Chapter 294: Labyrinth
"Is this it?" Lonely Like Snow carefully studied the Quest Map, cross-referencing it with the hidden cave before them.
Flying Witch couldn't wait. "Alright, let's go in."
"Wait—"
Lonely Like Snow suddenly interrupted, his gaze shifting to Flying Witch with a startled expression. "We've got three spellcasters in the team. Shouldn’t we do some preparation first?"
Flying Witch waved a dismissive hand. "I'm already Sixth Level. I’ll carry you through—plus, I’m a Sorcerer. Don’t need many spells."
Lonely Like Snow turned to the African Duo.
Lucky Emperor scratched his head sheepishly. "Don’t look at me—I’m only Level 2. I’ve barely got any spell slots, and I haven’t even learned any buffs. Once I use them outside, I’ll be useless in the Labyrinth."
"I’ll try," Jiu Li said, stepping forward. He placed a hand on Lonely Like Snow’s armor, and a faint arcane pulse rippled through the metal.
Instantly, the armor began to glow.
Zero-Level Illusion: Light Spell
Lonely Like Snow remained silent for a moment, his heart sinking. A quiet sigh escaped him, heavier than stone.
Wild Wizard, useless apprentice—what kind of team is this?
He took a deep breath, summoned courage, and stepped into the dark, winding cave.
The three unreliable spellcasters followed close behind.
This place had once been a forgotten storage chamber for an underground merchant’s smuggled goods. After triggering an ancient trap mechanism, the ground collapsed, and after centuries sealed under dust, the long-lost Labyrinth had finally resurfaced.
Lonely Like Snow stared into the labyrinthine passage ahead, voice low.
"We infiltrate quietly. No loud noises.
And if possible, avoid combat altogether—just complete the mission."
"Got it," Flying Witch replied.
But before he could finish, Lucky Emperor’s attention was already drawn to a glimmer on the ground.
"Look! So much money!"
"These silver coins must belong to the underground merchant. Following them should lead us straight to the objective!"
"Hehe, and we can even make a little profit."
With a grin, Lucky Emperor bent down and started scooping up the coins, marching straight into the passage.
"Wait—don’t go!" Lonely Like Snow called out, panic rising.
But Lucky Emperor was lost in the dream of repaying his debts, utterly oblivious. He kept gathering coins, laughing, until he’d vanished deep into the Labyrinth’s heart.
Lonely Like Snow could only shake his head in resignation and follow.
"Still, you gotta go dungeon-crawling to make real money," he muttered.
"One hundred and three..."
"One hundred and four..."
"One hundred and five—hey?"
Lucky Emperor suddenly froze. A foul stench filled the air. Thick, warm liquid splattered onto his head.
His dream shattered.
That was no coin. It was beast saliva.
His legs trembled. His face drained of color as he looked up.
A towering Bullman stood above him, massive axe in hand, its gaze wild and merciless.
Lucky Emperor screamed, his voice cracking.
"Wh-what the hell?! T-There’s a monster!"
"Help! Someone help me!"
"ROOOOAAARRR!"
The Bullman roared, raising its bloodstained great axe high, swinging it down with a stench-laden wind.
Clang!
At the very last instant, Lonely Like Snow raised his great shield, blocking the fatal blow.
Even with the shield, the brute strength of the Bullman sent shockwaves through his arms, numbing his hands.
"Stop standing there—run!" Lonely Like Snow shouted.
Lucky Emperor snapped back to reality and bolted, legs pumping, desperate to outrun death.
But the Bullman had locked onto him. Its eyes burned with frenzy. Hooves screeched against stone as it charged forward, a living battering ram.
Seeing his teammate about to be crushed, Lonely Like Snow stepped in again.
He raised his shield, and light flared across its surface.
Divine Guidance: Defiant Challenge
He issued a challenge, forcing the Bullman to turn and face him.
An invisible chain seemed to bind the creature, halting its charge toward the trembling Lucky Emperor.
"Phew... I almost died!" Lucky Emperor gasped, clutching his chest.
The Bullman, enraged at losing its prey, let out a furious bellow. It spun, its aura blazing with fury, glaring at the armored Lonely Like Snow—its next target.
MOOOO—
Driven by pure rage, the Bullman charged like a war chariot, hooves tearing up the ground.
Lonely Like Snow had no choice. He bellowed for help.
"Flyin' Witch, help me!"
"Right on it!"
Flying Witch, already waiting in the back, didn’t hesitate. She raised her hand—snap—and summoned a massive fireball.
This time, no magical surge. Just pure, blazing power.
BOOM!
The fireball struck the charging Bullman square in the back, detonating mid-air. The explosion tore through its hide, ripping flesh open. Charred, blackened, its fur ablaze, the creature staggered, howling in agony.
"I’m the Pure Love War God!"
"So—Bullman, die!"
Seizing the moment, Lonely Like Snow lunged forward, slamming his great shield into the Bullman’s head with all his strength.
THUD!
The Bullman, unprepared, staggered, stars dancing before its eyes.
Surrounded by relentless attacks from all sides, it had lost all reason, now raging blindly, attacking anything in sight.
Lucky Emperor and Jiu Li, both Wizard Apprentices, took their chances.
"Ignis!"
Two tiny fire bolts shot out—both missed.
Silence fell, broken only by the Bullman’s furious roars.
Lonely Like Snow: "..."
Flying Witch: "..."
In the end, it was Flying Witch who delivered the final blow.
She puffed out her cheeks, gathering power for a few seconds—then unleashed a torrent of searing flame in a straight line.
Aganassa Flame Blast
The Bullman screamed as it was engulfed in fire, writhing, then collapsing—limp, charred, and lifeless.
The air filled with the scent of roasted beef.
"Ha! Told you I’m the one who gets things done," Flying Witch said, clapping her hands with a satisfied grin, turning to Lonely Like Snow.
"Right? Lonely Like Snow—hey?"
"Meow~"
Where Lonely Like Snow had stood was now a sheep, looking utterly exhausted, bleating weakly—its voice dripping with resignation.
Flying Witch blinked, then sheepishly stuck out her tongue.
"Sorry, sorry... but it’ll wear off in two minutes."
"Meow."
(End of Chapter)
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