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Hello, here with a new chapter. The harem members survey is still active; only responses from Discord will be accepted.
I don't like spamming, but I'd like you to give my other fanfic a chance "El Autor en Orario: Porque la Lógica es Opcional". This one is in Spanish, so many might not like it, but I'd like you to give it a chance. Thanks.
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The air changed as soon as they crossed the threshold.
A faint murmur of life filled their ears: leaves rustling in a gentle breeze, the creaking of branches in the distance, and the faint singing of invisible birds that couldn't possibly be real. The 18th floor greeted them with a landscape that defied everything they'd expected of the Dungeon.
The stone walls were still there, high as ever… but some were covered in moss and vines that climbed as if reclaiming the space for nature. Tall trees, with twisted trunks and glistening leaves, grew from what must have been a cavernous floor, and a glass ceiling hung high above, perfectly mimicking sunlight.
If one didn't look closely, one could swear they were outdoors, in some ancient forest forgotten by the gods.
Bell stepped forward, amazed.
"It's… incredible."
Ouka crossed his arms, observing with the same mixture of respect and caution. "Yes. This is unique. And also dangerous if you let your guard down."
Mikoto walked beside Bell, looking toward the nearest clearing. "Monsters don't naturally spawn here, at least not like they do on other floors. That's why this place is considered a safe zone. But that doesn't mean we should get complacent."
"Rivira shouldn't be far," Asuka commented, pointing to a narrow path flanked by thick roots and purple bushes.
Bell nodded, but his attention remained fixed on the light. It wasn't as warm as the actual sun, but its glow gave the 18th floor an illusory peace. As if the Dungeon itself, just for this stretch, allowed itself to be a little kinder.
"Let's go," he said finally, with a slight smile.
The group then entered the overgrown path, entering this artificial paradise carved into a stone prison.
The walk wasn't long. As soon as they crossed a small natural bridge made of braided roots, the vegetation opened up to reveal the makeshift settlement that marked the heart of the 18th Floor: Rivira.
At first glance, it was... disappointing.
The tents were scattered haphazardly, covered in threadbare, patched-over fabric. The buildings, if they could be called that, looked ready to collapse if someone sneezed too hard. The only decent-looking structure was a cluster of stone buildings that seemed glued to the dungeon wall. The wall surrounding Rivira, supposedly its defense against any threat from the floor, was nothing more than a line of wooden planks nailed into soft earth. Some of them weren't even straight.
Bell blinked.
"...It's nothing like what I imagined."
Mikoto, right next to him, gave a small, dry laugh. "It's not easy to bring materials up here. Every beam, every plank, had to be brought down through the dungeon. And without a clear path, the cost and risk increase."
Ouka snorted and added in a resigned tone: "And that's why everything here costs ten times more. The food and the equipment. Everything is imported, and that's why everything is so expensive."
Bell frowned. "Still, I thought it would be a little more… sturdy. That wall wouldn't even withstand a goblin's kick."
"Then I guess we should take better care of our supplies," he finally said. "And… avoid getting into fights."
"Yes," Mikoto replied, glancing at him. "The merchants here are also adventurers, and when you negotiate with them, they're worse than monsters."
The group moved slowly through the streets of Rivira, their footsteps echoing over the uneven mix of packed earth, loose stone, and makeshift wood that formed the paths. Once inside, the chaotic exterior blurred, and in its place emerged something closer to a town, albeit a small and rough one.
There were no grand avenues or decorated plazas, but the streets were passable, and shops displayed signs listing prices, magical items, weapons, potions, and even small jewelry. A makeshift forge sparked in one corner, and the smell of burning iron filled the air.
"From the inside… it doesn't look so bad," Bell commented, a certain amount of wonder in his voice.
"It's functional," Mikoto replied, eyeing a shop selling dried meat wrapped in Dungeon leaves. "And that's enough here."
There was movement everywhere. Adventurers in dented armor, some covered in bandages, others carrying bloody loot, walked past them without paying any attention. Groups were loudly negotiating prices. Some were sitting against the walls, resting, while others seemed ready to return to the descent.
"Do you realize?" Ouka said, lowering his voice. "Everyone here… is an adventurer."
