Chapter 220 – Deeper into the Third Floor of Akela Dungeon

Chapter 220

Deeper into the Third Floor of Akela Dungeon

Date : Day 28 of Frostfall 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.

The days quietly passed. Their planned six-day rest seemed to disappear in the blink of an eye.

Winter had settled heavily over Akela. Thick layers of snow covered the streets and rooftops, and the cold was enough to make even the most enthusiastic adventurer think twice before stepping outside.

As a result, there wasn't much happening. Training was put off. Going outside was avoided whenever possible. For once, there was no dungeon, no monster, and no urgent expedition demanding their attention.

Hyoren spent most of those days simply relaxing at home.

The reception room of Wyvern Street Manor had gradually become something resembling a small library. Books occupied shelves and tables, and Hyoren could often be found sitting quietly with one open in his hands.

Sometimes Elise joined him. She would bring a cup of tea, settle into a nearby chair, and quietly enjoy it while watching Hyoren read.

Other times, Ina would be there when she wasn't working at the guild. She usually didn't read. Instead, she would curl up beside Hyoren and use his warmth as an excuse to take a nap.

“You're warm…”

She would mumble before closing her eyes.

Hyoren never really complained.

Arianna occasionally joined them as well, though she actually had something she wanted to read. Magical theory. The crimson-haired mage could spend hours buried in a book, completely absorbed in its contents.

And whenever Arianna was there, Jackey was usually nearby too. Although calling him “reading in the library” would have been generous. He would stretch himself out across the sofa, close his eyes, and fall asleep. Before long, the quiet room would be filled with his snoring.

Hyoren would sometimes glance over his book at him. Then at Arianna. The contrast always made him chuckle.

Arianna would be sitting upright with a book of magical theory in her hands, completely absorbed in her studies. Jackey, meanwhile, was sleeping beside her like a cat that had found the warmest spot in the house.

Yet somehow, the change between the two was obvious. They had become much closer. Even when they were doing nothing more than reading and sleeping in the same room, there was a comfortable familiarity between them that hadn't existed before.

For six days, life was simply peaceful.

Then, before anyone realized it, their rest was over. At last, Freedom Party was ready to return to the dungeon.

***

Morning sunlight filtered through the large windows of Wyvern Street Manor's dining room. The winter sun was pale and silver, its light reflecting off the snow outside.

Inside, however, the atmosphere was warm.

The comforting aroma of grilled Mad Cow bacon, fried Vyan eggs, freshly baked bread, coffee, and tea filled the room. Plates were already spread across the table.

Hyoren quietly looked around at everyone gathered there.

This was the morning before another long expedition.

He took another sip of coffee. Then he placed the cup down.

“Alright, everyone.”

The conversation around the table gradually died down.

Everyone turned their attention toward him.

Hyoren straightened slightly.

“Today…”

He paused.

“We return to the dungeon.”

The announcement immediately changed the atmosphere. Jackey's ears perked up. Elise placed her cup down. Arianna looked up from her breakfast. Ina also focused on Hyoren.

Hyoren continued.

“We'll likely be gone for our usual nine to ten days.”

He looked around the table.

“Our primary objective remains unchanged.”

His voice became more businesslike.

“We're going to clear the third floor.”

He paused briefly before continuing.

“Last time, we mapped forty-seven percent of the third floor by spending nine days in the dungeon.”

His gaze shifted toward Ina.

“But since we need more than fifty percent mapped, and there's also the boss that needs to be defeated…”

He smiled faintly.

“We might extend this dive to ten or even eleven days.”

Ina's ears twitched.

Hyoren gave her a knowing look.

“So don't worry if we're late, okay?”

Ina's face immediately reddened slightly.

Her cat ears perked up. She knew exactly what he was referring to. The last time Freedom Party had been late returning from the dungeon, she had become so worried that she nearly sent a rescue party after them. The Adventurer's Guild had practically been thrown into chaos because of it.

Ina lowered her gaze for a moment before nodding.

“Understood, Hyoren…”

She paused.

“I won't make a ruckus anymore if you're only one or two days late.”

Then she raised one finger.

“But!”

Her expression became serious.

“If it's more than that, I will definitely send a rescue party.”

She pointed at herself.

“And I'll lead them myself!”

