“The stairs leading to the lower level are right here,” Nox said.
By touching a simple giant tree, the hole at the top of the tree extended downwards, creating a passage large enough for a person to pass through.
At the bottom, an artificial staircase awaited.
“Is there a way to block these stairs as well?” Nana asked, gradually understanding how to cover up the evidence.
“Yes, that’s right. From inside… Or would it be from outside in this case? Anyway, I must let a bit of magical power flow from the stair side,” Nox said as he touched the wall. The hole returned to its original size with a movement.
Additionally, Nox shot monsters from a distance with a bow, quickly purifying them. Nana, apparently tired of getting into trouble, followed Nox while making casual comments from time to time.
And finally, they reached the ninth level.
“If we go down these stairs, we will encounter the labyrinth lord.”
Although they didn’t employ brute tactics to clear a path, Nox and Nana found a giant tree with stairs descending underground, following a fairly straight route.
“Alright, we’ll rest until Lano and the others catch up,” Nox headed towards a nearby tree’s shadow and sat down with a sigh.
“You must be tired too, Nana. Stretch your legs and relax.”
“Excuse me,” Nana replied as she stretched her legs and massaged her calves.
Nox was impressed by Nana’s endurance. Although her work performance was always honest and precise, walking non-stop for over half a day was something even ladies of high society would have avoided.
“You don’t seem very tired, Nox-sama,” Nana observed as she watched Nox casually yawn after stretching.
“I can use enhancement and healing magic.”
“You can use healing magic?”
Healing and purification magic, uncommon among mages, was always valued anywhere. Nox, aware of its utility for both personal use and for making a profit by opening a healing clinic, had made a special effort to learn it while venturing as a treasure hunter.
“Should I charge you a fee for keeping your mouth shut?” Nox joked, reaching out his hand, but Nana quickly pulled her feet back.
“I heard that using healing magic consumes a lot of magical energy. I’ll be fine.”
“It’s no problem if it’s just to relieve the fatigue in my feet…” Nana replied.
Healing magic is generally activated by touching the person being treated. It is considered best to touch as close as possible to the affected area. Realizing that she might not appreciate a man touching her feet, Nox retracted his hand.
“Then take this instead,” Nox said, pulling out a bottle from thin air and tossing it to Nana. His black eyes stared at her.
“Do you need me to explain what it’s for?” Nox asked.
“Please,” replied Nana.
“This is a magic container. It’s my own version of a ‘delicious remedy.’ That’s all.”
After enough practice, spellcasters can create a personal space to store all kinds of materials. Fortunately, Nox showed great skill in this respect and was able to easily store objects the size of Galaxy House’s furnishings in his personal container.
“A ‘delicious remedy,'” Nana repeated as she observed a small bottle with an intense red liquid.
After comparing it several times with other bottles, she decided to uncork it and drink a little. She opened her eyes in surprise and then finished drinking almost half.
“Isn’t it delicious?” Nox asked.
“Yes,” nodded Nana, marveling at the liquid.
“It has a bittersweet and refreshing taste,” expressed Nana.
The healing remedy is a medication that all adventurers carry with them. Although its use is less common among adventurers, some bottles are also kept in common households.
Despite being a widely used medication, it had a downside.
“I always thought healing remedies were unpleasant,” Nana remarked.
And indeed, they were truly unpleasant. With a strong smell of medicinal herbs, a taste akin to boiling bitter fruits with water, and unsuccessfully masked with sugar. Probably due to its preparation.
“It’s unpleasant to drink something bitter when you’re already weakened, right? That’s why I’ve improved it,” explained Nox.
“It would even be good if it were sold in stores…” Nana commented, licking her lips, apparently enjoying the taste.
“The ingredients are hard to come by.”
“I really appreciate that you shared something so valuable with me,” Nana replied.
“Don’t worry. Take it as a way of thanking you for never leaving my side.”
Although Nox had planned to conquer the labyrinth alone, having someone to talk to along the way helped distract him considerably.
“Having adventure companions isn’t so bad after all,” he reflected.
“I’m very sorry,” Nana responded.
Suddenly, seeing an unexpected smile on Nox’s face, Nana lowered her gaze towards the bottle and drank it all in one go.
***
After chatting for a while in the shade of the tree and once Nana’s fatigue had completely eased, Lano’s group finally arrived in front of the giant tree.
“We’ve finally arrived…”
The three who were previously full of energy were now so exhausted that they didn’t even feel like joking.
“We’re almost there. Let’s keep going!” encouraged Lano, looking the most lively, even with a wound on his shoulder.
Nox was proud of how Lano remained strong, unlike himself who relied on magic to make things easier, and he smiled with pride.
Just before descending the stairs, Lano turned around. There was no doubt he was looking for Nox.
However, Lano and Nox had been playing hide-and-seek for over a decade. Anticipating this situation, they had devised a way to cancel out their mutual resonance.
Once Lano’s group descended the stairs, Nox quietly approached the giant tree, pressed his ear against it, and waited for the footsteps to fade away completely.
“They’re gone.”
Then, they both looked inside an open cavity in the giant tree, exchanged a glance, and descended the stairs trying to make as little noise as possible.
