Chapter 15

As Bell's new party made their way through the |Dungeon| at their relative leisure, another group had pushed their own way forward before coming to a stop and setting up one more camp on the |Fiftieth Floor|. Flying the flag of a cross-kegged joker, [Loki Family] 's top three executives were having a meeting to discuss who would join them moving forward while the rest would remain behind to defend the camp.

(Finn): "So, no objections then? Then final team will be three of us, Ais, Tiona, Tione and Bete. [Supporters] are Raul, Narvi, Alicia, Cruz and Lefiya. And Tsubaki will come along as our Smith . "

(Gareth): "What about Saber?"

(Riveria): "Yeah, I think it would be a good idea to bring it."

(Finn): "I thought about it, and I was considering it. Thanks to her uncle's training she is not a normal Level 1... thing that she demonstrated several times."

(Gareth): "Still suppressed with your speed and the burning sword?"

During the descent and the rounds they made when she arrived, it only served to put everyone's chin on the ground, from their movements while fighting at a great speed, and her sword was a two-handed one, which should do the user slows down when moving it, until the sword is covered with flames and acts like a magic sword, because the flames had acted like a second blade and hit when the sword itself could not.

(Riveria): "Did she explain how she does that?"

(Finn): "She said she put her magic on the sword and she was like that. But it has the fact of being a 'soul weapon', so there is no way to test ourselves."

(Gareth): "You think she's someone like that Revis <Creature>?"

(Finn): "I will be sincere, I have my doubts. However, from the moment she talks about her uncle, until the training processes, I feel that she is being sincere, but the fact that she has a way to fight without fail is something that I simply cannot absorb if it is not for the same method that Revis used. At these times I would like the [Blessing of the Gods] to show previous experiences when adding points to the status. "

(Gareth): "If the uncle's part is true, then he may be responsible for it ... and since she is here it may be that she left before Revis joined him."

(Riveria): "Or maybe they don't even have a relationship, just a similar method ... after all, she has helped our [Family] a lot since she joined us."

(Finn): "I know."

Saber saved the skin of many members of the expedition with his fast movements, although sometimes she acted as if she were the star of a show.

(Finn): "I really want to believe that she is what she seems to be... a good little childish person, despite the 'actress' attitude in a few hours. However, she is still something 'unnatural' as far as we know. Loki even said that she may not be [Human], despite the appearance."- he muttered with a wry smile.

(Gareth): "Hmm... at very least, she probably ain't a <Creature> like Revis. Bete, Ais and Lefiya said that she didn't fell like the pnes they fought against. And I suppose that means she either isn't one, or she isn't using the same method as they are... by which I mean eating monsters and their [Magic Stones]. "

Ais and the others had seen Revis tear out the [Magic Stone] of a <Creature>, an unknown being that fed on the [Magic Stones] of monsters and gained power not unlike that of the falna, from his chest and devoured it before suddenly increasing in strength like she had undergine a Level Up. Know on the other hand, even normal food like regular people. Revis also held human lives in little regand while Saber did her best to have as few injuries as possible, as if she were a general in the front line taking care of her army.

(Gareth): "But her way of acting is sometimes so innocent that it makes us think she is up to something, isn't it?"

(Riveria): "Not really. Sometimes she reminds me of Tiona a little."

Both were innocent, even childish, when they were not fighting.

(Finn): "Is Tsubaki still behind her?" - He asked a little surprised, since the surface Tsubaki has been making Saber angry because of his sword.

(Gareth): "Yes, although there was a time that she lost patience and didn't give Tsubaki with her hands. Although she knows how to hide when she wants to."

There were times when Saber disappeared that he could have sworn she teleported.

(Riveria): "I believe she is heading outside the camp to hunt monster. Lefiya told me that she would occasionally be found comparing two [Magic Stones] before leaving one behind."

(Gareth): "Probably deciding wich ones to carry back home."

(Finn): "I think we are moving a bit further away from the original topic... What do you think Riveria? Should we ask Saber to come along?"

(Riveria): "I do believe her abilities will be helpful in the |Lower Floors|. However, despite her higher skill, she is still a Level 1 and I am reluctant to bring a new [Adventure] any lower than this. But if you are worried about her allegiances, then consider bringing her with us so you can keep an eye on her yourself. "

(Finn): "Point taken... Then... let's ask her to come along." - he replied with a nod.

