Journey to Planar World

There was no blue sky in the Dungeon, but Floor 18, a safe zone, featured a phenomenon resembling one.

The ceiling was adorned with crystals. Some were tiny, no larger than a fingernail, while others were massive enough for a person to stand inside. Crystals of all shapes and sizes decorated the cave’s landscape.

The crystals grew in small clusters, emitting a blue glow that dimmed and brightened like the sun on the surface. At the moment, the light on Floor 18’s ceiling was dim, as if the sun had set.

”So this is the famous Under Resort? It’s hard to believe we’re deep underground!”

Stepping out of the tunnel, Hestia was awestruck by the scenery of Floor 18.

Under Resort was another name for Floor 18. Its environment consisted of lakes and lush green plains with dense trees, making it ideal for a vacation—if it weren’t located in the Dungeon.

Standing beside her, Hermes clasped his hands behind his head.

”Beautiful, isn’t it? It’s not uncommon for wealthy people to come here for a getaway. The thrill of ’being in the Dungeon’ while staying safe… it has its own charm.”

Hermes spoke as if it were a casual anecdote, though his sly smile hinted he knew more than he let on.

”Really? Isn’t it dangerous for ordinary people to come to the Dungeon?” Hestia asked, still gazing into the distance.

”Of course, it comes at a cost. That’s why they hire adventurers at a high price. Only the rich can afford to make Under Resort a tourist destination.” Hermes said with a shrug.

”The gap between the rich and the poor, huh…”

Hestia, who lived in poverty, couldn’t help but feel envious. Residing in an abandoned church, she felt a twinge of resentment hearing about how the wealthy indulged.

”Ahem, we haven’t found Bell Cranel yet.” Asfi interjected, clearing her throat to refocus Hermes and Hestia.

”Oh, right, Bell! Bell’s definitely here! I can feel it! We’re close—find him quick!”

Without waiting for a response, Hestia dashed toward Rivira. Her tight white dress accentuated her petite but curvaceous figure, and her wooden sandals clacked against the ground in a hurried rhythm.

Hermes watched Hestia’s retreating figure, then turned to Asfi.

”Geez, Hestia’s so impatient. Let’s follow her.”

”Haaa…”

Asfi let out a long sigh before catching up, joined by the six Takemikazuchi Familia members, ready for any trouble.

”…”

Meanwhile, at the back of the group, Charlie walked in silence. His pupils formed dark crescent patterns—his Senrigan had already located Bell. As usual, he chose not to inform the others.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Finding Bell was easier than expected. By asking random people in Rivira, the rescue team quickly gathered the information they needed.

Apparently, earlier that day, the Sword Princess of Loki Familia, Ais Wallenstein, had brought three injured adventurers to their camp. Among them was a white-haired young man, matching Bell’s description exactly.

Thus, the rescue team hurriedly headed to Loki Familia’s encampment.

Loki Familia’s camp was situated on an open plain surrounded by large trees. The forest wasn’t too dense, providing shade and privacy without blocking the light from the ceiling’s crystals. Tents faced a central gathering area. Cargo crates—some chest-high—were strewn over protruding tree roots, indicating they had just returned from a major battle.

There, they saw a diverse group of races: dwarves, beastmen, elves, and more. Most were women.

This group of adventurers, a mix of Demi-Humans, carried a serious demeanor, though some appeared relaxed, chatting with one another. A beastman sat on the grass, while a dwarf and an elf conversed—one leaning against a tree with arms crossed, the other gesturing animatedly.

This was Loki Familia, one of Orario’s strongest Familia!

As Hestia’s group approached, the camp’s conversations began to quiet. Sharp, wary, and curious gazes followed their every step.

Ouka, Mikoto, Chigusa, and the other Takemikazuchi Familia members instinctively straightened, their faces betraying the pressure they felt.

After all, Takemikazuchi Familia was only Rank F (the weakest), while Loki Familia was Rank S (the strongest). The vast gap in power and reputation created unavoidable tension.

However, the intimidation had no effect on Charlie and Asfi.

In its prime, Hera Familia was Rank S, and Charlie himself was a Level 5, making him one of Orario’s High Class Adventurers.

Meanwhile, Hermes Familia was ”officially” Rank C, but those in the know understood it was a tactic to avoid taxes and excessive attention. Their members’ levels and skills were comparable to Rank B or even A Familias. Thus, unless facing Loki Familia’s executives, Asfi was unfazed by the regular members’ intimidation.

”Huh?”

The camp’s initially curious atmosphere turned to hushed murmurs as Loki Familia’s members scrutinized the group more closely.

A dwarf polishing his axe suddenly paused, his eyebrows shooting up.

”Wait a second… That’s Hermes-sama, isn’t it?”

A brown-haired beastman sitting on the grass glanced over, his ears twitching. ”Hermes-sama? You mean the Main God of Hermes Familia?”

A blonde elf who had been standing casually straightened up. ”No mistake… His divine aura can’t be hidden.”

Whispers spread through the camp.

”Seriously, a god in the Dungeon?”

”Aren’t there rules? Gods aren’t allowed in the Dungeon, right?”

The gazes of Loki Familia’s members shifted to the petite, black-haired figure beside Hermes, with a blue ribbon barely supporting her large chest.

”That one… she’s a goddess, right? Anyone know her?”

”No clue… I don’t recognize her face.”

”She’s probably not a famous goddess.”

”Two gods in the Dungeon? That’s insane!”

They could only murmur, not daring to directly question the arriving group. The Dungeon’s rules forbade gods from entering, but in the presence of gods themselves, they felt they had no right to demand explanations.

Perhaps someone had reported the unexpected visitors, as Loki Familia’s executives, led by Finn Deimne, emerged from the largest tent.

They noticed the silent, confused crowd of Loki Familia members. Their gazes quickly fixed on the approaching group.

”Perseus and Charlie Avalon?” Finn asked, his tone surprised. ”Why did you bring gods into the Dungeon? You know that breaks the rules, right?”

He couldn’t fathom why two intelligent, top-tier adventurers like Asfi and Charlie would do something so foolish. This could provoke Guild punishment. Finn looked at them, awaiting an explanation.