NOVEL NEXT Chapter 137
137. Rurika’s View Of Laura
After entering, things haven’t changed much from before.
I release slimes inside the dungeon and report to the strategy team as soon as we find the stairs.
Up to around the 25th floor, there’s almost nothing to do. This strategy seemed new to them, as the members couldn’t hide their surprise.
The previous one took about an hour and a half, but this time we finished in less than an hour. The main reason was my increased level, but a big factor was that the strategy team members helped in the search for the stairs.
The Minotaur, the first tough spot, was easily defeated by concentrated fire from members skilled in long-range attacks.
While the ease of it left me somewhat surprised, I felt the reliability of the strategy team. With this, we should be able to tackle the 50th floor.
On the 26th floor, we took a break, and while leaning against a mushroom, Rurika-san came over.
“Arx-san, you’ve worked hard. Unlike me, you’re already playing a major role…”
“Please don’t say that!? Up to this point, it’s a level where just releasing slimes manages things!”
Rurika-san’s voice is generally soft and modest. However, her strength is evident, probably because she is a capable person.
By the way… I wonder how long Rurika-san has been on the strategy team. She seems older, but she hasn’t mentioned it at all.
“When did you join the strategy team, Rurika-san?”
“I joined the strategy team when I was 20, coming from the eastern country, so it was about 2 years ago. Believe it or not, I’m actually the same with Laura-san?”
She added, ‘Although there’s quite a difference now…’ It seems that Laura is just in a league of her own.
However, what I’m curious about isn’t that. Since Rurika-san is friends with Laura, I thought she might know something about her.
“What kind of person is Laura from your perspective? …I mean, what happened in the past?”
“I don’t know about the past, but I can tell you about after she joined the strategy team. The most memorable thing was… that time, I think.”
Rurika-san stretched out her hand to a particle of pale blue light, holding it tightly as if cherishing it. Her eyes seemed to show a hint of sadness.
“It was right after we joined the strategy team. There was a time when a member died during a dungeon attack. It was nothing special, just on the 37th floor. That member had been torn in half by a monster.”
Just hearing it is painful. Rurika-san continued.
“What was even more problematic was that the member was still alive. The leader at the time prioritized moving forward over saving the member. What would you do in this situation, Arx-san?”
My answer was to abandon the member. That was the only option.
Firstly, adventurers should follow the party leader’s orders. If the command structure collapses, actions become disjointed.
Moreover, in the dungeon. If you try to carry a member while returning, you’d create at least two holes. If monsters attack those gaps, it’s over.
“Normally, that’s what you’d do. But Laura-san carried that member alone and ran to the surface. And she survived.”
“That’s… not something an ordinary person would do…”
“I think so too. It was a suicidal act. In reality, the member couldn’t be saved. But she did her best, which I couldn’t do.”
I was taken aback. Come to think of it, Laura had mentioned something about a past companion here before. That member was probably among them.
“Laura-san lives in the present. She always thinks about what to do now and acts faster than anyone else. It’s not because she’s rational. Laura-san must really care about people. She’s doing her best for someone else.”
Seeing Rurika-san speak with a kind expression, I was convinced. Laura has overcome her past.
She should be able to understand Sierra-san as well. If that happens, the three of them will surely have a day when they can laugh together again.
“…Rurika-san, has your way of speaking changed?”
“Eh!? Is that so…?”
“You were more confident and calm when talking about Laura.”
“Ahaha… it’s just a habit, so please don’t mind it…”
With that, the break ended. We stepped back into the depths of the dungeon.
The Ariadne on the 30th floor was easily dealt with by Laura’s strike. It probably took less than a minute to finish.
The Mashira on the 35th floor was defeated through coordination, with the rear guards slowing it down with magic while the front lines attacked.
The Behemoth on the 40th floor was hit with concentrated magic right from the start as planned.
Honestly, it felt too easy. Besides the Behemoth being smaller, the number and quality of the members were also worlds apart from last time.
Without encountering any major issues, we discovered the stairs leading to the 45th floor.
“Down there, we can expect to encounter the floor boss we haven’t seen before. Everyone, stay sharp.”
Starting with Laura, the atmosphere among us grew heavier. The tension rose.
Whether it’s a demon or a serpent――holding our breath, we descended the stairs.
What awaited us ahead――was a giant bird.