The group rested for about a full hour before restarting their march onward. By then, even the trailing group managed to catch up and were able to rest for a short while.
However, as expected, they didn't follow the leading group and instead decided to rest for a good while before continuing. After all, they were running low on supplies, so the encounters they were having were getting stretched, leading to even more fatigue.
"That's what little planning does to a mother f—"
"K! Watch your mouth!"
"Who cares about them anyway? They could die in a ditch somewhere for all I care."
"You too, Tinya! Bad!"
"It's nice that you're all less tense, but please stop playing around and pay attention."
The girls were bickering behind Aster, or more like, Cassy acting like a mother of two unruly girls, lecturing them nonstop. Liz, on the other hand, was simply watching over them while also keeping her attention on the surroundings.
After reaching the fourth floor, the monsters started to act more aggressively. The reason was that they could instinctively tell that the adventurers running before them were weaker than they were. Due to that, the number of encounter battles increased.
The pace at which they were going visibly slowed to about 70% of their maximum, which was still fast but not fast enough.
"At this rate, we'll be reaching the boss around midnight if we don't take any more breaks." Aster sighed, wiping the sweat off his forehead.
Of course, the lead party realized this too, and as such, they tried to increase their pace even more. This ended up causing them to get tired faster, but with this, they should reach the other end within schedule.
Soon, 6 p.m. arrived, and everyone started to take another hour-long rest. Some even took power naps, just to recoup their stamina even a second faster. Around 7 p.m., the entire group resumed their travel.
Now, however, the Dragon's Roar parties weren't using their guns as haphazardly as before. Even they were running low on their ammunition!
With them resting early, around 10 p.m., each cycle would be able to sleep for 3.5 hours, at least. After eating a hearty meal, Liz and Kali kept watch of the surroundings while Aster, Tina, and Cassy slept.
During that time, of course, monsters attacked the camp. But thankfully, the numbers weren't something that they weren't able to handle. The two fought for almost two hours straight, letting Kali level up to level 7 too.
After their shift ended, it was Aster's turn.
Of course, she didn't leave his side, whispering sweet nothings and chatting away while he kept watch of the surroundings, ignoring Tina's "approach."
Cassy, watching this from the other end, frowned a little.
"... Huh?"
But she quickly tilted her head, wondering why she was feeling irritated while watching the two "flirt."
"... Enemies!"
Fortunately, she didn't have the leeway to think about it. The monsters soon arrived in waves, letting the three fight nonstop until the other two woke up. By then, everyone was already at level 7!
After the two woke up, Aster tapped out and went to do his job: cooking.
And as if attracted by the smell of food, even more monsters started to visit their side, causing the girls to be as busy as ever.
"Today, we will be reaching the fifth floor," Aster muttered as he finished plating the meals.
Now, all they had to do was wipe out the monster wave and take their breakfast before being on their way!