A Family Bond and the Second Floor's Trial

The swampy terrain of the second floor seemed endless. Each step squelched against the damp, muddy ground, and the thick humidity clung to us like a second skin. The monsters we encountered weren't as strong as the Swamp Hide but came at us in swarms, making every fight more exhausting.

I wiped the sweat from my forehead, glancing at Tsuki and Wogg. Both looked ready for more, but I could see traces of weariness in Tsuki's eyes.

"Let's rest for now," I said, sheathing my weapon.

"Understood, My Lord," Tsuki replied, her ears twitching slightly.

Wogg nodded and scouted a nearby clearing. It was slightly elevated and dry enough for a proper camp.

---

Once settled, I pulled out the supplies I'd brought. Grilled meat was on the menu today. Using some basic seasonings, I cooked the food over a small fire while Tsuki and Wogg stood guard.

As the aroma filled the air, Tsuki finally relaxed, sitting close to the fire. "Master, you truly spoil us," she said with a faint smile.

"Keeping everyone's morale up is part of the job," I replied, flipping the meat. "Besides, we'll need the energy if we're going to finish this floor."

We ate in silence for a while, savoring the simple but satisfying meal. However, my thoughts kept drifting to Rir. I couldn't shake the image of her pacing back at the entrance, waiting for us to return.

"I wonder if Rir is okay," I said aloud, my voice tinged with guilt.

Tsuki's expression softened. "I've been thinking the same, My Lord. We're here enjoying ourselves, but what about her? She must be lonely."

Wogg, ever the realist, shook his head. "Master, you left her plenty of food. She'll be fine for days."

"But food isn't the same as company," I argued. "What if she feels abandoned?"

Wogg chuckled, his deep voice carrying a hint of amusement. "You're both acting like worried parents. It's cute."

I blinked at his remark. "I guess I do feel a little fatherly toward her. She's adorable, after all."

To my surprise, Tsuki blushed deeply. "Even if it's a jest, My Lord, I'm happy to hear that. Every child deserves a father like you." Her voice turned softer. "But… it saddens me that with this monstrous body, I can never truly stand by your side as your wife."

Her words caught me off guard. The thought of marrying a Fenrir flashed through my mind, leaving me conflicted. I quickly focused on finishing the meal instead.

After we ate, exhaustion took over. I leaned against Wogg while Tsuki curled up nearby, her tail resting protectively over herself.

"Master, I can take watch for the night," Wogg offered.

"Are you sure? We could take shifts—"

Wogg shook his head firmly. "I don't require sleep, My Lord. Being created by your magic, I can remain awake for months without issue."

Reluctantly, I nodded. My body felt heavy, and I drifted off to sleep.

---

(Third-Person POV)

Wogg stood watch as his master and Tsuki rested. The fire crackled softly, casting flickering shadows across the clearing.

He glanced at Tsuki, her form curled up like a protective mother. Her breathing was steady, and her usually sharp eyes were closed in rare peace.

"She truly acts like a mother," Wogg thought, his stone axe resting against his shoulder. His gaze shifted to Ray, who had fallen asleep leaning on him. His master's hand rested unconsciously on Tsuki's paw, an unspoken gesture of trust.

"They look like a family," Wogg mused, a rare smile forming on his usually stern face. "Perhaps I'm fortunate to be part of this strange little group."

---

The next morning, we woke feeling refreshed. After a quick breakfast, we continued deeper into the dungeon.

About an hour in, we stumbled upon what appeared to be a settlement. Crude wooden huts were scattered around, and monsters moved about in organized groups. At the center of the camp stood a larger hut, guarded by a massive figure.

The system chimed in, providing details:

[Species: Swamp Raiders]

Rank: C

Description: Agile humanoid monsters equipped with crude weapons. They hunt in packs and are known for their coordination.

The larger monster stood out among the rest.

[Species: Swamp Chief]

Rank: C+

Description: A mid-boss monster that commands Swamp Raiders. Stronger and more intelligent than its subordinates.

"Looks like we've found their leader," I said, gripping my weapon tightly.

Tsuki's tail lashed behind her. "They're too organized, My Lord. This will be a challenge."

Wogg hefted his stone axe. "All the more reason to crush them swiftly."

The battle began as soon as we stepped into the camp. Swamp Raiders swarmed us from all sides, their crude weapons gleaming in the dim light.

I activated my weapon, the blade humming with power as I slashed through two Raiders in one strike. Their bodies crumpled to the ground as another lunged at me. I dodged, countering with a swift upward cut.

Tsuki fought with ferocity, her claws ripping through enemies like paper. Her movements were fluid, almost graceful, as she dodged and attacked.

Wogg, on the other hand, was a force of nature. His axe smashed through enemies with devastating strength, sending some flying into the swamp. Despite his size, he moved with surprising speed, intercepting attacks meant for Tsuki or me.

The Swamp Chief roared, rallying its remaining forces for a desperate final assault. But we held our ground, cutting down the last of its subordinates.

Finally, the Chief stood alone.

"Stay back," I said to Tsuki and Wogg. "This one's mine."

The Chief charged, its massive club swinging with deadly force. I rolled to the side, avoiding the attack, and slashed at its side. My blade left a deep gash, but the Chief barely flinched.

It swung again, forcing me to backpedal. Each strike shook the ground, and I had to time my movements carefully to avoid being hit.

Finally, I saw an opening. I lunged forward, feinting toward its neck before slashing at its leg. The Chief stumbled, roaring in pain. I seized the moment, delivering a powerful downward strike that cleaved its head in two.

The Chief's body dissolved into particles, and the system chimed again.

[Mid-Boss Defeated: Swamp Chief]

Rewards: Low-Tier Potions x3

I frowned. "Low-tier potions? Really?"

Tsuki chuckled softly. "What were you expecting, My Lord? Treasure and gold?"

Wogg, meanwhile, searched the Chief's hut and emerged with a worn scroll. "Master, this looks important."

I scanned the text, and the system translated it.

The scroll revealed that the second floor had four mid-bosses, all of which needed to be defeated before we could challenge the floor boss.

"Four of them?" I groaned. "This is going to take forever."

The system displayed a map of the floor, marking the locations of the remaining mid-bosses. They were spread out, each settlement in a different direction.

With a resigned sigh, I led the way toward the next target.

---

We had a long road ahead.