nashuaworldcup Chapter 243 This is how I can hold you in the palm of my hand
Chapter 243 This is how I can hold you in the palm of my hand
Chapter 243 This is how I can hold you in the palm of my hand
Having resolved the crisis with the Flash Swallow, the group left the Water Maze and entered the twenty-eighth floor.
A hint of disappointment flashed deep in Roy's eyes. He hadn't encountered Mary, and he wanted to thank those heretics. Last time, when he fell into the thirtieth level of the dense forest canyon and encountered the mutated floor master, Amphispina, if it weren't for the heretics' selfless help, he and the goddess Astrea would probably have died there.
However, as long as they are in the dungeon, they will have a chance to meet again sooner or later. Now he needs to focus more on the expedition. Roy calmed his mind and looked ahead.
A vibrant array of colorful flowers came into view.
The 28th floor, officially named "Maze Garden," is the second safe floor after the 18th floor, "Maze Paradise," where no monsters will spawn.
Passing through a passage made of pale blue stone walls.
As the group stepped inside, they were greeted by a beautiful, colorful flower field. A gentle breeze blew, the flowers danced in the air, and a delicate, enchanting fragrance wafted over them.
"So beautiful!"
The girls couldn't help but gasp in amazement. Although the view before them wasn't as spectacular as the eighteenth floor, the sight of flowers dancing in the air was beautiful and romantic.
Tiony and Tiona had already seen the view from the thirty-sixth floor, having followed Ryu to it.
Daphne, Cassandra, and Lily were seeing it for the first time. To be honest, Roy was also seeing it for the first time. Although his strength had long been up to par, he had been busy with things on the surface these past few days and hadn't entered the dungeon.
On this floor, the number of adventurers is drastically reduced, far less than on the eighteenth floor, and there is no underground town like "Rivera Town".
To conquer the Water Maze, a party needs at least one LV.4 adventurer to lead, or multiple LV.3 adventurers to cooperate; there aren't many clans with this level of strength.
The risks of doing business here are also extremely high.
The safe floors are not absolutely safe. "Rivera Town" has been destroyed more than 300 times. This is the lower level, and there will only be more unexpected situations.
Doing business here would only result in more losses than gains; the computational costs are on a completely different level.
Starting from the first floor, they could continue fighting until the twenty-eighth floor without stopping. However, it wasn't necessary. Maintaining good condition in the dungeon was the priority, so they decided to rest for a day.
They took the folded tent out of Lily's large backpack and set it up in an open space.
Everyone performed their duties, and the division of labor was clear.
Tiona and Tione gathered firewood to start a fire, Daphne, Cassandra, and Lily set up a tent, Roy prepared dinner, and Ryu stood on high ground to guard against the enemy.
Time slips away quietly.
The crystals on the ceiling gradually dimmed, and as night fell, a dazzling starry sky appeared, beautiful as a painting, and the entire floor seemed to quiet down.
Other adventurers won't come and cause trouble.
Those who can get here are all prominent figures in Orario. Exploring the lower levels is already tiring enough, and no one wants to cause any more trouble.
The group gathered around the warm campfire, enjoying the dinner prepared by Roy, which was actually food taken out of his spatial ring and heated up slightly before eating.
Food stored in the spatial ring has an indefinite shelf life and is indistinguishable from freshly made food.
When it comes to food, Roy would never skimp on his own people; everything was meticulously prepared by him and the goddess Astraea overnight, including both Chinese and Western dishes.
"So delicious!"
"Commander, I love you!"
The bold Amazonian girl confessed her feelings in a half-joking manner, her eyes filled with deep emotions.
The girls, having expended a lot of energy, wolfed down their food. The delicious flavors danced on their taste buds, especially under the quiet night sky, which greatly increased their appetite.
In the dungeon, even the Loki Familia and Freya Familia would find it difficult to enjoy such delicious food. While other Familias teetered on the brink of life and death, they seemed more like they were on a spring outing. All of this was thanks to their amazing leader.
From frugality to luxury is easy, from luxury to frugality.
Having hung out with Roy, their appetites have become quite spoiled; it won't be easy to get them to eat dry rations again.
Roy ate a soft bread and sipped hot soup, having also expended a lot of energy in the encounter with the Flash Swallow.
Since they were still on their long journey, everyone ate much faster than usual, quickly filling their stomachs.
After eating and drinking their fill, the girls went into the tent to rest one by one. Due to limited space, they only brought one tent with them, so the girls squeezed together.
"Captain, would you like to come in and sleep with us?" Tiony warmly invited Roy.
"Tione, what are you saying?"
"Lord Tione, men and women should not touch each other!"
Daphne, Cassandra, and Lily behind him were shocked, but their shy eyes kept drifting towards Roy, as if they would let him in if he agreed, half-heartedly resisting and half-welcoming.
