Chapter 2 part 2

P/N let me know if there's any mistakes and I will try to fix them

The twenty-fifth floor.

For my familia and me, it's unknown territory. This is the first time we'll

step foot in the lower levels.

This threshold is known as the Second Line, just like the First Line up in

the middle levels. Even among upper-class adventurers, only a select group

has ever crossed it.

"Do you know what adventurers call the zone starting on the twenty-fifth

floor?"

"

…No.

"

"I heard the term was used in the early days of Dungeon exploration, but

we still use it today…It's called the New World.

"

…The New World.

The phrase, with its implication of unknown territory, sends ripples

through my chest.

The Amazon glances back toward the tent.

"If you stumble, the party stumbles. That's the kind of party this is.

"

"

"

…

"So I'll ask you one more time…Are you freaking out?"

A piece of moss comes loose from the ceiling and falls between us. If I

close my eyes, the lush green smell that fills the air almost makes me think

I'm not in the Dungeon at all but instead in a forest on the surface. In a forest

all alone with Aisha.

I seem to hear nonexistent leaves rustling in the wind. I quietly inhale and

hold my breath, then slowly answer Aisha's question.

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel afraid at all…but…

"

I turn my thoughts inward. The conversation I heard earlier lingers in my

ears.

—Dragons leap between floors down there.

—And that's not the worst of it. There are swarms of monsters all as

strong as floor bosses.

Within that unimaginable world is a certain person—my idol.

Beyond the New World we are about to step into.

That person stands on the front lines of the Dungeon, which I don't doubt

are nicknamed "hell.

"

"But I still want to move forward.

"

I quietly squeeze into a fist the hand I've brought to my chest.

It's true. The truth is I am scared. No matter how hard I will myself to be

strong, I can't stop trembling.

But my desire to reach that place outweighs my fear.

Those are my feelings.

I don't have time to freak out.

"

…I like the look on your face. It's way better than that other time,

"

Aisha says, narrowing her eyes.

"I barely recognize you.

"

Her violet garments sway, and she comes so close we're almost touching,

taking me by surprise.

"Call me when you feel like you're on fire and you can't cool down. I'll

lend you my body anytime.

"

Her words, whispered into my ear, make me shiver. Her seductive sigh

lingers around my neck as she returns to the tent, smiling.

After she's disappeared, I let my flushed cheeks cool in the chill air of the

Dungeon. My head cleared of distraction, I lower my fist.

Attacking a lower level.

My first Level-4 adventure.

I turn my mind to the coming day, when I'll face the unknown with my companions