Felis continued exploring, stepping lightly over uneven roots, keeping his ears sharp for any signs of danger. Every few minutes, he took mental notes of useful landmarks—twisted trees with unique patterns, moss-covered stones, anything that could help him navigate. The last thing he wanted was to get lost in this wooden labyrinth.
An hour passed, then another. Felis moved with practiced ease, his boots barely making a sound against the damp earth. He scanned his surroundings, his mind quietly mapping the forest's twists and turns. The scent of moss and fresh leaves filled the air, grounding him in the moment. He didn't want to miss anything—a shadow in the distance, a rustle in the bushes could be important. His ears flicked at the slightest sound, every detail filed away for later. When he finally decided he'd gathered enough, he gave a sharp nod to himself, setting his course back to camp.
'Time to head back.'
Felis retraced his steps with ease, weaving through the undergrowth until the dense forest gradually gave way to the more open pathways of the 18th floor. The moment he stepped back into familiar terrain, the air felt lighter, the oppressive presence of the 19th floor fading behind him.
It didn't take long to reach their last camp.
Nestled near the hot springs, it was an ideal resting spot—relatively safe, with natural warmth keeping the area comfortable even as night approached. Narissa was already there, sitting on a flat rock with her arms wrapped around her knees, staring into the distance.
"You're back," she said, shifting slightly. "Took your time."
"Had to make sure I didn't miss anything," Felis replied, rolling his shoulders as he walked closer. "The 19th floor's no joke. It's a hunting ground built for ambushes. Easy to get lost if you're not careful."
Narissa's frown deepened, a shadow passing over her face. Her fingers tightened around her sleeves, as if trying to hold onto something more than just fabric. The memory of her party, lost on the 19th floor, still lingered in her mind—how the floor had become a deadly trap, how they had been overwhelmed by monsters that came from every corner. The feeling of helplessness, of being unable to save them, gnawed at her even now.
Felis leaned against a nearby tree, arms crossed, his gaze sweeping the area. "We can head back to the surface now if you want. Or, if you're too tired, we can rest here for the night and leave tomorrow morning."
Narissa's hands trembled, knuckles whitening as she clutched her sleeves. She felt a chill creeping over her despite the warmth of the hot springs, the weight of memories pressing down on her chest. She wanted to speak, to say something, but the words felt too heavy, like they might shatter the fragile silence. She glanced up at Felis, lips parting—why was it so hard to speak? Would he understand if she said nothing at all? She looked away, her fingers curling tighter around the fabric—grasping for something solid amid the weight of her thoughts.
"I thought I could face it. But..." She trailed off, her voice tinged with a sadness that seemed to weigh heavily in the air. "The 19th floor... it took everything from me. I need a little more time before going back."
Felis watched her for a long moment, his expression unreadable.
Her trembling fingers clutched the fabric of her sleeves like a lifeline, her breath shallow despite the warmth of the springs.
She wasn't just afraid of the floor—she was haunted by what it had stolen from her.
He nodded slowly, understanding more than he let on.
"Take the time you need," he said quietly. "Tomorrow, we'll head back. But for now, rest. I'll keep watch."
Narissa looked up, meeting his gaze for the first time in the conversation, a faint but grateful smile tugging at her lips.
"Thanks, Felis. I appreciate it."
Felis gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, his eyes turning back to the darkened forest. The silence stretched between them, filled with unspoken understanding.
---
Morning came faster than expected.
As Felis and Narissa stepped onto the 17th floor, the vast open cavern stretched before them, bathed in the soft glow of the Dungeon's crystals. The looming presence of the Middle Fortress stood ahead, its usual guardian—the Goliath—absent for now.
Despite the relative safety, Narissa remained tense. Her grip on Felis's sleeve tightened slightly, her wary gaze flicking across the open area. She knew this floor was a resting point for adventurers traveling between the Upper and Lower floors. It was only a matter of time before they ran into someone.
And sure enough, they did.
A group of adventurers emerged from the opposite end of the cavern, their presence unmistakable. Clad in red-and-black combat gear, their formation moved with a disciplined efficiency that set them apart from ordinary parties. Even without firsthand experience, Felis knew who they were—the strongest force in Orario.
Loki Familia.
Felis clicked his tongue. 'Of all the people we could run into.'
