Chapter 35: Descent (Short)
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This will be a 'transitional' chapter, summarizing the next few hours of the Expedition.
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The support members from the Dian-Cecht and Hephaistos Familia's gathered around the edge of the lake, swiftly scouring the shoreline and area around us for materials.
As they picked the place clean, I chatted with Kallasa and Ais as we stood guard, our eyes sweeping over the quiet forest.
When they had managed to gather everything in the surrounding area, Gareth had us all gather up before setting out for the next floor, where we would traverse the thicker forest for more herbs.
The purpose of our journey was to restock the Dian-Cecht Familia and the Guilds reserves, letting the two get a large quantity of healing herbs so that they could prepare for any problems that may arise in the future.
As for the Loki and Hephaistos Familia, they were here to guard and help the Dian-Cecht; there was an abundance of metals and ores that the smithing Familia could use, but their main purpose was to keep the Loki Familia's weapons as sharp as possible over the next day or two.
Gareth had told us that we weren't leaving until we stuffed every available pack, pouch, and bag we had available with materials, which meant we would need to camp inside the Dungeon.
While dangerous, it was something that many adventurers did; set up a watch and take short naps, eat, and drink before returning to exploring this deadly place.
Taking the tunnel that led down to Floor 20, we were greeted with another floor of lush forest and creeping vines, and I frowned as I saw large dragonfly monsters hovering around, their glimmering wings beating in the air swiftly.
Gun Libellula were giant insects that shot goops of poisonous liquid at anyone that threatened it, and the chitin on its body was rather hard, almost as strong as steel.
Seeing them scattered around the Floor, I sighed as we started trekking throughout the Dungeon, dealing with them as they flew near.
The archers and mages were the ones to take them down, peppering the monsters with piercing attacks and precise shots.
Besides the Gun Libellula's, we were swarmed a few times by small mushroom monsters known as Dark Fungus.
They looked exactly like mushrooms, just larger and on two legs.
Small slits on the caps sprayed out fumes, which had a variety of effects; paralysis, poison, heat...
Punting one away, I sighed in annoyance at this rather boring Floor, as nothing was challenging us besides those two monsters.
Along the way to the next Floor, we had gathered more herbs and a few chunks of ores, as well as a large Gun Libellula wing, which the Hephaistos Familia gleefully bought from the Loki Familia.
Floors 21 and 22 were uneventful as well, the amount of raw materials we gathered only growing as we delved further into the Dungeon, but few monsters challenged us during these hours, which worried me.
We hadn't overkilled an area, nor had we damaged the Floors themselves...
Floor 23 was even more verdant than the other floors, with giant shrubs and bushes blocking the paths forwards; our job as the Vanguard turned from protecting the Expedition to clearing a path, which Ais and I reluctantly did.
Using my spear to slice through the thick underbrush, we eventually reached a clearing that housed something large.
Monsters usually stay on their own Floor; it's hardwired into their minds to do so, but occasionally they go a Floor higher or lower than their own.
Standing in the clearing and shaking its large, antlered head was a Sword Stag, its silvery coat shimmering in the dull glow given off by jutting spire of emerald green crystal in the center.
Strewn beneath the Sword stag were three motionless corpses, their armor shredded and weapons shattered.
One was even missing their head, a giant hoof print sunken into the earthen floor.
Seeing that, we all froze, and Gareth cursed slightly.
"Narvi, you and I need to tank it, to let the Vanguard whittle it down. Lefiya, guide the mages with support spells only. No offensive magics."
His orders were concise, and we all nodded; the short redhead stepped forwards, the giant shield in her hands steady even as her eyes held fear.
Readying our weapons, we prepared to charge forwards, dealing with the first of many tough battles we would face during our descent into the Dungeon.
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Wanted to get something out, but can't write too much as of current, so half chapter.
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