Licia: "Hello, my name is Licia, I'm Miwen's cousin..."
Hearing her lie for my sake gave me mixed feelings.
Licia: "Please take good care of me..."
Yet, I was convinced it'd be best for both of us.
Even if Roy and Sam were good people, I didn't want word of my Gift spreading around.
I had seen how that could end up, and I didn't want it for me, or for her.
Licia: "My Gift is [Ice Mage], it allows me to do a bunch of ice-related things. But since I don't have too much mana, I can at most coat a weapon in frost."
She briefly bowed her head, her eyes fixed on me as she sought my approval.
Sam: "Hi Licia!"
Before I could measure their reactions, Sam swiftly approached her, holding her hands together.
Sam: "No worries about that! Everyone here is low-level, so we totally get it! Roy here also has magic but can't use it, right?"
She gave him a playful wink, which made him flinch.
Roy: "W-well, yeah... I see you brought a knife tho, so you are already more than ready!"
Just like when he first met Sam, Roy seemed a little awkward around Licia.
However, with her being so friendly, he forced himself to smile.
Though I asked her to hide the [Swordsmanship] part of her Gift to make it seem weaker and simpler, I still gave her a knife, thinking it would be a huge waste not to.
Still, I didn't want Roy and Sam to depend on her too much.
In case she was truly as great as I imagined, she'd probably get an opportunity to settle soon.
Sam: "Now that we know each other, let's explore the dungeon, shall we?"
Licia: "Of course."
Both girls had warm smiles, despite essentially saying they were going to spend the day fighting monsters in a dark, mystical corridor.
It was a little funny how their energies matched, even though Licia's highs were closer to Sam's lows.
Still, with no one questioning Licia's identity or her powers, we wasted no time entering the Dungeon.
Thinking it'd be best to take it slow, in consideration for Licia, we focused on areas near the first floor's settlement.
While Sam and Roy dealt with a small group of slimes, she quietly approached me, whispering in my ear something she seemed to be thinking since we started the raid.
Licia: "Your party doesn't have too much fighting experience... you're all making mistakes here and there."
Her voice sounded worried rather than harsh.
Miwen: "Yeah... But there's not much we can do. We've only recently started to raid dungeons."
Even though we were doing fine, we had only fought against weak monsters who didn't know how to use their Gifts, and we still stumbled our way.
To a veteran like her, what we saw as small details were huge blunders.
I wanted to improve, so I told her she could call me out whenever she wanted.
However, I didn't want Roy and Sam to dislike her, so I told her to tell me first whenever she saw something wrong about them.
That way, I could translate her criticism and take the fall if they didn't like it.
Licia: "...It's fine on the first floor of a weak Dungeon like this. But it'll be a problem later on."
Miwen: "I see, thanks for the advice, Licia."
Even though she had me watch Roy and Sam for a second, she mostly focused on my movements compared to theirs.
She pointed out things I had never noticed about the way I fought. Things that were hard to miss after her lecture.
It surprised me that despite her personality not changing much, she held incredible authority.
Even while being polite and careful not to offend, she was precise and logical, so instead of nitpicking, her words felt like guidance.
To Roy and Sam, she might've looked like an anxious girl afraid to fight the monsters, but...
I could see it.
Her battles started before she crossed a monster's path.
Every time, without fail, she'd scan the area, looking for cover and positioning herself near an escape route.
She'd use the cover to approach as much as possible, and when the time came, she'd burst forward, stealing the initiative and giving the monsters no opportunity to resist.
Even against monsters she could defeat without the element of surprise, she'd go all out, without giving them a chance.
It was a sight to see, but at the same time, it felt a little lonely.
The coordination required to perform at that level every time was impossible to measure. Her style made her an incredible solo adventurer, but it also made it hard for others to keep up and support her.
Even someone like Sam, who had the most real fighting experience out of us, often fell behind her.
Though outside of a Dungeon, they'd be much more of a match for each other...
Sam: "Girl, you're incredible! How are you so good?"
Licia: "Uh, w-well..."
Despite holding back, it was just a matter of time until someone noticed she was a little too good.
I wasn't expecting Sam to have such a keen eye, though.
Miwen: "She's a total nerd about this stuff. Back then, she'd spend hours watching videos and navigating forums about Dungeons. She's even given me some tips."
Seeing Licia struggle to come up with something reasonable, I covered for her.
It was my lie to begin with, and I had the feeling she'd have too much experience and skill to pass it off as instinct or luck.
Sam: "Oh... Got it, that makes sense! I've been obsessed with Dungeons since I was a kid, too. It's pretty much the biggest reason why I started taking fighting lessons at a dojo!"
Roy: "Me too, although the content I watch about them is usually mystery and theory-related."
The Dungeons had appeared just a year or two before our generation was born, so being deeply interested in them was pretty common.
