Chapter 177 – The New Member of Freedom Party
Chapter 177
The New Member of Freedom Party
Date : Day 20 of Lunaeve 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
The days quietly passed. Their planned three-day rest had ultimately become four.
Jackey's new lower-body armor had only been completed the previous day, and Hyoren had decided there was no reason to rush. Proper preparation always outweighed reckless haste.
Four days had passed since their retreat from the Goblin army. Three days had passed since Arianna joined the party.
And yesterday, Freedom Party had officially registered Arianna as one of its members at the Adventurer's Guild.
At last, they were ready to challenge the dungeon once more.
Morning silver sunlight streamed through the large windows of Wyvern Street Manor's dining room.
The comforting aroma of grilled Ramtauro steak, fried eggs, freshly baked bread, coffee, and tea filled the room.
Hyoren quietly looked around the table.
Elise.
The companion who had journeyed beside him ever since the Forest of No Return. His trusted scout. His reliable ranger.
Jackey.
Ina's younger brother. Now also his own foster brother. A dependable frontline warrior whose twin axes could tear through hordes of monsters.
Then, his gaze rested upon the newest member.
Arianna.
A prodigy capable of wielding four elements. He had only known her for a few days. So he still had little real combat experience fighting beside her. But after spending those days together. Watching her discipline. Listening to her insight. Learning alongside her.
He found himself without any real concerns. She was more than capable.
Hyoren placed down his cup.
“Alright. Today… We return to the dungeon.”
Everyone's attention immediately shifted toward him.
“We'll likely be gone for our usual six to nine days. Our primary objective remains unchanged. We're going to defeat the Goblin Ruler on the second floor.”
He paused briefly.
“However… We won't rush straight toward it. We'll spend some time first adjusting our coordination.”
His gaze turned toward Arianna.
“I know you're exceptionally talented, Arianna. But talent and teamwork are different things. I want all of us to understand each other's fighting styles before facing the Goblin Ruler.”
Arianna gracefully nodded.
“That is only natural, Leader.”
She smiled softly.
“I am prepared to prove myself. Ohoho.”
Lena, the Fox Clan Beastkin caretaker, calmly began gathering the empty plates from the table.
“Understood, Master Hyoren. The manor will be spotless by the time you all return.”
Beside her, Vina cheerfully wiped down the table before adding,
“And we'll make sure all of your rooms are extra cozy when you come back!”
Elise smiled warmly.
“Thank you, Vina. We know you'll take good care of our home.”
The word home lingered in the dining room. It wasn't simply a building anymore. It was where they returned after every expedition. A place waiting for them. A place filled with people who cared.
Ina also set down her teacup. Her cat ears perked happily.
“Leave the house to us!”
She flashed Hyoren a grin.
“And you all go prove yourselves! Nyahaha!”
Hyoren nodded. A quiet warmth spread through his chest.
He truly was no longer alone. He had dependable companions willing to entrust their lives to him. And equally dependable people supporting them from behind.
No adventuring party could ask for more.
Not long afterward—Freedom Party stood assembled before the manor. Hyoren wore his mithril-alloy chainmail, while his steel kite shield remained inside his storage bag for easier travel.
At his waist rested his new sword—Dawn Breaker. The pure white sheath gleamed beneath Silver Luna's fading morning light. The large ring guard bearing House Akela's crest remained proudly visible.
He glanced to his left.
Elise stood calmly beside him.
Her familiar Aerostag Armor hugged her well-endowed figure, its green leather blending naturally with the yellow accent. Moonveil Bow rested across her back. Around her neck hung Sylvana's Lavalier. While her long silver hair had been tied into a practical ponytail with a simple green ribbon.
Then, Hyoren looked to his right.
Jackey stood there with an eager grin.
His newly completed lower armor perfectly matched the upper half he already possessed. Both pieces were crafted from Illusion Viper Hide, their red surfaces accented by clean white streaks.
His twin axes rested at his waist.
Finally, Hyoren's gaze settled upon Arianna.
She remained dressed in her signature deep purple robes. Clean white embroidery traced the edges of the garment, while the robe's open front revealed the lighter purple, leotard-like underrobe beneath. And the black stocking covered her legs up to her hips. Elegant. Practical. Entirely befitting a magician.
Her wide-brimmed hat rested neatly atop her long crimson hair, its pointed tip bending slightly as always.
And today, in one hand, she held her staff.
