were the true monsters. And unless the hive itself was destroyed, they would keep coming. Indefinitely.
Aether had known the mont he read the Guild dossier.
Infinite monster spawns, packed tight together… what's that if not… the perfect farming spot.
Honestly, if the expedition weren't pushing deeper, he'd gladly park himself here and grind all day.
But for now…
"We can handle it."
Beside him, Lumine placed her hands on her hips, chin tilted up, smiling with fierce confidence.
"Besides, none of you have seen our other magic yet, have you?"
She gave a playful grin.
"Next ti, just sit back and watch us shine♪"
================
Footnotes:
Thousand Spells Elf, Nickna for Lefiya, known for her ability to cast many powerful magic spells in battle.
Bloodhive, Dungeon monster resembling a giant hive that spawns endless Killer Wasps.
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