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Upon opening their eyes, the party was met by the morning sun, gently warming their bones. Although they had survived. It honestly didn't make them happy. Turmoil evident within their usual gaze, conflicted between feeling happy about clearing another dungeon or feeling disappointed in oneself for once again realizing how weak they were.

There was no one to blame but oneself. 

Whilst the others were having their own self deep-dive moments. Asai was trying to figure out the rules or laws of the dungeon dimension. He thought back to his first dungeon boss. The [Rigal Bomb] had killed many of his acquaintances, and they remained dead even after Kozumi had arrived to save his ass.

The dungeon hidden within the depths of the abandoned well didn't have any deaths, but it was similar to Crystal Quarries dungeon. In which, there was only one realm or world. When it came to the current Ahkma dungeon.

Asai was sure that they had killed the [Tainted Blood Tyrant], rather easily as well. He and the others had felt the surge of strength, the reinforcement of the soul upon killing monsters. 

"Was it because we killed it with ease? Or was it because that entity was the same as years back? How did we all survive? Is it because I managed to barely survive alone? So, it was a trial? A challenge?" After all that, Asai was quick to chug whiskey into his system.

This dungeon clear was the only one he had experienced where there were multiple realms within. The usual dungeon tunnels and the great hall were just as before. Which he considered to be the first realm. The second realm, he considered to be when the party was teleported into another world, one void of the natural mana that lingers within the air. As if the rules and laws of that real dictated it so.

"It seems. Common sense can't be applied when it comes to dungeons..." Asai thought back to how even though void of natural light, and being deep under. There was still light and air flow. 

Robin nodded in agreement. The girl was still clinging to the man. Although he didn't mean to speak his thoughts out loud. He didn't mind, since it was her.

The platoons who were already up at day break quickly gathered upon noticing their lords. Quick to form their lines, they saluted them and congratulated them. For their return was evident enough that they had been successful in their endeavours to clear the dungeon. And with zero casualties, the men were proud to be serving them.

They all had heard of the dangers of the dungeons. The annual reported mortality rates were so high, adventurers were almost considered suicidal to chose such a profession.

The platoons currently on site weren't the same men who followed Gary, Clam and Robin into their individual quests to clear out the local monster outbreaks. The lords had multiple platoons that would switch in and out of active duty. Cycling the platoons to allow them both time and respite to train both within the safety of the training halls, and also to garner on field experience against hostile monsters.

Robin's current resting platoon were especially exhausted, having followed her into a dungeon. Back at Trichia, in the evening tavern visits, they would tell the other knights and trainees the stories of her prowess. And even though they were ordered to leave, the very fact remained that she soloed a dungeon boss.

And those same knights have only ever heard of one other person to do so. Crazy or brave, they knew not. Their lord and master, Duke Asai Trichia.

Upon further examining their bodies, the men noticed them to be without a single injury. However, the same couldn't be said about their mental health. Asai, Robin, Clam, Gary and Chloe all deeply required sleep and rest. The injuries were gone, but the phantom pain and memory lingered. Even now, the lads would constantly be stricken with shivers upon remembering their own deaths. The experience, extremely frightening. Having to remember their own mortality. 

After this stress-inducing dungeon clear. Asai decided to have another short vacation. Before doing so though, he would deliver his newly acquired fortune and begin the orders of further reinforcing his military, and enriching the lives of the people under his protection.

Upon receiving his invitation, Chloe gladly decided to follow him back to his manor. Where she'd be given her own room. For now, she would be considered a mercenary under his employment, until she felt ready to swear fealty.

Asai, honestly wasn't sure if she wanted to follow him especially after such a gruelling experience. If becoming his vassal meant experience many more gory-deaths. The man wouldn't blame her. So for now, he would let her rest her soul and body at his expense.

"Milord, will you be inviting lady Rosemi De Lumix to the vacation?" Asked Gary. Clam's ears perking up behind him.

Asai instantly realised what he was actually asking. Having received the reports from Mary and Annie.

"Sure, do me the favour and send the letter. The more the merrier I believe. Also, inform her to bring her knights as well, with the amount of meat and drinks I'm planning on bringing with me, we could use the help." 

On the route back home, Asai would send his clones out to hunt and gather the local edible beasts and monsters. Clearing two stones with one. Securing the safety of the local populace, and also preparing for the bbq he currently imagined.

His glance shifted to the girls. His small clothing factories had produced better quality bikinis from his horrible drawings. It would be the perfect time to check the quality up close and perhaps very personal.

kophzi

I think my fights are at most, 2 chapters? 

I wonder if you guys are into that stuff.