On the 45th floor of the dungeon, the primary adventurers of the expedition stood in a disciplined line, their weapons sheathed. They remained on the sidelines, acting as a rearguard while they quietly observed the chaos of the battlefield.
In the center of the fray, the first-class and second-class adventurers were locked in a ferocious struggle with the dungeon's denizens.
"No wonder you lot improved so much during those first two runs." Allen muttered.
His eyes twitched slightly as he watched the pulsating white light of the Gate of Heaven wash over the combatants. He turned to Finn and the others with a look of clear displeasure.
With Leon present, the battlefield felt as though it were outfitted with a massive, divine health pack. The light constantly mended wounds and replenished stamina, effectively turning the adventurers into an unstoppable force.
They didn't have to fear injury or the creeping dread of exhaustion, their only remaining limit was the mental strain of prolonged combat.
In any other expedition, a familia would be forced to retreat and rest after every major skirmish to ensure they were in peak condition for the next floor. Here, they were perpetually at full health.
Allen finally understood the "secret" to the Loki Familia's recent rapid growth. It wasn't just luck or hidden training—it was this reckless, high-efficiency combat mode.
Ottar and the Freya executives felt the same spark of realization. Now that they were part of the rotation, they were determined not to be outshone by their rivals.
Unconsciously, their gazes drifted toward Leon, who sat in silent contemplation, watching the tide of the battle with an unreadable expression. Leon sensed their eyes on him but didn't offer a reaction.
"Because of the sheer size of this expeditionary force, we're going to spend more time grinding between floors 37 and 49." Finn announced, ignoring Allen's grumbling to focus on the logistics.
"We will cycle every three days: two days fighting our way down from 37 to 49, followed by a full day of rest on the 50th-floor safe zone. Then, we fight our way back up. After two full rotations of this, we move into the true deep-floor expedition."
He looked at the leaders of the allied Familias. "Does anyone have an objection?"
Ottar nodded. "I have none."
In a joint venture of this scale, it was necessary to ensure the mid-tier adventurers gained enough experience to sustain the push. Finn's plan was sound and balanced.
"No problem here." Argana said with a sharp, toothy grin.
Finn's focus was primarily on the Freya and Kali Familias, as they were the newcomers to this specific brand of warfare. With the agreement reached, the plan was set.
...
On the battlefield, the newer members—including Belle's group and the Amazons of the Kali Familia—were fighting with a fervor that bordered on insanity. They had never experienced a "reckless mode" like this before. Knowing they could fight without the looming threat of permanent injury, their fighting spirit soared.
The Amazons, in particular, fought as if they were on a suicide mission. Had it not been for the overwhelming healing power of Leon's Gate of Heaven, many of them would have perished within the first hour. It was already clear that by the time they reached the deeper floors, the Kali Familia would likely be the biggest beneficiaries of this training.
As the days blurred together, the introductory phase of the expedition came to an end. The mid-tier adventurers had reached their limit for this floor, and Leon wasn't interested in wasting any more time.
The main force moved forward, establishing a base on the 50th-floor rock platform.
"Next comes the real battle." Finn said, his voice echoing around the campfire as the leadership gathered.
"Last time, we pushed as far as the 65th floor, but our equipment was so badly worn out that we were forced to turn back."
He turned his gaze toward Tsubaki. "This time, we're counting on you."
"Leave it to me. I'll keep your blades sharp no matter what." Tsubaki promised. She patted her chest with a broad, confident smile.
"However, according to your reports, the floors past 58 are a non-stop gauntlet of monsters. That constant spawning might make it hard to find a window for maintenance."
She looked at the group, her grin widening. "You'll all have to protect me. Don't let anything get close while I'm working."
Finn said with a smirk, gesturing toward Leon. "Your safety is Leon's responsibility. Talking to me won't do much good."
"Hehe, Leon, my life is in your hands then." Tsubaki said, flashing her white teeth at him.
"Just stay close to me, like Riveria and the others. As long as you don't run off, you'll be fine." Leon replied with a smile.
He then looked back at Finn. "Finn, I'm sure you're aware of Haruhime's unique abilities by now. This time, I'm bringing her with me into the deeper zones."
Finn agreed, "No problem. I was actually going to suggest the same thing."
Later that night, Leon sat within his tent, the area still sealed by his protective dark magic. Suddenly, he felt a slight disturbance—something or someone was brushing against the entrance.
He immediately dispelled the magic, allowing the flap to open. A familiar figure stepped into the dim light.
"Riveria?"
— — —
In the hushed dimness of the tent, Leon turned his head, looking at the face resting so close to his own.
"Riveria, what is this?"
His voice carried a rare hint of genuine doubt. He was truly stunned by Riveria's sudden "surprise attack."
Though he had sensed her growing affection for some time, he hadn't expected things to escalate so abruptly. Their feelings had been a slow, steady burn, and then, without warning, this.
"As a descendant of royalty, I have a duty to ensure the continuation of our bloodline. And the only one I can ever truly see myself with... is you, Leon." Riveria murmured, burying her face against Leon's chest to hide her flush.
"I see. So that's how it is. Then you had better work hard and achieve that goal as quickly as possible." Leon chuckled, a playful edge returning to his voice as he wrapped his arms around her.
He teased her gently, his fingers tracing the line of her shoulder, "Otherwise, once I ascend to godhood, my blood will become divine. The elven lineage will be overwritten by divinity."
Riveria nodded slightly, her voice a soft, determined whisper against his skin. "Yes. I will work hard. I'll do my best to fulfill that duty before you leave mortality behind."
Leon said, shifting to settle in, "Alright then. Let's get some rest."
"No... continue."
"???"