I continued tracking the minotaur for what seemed like days, fighting monsters the whole time. Nothing more than small fry unfortunately, just a couple zombies. I absorbed them using Skill Vacuum, but my power level didn't seem to change much. I would need something big or something with new skills if I wanted another power boost. Eventually I found the minotaur's lair, deep within the guts of the labyrinth. Large ornate doors smashed open from the outside leading to what appeared to be a throne room.
This must've been where the Overlord of this labyrinth lived before they were killed, this is WAY too nice for a mindless beast like a minotaur.
I stepped through the large doors into the throne room, and took in my surroundings. Large marble pillars stood tall around the room, holding up the tall ceiling. Candle's encased in metal cages hung around the room, seeming to burn endlessly through magic. At the back of the room sat a large stone throne atop a large set of stairs, overlooking the rest of the room. A skeleton sat on the throne, a sword piercing his chest.
That must be him, the overlord of the labyrinth. He's been dead a while, so that surge of information I recieved earlier must've been correct.
Behind the throne there appeared to be a keyhole in the wall, clearly big enough to stick the dagger in. However at the base of the stair, blocking my path, was the minotaur. It was bowing towards the throne in reverence, and hadn't noticed my presence yet. It clung to a massive blade, similar to a giant cleaver, and muttered to itself non-stop.
"Master.... My master..... why have you forsaken me..."
I raised my hands, and prepared to launch a spell at the distracted beast. Due to my increased power level, I no longer needed to recite the full incantation, just the name of the spell.
"LESSER FIREBALL!"
The large purple ball of flame flew towards the minotaur and made contact with the back of its head, creating a massive explosion. I tossed my cloak aside and unsheathed my sword, ready to launch my next attack. Through the smoke, all I could see were glowing red eyes, staring back at me. I could feel the rage behind those eyes as the murderous aura began to grow, the same color as those monstrous eyes.
The smoke and dust cleared, and I could now assess the damage I'd done. Its left horn had been half blown off, and that entire side of its face had been seared by my flames. The scent of burning hair and bone filled the room as I prepared my next attack.
I guess I wouldn't be lucky enough to get a one hit K.O. huh? I wasn't expecting to but it would've been a nice surprise.
"YOU.... DARE INSULT.... MY MASTER?!?!?"
It was clear the minotaur had no consciensness, and was only acting as directed by the overlord. It's words were forced, and clearly not easy for it to say.
NOTICE: Minotaurs are typically a mindless race, unable to even speak for themselves. The fact that this one can suggests that it was given power by its master. It may possess some skills as a result of this.
I've got to be careful, understood.
The minotaur stood up and raised its blade, running towards me in an attack. As it swung at me, I leapt up into the air and used Dextrous Tongue from my left palm to latch onto one of the pillars and yank myself out of the way. Clinging to the pillar, I sheathed my blade and opened my palm yet again.
"Lesser Fireball!"
As the fireball flew towards the minotaur, it swung its cleaver at it, slicing the fireball in half. The two halves split and impacted the wall on either side of the minotaur and exploded behind him.
SERIOUSLY?!?!? I ONLY HIT IT BEFORE BECAUSE I CAUGHT IT OFF GUARD?!?!?
I wasn't given time to think, as the minotaur charged at me again. I released from the pillar and jumped above the minotaur as its blade made contact with the pillar. I landed on top of the minotaur, clinging to the fur on its back and drew my sword again. The minotaur's cleaver had become stuck in the pillar, giving me an opportunity to strike. I plunged my sword deep into its left shoulder. The minotaur let out a roar in pain as I pulled my sword out and stabbed again and again, as it struggled to get its sword out of the wall.
The minotaur shook its back, trying to get me off as I kept wounding it. I felt my grip slipping, so I let go and jumped towards its left arm. I brought my blade down on its elbow, cleanly slicing through and severing one of its arms.
"GRAHHHHHHHH!!!!"
The beast let out yet another painful roar as it freed the cleaver from the pillar and swung it at me. I easily jumped over the desperate swing and the minotaur stumbled back.
"ALL... FOR... MY MASTER!!!!"
The beast's aura flared out of control as its power surged, shaking the ground as it roared.
NOTICE: The minotaur has activated the skill: Rage. Its power level seems to doubled, possibly tripled from before.
Damn that much of an increase? I have to finish this soon or I might get killed.
The beast's attention returned to me, its aura flaring now that it had gained control of the increased power. Before I had time to dodge, the beast had closed the distance and swung at me yet again.
SHIT! I have to block or I'm dead here!
I moved my blade between me and the cleaver, intending to block the insanely powerful strike. However, that's not what happened. As the cleaver made contact with my sword, my blade was completely shattered. Its as if everything was happening in slow motion, as my blade shattered and the cleaver approached my chest.
BODY ARMOR!
As the scaled armor grew from my skin over my clothing, the cleaver made contact. The powerful blow sent me flying across the room and I smashed into the wall, creating a small crater from the impact. I stood up slowly as the cracked scales from Body Armor fell off of me slowly, blood running down my lips. Despite being badly injured from the blow, a smile crept onto my face.
AH! The thrill of life or death, putting everything on the line. Up to this point I've never felt it, but this feels amazing! Knowing I might die at any moment, and overcoming those thoughts, is the greatest feeling in the world!
I unsheathed the dagger and spun it around in my hand. With a crazed grin on my face, I prepared for round 2 of this fight.