"Finally, we can rest!"
After passing through a slightly slanted cave, Tiona immediately stretched lazily, causing Finn and the others to shake their heads.
Walking at the front of the group, Blake looked ahead through the cave-like tunnel.
The sight before him made his eyes light up.
This was the Dungeon.
As a maze located underground, there shouldn't have been anything breathtaking about the scenery here.
However, the reality was far from that.
Warm light, almost identical to sunlight, shone down from above, illuminating the vast grasslands.
This place was filled with gentle light and fresh air, completely contrary to the usual underground labyrinths full of monsters.
There were thick trees covered in moss.
Clear rivers that made soothing sounds as they flowed.
In the sky, countless crystals grew seamlessly along the ceiling, emitting a gentle light, just like the sun.
The light, identical to sunlight, came from the crystals covering the entire ceiling, giving the Dungeon's 18th floor an appearance resembling the sky—beautiful beyond belief.
If Blake hadn't seen a similar scene on a screen in his past life, he might not have believed he was in the Dungeon.
After all, while other floors did have sources of light, every place was filled with monotonous mazes and rock passages or chambers, not to mention the endless monsters that made it all rather exhausting.
Compared to those places, this was like heaven.
"The 'sky' up there adjusts its brightness with time, so this little world experiences 'morning,' 'afternoon,' and 'night'," Finn explained with a smile as he noticed Blake's astonished expression.
"The time variation isn't stable and has subtle differences from the surface, with the time lag changing from large to small. So don't think the day here matches the day above. Maybe Orario has already entered the night."
Blake nodded, still gazing at the beautiful scenery before him. A smile involuntarily appeared on his lips as he praised, "The Dungeon is truly incredible."
"That's why it attracts so many adventurers," Finn said with a slight smile before turning to Tiona and the others.
"Let's head to camp and rest. Afterward, we'll be going deeper, so let's restore our energy first."
"Yeah, got it," Tiona muttered but still followed Finn as they left.
As for Ais, she quietly stayed in place, remaining by Blake's side.
Although Finn had noticed Ais's unusual behavior, he didn't say anything and let her act as she wished.
"Lili, let's go exchange the magic stones for money. We'll need it later," Blake said after a moment's hesitation, seeing that the Loki Familia had left.
"I was just thinking the same thing!" Lili's eyes brightened, and she responded loudly.
"Ais, are you starting your expedition tomorrow?"
Walking through the small town formed by adventurers, greeted by some awe-struck looks from the people on the streets, Blake turned slightly, gazing at the elegant golden-haired girl beside him, and asked softly.
"Yes, to be precise, it's tomorrow morning on the 18th floor," Ais explained after a brief pause, seemingly surprised that Blake would ask such a question.
"I see. So, Ais, would you like to come with me to explore the 18th floor? I have some things to give you, which might come in handy during the expedition," Blake said after a moment's thought.
Ais paused at his words, then nodded with slight anticipation.
"Sorry, Lili, but you'll have to handle the money exchange. Also, please buy me a detailed map that covers up to the 38th floor."
Blake gently patted Lili's head, offering an apologetic smile.
"...Honestly, Lili understands. I won't disturb you and the Sword Princess's rendezvous," Lili muttered before humming, a clear trace of jealousy in her voice.
Ais's delicate face flushed slightly, which surprised Blake. He hadn't expected Ais, usually so natural, to know the term "rendezvous."
"What nonsense are you saying? I'm just doing something serious," Blake said, rolling his eyes at Lili and ruffling her hair, speaking gently.
"By the way, Lili, things on the 18th floor will probably be much more expensive than on the surface. When buying the map, don't worry too much—just get it if you can."
"Does Lord Blake know the situation here?"
Lili asked, slightly puzzled. From her impression, Blake shouldn't have been to the 18th floor before.
Hearing the conversation, Ais also looked at Blake in confusion. She and Tiona hadn't spoken about the 18th floor's conditions.
Seeing the two girls looking at him, Blake hesitated for a moment before explaining.
"Since there's a town here and many adventurers are doing business, the prices for weapons, tools, food, and other items will probably be several times higher than in Orario."
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