For a brief moment, nobody said anything.

Then—Everyone burst out laughing.

Elise picked up her tea again, smiling.

“Ina is such a worrywart…”

Arianna covered her mouth with a small laugh.

“Ohoho. Lady Ina is simply worried about us. I think that's rather endearing.”

Jackey had just finished his second serving of breakfast. He nodded enthusiastically.

“Big Sis worries too much!”

His tabby ears bounced.

“She has always been like this since I was a baby! HAHAHA!”

The laughter started again.

Ina's face turned even redder. Her cat tail swished slowly behind her.

“Everyone, please…”

She covered part of her face with one hand.

“You don't have to laugh so much…”

The lighthearted atmosphere continued for another moment before the breakfast began winding down.

Lena, the fox-clan beastkin caretaker, calmly began gathering the empty plates from the table. She handled the dishes with her usual quiet efficiency.

“Understood, Master Hyoren.”

She stacked the plates neatly.

“The manor will be spotless by the time you all return.”

Beside her, Vina cheerfully wiped down the table.

“And we'll make sure all of your rooms are extra cozy when you come back!”

Elise smiled warmly at the two caretakers.

“Thank you, Vina. We know you'll take good care of our home.”

The word lingered. Home.

Hyoren's gaze moved around the dining room.

The table. The familiar walls. The people around him. The quiet routines that had formed between their expeditions. It wasn't simply a building anymore. This was where they returned after every expedition.

A place that would still be waiting for them when they came back. A place filled with people who cared whether they returned safely.

Hyoren felt a quiet warmth spread through his chest.

He hadn't realized when it happened. At some point along the journey, he had stopped thinking of himself as someone traveling alone through another world. He had companions who were willing to entrust their lives to him. Friends who would stand beside him when things became dangerous.

And dependable people behind them who made sure there was always somewhere to return to.

Hyoren looked around the table one more time. He smiled. No adventuring party could ask for more.

***

Not long afterward, Freedom Party stood assembled outside Wyvern Street Manor, ready to depart once again. The morning air was cold enough that their breath appeared as faint white clouds, while snow covered the roofs and streets of Akela.

Hyoren adjusted the strap of his storage bag.

“Everyone ready?”

Elise checked her green leather armor made from Aerostag material.

“Everything is prepared.”

Arianna adjusted the wide brim of her hat.

“I'm ready as well.”

Jackey stretched his arms before letting out a long breath.

“Ready!”

He grinned.

“Though I wouldn't complain about another six days of rest.”

Arianna glanced at him.

“You spent most of those six days sleeping, Sir Jackey.”

Jackey grinned.

“Exactly, Miss Purple!”

He raised a finger.

“So I could use another six days to sleep even more.”

Hyoren chuckled.

“Let's go before you convince yourself that's a good idea.”

The four of them began walking through the snowy streets. As usual, they first stopped at the Adventurer's Guild. Ina climbed the stairs.

Hyoren gave her a small smile.

“We're heading out.”

Ina nodded. Her cat ears twitched.

“Be careful. And remember what you promised.”

Hyoren knew exactly what she meant.

“We'll be back.”

Ina narrowed her eyes slightly. Her cat tail swished slowly behind her.

“And if you're late?”

Hyoren immediately raised both hands.

“One or two days is fine, right?”

Ina sighed.

“Yes.”

She paused.

“But don't make me worry unnecessarily.”

Jackey laughed.

“Big Sis, you're already worrying!”

Ina's tail flicked.

“Jackey.”

The warning in her voice made him immediately straighten. He saluted.

“Okay! Big Sis!”

Elise smiled at the exchange.

“We'll take care of him.”

Ina nodded.

“Good.”

Arianna gave a small, elegant bow.

“We'll return safely, Lady Ina.”

Ina smiled.

“Thank you, Arianna.”

With that, Freedom Party bid farewell to Ina and continued north. Once again, Ina watched them disappear down the snowy street before turning back toward the guild. The familiar mantle of Vice Guild Master settled over her shoulders once more.

***

By the time Freedom Party reached the North Gate, the guards stationed there recognized the four adventurers immediately.

One of them straightened when he saw them approaching.

“Freedom Party.”

He gave them a respectful nod.

“Good morning.”

