After Orun-san saw us off, we transferred to the entrance of the 30th floor.
"How? Does it look good~?"
Carol showed off the necklace Orun-san gave her, hanging from her neck, asking.
"Yeah—it suits you."
"Thanks~ Sophie looks good too!"
"R-Really?"
I looked at the red necklace Orun-san gave me hanging from my neck.
(A present from Orun-san... Ehehe, so happy~)
"You two—focus. This is inside the Great Labyrinth, even if safe zone."
Log cautioned.
But Log's face struggled to hide a grin—his expression odd. What he said was right, but lacked persuasion.
"Hard to take seriously with that face~"
As expected—Carol pointed it out.
"I-It can't be helped! Never thought Master would give presents! Too sudden!"
Log changed a lot this month.
Before—looked down on everyone.
Now—that completely gone.
Maybe Orun-san defeated not just black dragon—but Log's bad attitude too?
Just kidding.
"Anyway—let's confirm route and plan once more?"
I proposed final check to two.
I wanted to stare at necklace from Orun-san forever—but came here to conquer 30th.
Forced Orun-san to let us three alone.
Want to show Orun-san our growth.
Don't want to disappoint.
Two agreed.
I took 30th floor map from storage artifact—final confirmation.
Memorized terrain including boss route.
Emergency escape routes set—fine.
Combat: Carol frontline, Log mid, me rear.
DPS: me and Carol.
Log buffs us—switches front/rear per situation.
Big burden on Log.
Orun-san said—don't prolong battles.
"Yeah—this works. Got Master's approval. No slacking—let's advance!"
"""Yeah!!"""
We advanced along decided route—alert but not overly tense.
"Stop! Footsteps ahead."
Log in charge of scouting.
Used **Hearing Up** Orun-san taught—greatly enhanced hearing.
Log's boosted hearing caught monster steps.
"Know type?"
"Sorry—not that far. Probably three."
Narrow single path—magic better here.
30th has ranged enemies—but low power. No big worry.
"Coming front—Log and I intercept with magic. Carol—watch back for monsters."
"Got it." "Aye aye~"
Issued orders—built formula.
Four goblins walked toward us from front.
Still unaware of us.
"Sorry—count wrong."
"Fine. As planned—magic kill! Crush all feet. Log—right three! Left—me! **Aero Cutter**!"
Wind blades crept along ground—same width as path—severed goblins below knees.
"**Rock Needle**!"
Spear-like ground spikes accurately pierced vitals of three fallen goblins.
"**Thunder Arrow**!"
Follow-up spell I built during **Aero Cutter**—killed remaining goblin.
I still struggle with parallel construction.
Log already mastered—casts faster and more accurately than mage me.
Can't help envying.
No use wishing.
I'm mage—must be top attack magic in party!
Must work harder...!
"Good work both!"
"Sophie's directions precise—easy movement. Now understand why Master called my directions sloppy before..."
"I'm still far off. Big sis taught lots—but not good yet."
"You two too negative~ Experience difference—can't help. We're just starting! Too early compare to upper-rank explorers?"
"Yeah. This month with Orun-san—feel real growth. Work harder—catch seniors!"
"Right! For that—first 30th conquest, mid-layer entry! Join Third Unit. Full explorer activity! Three together—let's do it!"
"""Yeah!!"""
...Huh?
If we enter Third Unit—no longer newbies.
Then—no more lessons from Orun-san?
Orun-san teaches as newbie education.
After 30th—no more guidance?
Sad...
But can't keep relying on Orun-san.
We must become proper explorers soon.