There is no compromise when it comes to encountering demons, devils, or related creatures. Rozer is determined to exterminate any such beings entering the human world. This conviction is deeply rooted in him.
Geeraard, Poetica, and Waify exchanged glances, realizing they were about to embark on an unexpected adventure. Karel and Ven, still anxious, reluctantly agreed to join, haunted by the looming execution scenario if something went wrong.
Espen, holding firmly to his principles, finally spoke, "Rozer, it's risky. We should have a plan or guidance before entering."
Geeraard added, "That's right, Rozer. We should have an underground city map, How about we come back another time?"
"If you don't want to join, go back! I'll go in alone!" Rozer shouted, eyes wide with determination.
"Why do you want to go there so badly? Calm your mind, Rozer!" Geeraard yelled.
"I will kill all the demonic creatures!" Rozer insisted.
Just by looking at Rozer's face, everyone was convinced he couldn't be stopped. Whatever the reasons, he would go, sooner or later. He wouldn't listen to people he had just met that day.
Feeling guilty, Karel decided to take responsibility. She pulled out a rolled-up paper from her pocket, "This... It's the map of the underground labyrinth." she said fearfully, handing the scroll to Rozer.
"I'll take this." Rozer said as he accepted the scroll.
Espen rubbed her forehead, unable to believe Karel was supporting Rozer instead of trying to convince him otherwise.
"I'm joining," Ven said.
"Me too!" added Karel.
"Because today I planned to accompany Rozer, I'll go too," said Poetica.
"All of you..." Geeraard said, "Fine, I'll go too!" he declared with the spirit of a knight determined to protect everyone.
"Geeraard?" Espen exclaimed.
Geeraard smiled at the girl he liked, deciding not to comment.
Taking a deep breath, "Alright, I'll go too." Espen said.
Rozer, still focused on his goal, said, "I will open this door." He pushed the heavy iron door forward.
The door slowly opened, revealing the darkness of the labyrinth. As it opened fully, many pairs of glowing red eyes appeared, staring at them sharply. The sound of small footsteps echoed in the labyrinth, getting closer, running toward them.
Rozer drew his sword and prepared to attack.
Karel, Ven, Poetica, and Waify felt fear. Meanwhile, Espen dramatically summoned her wand from the dimensional hole from the floor beneath her. Geeraard readied his hands and feet for defense, shielding Poetica and Waify. Karel and Ven trembled as they retrieved their short magic staffs from their cloaks.
A group of goblins appeared, wielding swords and large pieces of wood to attack them. Rozer tightly gripped his sword and swiftly entered the labyrinth, slashing through the goblins. He leaped, cutting the goblin's abdomen, spun in the air, beheading two goblins, and flipped his body to slash another goblin. Within 3 seconds.
Some goblins who managed to escape rushed toward the light, where Rozer's friends were. Espen aimed her magic staff at the goblins, unleashing successive fireballs.
Geeraard, protecting Poetica and Waify, dodged and countered goblin attacks. Poetica and Waify followed Geeraard's movements on his back.
The goblin who was the victim of Geeraard's attack found himself burned by a fireball, helped by the additional support of Karel and Ven who cast fire magic.
The approaching goblins were vanquished. From outside the labyrinth, they observed Rozer's silhouette illuminated by the magical fire and lightning raging inside the labyrinth. The sound of several explosions of fire and thunder echoed from there.
Poetica and Waify, exhausted, sat on the floor and cried, "I want to go home," they whimpered.
Geeraard comforted them and gently stroked their heads, "We'll be home soon; let's wait for Rozer to come out," he said.
Espen looked at the burned goblin corpses scattered on the floor, "I didn't expect goblins to be waiting for us." she commented.
Goblins have a small and slender appearance, ranging in height from 30 centimeters as babies to 1.5 meters as adults. Their skin is black like charcoal. They have green eyes with sharp fangs, and what distinguishes them is the presence of long and pointed ears that add a unique touch to their appearance. Despite their small size, goblins can reproduce rapidly and possess high survival abilities.
Karel and Ven, still sitting on the floor, contemplated Rozer, who continued to fight alone inside the labyrinth.
Espen scowled at them, "Look! We haven't even gone deeper, and all this happened!" she grumbled.
They lowered their heads, regretful, "Sorry," they said.
Near the door, a dying goblin groaned on the floor. Rozer, who came out of the labyrinth, immediately stabbed the goblin's head with his sword. Making that goblin, soak in green blood.
Rozer emerged bloodied but was more concerned about the others, "Are you all okay?"
Espen released his staff and ran into a hug with Rozer. "I should be asking you if you're okay!" she said, checking Rozer's entire body.
"I'm fine," Rozer said.
"Let's go back," Espen suggested.
"Back? We haven't even gone in yet," Rozer replied.
Karel stood up and grabbed Rozer's bloodied hand, "Forgive me, Rozer. Let's just go back; I don't want to go in there anymore." she said, tears streaming down her face.
Tak...tak...tak...
The sound of iron footsteps echoed from the corridor, and several soldiers and Edele approached.
Edele's eyes widened at the goblin corpses scattered everywhere, "What's going on here?" she exclaimed.
The students saw Edele but decided not to answer.
Two male servants came out of the crowd of soldiers, ran to Poetica and Waify, and inquired about their condition. They invited the princesses to return home.
Edele approached Geeraard, "Are you all okay?"
Geeraard stood tall with his chest puffed out, "Report, we're all okay, Mrs. Edele." he said firmly.
"All seniors, come to me and explain all of this," Edele commanded.
Espen, Geeraard, Karel, and Ven knelt in front of Edele, bowing their heads. Espen began to explain the events in front of the labyrinth gate.
Tania came from behind the soldiers, shouting, "Rozer!" then ran toward Rozer and hugged him.
"Are you okay?" Tania asked.
"I'm fine, Mother," Rozer replied.
"Why did it turn out like this? Look at your face and clothes, they are green and smell unpleasant."
"This is goblin blood, Mother."
"When we get home, you have to tell me, okay?"
"Yes, Mother."
"Let's go home," Tania invited.
Rozer nodded, "Yes," he said, then went home with Tania, holding her hand.
Before leaving the corridor, Rozer looked back, where his seniors were being scolded by Edele. And looking into the labyrinth, there were large glowing red eyes that gradually disappeared.
###
On their way home, under the night sky and city lights, Tania looked at Rozer's face and remembered that she didn't give him lunch money when he left for school. So, she decided to provide him with a monthly allowance starting today.
"Rozer, it's time for you to learn how to manage money," Tania said, handing him a bag of gold and silver coins.
Tania added, "Use it only for essential needs."
Rozer, who understood the function of money, stopped by his favorite store and placed the entire bag of coins on the cashier's counter.
"Rozer no!"