The Record of Hyoren Enjo’s Journey in Another World

 Chapter 162

The Start of Another Pioneering

Date : Day 10 of Lunaeve 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.

Hyoren slowly stirred awake.

It wasn’t because his body had finished resting. Nor was it because dawn had arrived.

Outside the window, Silver Luna had yet to rise above the horizon. The room remained dim beneath the fading light of the three moons. Judging from the darkness outside, there was still about an hour before daybreak.

So why...

Hyoren frowned slightly.

Then he realized. Both of his arms had gone completely numb. He slowly lowered his gaze.

On his left, the silver-haired elf was peacefully sleeping while using his left arm as a pillow. 

Elise’s breathing rose and fell in a slow, steady rhythm. Long silver hair spilled across the pillow and blanket.

On his right, the petite cat-clan beastkin was no different.

Ina had curled up against him, happily monopolizing his right arm. One of her soft cat ears twitched every now and then, lightly tickling his forearm.

Hyoren blinked.

Then realization slowly dawned on him.

Right… Last night, I asked both of them to accompany me.

The corners of his lips lifted into a helpless smile.

And they decided to use the Discourse Sphere...

He couldn’t help chuckling inwardly.

Those two really became... wild.

He carefully shifted his shoulders.

Immediately—pins and needles shot through both arms.

He winced.

Both of them had fallen asleep while clinging tightly to him. And now his arms were paying the price.

Hyoren glanced at the two peaceful sleeping faces beside him. Neither of them showed any sign of waking up.

He smiled softly.

There was still plenty of time before sunrise. He had no intention of disturbing their sleep.

Guess I’ll endure it…

He gritted his teeth dramatically.

This is the price of having two lovers, huh...

Unable to move, Hyoren simply stared at the wooden ceiling.

His thoughts naturally drifted toward the past several days. Their planned 3-day rest had ultimately become 5 days. 

Not because they wanted to laze around longer.

But because Borin needed additional time to adjust Hyoren’s new armor and repair his shield.

The first day had unexpectedly become one of the most memorable days since arriving in Kresneger.

He and Ina had gone on their first proper date.

The memory of the observation tower quietly resurfaced in his mind. The breathtaking scenery. The cool winter wind.

Then—Ina’s confession.

The tears she had hidden behind her usual teasing smile. For the first time, Hyoren truly understood what had driven her in the past.

Remembering that conversation made Hyoren’s expression soften.

I’m glad… She decided to tell me… Now I understand her much better.

After that—the rest of the week had been wonderfully peaceful.

Sometimes he simply stayed inside the manor. Writing journals. Organizing his thoughts. Recording everything they had discovered inside the dungeon before the memories faded.

Then on the third day, he visited Dandi’s bookstore. The wolf-clan beastkin bookseller welcomed him as warmly as always. The two spent hours chatting over tea while discussing books, history, and the changing atmosphere in Akela after the dungeon’s appearance.

It was surprisingly relaxing.

Also, whenever Jackey wasn’t busy visiting brothels—Hyoren, Elise, and Jackey trained together. Shield drills. Sparring. Coordination exercises.

Then...

His thoughts reached the final day of their break. He slowly closed his eyes.

Ah… yesterday….

Ina and Elise had both insisted he accompany them into the Merchants’ District. To buy clothes. More specifically—new lingerie.

Hyoren felt heat creeping toward his cheeks even now.

He still couldn’t believe the chaos that had unfolded inside the store. Those two women had teased him relentlessly from beginning to end.

The shopkeeper had looked far too accustomed to handling embarrassed husbands and boyfriends.

Hyoren quietly sighed.

I still don’t know how I survived that...

Then he glanced toward the two sleeping women beside him. Those two had definitely planned everything together.

He smiled helplessly.

These two really are a dangerous combination…

***

Dawn finally broke.

The first silver rays of Luna slipped through the gap between the curtains, gently illuminating the bedroom. The soft light gradually chased away the darkness, painting the room in a calm silver hue.

Hyoren looked at the two women sleeping peacefully beside him.

His arms were still trapped. He tried moving them once. Nothing. Both of them were still firmly using his arms as pillows.

He smiled helplessly before calling them.

“Hey... Elise... Ina...”

He raised his voice just a little.

“It’s morning...”

For a brief moment, neither of them responded.

Then—Elise was the first to stir.

Her long eyelashes fluttered before her emerald eyes slowly opened. She rubbed one eye sleepily with the back of her hand.

