Valerian, The Legendary

Chapter 371: Floor Boss.

Valerian and the team exited the dungeon and smoothly submitted their task results. Prim was surprised these people could complete these things in just one day. She congratulated them and said, "Now that Valerian has finished all these tasks in one go, he is eligible for a level promotion."

The young man handed her the guild card, and Prim carefully inscribed a few more seal marks. These marks were proof of Valerian’s identity and level as a Dungeoneer. The team took a day off from work, and they all rested.

Although the primary workforce was Valerian, the last battle with the goblins exhausted them all. Viney lay on the couch and complained, "I do not understand why so many goblins spawned in that cavern. Someone needs to keep an eye on these critters."

Valerian asked, "What do you mean, is it not normal?"

Captain spoke from inside the kitchen, "Nope, the dungeon never spawns more than a few beasts of a kind. At least, that is the case in these basic levels."

Valerian nodded, and Shiba asked, "Valerian, now that you have been promoted to level ten, what will you do?"

The young man leaned back on the couch, and after some thought, he said, "I would like to move one step at a time. If we rush straight to the tenth floor and I cannot adapt, it can lead me to death."

Shiba nodded and said, "I would have told you the same. Given your situation, the goal lies in that wild boss."

The young man nodded and said, "Yes. However, can I suggest something if you all do not mind?"

Shiba nodded, and Viney trained her ears to the side to listen to all he would talk about.

Valerian said, "Your team lacks in damage output. We will need to arrange some strict training for you all."

Viney sat upright and exclaimed, "The almighty has finally turned his gaze at me. Exalted Master, please guide me through the path of the strong."

Valerian rolled his eyes while Shiba asked, "What sort of training?"

The young man sighed and said, "Well, for starters, you all lack some basic things, such as versatility. You cannot fight without your sword, while Captain can only defend, and if Viney is asked to handle the front, she cannot do it even if her life is at cost."

The people were surprised, and Valerian said, "As for training, I suggest you all master your weaknesses while moving through the primary floors. If we can find some goblin hordes, it will be helpful."

Shiba asked Viney and Captain, "What do you guys think? Should we change our style?"

Viney scratched her head while Valerian stated, "Your style will not change, but you will become more adaptable to deal with the unknown beyond the tenth floor."

Hearing this, Captain nodded and said, "I agree with Valerian, but the final decision lies with you, Shiba."

Viney was the same, and after some discussion, Shiba agreed to the proposal, and that was when the three people would regret it for the rest of their lives.

...

The following day the nightmare began, Valerian again selected a task, and the team entered the dungeons. He commented on the few things the people missed, and the team moved forward. The flame and swords were not completely rookies but not versatile.

Valerian taught Viney to provide mid-range support while Shiba was given a pair of knives to fend for herself. Captain was stripped of his shield and was given a heavy mace to deal with the enemy.

Valerian guided them patiently and adjusted himself to the change in pressure too. He was like a fish in water. The gradual change in pressure did not hamper him. Apart from dealing with the first few creatures, everyone else was just one moved.

He was a one-person army. They would often come across a few fellow Dungeoneers who would ask Valerian for advice. The silver-haired young man would give them some vague advice, and then he would return to his own thing.

After three trips, Valerian brought a big bag filled with stored food and clean water. He did not carry any medicine with him. The dungeon provided a lot of medicinal herbs, that is, if you managed to get away from a beast attack.

Valerian and the team spent three days adjusting their pacing. They were not perfect, but they will need time to refine themselves. Time was something that Valerian was short of.

After this, Valerian realized that the material inside the dungeon could help him create better weapons, so, on his free days, the young man dedicated his time to forging weapons.

Shiba and the rest did not comment, but this was a method for Valerian to forge his body to be stronger. The heat from the furnace reminded him of how he suffered all his life, and in the end, all his hard work failed because of a god’s blessing.

In his heart, the gods were just a bunch of selfish entities who fed on the beliefs of the commoners. He despised the gods. However, he did not have any intention to fight with them. For him, this whole place was an example of what made the gods look imperfect, and to cover up their flaws, they even closed off some humans in this world.

The people here were simpler than those in Vita. They weren’t enamored by the charm of magic and the greed of power.

After a month, Valerian and his party finally entered the tenth floor of the dungeon. The air in this place was colder than the rest of the floors. It was as if someone had been watching them since they stepped in.

Shiba said, "I have been to this place a dozen times, but I do not know why. I feel insecure."

Valerian said, "This floor is alive."

The three of them were shocked. Valerian continued, "How else do you explain that only those who kill the floor boss can go deeper into the dungeon?"

Shiba said, "How does that even work? Do you want to say that it is magic?"

Valerian nodded as he commented, "Not magic exactly, but it must be a spell of a kind left behind by the high god."

This was a better explanation for them. Viney said, "Val, do you know what the floor boss looks like?"

Valerian shook his head and did not mind Viney calling him Val. She was a person who reminded him of Valerie. The girl said, "Come along then."

The team navigated through the dark tunnels and caves before approaching a huge door.

Valerian was surprised and asked, "What is this place?"

The door was at least fifteen feet high and dark as the night. Intricate patterns were engraved on the door’s surface, giving off a scary impression. Captain said, "The first test is to touch and push the door open. This signifies that you no longer fear death."

Valerian nodded and was about to take a step closer to the door. A set of footsteps sounded behind them. Valerian turned around with a dagger and lowered his body to enter attack mode. The rest of the team was the same and raised their weapon when they heard a chuckling sound in the air.

The person said, "Beauty Shiba, here to study the floor boss again?"

Shiba clenched her fist but did not say anything. Valerian noticed the cold light in her eyes and stood behind her silently. Captain said, "Hmph, it turns out the deputy of Avion is gracing the dungeon. I would appreciate it if you can keep your thoughts to yourself."

The middle-aged man came and stood before the group of five. Behind him, a few people stood wearing uniform armor. Valerian could tell these people followed a strict military system.

The middle-aged man in the front said, "Well, it seems your group has finally mustered up the courage to face the floor boss."

Shiba wanted to tell these people off when Valerian said, "Shiba, let us go in."

The girl was surprised and turned to look at him when Valerian gestured for her to trust him. The middle-aged man smiled at Valerian and said, "You must be the young man who joined their team. I have heard of you, Valor. I am Cresta, vice...."

Before he could finish, Valerian turned around and pushed against the door with one hand. The huge door issued grunting noises as it opened gradually. Valerian displayed his strength and said, "Let us go."

The three people nodded and entered behind Valerian.

Cresta furrowed his brows as a cold glint flashed in his eyes and waved his hand to follow them.

The walls were adorned with shiny gems inside the room, and the place was brightly lit. Looking around, Valerian asked, "The boss."

Viney gave him a secret signal, and he raised his head to look at the ceiling. Shiba said, "That is the floor boss, The Flame Serpent."