The Water City, known as the Dungeon's second line of death, was a vast, multi-layered domain built around the Great Fall.
Because of its unique structure, something impossible to find on the surface world, many veteran adventurers in Orario called it: a New World.
(Note: Why does everyone love giving it that name?)
Right now, the expedition had just stepped onto the 25th Floor, at roughly the same elevation as the waterfall's summit.
Their task was clear: move cautiously, stay alert, and cross the terraces, platforms, and narrow crystal bridges while avoiding the waters whenever possible.
The reason was simple: the Water City Maze teemed with aquatic monsters.
Some swarming species were so aggressive that even first-class adventurers preferred to avoid them. And with flying monsters patrolling the skies, getting flanked from above and below could lead to disaster.
It was worth noting that the Maze also held narrow, perilous cliffside paths. Smaller parties might gain speed by braving them, but for Loki Familia, with their supply carts, detours were the only option.
With that in mind,
"Today's destination is the 29th Floor."
So declared Captain Finn.
Yesterday, in just over ten hours, they had reached the 24th Floor. But today… whether they could even make it to the 29th Floor was uncertain.
The deeper one went, the harsher the Dungeon became. And the Water City Maze was a special exception among exceptions.
It was brutal.
To Aether,
This place really is breathtaking, but no matter how grand the view, sooner or later, you get tired of it.
The difference in expressions was obvious: veterans wore grim focus, while newcomers were still dazzled.
Some too much so,
"Keep your eyes up, everyone. Especially you sprouts, don't stare at the waters below for too long."
The dwarven veteran Gareth called out during formation deployment.
"Most of this floor is water and crystal. Staring at it too long can strain your eyes."
It was hard-earned advice.
Everyone knew: adventurers with a Falna were stronger than ordinary people, and the higher their Level, the closer they were to the divine.
Even so, in the Dungeon, any negative effect, no matter how small, could prove dangerous.
As a certain red-eyed rabbit was once taught:
"The Dungeon is cunning. Even the smallest burdens, when allowed to pile up, become a crushing weight. When adventurers grow weary, the Dungeon sees them as fragile sandcastles at the shore, waiting for the wave to sweep them away. And when the moment comes, it bares its fangs without mercy."
Such warnings applied to all adventurers.
And for an expedition aiming for the Unknown Floors, they mattered all the more.
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"Our squad of four is assigned near the front. We're the scouts, and the bait."
Anakitty, their leader, briefed Aether, Lumine, and Lefiya once their formation was set.
"Today will be very different from yesterday."
The previous day, squads simply wiped out any monsters blocking their path.
But now,
"If we encounter monsters, we'll use hit-and-run tactics, luring them away from the convoy's route whenever possible."
She gave a small smile.
"For you, Aether and Lumine, this is your first expedition. Not knowing the routes is normal. Just follow me when the time comes."
Then her eyes hardened as she turned to Lefiya.
"But you, Lefiya, I'm more concerned about. You can't afford to mess up today. Do you understand?"
"O-okay!"
The elf answered nervously.
Aether, listening, understood the true intent.
This was Finn's strategy.
Narrow terrain made repeated battles too risky. So, he devised the decoy tactic.
Each squad was led by a Level 4. Strong enough to reliably handle the monsters of this floor.
By drawing the enemy away, they minimized danger to the convoy. And if something went wrong, mobile elites like Ais and Bete could rush to reinforce.
Still,
Honestly, Lefiya should be with the convoy.
Aether glanced discreetly at the single-ponytailed elf beside him.
Her shoulders were stiff, her hands clenched tightly on her staff, her neck tucked down.
She's not in a good state…
He knew Finn meant to train her. After all, the "Big Three" saw her as Riveria's successor.
But still,
She barely adapted to the Middle Floors yesterday, and now the Water City already has her nerves in pieces again?
He could sympathize, but he wasn't trained in psychology. He could only hope she overcame it herself.
Then suddenly,
Psshht!
Without warning, the waters beside them exploded, and a massive fish lunged out, its body as long as a man was tall.
A Striker Fish.
In short, a piranha enlarged many times over.
Its sharp, jagged teeth gleamed as it darted straight for them.
"Eeeek!!!"
Lefiya shrieked, her whole body trembling as she collapsed onto the ground.
Luckily,
BOOM!
Anakitty, wielding her short sword and round shield, dashed forward. With a swift sidestep, she bashed the creature aside, knocking it into the ground.
She was calm, clearly experienced.
Though she couldn't avoid the splash, soaking her clothes.
And then,
Splat splat, THUNK!
The Striker Fish thrashed on the ground, then in one powerful bounce, flipped back into the waters, vanishing once more.
It had returned to lurking.
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