Vol. 13 - Ch. 726 - Kairi's Trouble & Contunuation to 4th Intermediate Dungeon

"What!? You want me to be the carry in the advanced dungeon?! No way, I do not have that kind of strength!"

"In your current state, indeed it is. But, you will get to it once you get your level up and rank-up your job. It's really no different from the academy quest you're taking in."

"Woah, there! We're talking about advanced dungeons! I am going to die from the weight of all that responsibility and baggage!"

Kairi protested, shaking her head and hands vigorously. 

I understood her apprehension. You couldn't rely on the «Rescue Committee» when it comes to advanced dungeons, and that's why Kairi was chosen. The weight of that responsibility was clearly nothing to scoff of.

But, it's precisely for that—a safe dungeon exploration—I had recruited Kairi. It would be troubling if she couldn't do it. If she couldn't, we'd simply train her until she could.

"Don't worry, take it easy. I'll be with you at first. I'm not going to leave you to sink or swim from day one. Once our party finishes clearing the advanced-low dungeons, I'll join you on the carry runs."

"Oh, well, if you put it that way... But still, an advanced dungeon. Can I really do it? The thought of the party getting wiped out because of one of my exploration mistakes... It makes me so nervous."

"You don't need to fret about that. «Eden» isn't some fragile guild that would get wiped out by a single mistake. That's why we're constantly upgrading our equipment. You can rest assured, one or two slip-ups won't be the end of us."

"Even so..." 

Kairi still seemed to lack confidence.

It was understandable. Unless you've actually seen and experienced an advanced dungeon, it's hard to grasp. They're not unconquerable; just a bit more challenging. I figured once she experienced it firsthand, her confidence would grow.

I continued to reassure Kairi, doing my best to alleviate her anxieties, and she eventually, albeit reluctantly, agreed. It was time for Kairi to shine and make up for all the time she'd been sidelined!

After seeing Kairi off to her academy quests, I took a moment to reiterate the production guidelines and methods to our three productioners. Then, I quickly changed into my gear and headed to the «Int-high Gate» where my party members were waiting.

"Sorry, I had a few things left."

"You're so slow! Seriously, Zephyr, you always keep us waiting!"

"Lana-sama, Zephyr-dono is a busy person. It would be best to be more understanding."

"Welcome back. Are you alright? If there's anything I can help with, don't hesitate to say."

In between my persuasion to Kairi, and explaining the schedule to our three productioners, I seemed to have kept them waiting.

Lana was pouting as usual. I don't know why, but seeing her like that always brings a smile to my face. Ester gently chided her, while Sierra expressed concern for me. It was business as usual! Albeit, for some incomprehensible reason, Karua, Lana was hugging Karua from behind.

Karua looked at me with a bewildered expression. What on earth happened there?

Anyway, Sierra was worried, so I reassured her.

"It just took some time to give instructions, so it really wasn't much. But thanks for your concern."

"If you say you don't need help, then I suppose that's how it is."

"Well, some things I just have to say directly. Besides, Sierra, you're already taking care of so much behind the scenes for the guild. That's more than enough."

"I see."

Even now, I rely on Sierra quite a bit for guild operations. I told her she was already helping me plenty, but for some reason, Sierra still seemed to have an unsatisfied air about her.

"Look at that, that's the way a good wife behaves."

"Argh-gh. That's Sierra for you. It made for a good reference."

"Mmm, Lana, fight-o!"

"Alright, I'll give it a try."

While I was talking to Sierra, it appeared our other three members were whispering amongst themselves. Eventually, Lana stepped forward, looking like Ester had sent her off. Karua was gently placed with Ester, treated like a mere stuffed animal.

"Zephyr, you... you should rely on me more. I-I want to be more useful to you too."

"What's gotten into you so suddenly, Lana?"

My sudden question about her abrupt offer made Lana recoil with an "Ugh!" and take two steps back, whispering something to Ester.

"Why is his reaction so different from when he talks to Sierra? What's going on?"

"Perhaps there was an issue with your initial impression. I think it was important to be more understanding when greeting him."

They started whispering again. When Ester acts like this, she's usually trying to guide Lana in the right direction, so I left them to it. However, we couldn't afford to waste any more time here.

"We'll be heading into the dungeon as soon as everyone's ready. Is that alright?"

"Yes. No problem at all. Our preparations are perfect. Right, Lana-sama?"

"Of course! We're tackling the fourth intermediate-high dungeon today! My preparations are complete!"

"I'm ready to go anytime too."

"Mmm, ready."

"Alright then, we're challenging a Rank-5 dungeon, «Four Season Fairies» today!"

" " " "Let's do it!" " " "

And so, we plunged into our fourth dungeon, aiming to conquer it before the day was out.

"We're taking the teleportation gate to the 30th floor! We have plenty of time, so let's take down any field bosses we encounter!"

The 30th-floor field boss of the «Four Seasons Fairy Dungeon» was the «High Fairy», a master of healing magic. I wondered if we'd get another «Nature Adapting Pendant» to drop.

With that hope, we brought down the «High Fairy», but unfortunately, it only dropped a wooden treasure chest. In the end, Karua continued to wear the Pendant we had previously acquired, while we all drank «Hot Drink» to gain resistance against the winter cold and its debuffs.

After defeating the boss, we gathered a large amount of healing mushrooms and other useful materials and food around the 30th floor of the autumn area. With our inventory stocked, we finally ventured into the winter area, the 31st floor.