Ignoring the cold glare Liu gave him, Roy smiled and said, "I don't mind. How about we share a bed?"
Tiony giggled, "You wish!"
The girls crawled into the tent amidst laughter and chatter, and soon their breathing became even.
Only Roy and Liu remained by the campfire.
The elven girl leaned against a large tree, seemingly resting with her eyes closed, but Roy noticed that her long eyelashes trembled slightly as she listened intently to everything around her.
Roy called out, "Miss Ryu."
Liu slowly opened her sky-blue eyes, which were calm and still, reflecting Roy's handsome face.
Roy raised his teacup. "Would you like some tea?"
Liu looked utterly dejected. This was the lower level, and it was a wonder the other person had the leisure to do so. Despite her thoughts, her body remained obedient, and she stepped forward quietly.
Roy handed over the heated milk tea.
Liu took the teacup, took a small sip, and the warm, sweet milk tea slid down her throat. The milk and tea used by Roy were of extremely high quality, and she could not taste any artificial flavoring. She liked it very much.
The stone walls and crystals of the underground city are ultimately meant to simulate sunlight, not to actually generate heat. Once night falls, the temperature drops sharply, and having a cup of hot milk tea is something that many exploration-type members dream of.
Roy said, "Come to think of it, we've known each other for over a year now. Time really flies."
"Um!"
Ryu lowered her head slightly, stealing glances at Roy without leaving a trace. The memory of their first encounter flashed through her mind. Back then, Roy was incredibly weak. If she had been blinded by hatred and killed him with a single sword strike, there would be no Astrea Familia as we know it today.
More memories flooded my mind.
Ever since that casual question from Tione, Ryu has become increasingly confused about her complicated feelings.
As if possessed, Liu asked, "Roy, what am I to you?"
Roy paused for a moment, looking at the elven girl.
The firewood crackled and popped in the bonfire, and time seemed to stand still at that moment.
When Shu realized the problem she had raised, she felt a little regretful and was very conflicted.
Roy said calmly, "You are my teacup."
Liu tilted her head, "What does that mean?"
Roy held the teacup in both hands and smiled, "This way I can hold you in the palm of my hand."
"That's utter nonsense!"
Liu's pretty face immediately turned bright red, like a ripe peach, the color spreading to her two pointed ears, white with a hint of pink, crystal clear.
She didn't even realize it herself, but the corners of her delicate lips turned up slightly, revealing a hint of joy. The boy always found ways to make her happy.
Other clan leaders need to establish authority in front of their members and maintain a superior posture, while Roy gets along well with his clanmates, joking when he should and being serious when he should.
Ryu was extremely grateful that she hadn't competed with the other person for the position of leader; otherwise, given her aloof personality, the clan wouldn't have had such a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere.
Time flew by as they teased the innocent elf girl, and four hours passed in the blink of an eye.
Tiony and Tiona emerged from the tent to relieve Roy and Liu, and the two entered the tent.
Although men and women are not supposed to touch each other, this is an underground city, and the rules on the surface are not followed. If Roy is injured or even dies because his physical and mental strength is not replenished, the girls will feel guilty to death.
Daphne, Cassandra, and Lily slept together, Roy was on the side, and only Ryu was beside him.
In the darkness, Ryu's face was flushed, and she said in a barely audible voice, "Don't touch me, like you and Lady Astraea did."
"hehe!"
Roy gave an awkward yet polite smile. After all, he had "slept" with the other party's main god, so he wasn't surprised that Ryu knew about it.
Ryu doesn't go out all the time, and there's a limit to how many people she can collude with in the dark factions.
And when he was injured, fearing that the dark faction would continue to cause trouble, apart from Roy entrusting Liu to go out and find the artificial labyrinth, the elven girl faithfully guarded the mansion and her fellow members.
That period also marked the peak of Astrea's escort services, with her visiting every single day.
But Roy caught the key phrase and grinned mischievously, "Miss Ryu, what do you mean by 'that'?"
Liu's clear, bottomless eyes narrowed slightly.
Roy chuckled. "Miss Liu, eavesdropping on other people's bed is not a good habit."
"snort!"
Liu was both ashamed and angry. Her small hand reached out like a venomous snake, grabbed Roy's soft waist, twisted it hard, and spun it 180 degrees, making Roy grit his teeth in pain.
The power of LV.5 was enough to make Roy feel like he was dying of pleasure, filled with shame and anger; the girl was truly impolite.
She was clearly so troubled, but the other person was so cynical. Sometimes Ryu really wanted to punch Roy.
It's not uncommon for humans and gods to fall in love in the mortal realm. There are many divine couples. Gods are affectionate, but children in the mortal realm have short lifespans, so gods are willing to spend a hundred years for a child.
