Author Note:
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Javauni Samuels
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After defeating the hog-goblins we decided to leave the labyrinth.
It was already dark when we left, which surprised Vin, who seemed to have lost track of time.
When she found out what time it was, she said goodbye to me and hurriedly left the guild, while being closely followed by her friend.
I stayed in the guild for a few more moments, to sell the materials I had obtained during the day.
I got home late at night and, after eating and taking a bath, went to bed happy to find that I can handle the challenge rooms alone, as long as they are a few floors below me. my group.
Once in bed, I added in Strength the 3 points I got, bringing it to 43 points. Also, Azur can now reach a larger size, thanks to its new level, being able to reach a meter in height.
******
The next day, when I was having breakfast, Joseph appeared at the door of the house. He wanted to invite me to the labyrinth, and I accepted without hesitation.
We entered the 23rd floor at my suggestion since yesterday I was able to verify that it is safe even if I am alone.
Joseph accepted my suggestion without me having to explain the reason for it... I guess he doesn't care a bit where we go as long as there are enemies to shoot down.
During our exploration, we came across two groups of adventurers, which is quite normal considering that most people stay between floors 20 and 30 since you can get a good amount of money for the loot of the monsters and they do not represent too high a risk for groups of several people.
The loot of these floors is made up of the goblins' weapons, although only occasionally, and parts of their bodies, something much more common.
We are currently resting in a forest environment challenge room in which there was a huge ogre.
The ogre did not present us with any challenge as, although he was very strong and resistant, he was incredibly slow. We simply dodge its attacks, and shoot at it keeping our distance until he fell down.
I leveled up all three classes and added the stat points in Agility to bring it up to 43 points,
matching the strength.
I didn't think my classes would level up so quickly again, considering it took me practically a full day to do it yesterday, but I guess that's the difference between being with a friend versus someone I don't know.
In my opinion, Joseph is a much better combatant than Elend since, although he does not have Elend's strength and speed, he knows how to use his abilities to the fullest. While Elend seemed to be holding back at all times to protect his friend.
Also, I know I can trust my back Joseph, which is something I can't say for someone I only knew for a day.
"Hey, Xelean I have a question" says Joseph as he plays with some twigs on the ground "do you know why there are only 9 floors with skeletons and not 10? It would make more sense if the labyrinth worked by tens, right?"
"If you had paid more attention to what Ragnar told us during his instruction, you would know that the tenth floor was actually the boss's" I say surprised that he asks me something he should know "According to Ragnar, there were bosses a long time ago who prevented the pass to the next ten floors, and only by defeating them could people pass; but once they were defeated, anyone could pass to the next ten as long as they found a blue transfer room on the floor before the boss. And the boss room became inaccessible"
"Ahh" says Joseph, slapping his forehead, "I had paid attention to it! It's just that I didn't remember...By the way, the dagger...Agustín told me to tell you that you can stop by the workshop tomorrow to look for it, only a few details are missing from the grip, but he wants you to be present, as it would be better to make the adjustments considering your opinion on how it feels in your hand"
"I didn't think he would have it ready so fast" I say surprised, but happy to hear it "I thought it would take him at least a week, considering that he also had to work on his shield"
"Yeah, well, he wasn't supposed to let me come to the labyrinth without his company either... Let's just say my cousin is a bit changed" he says with an enigmatic smile.
"what do you mean?" I ask.
"Sabrina" says Joseph for all answer.
"And what does she have to do with the dagger, or with the shield?" I ask, increasingly confused.
"Nothing, at least directly..." he laughs "But let's say that indirectly, she had a lot to do with Agustín deciding to ask his sister for help. Your dagger is, practically, almost a complete work of hers. So, he had time to focus on his shield, among other things..."
"Other things?" I ask eyebrow raised, already a bit tired of the cryptic answers.
"They're dating!" Joseph says tersely.
"Remind me never to ask you for an explanation about something, mate. I'm getting more and more confused" I say, resigning myself to settle for that answer.
"sorry, sorry" says Joseph and starts explaining from the beginning.
Apparently, Sabrina asked Agustín out the next day after returning from the beach, to which he instantly agreed.
This drastically changed Augustine's perspective on his priorities. That is why he asked his sister for help with the dagger. And he got rid of Joseph suggesting that he come with me to the labyrinth, although for this last decision the archer's performance in our last battle together had a lot to do with it, where Joseph excelled by controlling the enemy.
All this to be able to have more free time to spend with Sabrina.
We left the room after a few moments of rest and fought for a few more hours. After which we decided to go home and, having made our way back to the challenge room we had cleared, we exited the labyrinth.
My classes gained an extra level and I added two stat points into Constitution and one into Will.
The sky is already beginning to have the colors of sunset when we leave the guild.
Upon entering the house, I find Julia sitting at the table, with tears in her eyes. I ask her what is happening and for all answer, she gives me a letter:
'If you are reading this, it means that the problem was more serious than I thought.
I left this letter in the nearest village to my destination ready to be sent, in case I didn't cancel sending it from time to time.
Sorry, but it seems that I will not be able to return home. I want you to know that I love Mia and you. And I'm proud of the woman you've become.
This isn't necessarily a farewell, I may just have been captured or hurt. Send the letter that my friend sent me to Joaquín with the boy, I guess he will be back by the time this letter arrives.
I don't want you to go because you could run into Vector and I don't want you to have to run into him, not even for me.
Joaquin will know what to do. Don't worry about the boy, I don't think Vector will recognize him, considering he's still wearing the necklace, and it's been over a year now. Besides, he only saw him once. He probably forgot about his face by now.
I have life insurance. If Joaquin confirms my death, go to the adventurer's guild and can collect it. With that sum of money, you will be able to live comfortably for many years.
Forgive me, I know that no amount of money can change the fact that I am no longer with you, but at least I will be able to help you for a few more years.
With Love, Ragnar.'
When I finished reading the letter, it leaves an emptiness in my chest. A feeling that I had forgotten since the death of my parents.
But Ragnar can't be dead, right? He is incredibly strong, he has to be okay. This is surely an error.
I look at Julia and see her sobbing as she covers her face with her hands.
I have to be strong! I can't fall apart too. I walk over and give her a hug.
After a few moments and with the help of a tea, I manage to calm her down, while I promise her that tomorrow I will go see Joaquín and that everything will be solved.
Ragnar has to be okay, I think, as I try to ignore the empty feeling in my chest. He can't be dead!