Jonathan and Mary left the Boss Floor's room, continuing to follow the line that had guided them in a safe direction. As they descended, they passed through more various floors, with each featuring much different environments than above. Naturally, they encountered monsters on each level. The monsters residing at the deepest levels had undergone excessive evolution, aided by the Dungeon itself.
In fact, the power possessed by these monsters was merely a loan from the Dungeon, and each time a monster died, it would come back to life. This cycle of death and resurrection could happen indefinitely, which made adventurers wary or even fearful of entering the Dungeon. Those lacking mental fortitude would only burden their team, prompting the Guild to establish a hierarchy within the Dungeon. This hierarchy had been analyzed, and only a limited number of adventurers were permitted to enter.
However, this did not apply to uncharted Dungeons, which seemed to take lives mysteriously. There were no warnings or sightings of adventurers in those areas. Hence, Guild workers typically cautioned against entering Dungeons that had not been thoroughly analyzed.
Jonathan and Mary, being seasoned adventurers, had successfully reached the deepest depths of the Dungeon, though they were unaware of it. Jonathan was primarily focused on exploring, conquering, and gathering resources, while Mary followed his lead, assisting him whenever challenges arose.
The sensation of the air as they descended began to get intense, only for them it was tasteless, only the Black-Dragon could overwhelm them. That's how strong the strongest dragon in the world is, ten hours passed, they had arrived at floor 89, almost approaching the final floor, where the Final Boss would be waiting for them. Mary asked Jonathan to rest, Mary's request was approved and finally they rested on the floor they were on now.
Mary saw Jonathan cooking delicious food again, whatever time they ran out of food, what made Mary curious was how extensive Jonathan's Dimensional Storage skill was, actually Mary knew what the capacity of this skill was, but, this felt more abnormal. Also, how much did Jonathan bring with him all the ingredients and equipment ever; cooking utensils, food and drinks, swords, etc.
Mary had tried asking Jonathan about it, but he responded with "I can't tell you, this is very secret to me." It's still a mystery, Mary won't ask that again, but she's still curious.
Jonathan was busy cooking the food they were going to eat, Mary leaned against the wall — the atmosphere around them was quiet, very quiet, they were a little short of arriving at the last floor. So if they have defeated the Final Boss, they will continue their journey as usual. He put away his bag containing lots of things and books, Mary checked his bag to make sure nothing was left behind. Meanwhile, Jonathan put the meat on the two plates that had been prepared, and also added vegetables; tomatoes, carrots and cucumbers. Very simple but easy to cook,
"Mary, the food is ready."
Jonathan said, while pushing one of the plates towards Mary who was checking, Mary stopped and glanced at the plate, then both hands left her bag, took the plate and before eating, she thanked Jonathan again.
Upon completing their meal, Jonathan proceeded to collect the dirty plates, wash them, and store them in the Dimensional Storage skill. With their appetites satisfied, it is not uncommon for individuals to feel a sense of drowsiness, as was the case with Mary, who exhibited signs of fatigue through yawning. Prior to retiring for the night, it is advisable to prepare a blanket or cloth to enhance comfort while resting in a less than ideal environment. As Mary succumbed to sleep, Jonathan remained awake, gazing upward, contemplating the impending conclusion of their dungeon expedition. He remained hopeful for the rewards that might await them upon the successful completion of their quest; they planned to descend and confront the final boss immediately following the day's events. Jonathan then activated the Dimensional Storage once more, retrieving a soft cloth designed for a compact sleeping arrangement, which could be placed conveniently wherever they chose to rest.
Once the small bed was prepared, he reclined upon it, experiencing a degree of comfort despite the underlying hardness and roughness of the floor. His sword rested beside him, allowing for immediate access to defend against any potential threats during the night. It is important to note that the barrier cast by Mary merely withstands minor attacks and conceals their presence, but it should not be classified as entirely safe. Higher-level monsters possess the capability to detect their presence, even when shielded by the barrier.