Finn went over to where Saber was, which was a cool patio on the edge of the camp where she was still trying to awaken Tiona's 'soul weapon'. At the feet of Saber, there was an unconscious Tsubaki. and in front of him a Tiona who was panting with tiredness. Whenever he saw Saber in good condition while Tiona was tired, it only made him wonder how much she could handle fighting.

(Finn): "Did Tsubaki ask you to examine your 'Aestus Estus' again?" - He said pointing to the sword that was stuck in front of the Saber.

(Saber): "Umu! No matter what I say, she continues, so I made her take a nap." - she said looking at the unconscious Tsubaki.

(Finn): "I hope she gets up soon, we'll be out soon and I would like if you want to come with us."

(Saber): "Go with you?" - she asking if turning to face him.

(Finn): "That's right. Having someone with your skill set will make things much easier on us, I think."

(Saber): "Good for me, but is it okay to take a Level 1 where dragons shoot up to the |Fifty-Seventh Floor| from the |Fifty-Eight Floor|?" - She asked taking the sword and making it disappear in flames.

(Finn): "Is that what the rumor is? That's completely false. They fire all the way to the |Fifty-Second Floor|."

(Saber): "If you have no problems, I will trust the veterans' judgment."

(Finn): "Excellent. But to warn you, there may be more of those new species from Monsterphilia hanging around and they are attracted to Magic..."

(Saber): "I will setting my sword on fire when you guys need some air to rest."

He just nodded and with a chuckle, Finn left witha a wave just as Ais and Lefiya came in from opposite side with meal in the hands. They agreed to keep training and one was going to get food, as Saber was the 'mentor' it was always Ais or Tiona who was going to get it, and how she came up against Lefiya on the way they came together.

(Lefiya): "Was that the Captain just now?"

(Saber): "Umu! I wil go with you guys down to the |Fifty-Ninth Floor|."

(Lefyia): "E-eeeeh!?" - she let out a shout in supriese.

(Ais): "Are you sure? The place is known as 'hell'."

(Saber): "Umu! Of course!"

(Lefiya): "I think things will get better with Saber on our side." - she said with a smile.

Ais just nodded, remembering their teamwork against Ottarl. Tiona and Tsubaki woke up and gave the news that they would be leaving soon, much to the relief of Saber as this made Tsubaki go to prepare while the four ate. Time passed and the next day it was almost time for them to leave. Lefyia was nervous wondering if it was just a burden for them.

(Saber): "Is there a problem, Lefiya?" - she asked as she approached the [Elf].

(Lefiya): "I just wonder if I'm going to be useful. After all, I'm not on the same level as others." - she lowered her head a little while she spoke.

(Saber): "You have your own specialties, so I'm sure it will help. Besides, experience in fighting an opponent is always more important than raw stats."

(Lefiya): "Do you have a lot of experience?"

(Saber): "Umu! And if you're not confident in yourself, trust those who made the choice to come along. Or you doubt Riveria's judgment?"

(Lefiya): "Of course not!" she shouted.

She did not believe that anyone would suggest such a thing.

(Saber): "Umu! So it's settled! She believes you can do it, so you can do it."

(Lefiya): "I suppose it is... Thank you."

Lefyia calmed down and soon afterwards all the chosen ones for the group that was going to go down to the stairs that led to the |Fifty-First Floor|. Some of them had magic swords for the case of new species.

(Finn): "Is everyone ready? And are you sure about that Saber?"

(Saber): "Umu!" - She said nodding.

She carried her sword in the same way that someone would carry a one-handed sword, as if she needed something more to demonstrate her strength.

(Finn): "Anyone against?" - he said looking at the other members.

Obviously no one was against it, even Bete who would start a fight was silent, after all if he tried to make her look weak, what would he be if he lost to her?

(Finn): "All right then. The formation will be as follows. Bete, Tiona and Saber will be front. Ais and Tione will cover the center with me while Riveria and Gareth will cover the rear. [Supporters] will be between each line while two smiths will sticks in the center, got it? "

There was a round of affirmations before everyone fell silent, awaiting Finn's order for a full speed charge straight through the |Dungeon Floors|.