“Mmm...”

She blinked several times.

“Morning already?”

She slowly sat up on the bed before stretching both arms high above her head. A series of soft pops came from her shoulders and back.

Only after finishing her stretch did she look toward Hyoren.

A gentle smile appeared on her face.

“Morning, Hyoren.”

Beside him, Ina also began waking up.

“Munyaaa...”

She let out her usual sleepy sound before lazily rubbing both eyes.

Her cat ears slowly perked upright, while her fluffy tail immediately resumed its gentle swishing behind her.

“So sleepy...”

She covered her mouth as she yawned.

Then her amber eyes met Hyoren’s.

“Yawn… Morning... Hyoren...”

Hyoren smiled warmly at the two of them.

“Good morning, Elise. Good morning, Ina.”

He tried lifting both arms again. They barely moved.

He chuckled helplessly.

“My arms are still numb… So I don’t think I can move just yet.”

Elise covered her mouth as she giggled.

“Sorry...”

She smiled apologetically.

“I didn’t mean to use your arm all night.”

Ina, on the other hand, simply wore a mischievous smile.

“But your arms make the best pillows, Hyoren.”

She happily hugged his arm one last time before finally letting it go.

Then she glanced toward Elise.

“Right, Elise?”

Elise nodded without hesitation.

Her silver hair swayed gently with the motion.

“Right… Fufu.”

Hyoren simply laughed.

“So that’s why I couldn’t feel either arm...”

The three of them shared a quiet laugh.

Eventually, Elise looked toward the brightening window.

She slid off the bed and landed lightly on the wooden floor.

“I guess we should start getting ready.”

She turned back toward Hyoren.

“We’re going back into the dungeon today, right?”

Hyoren nodded.

“Yeah. After breakfast.”

Elise quietly gathered her new nightgown from beside the bed.

It was simple in design, yet elegantly tailored to fit her slender figure. Like nearly everything she owned, the colors reflected her preference—soft shades of green accented with earthy brown, giving the garment a natural elegance that suited the silver-haired elf perfectly.

Ina nodded as well.

She picked up her own nightclothes before slipping them on.

The black lace contrasted sharply with her petite frame, though she wore it with such casual confidence that it seemed completely natural for her.

Once they had finished dressing, the two women walked back toward Hyoren.

Without saying anything, Elise leaned down first and gently kissed one of his cheeks.

A moment later, Ina kissed the other.

Both smiled.

“Okay, Hyoren.”

Elise tucked a loose strand of silver hair behind her pointed ear.

“We’ll prepare first.”

She smiled softly.

“See you in the dining room. Fufu.”

Ina happily waved at him.

“See you later!”

The two of them quietly left the bedroom together. The door closed softly behind them.

Silence returned to the room.

Hyoren remained lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling. He cautiously tried moving both arms again. Pins and needles immediately rushed through them.

“Ouch...”

He laughed quietly to himself.

“I really couldn’t feel them anymore.”

A helpless smile remained on his face as he waited for the numbness to slowly fade before finally getting out of bed.

***

When Hyoren arrived at the dining room, breakfast had already been served.

The aroma of freshly baked bread, fried eggs, and roasted meat filled the room. The meal itself was simple, but satisfying.

The conversation remained quieter than usual. It wasn’t because anyone was tired anymore. Rather, everyone was eager.

Today—Freedom Party would finally resume their dungeon dive.

After breakfast, the three adventurers went to prepare. And not long afterward, they emerged from the manor one by one onto the front porch.

Each of them now wore their newly upgraded equipment.

Hyoren came out first.

His newly acquired Mithril-Alloy Chainmail had already been properly secured. Borin had carefully taught him how each buckle and leather strap should be fastened to prevent the armor from shifting during battle.

The light gray metal gleamed under Luna’s silver morning rays.

The chainmail fit comfortably against his body. The pauldrons rested perfectly on his shoulders. The breastplate was firmly secured over his chest, while the greaves and smaller protective plates covered the vital areas without restricting his movement.

It wasn’t as heavily armored as a full plate set. But compared to his old Ramtauro Leather Armor, the difference was obvious.

This armor offered exactly what he wanted.

Far better protection—without sacrificing too much mobility.

Hyoren flexed his shoulders once before nodding in satisfaction.

“It fits perfectly. Good…”

A moment later, Elise stepped out of the manor.

