As they reached the deep floors, the area expanded vastly, and monster strength surged.
Even the Loki Familia's expedition, brimming with high-class adventurers and a strong team, couldn't charge to the 50th floor unimpeded.
It took four days from departure to reach the 50th floor.
This was the fastest—past expeditions took over five days.
Roy's contribution was undeniable.
His space carried vast supplies, eliminating the need for tedious searches like before.
His Fusillade Fallarica, also boosted their pace.
Since Roy displayed his strength in the deep floors, Bete, though still irked, quieted his complaints.
His hostility grew, treating obstructing monsters as Roy, eager to crush them.
Amid loud noises—metal clashing, aimless chatter—Loki Familia members bustled, some hauling equipment, others driving stakes, or passing messages.
They were setting up camp.
The 50th floor, a safe floor, spawned no monsters—a perfect rest stop after the long trek.
Members scattered in pairs or trios, prepping tents and food.
High class adventurers, in general, were.
They were the main force against monsters en route.
Past the 45th floor, only Level 4s contributed significantly—except for unique Level 3s like Lefiya, who handled support tasks.
Beyond carrying gear or camp setup, Level 3s rarely fought head-on.
After 45th floor monsters were at least Level 4, with occasional Level 5s.
"Roy's mage skill's unreal—Riveria can't match him," a Loki Familia member setting up tents chatted with a companion.
"Didn't he solo the monster rex Udaeus on the 37th?" another asked, glancing at Lefiya.
"Lefiya, you've known him a while—got more details?"
The female cat girl adventurer eyed Roy shyly.
"I haven't known Roy long and don't know much. Ask him yourself," Lefiya replied with a dry laugh, feeling uneasy as her peers inquired about Roy.
"She was so cool earlier!"
"Yeah, Level 6 is on another level—wiping out monsters like that."
At the camp's center, the largest tent—Finn's—stood ready.
Ais emerged, sparking a livelier atmosphere.
Already a Familia favorite, her 49th-floor battle, amplified her allure.
Ais sat beside Roy, who noticed her gloom—drooping eyelids, a dejected air.
"Finn scolded me earlier," Ais recalled the harsh reprimand in the tent, her mood sinking further.
"For rushing into the monster swarm on impulse?" Roy guessed after a moment.
In the 49th-floor, Finn tasked Ais with guarding the right flank, but when the front line faltered, she charged into the monsters without orders.
The outcome was fine, but abandoning posts in team battles was taboo.
"Battles shift fast, you have to adapt," Roy smiled, placing his palm on Ais's head, gently ruffling her hair.
"Be careful next time."
Ais didn't resist, lowering her head slightly, responding softly, "Mm."
"Thanks," she added quietly, cheeks faintly red.
Two sharp gazes pierced from different directions—one Lefiya's, the other Bete's, glaring murderously at Roy.
"Hey, Ais, sneaky!" Tiona emerged from Finn's tent, spotting Roy's gesture.
"We step away, and you steal ahead!" Tiona pouted playfully at Roy.
"No way, I want the same reward as Ais!"
She lowered her head, nudging into Roy's arms.
"Alright, alright," Roy used his other hand to pat Tiona's head twice.
"Hehe!" Tiona giggled, satisfied.
"Um… please…" Lefiya hurried over, summoning courage to protest Roy's actions, urging him to stop with Ais.
"I see—you want it too," Roy lifted his hand from Ais, patted Lefiya's head twice.
"Huh?" Lefiya's protest turned to surprise, her mind blanking as she savored Roy's touch.
Wait! I came to stop him from touching Miss Ais!
Why am I being petted?
It feels nice… no, wrong!
Lefiya spiraled into inner conflict, standing dazed, letting Roy pat her.
"Damn, Lefiya, didn't you say you barely know him? Already so close?"
The cat girl who'd asked about Roy glared with envy, vowing to grill Lefiya later.
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