Danmachi: Gacha Draw

As time passed, the members of the Loki Familia set up tents, placing their magic stone lamps around them to flicker sporadic lights.

In the center of the camp, they gathered around a large pot to eat.

Most of the ingredients in the pot were food purchased in Orario, stored in Link's storage space, and now cooked alongside herbs and nuts collected from the floors they had traversed.

The dish resembled a stew or sukiyaki from island countries, enriched by many edible plants that thrived in the underground city.

The Demeter Familia profited by cultivating and selling these plants, which were well-loved for their unique flavors.

Seeing everyone enjoying their meal together brought a smile to Link's face as he generously shared an assortment of snacks acquired through the system

Cookies, cola drinks, and novelty foods like spicy sticks that had never been seen before. These treats immediately captured everyone's attention.

Seizing the moment, Link approached several cute girls.

"Ais, don't you want to eat more?" he asked after finishing his own bowl.

He glanced at Ais beside him and noticed she had only eaten a little before stopping.

"Cute Ais-chan~ Eat more! If you don't eat well, you won't be able to grow strong here."

Suddenly, Tiona launched a surprise attack from behind, pinching Ais's perky breasts with both hands and squeezing them playfully.

"Wow, how enviable!"

Ais blushed fiercely and quickly shook off Tiona's mischievous grip.

At just the right moment, her sister Tione chimed in teasingly: "You still call her Ais? Look at you! You've eaten plenty but still haven't grown much!"

Laughter erupted among several members at this playful banter.

"Hey! What are you talking about?"

Tiona shot back angrily at her sister while kicking her eyes.

Tione's figure wasn't small either; however, she only had a modest bust that was rather disappointing compared to what was expected of Amazons known for their voluptuous figures.

This was one of Tiona's sore spots that she couldn't help but mention.

At that moment, Link took Ais's bowl, filled it again, and sat down next to her.

"Ais, eat."

She looked at him briefly before turning away shyly.

"I… I'm not hungry," Ais insisted firmly.

She believed that overeating would affect her performance during battles and was determined not to continue eating.

Link understood all too well that after such intense battles earlier on minimal food intake, it was impossible for her not to feel hungry now.

He scooped up some food with his spoon, blew gently on it to cool it down, then offered it toward Ais's mouth. "Come on, ah…"

Ais's eyes widened in surprise as her pretty face flushed bright red.

"Miss Ai…"

Lefiya exclaimed in anger upon witnessing this scene; her beloved Miss Ais was being snatched away!

Ais's ears turned crimson as she quickly grabbed the spoon and bowl to take small bites instead.

"I want Lord Link to feed me too…" Olga said eagerly.

"And me!" Asagi chimed in as they rushed over to sit beside Link with bowls in hand, mouths open wide in anticipation.

The flirtation between Link and Ais had sparked jealousy among them

Now was their chance for comfort.

With a smile on his face, Link took their bowls and began feeding both women.

"You want some too, Celestine? Don't be shy!"

Spotting Celestine nearby who seemed eager yet hesitant to ask for food herself prompted Link into action once more.

"Come on, ah…" he encouraged.

"Okay…" Celestine replied bashfully as she opened her mouth slightly.

"Celestine is very cute! You should learn from Olga and be more proactive," he teased lightly.

"Um…" Celestine looked away shyly without daring to meet his gaze directly.

After feeding three girls in succession until his own bowl was empty again—

"Link." Tiona filled another bowl for him and handed it over eagerly.

"Huh?"

He glanced at Tiona only to see her turn away with flushed cheeks saying softly: "It's for you."

"Thank you," he replied with a warm smile that made Ais' lips curve upward slightly too as she observed him closely while noticing Tiona's nervousness watching intently for his reaction…

Suddenly whispering under his breath so only she could hear: "It's okay; if it's Tiona I don't mind."

Tiona's eyes widened in surprise at this unexpected comment!