Hyoren smiled while giving the guard their Guild Cards.

“Good morning.”

The guard briefly checked their identities. It was almost unnecessary. Freedom Party had become well known throughout Akela by now. And the daughter of the Baron was with them.

Still, the guard finished his inspection and returned the documents.

“Everything is in order.”

He smiled faintly.

“We are sorry. We still have to check anyone who exits the city. Custom is custom.”

Hyoren laughed softly.

“Of course.”

Jackey leaned slightly toward Hyoren.

“Big Bro, do they really need to check us every time?”

Hyoren nodded.

“Of course, Jackey.”

Jackey sighed dramatically.

“It was tiring… Doing this every time.”

Arianna lightly tapped him on the shoulder.

“Stop complaining, Sir Jackey.”

Jackey's tabby cat ears twitched.

“I'm not complaining. I'm appreciating the importance of custom, Miss Purple.”

Everyone, including the guards, laughed.

After Hyoren received their cards back, they made their way toward the carriage service and purchased their tickets.

There were already several passengers waiting, but the carriage itself wasn't particularly crowded.

Freedom Party climbed aboard and took the empty seats toward the back. Hyoren settled beside the window. Elise sat beside him, while Arianna and Jackey took the opposite side.

The carriage soon began moving. The wheels rolled over the snow-covered road with a steady rumble. The journey north had become familiar to them.

Outside, the world was almost entirely white. A thick blanket of snow stretched across the fields on both sides of the road. Trees stood bare beneath the winter sky, their branches weighed down by snow. Every now and then, the carriage rocked gently as the wheels passed over an uneven section of road.

For a while, everyone simply enjoyed the quiet.

Then Jackey broke the silence.

“I'm looking forward to getting back inside the dungeon.”

Hyoren glanced at him.

“Really?”

Jackey grinned.

“Yeah. It's warmer underground.”

Elise giggled.

“That's what you're looking forward to? Fufufu.”

Jackey leaned back comfortably.

“Among other things. Also, there are skulkers to whack!”

Arianna shook her head. Her crimson hair swayed with motion.

“Sir Jackey is full of energy as usual. Ohoho.”

Everyone laughed.

The conversation continued like that, coming and going naturally as the carriage carried them farther north.

Eventually, the carriage climbed the final hill. Through the window, the familiar sight of Akela Dungeon Town appeared on the basin. The settlement sat beneath the winter sky, its wooden buildings and streets covered in snow.

At the foot of the hill stood the wooden gate. The carriage descended toward it and soon came to a stop.

The driver turned around.

“We've arrived.”

Hyoren stood.

“Thank you.”

The others followed him down from the carriage.

Freedom Party then entered through the wooden gate. The familiar atmosphere of the dungeon town immediately surrounded them. Adventurers moved through the snowy streets, merchants prepared their stalls, and the distant sound of carts and conversation filled the air.

They continued toward the center of the settlement.

Before long, they reached the small plaza in front of the main tunnel of the old quarry. The massive opening of the Main Tunnel stood ahead. And deeper inside it, waited the entrance to the dungeon. Standing before the tunnel was a building bearing the familiar crest of the Adventurer's Guild.

***

They entered the Adventurer's Guild building.

The familiar warmth immediately surrounded them, chasing away some of the winter cold that had followed them inside. The usual sounds of adventurers talking, chairs scraping against the wooden floor, and clerks handling paperwork filled the guild hall.

Behind one of the counters stood a familiar bespectacled guild clerk.

Sherly noticed them almost immediately. Her face brightened as the four approached.

“Welcome back, Freedom Party.”

Hyoren stepped forward and placed the party's guild card on the counter.

“Alright, Sherly. As usual, we're registering for a Dungeon Exploration Quest.”

He paused briefly.

“We'll probably be inside for nine to ten days. Our objective this time is to clear the third floor.”

He then added with a slightly sheepish smile,

“So expect us to be a few days late.”

Hyoren scratched his cheek before continuing.

“Please contain Ina for us, okay? Do make sure she doesn't waltz all the way to the dungeon just because we're one or two days late.”

Sherly giggled. She definitely remembered the chaos from their previous expedition.

“Of course. We'll hold her back.”

Her shoulders shook slightly as she tried to suppress another laugh.