Unlike Hyoren, she didn’t have much new equipment.

She still wore her familiar Aerostag Leather Armor.

The green armor hugged her slender figure comfortably, while the lighter yellow accents highlighted its elegant design.

At first glance, she looked almost unchanged. But only at first glance—around her neck rested a new accessory.

Sylvana’s Lavalier.

The delicate golden chain rested gracefully against her collarbone, while the emerald gemstone shimmered beneath the morning light. Its color perfectly matched her emerald eyes.

Hyoren couldn’t help smiling.

As always… Elise looked beautiful.

Elise noticed his gaze and smiled back.

“What?”

She lightly touched the pendant.

“Does it look strange?”

Hyoren shook his head.

“No. It suits you perfectly.”

A faint blush appeared on Elise’s cheeks.

“Thanks...”

She smiled softly.

Before the conversation continued—the front door suddenly burst open.

“WOHOO!”

Jackey practically jumped out onto the porch.

He proudly spread both arms wide.

“New armor!”

Hyoren couldn’t help laughing.

Jackey’s new equipment was certainly eye-catching.

Instead of usual leather armor, Jena had created something completely suited to his fighting style.

The armor fit tightly against his body, almost like a second layer of skin.

Its primary color was bright crimson, contrasted by clean white accents running along the sides.

Around his waist rested a sturdy white belt, designed to securely hold his dual axes, satchel, and storage bag without interfering with his movements.

Hyoren chuckled.

“That armor actually suits you, Jackey.”

Jackey grinned proudly.

“I know!”

Elise nodded in agreement.

“Yeah.”

She crossed her arms.

“Jena truly is amazing. When Jackey told her he wanted armor that wouldn’t hinder his movement...”

She smiled.

“She came up with this.”

Elise looked over the armor carefully.

“It may look thin… but it’s made from Illusion Viper hide.”

She lightly tapped one finger against her arm.

“The material is flexible, lightweight, and surprisingly durable…. Jena even inscribed a Blade Resistance rune onto it. So despite looking light… It should provide more than enough protection.”

Jackey immediately raised both fists into the air.

His tabby tail spiraled excitedly behind him.

“Jena is the best!”

He laughed loudly.

“I consider her my Big Sis now too! WOHOO!”

Just then, Ina stepped out of the manor.

She looked over the three of them before smiling warmly.

“Good grief… Jackey never changes...”

Everyone laughed together.

The cheerful atmosphere eased the last traces of nervousness before returning to the dungeon.

Hyoren finally turned toward the two fox-clan beastkin caretakers.

Lena and Vina stood politely near the entrance.

“Okay, Lena. Vina.”

He smiled appreciatively.

“We’re leaving the manor in your hands again.”

He paused.

“As before, we’re planning for a 6-day dive. It might be shorter. Or a little longer. But I hope it won’t exceed 9 days.”

Lena nodded calmly.

“Leave it to us.”

Vina also smiled brightly.

“We’ll take good care of everything while you’re gone.”

Hyoren nodded gratefully.

“Thank you.”

He then looked toward his party.

“Let’s go.”

Freedom Party departed together. Ina accompanied them for a while.

They walked through Wyvern Street, where the entertainment district was already bustling despite the early hour. Soon, they reached the main street of the Adventurer’s District.

Before long, the familiar Adventurer’s Guild Headquarters came into view.

There, Ina finally stopped. She turned toward the three of them and smiled.

Her cat tail swished lazily behind her.

“Good luck, everyone.”

Hyoren smiled.

“We’ll be back.”

Elise nodded gently.

“Take care too, Ina.”

Jackey raised both thumbs.

“See you later, Big Sis!”

Ina giggled before giving one final wave.

Then the petite cat-clan beastkin turned around and pushed open the heavy Ironwood door.

It closed behind her with a deep, solid thud.

The Vice Guild Master had her own duties waiting.

Meanwhile—the Freedom Party continued walking toward Akela Dungeon once again.

***

At the north gate, the three of them presented their guild cards to the two gatekeepers.

The guards accepted the cards and briefly inspected them.

One of them nodded before handing the cards back.

“Everything is in order. Safe travels.”

Hyoren accepted his guild card with a nod.

“Thank you.”

Freedom Party stepped outside Akela City’s walls. Immediately, a biting gust of winter air greeted them.

The cold was noticeably harsher than inside the city. There was still no snow covering the ground, but the chill carried the unmistakable promise that winter was approaching its peak.

