After returning all the books to their proper places, I headed back to the Strategy Room.
"H-Hey, Orun? Do you have a second?"
Lucre spoke up, sounding uncharacteristically hesitant. It was rare for her to approach me like this. I wondered if she had something difficult to discuss.
"What is it?"
"U-um, well... I was wondering if you could teach me the magic you used to make those books float earlier..."
She looked incredibly apologetic as she made the request. Generally, those who develop original magic keep their formulas a closely guarded secret. Once a spell formula is exposed, anyone can use it. It’s never a pleasant feeling to see someone else effortlessly performing a spell you poured your blood, sweat, and tears into creating.
Because of this, when an original spell is released to the public, the formula is usually sealed inside a magic tool. This allows the creator to sell the effect while keeping the underlying logic hidden. By embedding the spell in a tool, they can also make the formula far more complex, often padding it with "decoy" sequences to ensure the core logic remains indecipherable.
While a true master of the craft might be able to reverse-engineer it, such people are virtually nonexistent. Even I, who have studied magic deeply enough to develop my own spells, can’t analyze the formulas inside commercial magic tools. To my knowledge, only one person is capable of such a feat.
Lucre’s hesitation was understandable given those unspoken rules. However, I had planned to share this one from the beginning.
"Sure, I don't mind."
"I figured it wouldn't—wait, what? Really?!"
"Yeah. I actually discovered this spell by accident while developing something else. It’s more useful for daily life than Labyrinth exploration anyway, so I’d planned to make it public eventually. I just haven't had the time."
"H-Hey. If that’s the case, could you teach me too?"
It seemed Rain was also interested.
"Of course. I’d be happy to."
I wrote the spell formula down on a piece of paper and handed it to them. They both activated the magic while studying the notes. Soon, chairs, files, and pieces of chalk were dancing through the air.
They got it on the first try? Impressive. That formula was actually fairly complex.
"Ooh! This is amazing! So convenient~!"
"Morning, everyone. Hm? Things are floating. Someone develop a new spell?"
As Lucre was gushing over the magic, Wil walked into the room. He took one look at the levitating objects and immediately deduced it was a new spell.
"Good morning, Wil. You’re quick to realize it’s magic. You didn't think it was a haunting?" Rain asked him.
"Huh? Ghosts? Maybe in the Labyrinth, but there’s no way we’d have them here. Don't tell me you actually thought it was a ghost, Rain? Hahaha! This is why everyone calls you a kid."
Wil laughed as he teased her.
Suddenly, the temperature in the room seemed to drop. A wave of bloodlust so cold it made my skin crawl radiated from Rain. Still wearing a pleasant smile, she turned to him.
"Wil? I’m sorry. I didn't quite catch that. Would you mind saying it again?"
Wil broke out in a cold sweat, his laughter dying instantly. "N-no, it was nothing. Forget I said anything."
"Are you sure?"
"Y-Yeah! I didn't say anything important!"
Wil looked visibly relieved when she didn't press the matter further.
"If you say it again, I'll make you cry," Rain added, her voice dropping to a frigid tone.
"Yes, ma'am. I'm sorry." Wil trembled, his bravado completely shattered.
"Rain is terrifying..." Lucre whispered to me, her voice so soft I was the only one who could hear.
I nodded in fervent agreement.
At nine o'clock sharp, Selma entered the room.
"Good morning."
"Morning, Selma. Punctual as always," Rain replied. The terrifying aura from moments ago had vanished completely, replaced by her usual "big sister" persona.
"Apologies. I had to stop by the Exploration Management Department. Now then, regarding today’s schedule: the department has requested Noxious Sheep wool, so we’ll be heading to the 86th Floor. We’ll use the opportunity to hunt them while we confirm our coordination."
The Noxious Sheep was a massive Magic Beast, roughly two meters long. Its wool was incredibly tough yet elastic, providing high defensive capabilities. Furthermore, it could exhale a reddish-black breath that paralyzed anyone who inhaled it. It was a notoriously troublesome creature.
However, because that same wool could be used to craft high-defense clothing, the demand for it was always high.
"Any questions so far?" Selma asked.
I raised my hand. "Can I ask one thing?"
"Go ahead. What is it?"
"The 86th Floor isn't exactly a place where the front-line can do much. Should I participate as a Supporter today?"
"No, I want you to act as a Front-line Attacker. Moving forward, that will be your primary role. If you decide that switching roles is the optimal move during a fight, I won't stop you, but I'm counting on you as an attacker in principle."
So, I was an attacker, but with the flexibility to adapt. That was a relief.
"As for the 86th Floor, while the request is the primary reason, there’s another factor. It’s possible—though I’d like to avoid it—that our coordination won't mesh perfectly on the first try. Since the rearguard members already know each other's habits perfectly, we can compensate and follow up even if things get messy up front."
I see. Even if I fumbled, a floor that favored the rearguard meant the party’s safety was guaranteed.
"That makes sense. I understand."
"Anything else? ...Then let’s move on to the basic coordination."
The plan was exactly what I had expected.
Regarding support magic: I wouldn't receive Selma’s buffs. I was free to buff myself as I saw fit. With my Stacking ability, it was simply more efficient for me to handle my own enhancements. This allowed Selma to focus entirely on the other members, significantly reducing her burden.
Regarding combat: The primary damage dealers would be Rain and me. Lucre would join the attack whenever healing wasn't required, making sure to keep enough mana in reserve for emergencies. Wil would focus entirely on hate control, with his personal damage being secondary. Selma would command the field while maintaining the party’s buffs.
We spent some time ironing out the finer details.
"That covers the basics. Is there anything else anyone wants to bring up? ...No? Then let's head to the Great Labyrinth!"
"Oh!!" the three of them shouted in unison.
They had done this often during the guided explorations too. It seemed to be a Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky tradition. I’d have to remember to join in next time.
Everyone stood up and followed Selma out of the Strategy Room.
As we drew closer to the Great Labyrinth, the crowds of Explorers grew thicker. I could feel everyone’s eyes turning toward me.
"You're quite the celebrity~," Lucre teased.
Being the center of so much attention wasn't exactly my idea of a good time. Murmurs began to drift over from the surrounding crowd.
"—Is that the Dragon Slayer?" "—I heard he was a free agent." "—Look at that coat. That’s the Silver Rabbit emblem, isn't it?" "—He joined them?! Does that mean they’re making a comeback?" "—The Hero Party better watch their backs."
I ignored the whispers and focused on the task at hand.
I had switched from a Swordsman to an Enchanter back on the 62nd Floor. Since then, I had spent my time in the Labyrinth exclusively as a Supporter. While I knew the movements and traits of the Magic Beasts, this would be my first time tackling the end of the Lower Floors as a front-liner. I was nervous, but more than that, I was excited.
I was finally exploring the Labyrinth in the role I had always wanted. I intended to give everything I had to meet the expectations of the clan that had welcomed me.
For now, my goal was the 93rd Floor—to catch up to the Hero Party.
We reached the crystal at the entrance of the Great Labyrinth. We tapped our Guild Cards against the cold surface and warped directly to the 86th Floor.