The dense jungle of Casakola slowly faded behind them.
For hours, the group had marched through towering ancient trees whose branches formed a living roof over the forest floor. Thick vines dangled from enormous trunks, while strange glowing flowers illuminated the darker portions of the path. The air was damp and filled with the sounds of unseen wildlife.
Every now and then, distant cries echoed somewhere far deeper within the forest, reminding everyone that they were merely visitors inside a world ruled by monsters.
Fortunately, Rio's map had proven flawless once again.
Every turn.
Every cliff.
Every stream.
Everything had appeared exactly where she said it would.
No one questioned her directions anymore.
Even Sayanaki, who normally trusted only her own instincts, had quietly admitted to herself that following Rio's routes was far safer than relying on experience alone.
Eventually, the forest began thinning.
The enormous trees gave way to towering stone cliffs that stretched toward the evening sky. Moss-covered boulders surrounded the area, and nestled between two massive rock formations stood the entrance to a cave.
It wasn't particularly large.
Its opening was only wide enough for several people to enter side by side.
Yet compared to the dense jungle outside, it felt almost welcoming.
Rio stopped walking.
Everyone behind her naturally came to a halt.
She slowly lifted her gaze toward the sky.
The brilliant orange sun was already descending beyond the western mountain ranges.
Long shadows stretched across the forest.
The warmth of daylight was rapidly disappearing.
"...We're almost out of time."
Ryota followed her gaze.
"The sun's setting."
Rio nodded once.
"It'll be dark in less than an hour."
Nobody needed further explanation.
After everything Rio had told them about Floor Three...
No one wanted to experience its jungle after sunset.
Rio turned around.
"Kiraya."
"Ramos."
"Hinabi"
"Silla."
"Sayanaki."
"We're stopping here for the night."
She pointed toward the cave entrance.
"We'll rest inside."
"We are absolutely not risking traveling after dark."
Everyone nodded almost immediately.
There wasn't even the slightest complaint.
Earlier in the day, hearing stories about the Old Hunter had been frightening enough.
Now that the sun itself was disappearing...
Those stories felt significantly more real.
"...Let's move."
One by one, they entered the cave.
The interior was surprisingly spacious.
Natural pillars of stone stretched toward the ceiling.
Small crystals embedded within the cave walls emitted a faint bluish glow, providing just enough light for everyone to see their surroundings.
The air was cool.
Dry.
Unlike the humid jungle outside.
Several openings in the ceiling allowed fresh air to circulate naturally.
Rio carefully observed every direction.
She didn't immediately relax.
Instead, she slowly walked around the cavern, inspecting every corner.
No monster nests.
No claw marks.
No droppings.
No footprints.
After nearly a minute of inspection...
She finally nodded.
"This place is safe."
Only then did everyone begin setting down their equipment.
Ramos immediately placed his oversized backpack onto the ground.
"Whew..."
He stretched his back before kneeling beside the luggage.
"Guess I'll start setting up camp."
He unfastened several leather straps before pulling out folded canvas.
Just as he reached for the tent poles—
"...Ramos."
He looked up.
Rio was staring directly at him.
"What are you doing?"
Ramos blinked.
"...Setting up the campsite?"
He lifted the folded tent.
"...We're sleeping here, right?"
Rio slowly shook her head.
"No."
"...Huh?"
She raised one finger.
"We're not sleeping on the ground."
Everyone looked toward her.
Rio calmly walked toward the cave entrance again before pointing upward.
"Look."
Everyone followed her finger.
Above them...
Roughly twenty feet overhead...
A gigantic stone platform naturally protruded from the cave wall.
It almost resembled a second floor carved out by nature itself.
The surface appeared surprisingly flat.
Large enough to comfortably fit several tents.
Kiraya narrowed her eyes.
"I didn't even notice that."
Rio smiled slightly.
"Most people don't."
"Which is exactly why it's perfect."
She crossed her arms.
"Think about it."
"If something enters this cave during the night..."
