Chereads / Core of the Maddening Abyss / Chapter 17 - Chapter 17

Chapter 17 - Chapter 17

I watch intently as the adventurers step foot into my meticulously crafted dungeon, triggering the first trap. Stones shoot up from the ground, but the party quickly leaps back, skilfully avoiding the trap's intended harm and rendering it useless. Undeterred, they proceed to activate the second trap, timing their jump perfectly to land safely on the other side. As they approach the third trap, a sudden sharp stick emerges from the ground, impaling one of them in the leg. A cry of pain fills the air, only to be swiftly silenced as a companion produces a bottle containing a mysterious green substance. With a gulp, the injured adventurer drinks the elixir, and a faint green light emanates from the wound. Within seconds, the injury appears to have vanished, leaving behind only a hole in the injured party member's boot.

Advancing cautiously, the adventurers draw nearer to the fourth trap, unknowingly entering the range of my powerful mage. Seizing the opportunity, the mage unleashes a devastating spell known as [Mana Strike], piercing one of the adventurers directly through the chest and causing blood to spill from both sides of the wound. The party's designated healer reacts swiftly, channeling mana through their staff adorned with a green gem. Their efforts to heal the injured adventurer, however, prove in vain as the adventurer succumbs to their wounds just before the healing is complete. It becomes evident that the fallen adventurer held the crucial role of healer within their party. The remaining members quickly adopt defensive formations, their attention divided between protecting themselves and searching for additional traps.

Despite the loss of their party member, the party presses on, displaying unwavering determination. Tripping the fourth trap, a wide net emerges from the ground, ensnaring one of the adventurers in its grasp. With deft agility, they employ their daggers to free themselves as they descend, but not without consequence. In the midst of their descent, my mage once again employs [Mana Strike], this time targeting the adventurer's leg. The bones shatter upon impact, causing the limb to eventually detach upon landing. Overwhelmed by excruciating pain, the fallen adventurer receives a potion from their comrades, but it merely conceals the wound rather than restoring the lost limb. In a curious turn of events, the party produces a wooden leg, leaving me perplexed by their preparedness.

Undeterred by the challenges they face, the adventurers proceed towards the fifth trap, which fails to trigger as intended. Nevertheless, the unexpected occurrence prompts them to instinctively retreat. Originally designed as a pit trap with spikes at the bottom, the trap fails to hinder their progress. Sensing an opportunity, my less intelligent Gobwolf minion taps into its [Strength Enhance] ability, causing its muscles to bulge in a manner reminiscent of an individual on steroids. With newfound strength, the Gobwolf charges at an adversary clad in full iron armour, armed with a shield and sword. Simultaneously, my mage employs [Mana Burst], creating a forceful gust that knocks everyone back, causing the iron-clad warrior to drop their sword and fall to the ground. Seizing the moment, the Gobwolf relentlessly pummels the fallen foe with a barrage of punches, crushing their head before any assistance could arrive.

The mage, with depleted mana reserves, resorts to [Mana Strike] once again, aiming at the remaining members of the party. However, they skilfully dodge or block the incoming attack. My Gobwolf, still enhanced by its augmented strength, seizes the opportunity to charge at the distracted adventurers, anticipating further attacks. Its assault lands successfully on one of them, breaking their arm and causing the bag they carried to rupture. Countless items spill onto the ground, including what appears to be all of their potions.

Amidst the chaos, the party's archer takes aim and fires an arrow directly into the Gobwolf's head, delivering an instant and fatal blow. With my most powerful minions now slain, the mage takes a final desperate leap forward, claws extended, determined to exact revenge. However, a fireball of mana engulfs the mage, reducing them to ashes before they can even make contact with their intended targets. In this pivotal moment, I find myself alone, forced to confront the impending threat and protect my own existence.

Recognizing the urgency, I issue a command to my builder and crafter minions, instructing them to "Hide from the adventurers." These valuable minions possess skills that must be preserved, as they hold significant potential for future development. Meanwhile, the adventurers progress steadily through the second and third rooms, eventually arriving at the empty boss room. After traversing countless chambers, they make their way to the second floor, which remains unoccupied for the time being.

Finally, my warriors return, their absence keenly felt during the adventurers' intrusion. With unwavering determination, they charge through every room, scouring the labyrinthine passages in search of the intruders. Having thoroughly examined the entirety of the first floor, they realize that the adversaries have advanced past their defences, and I can sense their proximity to my core. Determined to protect my domain, the warriors surge downstairs, relentlessly exploring room after room in a desperate attempt to locate the infiltrators. Alas, they arrive too late. The adventurers have discovered my core, signalling that I must personally intervene to safeguard my existence and repel the encroaching threat.