Chapter 153 – Rivira.
Chapter 153 – Rivira.
"What was that? I couldn't follow your movements," Ais said. How should I explain it to her? Should I tell her it's teleportation?
"It's a skill that allows me to move to a nearby location instantly. It's great for surprise attacks."
"I never imagined you had a skill like that. You never stop surprising me," Tiona said, patting me on the back. "Don't tell me you have even more skills?"
How could I tell her that I have more than 20 different skills?
I don't use most of them, but many are excellent skills.
"I don't have any more skills," I told them.
"I'd be surprised if you did," Ais said. "Shall we move on, then? We have to hurry if we want to reach Rivira in two or three hours."
"Come with me, Ais. You guide me while I take out the monsters we encounter. I'm pretty excited. I know there are some interesting ones here."
"Did you study the monsters in the dungeon?" Ais asked, walking just ahead of me.
"I know most of the monsters in this floor. Crystal Mantises, Dungeon Worms, Almirajs… I want to find them all and see what they look like up close."
"I didn't think you were so passionate about monsters."
"I'm just interested in their abilities and appearances."
"We'll probably encounter all of them before reaching Rivira."
As Ais predicted, we came across all those monsters on our way. Their appearances were incredible, and I was thrilled to fight them, but I managed to kill them all quickly.
It just shows how strong I've become.
I have been far too cautious.
After enjoying myself longer, we were finally nearing the 15th floor.
'This is where the Minotaurs start showing up. I'm excited.'
####
On the 15th floor, we encountered no surprises—no Minotaurs appeared. On the 16th floor, more monsters showed up, but still no Minotaurs. When we reached the 17th floor, we had already encountered every type of monster, but not a Minotaur.
When I said I was disappointed, Tiona didn't understand.
"You wanted to see a Minotaur? Are you crazy? They're the strongest monsters on these floors!"
"But we're strong enough to kill one in a second. I just wanted to see a Minotaur."
"What's cool about that? It's just a giant, strong monster."
"Well, I guess I'll have other chances."
I wanted to face a Minotaur, but I could do nothing about it. We calmly traversed the 17th floor until we were finally near Rivira.
"We're almost there. Are you excited?" Tiona asked.
"I'm really excited. I've heard it's an incredible place."
"I wouldn't say incredible, but it's beautiful. I'm sure you'll love the city there," Tiona began to share many details about Rivira—things I already knew.
But I pretended to be interested.
After several more minutes, we finally arrived at Rivira.
####
When we entered Rivira, I held my breath.
None of the girls said anything as I gazed silently at the magnificent sight before me. It's so much more beautiful in person. The massive tree, the lake, the distant city, and the crystals on the ceiling... creating an artificial sky.
The entire floor was bathed in soft blue light.
When I finally recovered, I smiled.
"What do you think?" I turned to Ais after hearing her question. She was smiling, too, looking pleased with my reaction.
"It's incredible. I don't think I've ever seen anything this beautiful in my life. How can such a gorgeous place exist inside this dungeon?" I said enthusiastically. I started walking, and they followed close behind.
There was even a breeze. It was refreshing.
It smelled like the countryside, a scent I had experienced only once in my previous world—a natural, unpolluted aroma.
"You're not going to cry, are you?" Tiona teased.
"Of course not," I replied. "Let's keep moving. I want to visit the city."
"You're grinning like a kid who just got a gift," Tiona continued teasing, but I ignored her.
I quickened my pace and started running across the green grass toward a nearby forest.
After some time, I reached the lake. On the other side, I could see the city on a beautiful green hill.
"Hey, Luan, slow down a bit. You're running too fast!"
"Sorry, I just want to see everything."
"Wouldn't it make more sense to do it slowly?!" Tiona exclaimed.
"You wouldn't understand."
"Huh?"
I wasn't running just because I found the place beautiful. This place is important—a well-known location in the original story, a place any fan would want to visit if they could.
To all Danmachi fans, know this place is even more amazing than you imagine.
####
We headed to the city and reached the entrance. A large wooden sign marked the town's name. Ahead was a main street.
The architecture here was completely different from the outside world.
It's so beautiful. It looks like an older, rustic town—I like that.
"Aren't you in the mood to eat something?" Tiona pointed to a restaurant. There wasn't just a restaurant—there were different types of shops and even inns to rest and recover.
I wasn't hungry, but I wanted to try the food here.
The four of us entered the restaurant and sat at a table.
We were served by a woman who seemed to be an adventurer. She was very friendly and familiar with Ais, Tiona, and Tione.
After ordering something to eat, I opened the system again.
How should I complete this mission in this place? The easiest way is to separate Tione from the others and head somewhere. There's a forest here and plenty of spots to hide.
I glanced at Tione, and she looked back at me. I smiled at her, and she quickly turned her head.
She's still suspicious of me.