"It'll naturally search the ground first."
She pointed toward the cave floor.
"If we're sleeping down here..."
"We're giving monsters the easiest possible target."
Then she pointed back upward.
"But if we're up there..."
"They'll have a much harder time reaching us."
Ryota immediately understood.
"It also gives us a better view of the entrance."
Rio nodded.
"Exactly."
"Height gives information."
"Information keeps people alive."
Ramos scratched his head sheepishly.
"I..."
"...didn't think about that."
Rio smiled.
"That's why we're traveling together."
Before anyone could react—
Rio bent her knees slightly.
Then—
WHOOSH!
She launched herself upward.
Her feet lightly touched the cliff wall once.
Twice.
Three times.
Each step used the stone itself as leverage.
A second later—
She landed effortlessly atop the enormous rock platform.
The others watched from below.
"...Wow."
Silla couldn't hide her amazement.
Rio slowly walked around the elevated platform.
It was even larger than it had appeared from below.
Flat stone covered most of its surface.
Several naturally formed pillars surrounded its edges, creating partial cover from the wind.
Most importantly—
There was only one practical route leading up.
A perfect defensive position.
Rio smiled.
"This is even better than I remembered."
Kiraya looked upward.
"You remembered?"
Rio quickly corrected herself.
"I mean..."
"...better than I expected."
Ryota smiled knowingly.
He had already grown accustomed to those little slips.
Without another word—
He crouched.
Then jumped.
Unlike Rio's graceful ascent, Ryota relied entirely on explosive leg strength.
BOOM!
The ground cracked slightly beneath his feet.
He shot upward like an arrow.
Moments later—
He landed beside Rio.
"...Nice place."
Rio nodded.
"It'll do."
Kiraya stepped forward next.
"I'm coming."
She gently looked toward Silla.
"Hold on."
Silla blinked.
"...Huh?"
Before she realized what happened—
Kiraya had effortlessly lifted her into a princess carry.
"Kiraya?!"
Kiraya laughed.
"You'll be safer this way."
Then—
She jumped and Hinabi followed.
Her athletic body moved smoothly between the rocky walls before landing atop the platform with barely any sound.
Silla slowly looked around.
"...Amazing..."
The view from above overlooked the entire cave entrance.
Anyone approaching would immediately be visible.
Down below—
Only Ramos and Sayanaki remained.
Ryota looked down.
"I'll grab the supplies."
Before Ramos could protest—
Ryota simply lifted both the heavy camping equipment...
...and Ramos himself.
"W-Wait!"
"I can waaaaaah!"
Ramos instinctively grabbed Ryota's shoulders.
Ryota jumped.
The ascent was effortless.
A second later, both of them safely landed on the platform.
Ramos slowly climbed off Ryota.
"...I..."
"...I'm never getting used to that."
Ryota laughed.
"It saves time."
Finally—
Only Sayanaki remained below.
She silently adjusted the crimson scarf around her neck.
Then glanced upward.
"...Show-offs."
She muttered quietly.
Without any dramatic preparation—
She simply disappeared.
Her figure blurred.
The next instant—
She was already standing atop the stone platform.
No loud landing.
No crumbling rock.
Nothing.
Even Kiraya couldn't help raising an eyebrow.
"...Fast."
Sayanaki ignored the compliment.
She picked up her belongings and calmly walked toward the far edge of the platform.
Not too far.
Yet noticeably separated from everyone else.
She chose a spot beside one of the natural stone pillars where she could observe both the cave entrance and the surrounding area without obstruction.
Her sleeping position...
...was isolated.
Rio watched her quietly.
She understood.
Sayanaki wasn't trying to distance herself because she disliked the group.
She simply...
...had spent too many years surviving alone.
Old habits rarely disappeared overnight.
Rio smiled softly.
She decided not to say anything.
Instead—
She looked around the elevated platform one last time.
"Alright."
She clapped her hands once.
"This is home for tonight."
