Fate's Blades in Orario (DANMACHI x SENJI MURAMASA)

Chapter 8: Exploration

"These are the middle floors. If you're not determined to keep fighting, you might as well become monster fodder" Muramasa explained, facing a swarm of approaching Hellhounds. As a horde of Almiraj drew closer to their position, Bell remarked, "Looks like we're surrounded" his grip on his knife tightening.

"Leave the Hellhounds to me. You two conserve your energy and magic for the weaker creatures" Muramasa instructed, positioning himself behind the group before confronting the advancing Hellhounds. Following Muramasa's advice, Bell and Lili readied themselves to engage the smaller rabbit-like monsters.

After nearly an hour of continuous fighting, they had delved deeper into the current floor, facing relentless monster encounters. Bell and Lili were showing signs of weariness, though Muramasa remained as steadfast as ever. The majority of the fighting fell to Muramasa, and Lili's bag gradually filled with more monster cores. However, this stopped after Muramasa advised Lili to forgo collecting the smaller monster cores, instead preserving space for larger monsters they might encounter. This strategy not only conserved Lili's energy but also ensured they could gather more valuable resources.

The ceiling finally buckled under the weight of multiple hordes of Almiraj, causing a section to collapse. Muramasa deftly maneuvered out of harm's way, but Bell and Lili narrowly avoided larger debris, although they were grazed by smaller rocks. Muramasa lent them a hand, helping them up, while behind them, the Hellhounds closed in alongside the horde.

"So these are the middle floors" Bell eyes widen, observing their dangerous surroundings just as a blast of fire came hurtling toward them.

As they continue to continue onward, descending further into the floor they were on and continuing to battle monsters. Attempting to backtrack, they found themselves in a precarious situation... Lili accidentally fell through a hole. Bell instinctively leaped after her, and Muramasa, unwilling to leave them behind, followed suit. This unintentional plunge brought them down two floors below.

"We barely escaped with our lives back there. Thanks, Muramasa" Bell expressed his gratitude, patting Muramasa's back. Bell took the lead at the front of the group, with Lili at the back. Curiosity getting the best of him, Bell queried, "Is this what the middle floors are always like for you?" Muramasa nodded. "Yes. However, the last time I thoroughly explored the Dungeon was a solo expedition to the 30th Floor. I camped there to gather materials I needed for crafting a blade and to fulfill a request from Goddess Hephaestus" Muramasa recounted, surprising the group. Bell's eyes widened in shock. "Alone?! To the 30th Floor?!" he exclaimed. "You're only Level 4. Why venture there alone? Didn't Loki Familia undertake an expedition shortly after? That's what I heard from passing adventurers" Lili chimed in, finally speaking up.

"I don't favor large groups when delving into the dungeon. While it might seem worthwhile, it doesn't necessarily enhance your overall skills. The difficulty in leveling up for adventurers nowadays stems from their reluctance to face life-threatening situations, opting for comfort within new Familia's after leveling. Leveling up is beneficial, but if you don't hone your abilities beforehand, you'll never become as sharp and durable as those who sharpen their skills before they cut through" Muramasa articulated his perspective on leveling up. Instead of relying solely on leveling to gain power, he emphasized the importance of refining one's skill set to truly improve.

Bell took a moment to digest Muramasa's words. Lili simplified the concept for Bell, who then nodded in agreement. The idea had a certain degree of logic to it.

"In any case, since we can't ascend due to the cave-in, our best option is to go down to Floor 18" Muramasa suggested, prompting a confused look from Bell. "But that doesn't make sense... Why would we go further down?" Bell queried. Muramasa lightly pinched Bell's cheek. "Any dungeon-goer should understand that there are floors in the Dungeon where you're relatively safe from dangerous monsters" he reprimanded Bell.