…

Once everyone finished eating, Finn—the group leader—stood where the cauldron had been placed earlier and addressed them all seriously:

"Our goal this time is the 59th floor. However before we proceed there we must complete a quest given by Dian Cecht Family."

Finn paused momentarily before continuing:

"On the 51st floor we need to collect a specified amount of spring water from Cadmus Spring."

"Cadmus Spring… How troublesome! Why do we have to accept such commissions?"

Tiona muttered under her breath before receiving an admonishing slap from her sister who threw her onto the ground playfully yet firmly.

"Don't question our leader's decisions!"

Riveria interjected calmly explaining further:

"Because we owe each other many favors; we can't just refuse them casually."

For explorer-type families like theirs treating injuries or replenishing medicine after battles is crucial

Especially since Loki Familia often embarks on regular expeditions relying heavily upon support from others like Dian Cecht family members who provide assistance when needed most!

"Honestly though I wasn't planning on taking this quest myself but… they offered us way too much," Finn admitted sheepishly causing some members' expressions darken slightly realizing how serious things could get ahead!

"The Cadmus Spring lies deep within Floor 51 guarded by powerful dragon known as 'Cadmus'."

"If we're talking combat power alone then Cadmus might even surpass Udaeus himself! I remember getting hit by him once—it left my entire body battered nearly costing me my life," Tiona recounted cheerfully despite recalling such traumatic experience vividly!

As expected of you,Tiona—a cruel tale told with laughter instead frowns seeking sympathy!

"The required amount for this commission is quite substantial while available water supply within occupied Cadmus spring remains limited meaning we'll need access two springs total."

Finn concluded thoughtfully deciding troop divisions accordingly based upon needs outlined earlier…

"The first team will consist of Grace,Bert,and myself…"

"Captain pick me! I'm willing go!" shouted Tione enthusiastically interrupting Finn mid-sentence causing eyebrows raise slightly surprised by sudden outburst!

"Add Raul then; Raul will serve as supporter," Finn decided quickly nodding approvingly towards suggestion made earlier without hesitation whatsoever!

"Understood!"

"The second team will include Ais,Tione,Tiona,and Link."

"Finn can you add Lefiya?" Riveria suddenly interjected catching everyone off guard momentarily pausing discussions briefly before resuming again shortly thereafter…

"Alright then; Lefiya joins second team too—that settles everything!"

"Amazing! We get Miss Ais!"

The lesbian elf cheered excitedly waving fist triumphantly into air celebrating victory already achieved even prior embarking journey ahead!

"Oh by way,Tione—you'll lead actions taken during mission this time around so don't let me down!"

Finn instructed firmly ensuring expectations set high enough prevent any mishaps occurring later down line…

Tione appeared calm outwardly yet inside burned fierce determination stronger than anyone else present including both sisters combined together

Finn knew adding insurance policy necessary keep things under control throughout entire operation planned ahead carefully mapped out beforehand already!

"Okay leave it all me!"

Tione nodded happily cheeks flushed bright red radiating joyfulness contagious atmosphere surrounding them all present here today together united purposefully working towards common goal shared amongst friends alike…

"It's so easy lying," sighed both Link & Tiona simultaneously exchanging knowing glances shared between them both understanding full well what meant exactly…

Dungeon Floor 51 awaited them next

A true labyrinth rare even deeper layers found throughout entire dungeon itself!

Walls neither stone nor earth bore deep graphite hue resembling something crafted meticulously designed built obsessively creating vertical parallel structures forming various corners intersections leading.

Nowhere fast unless careful navigation employed properly otherwise risk getting lost entirely within confines maze-like structure looming ominously overhead threatening danger lurking just beyond sight always ready strike unexpectedly...

When least expected most likely catch unaware unsuspecting adventurers wandering aimlessly searching escape routes desperately seeking freedom once again…

"Ha!!"

Tiona screamed suddenly charging forward recklessly swinging sword wildly unleashing whirlwind cutting through wide-eyed monster effortlessly slicing black creature cleanly half without hesitation whatsoever!

