Chapter 20: The 10th Floor

We stepped into a space enveloped by a faintly glowing magic circle.

The floor here, a stark contrast to the damp passageways we’d been traveling, was made of hard, tightly-packed stone pavers.

Mana crystals were embedded in the walls, each one emitting a soft light.

It was a fantastical place, a world away from the spaces that echoed with the roars of monsters.

“…So this is the transfer room.”

Elena’s soft murmur resonated strangely in the silence.

“Let’s take a rest here for now.”

At my suggestion, everyone sighed in relief and sat down.

I took a waterskin from my pouch and drank a mouthful. The cold water soothed my throat, and the tension finally left my shoulders.

This was the transfer room on the 10th floor. It was a safe area where the dungeon’s mana was stable and monsters wouldn’t spawn.

It was like an oasis within the dungeon. Resting in these rooms, found on every tenth floor, was standard practice.

These magic circles were installed so that once you reached one, you could instantly teleport back to it on future trips.

That’s why the academy’s practical training traditionally had first-year students aim for this 10th floor.

The portals allowed for relatively safe travel up to the fiftieth floor. Beyond that, however, the magic circles’ effectiveness became unstable, forcing explorers into a much more grueling exploration.

According to the academy’s records, even this country’s finest unit, the “Exdiquites,” has only reached the 86th floor.

The highest record was set by the legendary party of old, “Light of Dawn,” who reached the 95th floor. They returned from the dungeon alive, but the 96th floor beyond remains unconquered.

That’s how dangerous it is to delve into a dungeon.

As I pondered these things, I casually stood and looked around. Everyone was resting in their own way.

I suppose I should use this chance to close the distance between us a little.

“I never imagined we’d reach the 10th floor so quickly.

Well, for a party with the very people who defeated me, I suppose this is to be expected, isn’t it? …But our goal is still a long way off.”

“Are you really planning to go all the way to the 30th floor?”

“It will be fine. You have me with you, after all. Besides, we’ve made it this far, so why don’t we all try calling each other by our first names?

I believe it will bring us closer together. What do you say?”

A suggestion befitting a leader who cares for her members. Yes, perfect.

As I nodded to myself inwardly, the first to respond was—

“I have no intention of getting friendly. Call me whatever you want.”

For a moment, the atmosphere grew subtly tense, but Prefa quickly spoke up.

“I’m totally okay with it. I’ve never really disliked that sort of thing.”

“Then I’ll call you Prefa-chan!”

“Hya?! Uh, um… Prefa-chan, you say…”

Prefa nodded, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment.

Seeing this, Elena also smiled happily.

And just like that, the distance between the three of them had shrunk, if only by a little.

A short while later, I approached Prefa quietly to ask her something.

“How have things been for you, since… then?”

I asked in a small voice so the others wouldn’t overhear.

Her shoulders tensed the moment I got close.

At my question, however, she slowly raised her face.

“…Yes. Since we formed the party, no one has bothered me. And, thank you for that book. My sister was very happy with it.”

Her words surprised me. I had assumed it was for her.

“Oh, my. You have a younger sister, Prefa?”

I felt a sense of kinship. I have a younger sister, too.

Knowing that she also had someone so precious to her, a natural smile spread across my face.

“Yes, she’s five years younger than me, but… she’s my pride and joy. So brilliant.”

Though she wore a goofy, disarming smile, her tone held an unmistakable note of pride.

Her expression was relaxed, yet her words were laced with a faint mixture of respect and affection, revealing, unbeknownst even to her, just how precious her sister was.

“When it comes to studying and magic… she’s so much better than I am.”

The pride in her voice naturally grew more passionate as she spoke.

Just then, as if she had been listening to our conversation, Elena came trotting over.

pat, pat, pat

“Are you perhaps talking about The Sword of Light and the Maiden?”

“Yes, that’s right. I’m actually lending the book I borrowed from you to Prefa.”

“What? Then the friend you said wanted to read it was… you, Prefa!”

At Elena’s words, Prefa’s ears twitched.

“Friend…”

“Um, is it okay if I call you Prefa?”

“Y-yes. You can.”

Prefa stammered a bit, but nodded happily.

“Please call me Elena.”

“Do you like that book, Prefa?”

“I do. It’s a book I have fond memories of from when I was little, so I cherish it.”

Prefa, though slightly overwhelmed by Elena’s cheerful innocence, answered happily.

In no time at all, the two of them hit it off and began swapping their thoughts on the book.

I sighed in relief at the peaceful atmosphere between them.

It seems this has helped Prefa open up a little.

I nodded to myself in satisfaction. This, too, is a product of my perfect leadership.

Convinced of this, I puffed out my chest with pride.

A short while later, our break time was over.

“Alright, everyone. The break is over. Let’s move on.”

At my call, everyone stood up.

Elena and Prefa were still chatting away happily, looking as if they hadn’t had their fill of conversation.

From here on, the monsters would only get stronger.

Our party took its first step onto the next floor.