It wasn't an exaggeration to say that, during most of our childhoods, the world revolved around Dungeons and adventurers.
Still, I was firmly with Roy on that one.
There were too many things about Dungeons. I really enjoyed listening to others talk about them.
Especially since entering a Dungeon to take a look for myself was akin to suicide. I couldn't help but wonder from afar.
If Roy knew about Licia's world and how different Dungeons worked there, I bet he'd be just as interested as I was.
But after a quick breather, our party continued exploring deeper into the floor until we passed by the Boss' room.
Just like before, everyone held their breath near it.
Our guard was raised so high that each sound echoing through the tight corridors of the Dungeon brought our hands closer to our weapons.
Once we were finally past it, everyone but Licia let out a deep sigh.
For a brief moment, Roy, Sam, and I smiled at each other.
Our pace after that was way better than last time's, and it didn't take us long to reach the place where we stopped our last raid.
After going so deep, the other two and I were pretty close to reaching level 3, which made me think Licia should also be close to her first level up.
Unfortunately, this was where our troubles began last time, so no one felt comfortable overextending themselves for that last push into a level-up.
Sam: "Do you guys wanna push in deeper?"
Even though she was tense herself, Sam was the first one to break the silence, trying to make sure we were all on the same page.
Roy: "I'd like to since I'm close to a level up, but... it would probably be too much for Licia, right?"
...I didn't say anything.
Sam didn't say anything, either.
Even Licia was quiet for a second.
But I think we all thought the same.
Roy was quite considerate. And brave too.
He was the type who would rather take his chances than let someone get hurt.
Most of the time, that was admirable.
However, his worry was a little misplaced, and even Licia couldn't help but curl her lips into a small, light smile.
Licia: "...I don't think it'll be much of a problem for me. But if it becomes too much, I'll tell you."
She was a good sport about it, and her calm words felt oddly polite.
But since it felt so much like her, it didn't draw attention to itself.
It was charming, rather than unusual.
Miwen: "Same. Since I'm also close to a level-up, I guess stopping after everyone gets theirs would be nice, right?"
Sam: "Yes, that would be great!"
The excitement was also as palpable as the tension.
For a few minutes, the biggest challenge was actually to fight against it.
Yet, it didn't take long for us to stop in our tracks.
Not too far ahead of us stood a rare species: A goblin whose skin appeared to have been painted copper-red.
Around the monster stood two other goblins, each carrying a thick club in their hands.
A few possibilities flashed through my mind, but none felt as...
Roy: "..A superior monster?"
Miwen: "Most likely."
Monsters grew just like humans, but they had a special trait we lacked.
By killing enough people, or even other monsters, they'd evolve.
Like Gifts, it was impossible to tell exactly how a monster would evolve, but in almost every case recorded, evolved monsters became far stronger.
Monsters that went through [Monster Evolution] were generally called [Superior Monsters]; however, there were different levels to that as well.
While the experience they offered was much higher than any other monster, veteran adventurers dread few things more than a [Superior Monster].
Sam: "Should we try it?"
We retreated a few steps into the corridor we came from, making sure we were out of sight.
Roy: "I don't need the experience from the superior one since I'm gonna hit the cap for this floor anyway, but I think we can take them."
Our whispers were so low that it was hard to make out what everyone was saying.
Licia: "Miwen and I are enough to defeat it. You and Sam should take care of the ones with clubs."
I could see Sam and Roy tensing their muscles to stop their trembling hands.
But when I looked at Licia, her eyes were a tranquil blue.
While initially focusing on the goblins, her stare briefly landed on us, only speaking after analyzing both parties.
My own judgement was similar to hers.
From everything I had seen, though it'd be a close call, she was good enough to challenge a [Superior Monster] by herself.
With me by her side, the chances seemed in our favor.
Usually, the better pair would be Licia and Sam, as they were the most experienced.
However, since it'd be a challenge no matter what, I'd also prefer for us to fight together.
I felt we trusted each other more, and that it made up for the differences between Sam and me.
Roy: "Are you sure? It might have a trick up its sleeve; you could easily get hurt, you know? It's better to let Miwen and me take care of this one."
He did it again.
But this time, Licia wasn't smiling.
She seemed to understand and appreciate where he was coming from, but she kept a serious look on her face, her eyes fixed on me.
I understood what she meant almost immediately. Roy and I were completely opposites when it came to our approaches, and we'd probably get in each other's way.
Miwen: "Don't worry. Licia seems eager to do it together, and I'll protect her no matter what. If things take a turn for the worse, I'll stall him, and you guys can come help us."
As I thought, hearing my words, she lowered her head a little, hiding a smirk.
Roy: "I-if you say so..."
Sam: "Hm... I guess? But be careful, alright?"
It seemed like she wanted to say more.
I could imagine exactly what, but I felt it was best not to say more.
Miwen: "You too."
After collecting our breaths, we took on the challenge.
