The Upper Floors were no challenge for Charlie and his companions. Even as they passed through the Middle Floors, their footsteps didn't slow down in the slightest. It was as if the monsters blocking their path were merely dust to be swept aside.
The group continued onward until they arrived at the end of a cavern, where a large tunnel stood as the entrance to the next floor.
"Alright. Let's take a break in Rivira for a bit. This is Est's first time in the Dungeon, let her take a look around the 18th Floor."
Saying that, Charlie raised his hand and gently patted Est's head.
"Whatever Onii-chan wishes, is also my will."
Est replied with her usual expressionless face, but showed no resistance, only staring straight ahead.
Aishia simply nodded quietly. She never argued with Charlie's decisions.
As soon as they exited the tunnel, they were immediately greeted by the warm light emanating from the ceiling of the 18th Floor.
Their footsteps slowed.
"..."
Charlie raised his head, letting the soft light touch his face. For a moment, it was as if he had forgotten they were deep underground.
Before them, a lush forest stretched out, and a large lake that perfectly reflected the artificial sky appeared calm and peaceful. From the ceiling, thousands of white crystals shone brightly, scattering a gentle light like the morning sun.
"It's hard to believe we're deep underground..." Charlie murmured softly, in awe, even though it wasn't his first time seeing it.
The fresh air, the scent of earth and foliage, the sound of trickling water from afar—it all felt like the surface world. Not the usual part of the Dungeon stained with monster screams and the scent of blood.
"Onii-chan, are... we really underground?" Est asked, her cold eyes now looking slightly wider in amazement.
"We're really underground, Est, this is the first safe haven. The 18th Floor—known as the Under Resort." Charlie replied briefly.
"I didn't believe it at first either. When we first arrived here, I thought we had left the Dungeon." Aishia added with a faint smile.
Then, they walked towards the lake, following a path made of natural stones, and then crossing a large fallen tree trunk that served as a bridge to the island in the middle of the lake.
Two large wooden pillars greeted them at the end of the bridge, with a piece of cloth connected between them, bearing the inscription: Rivira.
"Rivira is a relay town built by adventurers. A place for supplies, rest, and also a place to exchange goods before going deeper. It's a neutral territory, run by top-class adventurers who can descend here at will." Charlie gave a brief introduction to Est.
Looking around, Est saw large tents, simple but sturdy wooden buildings, and the hustle and bustle of passing adventurers. Some were eating, laughing, while others were selling drop items from their hunts.
The place felt like a small market... only, this market was deep underground.
Amidst the busyness of Rivira, Aishia and Est's presence immediately attracted attention.
Est's cold face and calm demeanor, combined with her doll-like appearance, made her stand out in the crowd. As for Aishia, with her serene charm and gentle beauty, she exuded a mysterious allure. Both stood by Charlie's side, creating a striking contrast like blooming flowers on a battlefield.
Several male adventurers who had been in the Dungeon for weeks or even months—far from the comforts of the Pleasure Quarter on the surface—instinctively turned their heads.
However, none acted rashly.
Anyone capable of reaching the 18th Floor was no ordinary person. And none of them were foolish enough to cause trouble just because of mere lust. This world was harsh. Survival was more important than toying with death.
This wasn't a cheap world in a xianxia novel, where the protagonist was always harassed by degenerate young masters who wanted to seize the women by his side just because they looked extraordinary. In the Dungeon, there was no place for such foolishness.
"..."
Charlie remained calm, ignoring the gazes that followed them. He knew very well that in this world, status and power were everything. And for those who knew how to see, the aura emanating from these three people was too dangerous to provoke.
As they walked down Rivira's main street, Charlie began to explain to Est.
"This place looks lively, but don't be mistaken. The goods here are sold at a much higher price than on the surface. Because transportation to the 18th Floor is difficult and risky, merchants take advantage of the situation to raise prices as they please."
"Like bloodsuckers?" Est made a fitting metaphor.
"You could say that. But on the other hand, adventurers don't have many choices either. Imagine carrying a backpack full of drop items while fighting monsters. That's suicide. So they are forced to sell them here... even at painful prices."
This did not apply to Charlie, who had the Space-Time Chace. Thus, he was spared from blatant rip-offs.
His gaze swept across the stalls filled with profit-hungry merchants and exhausted adventurers peddling the fruits of their hard labor.
'Rivira isn't a tourist spot. All there are are greedy merchants who sell and buy at outrageous prices, dilapidated inns full of fleas, and seedy bars where people drown themselves in overpriced cheap beer.'
His eyes glanced briefly at Est, then at Aishia. Charlie didn't want these girls—especially Est, who had not long since left her original world—to see the rotten face of this world too quickly.
"Let's go to a more interesting place." Charlie said with a faint smile.
"Um." Est nodded gently.
Aishia simply nodded slightly and followed, as always, calm and graceful.
They left Rivira, following a path in the northern forest.
Once they emerged from behind the trees, the world seemed to change.
A vast open grassland stretched out, illuminated by the light from the ceiling crystals. Giant crystals rose from the ground like natural towers. They shimmered like jewels scattered by the gods.
In the middle of the floor stood a colossal tree—a giant that seemed to support the sky. Its roots were thick and winding, forming natural arches like tunnels, marking the path to the 19th Floor.
"So beautiful..." Est murmured. Even she, who was usually expressionless, seemed to be silently in awe.
The northern region was a wetland covered in a thin mist, while dense forests stretched to the east and south. The atmosphere was like another world. Even the artificial sky above, with its bright blue color and the shimmering light from the crystals, created a perfect illusion of the surface world.
This scenery was so extraordinary that many nobles and wealthy people from the surface were willing to pay adventurers to escort them here—just to see this place with their own eyes.
Charlie ignored the bustle. He led Aishia and Est to a secluded lakeside, far from Rivira. This place was quiet, peaceful, and the water was so clear that the bottom of the lake was clearly visible.
"Charlie wants to camp here?" Aishia asked, seeing a place that was perfect for resting.
"That's right. Even though this is an expedition, there's no need to rush into the Lower Floors. My need for Excelia isn't that urgent. Instead of constantly pushing ourselves, it's better to have some fun today."
He turned his head, giving both girls a small smile.
"Aishia, take Est to play in the water."
"Understood."
Without much talk, Aishia took Est's hand and walked towards the water. The petite white-haired girl only nodded slightly, then allowed herself to be pulled along.
They began to take off their shoes and socks, and their feet touched the cool and refreshing water.
Meanwhile, Charlie accessed the Space-Time Chace and began to take out tent equipment. The items were from the Planar World: Gotoubun no Hanayome—a series of modern and luxurious camping gear that he had borrowed... and somehow, hadn't returned yet.
While working, he occasionally glanced towards the lake.
Aishia was splashing water at Est, and for the first time, Charlie saw the girl smile faintly. Est might have only given a small smile, but the look in her eyes had become slightly warmer.
"Est deserves happiness."