Red Wyvern's Fall
The Lizardmen's evolutions are progressing steadily.
Just recently, they began evolving to D-rank one by one, and today even more reached D-rank.
At this rate, it won't be long before the entire group hits D-rank.
Let's push a little harder.
Finally, the last remaining E-rank Lizardman evolved to D-rank.
Not only that, but a fair number had even reached C-rank, so now they wouldn't have to worry about getting pushed around wherever they went.
I could finally step away with peace of mind.
I relayed the news to Snow.
Afterward, Snow began making various preparations.
She looked incredibly busy, but I stayed quiet and just watched.
Instinctively, I knew that interrupting her now would end badly.
Ah, Suli. Stay quietly by Daddy's side, okay? You'll get scolded by Mommy.
At Snow's nagging, I immediately headed out to tidy the area around home.
It was a routine task, so there weren't any particularly strong monsters, but a final sweep before leaving was wise.
I took Wise Scale and the Lizardman Triplets—who seemed idle—and thoroughly patrolled the surroundings.
Spotting a few A-rank monsters, I left them to Wise Scale.
They put on quite the show.
If Wise Scale hits A-rank before we go, I can truly relax.
I funneled all the magic stones from the kills to Wise Scale.
By the time I finished and returned, Snow's preparations were complete.
She'd installed various spells around our dwelling before departure.
And the same at the Lizardmen's place.
Snow was definitely more thorough in these things.
I'd hoped Wise Scale would reach A-rank, but he fell short.
Some things just don't pan out.
Seeing Wise Scale with a bit of indigestion, I clicked my tongue in regret.
Anyway, preparations were done.
I gave final instructions to Wise Scale and the triplets, then we set off.
Suli was thrilled.
To Soon-i, on the other hand, looked downright scared, full of worries.
Don't worry—I'll protect you for sure.
And surprisingly, Snow seemed the most excited of all.
The graceful sway of her nine tails drew an involuntary chuckle from me—that's our little secret.
The Lava Zone was brutally hot, so I'd warned Snow ahead of time.
Snow could handle it, but it'd be rough for Suli and To Soon-i.
At the transfer gate to the upper floors, Snow cast a simple spell.
A magic to endure the scorching heat. Unlike me, who only knew attack spells, Snow had a repertoire of practical ones.
Someday, I should learn some.
And just like that, we arrived on the 69th floor: the Lava Zone.
Suli and To Soon-i gasped in awe.
Snow didn't show it, but she was clearly impressed too.
Seeing a landscape so unlike the pristine white snowfields, Suli excitedly "Kyuu kyuu!" pounded my head repeatedly.
She was utterly amazed.
I nodded at Snow's quiet admiration.
Snow marveled again.
As I watched her fondly for a moment, I sensed an atmosphere slightly off from usual.
Something's strange...
Chaotic overall? Like last time, yet more oppressive and sharp.
Has that incident from before not wrapped up yet?
Should I snag a passing monster and ask?
While I pondered briefly, a wyvern flew in from the distance.
Not Red Wyvern, but one of Arde's subordinates that used to trail him.
It landed lightly before me and bowed its head.
At the unfamiliar creature, Suli "Kyuu kyuu!" pounded my head.
She found it fascinating.
I asked out of curiosity, and its face darkened.
From its demeanor, I could sense there was a circumstance.
Curiosity bubbled up in various ways, but I held back from asking.
Arde would explain soon enough.
Following the wyvern's lead, we headed to Arde's lair.
The mood here matched the gloom outside.
Arde, reunited after months, looked utterly drained.
His body remained mountain-solid, but his spirit seemed worn.
Something major had gone down.