Two days after exploring the 91st floor.
Today—the day *Silver Rabbit* finally challenges the 92nd floor.
As usual, I arrived at the strategy room around seven—someone already there.
"Morning, Orun. Always this early?"
Will greeted me the moment he noticed I'd entered.
—His tone stiffer than usual.
Face tense—no trace of his usual flashy vibe.
"Morning. Sleep okay?"
"Ah—kinda rough. Kept waking in shallow sleep. Not sleep-deprived though—no problem."
...Makes sense.
All four had extra stakes in today's dive.
Hard to find right words.
"...Will—got a minute?"
◇
I brought Will to the indoor training arena.
No permission—but schedule on wall showed free until ten. Good enough.
"Why bring me here?"
I pulled a wooden twinblade from storage—tossed it to him.
"Whoa—"
He caught it awkwardly.
I summoned a wooden longsword.
"Better than wasting time lounging—warm-up spar?"
"...Heh. Sounds good."
He smirked—took stance.
Wood clashed repeatedly—echoing through arena.
Over an hour passed.
Both breathing hard.
"Haa... haa... haa... Tough warm-up..."
"You went full force."
"Haha—only about forty percent."
"Breathing awfully heavy for forty."
"...Haa... Thanks. Cleared my head."
Will—breath steadied—thanked me.
"I just used you for warm-up. No need for thanks."
"Haha—sure. Let's call it that. Shower then back to strategy room. Others probably there by now."
His face softened slightly.
Wish I'd thought of better way.
What "versatile but mediocre"...
Too clumsy...
Showered in attached room—changed clothes (didn't spar in exploration gear)—headed back.
◇
Strategy room—other three already waiting.
"Morning, you two. Will's normal—but Orun cutting it close? Rare."
"Deepening male friendship."
All faces tense.
Even Lucre—usually mood-maker—low energy today.
Wanted to relax them—no good ideas.
"All right—today we head to the 92nd floor. Goal obvious: black dragon subjugation and 93rd floor reach. Today—we step on 93rd soil!"
"""YEAHHHH!!!"""
Selma-san softer than others.
Still—tenser than usual.
Hope once inside—they're back to normal.
◇
We left strategy room—headed for Great Labyrinth.
*Silver Rabbit* HQ grounds huge.
Main building (residences, Exploration Dept rooms)—plus several others.
From main building to exit gate—short walk.
At gate—crowd of clan members waiting.
"First Unit—do your best!"
"Kill that black dragon today!"
"You can reach 93rd now!"
Members cheered First Unit.
In Hero Party days—crowds cheered before dives.
Gave strength then too.
But now—something deeper welled up.
For newbie me—this much.
For other four—indescribable.
"Master! Kill the black dragon again!"
"Master! Cheering for you—good luck!"
"Orun-san! Come back safe!"
Tenth Squad rushed over—cheering.
I couldn't resist—patted all three heads.
"Thanks. Heading to 93rd first."
"Hehe—we'll catch up soon. Wait for us!"
"Yeah—I'll wait. You three can reach me."
"Ehehe~ Love Master patting my head~ Gonna get more tomorrow and day after—so come back okay? No disappearing like Albert-san!"
"Obviously. I'll return. Be good kids and wait?"
"Um... g-good luck..."
"Thanks. I'll give everything."
◇
"Rain-neechan—good luck!"
"Rain-san's strongest mage—no losing!"
"Protect everyone!"
"Mou... didn't expect this..."
Rain-san teared up.
First time seeing her cry in short time together.
She insisted on being everyone's big sis—forced cheer sometimes.
Maybe first time seeing real Rain-san.
"Ora! Wilcox! Don't make that lifeless face! You're clan's top defender! Defender can't look like that! Worries comrades!"
"Yeah yeah! Your usual flashy vibe suits you best! Not this unknown expression!"
"Lucre's here! Guaranteed safe return!"
"Lucre's fine! You're strong! Worked hard—no losing now!"
"Haha... damn powerful..."
Will's voice shook.
"Yeah—this isn't just our fight."
Lucre agreed.
"Leader—do your best!"
"Continent's top enchanter can't stagnate on 92nd! Overtake Hero Party—become undisputed number one! Today's first step!"
"You guys..."
Amid cheers—leader appeared before First Unit.
"This year—*Silver Rabbit* changed greatly. Executives—including me—renewed. Lost old momentum. Some said *Silver Rabbit* finished. But I believe this year mattered. Show the world *Silver Rabbit* still soars! Above all—for yourselves—give everything today. All members—including me—pray for your safe, smiling return."
Selma-san closed eyes—looked skyward at leader's words.
After moment—opened eyes—stared straight.
"We'll reach 93rd without fail. Everyone—go!"
With comrades' cheers at our backs—we stepped through gate.
By then, the four faces lost tension.
Allies' presence are truly great.