Bell noticed it too. There were no ordinary people, no children, no old people. Every face was weathered, every pair of eyes had the look of someone who had seen too much. There was no room for the weak here.
"This place exists only for those who earn the right to get there," Mikoto murmured. "For those who survive to this point."
It wasn't the kind of place I imagined when I heard the word "city," but there was something alive here.
"I guess we should find a place to rest," Mikoto said, turning to the group. "Maybe get something to eat"
"So where are we going to rest?" Bell asked, his eyes scanning Rivira's improvised cityscape. Despite the bustle, he didn't see any recognizable inns, much less anything resembling comfortable accommodations.
Ouka, with a satisfied smile, crossed his arms and nodded, chin back. "We've got it covered. We brought our own tents." He jerked his thumb toward Asuka, who was walking behind the group, carrying her backpack.
Asuka, though she didn't say anything, gave Bell a firm look as she nodded, as if to say, "Yeah, I carried all this."
"Even one for you," Ouka added proudly.
Bell blinked, surprised. "Really? Thank you very much. That was very thoughtful."
"Considered nothing," Ouka retorted with a theatrical snarl. "Do you know how much a night at Rivira costs? An arm and a leg. And if you blink, they'll charge you another arm and a leg."
Chigusa laughed softly behind her hand. Mikoto sighed, albeit with a faint smile. "That's true. Sometimes it's cheaper to sleep among monsters than to pay for a bed here."
"And don't even think about breaking anything by accident," Ouka said. "They'll make you pay for the repair, the emotional trauma of the seller, and probably even an 'air fee' for breathing nearby."
Bell laughed, more relaxed. "Then I guess camping outside Rivira doesn't sound so bad."
"Exactly." Ouka patted him on the shoulder. "Let's find a good area and set up camp. The good thing about being on the 18th floor is that at least you don't have to worry about monsters… most of the time."
Once the group finished setting up camp, they took a moment to admire their work. The tents were well-spaced out, in an area partially shaded by the vegetation on the 18th floor, and with relatively close access to one of Rivira's busiest routes. Asuka had set up her tent efficiently, and Mikoto and Chigusa were already sorting through their belongings.
Ouka stretched his arms with a satisfied yawn. "There. Base established."
"Now we can relax a little," Mikoto commented, dropping her bag next to her tent.
"Just remember where the camp is," Asuka warned, gesturing around. "This place starts to look the same after walking for a while."
Bell nodded and looked around, memorizing the nearby trees, the dirt road, and the tents set up. But just as he thought about how useful it would be to be able to remember the exact location… an invisible notification resonated in his mind.
[Divine Blessing of Guidance]: Mark a place and you will always know where it is.
Bell blinked. "...That's convenient," he muttered to himself, with a somewhat incredulous smile.
He closed his eyes for a moment and, concentrating, designated the camp as his "mark." A light tingling ran through his chest, like a breeze, and he instinctively knew he could find his way back no matter where he was.
"Very convenient," he repeated, this time in a quieter voice. With a calm smile, he turned, stretched out his arms, and walked away in the direction of downtown Rivira.
As he walked through the forest toward the heart of Rivira, Bell enjoyed the fresh air of the 18th floor. The vegetation completely surrounded him, with an artificial warmth filtering through the glass ceiling. If it weren't for the occasional stone wall, anyone might think they were above ground.
He was walking along a small, leaf-covered path when he noticed a figure moving nimbly through the trees a few meters ahead. It was a hooded figure, wearing a green cloak that blended into the surroundings. The silhouette moved with silent grace, not making a single sound as it jumped between roots and branches.
Bell frowned curiously.
He didn't look like a monster. Another adventurer? But what would he be doing alone in this wooded area?
Without thinking twice, he raised his voice.
"Excuse me, sir!"
As soon as the words left his mouth, he stopped dead in his tracks.
Why did I say that!?
Bell gritted his teeth. "Calling a mysterious hooded figure in the middle of the woods! How stupid do I have to be?!" he thought.
The figure stopped immediately. It turned its face slightly in his direction. For a second, Bell felt a surge of tension, ready to back away or draw his weapon. But the voice that came from under the hood was calm, familiar.
"Cranel-san."