The staff stood even taller than she did. Fashioned from pale silvery-white wood, the staff possessed an elegant, almost ethereal appearance. At its tip rested a large crystal orb.
Within the orb. Four colors slowly revolved around one another. Red. Brown. Green. Blue.
Their gentle light blended together into a mesmerizing display, bathing the staff in an ever-shifting, ephemeral glow.
Hyoren's gaze lingered on Arianna's staff. It was the first time he had seen her carrying it. The shifting orb at its tip quietly drew his attention.
“Your staff is magnificent, Arianna.”
Arianna smiled softly. She gently ran her fingers along the pale silvery shaft.
“This was Headmistress Thavenessia's graduation gift to me.”
Her expression softened.
“I remain deeply grateful for her generosity.”
She lifted the staff slightly, allowing the orb at its tip to catch the light. The four colors continued their slow, elegant dance.
“This staff is called Quadraflux Weaver. It was specifically crafted for someone capable of wielding four elements.”
She continued in her usual composed tone.
“The shaft was carved from a branch of an ancient Platinum Oak, one that had accumulated Aethell for centuries. As for the orb...”
She looked at it with unmistakable fondness.
“It was personally inscribed by Headmistress Thavenessia herself.”
A faint smile remained on her lips.
“It is truly one of a kind. Forging a magical conduit attuned to two elements is already considered difficult. Three elements are extraordinarily rare.”
She gently shook her head.
“But four...”
She laughed quietly.
“Ohoho. Most craftsmen would simply declare it impossible. For quite some time, I had already accepted that I would never possess a conduit perfectly suited to my Attunements.”
Her fingers lightly brushed the orb once more.
“But… Headmistress made the impossible possible.”
Hyoren slowly nodded.
His respect for the Truth Seeker quietly grew once again.
He found himself becoming increasingly curious about the Headmistress of Aethellium Arcane Academy.
“I have to admit… Headmistress Thavenessia sounds like an extraordinary person.”
He smiled.
“I hope I'll have the chance to meet her someday.”
Arianna's face brightened.
“I am certain she would find you fascinating, Leader.”
She gave a graceful nod.
“If the opportunity presents itself… I would be delighted to introduce you to Headmistress Thavenessia. Ohoho.”
***
The journey toward the dungeon had become a familiar routine. After leaving Ina at the Adventurer's Guild, the four of them continued north toward the Old Quarry.
The northern gate guards recognized them immediately.
Each offered respectful nods as the party passed.
Whether it was because of the white sword bearing House Akela's crest hanging from Hyoren's waist or because Baron Akela's daughter herself was walking among them. Perhaps both. No one stopped them.
The road north had become familiar.
Its reinforced stone path had been walked by the countless footsteps of adventurers, merchants, laborers, and supply wagons traveling between Akela City and the Dungeon Town.
Conversation came and went naturally during the journey.
Before long, they reached the final hill overlooking the quarry.
The four of them stepped onto its crest. Then—all four stopped at the same time.
Elise whispered. Her voice was barely audible.
"By Sylvana..."
Her emerald eyes widened in disbelief.
The quarry was gone. Or rather, it still existed. But everything surrounding it had transformed.
Rows upon rows of permanent buildings now stood where tents once flapped in the wind.
It was a remarkable testament to both the Adventurer's Guild's and Baron Akela efficiency. The settlement was still young. Yet it already possessed the unmistakable appearance of a frontier town.
Most of the crude tents had been replaced by sturdy wooden buildings. One-story. Two-story. Constructed from dark timber harvested from the surrounding forests.
Everything was laid out in neat, practical rows.
The four silently descended the hill. Taking in the transformed landscape.
They entered the finished wooden gate. And on the small plaza in front of the Main Tunnel, stood a building with the familiar crest of the Adventurer's Guild.
Unlike the hastily erected guild tent from before, this one was a proper building. Solid. Permanent. Already looking as though it had stood there for years.
Beside it stood a newly established Merchant Guild branch. Further along the street. A general store. A dedicated weapon and armor shop. Several supply stores.
At the far end of the street. Nestled comfortably between a lively tavern and a respectable-looking inn. Stood a two-story building whose windows had all been carefully painted over.
Only a discreet wooden sign hung above its entrance. A winking cat.
Hyoren tilted his head.
“Is that… A brothel?”
Elise merely shrugged.
“Of course.”
She sighed. Her silver ponytail swayed gently.