This massive rhinoceros-shaped beast towering nearly two meters tall known simply as 'black rhinoceros' boasted strength level Lv 5 boasting armor-like skin far tougher thicker than satyrs encountered previously back on Floor 49.

Making adventurers feel like mere tanks overturned helplessly against overwhelming odds stacked against them all fighting valiantly nonetheless refusing yield defeat easily despite challenges faced head-on bravely confronting dangers lurking everywhere around every corner waiting patiently strike whenever opportunity arose...

presenting itself unexpectedly catching prey unawares leaving no room escape whatsoever…

Ais joined fray swiftly following suit utilizing incredible speed allowing sword pierce through ranks monsters relentlessly continuing slaughtering groups black rhinos without mercy showing no signs slowing down anytime soon...

Either determined finish job started earlier today together alongside comrades fighting side-by-side united front facing whatever challenges lay ahead next awaiting discovery soon enough…

"O proud warrior, O archer of the forest. The approaching predators are ahead; take up your bows," Lefiya began to chant.

But suddenly, the wall beside her cracked, and a red and purple spider monster emerged.

It was a giant spider with eight massive legs and more than a dozen pairs of compound eyes.

As soon as it appeared, it opened its grotesque jaws and lunged several meters toward Lefiya.

"Wait, wait, wait, wait!" Lefiya froze in place, her chant stifled by fear lodged in her throat. Just then, Link stepped in front of her, sword drawn.

"Don't worry; keep chanting, Lefiya."

Lefiya hugged her wand tightly to her chest, staring at Link's back for reassurance.

"Okay… okay!"

"Then I'll join you," Tione said with a smile as she threw a scimitar at a nearby black rhino before rushing toward the group of monsters.

Link casually launched a few sword strikes, dispatching the remaining black rhinos effortlessly.

"Really? I haven't had enough fighting yet!"

Tiona complained to Link with a hint of dissatisfaction.

"I'll let you have your turn later," Link replied soothingly, his tone reminiscent of comforting a child.

Tiona suppressed her discontent and smiled fondly.

The group continued moving forward, engaging in battle as they went.

They eventually halted at the end of a narrow passage that opened into a larger space

A cave housing the Fountain of Cadmus and the mighty dragon.

Tione exchanged silent glances with Ais and the others as they prepared to change positions.

"Wait! There are no monsters inside," Link interjected.

"Are you sure?!" Tione and Tiona asked in surprise.

Link nodded confidently.

As everyone entered the cave, they remained cautious despite the absence of immediate threats.

The cave was filled with trees that were less dense than those in the forest; however, all were broken or crushed.

The ground and walls bore signs of severe damage...

Cracks ran through them like scars.

Only the spring water remained untouched, protected like an indestructible shrine within the underground city; its beautiful blue surface rippled gently without waves.

Dust had accumulated in front of the spring, but more alarmingly, parts of dark violet trees emitted black smoke along with an indescribable stench

Signs of dissolution were evident everywhere.

Everyone frowned at the sight.

"That's… the corpse of a strong dragon?!"

Tiona exclaimed in shock as she gazed at a massive pile of dust.

Link crouched beside what resembled a mini desert formed from dust particles; he brushed some away to uncover an item buried beneath it

A partial wing membrane shimmering with golden light. "What is this?" he asked.

"Cadmus membrane," Ais replied matter-of-factly.

The skin from Cadmus was an exceedingly rare material known for its low drop rate and immense value.

"It doesn't seem like adventurers did this…"

Tione remarked thoughtfully as she frowned deeper.

"I have a bad feeling about this. Let's head back quickly," Lefiya suggested while rubbing her arms covered in goosebumps from anxiety.

Link retrieved a prepared bottle and filled it with spring water from a low spot near the fountain in one swift motion.

