Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

"Hey, don't give me that sour look. I came all this way just to see Takemiya Rai."

"You can't say such terrible things, even as a joke! You were clearly one of the first gods (idiots) to look down on me!"

"Haha, sorry! I just can't help but tease you whenever I see Takemikazuchi!"

Faced with Hermes's dismissive attitude, Takemikazuchi's expression turned as cold as could be.

Hermes is a particularly well-known eccentric and unrestrained figure among the gods.

Although he established the headquarters of his Familia in Orario, he himself left the city, spending his days traveling the world. Was he a seasoned traveler, or simply unable to stay in one place for too long? In any case, Takemikazuchi had never heard of Hermes staying in one place for more than six months. Of course, the operation of the Hermes Familia also respected the free will of its members—or rather, it was essentially a state of "laissez-faire."

"I was just passing by on my way back from a trip, so I thought I'd drop by and say hello, and congratulate you... Takemikazuchi, congratulations on your little sister's [leveling up]. Your [Familia] seems to have gotten a lot stronger too, please take good care of me from now on."

Whether in the heavens or in this mortal realm, Hermes was well-versed in the ways of the world.

This thoughtful approach to things was probably the secret to his ability to avoid making enemies, Takemikazuchi thought to himself.

At the same time, he did not immediately grasp the outstretched hand in front of him.

"Hermes...how come you're back so soon?"

After attending the recent Conference of the Gods, Hermes immediately set off again, seemingly to travel somewhere unknown. Normally, once he leaves the city, he won't return for at least a month.

However, this trip only lasted about ten days. The return journey was faster than I expected.

Hermes grinned at Takemikazuchi's question, which revealed his surprise.

"Hehe, it's nothing. It's just that many newcomers have shown their talent at this Gods' Assembly, which has been on my mind. So I'm just getting things done quickly and concluding my journey."

"Especially..." Hermes continued.

"He's the rising star over there. He's still the world's fastest white rabbit (record holder), and like the other gods (guys), I'm very interested in him too."

Hermes slightly opened his long, narrow eyes, which were curved into crescents, and his smile deepened.

Seeing the handsome god easily reveal his thoughts, Takemikazuchi showed a bitter expression.

"Takemikazuchi, you see Hestia often, right? What do you know about Bell Crane?"

"I don't know. Even if I did know, I wouldn't tell you."

"Haha, how indifferent."

Upon hearing this answer, Hermes, who had been leaning his shoulder against Takemikazuchi's and watching his expression, stepped back with a handsome smile.

Unexpectedly, a gust of wind blew in from the west, ruffling their hair and lifting them into the air.

Hermes ignored the gazes around him, looking up at the blue sky as if guided by the wind.

"Ah, I really want to see him soon."

Volume 5, Chapter 1, Middle Level

Gray rocks were rolling everywhere, and the surrounding walls, floors, and ceilings were all made of bedrock, with a slightly humid air floating around.

A natural cave located on the mountainside. Those who know nothing about it might believe this description.

Facing the entire landscape of the 13th level of the dungeon... the "middle level," also known as the "first line of death," I had this thought.

"This is the middle floor..."

"Although I had heard about it before, there is indeed less light here than on the previous floors."

Welf, who had already equipped himself with a greatsword, and Lily, who immediately began to survey the terrain, each expressed their thoughts.

After descending the slope extending from the 12th level of the "upper level," we were greeted by a single rock path stretching deep into the depths. I imagine it was a passageway leading to a "cave." However, this was the first time I'd ever seen such a long passage; although the path wasn't winding, we couldn't see what lay ahead.

In addition, there are vertical caves in the corners of the walls, like wells—trapholes leading to the lower floors. Coupled with the dim phosphorescence, these are sights that would never be found on the upper floors.

"The 13th floor is characterized by its long connecting passages between chambers. To fight safely, the first thing to do is to quickly reach the first chamber."

After listening to Lily's explanation, Welf and I nodded in confirmation.

It seems that the passage on the 13th floor is more spacious than the upper floors, but basically speaking, occupying this passage to fight monsters is not a good idea.

