Thud—
With the last monster collapsing to the ground, Cao Ye finally let out a long breath.
His earlier excitement gradually faded as fatigue set in.
However, Cao Ye absolutely loved the Ratio Technique. It was simply too useful.
In Jujutsu Kaisen, Nanami Kento could fight almost invincibly using nothing more than a blunt blade.
Now, in Cao Ye's hands, none of the monsters he encountered today could block a single strike.
Under the rules of the Ratio Technique, every one of them was cut down instantly.
He collected all the magic stones and absorbed the magic energy within them.
Floor 17.
Not long ago, he had nearly died here.
Now he had returned.
And he was much stronger than before.
Step… step… step…
Under the reflected glow of the crystal walls, this floor looked completely different from the upper floors.
It was much brighter.
Unlike last time, nothing unexpected happened along the way.
No monsters appeared.
Cao Ye passed through easily.
Dungeon – Floor 18
The 18th floor was the first safe zone in the Dungeon.
Monsters rarely appeared here.
There were even mountains and rivers.
Compared to other floors—where monsters could spawn at any moment—this place was far safer.
Because of that, many adventurers chose to rest here.
Over time, someone realized this could become a business opportunity.
Thus a small town called Rivira was built on the 18th floor.
A "Labyrinth Town" created by adventurers themselves.
Here, adventurers could rest and trade.
However, prices here were much higher than on the surface.
Adventuring supplies were often several times more expensive.
But because stable supply inside the Dungeon was difficult, even absurd prices could still sell.
Although this was a safe floor, it wasn't absolutely safe.
Sometimes monster attacks destroyed the town.
As a result, Rivira had been rebuilt many times.
At the entrance stood a sign:
"Rivira Town – 331st Generation"
Cao Ye looked at it.
That meant the town had been destroyed 330 times before.
Looking inside, he saw many houses.
More than 80% were wooden structures, likely built with materials gathered locally.
Besides being easy to build, there was another reason:
The town could be destroyed again at any time.
There was no need to build anything too fancy.
As long as it was livable, it was enough.
Inside the town were many stalls.
Cao Ye glanced at a few of them.
Most sold weapons and equipment, and the prices were outrageous.
They were several times higher than in Orario.
Seeing this made Cao Ye's mind start spinning.
With his Imaginary Space, he could easily transport large amounts of goods here.
A weapon costing 1000 valis on the surface could sell for 5000+ valis here.
Maybe even more.
"Friend, is this your first time in Rivira?"
A man's voice came from behind.
Cao Ye turned around.
The speaker was a large man with a wide build.
He wore a sleeveless vest and had a black eyepatch over one eye.
A smile was on his face.
But in that smile, Cao Ye saw greed.
He had clearly been mistaken for easy prey.
"My name's Borus."
"I'm the boss of this town."
"And you, friend?"
"Cao Ye. An adventurer."
Borus was momentarily speechless.
Good grief—besides the name, Cao Ye revealed nothing else.
Still, that was normal.
In the Dungeon—where there were no real rules—most adventurers were naturally suspicious of strangers.
"So, Cao Ye. First time in Rivira, right?"
"Yes."
"Well then!"
"I love making friends."
"Meeting today must be fate."
"Let me treat you to a drink."
"A drink?"
"Of course."
"This might be the Dungeon, but for adventurers, alcohol is essential."
"It's not cheap here, though."
Cao Ye looked at him knowingly.
With prices like these, "overcharging" was an understatement.
Borus didn't seem surprised.
Rivira's expensive prices were well known throughout Orario.
"Come on, meeting is fate!"
"Tonight's drinks are on me."
"Really?"
"Of course!"
"Ask around Rivira Town—everyone knows Borus never lies!"
Cao Ye silently thought:
Just listen and don't take it seriously.
As Rivira's gang leader, Borus claiming he never lied was almost funny.
What about all the poor adventurers he had cheated before?
Still, Cao Ye didn't expose him.
He followed Borus through the street to a tavern.
BANG!
"Boss! Bring out the drinks!"
"I met a friend today—we're going to have a good time!"
As soon as Borus entered, he shouted loudly.
There were many people inside the tavern.
Most of them recognized Borus.
Hearing his words, they all looked toward Cao Ye.
Seeing Cao Ye's relatively slim build, they were curious.
Anyone Borus treated so enthusiastically couldn't be simple.
After all, Borus was known for never acting without profit.
THUD.
Borus pulled Cao Ye to an empty table and sat down boldly.
Anyone watching might think he owned the place.
Soon, two large mugs of alcohol arrived.
Cao Ye glanced at them.
Rum.
He had often drunk this at the dwarf merchant's stall in Orario.
That dwarf loved this particular drink.
"Come on, brother!"
"Don't be shy!"
Borus raised his mug.
"Alright."
Cao Ye didn't know what Borus was planning.
But refusing now would be awkward.
Besides—
Cao Ye was immune to negative effects.
Even if the drink was drugged, he wasn't worried.
And even if something dangerous happened, he could still protect himself.
With Reverse Cursed Technique, killing him wasn't easy unless his head was cut off.
Around them, people watched Borus's unusual enthusiasm with confusion.
Had the sun risen in the west today?
At the table, Borus lifted the huge mug of rum—
And drained it in one gulp.
A true display of boisterous hospitality.