Once Ais stopped obsessing over her own strength, that "time bomb" of anxiety removed, the safety coefficient of the team skyrocketed.
That day, after Finn adjusted the formation, Tione no longer carried luggage, leaving the task of collecting magic stones entirely to the "support duo."
Renjiro (Aether) and Lumine continued obediently as rookies, only responsible for "sweeping the floor" under the guidance of the surrounding veterans.
Through this, they fully realized how hostile the dungeon environment became below the 40th floor.
First, it must be mentioned: the 44th floor had a massive monster, the Blazing Magma Rock.
This colossal creature was essentially a stone giant covered in molten lava. Its internal temperature remained extreme year-round.
For example, the furnaces used by Hephaestus' familia? They were filled with chunks chiseled from a Blazing Magma Rock.
Even after being removed from the body, these fragments could be activated by fire, reaching temperatures high enough to melt advanced crafting materials.
Yes, even the most elite adventurer equipment could be melted with prolonged contact.
At times like this, swift attackers like Finn, Ais, and Bete, or wide-ranging fighters like Tione, could shine.
Incidentally, Riveria had been conserving her mana since the start of today's march, barely casting spells at all.
Renjiro initially recognized this as veteran experience but didn't know the precise purpose… until the team reached the 49th floor.
"Riveria!"
"Understood."
From the stairs, the Moytura stretched out, arid and endless.
After only three short rests along the way, the group, exhausted from forced marching, paused again.
Renjiro checked Paimon's "unbreakable" smartphone and realized it was already 7:30 PM.
Now, Riveria raised her staff, one of the five supreme staves of the lower realm, and began chanting:
[Assemble, breath of the land - my name is Alf]
[Veil Breath!!!]
With the magic name uttered as the "trigger," a complex, jade-green magical array formed beneath her feet.
Renjiro knew that in this fantasy world, only adventurers with "Magical Guidance" ability could manifest such arrays, which enhanced the effects of their spells.
Those without Magical Guidance could still cast spells, but without arrays, like raw superpowers in a sci-fi setting.
Magic arrays essentially record the essence of the spell; having Magical Guidance is a prerequisite for creating a "magic guidebook."
If this world were a virtual game, then magic arrays would be part of its "source code."
As for Veil Breath… despite the name, it wasn't an offensive spell.
It was a defensive, protective magic.
"Riveria really is a shield master."
Standing within the jade-green array, watching the light spread across her body, Renjiro thought:
This is the kind of shield thick enough to withstand a dragon's breath from the 58th-floor nest!
Meanwhile…
Why haven't I pulled Emperor yet? I'm really becoming the unluckiest of gacha players, huh?
As he muttered internally, Riveria completed the spell.
She turned to Renjiro and Lumine and explained:
"This is a defensive spell. It can block most incoming attacks."
Seeing the twins nod in understanding, Finn continued:
"Usually, a large expedition team passing the 49th floor would need an elite squad to monitor Balor while clearingIf Balor approaches the main force, someone would need to distract it, possibly using bait tactics."
"But we are a small team. There's only one viable plan: everyone follows, avoid unnecessary fights, cross the Moytura in one push, and reach the 50th floor."
Finn, knowing how to make the most of available resources, glanced at Renjiro and Lumine:
"Since you haven't used much mana, you can summon the Archons using 'Genshin Descent' to act as bait. They'll quickly teleport back to you afterward, staying safe."
Renjiro realized why Finn had adjusted the formation this morning, leaving the twins as "supporters."
His strategy, combined with Riveria conserving mana, was pure veteran experience.
[Twins, gather here]
For the bait plan, the best choice was Wind Archon Xiao (teleportation) and Electro Archon Fischl (night crow form).
Once they materialized…
"…That's the situation. Please handle this."
"No problem."
"Hmph. Evil Eye Demon Lord? Sounds like a female-type entity. If possible, I'd like to test my strength against it."
After Renjiro explained Finn's plan, Xiao and Fischl agreed to the mission.
Finally, Finn said:
"All preparations are complete. Let's move. Ais, Tione, lead the way. Others follow the formation."
"Understood."
The team stepped into the Moytura, running straight toward the staircase to the 50th floor under Finn's guidance.
Simultaneously, Xiao and Fischl moved to the flanks, ready to lure away Barbarians.
If there's a chance… maybe I can take down one or two too, right?
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