He contemplated the implications of locating the book they were seeking, recognizing the multitude of outcomes and courses of action that could arise from each decision made. Each step might propel them into a different trajectory, laden with an array of infinite possibilities that could complicate the challenges they would encounter. A minor misstep could foster a variety of alternate paths. The nature of these outcomes, whether favorable or adverse — rests upon their subsequent actions, decisions, wisdom, and sense of responsibility.
In contemplating the intricacies of existence, one may find that the enormity of thought can surpass human comprehension. The complexity arising from Creation reflects a multitude of infinite possibilities. Although humanity has developed various mathematical theories with each representing an attempt to uncover deeper truths —these theories may not fully encapsulate reality. The essence of Creation remains enigmatic, suggesting that the ultimate truths reside within its most profound depths. Disciplines such as science, philosophy, mathematics, and history have only begun to touch the surface of this vast domain. Consequently, the individual may succumb to fatigue, overwhelmed by the infinite complexities of Creation, which in turn engender profound mysteries. This phenomenon can be likened to an infinite layer of paper, each sheet symbolizing the intricacies of concepts akin to Berkeley's Cardinal or Cantor's Attic, which resist definitive explanation.
On the other side of the world, a significant portion of the continent has succumbed to conquest by demons, who swiftly advanced with vast hordes. The leader of this invasion was The General of Demons himself — The Nightmare, who engaged in combat against the entire elite battalions forces led by the Hero himself alongside his fellow warriors. Despite the fierce battle, he emerged victorious, sustaining only minor damage to his armor. As a result, humanity now faces a deep state of anxiety, eagerly anticipating the arrival of God's designated Hero for Humanity – hoping that they will able to defeat them. 'The Slaughter Demon Knight,' a coalition of battalions intended to eradicate the demon threat. However, these forces have not succeeded. Even with their extensive knowledge and advanced technology, they remain unable to match the overwhelming power of the demons. In a desperate endeavor, all churches and religious institutions have turned to prayer, seeking intervention or divine protection against the invasion of Demon. The brutality of the demons, who indiscriminately slaughter humans and various races alike, is a harrowing spectacle. The demons exhibit no regard for the morality of their victims, whether innocent or culpable, nor for the diversity of races they target. Nevertheless, humanity continues to resist, engaging in relentless counterattacks against their adversaries.
The next day, Jonathan woke up suddenly, sitting up on the cloth beneath him. He looked around and saw that Mary was also awake, appearing refreshed and full of energy. They prepared their belongings for their continued exploration of the floor beneath them. Jonathan and Mary left the room, following the same path that led them to a faster route. About three hours later, they finally discovered a staircase leading down.
Now, they found themselves in a very different place — an interior with the ruins of buildings on the 76th floor. An old, dusty table was scattered around, and several chairs were broken or damaged. Piles of dusty papers rested on a nearby table. Jonathan stepped closer to examine what was written on the papers, his eyes widening in surprise as he discovered an ancient letter among them. He quickly activated his Dimensional Storage and pulled out a translation book designed for translating ancient texts. Eagerly, he opened the book to uncover the information hidden within the Ancient Words.
Meanwhile, Mary wandered around the area but stayed close to Jonathan. She curiously opened each drawer in the tables while waiting for him to finish his examination of the papers. Looking up, she realized that the ceiling was higher than before, resembling a massive hallway. Windows lined the walls, allowing a golden, sunny light to illuminate the hallway. How these windows produced such light in an unexplored dungeon remained a mystery. This thought made her wonder as she gazed at them. after all, this is an Dugeon which hasn't been explored by anyone except themselves.
After some time, Jonathan finally translated the letter. It contained the story of an adventurer who had found himself in an Ancient Ruin, where he had discovered ancient powers that could be potentially dangerous for inexperienced mages. However, the magic eventually vanished from the earth — gone as if it never existed. Only those who had encountered or possess the Ancient Power would remember it after its disappearance.
The narrative is attributed to an unknown adventurer, which prompted Jonathan to store it in his Dimensional Storage. They proceeded deeper into the extensive hallway of this level, and after approximately five hours, they discovered several rooms filled with old, dusty wooden desks. These desks were cluttered with piles of paper, while additional sheets lay scattered on the floor. As they ventured further, they arrived at a vast room that resembled a library, where dusty books occupied each bookshelf.
