The sun rose over a quiet field; Laios awoke, hungry and disoriented. Marcille approached, handing him a damp cloth, her expression grave.

She silently indicated that his sister had been swallowed by the Red Dragon, and most of their belongings were still in the dungeon, leaving them penniless.

Chilchuck joined, revealing that Shuro and Namari had left the party to join others.

Laios’s face hardened with desperation. He proposed going in alone, selling everything, risking it all for his sister.

Marcille and Chilchuck hesitated but agreed, willing to do whatever it took. Laios confirmed they’d need to eat monsters inside the dungeon, even if it was dangerous.

Later, on the second floor, they struggled to cook a Huge Scorpion stew. Senshi, a dwarf watching from the shadows, stepped in, using his skills to help.

Despite Marcille’s objections, he proved his worth by saving her from a slime and adding it to the meal.

They introduced themselves briefly—Laios, Marcille, Chilchuck—and Senshi eagerly asked to join, excited at the prospect of fighting a Red Dragon.

Suddenly, a horde of Man-eating Plants erupted from the foliage, attacking fiercely, forcing the group into immediate combat.