The Balor
"The next secure floor is the 50th floor. The floor master on the 49th floor, Balor, has a high probability of appearing. We may still have to deal with the floor master," Riveria said with a tired voice to Elinalise, who was beside her.
The objective of this expedition is to reach the 60th floor, so passing through the 49th floor, where Balor resides, is inevitable.
Several days have passed since the fight with Udaeus; the Rozzo family's expedition had already reached the 46th floor.
Since descending from the 38th floor, where they fought the floor boss Udaeus, the previously smooth expedition has faced many difficulties.
As they descended deeper, the level of monsters increased, growing in size and diversity of abilities.
Whether poison or abnormal status types, everything has become more complicated.
Moreover, the abnormal status caused by these high-level monsters cannot be resolved with ordinary potions.
The various advanced medicines and supplies they brought in the carts before departing finally came into play.
The family was forced to stop many times to heal their injured members.
Although thanks to Alfia, they had deeper knowledge of the monsters in the ultra-deep floors.
Knowledge, in the end, is just that, without real experience, many mistakes were still made.
After descending from the 38th floor, the following floors up to the 40th were quite simple.
However, upon entering the 44th floor, the surrounding environment began to change.
The 44th floor is a volcanic environment. Even the air on this floor seems scorching, with extremely high temperatures.
Therefore, they must use special thermal insulation equipment to move around; fortunately, they had brought the necessary equipment.
However, even with the equipment, factors such as dehydration and heat strokes cannot be avoided, so the expedition's speed decreased again.
Furthermore, the volcanic ash in the air made breathing difficult, reducing combat effectiveness.
This resulted in more injuries, especially among lower-ranked members, who had to endure more.
Fighting in this situation is also more exhausting, so breaks increased, constantly forcing them to stop.
"Fortunately, we left the lower-ranked members behind; otherwise, it would have been a disaster," Elinalise sighed with relief, glad to have made the suggestion.
Just imagining the catastrophic scene of lower-ranked members traversing this place sent shivers down Elinalise's spine.
"It's really a relief..." Riveria also sighed in relief.
Even for them, first-rate adventurers, this environment is challenging.
Not to mention the mid-level members who followed them.
The level 4 and 5 adventurers accompanying them have faced countless difficulties, and they are all physically and mentally exhausted.
However, even with these difficulties, the idea of retreating has not crossed the minds of any of the Rozzo family members.
With a slow but steady pace, the Rozzo family will achieve their goal and emerge victorious.
...
Unbeknownst to them, half a month had passed in the outside world.
The expedition team members didn't bother paying attention to the time at all. They just wanted to quickly reach the 49th floor, deal with Balor, and then descend to the 50th floor to rest properly.
The only place where they can camp relatively safely is the secure floors.
Resting on other floors is impossible; if they stay too long, the dungeon could spawn a monster party and catch them off guard.
They can't even sleep well at night, always having to worry about monster attacks.
Unfortunately, the number of Rozzo family members became the key factor limiting their expedition.
Unlike the Loki family, which can gather a logistics team of hundreds of people every time they go on an expedition and basically don't need high-level executives for tasks like night watch.
The Rozzo family, following the elite route, cannot afford that luxury; every night, an executive has to stay awake to keep watch.
It can only be said that each family route has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Riveria was also depressed by this fact, but she still didn't regret it.
For her family, the elite route is the most suitable; they have too many secrets to open their doors to the world.
What if new members ask where the old members come from?
At that moment, what will be the answer?
Once the secret that their Kami-sama has the ability to travel to other worlds is revealed, all the gods of Orario, not just from Genkai, will undoubtedly launch themselves like dogs to obtain information about these worlds.
Although her God and her family have the strength to protect their benefits.
However, it is better to keep the secret for as long as possible; this way, they will have the advantage over other families.
"I see the entrance to the 49th floor!"
Fortunately for the Rozzo family, all suffering will eventually see the light of day.
Soon, a joyful shout echoed through the 48th floor.
They finally reached the entrance to the 49th floor.
Probably if the floor boss Balor heard this joyful shout, he would say that it's the first time in his life that someone is so happy to see him.
~ROOOAAARRR~
Even if you haven't entered the 49th floor yet, you can hear the roar from inside if you stand near the entrance.
It's the roar of the floor master, Balor.
Listening to this roar is full of vitality, making adventurers aware that this floor has an owner.
"We'll take a break before entering; everyone sit down and gather strength."
Choosing a position that is easy to defend and difficult to attack, Riveria waved her staff to form a barrier that would block the entrance to the 49th floor.
