Chapter 680 The ‘Camp’
It didn't take too long for the rest of the Expedition Team to arrive on the 47th floor, albeit, still very high strung due to the series of abnormal events. The moment they stepped on said floor, they immediately looked around, and only when they saw the executives of the Astarte Familia safe and seemingly relaxed could they breathe a sigh of relief, except for one person.
Urdor, the Captain of the most prominent blacksmithing Familia within the Dizara region had his eyes only on two things since the very first moment his sight landed on them. Running towards the horns without regard to anything else, Urdor was captivated by the sights of the legendary items. He even ignored the fact that they were floating mid-air.
But just as he was about to touch them, they suddenly flew out of his reach before a massive killing intent descended on him, making him shudder and freeze on his spot, "Hey old man, before you touch other people's belongings, make sure to ask for permission first. I might mistake you for stealing it and retaliating. I assure you that in this case you won't even have the time to complain when I detach your head from your neck."
Urdor immediately looked towards the source of the voice and met with golden cat pupils staring at him coldly. It was then that he finally realized how rude he was and how this could easily be mistaken as a hostile action.
Urdor swallowed a mouthful of saliva before he cleared his throat and apologized, "I'm very sorry. I don't have any ill intent. I was just so captivated with those horns that I forgot my manners."
"I also apologize on his behalf. Please understand that he just got too excited as an artisan. If he did steal from someone or unreasonably demand something, I can assure you that his life as an artisan would instantly end."Carys backed the overly enthusiastic Dwarf.
Kuroka immediately took back her killing intent and started chuckling, "Relax. I'm not angry. I just wanted you to take this as a warning, especially when we're inside the Dungeon where anything could happen and a single lapse of judgment could claim your life and those around you, nyaa~!"
Shocked at how easily she could manipulate her killing intent, Urdor could only reply after having a sigh of relief, "T-that's true. Thanks for the reminder."
A moment later, Chris approached Kuroka and greeted her, "It has been a while, Toujou-san. We didn't think that we would be seeing you and Yoruichi here.", she then pointed towards the horns and asked, "Are those Surtr's horns?"
"It's nice to see you again, Chris, nyaa~. And yep, those are Surtr's horns."
"I see... so you did not just defeat it with just the two of you, but also managed to achieve something that no one has ever done before.", said Chris while looking at the deep cut on the wall, still trying to figure out what kind of attack could have caused this, "But why is one of the horns colored blue?"
"Oh, that's right! I also wanted to ask about that!", added Urdor.
But Kuroka just smiled at them and didn't give them an answer.
Carys then explained to the rest of the Expedition team that they decided to wait for Yoruichi to rest for a bit. Although Carys didn't explain why they had to wait, they trusted the decision of their leader.
Meanwhile, Tenestra and Udor continued to bother Kuroka about Magic and the horns.
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.
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Half an hour later, Yoruichi opened her eyes and stood up, "That's a lot better."
She then faced everyone and said, "Sorry for making you all wait. Let's proceed to the 48th floor. And by the way, you don't have to set up your camp 'cus Kisuke prepared something too big for the three of us."
Carys tilted her head and asked, "We don't need to set our own camp?"
"You'll understand once you follow us. This is also the reason why we asked you to wait for us here.", replied Kuroka, 'It's also to make sure that you won't do anything unbecoming toward it, giving that guy a reason to retaliate just for the heck of it.'
While the rest of them became confused, Tenestra's attention was caught by something else, "Kisuke? Isn't that the name of the guy that was with you? He's also here?"
"Oh right. You came across him on the surface, right? You're looking for him?", asked Yoruichi as she and Kuroka started walking towards the 48th floor.
Tenestra hopped beside them and answered with gleaming eyes, "Yes! I tried looking for him after a few days but I couldn't find him anywhere!"
Fenia, with a very concerned expression, immediately went beside her sister after hearing what she said and asked, "Y-you're looking for him? W-why?"
Tenestra looked at her with a puzzled expression before a light bulb went off inside her head, "Oh, I forgot to tell everyone something important. Remember the spell that I was able to successfully recreate as a standalone?"
Yeena then stated, "You mean how you drew the Magic Circle of my 'Vine Trap' and allowed others to use it? You do know that those from Altena kept pestering our Familia to meet you because of that and you still managed to sneak out? And judging from how Fenia asked you, she also helped you with it?"
"Guh... There's a good reason for that!", Tenestra cleared her throat, "Ahem. You see, I couldn't have done that without Kisuke-san's help. He's the one who pointed out the flaws of my work and pointed me in the correct direction! He's technically my teacher!"
The executives of the three Familias all looked at each other in surprise. It turned out that it wasn't even her achievement that caught all those Magic maniacs and Deities' attention, but someone else's. Those from Altena who were temporarily staying within the Dizara region even thought that this achievement would revolutionize the use of Magic.
Yoruichi chuckled and said, "So he already taught you a few things. As expected of the guy who can't keep his mouth shut."
"Yes! Those few things actually helped me refine my current theories and I was able to advance my understanding with my other research subjects! I'd like to thank him. And if possible, I would like it if he accepts me as his student! I'll even use my life savings as tuition fees!"
Kuroka then suddenly grabbed her shoulders and turned Tenestra's face in her direction. With a serious expression, she said, "Even as a joke, don't ever say you'll give your life savings. Even though he doesn't need money, he won't hesitate to take what he can and shamelessly at that. Just say that you want to be his student and wait for him to tell you the conditions, nyaa."
Stunned at her sudden seriousness, Tenestra asked, "I-is it fine to tell me all of these? F-from what I recall, he seems to be your husband. Shouldn't you make it easier for him?"
Patting her head, Yoruichi interjected, "Because we have a favorable impression of you, we're warning you. If it's other people, we wouldn't care if that guy managed to scam everything under their name."
Although they were simple words, strangely enough, everyone other than Tenestra felt a sudden chill down their spine. Looking at each other, they figured out that they were all feeling this strange sensation even though they didn't have to. But within their mind, they all decided, 'When talking to him, we should be very careful.'
Ignoring their reactions, Kuroka continued, "If you really want to learn Magic, he's actually the best guy you could ask. I can assure you that there is no better person in the Lower World when it comes to Magic compared to Kisuke, nyaa."
"That's some grand claim. I'm sure anyone from Altena would disagree with you.", replied Tenestra.
Kuroka grinned at her and said, "You'll understand once we reach the 48th floor."
Confused, Tenestra could only wait and once they reached the 48th floor, they all stopped at the entrance while looking at the gigantic strange thing in the distance. "...What is that?", Carys asked Kuroka and Yoruichi.
"Our camp.", replied Yoruichi and continued walking.
"C-camp?"
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