Udaeus's regeneration cycle is three months.
And three months ago, it was none other than the Loki Familia, during their expedition, who defeated Udaeus. That's why Finn was well aware of Udaeus's respawn timing.
However, their supplies were severely lacking.
Eiji glanced at Rakta's backpack—there were only a few potions left inside, barely enough for a day's use.
"Not only that, but our weapons are also nearing their limits."
Finn raised his golden spear, which had already started chipping, and looked at Eiji with a serious expression.
"The risk is too high. I don't want to lose anyone just because of a reckless gamble. Do you understand?"
Aside from Ais's unbreakable sword and Eiji's Bling Blade, everyone else's weapons had suffered some degree of damage. They needed to return for maintenance. Facing the Floor Boss in this condition was indeed too dangerous.
"Alright, I understand."
Eiji was somewhat unwilling.
But he still nodded, acknowledging Finn's decision.
Against Udaeus, the safest approach was to bring Gareth along and have the Level 6 dwarf warrior take the vanguard, drawing Udaeus's fire while the rest focused on dealing damage.
Finn was a cautious leader who didn't want to risk casualties.
"Finn, I want to stay."
At that moment—
Ais suddenly spoke up, drawing everyone's attention and causing collective surprise.
"What do you mean?"
Finn's expression grew serious, his piercing blue eyes locking onto Ais.
"You want to stay here alone?"
"…Yes. You don't need to share food with me. I won't be a burden. Please."
"Ais, just by saying that, you're already causing us trouble."
Finn sighed, rubbing his temples. "Leaving you here alone… to be honest, we can't not worry."
It was far too dangerous.
Encountering Level 4 monsters in the deep floors was the norm. The dungeon posed dangers from all directions, and no adventurer, no matter how strong, could handle everything perfectly. Some monsters would always be beyond their capabilities—the caterpillar monsters on the 50th floor had already proven that.
Even though Ais was Level 5, staying alone was still too risky.
"Why don't you learn a bit from Eiji? He's just as eager to level up as you, but at least he considers the bigger picture."
…Huh?
Suddenly, he's being used as the model child.
Hearing that, Eiji swallowed back the words that had almost escaped his lips.
He had actually wanted to suggest staying with Ais. He was confident in his survival skills, and with Ais as a partner, they could make it back alive without much trouble.
But now that Finn had put it that way, he couldn't really speak up anymore.
Finn absolutely did that on purpose.
Eiji thought bitterly.
"In that case, I'll stay too."
Suddenly, Riveria spoke up unexpectedly, further shocking the group.
"Hmm…"
With even Riveria speaking up, Finn fell into deep thought.
"Will this be alright?"
Eiji was surprised and raised his hand.
"In that case, I'll also—"
"What? If Eiji and Ais are staying, then I'm staying too!"
Tiona jumped in, startled.
She absolutely didn't want to give Eiji and Ais any alone time together—not even with Riveria present. Who knew what kind of sparks might fly between them?
"You guys… Can't you stop making things difficult for the captain?"
Tione was furious, crossing her arms and scolding them.
"No, if Riveria is staying, then it should be fine."
But Finn suddenly changed his stance, his tone filled with trust in Riveria.
"However, we don't have enough supplies for three people. We can only leave two behind, so it will be Ais and Riveria."
Two people were manageable.
But three would stretch their resources too thin—food, water, and medical supplies might not last through the return journey.
"I recall that the Safe Floors have food supplies, right?"
Eiji rubbed his chin, recalling the dungeon intel he had gathered during their expedition.
"If necessary, we can go back to the 28th floor. There should be plenty of food and water there. Plus, Riveria can replenish her magic. That way, the three of us can make do."
Make do?
What, are we squeezing onto a crowded bus now?
"Eh? We can do that? Then I'm staying too!"
Tiona, as energetic as ever, jumped up in excitement.
"…Didn't I just say you had a sense of responsibility?"
"Well… it's not that big of an issue, right?"
Finn clutched his forehead in exasperation.
This team was hard to manage.
Every time one rebel stood up, another would immediately follow. Couldn't they just behave for once?
Sigh, it had been a long time since he had felt this kind of headache.
"Alright, three people then."
"Me, me, me! Four people!"
"No. If we do that, the return trip will be too dangerous. Don't forget, we still have Rakta with us."
"Ehhh?! That's not fair!"
Tiona's eyes widened in disappointment.
Rakta, meanwhile, shrank back, trying to make herself as small as possible—opting to be the ostrich in this situation.
With weapons nearing their limits, leaving behind all their supplies, and having a supporter to protect, if only Finn and Tione returned, the difficulty would increase significantly. Bringing Tiona along would at least make things safer.
"Uwaaah! You guys better not do anything funny while you're down there!!"
Before leaving, Tiona clung to Eiji, crying exaggeratedly.
Her words were… ambiguous.
But Eiji suspected she meant it both ways.
"Riveria, what do you think?"
Finn and Riveria stood in a corner, speaking in hushed voices.
"Ais has a bomb buried in her heart. Rather than letting it detonate somewhere we can't see, I'd rather it explode in front of me. That way, I can at least feel assured."
"I see… I figured as much."
Finn nodded with a knowing smile.
Riveria was always calm and rational. He knew she wouldn't make a rash decision.
"I'm entrusting their safety to you. Remember, don't let them engage the Floor Boss. If it has already respawned, retreat immediately."
Eiji was at least self-aware.
And he was good at running away. With his special magic, he could even escape from Level 5 and Level 6 enemies. His abilities couldn't be judged by level alone.
But Ais was unpredictable. That girl was too strong-willed and might break herself in the process.
"Don't worry, I understand."
Riveria promised calmly.
Finn and the others left behind all their potions and as much food and water as possible before heading back to the upper floors with their spoils.
Soon, only Eiji, Ais, and Riveria remained on the 37th floor.
"So, where do you plan to train?"
Riveria turned to the two, one eye closed as she looked at them.
"The Floor Boss's room."
Ais answered without hesitation.
Riveria: "..."
I knew it.
***
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