Chapter 279

Dungeon Fifth Floor: Arrival at the Ancient Castle Area
Yesterday, we explored the forests and swamps of the Ruins Area, but nothing significant came up.
Really, there was nothing of note.
We found a few treasure chests, but no major discoveries.
Aside from the ruined village, we came across a broken temple and a belfry, but that was about it.
Sometimes, you just have off days.

So today, we’re searching for the stairs to the fifth floor.
But for some reason, we couldn’t find them.
Usually, it only takes about two hours, but now half the day has already passed.
What’s going on?

“Oh, the stairs to the fifth floor can spawn anywhere on the fourth floor, so that’s likely the issue.”

Now that I think about it, Melanie had been guiding us directly to the stairs on the previous floors.
But this time, she wasn’t doing that. Why not?

“The stairs to the fifth floor truly spawn in random locations. For the previous floors, the stairs usually appeared in fixed locations, so I was able to guide you. But the stairs to the fifth floor don’t follow any known patterns, so I can’t guide you this time.”

Saying that with a smug look doesn’t exactly help…
At any rate, it became clear that finding the stairs in this area would involve searching endlessly.
Not that I wanted to know that, but now that I do, I have no choice but to press on until we find the stairs to the fifth floor.
Apparently, only a handful of adventurers ever aim for the fifth floor; most turn back at the fourth.
The search for the stairs alone can take days, and concerns about running out of food usually deter them.
We, on the other hand, have plenty of provisions and could stay in the dungeon for a month if necessary, but I’m not exactly keen on a prolonged dungeon life.
If we can’t find the stairs after a reasonable effort, we’ll give up and head back.

After three days of searching, we finally came across an area that felt distinctly different from its surroundings.
The atmosphere was heavy and oppressive.

“Hm, it seems we’ve finally found the stairs.”

“Really, Plum?”

“Look over there at that monster. Its aura is entirely different. That’s the floor boss of this level.”

Plum confidently pointed toward a rotting boar that exuded an undeniable air of power.
Yep, that’s definitely the floor boss.
It seemed aware of us and was waiting for the right moment to attack. What should we do?

“Well, there’s no need to face it head-on. Look, it’s over.”

Plum launched a fireball from her fingertip. It streaked toward the boar with incredible speed, striking it squarely.
With an explosive roar and a column of fire, the boar and its surroundings were utterly scorched.
Maybe Plum had some pent-up frustrations to let out?

“Hmm, that’s that. Look, the stairs are there. The loot is… a hammer.”

“That’s a pretty rare weapon. You should sell it to the Adventurers’ Guild when we return.”

“What will you do, Lily?”

“Me? Um, I don’t need it…”

“I have no use for it. You decide.”

I don’t particularly need it either.
Since the Adventurers’ Guild seems interested, I’ll have Melanie handle the sale when we get back.

We descended the stairs guarded by the boar, which eventually turned into a spiral staircase.
At the bottom, we found ourselves on the battlements of a massive castle.
So, this is the fifth floor, the Ancient Castle Area.
What a huge castle—it might be as big as the entire city of Vardmoi.
I hope we can find the Skill Crystals we’re looking for here.

What do you think about this chapter?