"Hey Grey, are you sure about this?" ［Julius］
"Of course. There's nothing to worry about." ［Grey］
"I don't know... Is this really necessary?" ［Julius］
The voices of two young men filled the air as they chatted with each other. The air was fresh, the wind was cool, the sky was blue, and the fields were as green as one can be, full of life and vitality. It was a warm sunny day.
There were just two things off about the situation. First, they were still in the cold and snowy north. And second, the landscape was not endless. If one looks over the far horizon, it would seem like the world is suddenly cut off. No thick fog nor expansive landmasses to be seen.
The reason was simple. It was because they weren't in Merusia. Well, to be specific, they were inside Grey's "Sanctuary". The place was filled with endless rice paddies and crop lands. A beautiful area of green, brown, and vibrant colors.
It has already been a couple of days since the day of the flood and today, a special day is upon them. It is the day the Labyrinth of Flames would be opening. An event which excites the adventurer blood flowing inside of them. Though for now... they are also engaging in an interesting argument...
"Just how many times do I have to tell you? We're responsible for your safety. I would be a problem if something were to happen to you and Amelia." ［Grey］
"Un! Grey's right! His Majesty and Duke Redlocke will surely scold us! So please behave and stay here until the time's right!" ［Yuna］
"Haah... Fine, fine, you win! I'll stay!" ［Julius］
"Fufufu, then I'll also be staying here." ［Amelia］
In the end, Julius' protests were useless. With both Grey and Yuna urging him to stay inside, there was only so much he could do. He couldn't even use his identity as a prince against them. It was a complete defeat.
Well, it wasn't like there was anything to complain about. Other than the wonderful scenery, there was also a canopy tent for shade equipped with chairs, couches, and a couple useful furniture and appliances. Of course, there was also flooring easily made using earth magic.
Save for the resting area, The refrigerator was also stuffed to the brim with easy to heat food, desserts, snacks, and drinks. There were also games available. One could literally call it a luxurious way to camp inside the clean and green sanctuary.
"Still, isn't this too troublesome for the both of you? We could just head to the 4th floor ourselves." ［Julius］
"Hmm? But we're not heading to the 4th floor, though... We're going to the 9th floor, you know?" ［Yuna］
"Ah, I see... The 9th floor, huhー" ［Julius］
Julius stopped, his eyes full of confusion and mind filled with question marks. He then reexamined what he just heard, analyzing carefully whether what he heard was just his imagination getting the better of him. And when he understood what he heard...
"Huh?! The 9th floor?! What do you mean the 9th floor?! That's a floor full of S-rank and Calamity-Class monsters! Are you telling us to die?!" ［Julius］
"His Highness is right. Isn't that a little too dangerous?" ［Amelia］
A noisy outburst came echoing all throughout the place as Julius expressed his disbelief and heavy opposition about the matter, barking loudly like a rabid dog. Amelia was also in disagreement, only a little dangerous.
Well, his reaction was only understandable. Don't mention camping there for a whole month, even staying there for a single day was something only those crazy enough would do. Even Fizzel who was an S-ranker doesn't dare risk his life and only trains in the 8th floor where S-rank monsters occasionally spawn.
Of course, there were also crazy ones who try the same methods as Grey and Yuna to train themselves and it really is an effective method. The only problem was that many had died doing so. No one wants to take such a huge risk just for the sake of getting stronger.
"Quiet down a little bit, you bastard. You're too loud. What's there to worry about? Yuna and the familiars are going to be with you." ［Grey］
"I know, but stillー Huh? Wait a minute... What about you?" ［Julius］
"I'm going to the 10th floor." ［Grey］
Silence swallowed the fields as soon as Grey's words rang through their ears, cold chills running down their spines. They were speechless, unable to make a response. The only one who reacted differently was Yuna who already knew beforehand.
