A gentle slope extended downward.
Crystals that seemed frozen in ice lined the path, and a cool breeze blew from the depths of the cave.
Eiji, holding a portable magic-stone lamp, walked at the front, carefully scouting the way as they descended to the lower floors.
Behind him, a golden-haired elf girl gripped a shortsword with a crossbow at her waist, vigilantly scanning their surroundings. At the very back of the party was a honey-blonde mage clutching her staff.
This was the three-person party composed of Eiji, Alicia, and Lefiya.
This crystal-covered slope was the passage connecting the 24th and 25th floors—the entrance to the lower levels.
After Eiji approached her, Alicia readily agreed to join the party.
In fact, the reason she hadn't immediately started leveling up like the others was precisely because she had been waiting for Eiji to venture into the Dungeon. She knew that Eiji, now Level 3, would need new teammates, so she held back for several days—and finally, her patience paid off.
As for Lefiya, there were no issues there either.
According to Riveria, Lefiya's parallel chanting skills were far from proficient. The most skilled mages could simultaneously attack, move, evade, and defend—Lefiya still had a long way to go in that regard. Thus, Riveria unhesitatingly entrusted Lefiya to Eiji.
"By the way, Eiji, Lefiya has been acting a bit strange lately. Any idea why?"
"How so?"
"Never mind."
Riveria's gaze at the time had been somewhat peculiar, but after a moment of hesitation, she didn't elaborate.
"I hear water ahead—we must be close."
Alicia twitched her pointed ears, utilizing her superior Level 4 hearing.
The end of the slope gradually came into view, accompanied by a faint blue glow and the sound of rushing water.
All three of them wore phosphorescent water spirit armor, shimmering with a blue light. They passed through the cave entrance and arrived at the starting point of the 25th floor.
In the next instant, the breathtaking "Water Capital" unfolded before them.
A cascading waterfall roared like a thunderous symphony.
The crystalline sky formed countless valleys and cliffs.
Mist-like water droplets filled the air, and in the distance, harpies and songbirds soared, their sharp cries echoing through the sky as their feathers sliced through the air.
But the most dazzling sight was undoubtedly the great waterfall at the center.
Its deafening roar, like rolling thunder, struck their eardrums from hundreds of meters away—the very sound they had heard while descending the slope.
The Azure Waterfall originated from the 25th floor, cascading like a staircase through the 25th, 26th, and 27th floors, its height reaching nearly a kilometer. From afar, it resembled a vast blue curtain.
"The Azure Waterfall… No matter how many times I see it, it's always awe-inspiring."
The trio stood atop a cliff, separated from the waterfall by only a few hundred meters—looking as insignificant as summer insects in comparison.
They had seen this sight twice before during the expedition, but the sheer scale of the four-hundred-meter-wide waterfall was enough to leave them breathless every time.
"I've been here many times—I'll lead the way."
Alicia stepped forward, taking on the role of guide.
"Be careful. There are many winding paths and rivers here. You need a strong sense of direction, or you might get lost. So, stick close to me."
Looking around, countless narrow walkways—only two or three meters wide—lined the sides of the Azure Waterfall. One side was a rock wall; the other, a bottomless abyss.
These walkways twisted and turned, sometimes ascending, sometimes descending, forming a chaotic maze. Combined with the dark caverns below, falling would mean certain death.
Clang!
Just as she spoke, a giant metal crab, as tall as a person, charged at them.
Its left claw was ordinary, but its right claw was enormous—like a massive hammer. Strangely enough, the crab moved sideways
Eiji swung his blade, dodging the crab's right claw and swiftly thrusting his sword through a gap in its defenses, piercing its body.
A Level 3 monster—instantly slain!
"That speed…"
Alicia stared at Eiji in astonishment.
"Your speed is almost on par with top-tier Level 3s. Just how much did you accumulate in your previous levels?"
Because Eiji broke his limits with each level-up, the excess stats became his "potential parameters," making his physical abilities far surpass those of an average Level 3.
"Just average, really."
Eiji was modest.
Within the entire familia, only Ais likely knew about his limit-breaking. Finn might have been informed by Loki, but few others were aware.
It wasn't that he didn't trust his comrades—it was just that this matter was too significant. If word spread, unnecessary trouble would arise. Adventurers would undoubtedly demand he reveal the secret to breaking limits.
Thus, Loki had specifically warned him: his status details must not be leaked.
"Lefiya, watch out!"
Walking alongside the river, Alicia suddenly shouted.
"Huh?"
Lefiya, lost in thought, snapped back to reality in confusion.
Splash—!
A black shadow over 160 centimeters long burst from the water, its razor-sharp fangs glinting coldly under the droplets as it lunged at Lefiya, who was at the rear.
Slash!
Alicia dashed forward, cutting the black fish in half with her shortsword.
"Are you okay, Lefiya?"
Alicia approached her with concern.
"Ah, y-yes, I'm fine…"
Lefiya, startled, steadied herself.
"What's wrong with you? Earlier on the 24th floor, you nearly got stung by killer bees too. You've been distracted all day."
Alicia frowned worriedly.
At 25 years old, Alicia was still young by elven standards, but by human standards, she was already a big sister. She had a nurturing personality and often looked after her juniors.
"I-It's nothing! I'll focus from now on!"
Lefiya couldn't help but glance at Eiji at the front before hurriedly waving her hands at Alicia.
"?"
Eiji blinked in confusion, mentally typing a question mark.
He looked down at himself, baffled.
'Huh? Why's she looking at me?'
'I'm not even using Charm. My condition's the same as when we were in the middle floors—could she really be captivated by me?'
'And aren't you supposed to admire Ais?'
Just as he thought this, Lefiya stole another glance at him—only to be caught red-handed.
She quickly averted her gaze, the tips of her ears already tinged pink, and didn't dare look at him again for a long time.
…Alright.
Confirmed.
Eiji had seen this reaction many times before—it was unmistakably the flustered heart of a maiden in love.
Someone as outstanding as him was like a beacon, attracting countless moths who recklessly flew toward the light.
'Ah, this damn charm of mine~'
***
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