Orsted and his companions pressed forward, heading straight for the 25th floor aka the Water City.
Orsted had visited this area several tis, but always alone or with the Loki familia, alongside Ais and Riveria.
This was his first ti bringing his own Familia.
The Water City's monsters were mostly level 2, with so Level 3.
Deeper floors featured mostly level 4 monsters.
The dungeon's monster grading was consistent, with rare exceptions.
Special monsters, stronger than their floor's norm, guarded valuable materials.
For instance, a level 4 monster protected rare resources in the flower field on the 24th floor.
Others, like rmans, road between floors.
Combat began the mont Orsted's group reached the 25th floor.
Their large party attracted the dungeon's attention instantly.
Sirens, aqua serpents, crystal turtles, blue crabs, and other common Water City monsters sward them in droves.
Yet, these posed no threat.
Lili, Tifa, and Aerith led as vanguards, while Daphne, Eina, Leah, and others ford the center guard, protecting the flanks.
Ouka, Chigusa, and the other Takemikazuchi mber, new to adventuring with the Hestia Familia, had been given chances to sync up en route.
They joined Eina in the center, shielding the mage team.
Elenior led the mages, including Cassandra and Naaza, in long range attacks and spellcasting.
Senie, alone, handled the rear guard.
Having ranked up twice from level 2, Senie's strength now rivaled level 5, enhanced by her esper abilities.
Guarding the rear was well within her capabilities.
The group's coordination was seamless.
Multiple monster waves couldn't disrupt their formation, and they dispatched enemies with ease, treating them like ants.
"The Hestia familia's incredible," Chigusa said, her tone tinged with envy after helping Eina clear monsters from the flanks.
She and Ouka had only managed to defeat two monsters each before Eina and the others swiftly cleared the rest.
"Maybe we should've done what the Miach familia did: had Lord Takemikazuchi ask to join the Hestia familia's adventures."
"That tragedy might've been avoided," Ouka said, his voice low and somber.
He'd seen the Hestia Familia's strength along the way.
No matter how many monsters appeared, they were effortlessly dispatched. It felt like a leisurely trip, free of tension.
"Work hard and stick with us. That tragedy won't repeat," Eina said gently, overhearing them.
She'd heard about the Takemikazuchi familia's loss.
Despite being accustod to adventurers sacrifices, she felt sympathy.
She'd supported their inclusion in the expedition to prevent such losses, a sentint shared by the Hestia familia.
"Thank you, Miss Eina. We'll do our best," Chigusa said, her expression serious.
"Thank you, Miss Eina," Ouka added sincerely.
"Thank you, Eina-san," the other Takemikazuchi mber said quietly.
The Hestia familia mbers smiled warmly. As Takemikazuchi was Hestia's friend, they hoped his Familia could thrive.
The earlier tragedy had saddened them.
Seeing their kindness, Chigusa and the others felt ward and resolved to repay them.
Orsted and Ryuu didn't fight, observing from the sidelines.
For them, these battles were trivial.
Ryuu, not a Hestia familia mber, maintained the group's tacit balance.
They occasionally discussed the Astraea familia's rescue.
Ryuu believed this expedition held the key, as her future self had indicated, but Orsted lacked clues.
Ryuu urged him to review the situation repeatedly, hoping to uncover hints, her was anxiety palpable.
Orsted cared but remained calm.
The event had already occurred, so it would unfold correctly.
The trigger for Miracle likely lay within this expedition.
While fending off monsters, the group collected materials for Guild commissions, soon reaching the 27th floor.
"Lord Orsted, it's getting late. Let's head to the 28th floor to rest," Lili said, approaching with her massive backpack.
"Sounds good," Orsted agreed, nodding.
A sudden tremor from the nearby river interrupted them.
Sothing massive was erging, shaking the ground and drawing everyone's attention.
Lili's eyes glead. "Could it be Amphisbaena?!"
The others, still guessing, lit up with excitent at her words.
"They're treating Amphisbaena like a lamb to slaughter," Ryuu murmured, stunned by the Hestia familia's enthusiasm.
Amphisbaena, a level 5 Monster Rex, was near the top of its tier.
Their excitent was unreal.
"Bad timing for it to show up," Orsted said, raising an eyebrow with a teasing grin.
"Huh?" Ryuu blinked, confused.
"You'll see," Orsted said, smiling without elaborating.
---
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