"Hey, this isn't the time to be joking..." ［Julius］
"I'm not, and don't worry. I won't be going alone, Polaris will be with me." ［Grey］
"Still... Grey, it's the 10th floor. I know how powerful you are, but isn't this too reckless? It's not too late to change your mind yet." ［Amelia］
"Oi, if you're so eager to die. You could just tell me." ［Julius］
Said Julius as he lightly punched Grey's chest, Amelia showing a face of worry behind him. Both were showing concern in their own ways, worried about Grey's decisions. But the one who was most worried remained silent. It was Yuna.
"Don't worry about me, I'm not looking to die yet. Also... You've seen how powerful the Skeleton Tyrant was, right? If it wasn't for His Majesty, he could've lost our lives right then and there... I don't want a repeat of such a thing..." ［Grey］
But their concerns soon turned to sympathy as soon as Grey continued his words. They knew full well the feeling of helplessness and powerlessness in front of a true monster. There was no way they didn't understand how Grey felt.
Now that Grey said it in such a way, there was only so much Julius and Amelia could do. They could only support him in his decision despite worry and hesitation brewing in their hearts.
"Haah... Dammit. Do whatever you want... Just make sure to prioritize your safety, you stubborn bastard." ［Julius］
"Grey, please keep yourself safe. Yuna might cry if you overdo yourself." ［Amelia］
"Hey, Amelia! That's too much!" ［Yuna］
The tense atmosphere was no more. All there was was a warm and carefree mood as a group of friends teased on another happily, smiles and giggles all over the place, getting warmer as the familiars joined in as per Amelia's request,
Leaving Julius and Amelia to the familiars' company, Grey and Yuna then exited the sanctuary and out into their room. They quickly prepared themselves for the long day ahead of them, checking if they have everything they need for the next month they'll be spending their time in the Labyrinth.
Now that they had already experienced it before, they are now more prepared and knew what they needed. In fact, they spent the whole day yesterday buying many things from ingredients to supplies. Everything is done and ready.
"Do you think they'll be fine there?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, I'm sure they'll be alright. The familiars are with them, after all." ［Grey］
"Mmn... I guess that's true..." ［Yuna］
There was only a simple chat amongst the two of them as they checked everything. It was their last day in the Emerald Lily, and so, they were also packing their personal belongings they placed in the room.
"Alright, Yuna, let's go!" ［Grey］
"Un!" ［Yuna］
Excited smiles blooming on their faces, Grey and Yuna quickly headed out of their room, turning off the lights as they went out. They then headed to the reception desk and returned the keys, saying their farewells to the receptionist.
The white snow falling all over the city, Grey and Yuna walked a snowy path, their footsteps engraved across the snowy fields. The further they went away from the city, the whiter and more barren the place became, only a few people to be seen, all heading the same way.
Minutes passed and the landscape only became whiter. Such a scenery continued until a certain structure came into view, looking larger and larger as it unveiled itself from the thick and relentless snowfall.
With an entrance littered with dancing flames and flowing lava, the Labyrinth stuck out conspicuously like a sore thumb in the snow-filled landscape. It was like the entrance to the fiery depths of hell, an entrance which would surely scare the living hell out of anyone.
But standing upon such an intimidating entrance were a horde of brave adventurers eager to challenge the Labyrinth, all equipped with their trusty equipment and strong determination burning brightly in their eyes.
And though it was cold out in the open, most of them only wore armor and thin pieces of clothing. None were cold as they use either mana or items to regulate their body temperature. It was quite an interesting sight.
"Waah～! That's a lot of people, isn't it?" ［Yuna］
"You can say that again..." ［Grey］
Yuna's comment couldn't be any more correct. As compared to the Labyrinth of Death back at Moterno, the Farmalte Archduchy and its neighboring territories were a lot more populous. As a result, it was only natural that there were a lot more people participating in the dive. A lot of High-Rankers were also present.
As Grey and Yuna drew closer, the sight only became more amazing. Even though there was lava and flames, although they were hot, they were in no way as hot as the real thing. If anything, it would seem as if they were just there simply for aesthetic purposes.
