The 16th floor was no different than the previous one. Just the frequency of monsters appearing was higher. But with all of our strength, these monsters proved no challenge as we got to the 17th floor fairly quickly.
And on the 17th Floor, I was able to see a huge wall that is located in the big room.
"This wall is called the Big Wall of Grief, which spawns the Monster Rex Goliath, that we will fight tomorrow." Ryuu walked beside me as I looked at the big wall in wonder. It was around a 10m tall wall.
"It must be a strong monster," I said as we started walking towards the entrance to the 18th floor.
"Yes, it is designated as a level 4 monster." Level 4, huh? Maybe I will fight it after maxing my stats, to level up.
"Yup, a level 4, so don't let your guard down when we fight it tomorrow. Arin. Or you might get hurt badly," It was fair for Alise to warn me since it will be the first time I will fight a floor boss. Which I think is an overwhelming experience for new adventurers.
"But you don't have to stress about it too much either, Arin-san, after all, we are a party strong enough to defeat it," Ryuu said, trying to lessen the stress I might have had. Which, I was not feeling too much, since as she said, we are strong enough.
"Mooo… Lion, I was trying to act like a serious senior adventurer for once." Alise started pouting, dropping her earlier serious act.
"Sorry, Alise," Ryuu said with a small smile, "I was just worried about him."
Even though I know she was just trying to be considerate, the fact that she was worried about me made me happy.
"I appreciate both of your concerns," I said, looking between them. "But I think I'll be fine. Besides, it's not like I'll be fighting it alone." Not yet, at least.
"Yeah, you won't fight alone," Kaguya called out from ahead of us. "But knowing you, Arin, you'll probably try to show off anyway."
"I don't show off," I protested, which earned me skeptical looks from pretty much everyone at the party.
"Says the person who just took down three Minotaurs like they were practice dummies," Noin said with a grin.
"And let's not forget the dramatic sword throw to take down that runner," Iska added, mimicking the motion.
I felt my cheeks heat up slightly. "That was just practical combat technique." Yeah, definitely not me trying to look cool in front of Ryuu.
"Uh-huh," Lyra said, clearly not buying it. "And I suppose the way you spun that Minotaur around was also 'practical'?"
They really know how to gang up on someone. Before I could defend myself further, we reached the entrance to the 18th floor. The sight that greeted us was breathtaking - a massive opening that led to what looked like an entirely different world.
"Welcome to the 18th floor," Alise said, her voice filled with pride as she gestured toward the entrance. "Also known as the Under Resort."
I observed the 18th floor. The exceptionally high ceiling is filled with brilliantly shining crystals of two colors: white crystals in the center that resemble the sun and blue crystals surrounding it that resemble the sky. From what I remember from the anime and what Eina told me, the amount of light from the crystals depends on the time and cycles through the day.
I looked down and was able to see that Lush grass covered the ground, and in the distance, I could see forests and even what appeared to be a small town.
"This is incredible," I breathed, taking in the sight. "It's like we're not even in the dungeon anymore." That was the best I could describe it. It just looks similar to the world above the surface.
"The 18th floor is a safe zone," Ryuu explained as we walked along a well-worn path. "No monsters spawn here naturally, making it the perfect place for adventurers to rest and resupply before continuing deeper. While some monsters from the lower floors do come in from time to time."
"And that," Alise pointed toward the town in the distance, "is Rivira."
As we approached the town, I could see other adventurers moving about - some clearly just arriving like us, others preparing to leave, and still others who seemed to have set up more permanent establishments here.
"It's bigger than I expected," I commented.
"Rivira has grown a lot over the years," Neze explained. "What started as just a small camp has become a proper trading post. You can buy supplies, get equipment repaired, and even find a decent meal and a bed. It is expensive, though."
"Speaking of which," Alise said, stretching her arms above her head, "I'm starving. All that monster fighting worked up quite an appetite."
"When don't you have an appetite?" Kaguya asked with a smirk.
"Hey! I'll have you know that proper nutrition is essential for maintaining peak physical condition," Alise protested.
"Is that what you call it?" Lyra teased.
The light from the crystal told us that the sun was about to set.