If she really liked Roy, wouldn't that be considered stealing a man from Lady Astrea? Wouldn't that make her a shameful third party? Ryu buried her head in the blankets.
Eight hours later, everyone's physical and mental strength had fully recovered, and they continued their expedition.
The concept of time is blurred in the underground city.
The people on the ground only felt about a day, but three or four days had probably passed on the surface.
Just to be on the safe side, Roy asked Cassandra if she had dreamed, and the answer was no.
That put Roy at ease.
The team continued their breakthrough, advancing from the 29th floor to the 36th floor under Liu's leadership. They made it through without any major incidents, and as long as they avoided the Monster Feast, ordinary monster groups were generally no match for them.
-
We arrived at the entrance to the 37th floor.
A cold wind blew out from the depths of the cave, its sound deep and terrifying. Gazing into the darkness, one felt as if their soul would be swallowed up.
The passage ahead seemed to lead to the depths of hell.
Everyone felt a sense of dread, even Ryu, who had explored the deeper realms.
To explore the 36th floor, you only need an adventurer party of level 3. The exploration standard for the 37th floor is level 4, and the ability value must be rated D or above.
Just one level apart, the difficulty of exploration differs by more than ten times; that's the horror of the deeper levels!
Not to mention the rookies Daphne, Cassandra, and Lily, even Tione and Tiona, who were at level 4, were on edge. At the end of this corridor, a sense of danger was faintly emanating from them.
If it weren't for Roy and Ryu, two adventurers whose abilities far exceeded the exploration standards, they would never have come here; it was far too dangerous.
Roy said, "Let's double-check the status!"
"Shu is unharmed, has cast one spell, his mental strength is intact, and his physical strength is at 90%!"
"Tione is uninjured, her mental strength is intact, and her physical strength is at 80%!"
Lily had already provided a template, and everyone checked their status against it and replied one by one.
Roy nodded slightly. "Go down."
After saying that, Roy took the lead and entered the thirty-seventh floor, with the girls following closely behind in formation.
The first thing everyone saw was the towering white wall, more magnificent than the Wall of Sighs on the seventeenth floor, reaching a height of over a hundred meters.
The official name of the thirty-seventh floor is "The White Palace," and its area is equivalent to four-fifths of Orario, so large that it is breathtaking.
Ryu and Eina had drawn up a rough vision for Roy and the others: five massive circular walls formed this great labyrinth, with each layer nested inside the other.
The innermost wall is called the first circular wall, and so on, with the outermost wall being the fifth circular wall.
Inside the first circular wall are staircases leading to the next floor, which is also where the floor's master, "Udeus," appears. The central area is called the "Throne Hall."
Following this were the "Knight's Hall", "Warrior's Hall", "Soldier's Hall" and "Beast's Hall".
Its complexity is enough to make one's scalp crawl.
The area is too vast, and many areas are extremely dangerous. It has not been fully explored yet. One of the tasks assigned by the guild is to draw a map.
This task can only be entrusted to the all-powerful Ryu; no one else possesses this skill, including Roy.
They are currently outside the fifth circular wall, at the southernmost end of the floor, with the stairs leading back to the thirty-sixth floor behind them. Theoretically, they should never encounter the "floor master" lurking in the very center of the floor.
"Keep moving forward, the target is the third circular wall!" Roy said, silently drawing his elven holy sword.
Like everyone else, Roy was fully armed, wearing a Goliath vest and the Demon King's Armor, with Wind Chaser Boots on his feet, and epic-level equipment for his knee pads and arm guards, taking full advantage of his protective measures.
Suddenly, a white mask appeared deep in the dimly lit corridor.
This immediately caught the attention of Roy and his group.
"It's a skeleton sheep!" Roy said in a deep voice.
Emerging from the darkness was a white mask with two twisted horns and two pitch-black holes, its body floating in mid-air.
Surrounded by a white aura, like a death messenger from a fictional fairy tale, its skeletal body clad in black, wielding a scythe to take lives.
A skeleton sheep with potential ability reaching LV.4!
The sheep-shaped monster, which appears in the deep area, is about 140 centimeters tall. It has a face with two empty eye sockets and its body is made of bones, just as its name suggests. It frequently appears on this floor.
call out!
The skeletal sheep vanished instantly, sweeping past like a whirlwind, disappearing into the darkness, and charging towards Roy and his group, targeting the weakest member, Lily.
The skeletal sheep's "leather (cloak)" is not only used to cover the body, but also to blend into the dimness of the floor, thus providing camouflage for invisibility.
Seamlessly blending into its environment, achieving near-invisibility, coupled with the skeleton sheep's terrifying agility and levitation, it moves silently, like the eerie sound of knocking on bones, instilling fear in its prey as it crept closer and devoured them. Adventurers have given the "skeleton sheep" another name—"The Hermit of Death"!