"Hey! Hey! Weren't they the ones fighting with Lord Fizzel?!"
"Are you serious?! Do you mean those dragon riders?!"
"Is that them? They look younger than I thought!"
"I thought they were just rookies! Are you sure that's them?"
They have yet to reveal their identities yet a commotion already spread as soon as they were in sight. It was all thanks to the events concerning the monster flood. Even though it has only been a couple days, most of the adventurers already knew about it.
The adventurers made way as Grey and Yuna walked towards the front, not a single one brave enough to stand in their way. It was just like how a certain character parted the seas to cross it, only that it was people in this case.
Such a scene continued up until the two of them were at the very front. There, they saw a few familiar figures from the emergency meeting a few days ago. Of course, there was also Fizzel, Richter, and the Lord amongst them.
"Hahaha. That was quite the entrance." ［Richter］
"It's good to see you, Your Majesty, Your Highnesses, everyone." ［Grey］
"Good morning, everyone." ［Yuna］
"Yes, yes, good morning as well." ［Richter］
"Good morning, Lord Grey, Lady Yuna. It's a pleasure to see you here." ［Reisner］
But oh well, no matter how famous they became overnight, the man before them was still unmatched. As they greeted him along with the others, the eyes of adventurers, knights, and soldiers were all focused on him. His fame really was no joke.
As for the one receiving such a treatment, he only looked at the sight with reminiscent eyes, recalling his youth when he too joined the Labyrinth dives. It was such a fun time where he could do as he wished, unrestrained by his current responsibilities.
"Your Majesty, would you also be joining the dive?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha, I would love to. Unfortunately, I still have some important matters to attend to at the Imperial Capital. It's truly a shame." ［Richter］
His eyes still full of longing, Richter answered Yuna's question calmly. In his mind, he wondered when would be the next time he would get to participate in such events. It was a day he was looking forward to.
Just as the three of them had their lovely chat together, the Lord started heading towards the front up a small wooden platform, leaving the three of them behind. It was almost time for the Labyrinth of Flames to open.
"Oh right... I don't see Prince Julius and Lady Amelia around. Are they not participating in the dive?" ［Richter］
"Well, we've made a few arrangements. They'll be coming in later," ［Grey］
"Hahaha, I see... Like I thought, it really is great to be youngー" ［Richter］
"Good morning, everyone. I am Reisner yl Farmalte....." ［Reisner］
A couple moments passed and the Lord's voice finally started echoing all over the place. The attention of everyone was quickly shifted towards him as he relayed his speech with a voice-enhancing magic tool, telling the rules afterwards.
Just as the Lord relayed his words, Grey and Yuna headed towards the very front and joined the other High-Rankers, forming the vanguards. Of course, as S-rankers, the two of them along with Fizzel were the ones on the very front.
"Seems like this isn't your first time participating in a Labyrinth dive." ［Fizzel］
"Un! It's our second time! How about you, Lord Fizzel?" ［Yuna］
"I've already done more than a dozen. And please, just call me Fizzel. It's not like we haven't been through a life and death situation together." ［Fizzel］
"Fufufu, then Mister Fizzel it is." ［Yuna］
There was no tension in the air as a friendly chat took place between them. Fizzel's facial expressions were now much softer and calmer, his eyes glancing towards the entrance, obviously just as excited as the two of them.
"Now I hereby declare, the Labyrinth of Flames is officially open!" ［Reisner］
It wasn't long before Reisner's words started ringing throughout everyone's ears, excited cheers and applause following soon after as the excited crowd of adventurers shouted their passion and excitement towards the sky.
What followed after were string bursts of winds as the High-Rankers rushed towards the Labyrinth one after another, breakneck speeds exceeding that of what one would consider normal. They were like missiles just released, bolting throughout the dim and flame-lit Labyrinth.