Bell blinked. That voice…
The figure gently lowered the hood, revealing an elegant face with soft features, cool, serene eyes, and an expression only softened by a small smile.
"Ryuu…san?"
She nodded slightly.
Bell approached cautiously, still a little puzzled. "What are you doing in the dungeon? I didn't know you… well, that you were an adventurer."
Ryuu looked away for a moment. "I'm not anymore."
The answer left him silent for a moment.
"But you're here," he said, not quite sure how to interpret her words.
"There are times when one must return, even if one doesn't want to," she replied calmly, her tone devoid of emotion. "This is one of those times."
Bell looked down slightly, processing what she'd said. The atmosphere between them was momentarily suspended, with Rivira's distant murmur the only background noise.
"I see…" he murmured. "So… you're here for something important?"
Ryuu looked back at him, and this time her expression softened just a little more.
"Yes. But you don't have to worry about that."
Bell nodded, though he couldn't help feeling somewhat intrigued.
"And you? What are you doing here?"
Bell laughed nervously. "I was just exploring a bit… though I realize now that wandering off like that wasn't very smart."
"Maybe," Ryuu said.
Bell watched her as she seemed ready to move on. He couldn't help but feel a pang of curiosity and concern. He took a step forward, somewhat uncertainly.
"Can I accompany you?" he asked.
Ryuu stopped. She didn't respond immediately. She turned around slightly, and although her hood still covered part of her face, Bell could see her silently watching him.
Several seconds passed. Her gaze shifted to the floor, as if she were carefully considering something. Finally, she sighed, and her voice, calm but firm, broke the silence.
"…Okay. You can come with me."
Bell blinked, a little surprised at how easy it had been.
"Oh really?"
Ryuu nodded slightly, not looking at him this time.
"Not because I need company," she clarified. "But because… there's something important I want to talk to you about."
That immediately caught Bell's attention, and he sat up a little straighter, serious.
"I understand. Then I'll follow you."
Without another word, Ryuu started walking again, heading deeper into the trees. Bell followed her, the air between them filled with unspoken questions.
As they walked through the forest, the sound of their footsteps faded among the trees. The stillness of nature surrounded the two, but the atmosphere was strangely dense. Finally, it was Ryuu who broke the silence with a question that made Bell stop in his tracks.
"What are your intentions with Syr?" Ryuu asked, her voice calm, but laden with a seriousness that Bell couldn't ignore.
Bell stood still for a moment, his eyes wide. He hadn't expected that question at all.
"What the...?" he began, but couldn't find the right words. "What do you mean?"
Ryuu stared at him, a faint flicker of discomfort crossing her face, though she quickly concealed it. Bell's still confused look didn't go unnoticed.
"All the girls at the Hostess of Fertility noticed you were avoiding Syr a few weeks ago," Ryuu explained bluntly. "And then, all of a sudden, you came back to visit her. Are you playing with my friend's feelings?"
Bell felt as if the air had escaped his lungs for a moment. His face flushed slightly, but the discomfort grew quickly. How should he respond to something like that? He never would have expected Ryuu, of all people, to ask him something so direct.
The silence that followed made the weight of the question feel even greater. Bell looked down at the floor, trying to process what he had just heard.
"I'm... not playing with her," he finally replied, somewhat uncomfortable. "It's not that. It's just... I got confused, I didn't know how to handle the situation."
Ryuu watched him for a long moment, her expression impassive but attentive. "Confused, huh?" she repeated, as if evaluating his every word. "Syr is very important to all of us. If you're tangled up in something you don't understand, I suggest you clear things up with her before it gets any more difficult."
Bell nodded slowly, understanding the seriousness of her words, though discomfort still pricked his chest. The fact that Ryuu was asking him those questions made him feel like he was caught between a rock and a hard place.
Bell lowered his head slightly as they walked, his steps slower, as if the words weighed on his tongue. Finally, he spoke in a low, almost guilty voice.
"I had... some problems with Syr," he confessed. "So I stayed away for a while. And recently... I met up with her again."
Ryuu looked at him sideways, but didn't interrupt.
"I know she... has feelings for me," Bell continued, frowning slightly, "but... it's complicated. I don't know if I can return those feelings. And more than that... there's something that's bothering me."
