After clearing Beyond’s 4th floor, I immediately continued to the First Dungeon’s 55th floor as I wanted to make use of the time I had left on Talaria. While I was sweeping my way through the floor, I received a message from a friend for the first time in a while.

[Crown Prince, are you listening?]

“Ah, Ren. It’s been a while.”

[You’re finally picked up. Did something happen recently?]

It seemed he had messaged me a few times when I was busy clearing Event Dungeons. I must have really been busy if I didn’t notice. I said with a bitter smile, “Yeah, I’ve been busy with things in my world.”

[I see. Well, I’m sure all explorers are busy in one way or another…So, what floor are you on?]

“I’m about to challenge the 55th floor.”

[…55th floor?]

Ren became flustered.

[Just how busy were you? I’m grinding the 55th floor’s elixirs right now.]

“Well, that’s one thing, but I entered the dungeon above the First Dungeon.”

[You mean Beyond!?] he exclaimed.

I couldn’t hide my surprise that Ren knew about Beyond.

“How did you know, Ren!?”

[My fath…M-My continent’s Hero was Beyond’s explorer. I see. When we first met and you told me you defeated the Lizard Knight alone, I suspected that this might...