Just like before, as they darted their way through, the dungeon torchstones started lighting up brightly, accompanying the dim glow of the lava-looking fluids flowing and the flames crackling. No matter how many times they've seen it, it never ceases to amaze all of them.
"This is it. Running really is more comfortable than flying!" ［Fizzel］
Fizzel's excited remarks echoing clearly in the Labyrinth, everyone continued on their way, killing hundreds upon hundreds of monsters and lighting up the various paths time and time again.
It wasn't long before the High-rankers started going their own ways with every fork road they met, their numbers dwindling by the second. And after several minutes of sprinting, there was only Fizzel left with Grey and Yuna.
"Looks like this is where we'll part. See you later, Kids!" ［Fizzel］
"Until next time, Mister Fizzel." ［Grey］
"Mister Fizzel, good luck on your dive～!" ［Yuna］
Waving his hand ever so happily, Fizzel quickly disappeared from the sight of the two. With that, Grey and Yuna were left on their own, almost heading towards the stairs towards the 2nd floor.
"Well then, shall we?" ［Grey］
"Un!" ［Yuna］
With Fizzel out of the way, Grey and Yuna quickly released the limits on their speeds and dashed their way through the remaining entirety of the 1st floor, annihilating all the monsters they met along the way without showing any signs of mercy.
Second... Third... Fourth... Fifth...
Time passed and the two descended floor after floor after floor without showing any signs of stopping. They also didn't mind the treasure rooms they found over the floors and left them for the other adventurers and knights to take.
It was decided that they'll only start collecting the treasures once they get to the 9th floor. After all, they've already got their hands on enough treasures from the Labyrinth of Death. This time, their goal is to train themselves and get as strong as possible, not wasting any precious time.
And as they descended, it was also worth noting that the Labyrinth started to change. If the Labyrinth of Death became darker and eerier with every descent, the Labyrinth of Flames, true to its name, only became hotter and redder.
Not only was the temperature increasing, the scenery has changed quite a bit too. The small streams of lava-like fluids have started to become bigger and the flames started to burn fiercer. It was as if they were inside a volcanic dungeon.
Thankfully, the increase in heat is not a problem for Grey and Yuna. Not only were their resistance high due to being S-rankers, they also had the Divine Amulet to aid and protect them. The heat was practically a walk in the park.
Gruukkk Grukkk Rukkrukkk
Of course, it went without saying that the monsters only became stronger the lower Grey and Yuna descended in the Labyrinths. Especially those of the Fire-attribute which had been strengthened by the Labyrinth.
⟨⟨Wind Cutter⟩⟩ ［Grey］
⟨⟨Icicle Shotgun⟩⟩ ［Yuna］
Even then, no matter how powerful they may be, they all suffered the same fate in the hands of Grey and Yuna. Their bodies were pierced or cut in half. Nevertheless, all the monsters they met turned to mana, leaving various drops behind.
The long marathon continued and the two continued their journey in the paths of hell, unfazed by the heat and number of monsters popping out suddenly out of nowhere. Rather, it was them who were truly outstanding, clearing floors which record speeds.
The only time Grey and Yuna stopped were to take breaks and have lunch together, enjoying each other's company in the cool and refreshing blue zones. The scenery may look the same, but it was undoubtedly much cooler.
Sixth... Seventh... Eight... Ninth...
Stair after stair, Grey and Yuna descended, and after several hours of running, they finally arrived at their destination. A hell-like landscape which paints the air red and orange. A scenery which would make one feel hot just by looking at it.
Veins and fountains of molten rock flowed in the walls and floor, drifting slowly as it bubbled. Topaz flames burning ever so brightly and fiercely. The view is distorted by haze from the searing heat. Add the monsters roaming about and it has become the very definition of "Hell".