“Adventurers. Coin. And boredom.”
She smiled wryly.
“That's probably the oldest business model in history.”
Jackey's eyes immediately sparkled.
“A brothel here too?! I need to check it out!”
He had barely taken a step before Hyoren grabbed his shoulder.
“Not today, Jackey. We're working first. You can visit later.”
Jackey scratched his cheek sheepishly.
“Right… Sorry, Big Bro.”
Arianna quietly covered her mouth with the back of her hand.
“Ohoho. Sir Jackey truly is... entertaining.”
Her gaze then slowly wandered across the bustling frontier settlement. Her light blue eyes carefully observed every newly constructed building.
“This is remarkable...”
She spoke more to herself than anyone else.
“The logistical undertaking alone must have been enormous. They would have required teams of carpenters, stonemasons, blacksmiths, and laborers working day and night.”
She smiled thoughtfully.
“And judging by the number of shops already operating… The Merchant Guild must be earning a tremendous fortune.”
Hyoren slowly nodded.
“So this… This is what happens after a new dungeon appears.”
Even Elise quietly looked around with admiration.
An entirely new town had risen from the empty quarry.
***
They entered the newly completed Adventurer's Guild branch.
Compared to the headquarters in Akela City, this guild building was much quieter. Most adventurers were either inside the dungeon or resting at one of the nearby inns after their expeditions.
Unlike the main guild, there were no quest boards here. No reception lines. The dungeon itself was the only reason this branch existed. Reporting expeditions. Registering dives. Handling dungeon-related matters.
That was all.
Behind the counter stood the familiar bespectacled guild clerk.
Sherly smiled as the four approached.
“Welcome back, Freedom Party.”
Her gaze shifted toward the newest member.
“And Lady Arianna. I've already been informed. Welcome to Dungeon Town’s Adventure’s Guild Branch.”
Arianna smiled politely.
“Please don't be overly formal with me while we're here. When inside the dungeon… I am an adventurer before I am a noble.”
Sherly bowed.
“As you wish.”
Hyoren placed the party's guild card on the counter.
“Alright, Sherly. As usual. We're registering for a Dungeon Exploration Quest. We'll probably be inside for six to nine days. Our objective this time is to clear the second floor.”
Sherly nodded. She inserted the guild card into the familiar magical device before returning it a few moments later.
“Registration confirmed.”
Then, she looked toward the entire party.
“By the way… You all understand the dungeon regulation regarding newly added party members, correct?”
Hyoren blinked.
He turned toward Elise. She slowly shook her head.
He looked toward Arianna. She tilted her head in confusion.
Finally, he looked at Jackey.
Jackey proudly grinned.
“Yes! We start over!”
Hyoren stared at him.
“What... do you mean by 'start over,' Jackey?”
Jackey confidently gave a thumbs-up.
“We start over, Big Bro! Simple!”
Hyoren silently gave up. He turned back toward Sherly instead.
“Please explain…”
Sherly adjusted her glasses.
“Jackey is essentially correct.”
She folded her hands on the counter.
“The dungeon's teleportation system has a restriction. It can only transport a party to a floor that every current party member has already cleared.”
Hyoren immediately understood.
Sherly continued.
“The three of you have already defeated the Floor One Guardian. So previously… You were free to teleport directly to the second floor.”
She then looked toward Arianna.
“However… Lady Arianna has never cleared the first floor. So from the dungeon's perspective… Your current party has not yet completed Floor One.”
She smiled apologetically.
“That means your party must begin from the first floor once again. After Lady Arianna personally participates in defeating the Floor One Guardian...”
She nodded.
“The dungeon will recognize that every member of Freedom Party has cleared it. From that point onward… You'll once again be able to teleport directly to the second floor.”
She neatly adjusted the documents before her.
“In simple terms… The teleportation orb can only send a party to the deepest floor that all current members have successfully cleared together.”
Hyoren nodded.
“I see. That's easy enough to understand.”
He thought for a moment before asking another question.
“But… If the new party member is already an experienced adventurer who has personally cleared those floors before… Then we wouldn't need to start over, right?”
Sherly nodded.
“That's correct. The dungeon recognizes individual completion. So if every current party member has already cleared a particular floor at least once… The teleportation restriction does not apply.”
Hyoren nodded in understanding.
“I see. That makes sense.”
Beside him, Elise and Arianna also nodded. The explanation was simple enough.
