The 37th Floor of the Dungeon.
This region is known as the Depths, often dubbed the "True Death Line." Reaching this place is considered impossible unless an adventurer has raised their stats to at least the mid-point of Level 4.
The walls, stained a dull, murky white, and the gray-tinted ceiling and floor stretch infinitely, making it impossible for the eye to find an end.
To those without a "Blessing" or low-level adventurers, this place is nothing but pitch darkness. However, those who have elevated their status to the level of a second-class adventurer can see clusters of crystals emitting a faint, phosphorescent glow.
The space appeared as mysterious and imposing as a sacred sanctuary. Yet, the scene unfolding there was anything but holy.
Countless corpses lay scattered. These were not the bodies of adventurers, but of monsters.
In the heart of the floor, specifically around a massive dome-like structure of a milky hue, corpses were spread in a wide circle. The monsters strewn about were so utterly destroyed they had lost their original forms.
The remains of these creatures filled a vast area, rivaling the size of Orario itself.
Among them were Lizardman Elites, an advanced species skilled in the use of weapons and armor; Spartoi, skeletal warriors equipped with swords and shields; and Loup-garou, human-sized wolf creatures that attack in packs.
There were also Skull Sheep, bipedal ram skeletons possessing incredible stealth and the ability to manipulate bone spikes in combat, and Peluda, lizard dragons with lethal poisonous needles—creatures so dangerous that even high-level second-class adventurers could not survive them without proper measures.
Each of these was a powerful monster that even second-class adventurers would struggle to defeat.
Yet, they had been slaughtered like insignificant insects. The blood and flesh of the monsters, killed without their magic stones being shattered, soaked into the ground, forming dark, reddish-black pools that emitted a pungent, repulsive stench.
In the center of this one-sided massacre stood a lone young man.
A human with white hair and handsome features. Were it not for his blood-red eyes and the piles of monster corpses surrounding him, he could only be described as exceptionally beautiful.
This was the "Arena," a place where even first-class adventurers feared to tread.
In this space where monsters spawn incessantly and fight among themselves to produce strengthened species, no one could remain without being drenched in blood except for that "Human Pig" of the Goddess of Beauty's Familia, or this young man.
To him, this seemed like nothing more than a routine task he had performed periodically since becoming a first-class adventurer; it was a stable hunting ground where he gathered high-quality magic stones and rare drop items.
All he did was continue killing monsters as soon as they appeared. Based on the recommended level for exploring this floor, this work did not usually lead to stat growth, but his goal was not training or achieving great deeds, so it posed no problem.
Around him lay magic stones and rare drops of various sizes and shapes.
These were the spoils left by the monsters he had slain.
These magic stones held power vastly different from those found in the upper and middle floors, and the rare drops could become raw materials for first-class weapons if they fell into the hands of a master smith.
Selling just one of these items would allow an average second-class adventurer to live in luxury for the rest of their life.
Of course, he had no intention of returning to the surface to sell everything here.
Because of the infinite spawning characteristic of the monsters, the quantity and quality of the spoils rivaled what a major Familia expedition would bring back. If sold all at once, they would amass a fortune, but it would also crash the market prices for rare items.
If that happened, the income sources for adventurers in medium and large Familiae would be severely damaged.
Above all, it was impossible for him to transport this massive amount of loot to the surface alone.
Consequently, the reason he continued to hunt monsters in such large quantities was to smuggle magic stones and equipment materials.
By smuggling, of course, we do not mean leaking them to the Evils or illegal traders.
Instead, he did it to strengthen the sentient monsters known as the Xenos.
Though he could not move the spoils himself, the Xenos would soon arrive to collect them from him.
After hours of continuous monster outbreaks, silence finally fell over the area while the "Arena" repaired the damage the young man had inflicted upon it. The place was filled only with corpses and spoils, save for one other living being.
"────, ──── Oh."
A massive body covered in muscles resembling black obsidian—the word "muscular" was not enough to describe him.
Two twisted horns grew from his forehead, jaws packed with sharp fangs, and a terrifying, predatory gaze. His skin was pitch black, capable of shattering any ordinary sword that tried to pierce it.
It was a Minotaur, the monster with a bull's head and a human's body.
This monster, which seemed like the embodiment of brutality, was wearing adventurer equipment.
Despite being a monster, his massive frame radiated the aura of a master warrior, but he was currently covered in wounds.
A deep gash in his head, burn marks covering his left side, a hole in his right leg, and the mark of a painful slashing blow on his back.
He leaned on a massive black sword as if it were a cane, barely able to stand, battered and broken.
Yet, he had not lost his fighting spirit; he stared directly at the young man with burning eyes.
"O strong one who walks far ahead, I wish to hear your name."