“Though we do hope Senior Ina has started to learn from that incident. She can be quite unreasonable when it's about you, Freedom Party.”

Everyone laughed.

After the laughter finally died down, Sherly took the guild card and inserted it into the familiar magical device beside her. A faint glow passed across its surface. A few moments later, the device finished processing their registration.

Sherly removed the card and handed it back.

“Registration confirmed.”

Hyoren accepted it with a nod.

“Thank you, Sherly.”

He slipped the card away before looking toward the others.

“We're heading into the dungeon now.”

Sherly stood from behind the counter and offered them a respectful bow.

“May fortune be with you... Adventurers.”

Hyoren returned the nod.

“Thank you.”

With that, Freedom Party turned away from the counter. The four adventurers walked toward the guild's exit, their footsteps echoing softly across the wooden floor.

Freedom Party left the guild branch and once more headed toward the dungeon entrance.

***

Not long afterward, they were already inside the dungeon. The four stepped out of the rippling gate separating the third floor’s Safe Room from the dungeon proper beyond it.

Hyoren adjusted his stance as his boots touched the familiar stone floor. 

He briefly checked his equipment before glancing to his left.

Elise stood calmly beside him. As usual, she looked completely prepared for another dive.

Hyoren then looked to his right. Jackey stood there with an eager grin. 

Finally, Hyoren's gaze settled upon Arianna. She remained dressed in her signature deep purple robes with her right hand holding her staff.

Satisfied that everyone was ready, Hyoren turned his attention toward the corridor ahead.

The familiar sight of the third floor greeted him.

Cracked stone walls stretched into the distance. Above them, pale blue magic lamps embedded in the ceiling quietly illuminated the corridor. The air remained cool and dry.

Hyoren looked over his companions one by one again. The familiar equipment. The familiar faces. After their long rest, everyone seemed to have recovered enough for another dive.

Hyoren tightened the strap of his shield before glancing toward the corridor ahead.

“Ready to continue the third floor dive?”

He briefly looked at Elise, Jackey, and Arianna.

“It'll be the same as before, so our strategy won't really change.”

His hand rested naturally on the hilt of his sword.

“We just need to break through the goblin horde.”

Everyone nodded.

Hyoren then turned toward Arianna.

“Arianna, keep an eye on our back, okay? We don't want them pincering us as usual. Then, focus on clearing the horde.”

Arianna adjusted her grip on Quadraflux Weaver and nodded confidently.

“Understood, Leader.”

Hyoren's gaze shifted toward Jackey.

“You and me will handle the breakthrough.”

He paused, then his mouth curled into an amused smile.

“In other words…”

He gave Jackey a grin.

“Keep whacking those Skulkers.”

Jackey's tabby cat ears immediately perked up. He raised both axes toward the ceiling with a wide grin.

“Yes! That's my favorite part! Whacking Skulkers! WOHOO!”

His enthusiastic shout echoed through the corridor. Arianna covered her mouth as she laughed and Elise's lips curled into an amused smile. Meanwhile, Hyoren could only chuckle. Jackey really hadn't changed.

He then looked toward Elise.

“As usual…”

Hyoren gave her a small nod.

“Elise, please.”

Elise understood immediately.

Without saying anything else, she stepped toward the front of the formation.

Her emerald eyes sharpened as she studied the corridor ahead. Her pointed ears twitched as she listened carefully, searching for even the faintest sound hidden within the ancient ruins.

One by one, her skills activated.

Tracking searched for any sign of monsters. Trap Dismantling carefully examined the path ahead for hidden mechanisms. 

Meanwhile, Mapping continued recording every path they explored. They had already mapped forty-seven percent of the third floor during their previous dive. This time, they intended to finish the job.

After making sure the path ahead was clear, Elise finally spoke.

“Let's go.”

She took the first step forward.

“Follow me.”

Hyoren immediately moved into the center of the formation, shield ready at his side. Arianna took her position beside him, her staff held ready.

Jackey naturally moved toward the rear.

Hyoren glanced back at the rippling gate behind them one last time, then the four began walking deeper into the ancient ruins.

***

Freedom Party continued their advance deeper into the third floor of Akela Dungeon.