Mary entered the room first, her enthusiasm evident as she began to search for books that piqued her interest. Jonathan observed the sheer size of the room, noting its contrast to the previous, smaller spaces they had encountered. He watched as Mary collected the remaining books from the shelves. After a brief period of waiting for her to gather a selection, Mary approached Jonathan at the entrance, her hands gripping a substantial pile of books. She tilted her head slightly and smiled, revealing her excitement.
"Jonathan, can i put these books into your Storage? Because my backpacks is full right now."
She said, hopefully Jonathan would grant her – which he does; activating his Dimensional Storage,
"Yay! Thank you Jonathan."
Mary placed all of her belongings into storage and expressed her gratitude to Jonathan for temporarily accommodating her book within his storage space. She also made a promise that should she acquire a larger backpack, she would reclaim all of her books. Jonathan responded with a sigh and a nod, fully aware of her tendencies and unable to deny the frequency with which she relied on his assistance.
As he began to exit the library, Jonathan resumed his previous course, with Mary following closely behind. She gazed at the Constant Sword resting on his back, her attention captivated by the formidable weapon she had never encountered before. Every strike Jonathan made against his adversaries exhibited the astonishing power of the Constant Sword, which possessed a dual nature: it was both magnificent and fearsome. It was as though he possessed omnipotence, although he remained unaware of the true extent of the sword's capabilities.
Mary felt a sense of envy toward Jonathan, who had been entrusted with such immense power, allowing him to wield high-level magic at will. This was a realization of one of her aspirations: to become the Overseer of Mage. To achieve this status, she needed to master all existing magical skills within their world and discover new forms of magic that transcended the bounds of space and time. The requirements to attain the title of Overseer of Mage were exceedingly high, and for most mages, such goals seemed unattainable. Conversely, Jonathan appeared poised to achieve this distinction, having already met or surpassed the necessary criteria.
Mary contemplated her situation, recognizing the necessity of gaining power through her own efforts. Her goal was to acquire all available knowledge, specifically a comprehensive list of High-Magic texts to facilitate her learning. Previously, she had obtained several titles related to High-Magic, both before and after her encounter with Jonathan. Nevertheless, she believed she still had an opportunity to fulfill the requisite criteria.
The pair proceeded cautiously through their current level, adhering to a predetermined path. Approximately thirty minutes into their journey, they encountered a scene that left them both astonished. Before them lay a massive nest containing several enormous eggs, situated atop a cushion of soft material that appeared to be designed for thermal regulation. They surmised that this was a Black Dragon's nest, given the coloration of the eggs. However, their astonishment was quickly eclipsed by a powerful roar that reverberated through the chamber, creating a shockwave that nearly caused them to lose their balance. They sought the source of the sound and deduced that what they had perceived as a roar was likely a yawn, originating from a Black Dragon that lay sleeping within the nest.
The expansive chamber featured a staircase leading to the next level, positioned on the opposite side of the room. Faced with no alternative, Jonathan and Mary resolved to traverse the nest with utmost care, making every effort to avoid awakening the dragon. Jonathan initiated the crossing, advancing slowly and deliberately, beads of sweat forming on his brow. Mary followed suit, mirroring his cautious movements. It took them approximately twenty minutes to reach the far side of the nest. Upon nearing the staircase, they hastily made their way down, successfully avoiding any disturbances that might awaken the Black Dragon.
Once they had reached the next level, they surveyed their surroundings with relief. They now stood at floor 90, with only ten remaining floors between them and the Final Boss.
"Fiuh... Why the hell a Black-Dragon's nest is inside of the Dugeon, i've never thought that Black-Dragon would make a nest for their eggs on Dugeon."
Jonathan expressed surprise and astonishment upon encountering the Black-Dragon nest, noting that such a phenomenon is uncommon. Typically, dragons construct their nests in elevated areas such as mountains or forests; however, this particular instance deviated from the norm. The designation of 'Strongest Dragon' appears to encompass not only superior physical prowess and magical abilities but also an affinity for perilous environments. The Dungeon, commonly referred to as a nest for monsters or one of the most hazardous locations on Earth, suggests that the Black-Dragon may choose to incubate its eggs within these confines. The sustenance for the hatchlings is sourced from the various monsters inhabiting the Dungeon, with stronger prey typically found at deeper levels proving to be more suitable nourishment.