"Al Cranel. The brother of that 'Rabbit'."
●○●○●
"In addition to that artificial labyrinth filled with malicious traps, there are Orichalcum doors that cannot be destroyed even with magic, and unhealable curses..... and also, that mysterious masked person, Ein, huh."
Several days had passed since the battle in Knossos (the artificial labyrinth). The Familia members who had suffered deep physical and psychological wounds were finally beginning to recover at the Loki Familia headquarters, Twilight Manor.
In Loki's private room, she met with the high-ranking leaders: Finn, Riveria, and Gareth.
The information they obtained from the recent battle was useful but extremely dangerous, giving Loki a headache ever since she received the report.
Orichalcum doors that not even Finn or Ais could destroy, and unhealable curses that only Airmid or Al could treat.
These two things alone were major problems, but the threat of the masked person, Ein, was on an entirely different level.
"...That ominous surge of magical power reached me even on the surface. What is your estimate of that masked person's strength?"
Riveria, who had not faced him directly, inquired. She felt an instinctive fear toward that entity of overwhelming power who had nearly annihilated the Loki Familia single-handedly.
"─────I see them at a level surpassing the former leaders of the Zeus Familia and Hera Familia; at the level of the 'Hero' and the 'Empress,' or perhaps even more."
Finn and his comrades were fully aware of how powerful the heroes of the past were, as they were always on the side of the challengers. They also knew they had not touched that level yet.
Therefore, Finn's words were enough to shake the hearts of Riveria and Gareth, who knew the past well.
"To that extent, then...."
"....If Al was pushed back in a direct confrontation, it is certain."
To these three, Al, the "Sword Saint" Al Cranel, was no longer just a promising rookie; he was now the strongest of this era, walking at the world's forefront. His power was no less than that of the past heroes.
The strength of that masked person, who pressured Al and forced him to use "that magic," could not be measured by normal standards.
In the past, seven years ago, even though Ais was Level 3, she fought against a black dragon of Level 6 or 7 with skill surpassing Riveria and the others. Yet her "Black Wind" was useless against the masked one, who swatted away first-class adventurers with ease, even though Al was not at his peak.
At the very least, he must be Level 8; he could not be any lower.
".....In addition to the presence of the masked one, as long as they are entrenched in the artificial labyrinth, they have the ultimate home-field advantage. They will never accept a confrontation outside the labyrinth."
"Umm..."
"..."
Gareth and Riveria silently agreed with Finn. The Spirit clone that the Loki Familia faced on the 24th and 59th floors, and recently in Knossos, showed strength and brutality surpassing Deep Floor bosses. The Evils plan to destroy Orario using it.
If all the Spirit clones reach maturity and are released onto the surface, it would not just mean the destruction of Orario, but possibly the beginning of the end of the world.
And no matter how close Al is to being an "Anti-Spirit" and how invincible he is against them, the emergence of several Spirits at once on the surface would lead to casualties beyond imagination.
"....Well, there is no use exhausting our minds now. The current problems are the masked one, the Orichalcum doors, and those cursed weapons. Let us think of countermeasures."
"Regarding the cursed weapons first..... Riveria."
Finn turned his gaze toward Riveria to change the subject.
"Right. Regarding that, I will be heading to the Dian Cecht Familia this afternoon."
●○●○●
The Dian Cecht Familia headquarters is located on the North-West Main Street and is the most prominent clinic in Orario.
The building is clean and dominated by the color white, with a reception desk and tables and chairs for waiting patients inside.
"I apologize for the intrusion, Airmid. Has there been any progress regarding those cursed weapons?"
Riveria said this as soon as she sat on the sofa in the meeting room. Before her was the girl with silver hair and rare beauty that one might mistake for a goddess, Airmid Teassanare, nicknamed the "Saint of the Battlefield."
"I have finished the examination."
The girl said this briefly and placed the black dagger that the members had recovered from the labyrinth on the table. It was an ominous knife with a black sheen.
It was the type used by the followers of the Evils or hired assassins, and it was clearly carrying a curse.
"It is a sinister and massive curse of an unnatural degree. I treated some wounds that day, but ordinary healing magic or market-available potions would not even be able to stop the bleeding."
Airmid added that her magic or Al's magic were the only things that worked in the end. Although Riveria was not exposed to this danger, some members of the Familia had sustained deep wounds back then.
Were it not for the presence of Al and Airmid, the Loki Familia would have recorded fatalities for the first time in years.
"A powerful curse with no means of defense, which can only be broken by the 'Saint of the Battlefield' or Al....."
If it were just one weapon, it would be manageable, but it is likely being mass-produced, or at least the Evils now possess a production capacity close to that.
