It's been 14 days since we entered the 2nd floor, and for the most part nothing was as life threatening as Midgardsormr or the floor guardian. Even the fire type equivalent of the spider moth, the Lava Skipper was easier to face now that I had back up. I remember we first encountered this 8-legged, lava treading spider the size of a fully grown cow.
The creature was not stealthy in the slightest. Still, it was able to splash baseball sized balls of lava at us with every step. The fight was a little tricky due to the lack of land and molten lava everywhere. But that changed when Cavilhaugh used an arcane support spell Lava Walk.
This spell allowed Anansi to tread on volcanic materials. With Anansi gaining the support spell, he jetted across the molten lake towards the skipper. I too no longer needed to remain close to the girls since this floor was by far the most unfit battleground for them.
Taking to the air, I began raining Nether Flarebolt rounds at the skipper while Anansi used aura supported slashes. With our teamwork, we were able to kill and store the creature in 5 minutes after Cavilhaugh cast the support spell on Anansi. Fights like this were a common sight on this floor for the first 6 or so days. As a result, the ladies, being tired of feeling like dead weight began working on ways to fight in disadvantageous circumstances.
In the following 3 days, Katya developed a new attack for Gwenn which involved her channeling elemental magoi into the now remodeled transceiver for the golem. When enough magoi is infused, Gwenn would then fire a barrage of condensed magoi feathers containing the infused elemental magoi. Whereas Geoff could also fire magoi beams for his sword.
As for Ivy, she began working on solely using combat-focused light spells. In 3 days she developed her own arcane arts called Nature's (Death) Rays. This spell using Ivy as a power source creates convex lenses made from plant fluids in her vines and fires heavily condensed light magoi rays at a target.
Additionally, I taught her my elemental saber arcane arts. In turn, she mastered the use of litesaber (light elemental sword shroud not an actual l****s**** so chill out *isn**!!). She also learned another two spells called naturesaber (plant-type shroud), and gaiasaber (earth-type shroud).
Given her lowered affinity with water, fire, lightning, ice, darkness and wind, Ivy has opt-ed not to learn these spells. Currently, she's been using voidsaber which is a neutral magoi sword shroud. It doesn't offer any offensive boost; however it does nullify elemental attacks, and absorbs enemy magoi.
To be honest, I was surprised and pleased with how fast Ivy learned the spells and grew in proficiency. Not to mention how proud I was of Katya. She now could integrated arcane arts from other schools into the abilities usable for her golems. With their growth in power and combat experience, our party was able to travel deep into the 2nd floor at a heightened pace, saving 4 days compared to what was originally estimated.
Today, we are approximately 20km from the massive volcano which housed the stairs to the 3rd floor. As usual we raced to our destination, and slew anything that dared try attacking us, storing their cadavers swiftly and proceeding forward. We continued in this manner until we reached the furthest place we could have run on land.
What laid before us was a giant river of erupting lava. This alone wouldn't have caused a problem, however, there were dark clouds not that far above the river which absorbed ambient magoi and produced a rain of baleful energy. This baleful rain would not only zap us of our magoi, but also poison anyone exposed to it for too long.
Our only option for crossing the river was the floor guardian who acted as a ferryman of sorts. All we could do was wait for the python to appear. Although we were unsure how long they may take, there was no point worrying about it. After setting up camp at a safe enough distance away from the river's edge, I began working on everyone's equipment.
It had been days since we had our weapons and armor thoroughly repaired. Although I didn't have the state-of-the-art smithing equipment like back at home, I did however, have a pretty decent portable smithy to work with. I just wouldn't be able to upgrade our equipment until I at least had an authentic forge and workbench. Likewise, everyone else began working on their own projects as we waited.
There was no need to worry about monster attacks as we are deep within the floor guardian's territory. Unlike the 1st floor, the monsters here are smart enough not to fuck with the Abyssal Molten Python unless they wanted to be its next meal. All we needed to do was set up the Safe house artifact and be mindful of where we stepped.
This short reprieve continued for about 3 days went the molten river began to swell. Seeing the changes, we quickly dismantled our camp and headed to the river's edge. As we approached the edge, the river's surface exploded with a massive figure jetting up past the surface. Once all the fanfare settled, the floor guardian stood before us.
The floor guardian had a similar appearance to Midgardsormr. However, instead of horns it had a mane of fire. Instead of a scaley body, the floor guardian's flesh was made of molten lava incased in ever shifting plates of baleful orichalcum. Lastly, the serpent had no arms or flipper-like thing, or paws. The guardian was a true and blue serpent and not a freak of nature.
In all honesty, the floor guardian exuded a type of majesty similar to Shenlong. I guess it would make sense as this floor guardian was a pseudo higher spirit. While we marveled at the floor guardian, she spoke in a somewhat melodious voice,
"Welcome challengers to my abode. Are you in search of passage to the other side of the river, or do you seek a combat trial?"
The floor guardian inquired, to which I replied,
"We beseech you, grant us safe passage through your domain!"
"OOO… A polite challenger has come! This is indeed new for me. Usually, challengers come screaming their heads off while trying to fight their way by or soil themselves as they flee to the 1st floor stairway".
The floor guardian mused, glad to indulge in its addiction for conversation. It looks like Lucas' information was true. This floor guardian is more likely to converse and maybe even let bygones be bygones as long as you don't attack it or request a battle.
-End of Chapter