Chapter 243

Chapter 246: The First Appearance of Malice (Please Subscribe!)

The warm dinner time gradually passed.

Once the relevant aftermath was dealt with, Finn approached a wooden crate and clapped his hands to draw the attention of the group members.

“Alright everyone, let’s plan our actions for tomorrow.”

Apart from the guards, the others gathered in a circle and turned their gaze toward Finn.

Thinking that the captain would assign the next team to tackle the “Dragon’s Pot,” everyone was taken aback by Finn’s surprising announcement.

“Our expedition goal hasn’t changed — we still aim to break through the Dragon’s Pot and reach the unknown floors. However, this time, before tackling the Dragon’s Pot, we must first complete an adventurers’ quest.”

“????” *N

Everyone was momentarily stunned.

When did we pick up an adventurers’ quest on this trip? And why didn’t we know about it?

Most members were filled with doubts.

Generally speaking, taking on adventurers’ quests during an expedition isn’t unusual; the Loki Familial Group has done it before.

What shocked them was that the captain only told them now.

As if reading their thoughts, Finn shook his head and chuckled.

“This adventurers’ quest was received just one day before the expedition, so there wasn’t enough time for advance notice. Moreover, the content is related to areas below the fiftieth floor.”

This is also why he informed them only now.

“So Captain, who is the client? What is the content?” Tione asked.

If it’s related to areas below the fiftieth floor, then it involves us officers.

Because we are the main force exploring the ultra-deep levels, while more members will stay at the camp on this floor.

“The client is the Cadiante Familial Group. The task is to collect a specified amount of spring water from the ‘Cadmus Fountain’ on the fifty-first floor.”

Finn answered straightforwardly, and the next second, Tiona, who was beside her sister, immediately frowned.

“Eh—! ‘Cadmus Fountain’? Is it really such a troublesome quest…!”

“Seriously, those guys dumped such a difficult quest on us!”

Following Tiona, Bert also cursed.

Their complaints resonated with everyone.

Especially Raul, who had participated in previous attempts to obtain Cadmus Fountain water, agreed without exception.

This quest is so challenging that very few familial groups can accomplish it.

Izay remained silent.

He felt like the current situation seemed familiar.

But he couldn’t be sure.

Because some details didn’t match…

While he was pondering, Finn had already continued explaining the plan for the adventurers’ quest to everyone.

“The client requested a specific amount of spring water. To ensure efficiency, I will send two teams of elite members to the fifty-first floor. Both teams should avoid wasting weapons and items, and quickly return to the camp after obtaining the spring water.”

The quantity of spring water from one source isn’t sufficient, so they need to visit two sources.

Considering combat capabilities, the first team will be led by Finn himself. Besides him, there will be Gress, Bert, and supporter Raul, making four people.

The second team consists of five members: Izay, Ais, Tiona, Tione, and Refia.

Considering that the team includes a belligerent member, a normally obedient Amazonian, and Ais, who was once called the “War Maiden,” the leader of the second team is Izay.

Compared to the other three Level 5 members, Izay is actually the most stable among them.

Although the second team doesn’t have any Level 6 combatants,

Both Ais and Izay possess offensive capabilities comparable to Level 6 when facing monsters.

Ais relies on the skill “Revenge Princess,” while Izay depends on magic.

Powerful magic has the ability to deal damage across levels.

Just like how Refia’s Level 3 firepower rivals that of a Level 5 magical arts user, Izay is no weaker than her.

As for Riviria, she was instructed by Finn to remain at the camp.

“That’s the division of the teams. Does anyone have any questions?”

“No~”

“Good. Tomorrow we’ll set out to carry out the quest. We should finish this quest as soon as possible and regroup, as delaying too long might affect the expedition’s progress.”

Having made the decision, Finn didn’t waste any more time and announced the dismissal, letting everyone go back to rest.

Judging by surface time, it should be night by now, right?

It’s time to rest!

The crystals on the ceiling of the safe floor change according to the day and night cycle. No one knows the principle behind it, but it’s something adventurers have observed over many years.

During the expedition, adventurers use this to judge the time, maintaining the same schedule as on the surface, adjusting their physical conditions, and preserving their combat strength.

As everyone returned to catch up on sleep, Izay and Riviria coincidentally came together.

“Izay, remember to keep an eye on Ais and the others while you’re going to fetch the spring water tomorrow. They can get a bit too impulsive sometimes.”

It’s more appropriate to call it concern from an elder. For this reason, Riviria approached him.

Izay nodded in response: “I would do that even if you didn’t say anything, teacher.”

“Rather than that, I think you should be more cautious when guarding the camp tomorrow.”

The two, wanting to warn each other, found themselves together, but Riviria slightly raised an eyebrow in surprise.

“Oh? You say that too?”

“…Too?” Izay paused.

“Just before we parted ways, Finn said almost the same thing to you. He mentioned having a bad feeling and asked me to be careful.” Riviria explained.

When Finn senses something bad, his right thumb hurts, a kind of danger perception ability that has warned him of crises multiple times.

“That’s quite… a coincidence.” Izay managed to utter this word.

Riviria smiled faintly: “Perhaps… But since both of you said it, I’ll be extra vigilant.”

“Um-hmm.”

After their conversation ended, both returned to their respective tents to rest.

When the crystal ceiling above lit up again, Finn handed the camp’s defense to Riviria, who was managing the other team members, and set off with a nine-person team to the fifty-first floor.

Almost simultaneously with Finn’s departure, in the darkness of the dungeon,

Damp air and stench spread everywhere.

Although it was a corner of the dungeon, instead of hearing the foolish and savage roars of monsters, intermittent human footsteps, the sound of something stirring, and low, hoarse cries could be heard.

“Baron’s presence seems not to have caused much difficulty for the other side, huh?”

“In that case, the strong dragon left behind probably won’t be of much use either.”

“If that’s the case… Let’s just take action directly! After all, it’s what our partner wants, right~!”

As the voices whispered in the darkness, they gradually escalated into laughter, and the elongated black shadows illuminated by red light wriggled as if responding to these words.

……… Riviria’s Short Scene ⑩ …….

“……”

After the “adorable nun Alfie-chan” finished speaking, outside the partition, Izay’s expression gradually became peculiar.

“Loki, is that you inside?”

Although the person inside claimed to be Alfie-chan, which is Riviria’s name, Izay leaned more towards Loki trying to prank him.

Quiet~

Very quiet~

Absolutely silent~

In short, there was no response.

However, faint sounds could be heard coming from behind the partition.

‘She’s panicking!? ‘ Izay’s eyes narrowed, then confirmed his guess ‘Looks like it’s definitely Loki!’

“Hey Loki… I don’t recall doing anything to offend you recently. Why did you call me here?”

Already certain that Loki was behind the partition, Izay reached out to open the door of the partition.

“Kaa-chin!”

However, just as the door was about to open, someone suddenly reached out from behind the door and held it in place!

Behind the partition.

Riviria, who personally didn’t want to get involved in this matter, finally couldn’t sit still when she saw Izay trying to open the partition door!

She was still dressed as a nun, tricked by Loki!

How could she meet Izay in this state!?