Danmachi: Gacha Draw

After gathering, the entire Loki Familia expedition team entered the passage to the 19th floor.

Bete and Tiona, brimming with excitement, took the lead in clearing the way, while Ais and Tione guarded the left and right flanks.

Finn and three others followed closely behind, with the rest of the team positioned in the middle.

Link stood beside Ais, playfully teasing her to strengthen their bond while also observing Asagi and Olga, who seemed a bit jealous and downcast throughout the journey.

This dynamic led to some members not contributing much along the way; however, there was little need for them to act as several Loki Familia veterans were more than capable.

"It seems like Mr. Bete and Miss Tiona are working harder than they did on our last expedition!"

Gareth chuckled.

"Hahaha! After all, there's a new monster chasing them! If they don't put in the effort, they'll be left behind soon enough!"

However, at that moment, Bete and Tiona encountered a small problem: they stumbled upon a nest of killer bees known as 'Bloody Honeycomb.'

Disturbed by the expedition team's presence, swarms of densely packed killer bees erupted from their hive, buzzing angrily in midair.

"Everyone, raise your shields!"

Finn commanded immediately.

What followed was a barrage of poisonous needles shot forth by the killer bees!

"Wind Barrier!"

Link leaped to the front of the team, unsheathing his sword as he slashed through the air.

His wind wall effectively blocked the incoming poison needle attack for an instant.

Riveria looked on in surprise; this was her first time witnessing Link's magic firsthand.

She had initially thought that dealing with such a dense swarm of poison needles would be challenging, but they were easily repelled.

The members of the Familia formed a shield wall and exchanged glances

They had anticipated a prolonged struggle but were relieved it had been so simple.

"Light of Thunder——!!"

Olga shouted as she unleashed her magic against the killer bees in frustration.

The mages positioned behind her seized the opportunity to cast their spells as well, quickly eliminating all remaining threats.

"Is this your magic, Link?" Finn asked with a smile as they resumed their journey.

"Well, you could say that," Link replied modestly.

"That's impressive"

Finn remarked with a grin, sensing that Link's magical abilities might have even broader applications than he realized.

The team continued onward, resting for a night on the 24th floor before making their way to "Water City."

"Finn," Link said after assessing their progress, "the two-headed dragon Amphispina should be ready for us now. I'll take Ais and go ahead."

With that declaration, Link pulled Ais along and jumped straight into a large hole leading downwards.

Everyone watched nervously as Link used wind magic to control their descent gracefully while holding Ais securely in his arms.

He looked up at them with a smile and called out cheerfully

"If you can fly, you can do whatever you want!"

Although it wasn't ideal for him to leave without permission from Finn, considering there was no immediate danger on this floor made Finn sigh wryly but ultimately accept it.

"Alright everyone, let's move forward. They're already waiting for us on the 27th floor."

Upon reaching Floor 27, facing Amphisbaena felt less daunting for both Link and Ais this time around.

"Amphisbaena! I'm here to play again!"

Link announced confidently as he brandished his long knife at the massive two-headed dragon.

To his surprise, Amphisbaena retreated slightly at his approach; its blood-red eyes seemed to regain some clarity.

"Ais," he said calmly, "I'll leave it to you."

"Huh?" Ais responded with uncertainty.

"Aren't you about to level up? This is also a rare opportunity for experience."

Since today's encounter with Amphisbaena wouldn't yield many significant rewards for him personally, he willingly passed up his chance for glory.

Ais nodded resolutely and drew her Desperate in preparation for battle.

"Awakening!"

With that battle cry echoing through the chamber alongside Amphispina's roar, Ais became enveloped in wind energy as she charged forward decisively.

Compared to Link's liberating Zanpakutō techniques or trap tactics involving countless strikes from afar, Ais's combat style was far more exhilarating

Her swordplay was fierce and direct.

As Amphisbaena unleashed flames sporadically toward her direction during their clash

Ais relied on her instincts to evade each attack effortlessly

The cold light of her blade flashed violently through arcs of motion until she severed one of its massive heads cleanly from its body.

"Oughhhh!"

Amphisbaena screeched in agony before lunging toward Ais with both feet!

In response, Ais leaped into action once more

This time delivering another decisive blow that cleaved off its remaining head entirely.

The colossal beast crumbled into ashes before leaving behind only a sizable magic stone and some fallen loot.

"Thank you for your hard work, Ais," Link said appreciatively as he collected both items into his system space.

"I'll store these for now and hand them over when we return."

Ais nodded absentmindedly without paying much attention to what he said…

Link rejoined Finn and others on Floor 27 after their brief encounter with Amphisbaena.

Following another night's rest on Floor 28

A safe haven

The Loki Familia pressed onward under Finn's leadership through deeper levels of dungeon exploration until they reached Level 37:

White Demon Palace.

The dim lighting within this labyrinth made visibility extremely low; darkness enveloped them tightly while eerie white walls loomed ominously around every corner

Making it difficult even discern ceiling heights above them clearly.

The area here equated roughly to Orario itself

With most spaces exceeding ten meters wide.... and featured one prominent characteristic:

An enormous circular wall structure at its center surrounded by five layers resembling city walls encircling this central region where stairs led downward toward subsequent floors below…

To navigate through these complex mazes between giant ring-like barriers or ascend/descend various elevations required careful maneuvering

A challenge heightened further due dark conditions obstructing vision altogether…

Strictly speaking there existed five distinct labyrinths across this level:

The outermost giant wall (between fifth & fourth floors) dubbed 'Among Beasts'—with inner layers named 'Among Soldiers', 'Among Warriors', 'Among Knights' leading directly towards center where floor master 'Udaeus' awaited…

At last-...

The pace slowed considerably here due obstacles presented by terrain itself coupled alongside limited sightlines hindering progress overall…

Link alongside Asagi ,Olga ,and Celestine showcased true capabilities amidst these challenges faced head-on

his unique advantage stemming from possessing "Observation Haki" allowed him perceive movements nearby swiftly & accurately once fully developed enabling rapid navigation through treacherous paths ahead…

Initially cautious yet gradually gaining confidence

The Loki Familia began moving faster under guidance provided by Link himself leading way forward seamlessly cutting through foes like melons before level four monsters standing guard causing astonishment among teammates watching closely…

"Seriously… You've only been adventuring for two months? Look how far you've come!"

Finn exclaimed incredulously witnessing how effortlessly Link dispatched enemies blocking their path while Riveria lamented feeling stressed out knowing such strength meant catching up would only become inevitable sooner rather than later…

Finn smiled helplessly gesturing everyone follow suit behind him until finally arriving at innermost "throne room."

"Everyone should stay back here while Ais takes care things over there"

Finn instructed somewhat uneasily knowing full well what lay ahead…

Ais needed improvement too

Having read about her abilities beforehand gave him confidence allowing him agree without hesitation when asked if he'd accompany her solo against Udaios herself…

"What?! Don't get too reckless!"

Bete protested immediately concerned about potential dangers involved

But Ais remained steadfast walking purposefully towards Udaeus regardless…

"It's fine! At least trust our Sword Princess!"

Finn reassured glancing fondly after Ais's retreating figure adding cheerfully

"And besides—we've got 'God Slayer' backing us up so no worries!"