The Dragons deliberately select treacherous dungeons, where the presence of formidable monsters contributes to a richer diet for their young. This particular dungeon exemplifies such a choice. It is unfortunate for adventurers who venture into the dungeon, as many may not survive the relentless onslaught of the resident monsters. However, for those who do endure and emerge from the chaos, they ultimately face a confrontation with the Black-Dragon itself, which may serve as a fatal conclusion to their quest.
Defeating the Black Dragon represents one of the highest achievements for all adventurers. Individuals who successfully eliminate the Black Dragon are promoted to be on par with the creature, achieving a rank of either Level S or Level S+ based on their performance during the battle. Notably, if an Adventurer confronts the Black Dragon alone, they are guaranteed a promotion to Level SS. However, such occurrences have become increasingly rare, as the current generation of Mages and adventurers is often perceived as weaker than their predecessors. This decline is attributed to advancements in technology that facilitate various aspects of life, including warfare and social interactions, ultimately leading to a diminished reliance on magical skills.
This trend does not extend to the Overseers of Mages, who continue to prioritize the use of magic over technological innovations. They argue that technology presents numerous issues and vulnerabilities that require extensive time to repair. In contrast, magical skills possess inherent qualities that render them unbreakable and maintenance-free. As a result, Mages must focus on learning to manage their mana effectively to ensure the sustained effectiveness of their magical structures.
"Anyway, Mary, only ten floors left then we'll finally conquer this Dungeon! So we should go quickly into final floors."
Despite the surprised earlier, it replace by the eager of them that they were near the final floors of Dungeon, he pointed his sword forward and begin walking.
"W-wait, Jonathan. If we've manage to conquer and kill the Final Boss, how do we get out of here? There is no way we will passed the Black-Dragon's nest again."
She quicken her pace to beside him, telling him of an exit route once they manage to kill Final Boss, Jonathan simply said,
"We'll see later on."
Mary found herself momentarily speechless, particularly due to Jonathan's apparent disregard for the exit route. She was exasperated by his response, believing that his thoughts were solely focused on confronting formidable adversaries. As they descended through several floors, the journey seemed to progress more swiftly than before, aided by a guiding line that led them along expedited paths. With each level they passed, they encountered a multitude of distinct or novel enemies within an environment characterized by its harshness — circumstances that did not greatly concern them. After one hour of navigation, they arrived at the final floor and stood in a state of shock and awe as they beheld massive doors adorned in pure gold. Unexpectedly, the doors opened, as if welcoming them, and they cautiously stepped inside.
Inside the expansive room, they observed numerous knight statues positioned along the walls, complemented by pillars adjacent to each statue. Dominating the central area of the room was an enormous figure clad in full knightly armor. He stood motionless, his sword planted firmly before him, hands resting on its handle, seemingly awaiting a challenger. Jonathan felt a sense of unease emanating from this figure, which exuded an aura of both chill and danger. In response, he tightened his grip on his sword and broke into a wide grin, showcasing his impeccably white teeth as he advanced towards the imposing figure with deliberate and steady movements.
As he approached, the knight began to move, raising his massive sword and assuming a battle stance akin to that of a knight preparing for engagement. Jonathan recognized the impending confrontation; however, before he could advance further, the knight — or the Final Boss — quickly closed the distance, appearing before Jonathan in an instant. The knight launched an attack, displaying immense strength that momentarily shocked Jonathan. Fortunately, his reflexes were sharper, enabling him to successfully block the strike just in time.
During the confrontation, Jonathan was propelled backwards but did not sustain any injuries. Although the attack was somewhat aggressive, it did not surpass the impact of the single strike delivered by the tail of the Final Boss, referred to as Black-Dragon. In a supportive role, Mary advanced to assist Jonathan by utilizing her level-100 magical abilities. She conjured numerous magical circles in their vicinity, launching simultaneous assaults that inflicted significant damage. Consequently, the Final Boss was forced back, and his armor began to show signs of deterioration due to the relentless barrage of magical attacks.