Ryuu raised an eyebrow softly, continuing to watch him as they walked.
Bell took a deep breath. "What would you think if someone you trusted... broke that trust?"
For the first time since he'd approached her, Ryuu didn't respond immediately. She walked silently, her gaze fixed ahead, until the vegetation of the 18th floor seemed to momentarily drown out all sound.
"I don't know," she finally replied, with an almost disconcerting honesty. "I think it depends on why they did it. And what that person means to me."
There was another moment of silence, denser this time.
"But…" Ryuu added, her tone slightly softer, "it's not easy to forgive. Let alone forget. Even if you decide to do it… the wound remains for a while."
Bell looked up, hesitating.
Ryuu continued, her voice calm and unprejudiced. "So... from your point of view... Syr betrayed your trust in some way. And that's why you stayed away for a while..."
Bell nodded slowly, saying nothing.
"I can't judge Syr based on your testimony alone," Ryuu added sincerely. "It wouldn't be fair. She's my friend. But… I understand better what happened between you."
A more friendly silence settled between them. It was no longer tense, but thoughtful.
"Thank you for telling me," Ryuu said at last, gently.
Ryuu and Bell walked in silence for several more minutes. The sound of their footsteps on the grass of the 18th Floor mingled with the rustling of leaves stirred by a gentle breeze. As they walked deeper into the forest, the atmosphere became more serene... almost sacred.
Finally, the path opened into a clearing surrounded by tall trees. In the center, a mound of piled earth jutted out of the ground. It didn't look recent, but it showed signs of care. Several weapons were stuck in the ground. And in the middle of them, a weather-worn flag fluttered faintly, its fabric torn with age.
Ryuu stopped at the edge of the clearing. His eyes softened, and his expression turned solemn.
"We're here," she said in a low voice.
Bell looked at her… and then at the mound. Ryuu didn't need to say anything else. He understood immediately.
It was a tomb.
…for several people.
He felt his chest tighten with a weight he hadn't expected. He lowered his gaze respectfully, remaining silent.
Ryuu took a few steps forward, stopping in front of the mound. For a moment, he seemed speechless. He just stood there, staring, the wind stirring his cloak.
Bell stood a few steps behind Ryuu, watching the scene with his hands restlessly at his sides. He felt he should say something… but any words seemed out of place. The silence of the clearing was thick, heavy, and enveloped him with a solemnity he didn't dare break.
Not knowing what to do, he closed his eyes and thought of the only voice that might be able to give him a clue.
Should I say something? he asked mentally, projecting his thoughts towards the spear on his back, towards Artemis.
There was a pause… and then an answer.
"zzzzzzzz…"
Bell blinked. Really?
"Zzzzzzz…"
The young man sighed, lowering his head slightly. "Saying the letter 'z' repeatedly isn't the same as being asleep…" he told Artemis in his mind.
There was no response this time. Bell pursed his lips, suppressing the urge to make another sarcastic comment. He simply looked back up at Ryuu, who stood silently in front of the tomb, motionless as a statue in the light of the 18th Floor's false sun.
Ryuu remained silent for a long moment, staring at the mound of earth in front of her with a restrained expression. Her lips pressed together slightly… and finally, in a whisper that seemed intended more for the wind than for Bell, she said:
"They were my companions, my family."
Bell glanced at her, not daring to come any closer. His voice came out softly, almost hesitantly:
"Were they good people?"
Ryuu didn't hesitate. Her response was immediate, serene, and laden with a nostalgia as heavy as lead:
"The best I could have asked for."
Ryuu lowered her gaze for a moment, as if hesitant to say what she wanted to say next. Then he slowly turned to Bell, her tone calm but with a slight tinge of apology.
"Sorry about that. That must have been awkward for you…"
Bell shook his head gently, with a small smile that sought to convey reassurance.
"It doesn't matter. I'm glad you let me accompany you."
Ryuu nodded silently, and together they stood for a moment longer in front of the grave, letting the breeze from the 18th Floor gently move the flag planted on the mound. Then, without further words, they turned and started back toward Rivira, walking side by side.
The day wasn't over yet, but for now, that moment of calm was enough.