Only then could the expedition members start to rest completely relieved.
"Riveria-sama, how will we organize ourselves?" Eris, one of the few people in the family who still had energy in her body, asked Riveria.
"It's not easy dealing with Balor; we'll have to go all together," Taking notes from her mage robe, Riveria responded to Eris.
According to the information obtained from Alfia.
As the floor master of the 49th floor, Balor's strength has reached level 7.
For a mage like her who depends on her teammates, he is definitely a tough opponent.
Riveria, with her powerful firepower, can take down that type, but getting close is a challenge.
Riveria can only rely on her vanguard to face Balor while she gathers spells for battle.
Devising a small action plan, Riveria's eyes flickered.
"Elinalise! Eris, you will lead two teams to attack Balor from both sides, and the rest will guard the entrance to the 49th floor!"
When facing a level 7 Balor, only elite level 6 adventurers have a chance to fight.
The rest of the lower-level adventurers can only clear the surrounding areas.
Assigning tasks to the mid-level members to protect the passage, keeping monsters away from the boss fight.
Seeing that her comrades had regained some energy, Riveria took a deep breath and asked her expedition team members to check their weapons before leading the team into the corridor of the 49th floor.
...
Floor 49 of the dungeon is called the Great Desert. Compared to the previous floors, it seems like entering a whole new world.
Completely desolate and lifeless, this territory makes people feel depressed just by stepping into it.
The Rozzo family team has just entered the floor when suddenly...
~ROOOAAARRRR~
It seems like sensing that life had intruded on its territory, a deafening roar came from the distance.
Immediately after, a huge figure tens of meters high suddenly emerged from the ground where Riveria and the others were.
Just one head was the size of five Riverias, and the fierce expression surprised the members of the Rozzo family.
At least in terms of momentum, Balor is several times more terrifying than Udaeus.
"Step back!"
Feeling Balor's movement, which was rapidly approaching their position, Riveria quickly gave orders to the middle-ranking members of her family.
Obeying Riveria's orders quickly, the weaker members scattered around the floor.
Leaving the executives and main members of the family to battle against Balor.
"It's coming!!" Feeling the fierce momentum approaching, Riveria shouted.
The huge head approaching fixed its target quickly on the person posing the greatest threat in the team. (Alfia stayed on floor 48)
"Riveria-sama!!" The family members cried out as they saw Balor rushing at the elf with immense speed.
Riveria, seeing the huge head of Balor coming toward her, didn't hesitate for a second and raised her scepter high in her hand, then smashed it forcefully against Balor's head.
~BAM~
~CRASSH~
A strong impact echoed through floor 49, and the sound of broken bones was also heard.
Riveria was thrown backward by the impact, but quickly regained her balance and gracefully landed on the ground.
Although Riveria only has the normal physical capacity of a mage, with the addition of level, the power of LV7 made the Balor's skull suffer considerably.
Of course, much of that damage is not solely due to Riveria's strength, but also to the hardness of the scepter she struck with.
Riveria's wand is embedded with nine of the most advanced "magic gems" from super-standard wands, which can enhance magic power to the extreme.
Additionally, the wand's body, made of "refined metal" and "sacred emperor mineral," is extremely strong and can be used as a long-handled weapon.
And after being reforged by Hephaistos and turned into a growth weapon, the wand grows stronger every day.
Recoiling and recovering from the daze, Balor looked furiously toward Riveria.
The original opponent's desire to eliminate the most powerful people first was also shattered.
Because after the attack on Riveria, all the family members quickly confronted Balor.
Furthermore, Riveria grimaced in pain, feeling a throbbing pressure on her wrist.
Riveria's wrist felt great pain from the impact of Balor's skull.
The terrible level 7 strength of Balor made Riveria understand that, although they were both at the same level, there was a gap in their physical strength.
Fortunately, Riveria had the experience of being specially trained by Alfia before and learned not to let go of her weapon for anything in the world.
"Riveria-chan, take a position!" Approaching Riveria with concern, Elinalise quickly handed her the potion.
"Thank you, Elinalise, now focus on the fight." Taking the potion, Riveria told Elinalise.
In the distance, Balor, who had opened the distance, quickly returned to normal, and his huge palm enveloped them instantly.
"It's coming!!" Shouting, Ghislaine quickly leaped to block Balor's palm.
~CRASH~
Blocking Balor's palm, Ghislaine was thrown backward by the immense force.
