Whether satisfied with the "small gift" Ryu had sent, or simply having missed them entirely, the [Lord of the Dungeon], who was supposed to appear on the Fifth Floor and encounter the protagonist party, did not show up even by the time the adventurers left the Dungeon.
The return journey was much smoother than the descent. After resting for a night on the Fourth Floor, Falin's magical power had recovered significantly. As a fresh combat force, she played a tremendous role in the squad. From healing to defense, spirit exorcism, and resurrection, she was a nearly omnipotent magic-user.
With the dual-mage setup of Marcille and Falin, combined with the logistical support of Senshi and Ryu, as well as Laios's command and Chilchuck's experience and perception, the elite quality of this team was absolutely second to none within the Dungeon!
Added to this was Ryu's urging. Laios also felt a faint unease in his heart, so apart from necessary rest, the group created no side issues, focusing wholeheartedly on traveling. As a result, it took only two days to return to the First Floor!
When they saw the bustling adventurer's market, everyone couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. Although they hadn't exited the Dungeon yet, this area was generally accepted as a safe zone.
"Counting from the Fifth Floor, it took less than three days... that's scary fast." Chilchuck massaged his neck with a bitter smile. "I didn't expect to take on such an extreme challenge mission at my age... Forget it. When I'm old, I can brag about this to my grandchildren. Thinking about it now, it's actually pretty good."
"It's the result of everyone's unity." Ryu gave the Halfling a thumbs-up.
"That's easy to say... but when you used magic to block your nerves and forced the march by ignoring fatigue, I really hallucinated you as a Demon." Chilchuck's face twitched. "Thank goodness Falin didn't agree to it!"
The mage girl, who had once been known as "Little Sister," smiled sheepishly. Her eyesight was a bit poor, so she often squinted, giving her smile a very healing quality.
She was indeed very skilled in healing magic, and when treating physical injuries, she used delicate techniques to block the patient's pain perception (usually, the process would be quite painful otherwise).
Ryu had suggested that everyone could use a more radical method to travel. Even if they suffered physical damage, they could be restored with magic. He could provide ample supplies and guaranteed that even in the event of death, they could be easily pulled back—just like the speedrun strategies in certain games.
However, Falin didn't agree, and Ryu didn't insist.
Regarding Chilchuck's current accusation, he could only smile silently, though he disagreed in his heart.
What was rushing for a few days? Did they know the schedule of high school students under the "Three Grinder Kings of East Asia"?!
One look and you could tell this isekai brat had never been beaten down by the Imperial Examinations. If the 21st century had magic to block fatigue, believe it or not, they would dare to let students sleep only three hours a day!
(In this regard, even top Japanese universities can only be considered average; the Koreans are the ones truly "cultivating immortality"~)
"Ryu meant well, too. We felt something was fishy about this whole thing, so coming back early has its benefits." Laios broke precedent and took on the responsibility of a leader, actually starting to smooth things over.
"However, if you stay tense in the Dungeon all the time, it's easy to make mistakes, which can implicate the whole squad. So I agree with Chilchuck's point of view: eating well and sleeping well is the capital of adventure... Anyway, we finally came back safely!"
Hearing this, Chilchuck revealed an expression that was both relieved and slightly lonely.
He would be leaving the team from here on out.
"What are your plans for the future, Laios? No need to ask Senshi; he'll probably continue going down the Dungeon to collect monster ingredients, right?"
Ryu looked at the dwarf cook, who confirmed it. "There are still monsters I want to eat that I haven't found... but this adventure was very happy. Perhaps I should consider finding a small squad to formally join."
"Welcome! We'd be very happy to have you!"
Laios also spoke in high spirits, "Myself, Falin, and Marcille will of course continue to be adventurers. It's just that we lost all our luggage on the Sixth Floor, so I'm afraid we'll need to work part-time for a while."
"Mm-hmm~"
The squad members nodded one after another.
They were indeed famous adventurers, but Laios had no concept of saving money—and their credentials were lost on the Sixth Floor. Falin was better off, but not to the extent of being wealthy. Only Marcille didn't lack money, but she had lost many beloved items and would have to spend a sum to replace them, which actually made her heartache a bit.
"Money... Speaking of which, I actually have a business deal. I wonder if you all are interested." Ryu stroked his chin and hummed, "As for the remuneration, payment in gold should be fine, right?"
"A quest?" Laios asked. "Is it related to the Dungeon? We don't want to go down again for the time being; everyone needs to rest."
"You could say it's related... Rest assured, there's no need to enter the Dungeon, and the danger is minimal." Ryu turned to look at the Halfling, speaking kindly, "Actually, I mainly want to ask Chilchuck-san for help."
"Me?" Chilchuck pointed at himself. "I don't want to be an adventurer anymore."
"You don't need to be an adventurer to do it," Ryu said seriously. "You should have connections among the Halflings, right?"
"That's for sure!" Chilchuck crossed his arms, very confident. "I won't say I know all the Halflings on this island, but I can speak to two-thirds of them... Why, do you want to hire us in bulk?"
"Yes, I want you to help contact reliable candidates." Ryu smiled faintly. "The more, the better."
"The more, the better... Let me say this first: although we have a friendship, if it involves the guild, I won't give you preferential treat—"
Clatter~
The sound of gold and silver colliding interrupted the noise of the market. Including Chilchuck, all the adventurers on the First Floor instantly cast their gazes over.
Pouring... no, "flowing" out of Ryu's backpack were things that adventurers would gamble their lives to obtain!
Gold, silver, gems, pearls... it was a dazzling display of colors!
Even someone like Laios had his mouth wide open!
Only when it piled up into a small hill half a meter high did Ryu stop, looking as if he hadn't fully expressed himself yet.
"Is this enough?"
"Enough, enough... Idiot!" Chilchuck snapped back to reality and hurriedly spread out his luggage to cover the pile of treasure, but no matter what, he couldn't hide all the brilliance. Even his voice was trembling.
"Don't take it out in a place like this! Are you an idiot?!"
"Yeah, this is too reckless." Marcille also took off her cherished cloak and covered it.
"Did you rob a national treasury somewhere?"
"Hmm? You guys are too sensitive. There's no need to worry so much; it's just small change." Ryu looked around, taking in the zombie-like, dull-eyed adventurers. The corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl into a playful arc.
"Besides, I think everyone looks quite friendly."
"...Stop joking!" Chilchuck couldn't stand the feeling of being stared at by hungry beasts. "What exactly do you want to do?"
"Nothing big."
Ryu stood up straight, sweeping a glance filled with aggression and overwhelming arrogance across the room. The adventurers who met his gaze all shivered, coincidentally recalling the great nobles of their hometowns, and guiltily turned their heads away—
Then, Ryu shouted aloud, his haughty posture silencing everyone:
"I'm just going to buy this island!"
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