Five days had passed since the First Unit reached the 93rd floor.
Those five days were busy: compiling report content with Exploration Support staff, interviews, receptions with sponsors other than old man Edington.
Updating reached floor is exciting as an explorer—but for famous parties like Hero Party or *Silver Rabbit*, follow-up duties afterward are honestly tedious.
Things settled—so resumed Tenth Squad training.
Entered usual Exploration Management room—three already there.
"Morning, all three."
"Ah, Master! Good morning! And once again—congrats on 93rd floor!"
"Master—congrats!"
"C-Congratulations!"
All three congratulated the moment I entered.
Way more heartwarming than sponsors or press.
"Thanks. Next—your turn. Upper-layer finale: 30th floor conquest."
In this month—Tenth Squad cleared layers 1-29.
I accompanied—but only watched. No hands or mouth.
All three grew again this month.
Still raw gems—will keep growing.
"Master—consultation about that."
"Consultation?"
"Yes. We want to challenge 30th floor with just us three."
"...Just three—meaning no me accompanying?"
"No! Not that! Having Master watch is very reassuring. Just thinking you're watching lets us challenge calmly. But we can't keep relying on Master forever! If we keep conquering with Master watching—it won't be true conquest..."
Inspired by First Unit's 93rd reach—impatient?
"Not arrogance."
Sophie spoke after Log.
"These five days—we three discussed how to conquer 30th. Saw seniors vs. 30th boss in last month's guided expedition—not blind. Objectively comparing monster/boss strength vs. our power—believe we can clear without issue!"
Rare for Sophie to speak first.
Shows seriousness.
"I won't be reckless anymore! Won't make two lose smiles! Cooperate properly! So please!"
Carol pleaded—serious expression.
Tenth Squad coordination improved.
All three already mid-layer capable.
But concern: only three.
Few numbers—can't handle unexpected.
Biggest worry—but their unusually serious resolve—ignore just because uneasy?
(More protection—overprotective?)
"...Understood. 30th floor conquest—three alone okay."
Permission given—three faces brightened instantly.
"Thank you—"
"But! You said discussed how to conquer 30th. First—tell me content. If greatly off—permission revoked."
"—Understood."
Heard their plan.
Honestly—I underestimated them.
First plan—many holes expected.
But almost no issues.
Route progression, per-monster countermeasures—all covered basics I taught this month—plus accounted for three-person disadvantages.
Upper layers—info easier to gather—enabled it. But self-made by newbies—near perfect score.
If I planned for Tenth Squad—almost identical.
"That's it. Master—how is it?"
"...Who thought base plan?"
"M-Me."
Sophie answered my question.
Looked down—scared of scolding.
Am I that intimidating...?
Softened expression—approached—patted head.
"Amazing. Never expected such solid plan. More confidence."
Sophie blushed—face blooming.
"Ah! Sophie only—unfair! Master—I thought parts too!"
Carol appealed—head-pat aura full.
"Yes yes. Carol worked hard too."
Patted her head—wry smile.
"Ehehe~"
After two—approached dissatisfied Log—light head pats.
His face turned happy.
"That plan's fine. Gathered info well. Permission for three to challenge 30th confirmed. But—don't assume perfect execution. Unexpected always exists. Never overconfident."
"""Yes!!!"""
◇
30th conquest tomorrow—today free day.
Selma-san visiting out-of-territory sponsor—so no full First Unit dive for a while.
(Today—work on **Magic Sword Union – Alteration** improvement? Wait—priority: make that thing for them. Borrow Grandpa's workshop.)
"Um—Orun-san, got a moment? Something to ask..."
Planning outside—Sophie called from behind.
"What's up?"
"Um... Orun-san's ability is **Mana Convergence**, right?"
"...Yeah. Gather surrounding mana to one point. What about it?"
"Um... how did you become able to use that ability?"
Sophie interested in abilities?
Makes sense—advantage just having one.
No one uninterested.
Abilities still unexplained.
Congenital? Acquired? Unclear.
Current theory: congenital—trigger awakens awareness.
I perceived mana since childhood.
Somehow felt I could interfere.
Tried—different from inflow control.
Eventually—understood I could will mana to gather anywhere.
"Yeah... Hard to explain—but ability holders sometimes 'just know' they can do something with no basis. Try—and it works. Understand ability. Maybe Sophie has that feeling?"
"Sense... or discomfort... Sometimes feel like I could affect things... But trying—nothing happens. Maybe my imagination..."
Sophie self-deprecating—bitter smile.
"Abilities have lots unknown. Personal unique power. Maybe Sophie just hasn't grasped sensation yet. Don't ignore discomfort. No rush. Slowly search its true nature."
Patted Sophie's head—encouraging.
"Ah—thank you. Some heart fog cleared...!"
Sophie smiled at me.
Yeah—her smile really cute.
Understand Selma-san's doting.
◇
Next day—me and Tenth Squad at Great Labyrinth entrance.
"Here—for you three. Amulets."
Gave yesterday-made colored plate necklaces.
Sophie red, Carol green, Log purple—matching eye colors.
Mechanism inside—but pray it never activates.
"Wow! Master—thanks!"
All three happy—good.
"You're welcome. Conquer 30th. Return safely as three. Await your report."
"""We're off!!!"""
Three turned backs—entered Great Labyrinth.