After leaving, Adam quickly caught up with the main group and its leader Bors.
The group moved slowly, burdened by numerous injured from the 18th Floor and only a handful of combat-ready members to protect them.
Within half an hour, Adam had reached them.
"Mr. Adam, why did you come here too? Weren't you supposed to be with Finn and the others pursuing the culprit?" Bors asked, clearly surprised.
Adam shrugged lazily, "No, that matter has nothing to do with me. I shouldn't interfere too much, so..."
"Oh, I understand." Bors nodded knowingly.
He agreed that since the Loki Familia had taken charge, it was best for others to stay clear. Making a clean break was the wise choice.
That powerful monster had looked quite dangerous, so getting away quickly was the right move. This was his number one rule after many years as an Adventurer: never get involved in dangerous situations!
"By the way, Bors." Adam glanced at the injured Adventurers, "With so many wounded needing urgent treatment, what do you do in this situation? Does the Guild have someone who can perform group healing?"
He wasn't offering to heal them himself — rather, he wanted to use this as an opportunity to meet Orario's strongest healer.
Airmid Teasanare, the Silver Saint of the Dian Cecht Familia who specialized in potions.
Though only Level 2, her healing magic was incredibly powerful, and her business sense was equally impressive. As someone vital to her Familia's prosperity, her healing abilities must be extraordinary.
"Ah, we plan to take the injured back to the surface, report to the guild, and then find Airmid." Bors explained, assuming Adam didn't know her, "She's Orario's strongest healer. Familia members use healing potions, but those of us who can't afford them usually go to her."
"Is that so? If possible, could I come along?" Adam revealed his true purpose without drawing attention.
Of course, this didn't arouse any suspicion.
Bors enthusiastically replied, "No problem! Please, by all means, come with us!"
He seemed very happy.
However... it seemed the Dungeon was working against them, determined to prevent their smooth departure.
This was the closest floor to the upper levels, yet it was still part of the middle floors — where dangers could erupt at any moment.
Massive cracks split open the ground, walls, and ceiling. Everything shook violently, including the air itself, sending the already unsteady injured tumbling to the ground.
"W-what's happening?"
"Damn! It's a Monster Feast!"
The Adventurers' faces transformed, twisting as if they'd just swallowed something horrific.
Many Adventurers had gathered here, but only a few retained their fighting capability. The rest, unfortunately, were unable to contribute to combat.
Despite being experienced, the Adventurers couldn't help but feel panic rising within them.
Yet what surprised Adam was their disciplined response — instead of scattering in fear, they stayed together. They understood that unity was their only chance for survival; splitting up would only hasten their demise.
Squeak! Squeak! Squeak!
Chaotic squealing erupted around them like a rabbit warren, putting immense pressure on the group. Though not yet surrounded, the crimson light emanating from the darkness made their hearts tremble.
These monsters, unique to the middle floors, were rabbits with a single horn and red eyes. While they resembled the Great Rabbit from Re:Zero, they couldn't reproduce infinitely and would turn to dust when their magic stone core was destroyed.
"Everyone, on guard!"
Following Bors's command, the Adventurers efficiently formed a large circle, positioning the injured and magic users in the center.
As magic users began their chants, warriors on the outer circle raised their swords and shields against the encroaching monsters. Though their faces showed determination, their eyes betrayed a hint of despair.
Too many! The monsters were overwhelming!
Though they were "just rabbits", this Monster Feast event was impossible to repel with their group weakened by injuries.
The question hung heavy in the air: even if they survived, how many would make it?
"Damn it, don't give up!" Bors roared, "Are you going to wait for death? Even if we die, we die with an Adventurer's spirit!"
"But there are so many injured..."
"Hey, forget about us and run!"
"What nonsense!" Bors exploded with fury, "If we meant to abandon you, why did we work so hard to save you? Don't you dare give up so easily, you idiot!"
His fierce appearance became even more intimidating in his anger.
His words rekindled the will to live in those who had been ready to surrender.
Yet while everyone else's spirits soared, Adam remained unusually cold.
"Hm? What's this?" Unconsciously flexing his right hand, he felt an unfamiliar power welling up inside his body.
How strange. He hadn't done anything, yet this power came so unexpectedly — he couldn't make sense of it.
This unfamiliar power grew stronger and stronger, nearly overflowing from his body. He felt certain he could accomplish something extraordinary.
"This is..." Adam closed his eyes to sense it, and finally understood what this mysterious power was.
〚Last Hope (Wish_One)〛
When facing desperate situations, it increases one's power proportional to the level of crisis!
In other words, was this situation truly beyond his abilities to resolve? No, there had to be something else at work!
Turning to Bors, who was still commanding, he said, "Hey, Bors, I'll cover your retreat."
"Don't you understand? I'm saying I'll cover you — hurry and get out of here."
"What are you saying? Even with your great strength, against this many monsters..."
"Stop arguing and leave when I tell you to!" Adam snapped impatiently, "My strength rivals that of Finn, the Braver. These low-level monsters are nothing — no matter how many gather, they can't trap me. Besides, you're all in the way here. I can't fight at full power, understand?"
"Well... if you put it that way." Convinced, Bors shouted to the formation of Adventurers, "Everyone! Drop all heavy items, abandon what you don't need, and retreat immediately!"
Under his command and driven by their will to survive, the Adventurers stripped off their heavy equipment in just ten seconds and turned to run down the passage.
"As expected of experienced Adventurers, they move quickly." Adam looked at the approaching Needle Rabbits and licked his lips, "Really now, this power is uncontrollable. It's rare even for me to get this excited."
At this moment, the monster horde had surrounded them.
The battle was about to begin!
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