Frostfire Legacy

Chapter 309 Dungeon's True Face (1)

Aster's party spent the rest of the day—and well into the night—reviewing all the information they had gathered. With Via now part of their team, her firsthand knowledge and tips proved invaluable, helping them refine their plans with surprising speed and efficiency.

When they finally wrapped up, they shared a quick dinner together before calling it a night, their mental fatigue dragging them into a much-needed rest.

The next morning, July 1, 4033, at precisely 4:00 a.m., Aster was already up, preparing breakfast. As the smell of cooking filled the air, the girls began to emerge one after another, their sleepy faces brightening slightly at the sight of the food.

Since they didn't all wake up at the same time, they ate in turns, chatting lightly while the early morning quiet settled over them. Once breakfast was done, everyone dispersed to finalize their preparations, the air buzzing with quiet determination. After all, today was the day they would challenge the 101st floor—a floor unlike anything they'd faced before.

"Alright, that should do."

Aster packed their lunch and dinner inside his Spatial Ring, safely secured on the middle finger of his left hand. The 101st floor promised too many unknowns, so having meals prepared in advance was a small but important precaution. He couldn't risk relying on time or circumstances to cook on the spot.

By exactly 8:00 a.m., the group had finished all their preparations. Fully geared from head to toe, weapons sharpened, and supplies checked, they gathered in front of the portal leading to the next floor.

"Everyone ready?" Aster asked, giving them all a quick once-over. "Nobody forgot anything?"

"Me! Me!" Tina raised her hand with a cheeky grin. "Darling forgot to give me a good-luck kiss~!"

Aster shot her a flat look, letting out a sigh as he ignored her playful antics. "Anyone else?"

Seeing no other comments, and with Argus safely within Via's embrace, Aster nodded in approval.

"Alright. Then, let's head out!"

Taking the lead, he stepped into the portal that would take them to the 101st floor. The moment his foot crossed the edge of the portal, an intense twisting sensation hit him, the disorienting pull of teleportation far more jarring than anything he'd felt from the first 100 floors. Stay tuned with empire

The dizziness came quickly, leaving his stomach churning as the world around him spun.

"Ugh, I feel sick..." Cassy groaned as she staggered out on the other side.

The others weren't much better. Only Via seemed unaffected, casting them an amused glance as she hugged Argus closer to her chest. "You'll get used to it soon enough. Let's go~!"

*ARF!*

Satisfied with his reaction, Crysta raised her hand, and a thin, magical membrane of faint blue light formed over each party member like a second skin. The oppressive heat was instantly replaced by a cooling sensation, and the group collectively relaxed.

"Oh, this is convenient~!" Via exclaimed, marveling at the membrane. "With this, I won't have to run through this floor naked~!"

"... You what?" Kali asked, her brows furrowing in disbelief.

Via cleared her throat casually. "The first time I was here, I got too hot, so I removed my clothes and ran as fast as I could to the other end~!"

Kali pressed a hand to her temple, looking almost pained. "Weren't you embarrassed or worried someone might see you?"

"Embarrassed? Why should I be?"

At this point, the entire party collectively realized that Via's sense of shame was... questionable at best.

"Don't you dare strip in front of my Darling!" Tina hissed protectively, tightening her grip on Aster's arm.

"Well, uh..." Liz scratched her cheek awkwardly. "Even if you're a bit of a... free spirit, as long as it doesn't cause issues in battle, it's fine."

Via cleared her throat again, offering a sheepish smile. "You don't have to worry. If I get serious, nobody would even be able to see my shadow~!"

"... Right."

Aster recalled her moniker, Thunderbird, a nickname that didn't just refer to her element, lightning, but also her lightning-fast speed. Still, he frowned at her, his tone firm.

"Even if no one can see you, running naked in a dungeon is not a good idea. Don't do it again."

Via giggled but nodded in agreement. "Of course, of course~!"

Aster's focus shifted forward as they prepared to move. The path ahead was narrow and uneven, illuminated only by the glow of the magma, so they needed to pay extra attention to their steps. The oppressive atmosphere seemed to seep into their bones, and an ominous tension hung in the air.

"Stay alert," Aster warned, his voice low. "This floor's not going to be anything like the last hundred."

The group nodded in unison, weapons drawn, their previous humor replaced with steely determination. With the cooling membranes in place and their resolve stronger than ever, they pressed onward into the unknown.