"The creator of these cursed tools possesses a capability or obsession beyond our imagination. ...Most likely, that sword that wounded both Al and Captain Finn was crafted by the same person."
Riveria remembered the strongest "Hero Slayer" black sword, made from the remains of the "Behemoth" (one of the Three Great Quests), which once pushed Al to the brink of death.
If Airmid had not accompanied them in Knossos, Finn would have lost his life.
Currently, Al is the only one capable of self-recovering from the death poison and the curse resulting from that sword. The blade, carrying the venom of the Behemoth that once terrorized the world, is enough to infect even first-class adventurers with the "Death Sickness" with a single, unblockable strike.
And this strongest and worst weapon is now in the hands of the "Strongest Monster."
"However, although I have not actually tested it yet, my 'Rank Up' has significantly increased my magical and spiritual power compared to that day."
"Even if I take a direct hit, I can perform an 'Immediate Response' next time."
Riveria smiled at Airmid, who spoke with confidence. Airmid, having achieved a great feat in that battle, had risen from Level 2 to Level 3. With her healing magic skills, which are considered the best in the city, she has become an even more powerful Healer.
Undoubtedly, she will be the lifeline for adventurers in the upcoming decisive battle against the Evils, perhaps in a way that surpasses even the importance of Al.
"Regarding the curse-breaking antidote, I will finalize the production method within a few days. ...The problem lies in how to mass-produce it."
Since the analysis of the curse is complete, there will be no problem once a stable production method for the antidote is established.
Despite the extreme difficulty, Airmid is capable of achieving it within days, as she mentioned.
However──
"The curse-breaking antidote I am currently making relies on mixing my blood with existing potions, and this has its limits."
Airmid's blood possesses a healing power similar to her magic, with effects close to the blood of Mermaids.
By adding the effect of her magic to the manufactured antidote, the healing power increases, but this consumes a large amount of blood as raw material.
It could be managed using blood-replenishing potions or magic, but there are always limits. No matter how brilliant a healer Airmid is, she cannot replace lost blood indefinitely.
No matter how superior, there are always limits for humans as long as they are not omnipotent gods.
"Of course, I am looking for alternatives to my blood from Dungeon materials, but it is extremely difficult."
Airmid said this and handed Riveria some papers containing the names of various materials.
"Is there nothing that can be used as a substitute?"
"So far, nothing. I asked Al to search for Dungeon materials, including rare drops from the lower and deep floors, but the results are not promising."
There were some useful materials like Mermaid blood, Unicorn horns, and Cadmus membranes, but they are all very rare materials.
Although Al might be able to gather sufficient quantities over time, that would create another problem.
"I am not entirely sure, but it is likely that whoever made these cursed tools has activated the Mystery ability like I have."
Airmid then lowered her gaze toward the black dagger. In the depths of her eyes, a mixture of calm anger and awe appeared.
The maker of these tools possesses a mad mindset and seems to be one of the outcasts who have crossed the red lines even among those called "Thaumaturges."
And Airmid's guess was correct.
"To make an effective antidote that nullifies a curse made with the Mystery ability, the Mystery ability itself must be used in the production. ..But, as you know,"
"Yes, possessors of the Mystery ability are very rare."
The Mystery ability is a rare skill considered essential for making "Magic Items" that embody the miracles of the gods in human bodies and grant them supernatural power beyond the limits of ordinary magic. In all of Orario, there are no more than five people who possess it.
In addition to Airmid, there is Asfi, nicknamed "Perseus," but she does not work in the field of medicine development.
Moreover, Asfi has other tasks in preparation for the battle with the Evils.
"As for the other members, even if I set the production method, it will be difficult for them to produce the antidote."
Materials and labor; these are the obstacles to mass-producing the antidote. Airmid alone might produce enough for the Loki Familia, but to cooperate with other Familiae and facilitate negotiations, it is better to provide larger quantities.
Riveria looked at Airmid's face, which showed severe fatigue and anxiety. The girl with divine beauty had dark circles under her eyes, clear results of psychological exhaustion.
She likely hadn't slept since that battle, dedicating all her time to making the antidote.
Airmid and the antidote she makes are vital for the coming battles, but Riveria was hesitant to exploit Airmid further.
As Riveria was lost in thought, an idea suddenly occurred to her.
It was something very simple.
"....Someone who possesses the Mystery ability and doesn't mind how much blood is drawn from him, huh."
"? Is something wrong?"
Airmid tilted her head at Riveria's words. At that, Riveria smiled a smile unbefitting of an Elf and said to Airmid:
"The solution was under our noses the whole time."
●○●○●
"─────And based on that, Al, you must also participate in the production of the curse-breaking antidote."
