Disappearing from his sight we moved towards the land that had been shown on the map the closer we got the more mana dense the air had become. More and more monsters of different types started appearing but a single bullet killed them out right in most encounters.
It wasn't until we were halfway there that the monsters actually put up some form of fight even if it was futile. We ripped through their bodies with our brute strength getting covered in blood and guts as we continued against the horde.
Ripping out a spinal column I felt alive and free for the first time in a while. I had become elated at the thought of a worthwhile fight against foes that could possibly challenge me. Giving a maniacal grin I tore into their flesh with my teeth drinking their blood for their faint mana to replenish Lilly's and mine so pool as she casted immense spells and I transmuted the broken ground back to normal.
Finally we were getting near and even with our strength we began to struggle against the numbers but we had faced worse and we had faced way stronger foes.We would not give up.
Monsters and beasts of every kind surrounded us, some looking more gruesome than others. Beings with twisted appendages and broken bones some looking like overly large babies made of mangled flesh and other true abominations.
Slowly the number started to dwindle. It seemed as though most of the monsters were either dead or they had ran away. It was time to see where we could make our base of operations. Flat land filled with green encompassed the area. A large mountain with high peaks and snow at the top was nearby with smaller mountains nearby. Trees were sprinkled around giving us some form of cover If the house was built in the right place. It was perfect for what we needed and I couldn't wait for an actual laboratory where I could build weapons to help us.
After fighting the large group of monsters I realized that I didn't have any AOE weapons or spells in my arsenal. Sure the grenades worked but they were resource intensive. Also we don't have any other form of protection. I had been thinking of using space magic to create a barrier but I need something to stabilize the final outcome.
If this was to be our base it needed a strong foundation. Emptying a large flat square of Labyrinth rock I slammed it into the ground to stop any structure atop the ground from sinking over time. Using the labyrinth stone i merged it with the ground to create a foundation that would be perfect. Using the trees from the area and Lilly's magic to dry and reinforce the wood we build a home in the style of the 1950s. Large enough for all the rooms that were needed inside the building and the the more important ones underground where the earth would be better for battle and explosive experiments.
The roof was made of Labyrinth stone so that it wouldn't degrade over time and it would give a great amount of protection. All together with the walls enhanced by Lilly and then panels made out of a composite only my stronger weapons would be able to pierce the walls so most lower tier spells should be fine. I hated the thought of a mansion above ground, Underground has become like home to me. I feel safe and secure . I then had a thought. I could replicate the magic circle to teleport to the last floor of the labyrinth where the house that we had used for all those months lay untouched.
After talking to Lilly about the idea she loved it and it was perfect for me and my experiments as it was equipped with everything that I needed including the left over materials that I couldn't carry.
It was in the perfect location with the best layout and natural defence and even after all of that it wasn't our real home. If anyone came knocking or if a foe that was too powerful for us arrived and we had to abandon the small house it wouldn't matter. Even if they had access to the magic circle they wouldn't be able to use it as they hadn't been to the last floor of the labyrinth.
I was mentally exhausted after all the work and scribing for the teleportation circle. I needed some rest for the night then we could go to the Barron and ask around about my targets and their location. I.. do t even know the name of the capital so I definitely need information.
~Elswhere~
~Vasalias Agidyne IV~
"Hmm I see"
"Can you verify the information Gladiolus?"
"Yes your highness after I received the letter I teleported to the town and felt their strength. When the knights surrounded the inn their presence disappeared. I'm afraid that they may have a skill or spell like mine sire."
Galdious wasn't a mere court magician he had another title 'sage' a lower variant of the title held by the great sage of old. He is wise and cunning and if he couldn't feel them... that was worrying.
"I want them to lead the hero party in the expeditions and fight in the war. If there is someone in my content with strength that even you felt then I need them. Send out a message to all territories to be on the lookout and send spies to the Brightwood territory and the others that we have... less leverage on."
"Immediately sire."
Just like that he evaporated again. The heroes were currently part of a parade before they would journey to the labyrinth again to gain strength. The demon army didn't even move like they were mocking us. If they don't submit to me I will use the heroes to 'compell' them to aid in their endeavour. All things have their uses and their talents would come in handy for the war to come.