Their pace was brisk. None of them lingered longer than necessary in any corridor. On this floor, stopping for too long could become dangerous. Goblins could respawn behind them, and if they weren't careful, the party could once again find themselves caught between two groups.

Elise remained at the front, quietly choosing routes they had not explored during their previous dive. Their goal was clear now. They intended to map the entire third floor.

Not long afterward, they reached the first T-junction.

During their previous dive, they had taken the left passage. This time, Elise led them toward the right.

Hyoren stepped forward and took point. The familiar sight of a large goblin horde waiting ahead immediately came into view. Around one hundred goblins crowded the widened corridor, filling the area around their spawn point.

Hyoren studied them for a moment before glancing back at the others.

“Okay. Similar corridor. Similar goblin horde.”

He rested one hand against the edge of his shield.

“There’s no need to change the plan. We’ll use the same strategy as before.”

His gaze shifted toward Arianna.

“Arianna, block the corridor behind us like before.”

The crimson-haired mage tightened her grip around the Quadraflux Weaver.

“Understood, Leader.”

Hyoren gave a small nod.

“Good.”

He turned back toward the goblins.

Hyoren lowered his stance slightly, his grip tightening around Dawn Breaker.

“Then let's get back to clearing the third floor.”

The moment he finished speaking, he charged. Jackey immediately followed beside him.

The Freedom Party plunged into the goblin horde once more.

Hyoren and Jackey broke through the front of the mass together, keeping the goblins from overwhelming the others while forcing their way deeper into the horde.

Behind them, Arianna quickly sealed the corridor with an Earth Wall. Once their rear was secured, she immediately turned her attention toward the battlefield.

Then the spells began flying. Fireballs. Boulder Throws. Earth Spikes. One after another, Arianna unleashed her AOE spells into the dense mass of goblins. Explosions and earth magic tore through the crowded horde, steadily thinning their numbers.

Beside their crimson-haired mage, Elise drew Moonveil Bow and dealt with any stragglers that slipped past the two frontliners. She then made sure to collect every magic stone the goblins dropped.

The strategy had become familiar after their nine days of previous diving.

Hyoren and Jackey continued pushing forward. Arianna guarded their rear while continuously bombarding the horde. Elise moved between the front and back, making sure no straggler managed to slip through the frontliners and reach Arianna.

At the same time, the silver-haired elven ranger continued checking the mental map created by her Mapping Skill.

Whenever they reached another branching corridor, she compared the routes they had already explored with the paths that remained unknown. Little by little, they expanded the map.

They weren't simply slaughtering goblins anymore. They were systematically working their way through the dungeon.

Whenever a battle ended, they took a short break. Nothing excessive. Just enough time to catch their breath, drink some water, and recover before continuing.

During one of those brief pauses, Hyoren looked toward Arianna. Something had changed since their previous dive.

Unlike before, she wasn't nearly as exhausted.

The four levels she had gained during their last expedition had significantly expanded her Aethell Reserve. Her physical stamina had improved as well, allowing her to keep up with the rest of the party without falling behind.

Even her blue magic potion consumption had noticeably decreased.

Hyoren gave her an approving smile.

“Arianna, you’re keeping up with us pretty well this time.”

Arianna nodded, adjusting her grip on her staff.

“The level-ups really did make a difference. And my stamina has been improving too, thanks to…”

Before she could finish her sentences, Jackey, who had been standing nearby, immediately grinned and shouted.

“Thanks to our training every night. In bed. Right, Arianna? HAHA!”

Arianna's face instantly turned red. She hurriedly looked around the corridor before lowering her voice.

“Jackey, please…”

She fidgeted with the edge of her robe.

Elise reached over and smacked Jackey on the shoulder.

“Jackey! Stop being so crass.”

Jackey rubbed his shoulder with an innocent grin.

“What? It's true!”

Everyone burst out laughing.

Hyoren could only shake his head in exasperation.

The relationship between the Cat-clan Beastkin and the crimson-haired mage really had changed.

The mask Arianna and Jackey formed to hide their closeness was gradually disappearing. They were becoming more comfortable around each other, even if Arianna still struggled whenever Jackey spoke too freely. At least, not in public.

After their short break, they continued onward. Deeper. And deeper.

The Freedom Party continued systematically mapping the third floor while following Elise's mental map. They made sure not to waste time by repeatedly entering corridors they had already explored.

