Chapter 149 The 18th layer of water mist is stunning!
Pale blue crystals scattered a cold phosphorescence, reflecting the rippling blue spring water under the lush tree shade.
In a clear spring, the female executives of the Loki Familia were gathered, enjoying a rare bathing moment during their expedition.
This was the 18th floor of the Dungeon, a paradise known as a safe floor.
After the brutal death match on the 59th floor, the expedition team retreated all the way here, temporarily halting.
The team should have returned to the surface in one go, but the Dungeon's sudden tantrum completely disrupted their plans!
As the expedition team dragged their weary bodies out of the deep levels, an unannounced monster feast suddenly descended!
Overwhelming swarms of Poison Worms surged from the cave walls, spewing deadly venom, as if venting their resentment from being heavily wounded by adventurers before!
The physically and mentally exhausted main forces were unable to fight, and could only protect the main group, fighting and retreating, finally fleeing in disarray to the 18th floor.
Among the species capable of abnormal poison attacks, the Poison Worm monster possessed the highest level of danger.
Adventurers with Abnormal Resistance below G-rank would immediately lose all mobility once tainted by its venom.
After the evacuation, the poisoned casualties lay in heaps, their wails endless.
The members still able to move had no choice but to pull out iron stakes and curtains, temporarily setting up a camp for rest and recuperation.
"This damn Dungeon is getting more and more unpredictable."
A golden glow emanated from Arthur's palm, sweeping over the injured members' bodies, and their previously festering, blackened wounds visibly healed and recovered.
Riveria, who was also casting healing magic nearby, saw this scene, and a look of disbelief flashed in her emerald eyes.
Even if she could chant the highest-grade recovery magic, facing the potent venom of the Poison Worm, which required a special antidote to eradicate, she could only barely suppress it.
And Arthur's healing efficiency was more than ten times hers!
"Your third magic… not only can it withstand the Cannon Dragon's sniper breath, but it's also so outstanding in healing?"
"It's a magic dedicated to protection, after all."
Arthur responded calmly, releasing a fully recovered but still dazed team member, and walked towards the next injured person.
"As long as there's enough time, I can heal everyone."
Riveria, who had just finished treating a critically ill patient, saw him working tirelessly and couldn't help but remind him.
"Is your magic power alright? Healing so many people…"
"Sorry for the wait!"
Before she finished speaking, Finn and Gareth strode in, pushing aside the curtain. Both of them carried heavy brown paper bags, containing glowing special antidotes.
"All the special antidotes in Rivira Town are here. Although it's not enough for everyone, at least it can help in an emergency."
Saying this, Finn placed the antidotes aside, and Gareth nodded steadily, adding.
"We also bought some recovery elixirs. Do you two want to replenish your magic power first?"
Arthur shook his head. Unlike the Holy Sword, Avalon's magic power consumption for him was minimal.
Riveria also shook her head. As a top Mage who had learned [Advanced Healing], her magic power was also steadily recovering.
Seeing this, Finn spread his hands helplessly and teased the overly worried Gareth.
"See, I told you they would both be fine."
The double-edged jest made the seasoned dwarf chuckle. He picked up a bottle of antidote, pried open the stopper, and poured it into the nearest injured person.
"Tsubaki's meticulously crafted indestructible weapons, thirty-five magic swords, and now we also have to purchase a large quantity of special antidotes…"
Gareth muttered, calculating the expenses as he administered the medicine.
Hearing this, Arthur, whose mind was elsewhere, couldn't help but interject.
"Don't forget our agreement with the Hephaestus Familia. All the weapon materials this time must be given to them, and we'll only get magic stones and drops."
"I beg you!"
Finn immediately raised a hand to his forehead, feigning a splitting headache.
"Don't remind me of these dreadful things for now…"
The enormous expenses before the expedition, the Cannon Dragon scales and Wyvern claws that were given away, and various miscellaneous fees.
Although the Loki Familia successfully broke the record for an unexplored area this time, relying solely on magic stones and drops, it was impossible to fill that bottomless pit!
"After we return, the Familia will probably have to tighten its belt for a long time."
Finn murmured, then narrowed his eyes at the scattered light spots outside the tent, shrugging.
"Well, worrying now won't help, so let's just take a good vacation on the 18th floor."
At this moment, Arthur seemed to remember something and looked at Riveria beside him.
"Speaking of which, why didn't you go to the spring with Tiona and the others?"
Riveria shook her head calmly, sighing softly.
"If I went, the other elves would feel constrained because of my status. I'll just go later."
…
Time passed quietly during the healing, and the pale blue crystals on the 18th floor's ceiling turned dim, as the Dungeon's night descended.
When Arthur and Riveria walked out of the tent, the team members who had been waiting for a long time swarmed towards them.
"You two worked hard, I have freshly picked fruit here!"
"Do you need water? There's still some supplies left!"
"Everyone, move aside! Riveria-sama and Arthur-san need rest the most right now!"
Lefiya spread her arms, struggling to block the over-eager elf team members.
Arthur, meanwhile, was hugged by Tiona, who held up a very unappetizing black bread in her hand, giving an embarrassed smile.
"We exchanged magic stones for some food in Rivira Town, but we could only afford this. Want to try it?"
Before Arthur could speak, Fou, who was lazily curled up in his arms, poked out her little head, her furry face full of disdain for this "rock."
Tiona rubbed her shriveled stomach, shaking the black bread at Fou with an indignant expression.
"Supplies are almost gone. If you don't eat this, you'll be hungry!"
"Fuwu!"
The pure white cub nudged Arthur's chest with her head, urging her exclusive feeder to quickly find a solution.
Arthur raised his hand to pinch Fou's scruff, lifting her up, then turned his head to look at the dense forest not far away, suggesting.
"Gnawing on dry black bread is indeed hard to swallow. How about we go to the forest to find some fruits and mushrooms, and come back to cook a hot soup?"
Tiona tilted her head in confusion: "The fruits on the 18th floor are regularly picked by merchants. Can we really find enough for dinner?"
Arthur nodded confidently: "Don't worry, my luck is always good."
Afterward, the two called Tione and Ais, and everyone split up, some to collect clear water, and others to head into the forest.
Walking through the dappled, dimly lit forest, Arthur casually sliced down a giant bear monster that had claimed the territory, watching it turn into rustling dust, and couldn't help but sigh.
"So, why can't any of the Dungeon's monsters be eaten? This bear looks so fat, what a waste!"
"Fuwu!"
Fou agreed profoundly, then gracefully leaped from his shoulder.
She precisely bit off a dangling branch with a few crimson berries on it, holding the berries in her mouth, and gestured with her head.
"Red berries? There's more good stuff ahead?"
Arthur followed, half-believing, as Fou deftly pushed aside the dense bushes, moving forward in a crouch.
Not long after, deep in the grass, he discovered a peculiar plant emitting a sweet fragrance, with several crystal-clear, tear-drop-shaped fruits hanging from it.
"Crystal Candy!?"
"Who's there!?"
A clear, yet wary, feminine cry came from ahead, and Arthur abruptly looked up.
A cool, damp sensation mixed with an unknown fragrance wafted towards him, and a hazy, azure spring unexpectedly came into his view.
In the center of the mist-shrouded spring, a beautiful emerald figure was obscured by the hazy water, her curves subtly visible, even more captivating than a flower seen through a fog.
Arthur's brain instantly crashed, then he came to, as if waking from a dream, forcing out an awkward but polite smile.
"Um… I said I was just passing by looking for something to eat… do you believe me?"