The setting sun painted the cave entrance in deep shades of orange and crimson.
Beyond that opening...
The jungle was slowly disappearing into darkness.
One by one...
The sounds of daytime creatures faded away.
A strange silence slowly settled over the forest.
Rio's expression became serious.
"...Night is beginning."
No one spoke.
Because everyone remembered exactly what Rio had told them earlier.
When Floor Three became quiet...
...that was when its true dangers awakened.
The elevated stone platform slowly transformed into a campsite.
The flat stretch of rock, hidden high above the cave floor, proved even more comfortable than anyone had expected. Large stone pillars naturally surrounded the platform, shielding it from the evening wind that drifted in through the cave entrance. Beyond the opening, the orange glow of sunset continued to dim as darkness gradually spread across the endless jungle.
Ramos immediately got to work.
"Alright..."
He rubbed his hands together.
"Let's get these tents up before it gets too dark."
He unpacked the folded canvas, iron stakes, and support poles with practiced movements.
Although he wasn't a fighter, years of traveling as a farmer had taught him how to assemble temporary shelters quickly.
Silla knelt beside him.
"I'll help."
Ramos smiled.
"Thanks."
The two worked together, stretching the canvas over the supporting poles while securing the corners with rope. Every few minutes Ramos would step back, squint at the structure, then make another adjustment.
"No..."
"A little tighter."
Silla laughed softly.
"You've rebuilt this side three times."
"I know."
"It'll bother me if it's uneven."
Nearby, Rio watched the progress before turning toward the others.
"We still need firewood."
Ryota immediately stood.
"I'll go."
Kiraya rose beside him.
"I'll come too."
Hinabi twirled her staff once before resting it against her shoulder.
"Might as well. Three people can gather enough before the sun disappears."
Rio nodded.
"Stay close together."
"And don't wander too far."
"We won't."
Without another word, the three climbed back down from the stone platform.
The forest had grown noticeably quieter than it had been only an hour earlier.
The sounds of birds had almost completely disappeared.
Only insects remained.
Rio watched them disappear among the trees before turning toward the opposite side of the campsite.
Sayanaki had already finished preparing her sleeping area.
Her sleeping bag rested against one of the large stone pillars overlooking the cave entrance. Beside it sat a neatly folded blanket and a single black pillow.
She was lying comfortably against the rock with one knee raised, absentmindedly spinning a dagger around one finger.
She looked perfectly relaxed...
...yet her crimson eyes never stopped scanning the surroundings.
Rio walked over.
"Sayanaki."
The assassin glanced sideways.
"Hm?"
"I'm heading out for a few minutes."
Sayanaki stopped spinning the dagger.
"You found something?"
Rio nodded.
"I'll bring back something we can cook."
She gestured toward the campsite.
"Keep an eye on everyone while I'm gone."
Sayanaki lazily stretched.
"You don't have to ask."
"They're already under my watch."
Rio smiled.
"I know."
She jumped down from the platform before quietly disappearing into the trees.
...
The evening forest was bathed in warm golden light.
Rio moved silently through the undergrowth, carefully avoiding dry branches beneath her boots.
After several minutes...
She stopped.
Ahead of her stood an enormous dinosaur-like creature peacefully feeding on giant fern leaves.
Its thick body towered above the surrounding bushes.
A long muscular tail slowly swayed behind it.
Rio smiled.
"...Perfect."
"A Tresosaur."
The creature belonged to one of Floor Three's more unusual monster species.
Unlike aggressive predators, Tresosaurs were peaceful herbivores.
More importantly...
They possessed extraordinary regenerative abilities.
Lost flesh...
Broken bones...
Even portions of their tails...
Would eventually regenerate completely.
Rio slowly drew her Imperial Saber.
"I only need enough for dinner."
She waited until the creature lazily shifted its weight.
Then—
One clean flash of silver crossed the air.
The Imperial Saber cut through the outer portion of the massive tail with surgical precision.
A relatively small section separated cleanly from the rest.