"No, wait, I've never practiced pharmacy before, and I don't even have time for this...."
Half a day after her conversation with Riveria, Airmid was waiting for Al in the Central Park to explain the antidote production plan to him.
She had predicted his return time after hearing he was in the Dungeon.
While Airmid had succeeded in finalizing the antidote in the time Al spent in the Dungeon, she wanted to start immediately, but Al's expression suggested extreme annoyance.
"I have my limits alone. Isn't facing that curse an urgent task for the Loki Familia too?"
── Airmid Teassanare speaks only common sense.
The reason Al finds it difficult to deal with Airmid is not just her amazing healing abilities.
Her seriousness and lack of flexibility (in a positive sense) leave Al's sharp tongue unable to respond.
She differs from serious Elves due to their purity; she possesses a composure that allows her to evaluate situations coldly and make decisions based on facts.
Airmid was one of the most difficult types of people Al had met—even harder than the Amazons.
Al knows she won't give up if he refuses. In fact, the more he refuses, the more she will pressure him and take firm measures.
Despite her appearance as a delicate "Saint," she has a stubborn side that makes her insist on completing what she decided, no matter what.
Especially if it involves treatment.
"No, but, I also have things to do..."
"Like what?"
"Ah, for example, you know, going to the Dungeon, fighting monsters..."
"In other words, you have nothing important to do, right? So, help me."
She had cut off all his paths. Al was unable to respond to Airmid's logic.
Usually, he would deflect with his eloquent tongue and change the subject, but just as a brother cannot outmatch his older sister, Al was helpless before Airmid.
Moreover, everything Airmid said was perfectly true.
Since Al had risen to Level 8 and activated the Mystery ability, and because of his high level which grants him incomparable spiritual energy, he is more suitable than her for making the antidote.
As for the raw material (blood), since he is a first-class adventurer with immense vitality, large quantities can be drawn from him without issue.
The only concern was ────
"I apologize, but in the subject of pharmacy, I am a complete beginner; I don't think I'll be useful."
Al's mission as a core force in an exploration Familia is to conquer labyrinths. Making medicines like potions is not his specialty, and he has no experience in it.
His activation of the Mystery ability was just a result of making some magic tools from surplus magic stones for amusement, influenced by his third magic.
"With your skill, can't you learn the matter quickly?"
".....Ah."
The skill Prodigy of Calamity (Tenju Saika). Its effect is to accelerate the mastery of any skill and bring out latent abilities to their maximum.
Although he might not reach the level of Airmid, who practices this profession, considering Al's learning capacity, he would master the matter with extreme speed.
"(.....Well, it seems there's no escape from this.)"
Al himself wants to provide large quantities of the antidote to avoid fatalities, and he knows that Airmid is pushing herself.
Honestly, he had no strong reason to refuse.
If there was a reason, it was his sense of awe toward Airmid, who had recently RANKED UP.
But this apprehension was minor compared to the advantage of reducing the probability of deaths in the upcoming battle.
In fact, he wasn't refusing seriously; it was just a simple attempt at mischief in response to what happened previously.
"No choice──"
".....You're right. I apologize; I asked the impossible of you, no matter who you are, Al."
"Eh?"
"Even though you've become Level 8, you are still in the development stage, and you have your duties as a leader in the Loki Familia too, right?"
"Huh?"
"It seems I was a bit hasty. I'm sorry."
"Wait....."
"I will discuss the mass production of the antidote with the other members."
"Excuse me....."
Airmid began to walk away after deciding the matter for herself. Al tried to call out to her, but Airmid did not turn and said in her usual calm, flat voice:
"Aside from mixing ordinary potions, making a curse-breaking antidote—especially a curse of this magnitude—is extremely difficult."
".....I apologize; it was not my intention to force you into something you cannot do. Please forget about it."
"..... Huh? I can actually do that?"
He didn't care if others underestimated him, but specifically before Airmid, his unusual pride interrupted him, and the words escaped his mouth unconsciously.
Upon hearing that, Airmid's face suddenly brightened like a child who had successfully pulled a prank.
"Then, I'm counting on you. I will start developing a 'Preventative Medicine' to ward off the curse in advance."
Airmid said "Then" and hurried away this time. Al remained alone with a stunned expression.
Where did his attempt at mischief go?
The tables had been turned, he had been played, and in the end, he found himself moving exactly as she had planned. Al scratched his head with regret and annoyance.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: When facing Airmid, Al's thinking capacity drops. Airmid also becomes a bit mean with Al, as a form of payback for all the trouble he caused her in the past.
▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎
There is currently a discount on all tiers!
Discount code: C2201
▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎
[100 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter]
[Read 100+ chapters ahead on Patreon: patreon.com/Raven737]