Hyoren then crossed his arms.
“Any news about the dungeon itself, Sherly?”
Sherly glanced down at the stack of reports on her desk. She flipped through several pages.
“The overall situation remains largely unchanged. Most adventurers are still focusing on the first floor. However...”
She smiled.
“They've become noticeably bolder. Many parties have started venturing farther away from the Starting Room instead of remaining near the entrance.”
She closed the report.
“And… I've also received word that two parties intend to challenge the First Floor Guardian very soon.”
Hyoren's interest was immediately piqued.
“Oh? Finally. It's about time.”
He smiled.
“Who are they? Jigor's party?”
Sherly nodded.
“Yes…. Unbreakable Will, led by Jigor. And Merry Go Round, led by Hilde. Both parties have submitted preparations indicating they intend to challenge the guardian in the coming days.”
Hyoren smiled with satisfaction.
“Good. It's nice to see everyone making progress.”
He turned toward his own party. Elise quietly nodded. Jackey grinned excitedly. Arianna smiled with composed confidence.
Hyoren looked back at Sherly.
“Alright. Thank you for the information. We're heading into the dungeon now.”
Sherly stood and offered a respectful bow.
“May fortune be with you… Adventurers.”
Hyoren returned the nod.
Then, Freedom Party left the guild branch, and walked toward the entrance of the dungeon once more.
***
The Freedom Party made their way through the bustling Dungeon Town with practiced ease.
Soon, the wide tunnel leading into the quarry came into view. They entered without slowing.
The tunnel eventually opened into a vast underground chamber. The new waiting hall, a bustling staging ground before the dungeon gate.
Dozens upon dozens of adventurers gathered throughout the chamber.
Some were forming parties. Others checked their equipment one final time. Veterans calmly sharpened weapons while newcomers whispered nervously among themselves.
The atmosphere was alive with anticipation.
Street vendors also existed alongside the wall. Food carts. Camping supplies. Torches. Rope. Backpacks. Everything an adventurer might need.
At the very end of the chamber stood the enormous stone Archway. Its Runic Arrays pulsed rhythmically with a pale blue glow.
Two Guild Guards stood watch before it.
Hyoren approached confidently and presented the party's Guild Card.
One guard accepted it. He briefly checked it.
“Freedom Party. Dungeon Exploration Quest confirmed. You are cleared to proceed.”
He returned the card. Then stepped aside with a respectful nod.
Hyoren accepted it.
The four of them walked toward the enormous Archway.
Hyoren’s hand touched the solid surface.
Immediately, a familiar voice echoed directly inside his mind.
Oh? The pretend heroes… I thought you'd run back to your mothers and never return… Xixixi...
Did you miss me? Or perhaps… You simply came here to die? Then go inside! Xixixixi...
The oily, mocking voice dripped with malice. A psychic sneer that welcomed only despair.
Hyoren's expression never changed. Within his own thoughts, he calmly answered.
Yes.
The world twisted. Reality folded around them. For only an instant. Then, solid ground returned beneath their feet.
The familiar Starting Room stretched before them. The gigantic statue of Gidol towered over the chamber exactly as before. Its cruel stone smile seemed to watch every adventurer entering its domain.
The chamber was still overflowing with people. Groups rested against the walls. Others organized supplies. Some discussed battle plans before venturing to dungeon proper.
There was scarcely any empty space left.
Hyoren looked toward his companions.
“Ready?”
Elise nodded. Jackey grinned and rested a hand upon one of his axes. Arianna adjusted the brim of her hat before giving a graceful nod.
Without another word, Freedom Party turned toward the shimmering doorway at the opposite end of the chamber.
Its ever-changing colors marked the dungeon proper. They stepped through.
The familiar labyrinth welcomed them once more.
Ancient ruins stretched endlessly before the Freedom Party. Cracked stone walls. Dust-covered flagstones. The still air.
Everything looked exactly as Hyoren remembered.
He tightened the grip on his Steel Kite Shield. His right hand naturally settled upon Dawn Breaker's hilt.
“Alright.”
He looked toward Arianna.
“This floor is filled with monsters. So it's the perfect place to observe your combat style.”
Arianna tightened her grip around Quadraflux Weaver. The four-colored orb atop the staff shimmered faintly.
She gave a composed nod.
“Understood, Leader.”
Hyoren then looked toward Jackey and Elise.
