Chapter 143: Reaching the Deeper Layer! Wild Girl Princess?
Dungeon, 50th Floor.
The flickering bonfire illuminated the tense faces of Loki and the main members of the Hephaestus Familia.
The warmth of dinner still lingered, but the air had long since turned cold.
All eyes were focused on Finn, who stood in the center of the camp.
Finn lightly tapped the open, makeshift map with his knuckles, his expression more serious than ever, and said in a deep voice.
"Then, let's confirm everything one last time."
"Based on our last encounter, for a team going to the 59th Floor for a raid, even the supporters must possess a certain level of combat ability."
The executives remembered the overwhelming swarm of worms from last time, their throats dry, and nodded silently.
Tsubaki, unaccustomed to such a tense atmosphere, plopped down beside Arthur and patted his shoulder, asking.
"Kid, what kind of monsters are down here? They're making even that famous [Brave] look like this?"
Before Arthur could speak, Finn, as the person in question, shook his head and chuckled softly, reminding her.
"Hey, Tsubaki, I'm right here."
Tsubaki casually crossed her legs, glanced at the ordinary members busy with logistics in the camp, and said no more.
Finn looked around at the main executives and elite members in front of the bonfire, and continued to add.
"Considering that a large group will consume more energy and time, I plan to streamline the team to the extreme."
"The raid team members will consist of all executives, and for supporters… Tsubaki, Lefiya, Alicia, that's it."
As soon as the list was announced, everyone frowned, and the outspoken Bete even clicked his tongue directly.
"Seriously? Only three supporters? Leaving aside loot recovery for a moment, can the supplies last?"
Finn's gaze subtly swept over Arthur, then he nodded calmly.
"Loot can be picked up on the way back. This time, our round trip speed will be twice as fast as before, so there's no need to worry about supplies."
Seeing that the three leaders all had a confident attitude, the executives no longer harbored doubts.
After carefully confirming their respective roles in the team, the bored Tsubaki suddenly stood up and clapped her hands, signaling.
"Since you've finished discussing, let's confirm what we decided earlier."
Saying that, she quickly walked to the corner, picked up a bag of luggage tightly wrapped in white cloth, and abruptly unveiled it.
Dazzling, clear silver light shimmered under the bonfire, and one by one, the indestructible Roland series weapons were drawn out by her and casually tossed to the executives.
Tione weighed the halberd. Although it was a heavy weapon over two meters long, it felt as light as nothing in her hand.
"An indestructible weapon, yet so light?"
Bete twirled two short swords, then casually sheathed them at his waist, letting out a cold snort.
"Anyway, they're just for dealing with those disgusting new monsters. They don't take up much space, which is good."
Tiona swung the unfamiliar single-edged greatsword. The wind whistled, but her expression turned bitter.
"It's true. Compared to a double-edged sword, this thing feels so light to use."
Tsubaki, the blacksmith, crossed her arms and grumbled at the picky executives.
"Due to material limitations, the priority can only be the indestructible property. But I can guarantee they won't hold us back."
After this, Finn informed the remaining members of the camp defense precautions one by one and appointed the base commander.
Raul from the second army would oversee the overall situation, and Angie would be responsible for supporting the front-line command.
After explaining this series of matters, all members, except those on duty, stood up and left to rest.
…
Inside the main tent, Arthur and Finn sat on the ground, playing chess on a simple wooden board etched with intersecting lines.
Arthur casually placed a piece, reminding him.
"Since the last failed expedition, most members have harbored anxieties about the new monsters."
Finn pondered for a moment, then calmly completed a connected move, shaking his head.
"Everything that could be prepared has been prepared, and Gareth and the others are helping to correct their mindset."
Arthur raised his eyebrows: "I thought you would propose a better solution?"
Finn chuckled: "Human power is limited. Some things cannot be solved by wisdom alone."
Arthur raised his hand and broke off a piece of chess, his eyebrows arching.
"You and I both know that the new species' target is Ais. Is it really a good idea to include that girl in the main team?"