(Finn): "Bete, Tiona, Saber... go."

With a simple orde, the three rushed blitz down the hall way in a flash. When they got there, Saber was surprised.

(Saber): "So this is what they meant by 'hell'."

Compared to the grabd cliffs and jungles just a floor above, the |Fifty-First Floor| were made up of graphite ceilings and walls in the form of a maze. The trio kept clearing the path while eliminating all the monsters that left the walls and clearing the center line. Then they heard Raul scream.

(Raul): "Caterpillar monsters! And the new species." - he screamed!

(Finn): "Charge formation! Saber, Ais, Bete!"

Ais switched places with Tiona as she shrouded herself with wind and began charging forward. Running alongside her, Bete's boot absorbed some of the magical winds and Saber placed his sword on his right shoulder to enjoy the movement while the trio launched themselves at the monsters with a thunderous roar. Corrosive acid was fired from the mouths of the caterpillars but they were deflected by Ais'shroud of wind.

With Ais's 'Desperate', Saber's 'Aestys Estus' and Bete's new durandal daggers, made by Tsubaki, the three were able to block and cut the monsters without worry of their weapons being melted by the acid the monsters spat out or exploded into when they burst. From their position, Saber could feel a large amount of magic being gathered behind her and very fast, which meant that the song was small. She was pretty sure it was Riveria. She was able to gather so much magic while following the rest of the group, and concentrating on a song where you couldn't miss a comma and move around was a big feat, if the person doesn't have a skill that would help in these situations. [Loki Family] 'Aces weren't just for show. Know really wanted to know if it was because of the falna or it was her natural talent.

(Finn): "Everyone make room!" - he shouted.

The front and midlines scattered and stuck close to the walls or ducked into a side path, giving Riveria enough room to fire off her magic without fear of friendly-fire.

(Riveria): "Wynn Fimbulvetr!"

Three snowy tendrils shrieked through the passageway. Every monster caught in the bluish-white blast froze instantly. The frozen caterpillars and other monster caught in the blast became a gallery of ice sculpture. With a single speel, the main path had been turned into a winter wonderland. Saber was sure that if Riveria touched the |Throne of Heroes| she would make a big 'Caster'.

The ice magic not only froze their enemies, it also froze over the openings to the other corridors as well a good portion of the walls, preventing any more enemies from crawling through, allowing the rest of the |Fifty-First Floor| to be cleared with relative ease.

(Finn): "From here on, consider replenishing anything impossible. So be careful about using potions." - he said when they arrived at the stairs that would lead to the next floor.

(Everyone): "Got it."

Saber felt a strange tension amongst the [Loky Family Adventurers], prompting her to recall what Ais and the others told her yesterday at lunch. The true hell awaited beyond these stairs. By Finn's order, the group sped down the |Fifty-Second Floor| at an even greater speed than the |Fifty-First Floor|.

(Finn): "Avoid combat wherever possible! Simply repelling the monsters is fine!"

Just like the previous floor, the layout was the same as was the constant spawning of the <Black Rhinos>, although no more of the new species has shown up yet. Saber jumped and cut two <Deformis Spider> that jumped on them, when he touched the ground again, she heard a distant roar of a dragon coming from down below.

(Finn): "Bete, change course!"

Bete immediately leaped backwards just as the ground he was standing on erupted in a crimson shockwave, spreading red hot flames all across the |Dungeon Floor| and obliterated the monsters that had tried to block them off.

(Finn): "Take the Western Route! Riveria, protection spell, hurry!"

The party immediately changed course into one of the tunnels toward another wide passageway when yet another explosion erupted right behind them.

(Raul): "How many of them are there?"

(Alicia): "About eight or nine" - she shouted.

(Raul): "I wish I hadn't asked!"

(Saber): "Are you guys holding on there?" - she shouted as she cut another <Deformis Spider> down from the ceiling in two.

(Cruz): "Somehow." - he said while he was saved by Gareth from a <Black Rhinos>.

(Gareth): "Hanging in there!"

Other explosions took place near them.

(Gareth): "Damn, that was closer... Raul look out!"

