"Hmm. Then there’s no point in going there for now. Let’s clear a few labyrinth floors."
"Let’s aim to clear floor 5. Every 5th floor you clear creates a checkpoint to which you can teleport from the labyrinth entrance on your subsequent visits."
"5? Isn’t that too ambitious?"
"No, you’ve improved significantly and I plan to fully participate this time after you clear the first few floors on your own."
I nod and we do as discussed, as we go back to our inn to equip our gear and soon find ourselves on the first floor of the labyrinth once again after paying the highway robbery of an entrance tax of 40 bronze coins, which leaves us with 4 silver and 412 bronze coins.
As we step into the labyrinth’s dark halls, I can’t help but reflect on my last visit here. I was only level 1 then, but now I’m level 9, and the difference is going to be absolutely staggering.
While I haven’t invested all my free attribute points, the boost in my power and speed is palpable. I can feel the raw energy coursing through my veins, enhancing my every movement. Ayame and I make our way through the familiar corridors of the first floor.
Before, I had to be on the defensive, constantly dodging out of harm’s way and Ayame often had to step in to save my hide.
Things are going to be very different now.
As we navigate the labyrinth’s twisting corridors, the chittering of a [Steel Carapace Beetle] echoes from the shadows. Soon enough, a massive, armored creature with razor-sharp mandibles and a body encased in gleaming metallic plates.
The beetle lunges at me with startling speed as its mandibles snap in my direction with lethal intent. Instead of retreating, I brace myself and meet its charge head-on.
The beetle’s momentum halts abruptly and I use its own force against it, twisting my spear to tip the creature off balance. With a swift and calculated push, I flip the beetle onto its back and my efforts are welcomed with the adorable sight of its legs flailing helplessly in the air.
I smirk with murderous satisfaction surging through me as I position myself over its exposed underbelly. "Thanks for the easy XP." I mutter while raising my spear high.
I drive my spear into the beetle’s soft spot, piercing through its weak point. A gush of green ichor spills out as the creature gives a final, feeble twitch before falling still.
I withdraw my spear and quickly begin wiping it clean with a strong sense of satisfaction.
Ayame nods approvingly beside me.
We then continue our merciless slaughter with great proficiency and soon find ourselves in the waiting line for the boss room. I’ve slain over twenty monsters for the measly reward of 60 XP, which at this point is not very tantalizing, though we were quite fast in our progress up until now.
The dimly lit corridor leading to the boss room is bustling with activity. A line of adventurers and explorers gathered as they are eagerly awaiting their turn to face the challenges beyond the tall double doors.
As Ayame and I take our place among them, we immediately draw curious and admiring glances from the crowd.
My dark armor is polished to a brilliant sheen and reflects the flickering torchlights like a beacon, combined with the intricate designs etched into the metal catches the eye of many around us.
Ayame’s own armor is equally impressive if not more so, with the sleek lines accentuating her graceful yet formidable presence. Her hand rests casually on the hilt of her sword, serving as a reminder for all who lays their eyes upon her that she is extremely alert and ready to pounce at a moment’s notice.
Whispers ripple through the line as we stand around waiting for our turn. My ears catch a few of their hushed statements.
"Who are they? Their gear looks incredible..." one adventurer murmurs to his companion while casting an envious glance at my armor.
"They must be high-level to have equipment like that!" another chimes in, nodding toward Ayame’s elegantly crafted armor.
"But then what are they doing on the first floor?" A timid boy asks.
"Everyone has to start climbing from the first floor if they haven’t been in the labyrinth before, you stupid loser." A woman who holds his hand in hers explains kindly. Yikes. I can guess who wears the pants in that particular relationship.
I catch other similar snippets of conversations, some people are wondering if we’re famous explorers from another labyrinth, others are speculating on our exploits and skills.
No one dares approach us to ask direct questions, though. Are we really this impressive? I must admit, I feel great.
Our turn soon arrives and we step into the boss room.
The heavy wooden doors swing open with a rather ominous creak, revealing the cavernous interior of the boss chamber. The Brutal Carapace Beetle stands in the middle of it. It’s about twice as large as the others of its kind we encountered earlier. Its chitinous shell shines right into my eyes as if someone’s just finished giving it a nice bath, and its sharp mandibles click together menacingly.
This beetle is only a Level 1 boss, but it serves as a rather imposing presence. Memories of our previous encounter flash in my mind - how I was basically humiliated as a combatant by this monster, I for sure would’ve fallen if not for the presence of my adorable samurai back then.
Today, things will be different.
I step forward to challenge the foe while Ayame moves to the side, giving me room to maneuver while remaining close enough to be ready to jump in if needed.
The beetle charges by kicking its legs against the stone floor. The boss monster’s aim is very easy to understand; it wants to crush me with its massive weight. I stand my ground while waiting for the perfect moment.
As it closes the distance, I sidestep by utilizing my increased Agility stat, letting the monster’s momentum carry it past me. I activate [Power Strike] and with a precise motion thrust my spear into its exposed side. The sharp tip manages to pierce through the weaker joint beneath its shell.
The beetle screeches in a grating sound of fury and pain. It spins to face me, swinging its massive pincers in my direction at the same time. I duck under the attack and feel the air whoosh above, after which I retaliate with a powerful strike of my own, aiming for its eyes this time around. My spear connects and one of its ugly eyes ruptures with a loud squelch.