Dungeon – 50th Floor
As the second "safe floor" in the deeper regions, this level's environment resembled a natural forest, but it was vastly different from the lush greenery of surface forests, like the Vixian Forest, hometown of the elf girl Lefiya.
If one had to describe it…
"It feels like this place just went through a massive volcanic eruption; the forest vegetation is completely covered in volcanic ash."
Renjiro's first impression of this floor was the name he gave it in his mind: Ash Tree Forest.
Looking around… well, given how dim the lighting was on the 50th floor, Renjiro (Aether) and Lumine instinctively activated Elemental Vision to survey their surroundings.
Of course, they could have summoned Diona, whose night vision could act as a scout, but explaining that to Finn and the others would be too complicated, so they didn't bother.
Through Elemental Vision, the Twin Stars could clearly make out streams of blue water snaking like leaf veins among the densely packed, towering trees of the Ash Tree Forest. Judging by the elemental feedback, the water quality seemed good.
The team stood at the staircase leading upward to the 49th floor. Gazing forward, they could just make out a tiny hole on the far side of the floor.
No doubt, that hole's actual vertical cross-section wasn't small; the long viewing distance just created an optical illusion.
The hole clearly led down to the staircase of the 51st floor, situated atop a massive platform several dozen meters above the forest floor. Around it rose giant spiked rocks resembling inverted stalactites, a natural tower cluster of jagged rock formations.
If Renjiro remembered correctly, that platform was roughly the size of a sports stadium, a single enormous rock.
When Loki familia expeditions reached this point, Finn would camp there, a spot he called the "old place."
Its open terrain made it ideal: though near the staircase to the 51st floor, there were no tall trees to obstruct vision, making ambushes by lurking monsters less likely.
The floor's dim lighting meant past expeditions always carried magic stone lamps for illumination.
Camping within the Ash Tree Forest itself, even near water sources, posed many hazards.
Renjiro, observing all this firsthand, thought to himself…
So when the Seicho Company adapted 'Sword Princess Divine Chronicles' into an anime on Earth, they didn't accurately depict this terrain at all?
He (Traveler) couldn't help but complain internally:
Those 'foresight' intelligence reports can only be used as reference, they're not a 100% accurate prophecy book.
Shaking off the thought…
"Let's go."
Finn, stationed nearby and holding his Fortia Spear, began leading the team forward.
As he moved, he glanced at Renjiro (Aether) and Lumine:
"Considering the 'teleport anchor' you set has the 'indestructible' attribute, I'd like you to place it in front of the staircase down to the 51st floor. That's where our larger expeditions have camped before. Is that alright?"
"No problem." Renjiro exchanged a quick glance with Lumine and gave a clear answer.
The rest was simple: the Twin Stars didn't need to worry about combat. Carrying their packs, they simply followed behind the seasoned adventurers, staying careful not to fall behind.
Over an hour later…
"Moving through uneven jungle terrain is definitely slower than rushing through the Moytura."
When the team finally reached the massive sports-stadium-sized rock platform, Renjiro commented.
Seeing his casual remark…
"It's said that deeper floors contain the frigid Glacier Domain."
Riveria interjected:
"Zeus's and Hera's familias have advanced to unimaginable depths before, but for us, those regions are still unreachable domains."
"Which is why we need to reach the 59th floor as quickly as possible."
Finn replied with a smile:
"It's a bit awkward to still be called one of the 'strongest familias' when we've been left behind by our predecessors. But lately, I increasingly believe the current strongest, Freya and Loki, can surpass the former strongest, Zeus and Hera."
That was a well-considered statement.
Though Freya and Loki were personally acquainted with the Goddess of Justice, Astria, their familias remained officially at odds.
It was thanks to Lumine's presence that Renjiro and she could move so freely within the Loki familia.
Her personality was distinct from other Freya familia members, and she had a knack for winning over the group, a double advantage that made her untouchable.
Thus, Renjiro (Aether) was, in a sense, just riding her coattails.
Even in day-to-day interactions, Renjiro hadn't fully integrated into the Loki familia. To Finn and the others, he remained a familiar collaborator, while Lumine was already regarded as a trusted friend.
"…Heh, truly worthy of being the Master of Teyvat."
While Renjiro's thoughts wandered, he and Lumine reached the location Finn designated.
With Paimon in stealth assisting, they successfully deployed the third teleport anchor.
Even Riveria, watching curiously, couldn't detect Paimon's presence.
Thus:
Babel Tower top floor,
39th floor,
50th floor.
Renjiro (Lv. 2 boon level) now had three operational teleport anchors.
Next…
"Rest tonight. Tomorrow, we'll attempt the 58th floor as a rehearsal before the official expedition."
As Lumine used Three Rooms, One Hall Technique to create the Dark Gold Hut out of rock, and everyone gathered inside the hall, Finn made arrangements:
"During dinner, we'll discuss details about the lower floors. Also… regarding the addition of the Twin Stars, I'll adjust our usual expedition strategies. Everyone, please cooperate."
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