On the other hand, after parting with Finn and the others, Orsted rushed to the deeper floors as quickly as possible.
Finn's group had just separated from Ais and Riveria, so the two likely hadn't yet encountered Udaeus.
If Orsted hurried, he might catch Ais battling Udaeus alone.
Driven by this goal, Orsted reached the thirty-seventh floor—the chamber of Monster Rex Udaeus—in just an hour.
Following Eina's map, Orsted navigated the thirty-seventh floor, searching for signs of Ais and Riveria. Soon, he found them.
"Orsted?" Riveria said, surprised to see him appear.
"Hey, long ti no see," Orsted replied, waving with a smile.
"You're already tackling the deep floors," Riveria said, quickly regaining her composure and offering a warm nod.
Ais remained silent, giving only a slight nod. Her gaze lingered on Orsted, a flicker of lancholy in her eyes.
"I ran into Finn and the others on the way. They ntioned you were here, so I ca," Orsted explained.
"Then let's adventure together," Riveria invited with a slight nod.
"Sure."
The three ford a party. Aside from her initial nod, Ais stayed quiet, springing into action the mont a monster appeared.
With a few swift strikes, she felled a Level 4 monster, before Orsted could act. He didn't comnt.
Orsted understood Ais was grappling with inner turmoil, her heart heavy with complexity.
As a friend who'd fought beside her, he saw no reason to interfere. Only by defeating Udaeus alone, letting her pent-up emotions dissipate, and receiving Riveria's comfort might Ais return to her usual self.
So, Orsted refrained from fighting, instead chatting with Riveria while keeping an eye on Ais's safety.
"I'm sorry, Orsted," Riveria said, aware Ais's behavior was excessive, grateful Orsted didn't intervene.
"No need to apologize. I know Ais is struggling," Orsted said gently, shaking his head. "Are you planning to comfort her?"
"For now, Ais's issues can't be resolved," Riveria sighed. "We can only wait."
She'd long noticed the weight of depression in Ais. Until it lifted, no amount of persuasion would help. She'd known about Ais's fixation on Aria for a week but hadn't acted, waiting for the right mont. Ais's request to stay in the dungeon, with Riveria accompanying her, was to seize that chance. Yet, Ais remained unchanged.
Orsted didn't press the topic further. With little else to discuss, he and Riveria began exchanging magical knowledge.
During their talk, Riveria realized Orsted's understanding of magic far surpassed hers. Many terms he used were familiar yet elusive—she grasped their surface aning but not their depth. After her initial shock, she accepted this as expected. Only those who've mastered Mystery and Mage to the extre can craft Grimoires, and Orsted's prowess in both was likely unparalleled.
"Thank you for your guidance," Riveria said, offering a bag of magic stones. "This is my gratitude."
Orsted blinked, caught off guard. He hadn't expected paynt. Their exchange felt like a mutual discussion, not a lesson. But he realized his expertise in magic far outstripped Riveria's—what seed like a conversation was, to her, a masterclass.
Understanding this, Orsted accepted the bag without hesitation. "You're welco."
"Orsted, may I seek your guidance on magical knowledge again?" Riveria asked, her eyes brightening. "I can pay as I did today."
Stronger Mage developnt amplified magic power and efficiency. Her brief exchange with Orsted had already yielded imnse insight.
She couldn't pass up such a chance to grow. Riveria, ever humble, had once studied under Altena's revered Grimoire-crafting mage to learn their craft. Orsted's youth didn't deter her from seeking his wisdom.
"If I have ti, sure," Orsted replied, slightly surprised but agreeable. Paid consultations were a fair deal.
"It's a deal," Riveria said eagerly, her tone firm to seal the agreent, as if fearing Orsted might reconsider.
Her expression—rarely so animated for the composed Nine Hell, Loki Familia's deputy captain and Orario's strongest mage—drew a slight smile from Orsted.
Ais, silent throughout, listened without interjecting.
A sudden roar echoed through the passage, and a massive black figure rose from the ground.
"Monster Rex Udaeus!" Riveria exclaid, startled, instinctively shifting into a combat stance.
"Riveria, Orsted, let handle it!" Ais, silent until now, finally spoke.
Drawing her Desperate, she charged at Udaeus.
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