"Okay, everyone! It is time that we start camping at a good place. And have some food." Alise announced. We walked through the jungle and stopped near the lake. Where we decided to camp. We set up four camps in total. One was obviously for me. One that Kaguya, Iska, and Neze will share, another in which Alise, Ryuu, and Lyra will share, and the last one for Noin and Ryana will share. These were all the members of the Astraea familia who came on this expenditure; the rest remained to guard Astraea herself since the Evilius member might target her.
After setting up camp, we gathered around the fire that Ryana had started. The flickering flames cast dancing shadows across our faces as we prepared our evening meal. The sound of the nearby lake lapping gently against the shore created a peaceful backdrop that was almost easy to forget we were still technically in the dungeon.
"This place really is like paradise," I said, watching the crystal formations above us pulse with their gentle light. "It's hard to believe we're so deep underground."
"It's one of the dungeon's greatest mysteries," Ryuu said as she sat beside me, her voice thoughtful. "Some scholars believe that floors like this exist to give adventurers hope - a reminder of the world above, while some think it is just an irregularity within the dungeon. The opinions vary greatly."
"Or maybe," Kaguya said with a grin, "the dungeon just wanted to show off that it could make something beautiful too."
"Leave it to you to anthropomorphize the dungeon," Ryana laughed.
"That's some fancy word you used." I do not think I have ever heard anyone use that word.
"Celty taught me. She is kind of a scholar herself." Hm? I do not know that.
We ate our simple meal of dried provisions and some fresh fish that Iska had managed to catch from the lake as we made small talk, me asking them about their everyday life and them asking me about mine. The conversation flowed easily, touching on everything from tomorrow's battle to memories of past adventures. As the evening wore on, the atmosphere became more relaxed and comfortable.
"Alright," Alise announced, stretching as she stood up, "I don't know about all of you, but after all that fighting and traveling, I could really use a bath."
"The lake does look inviting," Lyra agreed, glancing toward the clear water that reflected the crystal light.
"It's perfectly safe to bathe in," Ryana added. "The water here is actually cleaner than most surface lakes."
One by one, the girls began to gather their bathing supplies, chattering excitedly about the prospect of a proper wash after the day's adventures.
"Arin," Alise called out to me as they prepared to head to a secluded part of the lake, "would you mind standing guard while we bathe? Just to be safe, even though this is a safe zone."
"Of course," I nodded, understanding the importance of keeping watch, since even if it was a safe floor, some monster or even humans can be a threat in times like these. "I'll make sure no one disturbs you."
"You can take a peek if you want, though," Kaguya said casually, her voice laced with that familiar playfulness, lips curling into a mischievous smile.
Ryuu spun toward her sharply, eyes narrowing. "Kaguya, that's inappropriate," she said, tone clipped and cheeks already tinged pink. "Arin-san would never entertain such indecency!"
"Ara ara, but look how flustered you're getting, Lion," Kaguya continued, with amusement. "One might think you're worried about him actually doing it."
"I-I'm not flustered!" Ryuu stammered, though her reddening face suggested otherwise. "I simply believe in maintaining proper decorum and—"
Alise chuckled from the side, raising her hand in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, enough baiting, Lion, Kaguya. And Arin's clearly too well-mannered for that kind of thing."
"Of course," I said quickly, clearing my throat and keeping my eyes firmly forward. "I'll keep watch. That's all." Perverted stuff can wait until we're something more than just friends.
"See, I told you Arin-san is a human worthy of respect," Ryuu said, her tone clearly higher than usual.
"Oh, I never doubted his trustworthiness," Kaguya replied innocently. "But your reaction was quite telling, don't you think?"
Ryuu opened her mouth to protest again, but seemed to realize she was just digging herself deeper into Kaguya's trap, so she simply huffed and turned away.
"Thank you, Arin-san," Ryuu said with a small smile. "We shouldn't be too long."
As they gathered their things and began to walk toward the lake, Lyra suddenly turned back with a mischievous grin. "Hey Arin! Since you'll be sitting there anyway, why don't you sing us a song? Your voice was really nice earlier when you were singing that dwarf song."
"Oh yes!" Iska chimed in excitedly. "I'd love to hear more of your singing!"
"It would be quite relaxing," Ryana added softly.
I felt my cheeks warm slightly at the request. I was being the center of attention, which is kind of embarrassing, but seeing their expectant faces, especially Ryuu's. I couldn't really refuse. "Alright, if you really want me to. Any requests?"