At the front of their group, a figure with sharp blue eyes and a commanding aura led the way—Finn Deimne, the Captain. Beside him, a tall elf with jade-colored hair moved with an air of calm authority—Riveria Ljos Alf, their Vice-Captain.
Flanking them was Ais Wallenstein, the golden-haired Kenki, her quiet presence as sharp as the wind around her. To her side, a pair of Amazon twins, Tiona and Tione Hiryute, walked with a relaxed confidence, their contrasting expressions—one playful, the other serious—adding to their presence. A little further behind, the towering dwarf Gareth Landrock strode with his heavy axe slung over his shoulder, while Bete Loga, the sharp-tongued werewolf, moved with an impatient energy, his keen eyes scanning their surroundings.
An expedition force. A strong one.
Felis had never encountered them in person until now, but their reputation preceded them. Not only were they the strongest Familia in Orario, but they were also known to be thorough, observant, and—most importantly—curious when something seemed off.
And right now, Narissa, still bearing the remnants of her struggle, looked very off.
Her wary eyes flickered between the approaching adventurers before she instinctively moved closer, shifting behind Felis as if seeking shelter from their attention. It wasn't just caution—it was distrust. She didn't want to deal with more adventurers, not now.
Felis didn't react, but he noticed. 'Still doesn't trust other adventurers, huh?'
Felis exhaled through his nose. 'Great. This just got more complicated.'
Riveria's sharp gaze landed on them almost immediately. The way her eyes briefly flickered over Narissa's torn clothing and tense posture didn't go unnoticed. Her expression remained composed, but there was a glimmer of curiosity—concern, even.
Their paths would naturally cross if they kept walking. Felis considered his options. Ignoring them wasn't realistic, but he also didn't want to invite unnecessary questions.
Before he could decide, Riveria subtly slowed her pace, exchanging a glance with Finn.
"Continue ahead," she instructed the rest of the expedition team. "We'll catch up."
Finn didn't question it. With a short nod, he signaled the others to proceed while he and Riveria veered toward Felis and Narissa.
Felis exhaled through his nose. 'Here we go.'
Riveria approached first, her tone even but laced with quiet scrutiny. "You're returning from the deeper floors?"
Felis met her gaze without hesitation. "Something happened on the 19th floor. I'm escorting her to the surface."
That alone was enough to give Riveria pause. The 19th floor was not one that adventurers simply escaped from without difficulty. Her eyes flicked to Narissa again, who was still partially hidden behind Felis.
Narissa avoided Riveria's gaze, fingers tightening on Felis's sleeve.
Riveria's sharp eyes narrowed slightly. That answer was too vague for her liking.
Beside her, Finn tilted his head, his strategist instincts flaring. "That's not a normal answer. What exactly happened?"
Riveria took a step forward, her gaze locking onto Narissa. "Were you attacked? Are there new threats on that floor?"
Felis kept his tone steady and controlled, giving just enough truth to satisfy them without revealing everything.
"She was separated from her party. I found her while exploring. That's all I can say."
Before they could push further, he added, "Maybe you can learn more on the 18th floor, but now is not the right time to question her."
Finn frowned slightly, clearly unsatisfied, but didn't press further. His instincts told him there was more to the story, but he also recognized when someone wasn't willing to talk.
Riveria exhaled softly, her jade eyes studying Narissa one last time. She wasn't fully convinced, but she wasn't about to force the issue here, in the middle of their expedition.
"…I see." Riveria's voice remained calm, but thoughtful. There were unspoken questions in her gaze, but she chose not to press—at least not now. Maybe on the 18th floor, where things weren't so time-sensitive, she could learn more. But this wasn't the right moment to interrogate someone clearly still shaken.
She gave Felis a small nod. "Understood. I won't delay you."
Finn, who had been observing quietly, gave a small chuckle. "You sure do find yourself in interesting situations."
Felis smirked faintly. "It keeps life from getting boring."
Riveria didn't comment further, stepping back to allow them to pass. But as Felis led Narissa away, he could still feel the weight of her gaze on them.
She was concerned. That much was clear.
But she had an expedition to lead.
And Felis had someone to escort home.
For now, that was enough.
---
---
Felis and Narissa moved swiftly through the dungeon's labyrinthine halls, retracing their path toward the surface. Though he wasn't going out of his way to fight every monster, there was no avoiding the natural dangers of the floors they passed through.
