Initially, Adam thought this incident was unrelated to him, but upon reflection, how could it not be?
Though he preferred to stay uninvolved, the reality was clear — once an Adventurer had been murdered on this floor, no one could remain a bystander.
Sure enough, a summons arrived shortly after.
Finn, likely because of Adam's previous rescue of Lefiya, took care to explain the situation thoroughly to avoid misunderstandings. Such consideration revealed his regard for this mysterious man.
Adam responded in kind, cooperating willingly as he accompanied Finn to the plaza while inquiring about the case details.
The facts were straightforward: a Level 4 Second Class Adventurer had been killed by a woman — the victim offering no resistance, dying without a struggle.
"How shameful!" other Adventurers might think, not knowing the full story.
Yet consider — how formidable must the killer be to overcome a Level 4 Adventurer who couldn't even mount a defense? Despite their forced assembly, they couldn't address this fundamental question.
Adam watched the Loki Familia members on stage attempting to calm the anxious Adventurers. Their actions were commendable, even if partially motivated by reputation. Few would willingly tackle such a predicament, knowing one wrong move could make them the next target.
In the treacherous Dungeon, constant vigilance against hidden threats was impossible. Among all Orario's familias, only the Loki Familia demonstrated such leadership in crisis — something even the prestigious Freya Familia couldn't match.
Yet despite their standing, results proved elusive — half a day's search yielded no traces of the perpetrator. They could only caution everyone to be wary of strangers and avoid traveling alone.
Seeing no further reason to stay, Adam stretched and headed back to rest.
But just as he lay down, violent tremors shook the entire 18th Floor.
"What's going on?!" He bolted from the inn.
The moment he emerged, tentacles plunged from above, demolishing the building behind him. He stood frozen, staring at the ruins of what had been his shelter.
"What the fuck?!" Adam's shock turned to fury.
Who dared attack? Who had such a death wish?!
As he searched for the culprit, he saw other Adventurers fleeing their buildings, gathering once more in the spacious plaza.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Deafening explosions erupted from the ground as multiple elongated tentacles burst forth.
The tentacles unfurled their buds, revealing grotesque, layered maws. Like massive pitcher plants with double-layered mouths, these flower-type monsters swayed in mid-air, seeming to sense their surroundings.
The Low Class Adventurers, having never encountered such monsters before, were struck speechless with fear.
The Loki Familia members gazed grimly at the flower monsters, their expressions revealing that this wasn't their first encounter with these creatures.
Were these deep-floor monsters?
As Adam maneuvered through the ruins and dodged the falling tentacles while gauging the monsters' strength, he realized they surpassed even those he'd faced on the 29th Floor.
"Hey—! Adam!" Tiona called out urgently, "Their blood is corrosive, don't let it touch you!"
Though well-meant, her warning sparked questions about her motivations.
Still, the information proved valuable.
"Corrosive, is it?" After a moment's thought, Adam decided to freeze the creature's bodily fluids, "Highest-tier Ice Magic..."
◈ Cursed Crystal Prison ◈
A massive magic circle materialized beneath the flower monster, releasing an explosive burst of frigid air.
The cold air crystallized the water molecules, freezing the thrashing monster from base to tip. Before the onlookers' eyes, it transformed into a crystal-clear ice pillar wreathed in mist.
"A-Amazing!" Lefiya exclaimed, "To freeze such a massive monster and cast highest-tier Magic instantly — such power!"
She had been concerned for her savior's safety mere moments ago.
Though Adam had been forced to dodge the monster's attacks desperately, once he discovered its weakness, he devised a solution and ended the battle swiftly.
His powerful magic and battle experience exemplified everything she aspired to become as a magician.
While everyone battled the monsters and Lefiya admired Adam's heroic figure, a shadow emerged from the darkness, advancing without any attempt at stealth.
"W-Who are you? Stop right there, or I'll have to act!" Lefiya raised her staff while quietly readying her magic.
The visitor's dangerous aura left no doubt about their malicious intent.
Just as she'd feared, the figure suddenly lunged forward! How could she, a physically weak magician, evade an attack from such a powerful warrior?
Within seconds, iron fingers clamped around her throat, cutting off her spell preparation.
"Ugh! Mmph... urk..."
As the grip tightened inexorably, Lefiya struggled for breath. Saliva trickled from her mouth as her oxygen-starved brain began to fail, her vision dimming.
This wasn't merely unconsciousness approaching — it was death! A truly terrifying presence!
The assailant's grip was merciless, applying enough force to crush her windpipe completely.
As death loomed, faces floated through her fading consciousness.
Miss Ais... Adam... Though her heart should have dwelled on the one she admired most, another man's silhouette unexpectedly appeared in her thoughts.
Perhaps it was because he had saved her before? She wasn't sure. All she knew was that she couldn't resist any longer.
Her hands dropped lifelessly. Death by strangulation seemed inevitable.
◈ Divine Convergence Breathing, Sun Style ⫸ Dance ◈
At the brink of death, a brilliant flame pierced her darkening vision, bringing warmth and vitality to her cold, failing body.
This spark rekindled her will to live. Her weakened body fought back, desperately clinging to what little oxygen remained, struggling to survive just a few moments longer.
Through her clouded vision, she saw green liquid spray across her view as her attacker's severed hand flew through the air.
After a moment of confusion, she realized death had retreated. Like a newborn taking its first breath, she gulped down air — the sweetest, most precious air she had ever tasted.
This was life itself!
How wonderful it was to be alive!
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