Saber turned toward her left where Raul was just in time to see some spider thread shooting toward the Raul's head. Before he could react, Lefiya jumped foward and knocked him out of the way with her body, causing the thread to attach itself to her back and yank her away from the group.

(Tione): "Lefiya!"

The [Elf] girl was soaring through the air towards the jaws of a massive <Deformis Spider> that had dug a hole in the |Dungeon Floor|... only for another explosion to erupt right where the monster was, disintegrating it in an instant, leaving Lefiya suspended over a massive hole like she was frozen in time.

Her expression was filled with shock and horror as she blindly reached her hand back toward the group... just to feel an arm around her belly and be pulled. Saber caught her under the free arm before she fell into the hole and they both fell on solid ground.

(Saber): "Are you okay?" - she said while making Lefiya stand.

Before she answered everyone, they heard roars coming from the hole. Saber looked at Lefiya and seeing that there was nothing wrong, she ran and jumped into the hole.

(Tiona): "SABER! Wait!" - she shouted as she went to the hole that Saber just jumped, passing Lefiya, and jumped inside.

(Bete): "Idiots!" - he said following Tiona.

Lefiya's head was a mess. She was saved again. Was this how it always going to be? People getting hurt or killed saving her because she was too weak to save herself? Saber didn't get hurt because it was her, but if others tried, they might not be so lucky. She wasn't always going to be the one being saved. Especially not by a Level 1 from a different [Family], even if she is a friend. With that in mind, she ignored the cries from the others behind her as she gathered her resolve.

While letting gravity work she saw that there were several <Wyverns> that began closing in on the |Servant| She leaned over to get close to the wall and used it as an impulse to go to the first <Wyvern>, which she thought was an easy snack, and beheaded him. On impulse she stopped at the wall opposite to which she took impulse and did the same procedure, eliminating each <Wyvern> until she reached the floor. Tiona and Bete had their chin on the floor while running along the walls to get to her. Saber looked just like a red blur as he moved.

(Tiona): "Incredible Saber!" - she said when she and Bete reached the bottom.

Saber turned and saw the two and one other person who was coming down.

(Saber): "Which floor are we on?"

(Tiona): "I don't know, but it shouldn't be too far, after all, the hole was not that big, maybe the |Fifty-Second| or |Fifty-Third Floor|."

The room they were in was quite large, almost like one of the parts of the |Eleventh Floor| There was another hole in a corner that should have led even farther down. Tiona had said that |Dungeon| there were these paths that skipped several floors, but only used if there was a way to survive, which in the case of the group was one of Lefiya's spells.

(Bete): "... You're making me fell like a morron for jumping in after you!" - he said a little irritated.

(Saber): "I didn't think it would come after me." - she said with a smirk.

Even after the lesson that Saber tried to teach Bete, he still continued with the usual attitude, despite being less compared to before.

(Bete): "Shut it!" - he screamed.

Other <Wyverns> showed up, just in time for he needed something to discount his frustration. He jumped and sliced ​​off a <Wyvern>'s head and kicked its corpse into another <Wyvern>, sending them both falling the ground.

(Saber): "Are you a tsundere?"

(Bete): "First Loki and now you! What the fuck does that even mean !?"

(Saber): "It means you can't be honest with yourself."

(Tiona): "Outta the way! Outta the way!"

Tiona ran past the both of them and jumped in front of a massive fireball, taking it head on while coming out little worse for the wear... save for a bit of fire stuck on her clothing.

(Tiona): "Hot hot hot hot! I'll get this you dawn dragons!" - she shoutde as she patted down her body.

Saber was impressed by [Amazoness] who looked like she only had a slight sunburn from staying out in the sun for too long even though she had taken a fireball that vaporized part of the |Dungeon Floor| and every single monster in its way not ten seconds ago. Deciding to chalk it up to the magic of the falna, she focused on the third person who was coming.

(Saber): "I didn't think you'd be going down Lefiya."

(Bete & Tiona): "Huh?"

The two turned to where Saber was looking and saw the pink clad [Elf] running towards them. Bete couldn't believe what he was seeing.

(Bete): "What the hell was the point of her saving you if you jump in anyway you moron!? You sure picked a hell of a time to stop being a coward!"