Sometimes, however, their chosen path simply ended. A dead end. When that happened, they had no choice but to turn around and search for another route.

So the expedition continued. Fight. Explore. Map. Rest. Then repeat. Their footsteps echoed softly across the worn stone corridors as they continued their marathon through the ancient dungeon.

The Freedom Party had resumed their third floor dive. And this time, they intended to clear it.

***

They had just finished their sixth encounter.

Hyoren slowly lowered his sword.

They weren't nearly as exhausted as they had been during their first dive into the third floor. Their previous experience and level ups had clearly made the fighting easier.

Even so, the constant battles and walking were beginning to catch up with them.

Hyoren took a moment to look back at his companions.

They looked tired…

Jackey was still standing with plenty of energy left, though his breathing was noticeably heavier than before. Arianna wiped her forehead with a handkerchief, while Elise calmly took a drink from her waterskin.

They could probably handle a few more encounters… But…

But Hyoren didn't want to push them until they were completely exhausted.

He turned toward the corridor ahead. Another dead end.

Hyoren sighed quietly. They would have to turn back again.

Hyoren reached beneath his shirt and pulled out his pocket watch. The small chain attached to it gave a quiet metallic clink as he opened the watch.

15:15.

He stared at the time for a moment. Then he closed it and slipped it back beneath his shirt.

There was no reason to keep going.

“Everyone. We need to rest.”

Elise lowered her waterskin.

“I agree.”

She looked toward the dead end.

“We've been moving for quite a while already. A little rest wouldn't hurt.”

Arianna nodded while carefully folding her handkerchief.

“I certainly wouldn't object.”

Jackey reached down and sheathed his two axes.

“I'm not that tired.”

He paused. Then he looked toward Hyoren and grinned.

“But I guess Big Bro is right. Better to rest before we're too tired to move!”

He suddenly threw one fist into the air.

“WOHOO!”

The sudden burst of energy made everyone laugh.

Hyoren shook his head with a faint smile.

“Good. Then we'll make camp here.”

He glanced toward the dead end.

“At least we won't have to worry about anything coming from behind us.”

Hyoren reached into his storage bag and pulled out a small and pure-white box—The Sanctuary. He walked toward the center of the dead end and placed the magic tool carefully on the ground. He briefly considered the position before pouring Aethell into the artifact.

The Sanctuary immediately responded.

Soft blue runes appeared across its surface, their glow gradually becoming brighter. A low hum spread through the dead end. Then a dome-shaped barrier materialized around them. The translucent barrier expanded outward from the Sanctuary, enclosing enough space for the party to establish their camp.

Hyoren stood and looked around.

They were secured.

Then—something stirred only a few meters outside the barrier. A new group of goblins suddenly spawned. In an instant, the previously empty corridor was filled with them. More goblins continued appearing until the wider passage near the dead end was crowded with their bodies, the monsters standing shoulder to shoulder. Weapons clanked as they shifted around. Their snarls and growls echoed through the corridor, ugly faces twisting with aggression as they noticed the adventurers inside the barrier.

Nobody reacted.

The sight had already become familiar to them. They had rested surrounded by goblins before.

And they were safe inside the barrier.

Hyoren simply nodded.

“Alright. Let's set up our camp.”

The others agreed.

The Freedom Party began preparing their temporary camp.

Hyoren and Jackey worked together to erect their tents.

While putting one of them up, Hyoren noticed something different. During their previous dives, Jackey had always erected two separate tents—one for himself and another for Arianna.

Now that the Cat-clan Beastkin and the crimson-haired mage had stopped hiding their relationship from their own party, that arrangement was no longer necessary.

Jackey instead erected a two-man tent, similar to the one Hyoren and Elise used.

Hyoren glanced at the tent.

They use the same tent now, huh...

A quiet chuckle escaped him. The change in their relationship really was palpable.

Meanwhile, Elise began preparing dinner. And Arianna set up a washing area and a portable toilet in one corner of the camp.

Before long, everything was ready.

The four of them sat together in the middle of the camp, surrounded by the Sanctuary's barrier.

Elise served the vegetable soup with meat she had prepared. 

Steam rose from the bowls, carrying the comforting aroma through the small camp. After spending hours fighting and walking through the dungeon, the warmth of the meal was especially welcome.

