"Enough. We'll split into vanguard and rear groups. The rest, along with the healing team, we won't need supporters this time."
------------------------------------
Finn following the advice of Fron and Bete, surprisingly, issued an order not to take any supporters along for the exploration.
"This time, unlike exploring a dungeon, our opponents aren't just monsters, but also humans. So I can't predict what will happen. If something unexpected occurs and only we go in, the losses will be kept to a minimum. This is also for everyone's protection. You all understand that, right?"
Finn explained his true intentions to the members so they wouldn't misunderstand.
After all, if this matter wasn't handled properly, it could shake the unity of the Familia, something no one wanted to see.
"Riveria, you and your elf unit will stay here. If an emergency happens and you receive a distress signal, support us immediately." Riveria nodded, finding the arrangement reasonable.
After all, in this kind of encounter battle, especially in an unfamiliar environment, the elf-mage unit was not well-suited.
However, as a support team, they were perfect for the role.
"Also, while you're stationed here, remember to gather information about the surrounding area and any hidden passages. Don't forget that."
On the other side, Filvis, who had come along with Lefiya, remained silent. She stood right next to Lefiya, giving off a faint, tense aura.
"You… are going too, Lefiya?"
In her cool tone was a trace of concern. The black-haired elf's crimson eyes shimmered with complex emotions.
As if taking a deep breath, Lefiya clenched her small fists, her eyes reflecting the dazzling golden-haired figure she admired.
"I'm a Level 4. Since Lady Riveria isn't going, that means I have to go even more! Whether it's my magic or long-range support, my companions need me!"
"..." The crimson eyes stared straight at the girl, her aura sharp and unyielding.
"Although I don't like that wolf and that blond human, I agree with their judgment… This place feels strange. Maybe… there's something eerie here."
"Why do you say that?" Lefiya was a little puzzled.
"It's… just my intuition, I suppose." Their conversation was overheard word for word by Fron, who lowered his gaze, no one knew what he was thinking.
"Lefiya, you… should stay here with the elf unit. Assault and encounter battles aren't favorable for rear-guard mages like you. Without knowing the full situation, having to divert forces to protect the magicians isn't in the team's best interest."
Since Bete playing the bad guy wasn't enough, Fron had to personally step in.
"W-what! Are you… looking down on me?"
"..." The girl looked at Fron in disbelief, unable to imagine he would say something like that.
"Lefiya, don't be willful this time. Stay here and support us. And Filvis is right, I also have a bad feeling about this."
"..." Even the person she half-admired said so. Lefiya looked over at Riveria, Alicia, and the other elves on standby, then drooped her ears weakly, feeling dejected.
Although her pitiful expression made them waver for a moment, Fron still steeled his heart.
Especially in front of Filvis, he didn't want any more unexpected developments.
...
The team, led by first-class adventurers and supported by second-class adventurers, began their exploration.
At the very front stood Gareth and Tione, two human-shaped tanks. As they entered the passage, their heavy boots tread cautiously over the stone slabs.
Soon, Riveria and the others waiting outside lost sight of the group.
Tap, tap, tap.
The heavy clash of boots and equipment echoed off the stone floor. As the team advanced, they gradually began to notice some patterns.
"Hey, even though this is supposed to be the enemy's base, why does it… kinda feel like a dungeon?"
Fron glanced at Tiona, who had spoken.
Though simple-minded, she always had an uncanny intuition about these things.
Thinking for a moment, Fron explained:
"In the ancient architectural texts I've read, castles were built to defend against enemy attacks. Such constructions often incorporated designs that made invasion extremely difficult. The larger the castle, the more complex the structure, filled with countless traps meant to terrify invaders."
The passage was wide, it almost gave the illusion of walking through a lower-level dungeon.
Even with Gareth's massive build, five people could walk side by side comfortably.
However, though it resembled a dungeon, it was fundamentally different.
The floors, walls, and ceilings were smooth, finely carved, and neatly constructed, unlike the natural, varied terrain of a dungeon.
The cracks and weathering on the stone surface suggested it was crafted long ago by artisans, not formed by nature.
"Whoa! What the hell is that!?" Raul, who was near the front, suddenly shouted in shock.
The light from the portable magic stone lamps quickly illuminated the source of his fear.
It was a humanoid statue, a demonic figure standing on both sides of the passage, like something out of a fairy tale.
The tension that had spiked from Raul's shout eased as soon as they saw what it was. Anakitty rolled her cute eyes helplessly.
"Honestly, Raul. Can't you learn from Finn or Cruz? You're not a kid anymore. As an adventurer, where's your emotional control?"
"S-sorry, I just got a little jumpy."
Seeing Raul being scolded again, everyone chuckled softly.
Because of that little incident, the tense atmosphere relaxed a bit, and the group continued forward.
Before long, they came upon a sudden crossroads.
Two, four, six, eight, countless intersections sprawled before them, leaving the Loki Familia members momentarily disoriented.
But with firm resolve, they didn't hesitate or panic, they swiftly divided the routes.
As long as the team wasn't scattered, their combined strength could handle any enemy.
That was Finn's confidence.
Every time this happened, Finn would send scouts to check the paths. If one was a dead end, they'd simply take another.
As the number of branches increased, their pace slowed.
And compared to the entrance, the passageway had visibly changed, the number of artistic sculptures had grown.
Not only demons, but various monsters, even the walls now bore carvings resembling plants.
Just a glance was enough to make one think of those new species… and Violas.