Jackey immediately shivered.

“Brrr...”

He rubbed both arms vigorously.

“Inside the city it wasn’t this cold... but outside... brrr...”

Hyoren nodded in agreement.

“Yeah.”

He exhaled, watching a faint white mist escape his lips.

“We really need to wear our cloaks.”

Elise nodded.

“Agreed.”

Without another word, the three of them reached into their storage bags. Each of them produced a temperature-controlled cloak before draping it over their shoulders.

A gentle warmth slowly spread throughout their bodies.

Jackey immediately closed his eyes in satisfaction.

“Ahhhh… This is much better...”

Hyoren chuckled.

“The weather is definitely getting colder.”

He glanced toward Elise.

“But when do you think the snow will start falling, Elise?”

Elise tapped her chin thoughtfully.

“Probably in a few weeks.”

She smiled.

“Once month of Frostfall arrived.”

Hyoren nodded.

“I see.”

He looked ahead toward the distant road.

“Okay then. Let’s go.”

The three resumed their journey toward Dungeon Town.

Not long after leaving Akela behind, Hyoren noticed something different—the road had changed. The muddy wagon ruts and uneven ground that had slowed their previous journey were gone. In their place stretched a broad, compacted dirt road. Smooth. Firm. It almost resembled the King’s Highway.

Hyoren slowed his pace for a moment before lightly pressing his boot against the surface.

The ground barely gave way.

He smiled.

“They really worked fast.”

He looked around.

“Even the road has been improved.”

Elise also examined the newly built road before nodding.

“They probably brought in Earth Magic engineers.”

She smiled.

“After many reports proved how profitable the dungeon is… It makes sense they’d prioritize the infrastructure.”

Jackey immediately jumped into the air.

“Yes!”

He proudly puffed out his chest.

“Thanks to the Freedom Party! WOHOO!”

Hyoren and Elise couldn’t help laughing.

The improved road made a remarkable difference. A journey that had previously taken nearly 2 hours was now completed in a little over 1 hour.

The traffic along the road had also changed dramatically. Merchant wagons rumbled back and forth carrying supplies. Groups of adventurers marched toward the dungeon while others returned carrying sacks filled with magic stones and monster materials.

The once quiet road had become one of the busiest routes near Akela.

Soon, they climbed the final slope.

The wide basin that had once been known simply as the Old Quarry came into view—the new Dungeon Town.

Even from a distance, the changes were obvious. Several permanent buildings were already nearing completion. Carpenters hammered away atop wooden scaffolding while workers hurried between construction sites carrying timber and stone.

Around the settlement, the large wooden palisade was nearly finished.

It wasn’t complete yet, but it already provided a clear defensive perimeter around the growing town.

Hyoren quietly looked around.

“The town is growing fast...”

Elise nodded.

“It’ll probably become a permanent settlement before long. Fufu.”

The three approached the newly built wooden gate.

The gate itself was still unfinished, but it was already large enough for wagons to pass through comfortably.

After entering, the bustling atmosphere immediately surrounded them. Street vendors loudly promoted hot meals and supplies to passing adventurers. Merchants negotiated prices with customers.

The smell of grilled meat, fresh bread, and hot coffee drifted through the chilly air.

People walked everywhere.

Compared to just a week ago—Dungeon Town had become much livelier.

The Freedom Party skillfully weaved through the crowd before finally arriving at the large Adventurer’s Guild tent.

Without slowing their steps, the three of them entered.

***

Sherly was the only clerk inside the Adventurer’s Guild tent.

The blonde-haired, bespectacled clerk was busy sorting through several stacks of documents when the familiar trio entered.

She looked up. The moment she recognized them, her eyes lit up.

“Oh!”

A relieved smile appeared on her face.

“Freedom Party!”

She put down her pen.

“I thought you all forgot about the dungeon.”

She smiled wryly.

“It’s been almost a week!”

Hyoren approached the counter with an apologetic smile.

“Many things happened, Sherly.”

He scratched his cheek.

“But we’re ready to tackle the dungeon again.”

Jackey immediately crossed his arms and puffed out his chest proudly.

“Yes!”

He nodded vigorously.

“There are many brothels to visit!”

Sherly froze. Her pen stopped halfway above the paper. For several seconds, she simply stared at Jackey.

Hyoren covered part of his face with one hand.

Elise merely smiled.

