The 50th Floor

Three days later, Kisuke already decided to put an end to their 'excursion' after slaying almost a thousand monsters and filling up the excelia they needed to level up. They don't know what will their basic parameters end up with but they don't really care as they wouldn't level up if it's not par to their expectations and will try to fit more excelia in their bodies even if it's already full.

As for the Ki utilization, Kisuke and Kuroka were successful and were able to let their Falna generate its own Ki by letting it mix when they're gathering excelia. Although it isn't much, it should change when they updated their status as they've been using it more than magic.

With Yoruichi and Medusa's objective, they didn't get that much aside from every time they gather excelia, the Falna's connection with their soul strengthens. Kisuke also noticed this long fact but he has been actively suppressing this because he doesn't know how it'll affect him. However, in Yoruichi's case, when she tried to suppress it, Byakko forcefully reactivated the connection making her and Kisuke question its intentions.

"What do you think?" Yoruichi asked.

Kisuke didn't answer because he doesn't know. He doesn't have any information regarding this connection, but he also knew that he wouldn't get any if he keeps suppressing it. After a few minutes of silent contemplation, he decided to gamble and allow the Falna to connect to his soul, "Let's see where this would take us." However, Kisuke isn't leaving anything to chances. Although he would allow the connection, he would also keep the core of his soul where his sentience is located.

Kisuke then faced Kuroka and Medusa, "Before we level up, I'll teach both of you and the rest how to protect the core of your souls. That's the only compromise I can't let go before we go with this."

The two of them nodded, "You're not going to take the both of us with you, right?" Kuroka suddenly asked.

"Yep~. It'll be just me and Yoruichi. I ask you two to take care of the trio upstairs." Kisuke replied with a smile.

Kuroka sighed, "Fine... I also have to teach those girls how to use Ki." She then faced Medusa, "Let's go, Medu-chan~."

"We're already leaving?"

"We don't have anything else to do on this floor. Let's just teach those girls how to fight properly."

Medusa nodded and faced Kisuke and Yoruichi, "We'll be going now, Master, Yoruichi-san. Please take care of your safety."

Kisuke patted her head and replied with a smile, "Take care of yourself too. Be sure to rest properly."

Medusa smiled brightly and nodded, "Umu, I will~!"

After Medusa and Kuroka left. Kisuke turned to Yoruichi, "Turn around."

Yoruichi didn't say anything as she followed Kisuke's words. Kisuke put his right hand on her back and sent a pulse of Reiatsu-Ki to her, "Remember this pattern. I'm worried that if we release our Reiatsu-Ki, it might destroy the Falna and everything we just worked for would the least of our worries if that were to happen. This should segregate the Falna so that it won't be affected by our Reiatsu-Ki temporarily."

Yoruichi nodded, "Ah, I've guessed that actually may be the case so I'm also a bit worried. Thanks."

Kisuke and Yoruichi spent the next three days to catch up with the Loki Familia because Kisuke kept getting distracted by a lot of things and would inspect it for a few minutes if it's short and a few hours if it's long.

And when they reached the 50th floor which is supposed to be safe zone, the saw the Loki Familia's camp being besieged by countless giant caterpillar monsters, "...What going on?" Yoruichi asked.

"No clue... But I can tell that they're not having fun."

"Obviously... Those bugs are creepy and disgusting..."

"Yeah... And it reminds me of Mayuri."

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Half an hour ago, the executives are gathered in the center of their camp discussing their next plan, "Let's review our plan moving forward!" Finn gathered everyone's attention to himself and continued, "This expedition's goal to trailblaze unexplored areas of the Dungeon remains unchanged. However, before pushing to floor 59th, there is a quest to complete."

"Quest... You mean the one issued by Dian Cecht Familia?" Tione asked who sat beside Finn.

"Yes. They want us to collect a large amount of water from the Cadmus Springs on floor 51st. Unfortunately, each spring only allows for a small yield. So to be efficient as we can, we'll split into two small parties. " Finn stood up, "Tione, Tiona, Ais, and Lefiya will be the first party while the second one will the composed by Gareth, Bete, Raul, and me. We'll head for the two springs at once."

"Eh!? You want me to come!?" Raul instantly reacted at Finn's instructions.

Ignoring Raul's question, An Elf with long golden yellow hair, round dark blue eyes, and pointy ears asked in a panic, "Wh-Why was I chosen to go over Riveria-sama!?"

Riveria just closed her eyes and answered calmly, "I shall remain behind to protect the camp. Lefiya, you are the only one who shall eventually follow in my steps. Go in my place."

"That... That's true, but..." Lefiya understood Riveria's reasoning so she couldn't think of anything else to say.

On the other hand, Tione started protesting the group arrangement, "I should go with the captain!!!" However, Tiona was able to hold her down, "No, no... The captain already gave his instructions. Just follow it."

Moving on, Finn continued, "Cadmus Spring go its name for a reason. A Cadmus dragon calls it home. With the exception of floor bosses, it's the strongest monster ever discovered in the Dungeon." Finn then looked towards the group of girls with a smile, "Even so, I strongly believe all of you will absolutely succeed."

Finally accepting their task, the girls answered in unison, "Yes, sir!"

Moving to the 51st floor after their briefing, the first party immediately made their way towards the Cadmus Spring according to the map that Lefiya is carrying. And on their way there, a large group of Black Rhinoceros, rhinoceros monster that walks on two legs, appeared in front of them.

Tiona, carrying her custom made weapon, Urga, immediately charged towards the group of monsters, "Hi-ya!!!" With a large swing from her large double-bladed sword made from the finest adamantite, she instantly bisected several monsters around her.

As the tasked group leader, Tione started giving instructions, "Ais! Give that idiot some cover! Stay close, both of you!"

Ais immediately joined the fray with her Desperate, a rapier with Durandal property, which makes indestructible, allowing the continuous use for the wielder. It Ais' weapon of choice for her to continuously fight monsters without worrying about her weapon.

"Ais, I call the right side!" Tiona passed by her.

"Okay." And Ais nodded in agreement.

"Both of you are too far out! Don't forget that you're the front line!" Tiona shouted at them as she threw her daggers towards the incoming monsters, instantly killing them, "Lefiya! Signal us when you're ready!"

Lefiya, who only started chanting after hearing Tione, answered, "O-okay."

However, while in the middle of her not so great chanting, A monster suddenly emerged from the wall beside her, a Deformis Spider, a large spider monster that is red and purple. It has eight legs and multiple eyes. Due to its appearance, Lefiya stopped her chant and was frozen in fear.

But just as it's about to reach Lefiya, a flying dagger went through its head and was killed instantly, "Keep casting!" Tiona shouted at her.

But due to fear, Lefiya could only look at the dead monster with teary eyes, "Lefiya!!!" Another call from Tione finally emerged her from being stunned, "Ah...!? Eh, um... Where? Where was I...?" However, her magic circle already disappeared, signaling her failed chant, "Ah... My magic circle!" Until she heard Tiona's jolly voice, "That's the last one!" Lefiya looked up and saw no monsters standing, "Eh!?"