“For now… Our role is to support Arianna. We'll eliminate anything that slips past her.”
He continued calmly.
“I want to understand exactly how her magic performs inside an actual dungeon. Only after seeing that can I properly determine how to incorporate her into our party's combat strategy.”
Jackey casually rested one of his twin axes upon his shoulder.
“Roger that, Big Bro!”
Elise adjusted her grip on Moonveil.
“Understood, Hyoren.”
Hyoren nodded. Then turned back toward her.
“Elise. We shouldn't spend too much time exploring this floor. Guide us along the most efficient route to the First Floor Guardian.”
Elise quietly closed her eyes.
The completed map formed by her Mapping skill appeared vividly within her mind. Every corridor. Every intersection. Every dead end.
After a few moments, she opened her emerald eyes.
“I've got our route.”
She pointed deeper into the labyrinth.
“If we maintain a steady pace… We should arrive at the First Floor Guardian's Archway before nightfall.”
Hyoren smiled.
“Good.”
He looked around at every member of the party.
“Let's move.”
Without another word, the Freedom Party began their next dungeon expedition.
***
With Elise leading the way at the front, the Freedom Party ventured deeper into the labyrinth once more.
Her pointed ears twitched at every distant sound. Her emerald eyes continuously swept across the ancient corridors while the completed map inside her mind guided every turn.
There was no hesitation in her steps. Every intersection. Every bend. Every chamber. She already knew the most efficient route.
The others simply followed behind.
However, the first floor no longer felt the same. Before, they rarely walked for more than a few minutes before encountering a monster.
Now, more often than not, they encountered other adventurer parties instead.
One group rested while tending to minor wounds. Another emerged from a side corridor looking battered.
Meanwhile, the chambers they passed remained completely empty.
Jackey rested one of his axes upon his shoulder. His tabby cat tail lazily swayed behind him.
“WOW! This floor used to be full of goblins… Now it's full of people! HAHA!”
Hyoren smiled wryly.
“Stay focused, Jackey.”
Jackey nodded.
“Right, Big Bro!”
They continued onward.
But, the farther they moved from the Starting Room, the fewer adventurers they encountered. Eventually, the bustling atmosphere completely disappeared.
Silence reclaimed the ancient ruins.
Only the sound of their own footsteps echoed through the stone corridors.
Suddenly, Elise halted. She quietly raised one hand. Everyone immediately stopped.
Hyoren instinctively moved to the front. Shield raised.
He carefully peeked around the corner. A familiar group. Eight Goblins. Three Goblin Archers positioned behind them. All Level Ten.
Exactly the sort of formation they had already fought countless times.
Hyoren slowly withdrew behind the wall. Then looked toward Arianna.
“Alright. Eleven goblins.”
He smiled.
“Show us your magic.”
Arianna gave a composed nod.
“As you wish, Leader.”
She calmly stepped past him. Quadraflux Weaver gripped lightly in her hand. Without haste, she walked just beyond the corner.
The goblins had yet to notice her.
She raised her staff. Closed her eyes. And quietly gathered Aethell.
Hyoren immediately sensed the change. An immense amount of Aethell rapidly converged around Arianna.
The orb atop Quadraflux Weaver slowly accelerated. The four elemental lights swirled faster and faster. Until they nearly merged into a brilliant white glow.
Only then did the goblins finally react. Several turned toward her. The archers reached for their bows.
Hyoren instinctively lowered his stance. His shield rose. He was already prepared to activate Provoke.
But, he never had the chance.
The orb atop Arianna's staff flashed and she opened her eyes.
“Earth Spikes.”
The spell activated. The floor exploded.
DONDONDON!
Massive spikes of rock erupted upward in rapid succession. One. Three. Five. Ten. Dozens.
They surged across the chamber. The goblins didn't even have time to scream. Each one was impaled by at least two stone spikes. The archers standing safely behind the frontline met exactly the same fate.
Blood splattered across the ancient flagstones.
Within a single breath, the chamber fell silent. Only rows of towering stone spikes remained.
Each decorated with lifeless goblin bodies which slowly started dissolving into particles.
Hyoren quietly watched the scene. Then slowly nodded. Satisfied. His party finally possessed the overwhelming magical firepower it had been lacking.
Beside him, Elise shook her head in disbelief.
“So… This is your power, Arianna.”
Jackey's golden eyes sparkled.
“WHOA! The goblins became pincushions! HAHAHA!”