Normally, only small amounts could be collected since the mighty dragon would drink it as soon as it gushed forth; however, this time they easily filled the specified amount entrusted to them by their client.

As they returned with mixed emotions swirling among them, Ais muttered softly under her breath:

"This is an abnormal situation…"

On their way back, they quickly discovered the source of their unease

Aswarm of giant worms!

Their bodies were greenish-yellow with bulging skin adorned by colorful lines that shimmered strangely under light.

Beneath their round forms lay countless short legs forming their lower bodies while their peculiar upper bodies rested atop them awkwardly.

Their faces featured only flat mouthparts; arm-like limbs extended from either side beneath their heads where four slits formed webbed appendages resembling fingers.

"It's just like the kind of monster we encountered before!"

Tiona shouted as she gripped her giant sword and charged forward to attack one of the creatures.

The monster emitted a disgusting sound, opening what might have been its face to violently spit out a large amount of purple-black liquid.

Tiona dodged it effortlessly and slashed at the monster's defenseless body with her giant sword. As a result, the same purple liquid gushed from the enemy's wounds.

Tiona twisted her neck to avoid the spray, but a drop of the corrosive liquid landed in her hair.

With a sizzling sound, it began to dissolve.

"This guy…" she muttered, realizing that even the weapons in her hands were being affected.

The group of worm monsters sensed their presence and turned to charge at Link and the others.

The horizontal width of the approaching monster was nearly equal to that of the path itself.

Its massive body collided with the ceiling multiple times, dislodging chunks of rock as it rolled forward like an armored vehicle.

"Tiona, prepare to dodge!" Link shouted as he drew his Blade Ruohuo.

"Wait, Link! What are you doing?"

Tiona called out, wanting to stop him, but the monster was closing in fast. Link swung his sword, unleashing a wave of sword energy.

Tiona quickened her escape.

"I won't forgive you if that liquid touches me!"

The monster was directly cut open by Link's slash, causing a torrent of purple liquid to gush forth.

In response, Link quickly swung his sword again, creating a wind wall that blocked all splashes of the corrosive solution.

Immediately afterward, he continued swinging his sword in rapid succession, slicing through the disgusting worms and turning them into dust that filled the air while leaving puddles on the ground.

"Is this the new species you encountered earlier?" Ais asked.

"Yes!" Link confirmed.

"It seems they are the assassins who killed the strong dragon…" Tione added grimly.

Suddenly, an ominous roar echoed from further down the passage—a powerful dragon's roar that sounded weak and strained as if something unexpected had occurred.

"Do you want to go there?" Link asked as he turned around.

Ais nodded resolutely and began moving forward.

Tione sighed; many worms were still visible in this passage, crawling toward the cave at its end.

"Lefiya," Link called out to Lefiya, who had been momentarily dazed as he fought off enemies.

"Eh?" The elf blinked in confusion.

"Are you afraid of bugs?" Tione asked with an exasperated sigh.

"Yes!" Lefiya admitted, lowering her head in frustration while clutching her wand tightly.

"Magic is meant for long-range attacks."

Seeing Ais looking at her expectantly filled Lefiya with determination.

"Miss Ais, I will do my best!"

She raised her wand confidently before reciting her incantation: "O proud warriors! O archers of the forest! In the face of approaching predators, take up your bows!"

"Answer the voice of your brothers! String your arrows and light the flames—the lights of the forest! I command you to release your arrows! Let elven fire rain down upon them—fired from javelins of fire!"

As she finished her chant, fiery javelins fell from above and pierced through all the wriggling insects below.

Those that survived initially found themselves reduced to dust under Link's relentless slashes.

Finally, after their combined efforts, the passage was cleared.

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Message:

As of this chapter, the following chapters have been "programmed" to be published.

I will only say that I stopped translating due to lack of time.

The planned edition of the already published chapters and future chapters are cancelled.

That is, from now on the chapters that are published may become MTL.

And they are also "automatic" so I may not connect. There are up to 154 chapters scheduled for now.