(Saber): "It looks like I'm still going to have to teach you a few things." - she said making Bete's back sweat cold.

(Tiona): "Saber! Bete! Look out!" - she shouted just as something flew past the two of them.

(Saber): "A black <Wyvern>?"

(Bete): "Damn it, a strengthened species..." - he snarled as the <Wyvern> turned around for another pass - "Oi!"

(Saber): "Umu!"

Saber and Bete spun at each other at the same time and kicked at each others' boots, allowing them to launch off each other to avoid the <Wyvern>'s attacks.

(Tiona): "Do you think you can reach him, Saber?"

Saber was going to ask but she turned and looked at Lefiya.

(Saber): "It won't be necessary." - she said and Tiona looked at Lefiya too.

(Lefiya): "Loose your arrows, fairy archers. Pierce, arrow of accuracy ..." - she was chanting her magic as she ran up to them, gathering up the magical energy within her.

Several <Wyverns> appeared and tried to stop her by pelting her with fireballs but she easily avoided them by running as Bete, Saber and Tiona took care of them.

(Lefiya): "ARCS RAY!"

In a brilliant flash of light, a single massive magic arrow was launched from Lefiya's staff, blasting through the <Wyverns> around her before it started chasing down the black <Wyvern>. The monster swerved back and forth, trying its best to avoid the magic arrow but iy easily homed in on it before crashing into and enveloping the monster in an explosion of light. After that the place was empty except for the four.

(Bete): "Ain't gonna let you show me up!"

(Saber): "Are you going to be fine?"

(Tiona): "It hurts like hell! But better than one of you guys!"

(Lefiya): "Miss Saber! Are you alright?"

(Saber): "Umu! I'm fine. And you can do if you try, it is not?"

(Lefiya): "Yes! I can't let myself be protected all the time!"

For a moment, Saber saw Bell in place of Lefiya.

(Saber): "...It's similar..." - she mumbled.

(Finn): "Guys! Are you all right?" - he said as he and the rest of the group got together.

(Lefiya): "Yes Captain."

(Gareth): "What now?"

Finn looked at the hole next to them.

(Finn): "That hole will take us to the |Fifty-Eight Floor|, from there we will continue. Raul, Narvi, Alicia, Cruz and Tsubaki, will you go back to the camp. Are you all ready?"

(Everyone): "Yes!"

Those who were going to jump went to the edge of the hole while those who were going to return used incense sticks to ward off monsters and thus return safely. When they reached the edge they all jumped together, they fell for a few minutes without a problem, then they came out in an area as wide as the forest on the |Fifty Floor|, with the same scenery as the previous floors, the |Fifty-Eight Floor|, that was an one wide open room, not unlike a floor with a <Monster Rex> with the exit easily visible. At the bottom had several <Wyverns> and <Valgang Dragons>. The <Wyverns> started launching fireballs.

(Bete): "Block those fireballs!"

(Tiona): "I told you that it freaking hurts!"

(Saber): "I'll take care of that!"

She dived to stay a little further ahead of the group and cut all the cut fireballs before reaching them. The [Werewolf] withdrew one of his magic swords from its holster. The amber blade atop a golden hilt crackled with an electrical spark as he placed it to his right Frosvirt. The jewel embedded in his long boot absorbed the electrical shock, and the magic dagger crumbled in his hand. With the magical absorbed, the boot was now wrapped in a shroud of lightning. Taking advantage of the opening Saber gave him, Bete charged forward like a supercharged bolt of lightning and swung his foot right toward the closest dragon's head.

(Bete): "Die."

The beast's head exploded. His 'Frosvirt' dug into the dragons's face and discharged the magic stored in his boot, vaporizing the monster's head in an instant, allowing him to land on the | Fifty-Eight Floor | without any problem.

(Beth): "I'm back, you dragon bastards..." - he muttered as he stood up and glared at the remaining seven dragons.

That floor was the home to hundreds of <Wyverns> and the <Valgang Dragons>, all ready to attack Bete at once, to wich he could only scoff at them. Soon thereafter, Saber and Tiona who had gone ahead with a dive fell beside him.