The sudden appearance of the skeletal sheep caught them off guard, and the girls were terrified.
Roy was also startled. This agility was at least LV.4 A-level, plus the semi-invisibility effect. He dared not underestimate his opponent, or he would be in trouble.
Bang!
The elven girl acted just in time, her Elven Radiance Dragon Staff striking the skeletal sheep with tremendous force, sending it flying. The sheep rolled on the ground for a while before its body stiffened and turned to ashes. A magic stone fragment fell to the ground, a size larger than the magic stone fragments from the middle and lower levels.
Roy said, "Thank you, Miss Ryu!"
Tiony, Tiona, and others also expressed their gratitude, saying they still needed time to adjust.
Liu nodded slightly and silently switched places with Tiona, becoming the forward.
"Here we go again!" Roy warned.
Two more skeletal sheep appeared ahead, moving swiftly and unpredictably like a whirlwind.
Liu greeted one of the skeletal sheep.
Meanwhile, another skeletal sheep charged straight at Roy, its skeletal claws closing in on his abdomen.
Roy narrowed his eyes and leaned to the left, and the skeletal sheep indeed changed its attack direction.
But actually, this was a feint.
Roy sneered, turned his body to the right, and swayed his opponent like kicking a soccer ball, then turned around and circled behind the skeleton sheep. He gripped the elven holy sword in his back and plunged the sharp blade into the skeleton sheep's back.
The blade sliced into the magic stone inside, making a faint sound, and the skeletal sheep stiffened all over.
Bang!
The skeletal sheep's body turned to ashes, and fragments of magic stone, along with a piece of gray leather, fell to the ground.
Roy breathed a sigh of relief. The deep monsters possessed extraordinary potential abilities, but they still hadn't shaken off their monster identity and lacked reason.
They fight only on instinct, hunting down adventurers who venture into the dungeon. The cunning adventurers can easily deceive them with a single feint.
Roy picked up the sheepskin skeleton from the ground and put it into his spatial ring. He was lucky.
The mission is to draw a map, obtain five "Skeleton Sheep" masks or leather, ten "Obsidian Soldier" core stones, and collect dust from the Third Circle Wall.
Rumble!
With a tremor of the earth, a large number of figures appeared in the passage ahead.
Even though its body was distorted and emitted a jet-black luster like a gemstone, the head area, resembling a single eye, contained an eerie purple light.
Potential ability at LV.3, Obsidian Soldier!
Rock-type monsters with obsidian bodies. Their movements are slower and heavier than warrior-type monsters, with only their defense being relatively good. Among the monsters on the 37th floor, their combat ability is relatively low. They are characterized by appearing in groups, and their bodies weaken magic power; in short, they have high magic resistance.
Obsidian, with its ability to absorb magical damage, is a valuable material for armor.
Roy said, "Tiona! You and Miss Ryu switch places. Miss Ryu and Tione deal with the monsters behind you. Cassandra, prepare your healing magic. Daphne, protect Cassandra and Lily!"
Unbeknownst to them, a large number of obsidian soldiers appeared behind them as they walked through the passage, densely packed, numbering in the hundreds.
They were clearly surrounded by monsters.
"yes!"
The crowd responded without hesitation, acting on Roy's instructions. You could say they gave up thinking, but at this moment they had to trust Roy wholeheartedly.
With Ryu and Tiona switching positions, each of the forwards and defenders will have a high-level adventurer, so the pressure won't be too great.
Tiona's twin blades unleash their terrifying power in group battles.
"drink!"
Tiona roared, her small hands gripping the large double blades and spinning them rapidly, crushing the obsidian soldiers in front of her like a meat grinder, unstoppable.
"Tiona, don't get carried away, don't stray from the group!" Roy was multitasking while clearing monsters, keeping an eye on his teammates. When he saw Tiona had run forty or fifty meters away, he called out to remind her.
Tiona then realized that she had almost gotten separated from the group and quickly returned. In the Deep Realm, not only time, but even the sense of space became blurred.
The fighting was fierce and chaotic.
But the monsters kept coming in waves, they just wouldn't stop, they appeared far more frequently than in the lower and middle levels, not even giving people a chance to catch their breath or have a drink of water.
Therefore, the team must be equipped with a therapist.
Potions can also have a healing effect, but monsters will not give adventurers the opportunity to drink them.
O once rejected light of heaven, O merciful arm that saves my shallow self, O powerless word that saves the pitiful! O sunlight, listen to the fading and shattering of prayers, light of Thor!
A magic circle appeared beneath Cassandra's feet, and thanks to her "magic" development ability, as soon as her voice fell, the minor wounds on everyone's bodies healed.
Everyone expressed their gratitude to Cassandra with their eyes, and Roy also cast an approving glance at her.