The return to the mansion in the late afternoon brought with it a palpable wave of relief. The journey through the distant provinces perfectly fulfilled its purpose of putting to rest any doubts about the stability of the borders of the Kingdom of Vailor, allowing our minds to turn entirely toward the main challenge that awaited us inside the dungeon. Crossing the residence's gates and seeing the servants taking care of their daily duties with such efficiency created a cozy feeling of home, something extremely precious for those who spent weeks facing colossal monsters and inhospitable environments. As soon as I stepped down from the carriage, I took a deep breath of the scent of freshly cut grass and the fragrance of the flowers decorating the central flowerbeds, absorbing the peaceful silence of that twilight hour before gathering the group to define the final next steps of our journey.
The girls came down shortly afterward, spreading vibrant energy throughout the courtyard as they stretched their bodies after hours of confinement inside the vehicle. Liriel collected the travel records and handed them to her assistant with brief instructions, while Scarlet and Rai'kanna walked side by side toward the main entrance, animatedly discussing the training they intended to do the following morning before departure. Elara, Vespera, and Lyannis were already discussing the preliminary alchemical details in case we encountered new exotic materials on the floors ahead. That natural synergy between all of them was not a coincidence, but rather the result of countless battles and shared moments that had shaped our squad into a truly indestructible family.
We gathered everyone in the main hall as soon as night began to cover the capital with its starry mantle. The spacious fireplace was already lit, casting a soft and cozy warmth that contrasted with the cool evening breeze entering through the gaps in the tall windows. I sat in the main armchair while the girls settled into the velvet sofas around me, forming a welcoming circle that made it easier to exchange ideas without excessive formalities. The moment demanded clarity and complete unity of thought, as the decision to return to the tower needed to be unanimous and made with full awareness of all the risks involved in our next deep expedition.
"The inspection of the peripheral lands confirmed exactly what we suspected," I began, breaking the silence with a calm and direct tone, immediately drawing everyone's attention to the center of the room. "The Demon King has bet everything on the internal defense of the structure. There are no troop movements behind our backs, which means we will have a clear path and a protected rear while we are inside the dungeon."
"That's excellent, but it also increases our responsibility," Liriel observed, crossing her legs elegantly while resting her chin on her hand. "If they are concentrating all their defensive power on the upper floors, it means that every level we conquer from now on will be exponentially more dangerous than the previous ones. We need to be in perfect sync from the very first second."
"Definitely," Scarlet agreed, crossing her arms with a confident smile that illuminated her face. "But we already proved what we're capable of last month. We made it through the intermediate floors with impeccable planning, and the new magic bag will eliminate any supply problem that could slow us down. I see no reason for hesitation."
"Exactly," Rai'kanna added, giving a carefree little laugh. "If the enemy wants to decide the war on the deeper floors, we'll go there and take the trophy by force. What's important now is to focus on the final preparations and enjoy the wonderful food the cooks must be preparing for us right there in the kitchen."
The lighthearted way Rai'kanna dealt with the tension of war always had a revitalizing effect on the group, drawing genuine smiles from everyone present and dispelling any lingering heaviness the subject might carry. I reflected inwardly on how each one's emotional maturity had evolved over time; none of them panicked in the face of danger, because mutual trust had become our most impenetrable armor. Leadership, in this context, ceased to be a solitary burden and became a privilege shared with extraordinary women who understood the value of every sacrifice.
"So are we all in agreement?" I asked, looking into the eyes of each of my companions around the room, from the most experienced to Liriel's dedicated assistant, who was following everything attentively. "Tomorrow morning, after one final equipment check, we will return to the first floor of the tower and begin our march toward the thirty-fifth floor and beyond."
A unanimous chorus of confirmation echoed through the hall, filled with determination and enthusiasm. The decision had been made and sealed by the collective will of the group. Reflecting on the grandeur of that moment made me realize that a hero's true strength never lies solely in individual abilities or legendary weapons, but rather in the solidity of the bonds that sustain him when the world around him seems to be collapsing. Knowing that those people had chosen to walk beside me of their own free will gave a profound meaning to every battle fought in the dark depths of that relentless tower.
Shortly afterward, the mansion's servants began serving dinner in the large dining hall adjacent to the main hall. The room was filled with the irresistible aroma of roasted meats seasoned with fine herbs, freshly baked bread, creamy soups, and fresh fruits specially selected for the occasion. The meal unfolded amid lively conversations, laughter, and toasts with smooth wine, celebrating the harmony that reigned among us and the temporary peace we had achieved with so much effort. The good food and comfort of home served as a revitalizing balm, preparing our spirits for the physical and mental strain that awaited us in the following days inside the dungeon.
As the night progressed, the pace of the conversations naturally slowed, giving way to an atmosphere of calm and intimacy. After the banquet, we retired to the private chambers located in the inner wings of the mansion. The transition from the formal and military environment to the coziness of the bedroom happened smoothly and naturally. There, far from the pressures of the crown and the dangers of the monsters, we surrendered ourselves to the warmth of genuine affection and the deep complicity that united me and my companions. Every touch, every whispered word, and every exchanged embrace served to renew our energy and further strengthen our emotional connection, ensuring that night's rest would be deep, restorative, and absolutely unforgettable for all of us.