Chapter 121

Chapter 122: Izay: Secret Art Strike! (Three updates for your subscription!)

After rendezvousing with several top-tier adventurers from the vanguard, the expedition team set off toward the “Great Tree Maze,” with some changes to their formation.

Leading the charge were the werewolf youth and the Amazon sisters, who fearlessly repelled all monsters that dared to block their path.

Ais, Finn, and Gress, along with Raul and the second team’s core members, formed the central guard, protecting the magical arts practitioners and supplies.

Bringing up the rear was Riviria, keeping close to the main group. Without careful observation, it would be hard to distinguish between the middle and rear guards.

“Yaaaaaaaah!?”

Up ahead, the three top adventurers unleashed their training成果with abandon.

Bert, the werewolf, charged forward as per his nature, closely followed by Tiona, wielding her great double blades like a whirlwind among monsters.

Tione, her sister, efficiently dealt with any stragglers, her movements clean and precise.

In the center, Finn and Gress had little chance to intervene, as a golden figure swiftly appeared and eliminated any monsters daring to enter this area.

Wave after wave of monsters fell quickly, their magic stones shattering under the assault, leaving the other members awestruck at the speed and efficiency.

Compared to the last expedition, the leaders had made significant progress, and everyone could clearly sense their growing strength.

At this rate, they’d likely just need enough “great deeds” experience to level up directly!

Imagine a house full of Level 6 heroes!

Just thinking about it filled every member with pride.

And compared to the previous expedition, the quality of everyone’s weapons had been completely upgraded.

Enchanted weapons, shimmering with silver light, tore through monsters effortlessly, even metallic ones falling in one turn.

The smooth, effortless feeling of slicing through enemies excited everyone, making them eager to try more.

“Today, Miss Ais seems… unusually excited?”

Refia, obediently following beside Riviria, asked innocently, unaware of the calamity awaiting her future.

“They’ve also acquired new equipment, probably wanting to show off during this expedition.”

Riviria’s emerald eyes glanced ahead at the fighters, a small smile forming as she subtly looked at Izay.

Spending 100 million valis to upgrade his gear for this expedition—wouldn’t he be excited?

Mentioning it reminded Izay of his tragic days as a tool, and his expression dropped.

“—Chirp!”

Suddenly, the ominous flapping wings signaled the approach of black tiger-head bees—”Deadly Wasps.”

The sound came from behind, targeting the rear guard.

But no one panicked; aside from those equipped with crossbows, many rear-guard magic users drew their bows, transforming into battlefield ADCs and readying their arrows.

Claws, stingers, and body charges—the wasps’ attacks began.

“Eat my secret art strike!”

Actually, it was the magic “Starfall.”

A deep blue magical energy instantly gathered in Izay’s right hand, enhanced by his Starshine Gauntlets. The two resonant energies created a deep blue energy sphere crackling with wild magical arcs.

In the next moment, the sphere arced through the air, striking the giant bee cluster and exploding violently.

With Izay’s increased power, the “Starfall” magic annihilated the monsters without giving them time to react, reducing half the swarm instantly. The remaining few were quickly shot down by the magic users, blue flames scattering across the sky.

“That magic… didn’t require incantation!”

“And its power rivals some long-chant spells!”

“Truly worthy of someone Riviria respects!”

“…”

Though Izay had been part of Loki Familia for some time and got along well with everyone, few knew his exact strength.

People could only guess based on his achievements, but this was the first time witnessing it firsthand.

Perhaps Finn and Loki letting Izay join the expedition was to let the members reassess this junior member of the faction.

After all, hearing is believing.

Loki Familia’s efficiency in exploring dungeons was beyond question. By afternoon, they had already reached the twenty-fourth floor, the last of the Middle Layer.

Beyond this lay the Lower Layers.

Though there was still plenty of time, Finn decided not to push further today. Expeditions aren’t completed in a day or two, and everyone needed sufficient rest.

Floor twenty-four was the best camping spot. Once they entered the twenty-fifth floor’s terrain, the Water Riddle City, finding such good camping conditions would be impossible.

This lesson was learned from past experiences.

Thus, stopping exploration at floor twenty-four was optimal.

Over the next few days, they would proceed downward gradually and systematically until reaching the fifty-first safe floor where no monsters spawned.

The chosen campsite was near the entrance to the twenty-fifth floor, slightly offset from the passage leading downward. Exploring nearby revealed an empty massive tree hollow.

Inside the hollow connected another bark cavern, spacious and suitable for large teams, a common resting place often chosen by Loki Familia.

“Let’s stop here for today. Assign a few people to hunt the wandering monsters within the cavern while the rest rest here. Set up tents, gather food, and take a good rest tonight—we won’t have it so easy tomorrow.”

Finn issued simple orders.

Actually, no detailed explanation was necessary.

Except for Izay, who was on his first expedition, everyone else had ample experience. They anticipated Finn’s commands.

Quickly, some set up tents, others searched for ingredients, while Izay joined the dinner preparation crew, helping with the campfire and placing the pot.

Many members also destroyed the surrounding terrain, killing the wandering monsters inside the cavern.

This wasn’t out of boredom—it was essential for resting in the dungeon.

Living dungeons prioritize repairing damaged walls or floors, preventing monster spawns within the area. Once injured, the dungeon focuses on healing itself.

For the night, simply guarding the cavern entrances against surprise attacks would suffice.

Members divided tasks efficiently, clearing the cavern of monsters while using tools like axes or hammers to create large cracks and gaps in the walls.