(Tiona): "Aaaaaaand... number three!"

(Finn): "All of you scatter!"

(Lefiya): "Fall like rain, burn the savages to ash."

Bete, Saber and Tiona looked up just in time to see the group falling, while Lefiya pointed the staff at the ground. The three of them cleared the area immediately, ignoring incoming attacks from the surrounding monsters as the midair spell concluded. And then.

(Lefiya): "Fusillade Fallarica!"

A torrential deluge of fire arrows rained down on the |Fifty-Eight Floor|. Agonized screams swelled amid the storm of magic. While the red scales of the <Valgang Dragons> seemed to simply absorb the legion of fire arrwos as it pushed them onto the ground, the other monsters weren't so lucky.

Pint-size, midsize, and even the giant monsters of the depths found themselves wreathed in flames under the powerful, Mind-heavy area attavk that raised the bar when it came to skills. You have if not hundreds of monsters turned to ash around them, The whole of the |Fifty-Eight Floor| trasnformed into a bed of corpses. The rest of the group fell without any injuries.

(Lefiya): "W-we're alive..." - she sighed in relief and amazement.

(Saber): "...That's a bit premature, don't you think?" - she asked as she stood up and turned around to see the <Valgang Dragons> stand up, dislodging the rubble off of themselves.

(Tiona): "Aww, it would have been nice if you managed to kill them too."

(Lefiya): "P-please temper your expectationsof me!"

(Riveria): "But you did a great job." - she said with a simple smile.

Lefiya almost went to the clouds. Riveria was the idol of any [Elf] girl magician who went to Orario, hearing her praising her made her very happy.

Gareth wasted in the time and went to the nearest <Valgang Dragon> and plunged both of his axes into the dragon's foot, sending it crashing to the ground at the same moment it took for the others to breathe.

As the <Valgang Dragons> only had their wings for their forearms, there was no way for the creature to fight back against something so small at its feet when its main form of close combat was swinging its massive tail arround. The other dragons also hesitated in attacking something so close to their kin. Taking advantage of the monsters' hesitation, Gareth tossed both of his axes and grabbed the tip of the tail of the downed dragon.

(Saber): "Uh oh..." - she muttered, she had an idea of ​​what Gareth was going to do because she had already done it once at the coliseum.

(Bete): "You've gotta be shitting me...!"

(Finn): "Everyone down!"

All of them dropped to he ground, the <Valgang Dragon> 's body started moving. Keeping his grip on the massive monster's tail, Gareth began to spin, whirling the dragon over his head. Three times. Four times. Five times. Like a top, Gareth swung the dragon around, crushing the smaller <Wyverns> that tried to get close while also batting away the other <Valgang Dragons>.

Saber saw it all very quickly. Gareth had a lot of physical strength, and he was a Level 6, so Ottarl had more physical strength than he did. She was sure she wouldn't be able to do that, she could start breaking one of their necks but it wouldn't do much harm, especially with those scales, but doing what Gareth did was out of the question.

(Saber): "Praetor needs to summon a 'Berseker'."

Finally, Gareth realeased his grip on the unfortunate dragon, sending it flying like a bullet into the wall, unmoving.

(Tiona): "...Wow."

Tiona's rather blunt comment echoed in the minds of the others, excerpt from Finn and Riviera, as Gareth dusted himself off. Finn chose that moment to look at an area on the wall.

(Finn): "We have other things to worry about."

Fllowing his gauze, the others saw that the stairs to the | Fifty-Seventh Floor | had been plugged up by a mass of wiggling caterpillars.

(Lefiya): "Oh no..."

(Ais): "The pathway..."

(Gareth): "Like this, magic will be dangerous to use ..."

(Riveria): "Let's go to the floor below, we won't have to worry about them."

According to what [Zeus Family] recorded, the next area was a glacier so I had nothing to worry about there.

(Tione): "At the very last, the new specires aren't friends with the dragons." - she noted as the caterpillar monsters burst into the room and started spewing their acid at the closest dragon who roared back and incinerated a large group instantly.

And with that, the group, except for Finn, Tione Riveria and Lefiya rushed toward the monsters. The three-way battle between the [Adventurers], dragons, and acidic monsters had begun.