Chapter 436: Splitting Up

Finn continued, adding, "Besides, Hyacine needs the spring water too, so visiting just one location won't be nearly enough. Our food and supplies are limited. Even preparing for our push to the 59th Floor after this Adventurer Commission is over, we can't afford to waste time here. Splitting into two groups will maximize our efficiency."

An Expedition into the Deep Floors of the Dungeon was, in many ways, a race against time.

Reaching the 50th Floor alone took at least five days. Factoring in the return trip to the surface, minimizing unnecessary supply consumption was an absolute priority.

On top of that, the terrain surrounding Cadmus Spring was highly complex; bringing too many people would only hinder their movements.

While splitting their fighting strength was rarely a good idea, a smaller team's flexibility was much better suited for this specific task.

"...Does anyone else have questions?"

Finn looked around the camp, confirming that everyone understood the plan. "If not, we'll start selecting the teams."

With no objections raised, the impromptu strategy meeting smoothly transitioned into the selection phase.

"Me, me! I want to go with Ais!"

Tiona immediately threw her hand into the air without a second thought.

"Okay."

Ais offered a soft nod of agreement.

"I mean, who else would go if the First-Class Adventurers don't...? We're talking about a small elite squad here. You hear that? Small."

Bete grumbled impatiently from the sidelines.

"Then Tione is coming with us too!"

Tiona eagerly pulled her older sister into the mix.

"Hey, wait a second, I want to go with the Captain—!?"

Tione's protest died in her throat, thoroughly blocked by her sister's overwhelmingly excited puppy-dog eyes.

Thanks entirely to Tiona's unilateral decision-making, their three-woman squad was instantly finalized.

"Riveria, you'll stay behind at the camp. I want you to rest up and recover your spent mind so you're ready for the journey after the Commission is complete. I'm also leaving the defense of the base camp in your hands."

Finn turned to the Familia's highest-ranking mage, assigning her to standby duty.

Riveria had burned through a massive amount of mind during their previous annihilation battle. Understanding Finn's reasoning perfectly, she gave a light nod. "...I suppose I have no choice."

"Then Tifa and I will go as well," Aiden said, glancing at the brawler, who offered a crisp nod in return. "Robin, Hyacine, the two of you will stay here and hold the fort with the others."

"Understood," Robin replied smoothly.

This operation required true elites. Since Tifa had recently leveled up to Level 5, her mobility and combat prowess were more than sufficient.

The two squads tasked with gathering the spring water were quickly finalized.

The first group was an all-female squad consisting of Ais, Tiona, Tione, Lefiya, and Tifa.

The second group was the men's squad: Finn, Aiden, Bete, Raul, and Gareth.

With several Level 5 and Level 6 powerhouses anchoring both teams, their strength was undeniable. It was more than enough firepower for a simple water-gathering mission.

"...Hey, is the first group actually going to be okay?"

Bete eyed the all-female squad—a lineup that could easily be described as a collection of problem children—and made zero effort to hide his concern.

Finn fell into a thoughtful silence.

Setting aside the Amazon sisters—who were natural-born berserkers—Ais was a complete battle maniac whose aggressive combat style had earned her the private moniker of 'Battle Princess'.

Throwing those three together was like casually stacking three barrels of gunpowder.

And Tione? While she might act mature and level-headed on the surface, her true nature was arguably even more violent than the other two.

As for Lefiya, the sheltered young elf had zero chance of reining them in.

Tifa from the Focalors Familia seemed incredibly reliable, but her gentle personality meant she likely couldn't hold back this particular gang of troublemakers either.

After a brief, heavy pause, Finn lifted his head and looked at Tione with utter sincerity.

"Tione, I'm leaving them in your hands. Don't betray my trust, okay?"

"—Please leave it to me!!"

The Amazon girl, already head over heels for her youthful-looking Captain, was completely ecstatic upon hearing his earnest plea. She immediately puffed out her chest and shouted her compliance.

Watching her older sister make such a confident, blushing promise, Tiona half-closed her eyes and muttered under her breath, "So gullible..."

And so, after a few hours of light sleep, the two finalized squads entrusted the defense of the base camp to Riveria and Robin—who would command the remaining Familia members—and set off toward the 51st Floor.

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Accompanied by a deafening roar, Bete's figure blurred into a streak of silver as he lunged forward.

Every time his metal greaves lashed out, the kicks produced sharp sonic booms that tore through the air, followed by the sickening, heavy thuds of monster flesh being violently obliterated by sheer kinetic force.

"W-What the hell are these monsters?!"

Raul cowered at the very back of their formation. Safely hidden behind Gareth's mountain-like greatshield, he stared in dumbfounded horror at the bizarre scene unfolding before him.

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