"Are you ready?"
"Yes!"
After sufficient rest, Finn led the main team to the end of the corridor.
Where Undeus, the solitary king of the Labyrinth, awaited.
After discussing and deliberating, Finn led the entire main team to Undeus' room in the dungeon where death loomed. He intended to use himself as bait to eliminate the problem without involving the rest of the expedition. After all, if things went awry, casualties would be inevitable.
So, leading all the strongest adventurers, Finn hoped he was wrong.
"Good luck..."
Watching the entire team disappear, Lefiya placed both hands on her chest. Although they didn't know why the atmosphere was so tense, as an adventurer, she sensed that something significant was happening, something big enough to compel the main team to take action.
Unfortunately, she couldn't accompany them. Despite asking Riveria and Ais, she couldn't convince them. She was a novice, too weak to face floor bosses.
"They'll be fine... don't worry."
Patting her shoulder, Raúl comforted her. He, like Lefiya, also wanted to accompany them, but they couldn't bring all the powerful adventurers. There needed to be a leader to guide them to higher floors in case the worst happened, and that was Raúl.
---
"Well... Now that you've come this far, I suppose it's time to put you to the test."
Smirking from the shadows, Yuki grinned.
He had been waiting for this moment, this expedition. It was something he had deliberately orchestrated to bring these kids to this floor.
He had been watching them from the shadows of Ais, so he knew the time had come.
"Let's see what you're made of...."
[Zafkiel]
Instantly summoning his familiar, his chakra surged, and the dungeon responded, increasing energy levels.
*Creak
"Come on! Show that you're living an adventure! Test your limits! Feel the pain! Grow! Become heroes!"
Raising both hands, Yuki smiled, his Sharingan spinning. The ground cracked, and a terrifying creature emerged.
*ROOOOOAAAAARRRR
---
"Don't let your guard down..."
After reaching the end of the corridor, Finn warned his comrades. After all, his premonition only intensified. Entering the room, Finn raised his spear, scanning the area.
However, after several minutes, there was no sign of Undeus.
"The information was correct... The Hestia Familia took care of this."
"..."
Maintaining their battle formation, Riveria sighed. Just like the other floors, the Hestia Familia had cleared out all the Rex monsters. There was no need to worry. Although she followed Finn's orders, she couldn't find anything unusual.
Finn, on the other hand, remained silent, narrowing his eyes. Walking slowly, he stayed highly alert, his thumb aching, a sign of trouble.
"Tch... Nothing here."
Following behind Finn, Bete clicked his tongue in annoyance. His captain's precautions made him nervous.
"What a shame. I was hoping for some action."
"It's better this way... Don't complain."
Clenching her fist, Tiona sighed in disappointment. Her sister reprimanded her.
"It's okay for me; at least I don't have to fight."
Shrugging, Tsubaki sighed in relief. As a blacksmith, her combat skills were below other adventurers.
*Creakkk
But as they followed Finn, a terrifying energy mingled in the air, and the ground beneath their feet shattered.
"Not good!"
Ais, being the first to react, quickly moved backward. At the same time, she warned her comrades. Finn and the others didn't stand idle; they also moved and took battle positions.
"Everyone, take your positions!"
"Haa!"
Raising his voice, Finn raised his spear, and his group lifted their weapons. Their worst fear had come true.
Although they didn't understand what was happening, the accumulated energy indicated that Undeus had been born, something that should be impossible. After all, the Hestia Familia had taken care of him, but now...
*ROOOOAAAAARRRR
Roaring with powerful soundwaves, a horrifying creature emerged from the ground.
This was Undeus, but unlike the original, it was larger, with four arms. In one hand, it carried an enormous sword. Its body was covered in a kind of armor that protected its mana stone. Its red eyes were on fire, emanating not heat but a powerful killing intent. Its previously hidden legs now flaunted powerful bone spikes.
"Impossible..."
Eyes wide in disbelief, the group trembled at the sight. The Undeus they knew was nowhere to be found. Instead, this powerful monster appeared in its place.
---
(TN: He also changed... just like my friends)
---
"Retreat!"
Without a second thought, Finn gritted his teeth. This was too much for them. Needless to say, if they ran, they would be killed.
After all, this Undeus was a powerful Level 8 monster.
They couldn't win, no matter how hard they tried. This wasn't something they should face.
Perhaps if its level were 7, there might be hope, but it's level 8...
"...!"
Snapping out of their shock, the group didn't hesitate to run. It was well known that Rex monsters didn't leave their rooms, so if they left, they would be safe...
Assuming they could...
*ROOOOARRRRR
Seeing this, Undeus stomped the ground, and hundreds of bone spikes emerged, heading towards the entire group.
"Disperse!"
Seeing the spikes approaching, Finn acted quickly, jumping, and ordered his comrades to do the same. Being Level 5 and 6, they had no trouble dodging. However...
*Bam
Not everything went well...
Although they successfully dodged, the exit had been blocked...
With hundreds of spikes blocking the way, a dangerous glint passed through Undeus' flaming eye sockets as it swung its enormous bone sword.
It was clear that its goal wasn't to harm the group but to prevent them from running.
Seeing this, Finn couldn't help but feel a cold sweat. This monster wasn't stupid to employ such tactics.
"Damn..."
And he wasn't the only one who noticed; the rest of the group also sweated cold. Just by looking at those powerful spikes, they knew that if they didn't dodge, their bodies would be pierced without resistance, and they would die on the spot.
*Shuaaaa
While they were still stunned, Undeus didn't give them a moment's respite. It lowered its sword, creating another powerful shockwave.
"Finn!"
"I know! Riveria, prepare your magic! Tsubaki, protect her... The rest, buy time with me!"
"Yes, Captain!"
Escaping was futile. All they could do was fight.
*Bommm
They instantly dispersed, causing the shockwave to fail. However, they didn't come out unscathed. Tiona and Tione suffered some damage. Blood ran down their foreheads.
*ROOOOARRRRR
Seeing these ants successfully dodge another attack, Undeus roared in anger. Its other arms started moving, and bone spikes began to appear around it.
"Attack!"
"Ariel!"
Being the first to charge forward, Ais didn't hold back, instantly launching her wind magic. She was already swift without her magic, and with it as support, her body shot forward, reaching Undeus' feet in an instant.
Undeus, upon seeing her, stomped the ground, creating shockwaves. Bone spikes shot up from the ground.
"Ha!"
But this didn't stop Ais. She spun with incredible agility, successfully evading the spikes and swinging her sword with strength.
*Cling
As her sword clashed against Undeus' bones, Ais was surprised. This monster was exceptionally tough; even her sword, believed to be indestructible, couldn't inflict any damage.
*Creak
Feeling a slight sting, Undeus tilted its head and lowered its sword.
"Don't forget about me, you bastard!"
Refusing to be left behind, Bete followed closely, his legs enveloped in flames. He delivered a powerful kick, trying to disrupt Undeus' balance. Unfortunately, like Ais, his blow left no scratches.
"This bastard is tough!"
Feeling incredible pain in his leg, Bete growled and prepared to strike again.
Undeus clearly didn't care about him, as it didn't stop its attack. To him, there was only one threat in this group, and it belonged to this female human.
*Bammm
"Guh"
Spinning on its axis, Ais performed a subtle footwork, evading its blow. However, the sword was massive, and the impact of rocks hit her body, sending her flying.
"Ais!"
---
TN: Yuki in the shadows : 👁️👄👁️