"What terrible strength," feeling her hands tremble, Ghislaine couldn't help but marvel at the strength of this boss, which was totally different from Udaeus'.
~VOSSSH~
Meanwhile, the rest of the team didn't stand idly by. Eris, Paul, Elinalise, and Arkanh quickly attacked Balor from different angles.
~CRASH~
~CRASH~
Blocking with its huge palms, Balor managed to block Eris and Elinalise's attacks, but Paul and Arkanh's attacks hit him.
Causing its bones to crunch, and creating several more cracks.
As they fell, Eris's previous stoic face changed, the tremendous strength of Balor surprised even her.
Finding an interesting rival, an excited smile appeared on Eris's face.
Then without a second thought, she exploded with great momentum and launched herself at Balor.
~VOSSSH~ ~ VOSSH~
Ignoring its defense, Eris rushed at Balor, delivering hundreds of cuts.
Balor, seeing the huge number of cuts and the immense force in each one, had no choice but to focus on fighting Eris.
One side blocked with its palms, and the other swung its sword wildly.
The rest of the members, seeing Eris's condition, quickly began attacking the sides and blind spots of Balor.
However, after a while of fighting with the family's vanguard, Balor suddenly felt a threat.
Balor seemed to be able to sense who was threatening it on the other side, and after sensing it was the same elf who had attacked at the beginning.
Balor didn't hesitate and with a roar, it ran toward Riveria again with all its might.
~ROOOOAARRRR~
Riveria, on her part, who was preparing a spell, upon feeling Balor approaching, prepared to cancel her spell and dodge.
However, before Riveria could cancel the spell, out of the corner of her eye, she managed to see Talhand leaping toward Balor's position.
Seeing the dwarf's position, Riveria didn't hesitate and, trusting her family's executive, continued chanting the spell.
"You are the incarnation of the hellfire. With a single strike, put an end to the great war. Incinerate them, Sword of Surtr - my name is Alf... Rea Laevateinn!"
The huge column of flames crashed into Balor, crystallizing the sand in the area due to the terrible temperatures.
~RRROOOOOOAAAARRRR~
A roar of pain and anger came from Balor's mouth; the damage from Riveria was massive.
Smashing many parts of Balor's body and even melting several parts of it.
Riveria's terrifying LV7 magic was vividly displayed.
"Bastard!! How dare you ignore me!!"
On the other hand, Eris, who had been having a fight with Balor before it ran toward Riveria, ran angrily toward Balor.
"Fire of Wrath!!" With a battle cry, Eris's body was covered in a violent red flame.
With unleashed fury, Eris continued to attack Balor with her swords violently.
The rest of the Rozzo family members also moved swiftly, and attacks and spells rained down on Balor.
With the cover of the rest of the family members, Riveria finally had space to breathe.
Looking at Balor with a hint of anger on her beautiful face, Riveria didn't hesitate for a second and once again condensed magical power in her body.
The gems embedded at the top of her staff shimmered intensely, and the surrounding mana began to be absorbed.
Chanting the [Wes Windheim] spell quietly, the huge magic circle generated by the third-stage attack magic spread along her feet.
In the blink of an eye, the huge magic circle covered several meters beneath her feet.
Without worrying about the lack of mana, Riveria decided to end the fight with the next spell.
The family members who were fighting Balor also felt the mana gathering.
Turning and seeing their team leader with an angry look, none hesitated and began to withdraw.
Even the disobedient Eris stepped aside, knowing that if she didn't escape, Riveria's spell would likely leave her badly injured.
The magical power in Riveria's body surged wildly, and as a result, her eyes emitted a faint blue light.
From a distance, it adds a bit of charm.
It's a pity that the current situation is not suitable for enjoying this beautiful scenery.
Balor seemed to sense the life-threatening aura from the magic circle beneath Riveria's feet, and its red eyes fixed on Riveria in the distance again.
Perceiving the place where magic runs rampant.
Without the slightest hesitation, the huge body rushed out like a landslide.
The wounded Balor, with many parts of its body broken, ran desperately toward Riveria.
The death threat it felt from the elf was real, and it knew it had to avoid getting caught in it.
In just a few seconds, Balor showed a speed that didn't match its size at all, and its huge body had already approached Riveria.
To its dismay, before it could get too close, the family members wouldn't allow Balor to trap their family captain twice.
Therefore, spells immediately rained down on Balor.
Roxy, Rudeus, and Sylphie unleashed all their mana, forcing the floor boss to halt its charge to shield itself from the spells.
It's as if the sky itself is falling; the terrifying spells at full power from the three Rozzo family mages made floor 49 light up.
