NOVEL NEXT Chapter 139
139. Deepest Part Of The Ash Dungeon
“We’ve conquered the 45th floor…!!”
Reacting to someone’s exclamation, the team bursts out in cheers. Laura and I, having sheathed our swords, exchange glances, celebrating our victory together.
“Uuuu… s-someone please help me…”
A groan came from the ground. I looked down to find someone collapsed. No, to be precise, it was Rurika-san pinned under the defeated Phoenix. Despite her timid personality, she had a well-rounded figure, and she was kicking her plump legs, calling for help.
After rescuing Rurika-san and regrouping, we descended the stairs again. The next area had a similar dungeon structure. Normally, repeating the same process this many times would wear on anyone, but there’s no doubt our spirits were higher than ever.
The monsters coming at us were getting even stronger, making it tough to handle them alone. Facing monsters we’ve never seen before was challenging, but I felt a deep sense of fulfillment. I was certain this was why I joined the raid team.
――
Level has increased to 55.
――
On top of that, leveling up is quick. Since today’s raid began, my level has gone up three times already. I wonder if I can level up again before the next floor boss. From the battle with the Phoenix earlier, it seems that to keep everyone safe, Laura and I, the highest-level members, will need to lead the front lines. If that’s the case, I must raise my level even more—
“What are you thinking about?”
Laura’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts as we walked.
“Oh, it’s nothing serious.”
“Knowing you, you were probably thinking about leveling up, right?”
She even figured that out.
“That’s not a bad thing in itself. But, don’t forget this— you’re not fighting alone. The raid team members are no pushovers.”
Her words made me realize something. At the same time, I corrected my thinking. She’s right. Even if I don’t protect them, the raid team members have more experience than I do. There’s no need for me to worry.
“You once said you’d set me free. And true to your word, you’ve released me into this thrilling adventure. Really—”
“Hey, hey, don’t jinx it by talking like you’re about to die. Save that for after it’s all over.”
“…You’re right. Well then, after this adventure is over, let me properly say ‘thank you.'”
After finishing our conversation, we continued exploring for another two hours. There were a few dangerous moments, but we managed to press on without losing anyone.
And then—we conquered the 49th floor.
In front of us were stairs leading to the 50th floor. With the weight of finally reaching our goal bearing down on us, we descended the stairs.
What we saw there was far beyond our imagination.
“Is this… a temple?”
There was no floor boss. Instead, what stood before us was a white-pillared temple. The unexpected sight left us stunned.
“There’s no floor boss…?”
We had been ready for a fight, so it was a letdown. Not that we were complaining about avoiding a battle, but…
“…Even to my eyes, it seems nothing is lurking around.” Said Rurika-san with a serious expression. Which means—
“…There’s no floor boss on this level?”
“…That’s not all. Look closely.”, Laura pointed out, prompting me to scan the surroundings. I then noticed something different from before.
“No! There’s no staircase leading down to the next floor!”
My shout caused a stir among the raid team. No matter how hard we searched, there was no staircase where it should be. No floor boss. No staircase. Which can only mean—
“Is this… the deepest part of the Ash Dungeon?”
It was the natural conclusion. And so far, there was no evidence to contradict it.
That being the case, our attention shifted to the temple on this floor. Despite its aged and worn appearance, the temple still retained a beautiful form. Everyone must be wondering why there’s a building like this in such a place. I was intrigued but also became more cautious.
“Standing around here won’t help. Let’s investigate the temple,” said Laura, taking the lead among the hesitant raid members. She drew her sword and carefully walked towards the temple. We followed her inside. The structure had no walls; its roof was supported by pillars, with some decorative patterns here and there.
What caught our eyes inside was a single pedestal. At the center of the temple stood the pedestal, which itself wasn’t particularly unusual. The problem was what was sitting on top of it.
On the pedestal lay a gem-sized object that could fit in the palm of your hand.
“What is this…?”
It was a vibrant crimson color, resembling a ruby. We cautiously approached the gem.
And then it happened.
“Hahahaha!! Who would’ve thought the 50th floor would be like this!!”
A disgusting, familiar voice echoed—a voice that shouldn’t have been there. We couldn’t believe our ears.
Descending the stairs to the 50th floor was Gerda, the former leader of the raid team.