A deep growl rumbled ahead. Felis's golden eyes flicked toward the sound, pupils shrinking into slits. A pair of Minotaurs blocked their way forward, their hulking frames illuminated by the dim dungeon glow. The sound of scraping claws echoed behind them—Hellhounds, their eyes burning with malice, already prowling at their backs.
"Tsk. Too close."
One of the Minotaurs bellowed, muscles tensing before it charged forward. Felis exhaled, body lowering slightly, his tail curling in preparation. The instant the beast swung its massive arm down, Felis slipped past its reach, his tail flicking to shift his momentum mid-step. His dagger flashed, slicing deep into its side before he darted out of its range.
The second Minotaur reacted, bringing its fist crashing down toward him—but instead of dodging outright, Felis let it come. He waited until the last moment before stepping aside, letting the force of the strike crack the dungeon floor. The shockwave sent loose pebbles skittering, a perfect distraction.
Before the Minotaur could pull back, Felis planted his foot and drove his sword up, piercing straight through its exposed ribs. The beast let out a strangled roar before collapsing into black ash.
The remaining Minotaur hesitated for half a second too long.
That was all he needed.
With a sharp twist, Felis yanked his blade free and slashed outward, the momentum carrying him into a low spin. His golden eyes gleamed as he leaped, kicking off the Minotaur's knee to launch himself higher. Then—a single clean strike to the neck.
The Minotaur's roar died in its throat as its body flickered and crumbled.
But there was no time to relax.
A low growl. The Hellhounds had already begun their attack.
Felis barely had time to shift as a jet of fire roared past his shoulder, heat licking at his armor. His ears twitched—another breath behind him.
He moved before the next blast could reach him. His tail lashed once as he twisted, his blade cutting through the open jaw of the nearest Hellhound, silencing it before it could unleash another flame.
The remaining two hesitated, their bodies coiling low, calculating.
Felis exhaled, his pupils narrowing further. Then he moved.
A sharp feint—a step forward, then a sudden shift—made one Hellhound snap prematurely at empty air. Felis took advantage of the opening, driving his dagger through the back of its skull.
The last one lunged in desperation.
Felis dropped low, letting the flames scorch the air above him before thrusting his blade up, piercing clean through its chest.
With a dying growl, the Hellhound crumbled to ash.
Silence.
Only the soft sound of Narissa's breath remained, slightly uneven behind him. She hadn't needed to fight—but she had seen everything.
She swallowed hard.
Felis was strong. That much was obvious now. But watching him fight like this… it wasn't just strength. Every movement was instinctual, efficient, precise. He didn't waste effort, didn't hesitate. Even when surrounded, he never panicked. He never let his guard down.
She gritted her teeth, gripping her weapon tighter.
'Felis was strong. Strong enough that my presence didn't matter. Was I just a burden?'
Felis, unaware of her thoughts, simply flicked his tail once before reaching down—grabbing the scattered magic stones with it rather than bending down. Without a word, he pocketed them and started walking again.
Narissa hesitated for only a moment before following.
The journey back to the surface continued.
---
Descending from the 17th floor, Felis and Narissa stepped into the shadowed corridors of the 16th floor. The air was heavier here, thick with the scent of damp stone and the lingering presence of powerful monsters.
A low rumble vibrated through the ground.
Felis' ears twitched sharply, catching the heavy footfalls of a Minotaur before it even came into view. He stopped walking, his golden eyes narrowing into thin slits as he turned toward the source.
Then it emerged.
A towering Minotaur, easily over two meters tall, its powerful muscles flexing with each step. It exuded raw, unrestrained menace—but it wasn't alone.
A second Minotaur stepped forward from an adjacent passage, its crimson gaze locked onto them.
'Two of them?'
Felis didn't react outwardly, but his tail curled slightly—not in fear, but in calculation.
Fighting one was simple. But two at once?
He could handle it.
He had to.
Without a word, Felis moved.
The first Minotaur charged, its hooves striking sparks against the stone as it closed the distance in an instant. Its fist came down in a brutal swing—
Felis twisted.
The air split as the strike missed his body by mere centimeters.
Instead of backing away, he stepped in closer.
With a single, fluid motion, his blade sank deep into the beast's side, the impact jarring his wrist. The Minotaur bellowed in agony, staggering from the precise wound.
But Felis was already moving.
Before the second Minotaur could react, he pivoted off his back foot—his tail flicking sharply for balance—and dashed toward it.
It swung wildly, panicked.
