Our exploration of the Halber Labyrinth's 21st Floor proceeded smoothly.
It didn't take many days to find the Boss Room. After opening the door and stepping inside, I found myself in a small chamber with doors only at the front and back.
A Waiting Room.
"The Boss, at last."
"Yes, it is!"
Miria was fired up.
Reaching the 22nd Floor meant Marbrim. She must have been longing for this.
I drew Durandal and made my preparations.
The boss of this floor was a Roll Troll. We’d already fought them in the Quratar Labyrinth, so even with the level increase, it shouldn't be a problem.
However, the door to the Boss Room refused to open.
"It’s taking a long time. Is the party ahead of us having that much trouble?"
"I don't know."
Well, I suppose even Roxanne wouldn't have an answer for that.
"It certainly is taking a while. Did anything feel off before we entered?"
"Nothing in particular."
Sherry, likely having her own suspicions, was double-checking with Roxanne.
I see—the scent. If some incident had occurred, it wouldn't be strange for there to be an unusual smell. I didn't think her senses were that convenient or perfect, though.
I felt like telling them to look at Miria.
She stood there with her eyes closed, perfectly still and composed. What kind of master swordsman are you supposed to be?
She was likely stoking her fighting spirit internally. Her mental preparation for the 22nd Floor was flawless.
"Should we try stepping out and back in again?"
We exited the Waiting Room and entered once more. That didn't make the door to the Boss Room open, however.
"Huh?"
"What is it?"
Roxanne seemed to have noticed something.
"Um... I'm sorry. I can no longer sense the monsters."
"You can't sense them?"
"No. Not their locations, or even how many there are."
Roxanne looked just as bewildered as I was.