Vol. 14 - Ch. 762 - A Flurry of Preparation: A Lively Guild

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After I made our announcement, we immediately split to undertake our task.

Immediately after I got down from the podium, Rika and Rika approached me. 

"As decided, we will head for the «Altar Dungeon». You can be rest assured about that."

"Thanks. —You can take along all the «Flutes» as well. Just be careful about their usage, Rina."

"Understood. Just to be clear, does this include your assets as well, Zephyr-san?"

"Yup. We're still halfway to properly challenge the boss, so they're better off with you for now."

The assets in the guild were split between personal, and guild inclusive. And since my collection of flutes were on par with the guild's assets, Rika must've wanted to affirm this.

"This means we can use a total of 13 flutes, and try them out 52 times, huh. This is significant."

"I concur. That dungeon really wants your time, so it's great that we can save on some trips. Thanks, really, Zephyr."

"Don't sweat over it."

Flutes were just that expensive, absurdly so. It didn't help that they're so rare to drop as well. Even for «Eden», the guild that had fought countless rare boss than anyone else in the academy, 13 was just that significant of a number. 

Honestly, we wouldn't have even that much had it not for certain people's help in enhancing the drop rate. Then we'd acquired three from «Temple Saber»'s assets, and from clearing Dean's request. Eden itself had only acquired 5 flutes from drops. 

That's why I never let go of the chance of acquiring them! 

Ahem, but I digress. I handed the flutes to Rina. If there was anyone who'd absolutely keep note of their usage count, then it was Rina. She'd also look after them when farming in «Fairy Dungeon».

"Well then, we're leaving ahead."

"Good luck!"

"Counting on you!"

Just like this, we see off our guild members. Under Rina and Rika's helm, this included almost the majority of the guild members.

Perhaps influenced by the drifting spirit, and lacking the levels yet, our new members, too, cheerfully encouraged each other. 

"We can't lag behind, everyone. Let's go for a grind! We're going to farm some bosses!"

"I concur with Sharon. We need to find a attacker."

Sharon appeared awfully spirited up. Orihime-san nodded after her, and promptly moved to invite other members alongside themselves.

The «New Grade» guild members were still somewhere around LV50. So for them, the pressing matter was levelling. 

Speaking of it, they're so shaken up when I'd informed the «New Grade» group, as well as Tabase-senpai, about the «Official Boss Farming Hidden Techniques». Man, I could still feel the ruckus from that day still ringing into my ears. 

Their reaction was well worth—no, that was priceless. Tabase-senpai was so shaken up she had even summoned her Shikigami and Oni to bash on the boss room like there was no tomorrow. It had me bursted out in laughter. 

I showed them how to do that—a single, sound attack that would make a noise like gong. Their eyes were completely lit up. This tactic was unusable at «Dojo», so everyone was even more excited at the new prospect of level up.

"Look, guys! Aegis-san, Sachi-san, Yuuka-san, and Emi-san have come to join us!"

"Thank you for your assistance. I think we should start with members who have yet to acquire «Conqueror's Mark»."

"In that case, let's decide on a dungeon. And since we have two carriages from Rose and Aegis-san, two parties can easily follow up."

Affirming their plan, Fraumina promptly started counting on the members that would be following them. Meanwhile Rosetta and Katalina planned out which member would join which party. At the end, saving Tomoyo, seven of our new recruits plus four experienced members like Aegis etc would be taking them around for intermediate dungeons run.

"I know. Elise-chan probed around, and apparently «Dinosaur Hill Dungeon» and «Mountain Demons of Dark Forest Dungeon» are mostly avoided by students. They should be easy to grind around!"

"True, it's better to target unpopular dungeons. But onee-san, those dungeons are teeming with dinosaurs and ghosts. Are you sure you will be fine?"

As expected of Elise, a former 3rd year student, she guessed which dungeon would make a better target, though she received a tepid look from Fina. Well, unpopular means they're tough dungeons. But the high-ranking jobs shouldn't be having any trouble against them.

Honestly, capturing the scenery of everyone figuring out their path, doing their best, made me choke up in feelings. More than I had expected. It felt nice. It was as if the whole guild itself was breathing life.

"We should start too, Zephyr."

"Mhm, of course. So, are you all prepared?"

"Sheesh, do you need to ask? Of course, we're ready to go anytime."

"Indeed, we've made all the preparations."

"Mhm, all 'kay."

"Great, then let's begin with our first advanced dungeon! I have already decided on our target. It's a «Rank-3» dungeon «Deranged Trees in the Mountain Range»!"

"—!"

Our objective was to gather resources, plus certain thing that I'd eye on, and this dungeon perfectly fit the criteria for that.

«Dungeon Activity» game had multiple items that provided incredible conveniences in adventuring. So much so that you’d wished you’d get it sooner to save the effort. And this dungeon dropped that one particular item you could say was a crown jewel in that category.

—You must get this first, no matter what, if you're ready to challenge the Advanced Dungeon! 

In the game forums, veteran players would greatly emphasize on the importance of this item, and would always recommend clearing this dungeon as soon as you’re ready for advanced dungeons.

That's why, instead of starting with a Rank-1 dungeon for warmup, I'd set my eyes on this one. But, since monsters were far more formidable in Rank 3 dungeons, you at least had to have a solid tank leading the party. This was another reason why I'd insisted on Sierra's equipment first.

"R-Rank 3 dungeon? Are you sane, Zephyr?"

Lana looked at me wide-eyed, inquiring. I firmly nodded to her.

"I am. Besides, remember, we're not going there with the intention to clear it. Relax, I had focused on Sierra's equipment for a reason. I believe she will be fine with the Rank 3 dungeon."

I turned my gaze to Sierra, the latter glancing at me back. 

There wasn't a single streak of hesitation on her face at my words. See, now that's what you call immovable force! I'd absolute confidence in her defense.

"And, Karua, believe me when I say no amount of caution is enough in advanced dungeons. So, make sure to keep your ears up all time, alright?"

"I will."

A short remark, but very much Karua-ish. 

Once we'd made our plan, we, too, left the guild under the eyes of remaining guild members. We made our way toward the entrance to the advanced-low dungeon.