After a light and cheerful lunch, the group rested briefly, chatting and strolling to digest their meal, before pressing further down into the dungeon.
From the 25th floor onward lay the lower layers of the dungeon.
Since Renjiro (Aether) had been here several times before, and had even successfully defeated the floor boss not long ago, seeing the Great Fall deep within the Water City no longer struck him with the same awe as the first time.
Clearly, my perspective and experience have grown significantly, he thought.
Finn, a careful and methodical leader, preferred a balanced approach. While flexible enough to take calculated risks in critical moments, he still didn't ignore small details in daily operations.
For example…
"Just in case, everyone switch to the Narcissus Spirit Guard Cloth."
Clearly, Finn made this precautionary decision using the convenience of Renjiro's ability to teleport back and forth.
Adventurers cannot truly take risks, in the eyes of this Hero, it meant more than just a cliché.
Strictly speaking, it should be:
"Adventurers must fully prepare when conditions allow, before venturing into danger."
Finn noticed that some members of the team, like Bete, the proud young wolfman, weren't thrilled about such "redundant" precautions.
As the current leader of the Loki familia, he reminded them nonetheless.
Thankfully, Bete, despite his arrogance and tsundere attitude, could listen to the Three Giants when necessary. In this regard, he was actually more obedient than Ais.
Ais, the recognized "reckless prodigy" of the Three Giants, seemed innocent and daft, but once she became stubborn, no one could stop her.
Earlier, during lunch, she had already gone silent, a familiar warning sign to Finn and Riveria.
No choice…
"Finn, should we adjust the route plan a little?"
After entering Water City, Riveria slowed her pace beside Finn, lowering her voice.
I'm a little worried about Ais's state.
Finn sighed in agreement.
"I noticed as well. She's… not in a good condition. Sigh. She pushes herself too hard."
"This time, the 'great achievement' by Aether and Lumine clearly overstimulated her."
==========
"Swoosh~"
Suddenly, a giant water serpent leapt from the waters beside the team.
Before anyone could react, Ais exploded into action, activating her Ariel and charging forward.
Truly insane.
After killing the serpent, she didn't stop. Using her brief flight from Ariel, she pursued other nearby monsters, chaotic, inefficient, and expending too much mana.
She was reckless.
Seeing all this, Finn muttered, resting his Command Spear on his shoulder.
"We'll need to let Ais vent a little first, or… we'll have to cancel the plan to attempt the 58th floor."
Riveria frowned.
"Let Ais vent? Considering Aether and Lumine's achievement, it seems there's only one suitable target before reaching the 50th floor."
Finn shrugged.
"The Barghest on the 49th floor. Even Ota couldn't solo it, anyone trying would have to retreat midway. Potential level 7 floor boss. If Ais aims for it, we'll have to abort immediately."
His tone was serious; clearly, Finn and Riveria wouldn't indulge her beyond safe limits.
But within acceptable bounds… some indulgence is allowed.
After all, this is how adventurers level up.
If Ais could break through, not only would her mindset improve, but the Loki familia would gain another Lv.6 adventurer, a benefit any familia would welcome.
So:
Challenge herself? Sure. But reckless overextension? No way. Broken legs, drag her back.
Finn added:"Let's inform Aether and Lumine too. Since they were invited to assist, any sudden situation requires their consent."
"Understood," Riveria nodded and looked back at the Twin Stars chatting with Tiona and Tione.
I'll go tell them.
"Good. You handle that. I'll warn Ais too, she's far from being in a 'safe' state."
Truly, the senior members worried for their juniors.
==========
Not long after…
"Huh? Ais is planning to challenge Udaeus?!"
Tiona's voice came from the back, astonished.
Finn, already at the front, had stopped Ais's reckless advance. Perhaps the arrangement finally aligned with her expectations, because she stopped acting wildly.
The team's defense now fell fully to Bete, who didn't talk down to Ais, though his words could still be misunderstood.
"Ais, focus on preparation. Leave the monsters to me. Don't get outperformed by the two Lv.3s… uh, two junior members."
He really excels at drawing hate.
Yet he had even adjusted his words, a subtle but interesting change.
Riveria rolled her eyes, filling in the gaps.
"Aether, Lumine, don't take it personally. Bete…"
"Got it, got it," Renjiro said casually, not bothered by trivial matters.
So Ais's challenge against Udaeus is earlier than expected.
More importantly, Renjiro considered the butterfly effect of these events.
This floor boss will inevitably be my next goal to surpass.
Seeing Ais take it on alone would be invaluable experience.
Though this 'incident' happened due to her impulsiveness, I actually gain greatly. Not a loss at all.
I should hide Paimon and record this with the 'smartphone'…
Perfect for review later.
=============
129+ Advance Chapters Available on Patreon! Patreon.com/Veltoria