Finn habitually licked his thumb, reconnected the broken piece, and regrouped.
"I don't think Ais will obediently stay in the camp, unless Riveria is also left behind."
"Hmm? I think I heard my name."
Riveria pushed open the tent flap and stepped inside, followed by the steady and mature Gareth.
"You two, you're not discussing gossip like the others, are you?"
Arthur and Finn immediately shook their heads. The latter took the opportunity to stand up and leave the gradually perilous chessboard, asking.
"How's the situation?"
Gareth stretched his shoulders, shaking his head with a helpless expression.
"This old man isn't sure if it's an improvement, but those two girls still fight without holding back."
Riveria, on the other hand, spread her hands, showing a wry smile.
"I originally wanted to talk to Ais, but Lefiya got there first, so I just went to explain the precautions to Tsubaki and the others."
At this moment, Arthur keenly noticed a blind spot and looked up, asking.
"So—no one went to find Bete?"
Finn, holding a glass of water, shrugged.
"I went early this morning. He doesn't have any psychological shadows about the new species or abnormal situations. Instead, he's anxious because he hasn't been able to break through his limits."
Arthur looked innocent, his smile so relaxed it was almost irritating, then changed the subject.
"Then, what about you all?"
"As people who understand the new species' forces more deeply, what are your feelings as you prepare for battle now?"
Finn heard this, a slight smile played on his lips, and undisguised ambition shone on his youthful face.
"I won't fall here."
"The Pallum need a light, so I will raise the great banner of [Courage] until I reach the summit."
Gareth stroked his beard and chuckled: "Honestly… you haven't changed at all since I first met you, always clinging to that ambition disproportionate to your size."
Finn shrugged and teased: "Compared to before, you've become quite a bit smoother."
Gareth quickly waved his hand: "Let's not talk about that."
Arthur listened to the two of them teasing each other, silently shifting his gaze to Riveria, who stood quietly to the side.
The emerald-eyed Elf Royal noticed his gaze, rather uncomfortably crossed her arms, and lightly pursed her lips.
"Why are you looking at me like that? I won't sigh over the past like those two."
The two old friends exchanged a smile, their eyes full of playful mockery, and immediately spoke up to expose her.
"Oh my~ who would have thought that the wild princess who was so unrestrained back then would now become so mature and steady?"
"Yes~ where did that wild princess who clamored to fight this old man to the death the moment we met go?"
Arthur smiled: "Wild princess?"
Riveria's ears instantly burned red, and her entire face flushed, feeling both shy and indignant.
"Don't think those two are good people!"
"Finn says he wants to revive his clan, but he's actually planning to open a huge harem!"
"Gareth has a stubborn temper and likes to challenge strong opponents, often causing trouble for everyone because of that personality!"
Finn and Gareth exchanged glances, unanimously agreeing that this bit of dark history revealed by their old friend was utterly insignificant.
Arthur, on the other hand, looked at Riveria, who was still talking non-stop, a smile flowing in his eyes.
"So, you can't refute the 'wild princess' statement, can you?"
Riveria: (⁄ ⁄•⁄ ω ⁄•⁄ ⁄)
Her heart skipped a beat. She turned her head slightly, no longer looking at him, and quickly turned to leave.
Finally, only a soft whisper drifted in on the wind.
"I'm not fooling around with you guys anymore. Get some rest early."
Her figure disappeared behind the tent flap, and the laughter inside the tent also ceased.
Gareth looked at Arthur, smiling meaningfully.
"It seems our noble Elf Royal has no temper in front of you."
Arthur shrugged noncommittally, but his gaze fell back on the unfinished chess game, his eyes deep.
"More than that, I'm more concerned about something else."
He picked up a black piece and gently placed it in a dead corner of the board. His voice was not loud, but it made Finn and Gareth's expressions instantly sink.
"If the new species' target isn't just Ais, or if the mastermind is trying to lure someone out, I hope you are prepared."