Arianna calmly lowered her staff. Multiple beads of sweat slid down her forehead.
She turned toward the party.
“How was that, Leader? Ohoho.”
Hyoren nodded.
“That was superb, Arianna.”
Arianna smiled softly.
She lightly tapped the end of Quadraflux Weaver against the stone floor. The towering spikes immediately dissolved back into Aethell. One after another, they crumbled away until the chamber returned to its original appearance.
Only the aftermath of the battle remained.
Scattered magic stones. Several rusted goblin weapons. And crude leather armor riddled with holes where the stone spikes had pierced through.
Arianna lowered her staff.
“Thank you, Leader.”
Elise stepped forward and crouched. She began gathering the magic stones with practiced movements.
“Arianna certainly makes dealing with large groups much easier.”
Jackey nodded enthusiastically.
“Yeah!”
He scratched the back of his head.
“But… It's kinda boring now. I wanted to whack them too!”
Everyone laughed. Even Arianna couldn't suppress a quiet chuckle.
“Ohoho. I'm sorry, Sir Jackey. I shall endeavor to leave a few standing next time.”
Jackey's ears perked up.
“Really? Nice!”
Afterward, the party quickly collected the battlefield spoils. The rusted weapons were stored. The magic stones disappeared into their storage bags.
Once the chamber had been thoroughly searched, Hyoren turned toward Arianna.
“That was your strongest area-of-effect spell, wasn't it?”
Arianna gently shook her head.
“Not exactly. I still possess Sand Storm.”
She thoughtfully rested a hand against her staff.
“However… That spell performs much better in wide, open terrain. The affected area is considerably larger.”
She glanced around the enclosed chamber.
“In confined spaces like this dungeon… Earth Spikes is significantly more practical. It delivers immediate damage. And eliminates the enemy before they can react.”
She smiled softly.
“So for our current circumstances… Yes. It is my most effective area-of-effect spell.”
Hyoren nodded.
“I understand.”
He smiled.
“Good. Then let's continue. I'd like to observe the rest of your arsenal as well. Let's find some more goblins.”
Elise naturally resumed the lead.
“Follow me.”
The Freedom Party continued deeper into the labyrinth.
As they continued walking through the labyrinth, Hyoren glanced toward Arianna.
“How about your branch magic? Advanced Earth Magic. Terraforma Magic. And Lava Magic. I haven't seen any of them yet.”
Arianna smiled softly as she walked beside him.
“I am certainly capable of using them, Leader. However...”
She gently shook her head.
“Most of them are ill-suited for a confined dungeon.”
She rested one hand upon Quadraflux Weaver.
“My Advanced Earth Magic spell, Earth Hammer, summons an enormous mass of stone high above the target before bringing it crashing down.”
She paused briefly.
“My Terraforma spell, Earth Fissure, tears open the ground itself, creating a massive fissure.”
Her crimson hair swayed gently as she shook her head again.
“In an open battlefield… They are extremely effective. But inside narrow dungeon chambers and corridors… They would cause more problems than benefits.”
Hyoren immediately pictured the scene.
A gigantic boulder crashing down from above. Or the dungeon floor splitting apart beneath their feet. Neither sounded remotely practical underground.
He slowly nodded.
“I understand. That makes perfect sense.”
Arianna smiled.
“There is one exception. My Lava Magic spell. Lava Surge. That spell can still be used effectively inside a dungeon.”
She continued calmly.
“It floods a large area with flowing magma. It is particularly effective against large groups of enemies.”
She smiled apologetically.
“However… I intend to reserve it solely for emergencies. Or a boss battle. Ohoho.”
She fixed her hat.
“After casting it… My remaining Aethell would be so depleted that I would contribute very little for the remainder of the day.”
Hyoren nodded approvingly.
“A wise decision.”
He looked ahead toward the corridor.
“That spell should become one of our trump cards against the Goblin Ruler's army.”
He smiled.
“Using something that destructive against ordinary mobs would simply be wasteful.”
Arianna returned a graceful smile.
“Precisely, Leader. That is also my conclusion.”
Not long afterward, Elise suddenly halted. She immediately raised one hand.
Hyoren quietly moved to the front once more. He carefully peeked around the corner.
Another familiar group. Eight Goblins. Two Goblin Archers standing behind them.
He stepped back behind the wall.
“Same formation as before.”
His gaze shifted toward Arianna.
“This time… Try a different spell.”