Not only does the cramped space restrict movement, but it also makes it difficult to coordinate with teammates and makes it easier to be surrounded by swarms of monsters. The thought of the passageway teeming with monsters—a battle where there's no way to retreat—makes me shudder.

Utilize the relatively spacious hall (cave) to allow each team member to defeat the monster individually. Employing numerical superiority and teamwork is key when forming a squad.

"Let's move forward as far as we can before we encounter any monsters. Lord Welf, this passage is a single path, please continue along it."

"it is good."

Lily seemed to have memorized all the information the guild had released, and had the map of the 13th floor already in her mind. Seeing that Lily was not only carrying our things, but also a true supporter, I felt reassured by her dedication to adventurers, and I followed Welf as he started to walk forward.

Maintaining appropriate spacing, we proceeded deeper into the middle level in rows of three.

"...But then again, this thing is really gorgeous."

"You mean 'fire spirit weaving cloth'?"

"Yes. Although they are quite comfortable to wear."

Just as the eerie atmosphere of the silent dungeon was making me tense, Welf struck up a conversation with us in a relaxed tone, and Lily immediately responded.

This kind of relaxing chat might be one of the advantages of being part of a team. Solo play, tormented by loneliness, can only accumulate tension and pain.

"Lily never imagined she would one day be able to wear such a fine protective cloth. Thank you, Lord Bell. Lily will cherish it."

"Hahaha...it's on sale."

Seeing Lily peek out from behind and smile happily, I couldn't help but smile wryly, and then I looked at the uniforms of all the team members, including myself.

The red fabric shimmered with a light sheen. Some of the lightweight fabrics seemed to weigh no weight at all. The clothes we wore varied, some were shirts and trousers, others were kimonos or robes; though the styles differed, they were all made of the same material.

"Fairy Essence Protects Cloth".

This is clothing woven by the fairy spirit with its own magic... that is, special equipment protected by the fairy spirit.

"Even though there's a discount, it's still equipment developed in collaboration with the Fairy Spirits, so the price must be quite high, right? How much would a set for three cost?"

"Uh... if I just do the math, it's about five zeros..."

"Lord Welf, please remember to repay the money Lord Bell advanced for you, okay?"

"You little man (Palum) are so realistic, it's refreshing."

Before entering the middle level, I followed Miss Eina's conditions and bought three of these "Fairy Essence Protective Cloths!" and then asked the two of them to equip them before entering the dungeon.

Welf and I wore shirts and kimono-style casual clothes under our protective gear, while Lily wore a long robe over her clothes, covering her entire body. The protective fabric was scattered with shimmering particles of light, and its vibrant colors probably made it look quite glamorous.

"These light and airy clothes are actually heat-resistant equipment that even the work of a high smith can't match... It's really embarrassing. I can't stand those fairies."

Holding onto the hem of his kimono, Welf, who was somewhat averse to fairy spirits, said this.

Like orcs, fairies are classified according to their attributes or habitats, such as fire fairies, wind fairies, water fairies, and earth fairies. The "Fairy Protector" also displays different characteristics depending on the classification.

The "Fire Spirit Cloth" created with the help of the Salamander provides high defense against attacks from fire and heat. This is known as "fire resistance." It also appears to possess cold-resistant properties.

Other robes, like those made by the Narcissus Spirit, are said to possess heat resistance in addition to water resistance, as well as the ability to withstand intense high temperatures. The Narcissus Spirit, also known as "the embodiment of God," is said to possess a protective cloth imbued with the blessings of the Narcissus Spirit, which tends to "lack universal versatility and instead focus on enhancing a single attribute!" Just as Welf said, within its specialized field, its performance even surpasses that of a master blacksmith's work.

"But to be honest, this is exactly what we wanted. It greatly reduces the risk of total annihilation."

"...You mean 'Cerberus,' right?"

I'm referring to the name of a monster. The reason Miss Eina strictly ordered me to buy "Fire Spirit Cloth" is entirely because this monster appears starting from the 13th floor.