Roy drew the attention of the goblins, tackling the one on the right while Sam jumped from behind him, taking the one on the left.
The Red Goblin's eyes darted to both sides, and after an ear-piercing screech, he turned his attention to Licia and me.
The surprise gave me an opening, and I got to slash his left arm.
It was a little shallow, but his reactions were faster than I expected.
As its daggers reached my chest, Licia appeared behind the monster.
Just like with me, the monster turned too swiftly for her to cut deep into him.
Despite surrounding the monster, we couldn't create an opening big enough to kill it.
When his next attack came my way, I waited to dodge at the last second, thinking it would give Licia the chance she needed to kill it.
Licia: "Dodge! Now!"
I didn't have time to process what was happening.
My instincts just screamed as loud as hers, and I jumped back.
In that split second before my feet landed on the ground, flames burst from the goblin's arm, spreading fire in multiple directions.
Even though I was thankful she had saved my life, I didn't have the time to say anything.
The fire had burned my jacket, and as I threw it away, I saw Licia hurrying towards me, her face filled with a motherly mix of worry and exasperation.
Licia: "I have a strategy. Do you trust me?"
For a second, she seemed scarier than the monster.
Thankfully, after confirming that I was fine, she directed her anger towards the monster.
Miwen: "...Of course."
I didn't think twice.
As the monster pursued us, Licia masterfully executed my plan, dodging at the last second while finding time to share her idea between each strike coming her way.
When she finished, I understood why she was so confident.
We separated from each other, surrounding the monster from left and right.
Having given Licia my dagger, I faced the monster unarmed.
Perhaps tired of hitting the air when pursuing Licia, or believing I was the easier target, the monster licked its lips.
His arm fell toward me, his claws just briefly missing my neck.
Knowing I was within the reach of his flame, the monster smiled.
Grabbing his arms, I smiled back.
Miwen: "Why don't you chill a bit?"
The Red Goblin's eyes widened.
The scorching flames never rose.
Standing still, with its limbs bound, the monster was asking for a quick death.
Polite as always, Licia delivered it without waiting, cutting its neck with a cross slash of the dagger and knife in her hands.
As the monster's head fell beside me, I finally felt the heat of his arm, as it melted the frost coating Licia had cast on my arms.
Licia: "Are you alright? Did it work?"
...She seemed relieved.
And up until I heard those words, I was, too.
I thought she was sure it would work. Or at least, she seemed confident when explaining her plan.
If this was just her improvising and hoping for the best... she'd be scarier than I thought.
Miwen: "Yes, it worked. Can you give my weapon back now?"
Licia: "Of course."
With a warm smile on her face, she handed me the knife.
Miwen: "That's the wrong one."
Licia: "Oh... Right, how silly of me."
She didn't seem like the type to make jokes before entering the Dungeon.
The raid must really have put her in a good mood.
Once she finally gave back the dagger, we noticed that a red orb had dropped near the goblin's [Monster Core].
After collecting them, we rushed to help Sam and Roy with their battles, but they weren't having much trouble, and we arrived just as they finished.
Sam: "Did you guys manage to level up?"
Miwen: "Yes, and..."
I took the orb from my pocket.
Miwen: "Look what we got."
Roy: "Man, you're lucky with those things..."
Miwen: "I guess, so, huh?"
It was hard to tell if it was just luck or if this kept happening because I took the most troublesome monsters, but personally, I felt it was deserved.
Since Licia killed the Red Goblin, she got a level-up.
But surprisingly, my contribution was enough that I could level up as well.
With Roy and Sam also reaching level 3, we proudly declared today's raid a success.
Unfortunately, that meant we now had a decision to make.
Either we searched for a Dungeon with a higher level cap, or we challenged the [Floor Boss].
None was easy, but challenging the Boss was undoubtedly more efficient.
Miwen: "I think we are ready for the Floor Boss."
Sam: "Probably, but I'm kinda tired right now. It would be better to dedicate an entire raid to facing the Floor Boss."
No one had any complaints about that.
We were all too busy catching our breath.
Miwen: "Absolutely... I wasn't suggesting that, though. It's just... We came very far already."
Sam: "Oh! Agreed! One hundred percent!"
The journey back to the settlement and the Dungeon Gate was, thankfully, much more uneventful.
As for our loot...
Sam got 2 monster cores from goblins, both at level 2, and ended up getting $4.
Roy got one from a level 3 goblin and earned himself $3.
The orb Licia and I got from the Red Goblin earned us a whooping $30, and since the monster core was from a superior monster as well, it was valued at $6.
For a First Floor raid that almost anyone with a Gift could do, it was a pretty good result.
And even though it wasn't anything to drool over, we decided it'd be nice to share the profits of the red orb with Roy and Sam, since we couldn't have done it without them taking care of the other two monsters.
In the end, we went home with $16 and, more importantly, two level-ups.