lower floor
I was very sick for the past 2 days, anyway im a bit better now.
Also, The Courage To Be Disliked by Aperture has taught me some important things
from now on, I have no idea what kind of monsters spawn from the 25th Floor and onwards since the wiki, chatgpt, and stuff don't provide concrete evidence, so I might make them up along the way fitting the theme of the floor. enjoy the chapter dis is an order! >:(
~~
Sensing the conclusion of the fight, I departed and returned to the now-empty campsite. Inside my tent, I retrieved a piece of paper, ink, and a quill to compose a message for when they noticed my absence.
Leaving the campsite, I approached the stairs leading to the lower floor. After briefly observing the descending stairs, my figure vanished, descending into the lower dungeon.
Reaching the end of the staircase, I surveyed the surroundings. The area was enveloped in a dense forest, with numerous monsters lurking amidst the foliage, poised for ambush. Many other creatures roamed freely through the woodland.
A swarm of giant locusts noticed my presence and emitted a shrill sound as they charged toward me. Drawing my katana, I swiftly engaged them in combat, slashing through the swarm with precise movements. The heads of the locusts were severed from their bodies as I skillfully sheathed my katana.
Spreading my senses to locate the stairs to the lower floor, I quickly identified their location and proceeded toward them. Along the way, I encountered various monsters, primarily giant insects, but all proved too weak to merit significant note.
-
Descending to floor 24, the environment remained similar, but the creatures inhabiting it had changed. Instead of giant insects, the territory was now roamed by green dragons. As one dragon detected my presence, it roared in anger, swiftly flying toward me with impressive speed.
Executing a swift slash with my katana, I left a diagonal mark on the dragon's neck, causing its lifeless body to plummet to the ground. Turning my attention back to the unbothered dragon still soaring in the sky, I opted to let them be, knowing that this journey downward would likely be lengthy and preserving stamina is essential.
Exploring the floor, I sensed many gems lying around, but most were stacked in hordes and guarded by my dragons, it seems dragons in this world are still fascinated by treasures alike
"Two feathers flock the same sky" I utter a common saying, as I come close to the entrance of the lower floor
"Or was it birds of a feather flock together?" I descended to the lower floor and encountered a cave, illuminated by waterfalls that created rivers, filling the area with a soothing blue light.
Opting to take a moment's rest, I removed my blindfold, allowing the blue light to fill my blurry vision. The sight was a refreshing change from the monotone gray of my soul sense. It was the kind of view I might have overlooked before, but now it was the most beautiful sight I had ever witnessed.
"KRRR," a low growl interrupted my appreciation, redirecting my attention to the waters. Fish monsters emerged, making their way to the surface. I sighed and unsheathed my katana, ready to face the emerging threat.
-
After hours of traversing through winding pathways along river streams, I finally reached the bottom of the stairs on floor 28. There, I encountered a familiar familia party that I had anticipated meeting.
Several members of the party were resting on the ground, having seemingly recovered their strength. A few others remained on watch, scanning for any approaching monsters. In the midst of them, a small pallum was giving out orders.
As I approached, the watchmen quickly noticed my presence and alerted the others. The party became alert, ready to brandish their weapons at any signs of hostility from me.
"Who are you?" one man asked, eyeing me with suspicion.
"No need to be alarmed. I'm just passing by and wanted to greet some friends from the Loki familia," I explained my reasons, but the watchmen remained skeptical.
"Getting here without any sort of party, equipment, and supplies. We'd be idiots not to see you as suspicious. Tell us, where is your team—" The watchman tried to interrogate me further but was abruptly interrupted.
"Calm down, men. She's a friend of mine," a golden-haired pallum emerged from the crowd. As soon as their leader vouched for me, the others lowered their weapons and bowed in apology.
"No need for apologies; you were only doing your job. Watchful men like you are essential to an army," I said. They all dispersed and returned to their stations, leaving Finn and me alone.
"I had been expecting to meet you on the way down here," Finn commented, starting to walk into the camp as I followed.
"You knew I was going down as well?"
"No, but I just had a feeling from the questions you asked back then." We reached the camp where many familiar faces were apparent, but some were missing, mainly Bete, Riveria, Gareth, Tione, and Tiona.
The camp only consisted of Finn, Ais, and Lefiya, an elfen girl whom I had met on multiple occasions, but her shyness seemed to prevent her from interacting with other people. She could be seen clinging to Ais.
"Welcome to our camp. As you already noticed, the other main members are in a different team," Finn explained. Ais and Lefiya now took notice of my presence and walked over to greet me.
"Hello, Xian," Ais waved while Lefiya hid behind Ais.
"Greetings," I replied shortly and turned my attention toward Finn, who seemed to have something to say.
"Sharp as ever," Finn commented after I had noticed.
"Xian, I would like to request that you join our team," Finn offered a request.