However, the adversary did not succumb; rather, he continued his advance, moving slowly despite the effects of Mary's magic. As Mary expended her mana to create additional magical circles aimed at immobilizing him, she experienced a substantial drain in her energy reserves. Concurrently, Jonathan executed a counterattack in an effort to inflict further harm on the Final Boss. Unfortunately, Mary was unable to fully incapacitate the enemy, and suddenly, all of her magical circles dissipated. Exhausted from the extensive use of her mana and energy, she determined that it would be prudent to allow Jonathan to engage in the remainder of the battle while she focused on recovering her strength and mana.
Now, Jonathan strike directly toward his face but he successfully blocked Jonathan's attack by his massive sword, Jonathan jump backward to make a distance, then he cast multiple high-magic skills which launched a barrage of beams from each circles, piercing through his armor and creating a hole in every flesh of him in legs, arms, and chest — making him more wounded than before, Jonathan is impressed that Final Boss still able to stand despite that he'd received a heavily injured, the Final Boss began to push himself toward Jonathan, slashing directly at him with immense speed, but Jonathan is too fast for him distance — easily dodge and counter it with another struck of Jonathan's sword, piercing once again through his defense, Jonathan looked behind and he saw an incoming attack, he duck down while move backwards to make a distance.
Now, Jonathan struck directly toward his face but he successfully blocked Jonathan's attack with his massive sword, Jonathan jumped backward to make a distance, and then he cast multiple high-magic skills which launched a barrage of beams from each circle, piercing through his armor and creating a hole in every flesh of him in legs, arms, and chest — making him more wounded than before, Jonathan is impressed that Final Boss still able to stand despite that he'd received a heavily injured, the Final Boss began to push himself toward Jonathan, slashing directly at him with immense speed, but Jonathan is too fast for him — easily dodge and counter it with another strike of Jonathan's sword, piercing once again through his defense, Jonathan looked behind and he saw an incoming attack, he ducks down while moving backward to make a distance.
Jonathan looked at the appearance of a heavily injured Knight; Final Boss, he saw there was no visual blood or even a stain of it, likely designed to only focused on raw strength and durability, blood wouldn't be very helpful when it comes to battle — it only does the reminder of an injury or damage. Jonathan spelled another different high-magic again, then dashed toward him again while he was defending himself from Jonathan's magics, and when Jonathan near the Final Boss, he immediately blew a direct attack on Boss's chest, splitting it into halves easily. There is no chance for the Boss to react to such an immensely speedy strike; now, the upper body falls down onto the floor. Again, there's no blood coming out from the body. Mary approaches Jonathan in slight exhaustion — slowly regaining her stamina, she looks upon the dead body, curious about why there is no blood.
"Why there's no sight of blood? Even an monsters has it."
She said in curious, Jonathan simply response to Mary's curiosity.
"I really don't know Mary, it may some kind a new creatures without a blood, maybe?"
His responses did not satisfy her at all; both individuals were not particularly knowledgeable about this new creature they had encountered. However, setting aside her curiosity, Mary focused on the rewards they would receive upon successfully defeating the Final Boss. Gradually, something began to materialize behind Jonathan — a small glowing sphere that illuminated the area, eventually revealing a crate that appeared to contain a reward. Mary approached the crate, passing Jonathan, whose gaze followed her. Upon noticing the crate as well, he observed Mary as she opened it to discover a substantial collection of treasures, including sacred swords crafted by the finest artisans in the world.
Although these swords lacked the power to compare to the Constant Sword, they could still enhance Jonathan's collection, which already consisted of approximately one thousand different swords stored within his Dimensional Storage. Each sword was categorized and titled, with some even designated as 'Slayer of Dragons,' indicating their capability to pierce the thick shells of dragons; however, these swords still struggled against those formidable defenses. Only individuals possessing the requisite strength could successfully cut through a dragon's shell, emphasizing the importance of the user's physical abilities.