Compared to the creature's immense seventeen-foot tail...
It was barely noticeable.
The Tresosaur simply flicked its tail once.
It looked backward for a brief moment.
Then returned to eating leaves as though nothing had happened.
Rio sheathed her sword.
"...Sorry."
"I'll make good use of it."
She picked up the harvested portion and began walking back toward the cave.
...
When she returned...
Ryota, Kiraya, and Hinabi had also arrived.
Each carried bundles of dry branches over their shoulders.
Ryota immediately noticed Rio.
"You found dinner."
Rio lifted the large piece of meat slightly.
"I did."
Kiraya laughed.
"I guess tonight won't be dried rations."
Ramos looked delighted.
"I can cook this!"
Before long...
A campfire crackled in the middle of the platform.
Orange flames danced beneath a suspended cooking rack as the rich aroma of roasting meat gradually filled the cave.
Ryota turned the skewers carefully.
"Not too close."
"It'll burn."
Silla crouched beside him, occasionally brushing seasoning over the meat using herbs they had collected earlier.
"...It smells amazing."
Ryota smiled.
"It really does."
Everyone gradually gathered around the fire.
The warm light chased away the cool evening air.
Rio sat beside Ryota.
Across from them sat Kiraya and Hinabi, quietly talking while waiting for dinner.
On Rio's other side...
Sayanaki had returned to lying against the rock.
She hadn't even bothered sitting properly.
One arm rested beneath her head while she lazily stared toward the cave entrance.
Even now...
Her eyes never truly relaxed.
Near the opposite side of the fire sat Ramos and Silla.
The farmer happily accepted the first serving.
"...This might be the best dinner I've ever had."
Silla giggled.
"You say that every meal."
"Because every meal keeps getting better."
Laughter quietly spread through the campsite.
For a short while...
The dangerous world outside seemed very far away.
After everyone had eaten...
Rio slowly stood.
The cheerful atmosphere gradually faded as everyone looked toward her.
Her expression had become serious once again.
"There is something everyone needs to remember."
The camp instantly became silent.
Rio slowly looked at each member.
"Later tonight..."
"No matter what you hear."
"No matter what you see."
She paused.
"Absolutely."
"...Do not climb down from this platform."
Her voice became firmer.
"I don't care if you hear animals screaming."
"I don't care if someone cries for help."
"I don't care if another player begs for their life to save them."
"None of you leave this campsite."
Ramos felt a chill run down his spine.
"...Even if someone needs help?"
Rio met his eyes.
"Especially then."
Everyone stared at her.
Rio continued calmly.
"The creatures of Floor Three aren't simply predators."
"They're hunters."
"They understand bait."
"They understand patience."
"They understand fear."
She pointed toward the dark forest outside.
"Many monsters intentionally leave injured prey alive."
"They know cries attract rescuers."
"They don't hunt one target."
"They hunt everyone who comes."
Hinabi quietly nodded.
"So the victim..."
"...is the trap."
Rio answered immediately.
"Exactly."
"If you rush in emotionally..."
"You become the next meal."
A heavy silence settled over the campfire.
No one argued.
No one questioned her warning.
Then—
A long...
Haunting howl echoed through the distant jungle.
"Awooooooooo..."
The sound traveled across the valleys before fading into the night.
The forest seemed to answer with absolute silence.
Rio smiled faintly.
"...Looks like the night has officially begun."
Almost immediately—
ROOOOOOOOOOOOAR!!
A roar unlike anything they had ever heard exploded across the mountains.
It wasn't merely loud.
It carried weight.
It vibrated through the stone beneath their feet.
The campfire flickered violently.
Ramos nearly dropped his bowl.
Silla instinctively grabbed Kiraya's arm.
Even Sayanaki slowly opened her eyes.
Rio's smile disappeared.
She recognized that roar instantly.
"..."
"...The Old Hunter."
No one spoke.
Outside the cave...
The jungle had gone completely silent.