Danmachi: Strongest Familia

"You're as reliable as ever, Ryuu," Veronica praised when she heard their story, earning a round of teasing from Alise and the others.

While they chatted and laughed, Liate set about preparing more food. With a sizable rescue team to host, they needed to ensure everyone was fed. Thankfully, they'd brought ample supplies; otherwise, the provisions from their small group would barely satisfy so many.

After dinner, the three who'd worked all afternoon retired to their tent, unaware of the events unfolding outside.

Under the operation of Hermes, with mental calculations or unintentional operations, Hestia still released her divine power.

Feeling the disgusting intent, the dungeon reacted to it, the entire 18th floor quaked, and large crystal shards from the ceiling fell with ominous force.

What had once been a "safe floor" was now more dangerous than the 17th floor.

The tremors woke the trio from their rest, and they quickly exited the tent, joining other adventurers from Rivera who were already gazing up at the ceiling. Before their eyes, cracks spidered across the crystal ceiling, spreading rapidly until—with a final, shattering snap—an enormous hole opened overhead.

"Look out!" someone shouted.

The sight stirred dark memories for the three from Familia Astraea, recalling a similar ambush by the Rudra Familia on the 30th floor. Back then, a terrifying creature had emerged just like this. Though they were now at LV5, the memory of Juggernaut's fearsome power still made them uneasy.

Exchanging knowing looks, Kaguya and Ryuu rushed back to the rescue team members.

"Hurry, retreat to the surface—now!" Ryuu's voice was urgent, and her panic was unmistakable.

Some hesitated, unsure what could possibly drive such experienced warriors to call for retreat. Still, Tsubaki, who hadn't encountered Juggernaut herself, trusted their judgment. The three of them were formidable fighters, far stronger than her. If they insisted on evacuating, she wouldn't argue, especially since her primary mission—rescuing Welf—was complete.

As Ryuu and Kaguya helped direct the evacuation, a massive black sphere descended from the opening in the ceiling, unfolding to reveal an even deadlier version of the creature in Alise's memory.

"It's Black Goliath!" she shouted.

Veronica's eyes lit up. "I heard from Eina that Black Goliath is an LV5 equivalent monster. If we defeat it…"

Without waiting for a response, she drew her sword and charged, eager to be the first to engage. Having a Hestia Familia rescue team nearby meant more help, but also less individual credit for taking down the beast. To her, every ounce of experience counted.

Shyvana gave a resigned shrug. "Well, Sol-sama did send me here to eliminate Black Goliath. Might as well let Veronica get a head start."

"Liate, start your chant; I'm going to back her up," she instructed.

Looking at the adventurer who was still poking their head not far away, Shyvana didn't really want to transform under the eyes of everyone.

In the case that she does not use the Dragon Descend, Liate's magic must be used to deal with this guy.

Meanwhile, Veronica met Black Goliath head-on, utilizing her training under sword masters like Yone. Her moves were now focused and precise, each strike aimed at vital points. She attempted to sever its tendons, hoping to disable it as she had with ordinary Goliaths before.

Her weapon—a specially enchanted blade—cut into Black Goliath's flesh, embedding itself deep and applying a "serious injury" curse to limit the creature's regeneration. But when she pulled back, she was shocked to see the wound begin to heal almost instantly.

Is this thing mocking my "serious injury" spell? Veronica thought, frustrated by its resilience.

"Snap out of it!" Shyvana called, noticing her hesitation. She unleashed a stream of dragonfire, searing Black Goliath's face. The flames scorched its eyes, temporarily blinding it and charring its already dark skin.

But even as white smoke billowed, the creature's healing kicked in once more.

Shyvana took a calculated risk, morphing her hands into dragon claws and striking directly at the still-recovering eyes. The monster howled, its roar amplified into a shockwave that nearly knocked the pair backward.

As they quickly retreated, Black Goliath began preparing its counterattack, condensing a ball of energy between its jaws. Unable to see clearly, it launched the energy blindly, aiming in their general direction.

The energy cannon struck directly above the entry to the 17th floor, causing large chunks of debris to rain down, sealing off the passage entirely. Several adventurers still attempting to flee found themselves trapped by the sudden rockfall.