Rachel and her team had just cleared the second floor of the Great Labyrinth of Silas.
The vast expanse of the second floor stretched out before them with a dimly lit atmosphere, but that didn't faze them.
They were battle tested adventurers, some of whom had delved through similar situations before.
Lamperogue sheathed his shortswords and adjusted his leather mantle. "We should get going. Let's tackle the third floor next," he said.
Rachel let out a deep sigh. "I wonder how many floors this labyrinth has," she said, hoping that they wouldn't be trapped within the labyrinth for weeks.
Rumia spoke up, "It might take us days, or even weeks depending on how many floors there are."
Myne, with a worried expression, chimed in, "Don't forget about spatial distortions that could teleport us back to the first floor at any time."
"And there's also the chance we could be transported to a much higher floor," Vesta added.
Archibald chuckled, "I'm not sure our luck is that great, Vesta."
Lirien, relieved that they had just defeated the goblins, checked the condition of her bow.
"Still in good condition," she said with a smirk.
Lutessa, impressed with Lirien's bow, exclaimed, "That's quite the piece! Was it a gift?"
Lirien nodded.
"Yes, it was a gift from the chief of my tribe when I left my village to join Sohfrost Guild." (Lirien)
Lutessa's eyes lit up.
"My magic staff was given to me by Mother Superior, the head of the Vayetran Church." (Lutessa)
"A gift too?" Myne asked curiously.
"Yes," Lutessa replied, beaming.
As they made their way down a dimly lit corridor towards the staircase leading to the third floor, they felt the weight of uncertainty weighing heavy on their minds.
...
They ascended the stairs to the third floor.
The atmosphere grew gradually heavy.
It almost as if they were carrying an extra weight on their shoulders.
With every step, the tension in the air became palpable.
Eventually, they reached their destination, where they were met with the sight of Elzed and his three masked henchmen.
The third floor was quite spacious.
The distance between Rachel and her group and Elzed and his lackeys was considerable.
But even from this distance, Elzed's presence was intimidating.
Upon noticing their arrival, Elzed let out a yawn.
"Such a mundane task... nevertheless, your paltry entertainment will be much appreciated," he casually suggested.
It seemed Elzed was insinuating that they should all fight him, regardless of how insignificant their efforts may be.
They looked around.
The floor was scattered with the corpses of hellhounds.
All of which were killed with a single strike from Elzed.
The remaining hellhounds, however, orbited around him without making any movement, as if afraid to approach.
An arrogant hellhound growled and lunged at Elzed, expecting to make quick work of him.
But to everyone's shock, Elzed effortlessly reduced the creature to a pile of flesh.
His expression remained unchanged.
However, the malice emanating from him was palpable.
"What is this guy...?" Vesta took a step back and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
[ This guy is giving off some serious demon vibes. ] (Archibald)
[ This guy... ] (Lamperogue)
They all held their weapons tightly and braced for the worst.
[ Oh no... that's... Archibald. ] (Rubik)
[ Damn it! So they were sent by the Empire.
Why did it have to be them... ] (Taro)
There was a look of frustration on Nermelʼs face.
To her, it was the most unfortunate coincidence.
Withal, they couldn't defy the orders of Elzed.
If he ordered them to kill Rachel's group, then they'd do just that.
His word was absolute.
"Looks like you're all serious players," said Elzed with a smirk. "I'm looking forward to having some fun with you."
With a sense of urgency, the group sprang into action.
Simultaneous attacks were launched towards Elzed without any delay.
『Lightning Shot!』 (Myne)
Myne took charge and produced her magic wand, <
The lightning traveled at great speeds, demonstrating the extent of Myne's magical abilities.
『Earth Cannon!』 (Rumia)
Following Myne, Rumia employed her staff, twirling and thrusting it forward with immense strength and precision.
The large green manastone at the tip of her staff started to glow vividly, creating a colossal boulder to hurl at Elzed.
Adding to the boulder's speed was the magical wind that tripled its momentum as it traveled through the air.
『Magic Cannon!』 (Vesta)
Vesta phrased his hands together to create a sphere of energy, amidst which he then surged his arms to produce a wide-spread beam of energy towards Elzed.
The energy beam was bright and expansive, moving through the air to hit Elzed.
『Howling Kirin Shot!』 (Lirien)
In that split second, Lirien positioned her bow forward.
She pulled the string back, and created a lightning arrow.
As the arrow sailed forward at lightning speeds, it transformed into a large, fearsome-looking cat with a body made wholly out of lightning that roared at Elzed.
『Lightning Sword Skill • Purple Flash!!』 (Archibald)
Archibald's sword was now pulsating with purple lightning energy.
He steeled himself to summon all his strength to swing it.
The swing generated a large wave of lightning that surged outward, aimed squarely at Elzed.
『Dark Sword Skill • Cimmerian Flash Barrage!』 (Lamperogue)
Next, Lamperogue drew out his <
He launched a continuous barrage of slashes that traveled rapidly towards Elzed, leaving a trail of destruction in the air that showcased his prowess.
『Flame Sword Skill • Great Feast of Fire!』 (Rachel)
Lastly, Rachel wielded her sword, infused it with a tremendous amount of force, swinging it in an arc that produced a massive wave of flames.
The fiery wave that emanated from her sword was so large that it almost eclipsed all the other attacks launched earlier, traveling with immense speed.
Yet, despite all the different attacks executed simultaneously, Elzed seemed undeterred.
He raised his eyebrows and expressed dismay.
"Perhaps I overestimated you.." (Elzed)
『Spatial Magic • Spatial Scale - Zero Configuration』 (Elzed)
In that instant, the surroundings became silent.
Space appeared to converge at a particular point.
All the attacks launched earlier were erased, along with Archibald, Rachel.
He so easily dismissed their attacks.
Lamperogue could hardly believe his eyes.
He stared at the spot where Archibald and Rachel had been standing just moments earlier, hoping they were still alive.
Lutessa was trembling with fear, her wide eyes fixed on Elzed.
"What kind of magic was that?" Vesta exclaimed, astounded. "Our attacks were erased as if they never existed!"
Rumia, fuming with anger, vented at Elzed, her fists clenched tightly. "What did you do with Archibald and Rachel?!" she shouted.
Elzed simply smirked in response.
"Be a good little girl and shut up," he ordered, completely unphased by her rage.
In that moment, a surge of fear shot through Rumia's body and her legs trembled.
Turning to Taro, Rubik, and Nermel, Elzed commanded, "Head for the last floor and acquire the crimson star."
The three quickly bowed in agreement and hurried up the stairs to the fourth floor.
Lirien fired another set of energy arrows at Elzed.
However, just like before, Elzed placed his right hand out and created a dense point in space that distorted the energy arrows and dismissed them with ease.
"Again?!" (Myne)
This was 『Spatial Magic』 at its best.
Lirien was filled with anger.
"You will not leave here alive!" she yelled at Elzed.
Elzed sighed and shot back, "I hope you don't think you have a chance against me."
"This bastard... he... he..." Vesta gritted his teeth.
"Calm yourself Vesta, there's no way they're dead," said Lamperogue, his voice clam.
"Y-Yeah, you're right." (Vesta)
Adjusting his white hair, Elzed wore a conceited smile.
"Fine, I'll spare you some attention, but make it worth my time." (Elzed)