While I am anxious to reach the column and see if I can get some answer it is getting late. Although, it is hard to tell since the light in the cavern never changes. Despite that I can hear Kechara's and Asuna's stomachs rumbling so I know it is time to eat.

Moving back into the house we just cleared, I barricade the doors and windows. I don't expect the driders to suddenly attack, but better safe than sorry. As soon as I start preparing some food I have both Kechara and Asuna crowding me.

To be fair we spent hours clearing houses and they have probably worked up a healthy appetite. With that in mind I prepare a larger amount of food than normal, they have earned a treat. The hard part is keeping their noses out of the food until it is ready.

The food, once ready, is devoured quickly and we all settle into a pile to sleep while Bones keeps watch. Surprisingly, nothing happens during the night, I was half expecting a drider attack. It would seem the controller wants us to make it to the city center, probably so we have a lower chance of escape.

Considering that I want to reach the column, the controller's plan works for me. While it is tempting to go straight to the column, I still want to get some more experience. So, after breakfast I lead the others to attack the next house, which is a two story mansion.

12 Skeletons defeated! 300 Exp gained!

8 Zombies defeated! 160 Exp gained!

15 Driders defeated! 1500 Exp gained!

Well, that was certainly interesting, now I know that attacking one group in a house causes the others to attack. Unfortunately, during the fight, the insides of the house were mostly destroyed. That is mainly due to Kechara, she got a little carried away and smashed a few walls.

Luckily, even though the second floor collapsed on top of us, the building stayed mostly standing. While I am sure we could have survived the house coming down on our heads, it isn't something I want to experience. Before moving on to the next house I gently lecture Kechara on being more careful.

Then I call Asuna over and heal her using my new healing spell, this being the first time I have used it. In fact it is the first time I have used any of the spells I have gained from my new class. The casting of it is as easy as thinking about it, but I have been avoiding using the spells since I have to pray to recharge my divine power.

I know the goddesses will grant me the power without a second thought, but still it feels weird. Honestly, I would rather rely on my abilities that use my sacred power. However, I feel I should at least know what casting a spell feels like just in case I suddenly have to use one.

These new spells feel completely different from the spells I used to cast using mana. When I healed Asuna I could almost feel Seronia watching me, it was a little creepy. I need to get used to the feeling though, otherwise what is the point of growing stronger.

It can't even really be called growing stronger if I don't use the spells the class gives me. So in the interest of getting used to using spells as we enter the next house I cast Bless Weapon on Blitz. Not that I really need to, all the undead and driders tend to die in one hit anyway.

The spell has an additional effect, it makes Blitz glow with a golden light. The thought immediately crosses my mind that if I use the spell on a stick with the right shape it will look like a lightsaber. Although it wouldn't be very effective, I am really tempted to try it just for fun.

However, I have to put such thoughts aside since Kechara has already attacked the driders. I can hear several more groups moving towards us within the house. So much for her being more careful, she didn't even wait for the rest of us to be ready.

It seems that the deeper into the city we go the more aggressive she gets. While it isn't really a problem since we can deal with the driders easily enough, I am worried. She has never acted like this before and I have to wonder if it is something to do with her being the guardian.

10 Skeletons defeated! 250 Exp gained!

11 Zombies defeated! 220 Exp gained!

17 Driders defeated! 1700 Exp gained!

Bones has gained a level!

We all run for our lives as the house comes crumbling down, thanks to Kechara. When she saw a hallway full of enemies she used her breath weapon without thinking about the house. Not only is the house collapsing around us but a decent portion of it is on fire.

While I am happy that Bones got a level I am also disappointed because I didn't. With that many enemies I was sure I was going to get to level eight, but when I check I am a little over a thousand experience shy. Once we are all safely in the street I turn and give Kechara a look that makes her hang her head.

She seems sorry, but it could just be an act to avoid another lecture. As we stand watching the house burn I keep looking around wondering if the driders will respond. Luckily, the house had a yard around it so the chances of the fire spreading are low.

With no wind inside the cavern the flames don't have much chance of jumping. It also means the smoke is going straight up and we don't have to worry about it. With a shake of my head I turn towards the last house between us and the city center.

This time as we enter I make Kechara stay behind everyone else. I also tell her not to use her breath weapon inside the house. Having to escape one burning and collapsing building was enough. As we approach the first group of driders inside the house I can feel her excitement.

Up until we attack she behaves, but once the fighting starts she goes wild again. Luckily, she doesn't use her breath weapon this time, but she does take out a few walls. Since she is taking out the walls by throwing driders through them I can't complain too much.

6 Skeletons defeated! 200 Exp gained!

16 Zombies defeated! 320 Exp gained!

22 Driders defeated! 2200 Exp gained!

Congratulations! You have gained a level!

Level 8: HP +200, DP +100, Stat Points +10!

That was the last house, we are now on the edge of the city center facing the large buildings. I imagine that there are a lot of driders inside the city buildings, but I'm not inclined to find out. Since I just leveled again, it will be a while before I get to level nine.