Despite this, such considerations did not deter Jonathan, as he had already exceeded the power of these swords — both in physical prowess and in terms of spiritual and magical capabilities. Consequently, he placed the sword into his Dimensional Storage and shifted his attention to the other treasures within the crate. The remaining items included a considerable quantity of gold coins, several high-quality potions, and ultimately, a legendary ring. Mary noticed the shimmering ring and drew it closer for examination; its surface appeared to be adorned with a gold-like material, inscribed with ancient symbols. Jonathan approached Mary to observe her inquiry, and, intrigued, he employed his 'Analyze' skill to ascertain the ring's attributes. To his astonishment, the analysis revealed that the ring was named 'Yópjish' and possessed elemental attributes of fire, light, and water.
This ring enabled the user to utilize these elements more fluidly than without it, also enhancing the user's physical capabilities and immunity to these elements. Additionally, the ring reduced the time required to summon magical circles by 15% and increased the casting rate by 9%. Jonathan expressed his excitement over this discovery and suggested that Mary wear the ring, as its attributes were particularly beneficial for mages. She regarded Jonathan briefly before returning her focus to the ring. After a moment of hesitation, she placed the ring on her index finger. Once they had collected all of their rewards from defeating the Final Boss, the surrounding room and hallway fell into silence; only the two of them remained on this final floor.
"So Jonathan, what are we going to do now? Do we need to go all the way back, using the same path? Please don't tell me we're going to use that."
She asked and hope that they aren't using the path they originally walk upon, Jonathan shrug his shoulders and answer her question.
"I honestly don't know, Mary."
He glance at the entrance of final floor and continue his answer.
"Yeah... I think we might need to use that same paths. This is my first time to be inside of the dungeon. So I don't really know where's the exit is."
She sigh in disappointed, Mary glance at the empty chest and she surprised that the chest was gone, no trace or whatever. Literally vanished into thin air, she glance at Jonathan and told him that the chest were gone along with her pointed her index finger to the spot where the chest was place, Jonathan turn his head and also notice it — slightly widen in surprised yet seems curious about it.
"Woah, you're right, the chest are gone."
Jonathan took a step closer to observe the spot clearly, kneeling down to find the trace or hint about how the chest gone, but there's none of them. Jonathan stood up and glance at her, but at that moment he saw her entire body slowly fading away.
"M-Mary... What happen to you?!"
Mary tilted her head in confusion, attempting to comprehend the meaning behind his words. Upon inspecting her hands, she noticed that she was gradually fading away. Overcome by a sense of panic, she urgently pleaded with Jonathan for assistance. However, he soon realized that his own hands were also beginning to fade, and this unfamiliar and alarming phenomenon was affecting both of them. In a state of distress, they searched for a solution, rummaging through books and attempting to employ the power of the Constant Sword, yet none of their efforts proved effective. As despair set in, they found themselves questioning whether this was the conclusion of their journey. Neither had they crossed the sea nor reached their intended destination. Looking at Mary, Jonathan exhaled in disbelief, revealing the gravity of their predicament.
"I think this is the end of out journey, after all of short adventure that we've made, are going vanish. Only because of us invading this dungeon."
Mary gaze at him too, she think that this moment are their last, so she replied.
"You're right, Jonathan. But after all, this is fun to venture out while having a partner like you, Jonathan."
Mary and Jonathan exchanged smiles, as if they were about to part ways indefinitely. Gradually, their bodies began to fade, and ultimately, they disappeared into thin air. At the entrance of the Dungeon, particularly near the horse and wagon that had previously been parked by Jonathan, they suddenly reappeared. Surprised and speechless, they initially believed they had perished, but this assumption proved to be incorrect. Jonathan realized that their fading was not indicative of their ceasing to exist; rather, it was a form of teleportation at a molecular level.
They experienced a profound sense of relief, which also induced a level of fear in an entirely different context. Upon glancing at his wagon, Jonathan observed that it remained in perfect condition, and his horse did not appear to be hungry or agitated. He surveyed the surroundings and noticed a barrier that he had established prior to entering the Dungeon. It became evident that this barrier possessed an additional feature: it provided nutrients to the horse indirectly, creating the sensation of satiety. This mechanism would enhance the horse's longevity and ensure it did not experience hunger.
"That was scary... But it's incredible! I didn't know that such teleportation could make us slowly disappeared."