Hellhound, also known as "Baskerville," is a canine monster. As a mid-level monster, its physical strength is not to be underestimated, but its most threatening feature is the flames it breathes from its mouth.

This flame is extremely powerful, capable of easily melting ordinary armor. It is generally believed that if a group of hellhounds were to breathe fire on you simultaneously, only ashes would remain.

The reason the entire party was wiped out on the 13th and 14th floors was undoubtedly the Cerberus. Even adventurers who had [Leveled Up] would be incinerated by the flames of these monsters.

"Lord Welf, I think you understand perfectly well..."

"Yeah, no need to say more. It's just that we should take care of the hellhound as soon as we see it, right? I don't want to be cremated either."

This is my personal opinion; I think the middle level is like a watershed in the underground city.

Up to the upper levels, the monsters only engaged in direct attacks; however, from here on, they clearly developed long-range attack capabilities. Perhaps it would be easier to understand if we described the monsters as being able to unleash attacks akin to "magic"?

"The upper and middle levels are different."

Miss Liu's words have deeply resonated with me.

In short, the Hellhound is a particularly dangerous opponent in the mid-levels.

"...!"

We walked for several minutes along a single, cave-like path.

Our mouths and feet, which had been moving continuously, stopped almost at the same time.

My hearing, enhanced by my [ability points], alerted me to the sound of footsteps approaching, a "patter-patter" as something ran towards us. The sound coming from the darkness ahead made us silently assume a fighting stance.

"...You came just like that."

Welf's muttering echoed in the damp passageway.

A faint phosphorescent glow illuminated two figures. The figures emerged fully from the depths of the passage; the monster had revealed itself.

Its uneven skin was entirely black. Among them, a pair of eyes emitted a bright red light, further enhancing the monster's terrifying aura.

If you call it a dog, its physique seems a bit too robust; it's actually a four-legged creature called a "hellhound."

The two monsters had ferocious faces unlike those of wolves, and they bared their teeth and growled.

"Hey, how's this distance? Or would it be better to get closer?"

"The consultant told me that it's better not to underestimate the Hellhound's range..."

"In that case—let's fight!"

Welf gave the signal to fire and ran forward, carrying his greatsword. I immediately followed behind him on his right.

After letting out a loud bark, the two hellhounds charged over with astonishing momentum.

As the two sides closed in, the original distance of fifty meters disappeared in the blink of an eye.

"Roar! Ro ...

A hellhound lunged at Welf.

It might just be a huge body, as big as a calf, flying overhead.

To prevent the other side from succeeding, I slid between them and raised my shield.

He has a small shield (buckler) in his left hand and a short sword with a blade length of about 50 cm (serge) in his right hand.

This is the defensive armament that Welf prepared for me during the week before I conquered floors 11 and 12. It consists of a shield for defense and weapons for containment.

I deliberately let my opponent's wide-open jaw bite the small shield.

"Ugh...!"

So heavy.

However, I can manage.

As the sharp teeth bit into the small shield, I withstood the opponent's lunge and finally regained my footing.

The hellhound, having lost its momentum, stood suspended in mid-air.

Just as I had been waiting for this moment, Welf made a dashing appearance beside me and mercilessly delivered a blow to the enemy's unsuspecting body.

"Aga!"

Cut in two from the center of the body.

The greatsword, cleaving downwards in a straight line, cut the hellhound's body in two.

A perfect match between defense and counter-attack, a combined offensive and defensive strategy between center-backs and forwards.

The monster, its mouth spitting out red and black blood as it bit the shield, crashed to the ground with a "thud!" as its upper and lower body were split in two.

"Waaaaaah!"

The remaining hellhound kept its distance from us, adopting a posture of raising its lower body and lowering its upper body. I immediately realized that the posture was to gather fire.

Large sparks, about to erupt, overflowed from the gaps in the exposed fangs.

"—It's a bit slow!"

“Ah!”

However, just before it was about to breathe fire, the hellhound's right eye was pierced by a metal arrow.

It's Lily's hand crossbow. Although it's not very powerful, a single shot that pierces a vital spot is enough to stop the opponent's movement.