Chapter 287

Chapter 290: Natural Counter to Everything! (Please Subscribe!)

With Ais leading the charge, the group cut straight through the vast space of the seventeenth floor.

During this time, Finn and Tione, the two center-backs, also joined the battle lines. Refia drew her personal rapier “El Weiss” and deftly dealt with incoming monsters like a seasoned pro. As for the rear guard, Izay was busy casting spells, but not without Refia’s contribution.

And Riviria… well, she’s always been skilled with her staff strikes—though it’s the base of the staff she uses, not the tip.

The top of Riviria’s staff held no less than nine Mystic Crystals, Izay’s fifth-generation masterpiece and the pinnacle of magic stones.

The same type embedded in his own equipment, the {Fifth Generation – Starshine Gauntlets}, each worth an estimated one hundred million Valis if auctioned off.

The first and second generations of Mystic Crystals were basically only able to enhance Izay’s personal magic power, making them exclusive gear for him.

However, improvements came with the third and fourth generations, and by the fifth generation, they were fully optimized with enhanced stability, allowing others to greatly boost their magic power too.

This was practically a revolutionary advancement, all thanks to our cloaked magician, Master Fels, the “Sage.”

As a magician, Fels’ skills and knowledge have reached the peak of this field.

And knowing Izay, once he got close to such a sage, how could he not try to pry some useful information out?

Izay’s growth as a magician is closely tied to this great Sage.

That’s the importance of networking right there.

Nowadays, Riviria, Refia, Alisia, and the others entrust the replacement of their staff’s magic stones entirely to Izay.

The choice of magic stones is uniformly ‘Mystic Crystals.’

Why wouldn’t you want better options at merely a friendship price from someone trustworthy?

Internal transactions are the way to go!

Not long after, the group that had just annihilated the enemies on the seventeenth floor passed through a sloped cave.

The gentle light filtering down and the forest entrance with sparsely growing trees welcomed them as if saying hello. The warm light and fresh air contrasted sharply with the monster-filled Underground Maze.

“We’ve reached the Safe Floor, Leader. Should we continue forward?”

“No, let’s head to Rivira Town first. We need to sell all these Magic Stones and loot we’ve collected along the way; otherwise, our baggage will fill up quickly.”

“But don’t we have Izay for storage? His Space Magic can help carry things!”

“Tiona, don’t look at me. My space is reserved for other stuff. Consider using Valis instead; Magic Stones and loot take up too much room.”

The conversation between Finn and Tione caught the attention of Tiona and Izay. Facing the hopeful gaze of the little angel, Izay helplessly shrugged.

Upon hearing this, Finn’s eyes lit up. “Then the Valis we get later, please handle it for us, Izay.”

“Hmm…”

Receiving an affirmative reply, the Halfling Tribe Leader smiled.

If money wasn’t a consideration during exploration and some space could be freed to carry more Magic Stones and loot, it would significantly improve efficiency.

“Izay, you’re so useful~”

Realizing the situation, Ais, who was admiring the scenery of the eighteenth floor with Refia, turned around and delivered a profound statement.

“Yeah—! Izay, you’re so useful!”

The first to nod was Tiona, who felt the same way. Soon after, Tione joined in, followed by Refia deliberately jumping on the bandwagon, and even Riviria chimed in with a teasing smile.

Izay gradually became expressionless…

“That… I’m sorry… Did I say something wrong?”

Noticing Izay’s expression, Ais approached him, tugging on his sleeve while timidly speaking, like a child afraid of being scolded by their parent (Izay).

“It’s not that serious. I’m just a little annoyed.”

Seeing Ais like this, could Izay bear to blame her?

Clearly not.

Natural counter to everything! There’s a reason for this saying!

Ais is Loki Familia’s beloved pet, and this atmosphere didn’t come out of nowhere!

Gently patting Ais’ golden hair, Izay’s annoyance slowly dissipated.

In its place was Refia glaring jealously.

The little fairy, daily voice silenced.

Maintaining this amusing atmosphere, the group chatted and laughed as they traveled from the southern Forest to the western part of the floor.

—[Rivira Town, 334th Generation]

“Wasn’t it the 327th generation when we first came here? … These Adventurers sure are resilient~”

Noticing that number, Izay reminisced with interest and couldn’t help but sigh.

In about two years, this place has been rebuilt seven times?

Don’t think it’s few. Actually, for a Small Town, this frequency is quite something.

Reconstruction takes time, sometimes even when not completely destroyed, they still manage to patch things up and keep going.

Behind those numbers accumulated over time lies a milestone symbolizing the greed and tenacity of adventurers.

This village is the embodiment of that milestone. Some Deities even mockingly admire it as the “Most Beautiful Rogue Town in the World.”

“Don’t dwell on it. Let’s stay here tonight. After all, we don’t have camping gear. By the way, Izay, this time I’ll treat you to lodging. Can you give me a discount on enchantments next time?”

At the end, Finn jokingly glanced at Izay.

Izay gave him a thumbs-up: “No problem, I’ll give you a discount.”

“Haha! I’ll remember that~!”

At this moment, Tiona excitedly ran over and jumped onto Izay’s back.

“Izay! I want a discount too—!”

Hmm? Does the little angel want to take advantage?

Alright then, not impossible.

Izay doesn’t really care about such matters.

Helping friends is more important than following rules. Principles, when faced with friendship, are nothing but formalities, optional at best.

Thinking about it, Izay looked at Tiona: “How about a 30% discount?”

“Xixi~ How about 50%?”

Didn’t expect you to be such a bargain hunter, huh? Want to fleece me?

Izay hesitated slightly: “Hmm… 40%.”

“—30%! If you don’t agree, I’ll leave.”

“…”

“Pfft—!”

Izay’s face instantly turned blank, almost breaking character.

Wow, you’re the legendary haggling genius?

Refia beside him couldn’t hold back her laughter, Ais also tilted her head with a slight curve to her lips. Even Riviria and Finn found it amusing.

After a while, Izay looked back and saw Tiona giggling secretly.

He immediately understood: “Tiona, you’re messing with me here? Let me tell you, your discount’s gone!”

“Eh~ Nooo! I was just joking with you, Izay~ Just let it slide this one time—”

Playing around is one thing, but Tiona couldn’t accept losing what was already hers. Her attitude immediately became humble.

“Slap!” Tione slapped her forehead.

How could she have such an embarrassing sister?

Who can switch places with her?