Published: January 22, 2026
“Are we saved...?”
Aneli muttered.
“How can you say something like that in this situation!? This is the worst-case scenario! The black dragon used the ‘whimsical door’ to move to some boss area. What if it’s the 10th floor!?”
Luna immediately dismissed Aneli’s mutter.
Most explorers challenging the 10th-floor floor boss are usually newbies. Some might have just become explorers a few days ago.
Such explorers would suddenly have to fight a deep-level floor boss.
If that happens, all I can imagine is clueless newcomers being trampled by the black dragon in terror.
The atmosphere between us grew even heavier.
“To think the ‘whimsical door’ could apply to the floor bosses too... We should have considered that possibility the moment it appeared in a place it shouldn’t have been... For now, let’s immediately return to the surface and request the guild to perform a forced recall.”
Luna expressed regret about her suggestion but quickly shifted her mindset and presented a new plan.
The Guild Card serves roles beyond just registering crystals installed on each floor.
One of those roles is forced recall.
Forced recall means the guild forcibly moves people inside the dungeon outside, based on the guild’s intention.
However, this is only used when criminals have fled into the dungeon or in emergencies; the guild cannot use it recklessly.
Right now is definitely an emergency.
We don’t know which boss area the black dragon moved to, but we can’t imagine any explorer capable of defeating it.
“That’s right. We’ll probably face some penalty, but this isn’t the time to complain about that.”
Derrick and Aneli looked dissatisfied but didn’t refuse.
“After that, Philly and Orun will swap places to visit each floor boss. They should also be venturing into the dungeon today with the new silver rabbits of the night sky. We’ll try to grab them as they come out via forced recall—”
“W-wait a minute!”
Derrick interrupted Luna’s suggestion.
It was indeed a proposal that made you want to interrupt, but not listening to others is his bad habit.
“...Injured people should quietly receive treatment. We're going to be running soon.”
“Why involve Orun!? He’s unnecessary! We’re already in a slump. Adding someone less capable—”
“Treatment’s done. Since time is precious, let’s continue while moving.”
“Don’t interrupt people’s conversations!!”
...Derrick, no one agrees when you say that.
“Philly, could you cast [agility up] on everyone?”
“Understood...”
Ignoring Derrick’s remarks, Luna asked Philly to activate support magic.
With our movement speed increased, we dashed toward the entrance of the 92nd floor.
◇
“...I forgot to mention earlier, about you saying you’re in a slump—you haven’t changed at all.”
While running, Luna resumed the conversation that was cut off when the black dragon appeared.
“But in reality, our abilities have decreased. Even my heavenly flash... couldn’t deal damage to that guy.”
Saying it filled me with frustration.
Why didn’t my strongest skill work!?
“The answer is simple. Orun isn’t here. The heavenly flash from earlier, which didn’t really converge much mana, had that much power to begin with.”
Not converging much mana?
Sure, the time spent converging has shortened compared to before.
But that’s because my mastery of mana convergence has improved, allowing me to achieve the same or even greater power in a shorter time.
“Orun used original magic to support Oliver’s attacks, Derrick’s defense, and Aneli’s magic. Before explaining that, I want to confirm if you understand the common effects of support magic?”
Derrick and Aneli looked bitter, seemingly unable to answer.
“The increase value is decided by the caster, and the duration varies depending on the recipient, right? I think the average is about three minutes. So enchanters reapply every three minutes, correct?”
I asked Philly, a professional, to confirm if I was right.
“Yes, that’s roughly correct. But this party, especially Oliver, has high mana resistance, so the support magic needs to be refreshed every minute. Oliver’s a nightmare for enchanters...!”