[349] Udaeus

Previously, Filvis had interacted with Bete and Lefiya, but not with the others.

Moreover, Bete and Filvis didn't get along well. They couldn't stand each other.

"Lefiya, I've got something to take care of, so I'll be leaving now."

"Alright, take care on your way."

"Mm, you too."

After saying goodbye to Lefiya, Filvis quickly left.

The others noticed her departure, sensing she didn't enjoy being around them. Given her past, no one thought much of it.

Only August knew why. Filvis was deliberately distancing herself from Lefiya and the others, especially Lefiya. The old Filvis had perished in that tragedy long ago.

Now, she was merely a monster wrapped in human skin, unwilling to connect with anyone.

Though the term "Grim Reaper" wasn't flattering, it suited her.

All of her former teammates had died in the dungeon, and she had a hand in that.

There were too many secrets tied to her existence. Frequent contact with others would risk exposing those secrets, which could lead to unnecessary trouble.

"Filvis-san~"

Watching Filvis's quickly retreating figure, Lefiya felt a bit puzzled, but she didn't dwell on it.

At this moment, August brought out some food and drink, inviting everyone to take a break and refuel. After all, their dungeon expedition was just beginning.

After resting for about half an hour, the group set out again.

As they ventured deeper into the dungeon, Lefiya, who had been fighting independently, gradually moved closer to August.

Everyone else was busy handling their own battles, and it would be troublesome to look after her. Naturally, August became the best option.

Watching the shadow of the Dragon's Remnant shred all the monsters with ease, Lefiya couldn't help but admire August's strength.

Despite being a rookie who had joined the Familia less than half a year ago, he had already surpassed everyone.

And yet, she, who had been nurtured within the Familia for so long, even receiving personal instruction from the royal Lady Riveria on magic, was still stuck at this level.

The difference between them was stark.

The 37th Floor, the domain of the Floor Boss Udaeus.

August had slain Udaeus just a few months ago, and it was still too early for the monster's respawn.

But since they were already here, it would be a shame not to trigger a respawn, wouldn't it?

"Ais~"

As he spoke, August tossed a candlestick holding a blue candle to Ais.

Ais caught it and immediately understood his intention. Water Candles were no stranger to her—August had used them many times before.

"Ais, what's that?"

"A Water Candle."

"A Water Candle?"

"Mm, it's an item August made. When lit, it increases the spawn rate and frequency of monsters."

"Uh…"

Tiona, Tione, and Lefiya were momentarily stunned. Isn't the birth of monsters decided by the dungeon itself? Since when could an item influence that?

Before they could say more, Ais had already lit the Water Candle and prepared herself.

Ten minutes passed, then twenty, then thirty. After an hour with no changes in the surroundings, the others were growing restless, but August and Ais remained calm.

"Ais, are you sure that candle isn't expired?"

"No."

"But it's been an hour."

"We waited two days last time."

"Two days?!"

Tiona was in disbelief. Waiting a couple of hours was one thing, but two days? That was insane.

What surprised her more, though, was that Ais had actually waited that long before.

Boom!

Suddenly, the ground trembled.

A massive skeletal figure emerged from beneath the floor—the 37th Floor Boss, Udaeus, had respawned.

Incredibly, the Floor Boss had been revived early!

Crash!

Before they could process what was happening, Udaeus pulled a pitch-black skeletal greatsword from the ground.

A sword-wielding Udaeus—it was a rare sight.

Roar!

Udaeus let out a furious roar, swinging the massive greatsword down toward August.

Clang!

But mid-air, the shadow blade blocked the attack.

At the same time, August raised a single finger.

A terrifying concentration of magical energy gathered at his fingertip, forming a small black orb.

"Black Cero!"

Boom!

In an instant, a beam of dark green energy shot forth, obliterating everything in its path.

Udaeus, who had just respawned and was prepared for battle, was instantly reduced to ashes, his massive magic stone disintegrating along with him. The remaining bones collapsed into a pile on the ground.

With a resounding thud, the skeletal remains shattered into dust, leaving behind only the black greatsword.

The 37th Floor Boss, a monster powerful enough to rival a Level 6 adventurer, typically requiring an entire party to defeat, had been felled in one strike by August.

The battle had ended so swiftly that it barely felt like a fight at all.

"Looks like I got lucky—the greatsword dropped."

August picked up the black skeletal greatsword. With a bit of refinement, it could easily become a first-class weapon.

If they could find a master blacksmith and put in some effort, the resulting weapon would be nothing short of legendary.

Ottar's weapon had been forged from a similar greatsword dropped by Udaeus, and it had cost a fortune to create his exclusive armament.

While Ais efficiently extinguished the Water Candle, August casually collected it. This black greatsword was certainly a profitable find for this dungeon trip.

Yet August didn't seem too concerned, as he no longer had a need for money. He casually tossed the greatsword to Bete.

"Hm? What's this about?"

Bete looked confused. August had spatial storage capabilities—why give the sword to him?

"Consider it the reward for today. All the magic stones and drops we've gathered so far are mine, but this is for you guys. Whether you sell it or forge it into a weapon is up to you."

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