Riveria's eyes remained unchanged as Balor charged; clearly, she trusted that her family would protect her.
The magical power stored in the magic circle beneath her feet flourished with its terrifying color.
The next second, a huge lightning bolt shot out from Riveria's magic circle toward Balor.
The lightning, resembling divine punishment itself, crashed into Balor's chest, lifting its body and causing it to rise into the air.
Balor's huge body was lifted into the sky, constantly tearing apart parts of the floor boss's body.
The tough outer skin of Balor's abdomen began to peel off, revealing the bright red flesh inside.
Riveria's magical energy continued to tear Balor's body apart, and the wound bled like a spring.
~ROAR~
With Balor's painful roar, the last layer of protection on its abdomen was ripped off.
The violent magical energy poured into Balor's body like a flood, sweeping through.
The originally stout body swelled at a visible speed like a balloon; the more it inflates, the bigger it gets, and the opponent's body touches the rock walls on both sides.
The energy in the body seems to have accumulated to a limit, like a taut rope; the difference is only a small external force that can break the balance.
"Do it!"
With a shout from Riveria, she signaled to her family.
The family mages, who had adjusted their spells and gathered a heap of mana, upon hearing Riveria's order, immediately launched several attacks that hit Balor.
Balor, who has no power to defend itself in the air, is the best target, and this target is very large, so there is no need to worry about missing.
Riveria also did this to share some experience with her companions.
Participating in the crusade of Floor 49's Lord Balor is achievement enough for some members of her family to level up.
In the air, the energy in Balor's body completely exceeded the endurance limit, and its body exploded into countless pieces of flesh and blood.
~BOOOMMM~
The scene was very bloody, however, a moment later, the blood and flesh turned into black smoke in the air and dissipated again.
Only a huge magic stone taller than a person hit the ground with force, leaving a deep hole in the hard floor.
"We won..."
Seeing the magic stone fall to the ground, Riveria breathed a sigh of relief, and in turn, a small victorious smile graced her lips.
Upon seeing Balor's fall, soon the cries of victory from everyone in the family could be heard.
This Balor's true strength truly surprised them; if it weren't for Riveria's terrifying firepower.
They would have had to engage in a more prolonged battle.
Of course, the quick end to this fight was mainly due to Balor itself, which angered Riveria, and she made it fly into pieces.
Considering this, many members of the family took note not to disturb the elf too much.
Soon after a while of celebration, the fatigue of the family members became apparent.
With almost two weeks without sleeping well and constant fighting against monsters, now everyone just wanted to reach Floor 50 and rest.
Soon the members who stayed on Floor 49 entered the dungeon; then they quickly took the huge magic stone.
The expedition teams were reorganized, and the tired group marched toward Floor 50.
The fiftieth floor is a safe floor. After entering this floor, everyone in the expedition team felt relieved, and all wanted to lie down on the floor and rest for a while.
A floor with a pleasant atmosphere was truly a happy moment for the family.
There's no depressing feeling that monsters will jump out at any moment.
"Riveria-chan, our supplies are almost depleted, and our members' burden is almost at the limit," said Elinalise, who presented herself to Riveria just after setting up the tent and burying the cooking pots.
"Umu, it seems we can only bring the family's elite to Floor 60, then without wasting time, we'll return to Floor 50 and depart for home," after glancing at Elinalise's report, Riveria quickly formulated a plan.
The wear and tear on the family members don't allow them to continue advancing.
So now she can only take her elite, descend quickly to Floor 60, and then ascend and return home.
Riveria is truly not surprised by the family's wear and tear.
After all, unlike other families that are accustomed to expeditions, her family is not.
So far, this is the first long expedition they have undertaken; the mere fact of reaching here without problems is already an achievement.
Riveria can only hope that gradually the family will get used to expeditions.
"We'll rest for two days, and then we'll take the family elites and descend to Floor 50," giving the final order, Riveria wanted to retire to rest.
If there's anyone in the family who is the most exhausted, it's undoubtedly Riveria; now her body and mind are very tired.
"Understood, Riveria-chan!" Seeing the dark circles under Riveria's eyes, Elinalise didn't ask any more questions and wisely exited the tent.
Soon the Rozzo family entered into inactivity; with the whole group tired, except for a few unfortunate sentinels, everyone else in the family is sleeping.
---
I plan to quickly finish the expedition, so I'll upload two chapters today.
In two more chapters, I'll conclude the expedition, and we'll prepare to go to Fate.