"Wow... It's even more amazing than the 8th floor..." ［Yuna］
"Well, it's the Labyrinth of Flames, after all... Then, I'll go get Julius and Amelia. Be a good girl and stay here for a while, alright?" ［Grey］
"Geez! You're treating me like a child again!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. That's not true at all, because I won't do this to a child..." ［Grey］
There wasn't any warning. Grey suddenly closed in on Yuna and delivered a soft kiss on her lips, greatly shocking the latter. Her eyes were wide open as her cheeks burnt a fierce red color just like the flames before them.
"See? Aren't I treating you like an adult?" ［Grey］
"G-Grey! You dummy!" ［Yuna］
Grey didn't explain himself any further and simply headed inside the Sanctuary, leaving behind a puzzled Yuna. She was still confused about what happened, red all the way to the tip of her ears.
Well, Grey wasn't doing it just to simply tease her. Since he'll mostly be training with Polaris while they camp in the Labyrinth, he figured he might as well flirt as he still can. Though he'll still see her from time to time, it's bound to be a lonely month.
A sight of green and wind fresh and cool. Such was what greeted Grey as soon as he entered the Sanctuary. Just over a couple dozen meters away, two figures could be seen relaxing freely, Amelia resting on Julius' arms whilst cuddling with the familiars.
"Master, you've returned." ［Polaris］
"Welcome back, Master" ［Sirius］
As usual, the first to notice Grey's arrival were none other than the familiars. Julius and Amelia then followed soon after, greeting him warmly with smiles plastered on their carefree faces.
"Oh, Grey, do you need something?" ［Julius］
"No, nothing in particular. I just came to fetch you." ［Grey］
"By fetch, you mean..." ［Julius］
"We're already on the 9th floor." ［Grey］
"Oh, you should have said it soonー Wait, what did you say?!" ［Julius］
A loud scream echoed all over the place, a surprised face plastered over Julius. It wasn't just him. Amelia was also just as surprised, her mouth hanging in agape. After all, it has only been several hours. They couldn't imagine how easily they managed to descend such a low level.
"Stop screaming. You're going to break my ears." ［Grey］
"I'm just surprised, you bastard! I mean, we were just... You know, it's only been several hours... I mean, it's just too fast!" ［Julius］
"Well, it's just the way it is. Are you coming or not?" ［Grey］
"... Ugh... We're coming..." ［Julius］
They were speechless, just plain speechless. No matter how hard they tried to think, they could never hope to understand the mind of the likes of Grey and Yuna. It was absurd, but with the way things are, they can't do anything but accept such a truth.
Grey quickly casted the barrier magic spell, "Guard", towards Julius and Amelia as soon as they agreed to. It was a spell which not only acts as a protective coating-like barrier on their bodies, but also regulates the temperature, perfect for the Labyrinth.
One after another, Grey and the others, along with the familiars, took their steps out of the Sanctuary. What greeted them was a hell-like yet beautiful sight which was sure to leave anyone astonished.
"Amazing... So this is what a Labyrinth looks like..." ［Amelia］
"Whew... What a ridiculous sight..." ［Julius］
Two distinct comments came from Julius and Amelia as soon as they saw the blazing corridors of the Labyrinth, both amazed in ways more than one. The more they looked at the place, the more mystical it looked.
Thump Thump Thump
But of course, such a hellish sight was not complete without any dangers. Julius and Amelia were still yet to finish admiring the scenery when the ground started to quake. Soon, a large monster appeared before them, eyes red as one can be.
"Hey, you aren't just gonna stand there, are you? Get your weapons ready. Our journey had just started." ［Grey］
"Haha... Looks like it's going to be hell for a whole month, huh..." ［Julius］
"Instructor Grey, Instructor Yuna, we'll be in your care." ［Amelia］
Lightning crackled and flames roared along with Julius and Amelia's words. They may not be as strong as the others, but their will wouldn't lose out to them. Despite the overwhelming dangers in front of them, their hearts started to race in anticipation.
There was fear, there was worry, and there was anxiety. In the blazing and scorching Labyrinth of Flames, they only felt chills as cold sweat trickled down their faces. The fun had only just begun.
CHAPTER 190 END