That night, after testing out the usability of 【Wind Cloak】 and 【Purple Wings】 in the dungeon, a debriefing session was held with the members who had participated, including Seriana and Liesel.

The location was not the southern wing but rather Liesel’s room in the main building.

“…I see. If they’re usable, that’s a good thing.”

Seriana, seated on 【Small Orb】, said this after hearing my preliminary report. Unlike the others, she wasn’t sitting on the sofa but floated gently in midair.

Unlike me, however, she stayed at a height not much different from sitting. If I relaxed my focus, I’d float all the way up to the ceiling.

Along with the two items, we also tested 【Small Orb】 in the dungeon. For now, it seemed to function at about the same level as the main 【Floating Orb】.

When Fiora was using it, it was simply for movement, but midway, Teresa took over and began using it. She even fought using her sword while riding it, demonstrating agility comparable to 【Floating Orb】.

However, since the limits of 【Floating Orb】 itself are still unclear, the evaluation of 【Small Orb】 is on hold for now.

At the very least, it provided a convenient mode of transportation for the women in the group. We also learned that Fiora had no issues with heights or speed. Perhaps riding horses often made them more accustomed to such things. Or maybe it’s just me who’s overly sensitive?

After others added their inputs, the debriefing ended.

Still, it’s impressive how they could analyze new blessed items and come up with ideas on the spot. They discussed effects and efficient ways to use them so effortlessly. I couldn’t help but admire their knowledge and experience.

As I pondered this, the conversation shifted to the boss fight, with August taking the lead in explaining the plan.

“In about ten days, Luban-sama will return to the territory capital. As with last time, we’ll head straight to the lower levels, where we’ll conduct exploration and subjugation.”

…That guy’s schedule always seems hectic.

“Yes, recently, the knights conducting the explorations have reached the middle levels, correct? If that’s the case, it shouldn’t take too long to reach the lower levels this time.”

“Indeed. Unlike last time, we’ve already sent several teams to conduct preliminary investigations in the lower levels. Although they’ve only explored the area near the entrance, we’ve gathered considerable information, allowing us to proceed more efficiently.”

“And the monsters?”

“Primarily enhanced demon-type monsters. While the environment resembles that of the upper and middle levels, the structure is closer to the upper levels, with rooms connected by corridors. However, the monster density is significantly higher, so we expect reinforcements to be called, turning it into a chaotic melee. The footing and visibility seem to resemble the middle levels, making things even trickier.”

They discussed the conditions in the lower levels with serious expressions.

Unlike last time, the lower levels had already been scouted, and I knew information had been received from those teams. Initially, it was planned for us to be the first to step into the lower levels and proceed directly with the subjugation. However, since hunts in the middle levels had been conducted while maintaining safety margins, a mixed team of adventurers, including Alec, had been tasked with the investigation.

I didn’t care much about being first. Having prior information, as long as no one died, was a blessing.

In fact, the blessed items and divine protections tested today were based on information provided by those scouts, and the current subjugation plan was too. Although no deaths or serious injuries occurred, it was reportedly challenging.

I was grateful. To honor their efforts, we needed to make the most of their information.

However, before joining the discussion, I had one thing I needed to confirm.

“Hey,” I called out to Seriana, who was watching the others plan from the sidelines.

“What is it?”

“Are enhanced types the strong ones?”

I had heard of them before but didn’t know much.

“…Yes. In Zelkis, they appear in the deepest areas of the lower levels. In the royal capital, they start appearing around the lower levels. They’re much stronger than other monsters in those areas. While I’ve never seen them myself, I’ve read that they’re comparable to the monsters of the demon realm.”

Seriana briefly looked exasperated before realizing something and returning to her usual expression. She must have remembered that I couldn’t access dungeon records beyond the lower levels yet. She gave a simple explanation.

“Hmm.”

Monsters of demon realm-level strength… Fighting them head-on sounded tough. The lower levels also didn’t have vast open spaces like the middle levels, so using large-scale attacks was likely impractical.

In that case, perhaps the wings on my back would come in handy…!

◇

After the discussion ended, we disbanded, and I returned to the bedroom with Seriana and the others.

“How is it? How is it?”

Now, I was shirtless on the bed, examining the first phase of 【Purple Wings】 for myself. Fiora had confirmed it in the dungeon, but only by peeking through the collar of my clothes without entering 【Hideout】.

With Elena and Teresa holding mirrors in front and behind me, I used the reflection to inspect my back.

“Ah… It really is a butterfly’s wing. Are you okay with butterflies?”

“As long as it’s not the larvae, I’m fine. Oh, I see it now.”

In the mirror, I could see my back. Right in the middle, between my shoulder blades, appeared purple butterfly wings.

…They weren’t as garish as I had feared.

I’d been a bit wary of something gaudy based on the name 【Purple Wings】, but the design resembled a cluster of unopened flower petals. It wasn’t bad at all.

Not that I’d ever show this to anyone, but I think I can live with it!

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Seria・【Hideout】+1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind Cloak】・【Floating Orb】+1【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Hornet Sting】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Serpent’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wing】・1 card

Seriana・【Range Identification】・【】・28 cards
Elena・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・3 cards
Alec・【Strong Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・5 cards