Arianna gave a graceful nod.
“Understood, Leader.”
Hyoren stepped forward again.
“Alright. Let's begin.”
He raised his Steel Kite Shield.
The goblins were naturally divided into three groups. Two Goblin Archers occupied the rear.
Four goblins occupied the left and right of each.
Beside him, he immediately sensed Aethell gathering once more.
Hyoren briefly glanced sideways.
Arianna had already begun casting. Noticeably, this spell formed much faster than Earth Spikes.
The swirling white orb atop Quadraflux Weaver flashed again
“Fire Ball.”
A blazing sphere roughly the size of a basketball shot forward. It streaked across the chamber before slamming directly into the center of the left formation.
BOOM!
A violent explosion erupted. Flames engulfed the four goblins. Before any of them could even react—their bodies already dissolved into particles.
The surviving goblins roared in alarm. They immediately charged toward the intruders.
Hyoren lowered his stance. Then rushed forward. He targeted the remaining frontline goblins.
His shield remained raised.
There was no need for Magic Blade. Nor Enchant Maledict. Against ordinary goblins, his new sword alone was enough.
“Provoke.”
The remaining goblins instantly shifted their hostility toward him.
Behind him, Elise smoothly drew her Moonveil Bow.
“Double Shot.”
Two arrows flew almost simultaneously. Each found its target. Both Goblin Archers staggered as arrows pierced their heads.
They dissolved before they could release a single shot.
At almost the same moment, a goblin warrior reached Hyoren. Its rusted sword crashed against his shield.
CLANG!
Hyoren didn't even flinch. He immediately counterattacked.
“Quick Slash.”
The white blade of Dawn Breaker flashed once.
SQUELCH.
The goblin's head separated cleanly from its body. Moments later—it dissolved into particles.
Jackey arrived beside him with his usual enthusiasm.
“WOHOO! My turn! Whacking time!”
His Bloody Axe came crashing down upon a goblin attempting to circle around Hyoren.
SCREEECK!
The axe buried itself deep into the goblin's skull. It disappeared almost instantly.
Only two goblins remained. Both desperately rushed toward Hyoren.
But before Hyoren. Jackey. Or even Elise could react—Arianna had already completed another spell.
The orb atop Quadraflux Weaver flashed again.
“Wind Slicer.”
An almost invisible blade of compressed wind shot forward.
WHOOSH!
The two charging goblins froze mid-step. A heartbeat later, both heads slid cleanly from their shoulders. Their bodies dissolved into particles before they even hit the ground.
Silence once again settled over the chamber.
A satisfied smile appeared on Hyoren's face.
He looked at his party one by one before his gaze finally settled on Arianna.
“With you joining us… The first floor has become considerably easier.”
Arianna remained composed. Her posture was as elegant as ever. But just like before, a few tiny beads of sweat decorated her forehead.
Hyoren continued.
“And good work, Arianna. You prioritized your targets well. You chose the appropriate spells for each situation.”
He nodded approvingly.
“And throughout the battle….You remained aware of your party members' movements. You never disrupted our positioning.”
He folded his arms.
“Our coordination still needs more practical testing. But...”
He smiled.
“You've adapted remarkably quickly for someone who calls herself a greenhorn.”
Jackey immediately raised a thumbs-up.
“YES! Your magic is AWESOME! WOHOO!”
Elise smiled warmly. She tucked a strand of silver hair behind her pointed ear.
“They're right, Arianna. You did very well.”
Arianna gave a graceful bow.
“Thank you, Leader. Thank you, Mentor. And thank you, Sir Jackey.”
She gently tightened her grip on Quadraflux Weaver.
“I only hope I shall continue to meet your expectations.”
Hyoren chuckled softly.
“We've only confirmed one thing so far.”
He pointed deeper into the labyrinth.
“Your combat ability isn't a concern. What we still need to evaluate… Is how well you perform during a prolonged dungeon expedition.”
He smiled.
“And later… How you handle a Guardian battle.”
Arianna nodded calmly.
“Understood, Leader. I shall continue to do my utmost.”
The party quickly collected the battlefield spoils. Magic stones. Rusted weapons. Everything disappeared into their storage bags.
With the chamber cleared, Elise naturally resumed the lead.
The Freedom Party continued deeper into the labyrinth. This time with quiet confidence.
Their newest companion—their long-awaited magician—had already proven herself to be a reliable member of the party.