She looked toward Sherly before lightly shaking her head.

“Just ignore that stupid cat, Sherly. Please proceed with our Dungeon Exploration Quest.”

Sherly blinked several times before finally recovering.

“O-Okay...”

She lowered her head and quickly processed their quest.

The familiar runic tool glowed softly as she confirmed their registration.

Not long afterward, she handed their guild cards back.

“Everything’s confirmed.”

She smiled, tried to maintain her professional expression,  but Jackey’s statement was still affecting her.

Her hand was still trembling slightly.

“Good luck, everyone.”

Hyoren accepted the cards.

“Thank you, Sherly.”

The three of them bid her farewell before leaving the guild tent once more.

The streets were crowded with people preparing for another day of dungeon exploration.

The Freedom Party quietly wove through the bustling crowd. None of them stopped to browse. Nor did they spare much attention toward the many vendors selling diving equipment and hot meals.

Their destination was already clear.

Before long, they arrived at the Main Tunnel of the former Old Quarry. The spacious chamber now served as a resting area for adventurers before entering Akela Dungeon.

Without slowing down, they approached the guarded entrance.

Hyoren presented his guild card. The guard briefly examined it before nodding.

“You have an active Dungeon Exploration Quest.”

He stepped aside.

“You may enter. Good luck.”

Hyoren nodded.

“Thank you.”

The three of them walked deeper into the tunnel until they arrived before the massive Pulsating Archway.

Its countless runic inscriptions still glowed faintly across the stone surface—exactly the same as before.

Hyoren quietly studied it for a brief moment.

He slowly reached out. His fingers touched the center of the archway. It was solid. Completely solid. There was no ripple. No distortion.

Nothing that suggested another world existed beyond it.

If someone had never entered before—they would simply think it was an ordinary stone wall.

Then—the moment his skin made contact—a familiar voice echoed directly inside his mind. Cold. Mocking. Filled with malice. It slithered through his consciousness like a serpent.

The unmistakable voice of Demon God Gidol.

So the pretend heroes finally came back! Please... enter your own grave! Xixixi.

Hyoren didn’t even flinch anymore.

After hearing the voice several times already, the irritation had long replaced the surprise.

Yes.

He answered silently inside his mind.

The response was immediate. The world dissolved around them. There was no sensation of movement. No feeling of falling. Everything simply disappeared.

Then almost instantly—light returned.

The Freedom Party found themselves standing inside the familiar Starting Room.

They stood atop the large raised platform at its center.

Beneath their feet, the massive teleportation runic array continued glowing quietly, illuminating the chamber with its familiar pale blue light.

***

Hyoren slowly looked around the Starting Room.

His gaze first landed on the back of the chamber. There, towering above the Runic Tablet, stood the statue of Demon God Gidol.

The massive stone figure remained exactly as he remembered it. Its twisted smile. Its unnatural proportions. Its outstretched arms and wings, as though welcoming every adventurer into its embrace.

No matter how many times Hyoren looked at it—it  still radiated the same feeling. Menacing. Evil.Wrong.

He silently shifted his gaze away.

Then he surveyed the rest of the chamber.

The Starting Room was far busier than during their previous dive.

A brief glance was enough to tell him there were well over 20 adventurer parties gathered inside. Some sat against the walls while quietly eating breakfast before continuing their dives. Others carefully checked weapons and armor, making final adjustments to straps and buckles.

Several parties chatted with neighboring groups, exchanging information and experiences.

A few simply rested in silence, recovering their stamina before heading back into the dungeon.

Hyoren’s eyes eventually settled on the large rippling doorway leading deeper into the dungeon—the entrance to the dungeon proper.

Its chaotic surface continuously rippled like disturbed water.

Every so often, a party emerged from it. Some looked exhausted. Others carried bags filled with magic stones.

Meanwhile, another party would gather their courage before stepping through the doorway to begin their own exploration.

Watching the flow of adventurers, Hyoren quietly understood—just as Jigor and Sherly had told him—most adventurers in Akela still operated this way.

They hunted around the Starting Room. Returned to rest. Recovered. Then ventured out again. Very few continuously pushed deeper into the dungeon.

Unlike the Freedom Party.

Hyoren glanced toward his companions.

Elise met his eyes first. She quietly nodded.

Jackey grinned broadly before giving him a confident thumbs-up.

“Ready, Big Bro.”

Hyoren smiled.

Then the three of them walked toward the center of the raised platform.