"Something peaceful," Ryuu suggested. "And beautiful."
"Something that tells a story!" Alise added enthusiastically.
I settled myself comfortably against a tree where I had a good view of the surrounding area, thinking about song. I do have one in mind, and I really wanted Ryuu to hear that. I do not know if it can be considered peaceful, but it is definitely a beautiful song. The gentle sound of the girls moving toward the water mixed with the ambient sounds of the peaceful floor as I prepared to sing.
(Song name : 「Not meet doubt」singer :Saori Hayami (Ryuu Lion VC))
Utate memai
[Dizzying singing]
Kakikurusu kageri
[Thickening shadows]
Mukashi oboyu yo sari
[That night seems so far away]
Sabaku tamashii
[Her soul is being judged]
Maushigo wa kanashii
[A child sent by God is sad]
Yume wa ikita akashi
[This nightmare is proof that she lived.]
Samayou omoi wa
[These wandering feelings]
Utawanu uta ni komete
[I pour into unsung poems]
Okizarishi mono
[I will search again]
Moichido sagasu no
[For what was left behind]
Nageki no mori no
[In the forest of wailing]
Tooi tooi sou dokoka
[Somewhere far away]
Tuberube rottirirariron
[Tuberube rottirirariron]
At this point, Ryuu also started humming alongside me.
Itoshisa wa kaze no naka de matteiru
[Love waits in the strongest gales]
Rottirirariran
[Rottirirariran]
Mitsukeru no ashita otsu namida
[I will find it in tomorrow's falling tears]
Itodo arashi
[The raging gales]
Sarakedasu enishi
[Reveals our shared bond]
Yume to ikita tonari
[I lived next to dreams]
Suriheru inochi wa
[This dwindling life]
Kawaranu uta ni komete
[I always pour into poems]
Okizarishi mono
[I will search again]
Moichido sagasu no
[For what was left behind]
Kagami no minamo
[On the mirror‑like surface]
Natsukashikute sou dokoka
[Somewhere, nostalgically]
Tuberube rottirirariron
[Tuberube rottirirariron]
Itoshisa wa kaze no naka de matteteru no
[Love waits in the strongest gales]
Rottirirariran
[Rottirirariran]
Mitsukeru no ashita otsu namida
[I will find it in tomorrow's falling tears]
I completed my song, and Ryuu also stopped humming alongside me. She is really talented in terms of singing, since she was able to catch on to the melody after only a few verus. While the others were silent before they started clapping.
"That was a beautiful song, Arin." Alise was the first to compliment, a gentle smile replacing her usual energetic smirk.
"Right?" Lyra grinned, her hands still coming together in a slow clap. "You've got that quiet charm."
"Anyway," Kaguya interjected, with her usual poised calm, though her tone held amusement, "that song had depth. A haunting kind of beauty. You don't often hear something like that in Orario."
"It was... filled with longing," Ryana added quietly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "The kind of melody that stays with you."
Iska leaned back against the shore, still humming the tune. "It gave me chills—good ones, though. You sure you weren't secretly trained in music or something?"
I scratched the back of my neck, a bit overwhelmed by the praise. "No, nothing like that. I just… felt like it fit the moment. Especially here. And… maybe I wanted Ryuu to hear it."
Ryuu blinked, the color returning faintly to her cheeks. "It was beautiful," she said softly. "Thank you for sharing it with us, Arin."
For a few moments, the atmosphere settled into a peaceful silence. The lake's gentle ripples glimmered under the soft, underground light. I can hear their laughter and light conversation as the girls went back to enjoying their brief moment of rest.
Alise stood up, stretching dramatically. "Alright, everyone, this turned into quite the break, didn't it?"
"We should hire Arin full-time," Lyra joked. "Adventurer by day, bard by night."
"I don't think our familia budget covers that," Kaguya replied dryly, before glancing back at me. "But we can give Arin something in exchange instead of money."
"Oh? And what is that?" Lyra asked clearly intrigued.
"We can simply hand over Lion to him." Kaguya shamelessly sold out her comrade in arms.
"Kaguya, I am not a commodity." Ryuu just said flatly, clearly not wanting to get into another argument.
With the girls finishing their bath and the laughter drifting back from the lake, I finally stood up.
I guess it's my turn now.