Felis ducked. The air above him rippled as the massive fist narrowly missed his head.
His pupils thinned into razor-sharp slits.
Now.
With a swift upward strike, his dagger pierced through the Minotaur's exposed throat.
A wet, choking sound.
The beast staggered backward, clawing at its own wound before collapsing into black ash.
But he wasn't done yet.
The first Minotaur, though injured, wasn't out of the fight.
It let out a furious roar, its rage blinding it to caution. It lowered its horns—and charged.
Narissa's breath hitched.
But Felis was calm.
Instead of dodging outright, he waited.
One second.
Two.
Then—just before impact, he jumped.
A blur. A flicker of movement.
Felis landed on the Minotaur's back, using its own momentum against it. His tail lashed for stability as he drove his blade straight into the base of its skull.
The beast shuddered violently before collapsing mid-charge, its body already turning to ash.
Felis landed effortlessly, his ears flicking to listen for any lingering threats. When none came, he exhaled slowly, his tail curling into a relaxed state.
Narissa, still gripping her weapon, felt a chill run down her spine.
She had seen strong adventurers before. She had fought alongside them.
But Felis—
Felis wasn't just strong. He was precise. Efficient.
It wasn't brute force.
It was instinct.
Like a predator that had perfected the art of the hunt.
Her grip on her dagger tightened.
Did she even belong here anymore?
Felis, oblivious to her inner turmoil, bent slightly, his ears twitching as he checked for more enemies. Finding none, he flicked his tail once and started walking.
Narissa hesitated—just for a moment—before following.
The journey toward the surface continued.
---
The Ascent to the Surface
The 15th floor greeted them with the familiar presence of Hellhounds and Minotaurs, though this time, the fights were quicker—Felis moved with ruthless efficiency, dodging flames and countering brute strength with precise strikes. Narissa kept pace, though the sheer contrast in their skill weighed on her.
On the 14th and 13th floors, Dungeon Worms lunged from below, their massive maws snapping at their heels, but Felis anticipated them, striking the moment they emerged. The Hellhounds fell just as swiftly—their flames meaning nothing against speed they couldn't match.
The 12th floor felt eerily empty after the intensity of the deeper levels, but Silverbacks and Hard Armored still stood in their way. Felis dispatched them with ease, barely slowing his pace.
By the 11th and 10th floors, the pressure lightened, but Infant Dragons still proved persistent. One last burst of danger—their claws and flames trying to corner them—but by now, Felis was too used to the rhythm of battle. He danced between their attacks, his blade flashing, reducing them to ash and magic stones.
The 9th, 8th, and 7th floors blurred by. Lizardmen, Orcs, and Purple Moths loomed in their path, but compared to what they had faced before, they were nothing more than an afterthought. Felis hardly broke a sweat.
By the 6th floor, the sense of urgency had faded. War Shadows and Frog Shooters tried to delay them, but Felis was already thinking of the surface.
The 5th, 4th, and 3rd floors passed like a breeze. Fanged Rats, Dungeon Lizards, and Needle Rabbits leaped at them, only to be cut down effortlessly.
By the 2nd and 1st floors, the dungeon felt almost mundane. Goblins and Kobolds barely warranted a glance.
And then—
They stepped out into the open air.
The Dungeon's oppressive weight lifted, replaced by the cool breeze of Orario's streets.
Felis exhaled, ears twitching at the distant chatter of the city. His tail flicked once before settling into stillness.
They had made it back.
---
At last, the dungeon's entrance came into view. The oppressive air of the labyrinth gave way to the crisp, open breeze of the surface. Felis stepped out first, his golden eyes adjusting to the shifting light as the familiar sight of Orario greeted him.
Narissa followed a step behind. The moment her boots touched solid ground outside the dungeon, a shudder ran through her fingers. Her staff, still gripped tightly in her hands, felt heavier than before. Relief, exhaustion, and something deeper swirled inside her chest.
She glanced at Felis, who simply rolled his shoulders, exhaling as if shaking off the dungeon's weight. He looked… unfazed. As if none of what they had fought through had even made a dent in him.
Meanwhile, she could still feel the phantom strain of her magic, the echoes of every spell cast, every moment she hesitated.
'Do I really belong in the dungeon anymore?'
She exhaled slowly, fingers brushing over the smooth wood of her staff before she finally lowered it.
Without a word, the two of them stepped forward, leaving the dungeon behind.
---