The Expedition Team

This time, before she hit the floor, Yoruichi was able to deactivate her Bankai, giving her ample space to land on her feet. Kuroka immediately went beside Yoruichi and helped her stand up and wipe her sweat.

Although the destructiveness of her Bankai was off the charts, it also came with serious energy consumption that a couple more strikes was her current limit. But even with energy to spare, she can't repeatedly use it due to the extreme strain it puts on her body, especially her arm.

Even after strengthening through training and Reiatsu-Ki, just after two strikes, her muscles were ruptured and her bones fractured, 'I seriously need more body strengthening training... I wonder if Kisuke could suggest something?'

Yoruichi realized that it was her turn to fall into the training hell.

A few minutes later, a group of women arrived at the scene of Kuroka supporting Yoruichi, falling ashes, two chucks of big Magic Stones, and two differently colored horns, "W-what is this...?"

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The Astarte Familia's Expedition Team that aimed to take out the Surtr had arrived at the 46th floor and was immediately besieged by monsters. However, the expedition team of the Astarte Familia's most elite fighters led by their Captain, Carys Cattell, Blacksmiths from the Hadur Familia led by Urdor Slatefall, and Mages from the Patecatl Familia led by Chris Flamesworth easily dealt with the horde of monsters.

"This is strange..." Carys suddenly muttered. She was the Captain of the Astarte Familia and one of the few Level 7s. As a Cowperson, she capitalized on her innate strength to rush through her enemies despite her flimsy and frail-looking limbs.

A Dark Elf with silver hair and a mostly covered face landed beside her and asked, "What is?"

Carys silently looked around for a few moments before answering, "Although there are still hordes of monsters, they're noticeably fewer than what I remembered. I took note of this after we went through the 44th floor, but now that we're on the 46th floor, it's become more obvious."

After taking care of the last monsters, Fenia also went beside them and said, "I also noticed this earlier, but I thought it was just my imagination."

Chris, Tenestra, Yenna, and Urdor also joined them hearing their conversation, "This is one of the abnormal anomalies that we should never ignore. It could be that the Dungeon is preparing something for us," Yenna added.

"Shall we continue or retreat to the upper floors while sending scouts to this place to monitor the situation?" The Dwarf, Urdor asked while stroking his beard.

Carys thought for a moment before saying, "Let's decide it between the three Familias. I suggest we continue."

"I'd like to see the situation first," Urdor voted.

Chris, a mature woman with long black hair and a witch-like attire, first looked at the Mages she'd brought with her that are supposed to block the entrance to the 48th floor and flood the 47th floor for a few moments before voting, "I'd like to see how things develop first."

Carys nodded at her and said, "Then we shall ascend to the 39th floor."

"Isn't the 40th floor much safer since it's easier to deal with poisonous scorpions than wraiths?" asked Chris.

"We found a spot where monsters don't spawn. Although it'll be cramped with our members, it's much better than being constantly attacked by the monsters."

Urdor's eyes widened and asked, "Oh? Is it fine to show us this spot?"

"Everyone's safety is my priority so it's fine."

Urdor then started chuckling, "Those babies from the Aruna Familia should really learn a thing or two from you."

Carys was about to reply when the Dungeon suddenly started shaking and the familiar roar of the Surtr was heard, "!?"

"Someone is fighting the Surtr!" Tenestra shouted to let those who were confused know what's going on.

"Let's go! Rush through the monsters and ignore those that far!" Carys gritted her teeth and recalled what happened three weeks ago, 'Is this related to those who killed the Kuraokami?'

"Chris, I'll leave the formation of the Mages to you. Fenia, take half of the vanguard to safeguard the Mages, the Blacksmiths, and the Logistic team. The rest of you, follow me to the 47th floor!" Carys continued giving commands and no one objected to it.

However, just a few seconds after that, an enormous and invisible pressure suddenly slammed down on everyone, halting their advance abruptly.

While Carys and the rest of the executives managed to stay still, those who were Level 3s had one knee on the ground while those who were Level 2s completely succumbed to the pressure and dropped to the ground. However, they were all feeling the same thing, an extreme dread that was unknown to them. Aside from that, they also knew where this strange pressure was coming from.

The pressure immediately disappeared as if it was just their bad imagination but after that, they all heard the roar of pain from the Monster Rex below.

"W-what's going on over there?" Chris asked. She still couldn't stop her body from shaking and it's the same for others.

The first one to recover was Carys as she took several deep breaths before looking forward and giving instructions, "Everyone, retreat while being wary of your surroundings." But contrary to her words, she started walking towards the entrance of the 47th floor.

"Captain!? Where are you going!?" Yenna suddenly grabbed her hand and asked.

Without looking back, Carys replied, "We encountered something unknown and this may not be the first time this happens. I want to see what's really going on for our future expeditions. Yenna, go take over the command. I'll follow you shortly."

"But..."

Carys patted her head and said, "Aside from me, you're the one who could effectively command everyone. I'm counting on you."

Yenna gritted her teeth and separated from Carys, "...Understood. Be careful."

But as Carys walked forward, Fenia went beside her and started walking along with her, "You might have convinced Yenna, but I'm coming with you. It'll be a lot safer that way."

Carys wanted to rebuke her decision but she noticed that two more people were walking beside her, "I'm not good at commanding people, but the best with reacting to the unknown things. It'll be much safer with me here," Tenestra said with a large grin.

"Naturally, I'll also come. Having a scout with you is a lot better," the Dark Elf, Dulran Stillshadow, added.

Carys sighed and knew that she won't be able to convince them, "Fine... Follow my lead."

The four of them then rushed forward, weaving through the monsters.

While looking at them, Urdor asked, "Are they going to be fine?"

Yenna nodded with conviction, "They'll be fine. Let's retreat for now. With their speed, it'll be easy for them to catch up."

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Carys, Fenia, Tenestra, and Duran briefly stopped at the entrance of the 47th floor as they heard the sounds of intense battle, "They are taking the Surtr head-on?" Fenia mumbled with a frown.

Unless one wanted to challenge the Surtr or have a death wish, no one would really meet the Surtr in a head-on battle.

Just as they were about to step forward, the unbearable pressure suddenly descended on them again, freezing them in their spots, but this time, it was a lot more bearable and it disappeared just as fast. The four of them looked at each other for a moment before they resumed their rush.

However, midway through the path, the sounds of battle ceased and when they reached the 47th floor, they could only freeze and be in awe at the scene, "W-what is this...?" Tenestra muttered.