"Its completely different from what I've learned the teleportation magic."
Mary expressed her eagerness and curiosity, revealing a desire to possess the capability of teleportation for herself. She admired the notion of rare or legendary magic that could enhance her strength. Now that the exit had been identified following the conquest of the Dungeon, the prospect of retracing their steps through the same paths appeared arduous and tiring. Nevertheless, they successfully managed to exit the Dungeon.
Jonathan approached the horse to assess its condition, ensuring that it was suitable for the continuation of their journey. He also inspected the wagon meticulously, examining all components for any damage or broken pieces. Fortunately, there was no visible damage, which he attributed to the protective barrier he had established, safeguarding both the wagon and the horse from potential threats posed by dangerous monsters.
Once satisfied with the condition of his equipment, Jonathan seated himself in the driver's seat and instructed Mary to enter the wagon. Acknowledging his request, she promptly climbed into the vehicle. After Mary had situated herself, Jonathan proceeded to harness the horse, allowing it to move forward as the magical barrier gradually dissipated into the air.
The group continues along their route to the next destination, equipped with numerous rare items and a substantial amount of gold, which will facilitate their journey more effectively than before. Mary examines a map that depicts an entire continent, complete with detailed illustrations of paths, kingdoms, and notable landmarks. The map provides comprehensive information regarding perilous routes and various intriguing structures that they have encountered. Currently, their objective is to reach a kingdom named 'Tyóush,' which is approximately 480 kilometers away. The journey is expected to take about ten days, possibly extending beyond that duration when factoring in rest periods.
They proceeded slowly through a serene environment, characterized by a seemingly endless expanse of lush green grass and a well-defined pathway conducive to travel. Along their journey, they encountered several other travelers with their respective wagons and horses, as well as a merchant en route to the next kingdom to sell various goods. A gentle breeze blew in a specific direction, causing the grasses to sway accordingly; it was a wonderful sight after their prolonged confinement in the dungeon, where they had not experienced sunlight since their entry. Jonathan took a deep breath of the fresh air, appreciating the moment of relaxation while his hands remained firmly grasping the harness. The melodious sounds of birds chirping as they flew overhead added to the tranquility of this otherwise quiet road, indicating their solitude along the route.
As night fell, Jonathan carefully selected an unoccupied parking space, ensuring that the area was devoid of any potential dangers. He exited the vehicle and gazed at the sky, noting its gradual transition into darkness. After admiring the stunning evening sky, Jonathan proceeded to the rear of the wagon to check on Mary and confirm whether she was asleep. His assumption was correct; she rested against the wall of the wagon. Respecting her rest, he decided not to awaken her and instead set about preparing a campfire near the wagon. He also provided food for his horse to replenish its energy for the following day.
Once the campfire was established, Jonathan settled nearby while organizing supplies to prepare their meals. A short time later, Mary awoke and stretched her body, noticing the darkness enveloping the interior of the wagon. Upon looking outside, she realized it was nighttime. She exited the wagon and observed Jonathan preparing their meal. As she approached him, Jonathan acknowledged her presence and handed her a plate filled with food. She then gently seated herself and took the plate along with a clean spoon and fork.
They dined for an entire hour, engaging in conversation while admiring the captivating night sky. The visible stars, numbering in the thousands or perhaps even more, illuminated the darkness above. The gentle chirping of crickets from the nearby surroundings complemented the serene ambiance, and a cool breeze softly tousled their hair, enhancing the peaceful environment. After a while, they concluded their meal, at which point Mary expressed her desire to retire for the night. Jonathan acknowledged her request with a nod as he proceeded to place the dishes into Dimensional Storage. Subsequently, he leaned against the wheel of the wagon. Noticing that the horse had already fallen asleep, Jonathan found himself the sole occupant of wakefulness. Prior to resting, he cast a protective barrier and began to close his eyes.
High above, The Figure observed Jonathan's actions, harboring a more extensive plan that was poised to astonish the entire cosmos. At this juncture, The Figure recognized the necessity of waiting for the opportune moment, aware that an obstacle loomed ahead in the form of an encounter with the Overseer of Mages.
-To be Continued...