Lower Floors!
Chapter 117: Lower Floors!
Ultimately, Ais couldn't resist the temptation of the snacks and indulged in the biscuit.
Unlike her happy expression while eating, after indulging, Ais sat alone in the corner, filled with regret.
Luke was responsible for cooking, so Ais typically handled the cleanup after dinner.
After tidying up and stowing the small pot used for boiling soup and the bowls for serving, Luke and Ais prepared to rest.
Both of them would enter the lower floors early the next morning, making it nearly impossible to get a full night's rest thereafter.
When spending the night in the dungeon, keeping watch is necessary.
A small team like Luke and Ais would take turns guarding the upper and lower halves of the night, alternating between rest.
Usually, Luke is tasked with guarding the lower half of the night.
Guarding the upper half is less taxing on the body, leading to a better feeling the next day, so Ais typically takes this shift.
Although late nights won't cause too much harm to their second-class adventurer physical fitness, Ais, being young, used to alternate shifts when Riveria was their team leader, sparing her from wasting her time.
Time flies while sleeping, and before they knew it, it was time to change shifts.
Luke awoke from his slumber very punctually.
'Sleep' is a compulsory course for adventurers, especially for high-class adventurers who have stricter requirements in this regard.
The middle floors are manageable, but in the lower floors and beyond, failing to fall asleep immediately or wake up on time could seriously hinder physical recovery.
Subconsciously calculating the time while asleep and remaining vigilant of their surroundings are also essential qualities of a capable adventurer.
"Ais, it's time to change shifts; you should rest for a while," Luke announced, rousing Ais from her daze.
After hearing Luke's words, she nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
They didn't carry tents, nor did they plan to use sleeping bags.
To ensure readiness for combat at any moment, they slept against the wall fully armored.
This somewhat leisurely camping style and good sleeping habits have nothing to do with their team of only two people.
Moreover, this habit was cultivated after venturing into the lower floors, where there was no time to set up camp in such dangerous places.
Watching Ais with her eyes closed, Luke couldn't help but reflect on her performance in the dungeon.
In the first two years after Ais became an adventurer, resting in the dungeon was a serious challenge for her.
With a vendetta against monsters, she couldn't sleep normally amidst their breath; even when she did manage to sleep, nightmares plagued her.
During that time, if Ais wished to rest in the dungeon, she needed someone to hold her to sleep.
At first, it was Riveria who provided this comfort.
However, after Evilus' activities led to Riveria stepping down as their team leader, it was Luke who offered solace to Ais. He had to gently hold her before she slept.
Recently, however, this problem has significantly improved.
Perhaps it's due to her leveling up, making her feel stronger,
Perhaps it's from witnessing the true horrors of the 'deep floors',
Perhaps Ais feels somewhat embarrassed to constantly rely on others.
Whatever the reason, Ais has gradually overcome her difficulty of falling asleep and no longer suffers from frequent nightmares.
The happiest person about this change is Riveria.
No one besides Riveria, who lives with Ais, knows.
Not only in the dungeon but even when resting in the Familia residence, Ais couldn't sleep normally.
Ais, frequently awakened by nightmares, not only disturbed Riveria's rest but also caused concern for Mama Elf.
Riveria feared that Ais' prolonged tension due to the inability to sleep properly would eventually lead to her collapse.
…
Early the next morning.
"Are you ready? We're about to leave."
After a night's rest, Luke and Ais had adjusted their state to the best.
After breakfast, Luke decided to press forward and enter the lower floors.
The 25th floor, also known as the entrance to the lower floors.
That is the 'second dead line' that only those who have undergone rigorous screening can reach among high-class adventurers.
Starting from the lower floors, the dungeon undergoes earth-shaking changes in each stage.
Hence, it is also called the 'New World'.
If the upper floors cater to novice adventurers, then the middle floors cater to upgraded high-class adventurers.
As for the lower floors, they are reserved for the elite of high-class adventurers.
As for the deep floors, only a very small number of strong adventurers are qualified to enter.
Luke and Ais didn't take long to break through the large room at the end of the 24th floor.
As they entered the passageway, a cool breeze greeted them.
The passage to the 25th floor is a cave filled with crystals.
The blue crystals surrounding them, coupled with the cool breeze, lend an icy ambiance to the cave.
Drip, drop-!
Splash-!
As Luke and Ais advanced, the sound of splashing water grew louder.
Emerging from the cave, a wonderful and beautiful new world lay before them.
Even though it wasn't their first time witnessing this 'magnificent view', Luke and Ais couldn't help but be captivated by it.
The cascading waterfall created a symphony of roars,
The crystalline sky formed countless valleys and cliffs.
Water vapor hung in the air, and harpies and sirens flitted about.
Sharp chirping filled the air, feathers scattering across the sky.
A magnificent water paradise unfolded before their eyes.
"I'm always awestruck by this view."
Luke and Ais stood at the exit of the passage, gazing out at the natural splendor before them.
"Yeah, it's incredibly beautiful."
Hearing Luke's remark, Ais couldn't help but agree.
The three floors known as the 'Water City,' 25th, 26th, and 27th, are truly a watery realm.
The most iconic sight in this area, and the main reason Luke and Ais are so amazed, is the 'Great Fall'.
This colossal waterfall originates from the 25th floor and traverses all three floors of the 'Water City'.
Estimated to be hundreds or even thousands of meters wide and several times longer, the waterfall presents a deep blue hue, likely due to the crystal's reflection.
Its thunderous roar resonates like a tempest, stirring the hearts of Luke and Ais from countless distances.
While they were previously enthralled by the enchanting fusion of dungeon and nature when led by Riveria to admire the 'Labyrinth Paradise' from a high vantage point on the 18th floor, the impact they felt beholding the water paradise surpassed it.
Even now, each visit leaves them in awe.
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