"Captain, I want to challenge the Floor Boss."
Ais stepped forward toward Finn and declared her intention under the watchful eyes of the group.
"Seriously? Is it that time again already?"
Upon hearing Ais's decision, Finn immediately remembered—it was indeed time for the Floor Boss to respawn.
After their defeat, Floor Bosses only reappear after a certain period of time.
As a familia often engaged in deep expeditions, Loki Familia naturally knew the respawn cycles of the Floor Bosses.
Moreover, the Floor Boss of the 37th floor, Udaeus, had been slain by them.
"So, you've really made up your mind?"
"Yes."
Ais gave a small nod, confirming her resolve.
"Then let's do it!"
"Ohhh!"
Everyone erupted into cheers at Finn's words.
Ais was determined to take the risk in order to reach a higher level.
If she succeeded, Loki Familia would have its fourth Level 6 adventurer.
With that thought, the eyes of everyone present burned with excitement, and they applauded her with joy.
Watching the lively crowd, Shirou gently patted Ais on the shoulder and said with a smile, "See? These are your companions supporting you. Every single one of them is proud of you."
Earlier, Ais had expressed her desire to remain behind and face the Floor Boss alone, but Shirou had firmly rejected the idea.
He had told her: "No one will mind you challenging the Floor Boss by yourself, but don't hide it from your companions. They've always supported you."
And so, Ais revealed her intentions to Finn.
It's worth noting that in the original novel, Ais hadn't even told Riveria. It was only when they encountered the Floor Boss that Riveria realized Ais's true purpose.
Although Riveria didn't blame Ais for keeping it secret and eventually uncovered the truth herself, such concealment was unnecessary.
After all, she was the Sword Princess, Ais Wallenstein!
She was Loki Familia's pride and a beloved comrade.
Everyone wished to see her become even stronger.
"Thank you."
Ais smiled faintly, gazing at her companions cheering her on. She felt their confidence and concern for her.
"Thank you, everyone."
"...So she called you Aria? No wonder you were so shaken."
On their way to the Floor Boss's chamber, Ais confessed the reason for her confusion.
Finn and Riveria, who already knew about Ais's past, immediately understood.
Tiona, Tione, and Lefiya—unaware of her past—quietly memorized the name, waiting for the right moment to ask about it.
"Captain, I want to challenge Udaeus alone."
"What?"
Everyone who heard her was stunned by Ais's declaration.
Udaeus—he was a Level 6 monster.
It must be remembered that Floor Bosses were on an entirely different scale. Ordinary attacks could hardly scratch them.
And then there was their overwhelming power.
As everyone knew, the destructive force of an ability increased exponentially with size.
Few adventurers could withstand a Floor Boss's assault, even when they were at the same level.
That was why every Floor Boss was always subdued by an entire party. The idea of a single individual taking down Udaeus was unheard of!
"Ais, don't be reckless."
"Brother, please talk some sense into Ais!"
Tione and Lefiya pleaded, but Ais remained expressionless, her golden eyes locked firmly on Finn.
Riveria and Shirou stood aside, silently observing.
After a long moment, Finn finally spoke.
"I understand. I'll allow you to fight the Floor Boss alone."
"Thank you, Captain."
Hearing those words, Ais's face brightened instantly, and even she, who was normally so stoic, couldn't hold back a rare smile.
"Captain, how could you agree to this?"
"Yes, it's far too dangerous!"
Ignoring Tiona and Lefiya's protests, Finn continued:
"But!"
But...?
Hearing there was more, Ais immediately stopped smiling and listened intently.
"Shirou will provide ranged support with his arrows, and you must be under Riveria's protective magic to ensure your safety."
"I'll decide whether or not to intervene depending on the situation. If you're in real danger, Riveria and I will step in to protect you. That's my condition."
Seeing Finn's serious expression, Ais nodded just as firmly.
"Understood!"
With consensus reached, Finn smiled and patted her shoulder.
"Don't worry, Ais. We'll all be here to support you."
"Yes." Ais replied softly.
"Then let's proceed!" Finn declared.
In the vast chamber, Loki Familia's elite stood ready, waiting for Udaeus's rebirth.
At the center, Ais quietly polished her sword with a cloth.
Around her, everyone went about their tasks in silence, though their eyes often drifted toward her.
Suddenly, the entire chamber began to shake, the rumbling growing louder and louder.
The ground split apart, and with a thunderous crash, an enormous monster rose before them.
A colossal black skeleton—Udaeus in his full form.
Near its sternum, where organs would have been, a massive magic stone pulsed in plain sight.
"Ais, the battle is about to begin!"
Standing calmly, Shirou fixed his gaze on the towering monster and spoke gravely to Ais.
"You're forbidden from using magic!"
"Yes, I'll only rely on my sword. Can't you just stick to your bow and arrows?"
Faced with Ais's stern tone, Shirou raised his hands in mock surrender, signaling his compliance.
"Fine, fine. I'll stay out of it."
"Good!"
Ais stepped out from the crowd, drawing her gleaming blade as she advanced steadily toward Udaeus.
"Gather, breath of the earth—my name is Alf."
[Veil Breath]
A chant echoed behind Ais, and moments later, a shimmering emerald light enveloped her body. It was Riveria's magic.
A green protective spell that bolstered resistance against both physical and magical attacks, while providing a small degree of healing.
"Fight with confidence, Ais!"
"Go, Ais!"
"You can do it!"
Encouraged by their cheers, Ais looked back at them with a faint smile.
"I will defeat Udaeus!"
[Tempest!]
---
(End of Chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."