Stepping out of his quarters, Judas found not the usual spread of tents that the expedition typically relied on, but a row of freshly built wooden houses.
Inspired by Rivira, the expedition team was essentially living in a makeshift village here on the 50th floor.
Complete with high circular stone walls enclosing the entire settlement for defense... walls that bore a passing resemblance to Orario's own.
'Maybe I could try concrete houses next... or even a mansion down here in the dungeon.'
Judas thought to himself.
All of it had been his doing, of course.
At his suggestion, to save time and energy from setting up tents, he had used wood magic to create small houses for everyone to live in.
He then used earth magic to construct the surrounding walls.
As he made his way through the camp, every person he passed greeted him with a smile and a word of thanks for the housing.
"Oi, Judas, you little rascal!"
Someone appeared at his side and lunged for a hug.
Judas sidestepped smoothly, narrowly avoiding having his face buried in a pair of mountains.
"Judas! These enchantments you applied to my weapons are amazing."
Tsubaki exclaimed, eyes sparkling as she swung her personal naginata, Benishigure, through the air.
Three glowing rune symbols were etched cleanly into the blade.
Ever since she had first heard about his enchantment technique, Tsubaki had been fascinated, and she hadn't wasted any time in requesting he apply them to her weapon.
"A technique like this could reshape an entire industry, you know."
She said with a grin.
"Don't get carried away. My enchantments aren't at that level yet... I can only apply first-tier runes, which is the lowest grade."
Judas said with folded arms.
"I know that. But even a small improvement matters more than you might think."
Tsubaki said, her tone shifting to something more serious.
"Adventurers put their lives on the line nearly every single day. Even the smallest boost in combat performance can be the difference between walking out alive and not walking out at all."
Tsubaki already understood the value and potential of his enchantments.
...
Continuing his walk through the camp, Judas spotted Ais and the others out of the corner of his eye and headed toward them.
"Oh, Judas. Good morning."
Tiona greeted him with a bright smile.
"Good morning."
Tione echoed, stretching both arms above her head.
"Morning."
Ais said quietly.
"Good morning, everyone."
Judas returned with a small nod.
"Being able to sleep in an actual house this deep in the dungeon is something else... you really are a lifesaver, Judas."
Tione said, giving him a pat on the shoulder.
"Seriously. I am never sleeping on the ground again. I'm so glad you joined the familia."
Tiona added with a grin.
"Oh yeah, what happened with Lefiya earlier? I saw her screaming when she entered your place."
Tiona asked, tilting her head with curiosity.
The other girls turned toward him, eyebrows raised.
"Nothing happened. I had my shirt off and she walked in and saw me."
Judas said with a shrug.
"Ohh? Just that?"
Tiona fixed him with a suspicious squint, the look of someone staring at a person they were not entirely convinced was innocent.
"Yes. Just that. Ask Lefiya yourself if you don't believe me."
Judas said flatly, holding her gaze without blinking.
"...Alright, I believe you."
Tiona said after a few seconds of searching his face and finding nothing.
"Right, Lefiya told me to head to Finn's cabin."
Judas added as he suddenly recalled.
"What a coincidence, we were told the same."
"Let's not keep him waiting."
Tione said, already stepping ahead.
"It's probably a meeting to go over the strategy for the 59th floor, right?"
"I do hope the 59th floor gives us a challenge. The monsters we faced on the way down were too easy."
"Not a single floor boss even spawned since they were all on cooldown, and the Astraea Familia had already slain the Amphisbaena during their expedition."
Tiona said, resting her hands behind her head.
"Idiot. I know you want to rank up and catch up to everyone, but don't start jinxing us."
Tione scolded with an exasperated look.
It didn't take long to find Finn and the others already gathered around the table, seated and ready.
Judas glanced around and noticed that those gathered were members of the second string and the executives.
His gaze briefly landed on Lefiya, only for her to flinch and look away shyly.
"Now that everyone's here, let's get started."
Finn announced with a serious expression.
"As previously discussed, only a select party will venture beyond the 51st floor."
"The rest will remain here and defend the camp alongside the Hephaestus Familia."
"The main party will consist of myself, Riveria, Gareth, Ais, Tiona, Tione, Bete and Judas."
"The supporters will be Raul, Narvi, Cruz, Alicia, and Lefiya."
He swept his gaze steadily across the room as he spoke.
"Tsubaki will also be joining us to handle weapon maintenance should the situation call for it."
He added, glancing toward her.
"Leave it to me."
Tsubaki replied with a smirk and a thumbs up.
Those confident in their abilities showed no reaction upon hearing their names, as they had already expected it.
Those who were less so couldn't help but swallow nervously, particularly Raul and Lefiya.
"Everyone staying behind will be responsible for the camp's defense. Aki, you're in charge."
Anakitty Autumn gave a firm nod.
"I won't let you down."
Finn smiled and let his gaze move across the faces in the room.
Although they were about to step into the unknown, despite the tension in the air, he could see the resolve in their eyes.
'Walking the same path that the Zeus and Hera familias once walked.'
"Now that everyone understands, it's time to prepare."
...
When the time came to move out, those staying behind gathered at the edge of camp to see the frontier party off.
Anakitty watched their backs grow smaller as they walked away, her hand tightening slowly around the hilt of her sword.
"Good luck."
She said quietly.
The frontier party assembled in front of the stairway leading down to the 51st floor.
For a brief moment, everyone stood still, eyes fixed on the dark passage ahead as if quietly steeling themselves for what lay beyond.
"Alright, no more useless chatter. From here on out, prepare for battle."
Finn said as everyone moved forward.
Meanwhile, on the surface…
"The Denatus is finally here!"
The meeting of the gods was finally underway.
(A/N: I wonder what alias our MC will get... 👀)
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