I could understand that Elfriedden was a bit doubtful of my judgement yet. After all he wasn't the one I guided in the Waste Lands, and we've only faced challenges together slightly, mostly in the first dungeons we visited and that's about it.
He has yet to fully see my capabilities, but I do intend to show him everything I can do now so he stops doubting me so much. Nonetheless, Eric and Chris comments are a bit over exaggerated. I appreciate whenever someone is doubtful or questions me, it means I can see things through other's perspective and further improve my plans.
"Enough." I sighed. "Well, Elfriedden, whatever hardships you faced were mostly fabricated to an extent, I didn't used all my power yet, nor I desire so. I also didn't employed the help of my powerful Tamed Monsters nor my Spirits because I wanted you guys to face challenges and go through more growth."
"I see." Elfriedden nodded. "Well, we'll see how hard things turn around once we descend further… It is not as if I don't trust you, Blake. Stop thinking that. I am just… slightly worried, but I am actually… looking forward to it." He said with a slight smile.
"Oh? What is this character development?" I wondered with a giggle.
"W-What's wrong with it?!" Elfriedden angrily said, suddenly blushing in embarrassment. "Ugh, well, whatever, I won't tell you anything then…"
"Hahaha! No, go ahead, my friend." I smiled. "Don't be so stuck-up for once and just speak your mind."
"Hmph." Elfriedden opened his eyes again. "Well, I did made my own research and found out the second floor is infested with Poison-type monsters the most, and that the surroundings are also covered in poisonous mushrooms and the like. We should prepare for that."
"Indeed." I nodded. "And that's why I've brought these."
I took out several purple-colored potions from my inventory.
"Potions?" He wondered.
"They're called Poison Resistance Potions." I said. "I made them using antidote herbs combined with the several types of different poisons. For over an hour, it'll raise your resistance to all poisons. And it can even help you develop your own, permanent resistances."
"A-Amazing…" Elfriedden extended his hands towards the miraculous potions, yet, I didn't gave them to him so easily.
"However… You'll have to pay for them." I smiled.
"Eh?! You…" Elfriedden sighed. "Fine… I already know your game, Blake. I'll pay you later though."
"Fine by me." I nodded.
Erika and Elizabeth glared at me slightly angrily.
"Do you have to ask him for money? Geez…" Elizabeth sighed.
"You're being a bit too much…" Erika said.
"Hehehe, my master is so cunning! More money!" Eleanora, instead, celebrated.
"Sorry, I just need some more funds to buy you some presents." I said with an enchanting smile. "Will you forgive my greediness? I only want to make you happy."
Erika and Elizabeth blushed in a second, their eyes glowing brightly.
"T-Totally fine!" Elizabeth giggled enamored.
"Y-Yeah!" Erika nodded.
Honestly, I wasn't lying. I actually been saving money for some gifts for them. I need higher quality materials for that though, but eventually, I'll use them to make them even stronger.
It's the least I could for them, they're the girls I love after all.
"A-And what about me?" Eleanora pouted a bit.
"Well, of course, you too." I nodded. "Though your spear has evolved with you and your strength is connected with mine so-"
"I also want a gift!" She complained.
"Fine, fine, I will give you one." I sighed, giving a head pat. "You're really cute when you get more expressive."
"H-Huh?!" Eleanora blushed while looking away. "T-That's… Ahem! Anyways, we shouldn't be concentrating into this."
"Right." I nodded, quickly getting more serious. "I guess we're almost over with our meals. Let's get ready to depart to Floor 2."
"Alright!" Everyone cheered, except Elfriedden, of course.
After serving desserts to some of the sweet tooths (including myself), consisting of pudding I had made in the morning, we swiftly departed. Moving to the second floor was quick as we had already found the stairs leading down there. In the way, we decided to drink the potions, all while I summoned a special Familiar.
"Fooo! Foooo!" It was a floating, purple-colored flower. It was constantly spinning in midair, and it wasn't bigger than the palm of my hand, yet this was a D++ Rank Familiar.
[Name]: [Lily (Awakened)]
[Type]: [Plant] [Healing] [Enhancement]
[Race]: [Floating Revitalizing Lilypad]
[Health Points]: [1200/1200] (+550)
[Mana Points]: [4500/4500] (+550)
[Strength]: [250] (+350)
[Agility]: [4250] (+700)
[Vitality]: [250] (+350)
[Intelligence]: [3250] (+700)
[Dexterity]: [3250] (+350)
[Buff]: [+200 MP] [+200 Agility]
[Skill]: [Revitalizing Pollen++] [Buff Enhancement Aroma++] [Antidote Leaf++] [High-Speed Flying++]
This very simple Plant Familiar has barely any defense or health points, but it makes up for it with its utility. With Revitalizing Pollen, it constantly exudes a special pollen that helps keep ourselves revitalized, while enhancing the regeneration speed of wounds.
Meanwhile, the Buff Enhancement Aroma enhances the effects of buffs by 50%, while Antidote Leaf, by sacrificing itself, can create a leaf that can cure a deadly poison if eaten.
Lastly, it can fly super-fast using High Speed Flying, being capable of evading powerful attacks and keep itself alive well enough.
"What's that flowery thingy?" Erika pointed at the floating Lily. "A new familiar?"
"Yes, it will help us in here quite a lot." I said. "{Familiar Multiplication x5}"
FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH!
Five more of these Lilies appeared one after the other, floating around our large team, including my Vampire Spirits now, which had been brought to aid us in battle even more.
"For now, all of you simply use Buff Enhancement Aroma and Revitalizing Pollen." I ordered them.
All the Lilies began spinning around in midair, and then releasing a sweet, calming aroma, contrasting of the Dungeon's Second Floor acidic and poisonous smell. Everyone seemed rather relaxed.
"Woah, now this feels rather nice~" Sighed Elizabeth.
"The smell is quite sweet." Said Chris. "I guess I'm fine now with this…"
"Ah, look, there's tons of mushrooms around- Ah, but I shouldn't touch them, they're too poisonous, right?" Eric wondered.
"Well, there's also more than bugs in this Dungeon." I said with a smile, as the mushroom right next to Eric began moving…