There, standing atop a waist-high stone pedestal, floated the familiar swirling crimson orb. 

The teleportation orb.

As they approached—the atmosphere inside the Starting Room subtly changed. One by one, nearby adventurers stopped what they were doing. Conversations gradually quieted.

More and more eyes drifted toward the Freedom Party.

Everyone recognized them. The party that had cleared the first floor. The party that had defeated the Guardian. The party that had fully mapped the first floor.

And now—they were about to become the first party to use the teleportation orb for its true purpose. Not to leave the dungeon. But to advance deeper.

Hyoren could feel the stares gathering from every direction.

He simply ignored them. Elise remained calm. Jackey proudly puffed out his chest as though enjoying the attention.

Without hesitation, Hyoren placed his hand upon the swirling crimson orb.

The cold sensation immediately spread through his palm.

At the same time—a familiar voice echoed directly inside his mind. Mocking. Contemptuous. Filled with amusement.

Demon God Gidol voice.

Where do the pretend heroes wish to die this time? The second floor? Or are you going to chicken out again like last time? Xixixi.

Hyoren’s expression didn’t change. He had long since grown accustomed to Gidol’s incessant taunts.

The Demon God’s mocking laughter barely registered anymore.

Hyoren answered without hesitation.

Floor 2.

The moment the thought formed—the familiar sensation of teleportation washed over them once again.

The Starting Room disappeared in an instant.

***

After brief teleportation, the scenery that greeted the Freedom Party was different. They were teleported to the safe area of the second floor.

At first glance, it resembled the Starting Room above.

A raised platform stood at the center of the chamber. Beneath their feet, a large teleportation runic array glowed softly, illuminating the room with its familiar pale blue light. At the center of platform—rested a waist-high stone pedestal supporting the swirling teleportation orb.

On one of the walls, a rippling gate could be seen—the entrance to the dungeon proper.

Yet the similarities to the Starting Room ended there.

The room itself was noticeably smaller. If the Starting Room on the first floor could comfortably accommodate 20 or even 30 adventurer parties, this chamber would already feel crowded with only 10. Everything felt compressed—as though it had been built using the same design, only on a reduced scale.

Hyoren slowly looked around.

There was no Runic Tablet. No towering statue of Demon God Gidol. The stone walls were smooth and plain. No carved reliefs depicting demon races.

A strange silence lingered in the room.

Hyoren finally turned toward his companions.

“Okay.”

He smiled slightly.

“Elise. Jackey. We’re on the second floor.”

He then looked toward Jackey.

The pale blue glow of the magic lamps reflected faintly from the beastkin’s new red armor.

Among the three of them, Jackey possessed the most dungeon experience.

“What should we expect on the second floor, Jackey?”

Jackey tapped his chin thoughtfully.

His tabby tail slowly swayed behind him.

“Well… In a normal dungeon...”

He raised one finger.

“The monsters usually stay the same. Only their levels go up by one or two.”

He shrugged.

“A dungeon normally changes its monster pattern  every 5 to 10 floors.”

He looked toward the rippling gate.

“So if the first floor had Level 10 Goblins… The second floor would usually have Level 11...”

He tilted his head.

“Or maybe Level 12 Goblins. At most?”

Hyoren nodded slowly.

“Okay...”

He looked toward the rippled gate.

“If this were a normal dungeon.”

He folded his arms.

“But Akela Dungeon has repeatedly proven itself to be... unusual.”

His expression became more serious.

“The pattern may not be the same.”

Elise nodded in agreement. Her silver hair gently swayed with the motion.

“You’re right.”

She tucked a strand of her silver hair behind her pointed ears.

“We should prepare for the worst.”

Hyoren placed one hand on the hilt of his sheathed sword.

“Yeah.”

He looked at both of them.

“Let’s proceed carefully. No rushing. No unnecessary risks.”

He paused before turning specifically toward Jackey.

“And don’t be reckless, okay? Jackey?”

Jackey immediately nodded. His head bobbed energetically before giving an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

“Roger that, Big Bro!”

Hyoren smiled.

“Okay then. Let’s move. Toward the second floor of Akela Dungeon.”

Without another word, the Freedom Party began walking.

Step by step, they approached the rippling gate. Toward the dungeon proper. Toward another unexplored floor. And once again—they would become pioneers.

The first adventurers to uncover what truly awaited beyond the second floor of Akela Dungeon.