Floor 25.

As Rose and the Masked Man single-handedly unlock further floors for the rest of the player-base, the gap between their strength and all other’s steadily increases. A very select few kept pace, though as the red-headed warrior was constantly taking the Bosses for herself and not sharing in any of the spoils, it was becoming much more difficult to stay close in levels and gear alike. It was becoming very distinct which people were supporters of Rose’s campaign against the Bosses and who were clearly against it – Alice and her group of followers being very evidently part of the latter. The first mob she’d formed to face Rose with had since disbanded - their hopes of crushing the red-headed warrior before things got out of hand dashed by her blade. Now, those that followed the Russian were those that understood her unconditional kindness and the reasoning behind her rash actions against Rose. If that woman were not here, Alice most likely would have taken her place as the leader of the player-base – but not holding them in the palm of her hands like mere toys but as companions and friends. What kind of dastardly being put this red-headed creature in the forefront of everyone’s minds and thought it be a good idea?

Not even once had the Masked Man and Rose even joined in on the celebrations taken in the towns unlocked by their efforts – always moving on to the next areas to grind the mobs further and harder than the last. This ever-lasting duty to bring the people their salvation having brought them together in the shape of a cult – their love of the red-head driving them to sing her praises to others as though she were their Goddess. Guilds began to form under the spell of Rose’s cold strength, wishing to protect her from any whom would oppose her ways. These Guilds were beginning to get a little rough with other players, sometimes even killing them for speaking out against their Goddess – earning themselves both fear and respect for their utter faith.

Other Guilds were also becoming more renowned amongst the players; a particularly violent Red guild which has been kidnapping people, extorting others for money and killing anyone as they please. Rose and the Masked Man haven’t had much contact with anyone in a while, meaning they have no idea such a Guild even exists at this point. Another to have popped up is one dedicating its time to training all of the people within and has them grow to levels large enough to take on the bosses and front-lines. Hopefully surpassing Rose in that respect.

In any case, things were starting to get busier and busier for the regular players. The clearing of floors was slowing down, allowing the regulars to catch up in levels and gear soon enough. Jet and Nero were now in their most important phase to date; making a proper name for themselves. Of course, those who enjoyed their work were often calling them in for help – but their deeds were only passed by word of mouth so far. If they were looking for more work, they’d need to get even greater prizes worthy of being talked about.

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“Would you like to try it? It is a new recipe only unlocked in the more recent levels!” the cook exclaimed, offering a sweet to the silver-haired, stand-offish warrior. His serious expression did little to help his image, though he wasn’t all that bad to look at. He glared at the small piece of food, before taking it almost shyly. Holding it up close, he inspected in thoroughly, causing the chef a little bit of impatience over his verdict. Finally, popping it into his mouth and chewing on it for a good minute or so, he swallowed audibly and hummed in wonder. 
“This is…” he began, the chef and some onlookers having gathered and readied themselves for his review.
“A dessert.”
Silence surrounded him for another minute, before he felt someone tugging on his arm. Glancing down to find Yuna, who desperately began dragging him away before someone got extremely cross with him, he merely blinked dumbly at her.
“Oh, Yuna.” She greeted with a firm nod, which looked a bit silly considering she had been dragging him so hard he was currently bent right over, “You are here for the festivities as well?”