For a while, they simply ate.

The occasional clinking of utensils against bowls was the only sound inside the barrier. Outside, the goblins continued to snarl and growl. The contrast was almost amusing.

A horde of monsters surrounded them, yet the four adventurers were calmly eating dinner as if they were sitting at home.

Hyoren eventually finished his meal and placed his bowl down.

He then turned towards Elise.

“Elise. How's our progress?”

Elise placed her bowl down.

“Give me a moment.”

She closed her eyes.

Her Mapping Skill brought the mental map of the third floor into focus. Every corridor. Every intersection. Every T-junction. Every spawn point. Every dead end. All of it had been steadily recorded in her mind.

After a moment, Elise opened her eyes. Her emerald gaze met Hyoren's dark eyes.

“We're at 50%.”

Hyoren's eyebrows rose.

“50%?”

He rubbed his chin.

“Only 3% more? We've walked that much...”

Elise smiled.

“I know.”

She glanced toward the route they had just explored.

“But I think we've reached an area with more dead ends than before. We've had to backtrack quite a lot.”

Arianna took a sip of her tea before adding,

“That's right. Every time we reach one of those dead ends, we have to trace our way back through corridors we've already mapped.”

She set her cup down carefully.

“That takes quite a bit of time.”

Hyoren nodded slowly.

“I see.”

He leaned back slightly.

“At this rate, we really might spend more than ten days on this dive.”

A wry smile appeared on his face.

“Let's just hope Ina doesn't cause another ruckus.”

Jackey immediately laughed.

“Big Sis?”

He shook his head.

“Not causing a ruckus? Impossible, Big Bro! HAHA!”

Everyone laughed again.

Hyoren scratched his cheek.

“I really hope Guild Master Fiona, Sherly, and the other clerks can hold her back.”

That only made the others laugh harder.

After the laughter finally settled, Hyoren rolled one shoulder. Now that they had stopped moving, the fatigue from their marathon through the third floor was becoming much more obvious.

He looked around.

Jackey had started yawning repeatedly. Arianna's eyelids occasionally drooped, only for her to quickly straighten herself and pretend nothing had happened.

Only Elise still looked relatively fine.

Hyoren smiled faintly.

“Alright. I think that's enough for today.”

Jackey let out another yawn.

“Yeah...”

He rubbed his eyes.

“Now that you mention it, I'm actually pretty tired.”

Arianna adjusted her purple robe.

“I was beginning to feel the same. My head feels rather heavy after casting so many spells today.”

Hyoren nodded.

“We've been fighting almost constantly for six hours without a proper rest.”

He looked at the others.

“We should recover properly before we continue tomorrow.”

Nobody disagreed.

Elise then reached into her storage bag and took out a small sphere—the Discourse Sphere. She placed it beside the Sanctuary and activated it. Another low hum filled the camp. Almost immediately, the sounds outside began to fade.

The goblins' snarls and growls became distant and muffled. Even the clanking of their weapons was reduced until it was barely noticeable.

Elise straightened and listened for a moment.

Satisfied, she nodded.

“Good. Now we can actually sleep peacefully.”

Hyoren nodded.

“That's better.”

He looked around the camp.

At Elise, the silver-haired elf sitting beside him. At Jackey, whose tabby cat tail was still moving lazily behind him despite his exhaustion. And at Arianna, who was clutching her purple robes while trying not to yawn again.

A small smile appeared on Hyoren's face.

“Let's sleep.”

Everyone agreed.

The four of them then headed toward their respective tents.

Hyoren and Elise entered their large tent together, while Arianna and Jackey entered their new large two-man tent.

It wasn't long before everyone had fallen fast asleep. The Sanctuary's barrier protected them from the goblins outside, while the Discourse Sphere ensured that even the monsters' snarling could no longer disturb their sleep.

For now, they could rest peacefully.

There was a small change in their party dynamics. Jackey and Arianna no longer needed to hide their relationship from their companions.

But that did not change what they were.

They were still the Freedom Party. Their determination had not changed either. They would continue exploring. They would continue mapping.

And even if their progress was slower than expected, they would keep moving forward until they cleared the third floor.

Freedom Party continued their pioneering.