Chapter 143 Let's Clear This Labyrinth! [Pt 2]

A vast expanse greeted me the moment I stopped into the 17th Layer of the Great Helios Labyrinth.

It was illuminated thanks to the fairly high quality Mana Stones that littered the ceiling and the walls.

The gleaming rocks, and a few other valuable ores reflected the light, and I felt a moderately chilly climate thanks to the air drafts that were located at random spots within the place.

However, the most amazing feature of this place were the denizens.

When I broke the barrier that separated us from the 17th Floor, I knew a commotion was bound to follow.

I wasn't wrong.

"GRRRRRR.... HURRRRR...."

Indeed, we had gathered the attention of a herd of Minotaurs that had made this place their home.

Their gleaming eyes displayed anger, and I could sense hostility from them.

'Ah, they're just as tall as it was described. Selyon really is amazing.' Every single detail of their build was recorded in the Light Novel.

Well, I did see their appearance thanks to one of the Illustrations that was in the book, so...

The Minotaurs before me had two horns, and their appearance were akin to angry bulls—except they had human-like features as well

They were of varying colors—some white, some black, some brown. Their crimson eyes and long horns gave off a particularly menacing vibe.

Not only were they muscular, they were also bipedal. Their upper body resembled buff humans, but they had hooves for legs. As if their unfair build wasn't enough, they also had a height of at least 5 meters.

A few even reached seven meters, making the situation all the more jarring.

'Humans are an average of one meter plus. How can we compete with monsters like these? It's no wonder those guys nearly lost in their expedition...' My thoughts trailed as I furthered into their land.

The Minotaurs didn't back down. The more I approached them, the faster they gathered from their respective positions and focused their attention on me.

I signalled the rest to remain by the entrance. They only needed to watch... for now.

"Alright then, how should we do this?" I smiled.

More of the Minotaurs gathered, though a few still lingered in corners. I observed the monsters that still refused to budge, and they were the stronger ones.

'I see. So they send the small fry first. Talk about underestimating me.' I grinned internally.

Amid my calm observation, I noticed a large hole located at a far right corner. Using my heightened senses, I peeked within and noticed something interesting.

'Ah, I see. So that's how it is.'

The Boss Monster, the Minotaur King, was within the cave-like structure. It was somewhat funny that they made a cave within a much bigger one, but that was how this world operated.

'They seem to be doing well, living a fairly organized life... for monsters, that is.'

Not only did they have an evident hierarchy, but their ecosystem was simple and efficient.

Minotaurs usually ate the Mana Crystals that naturally formed within this place, so there was really no need for conflict.

Sure, there could be internal strife every once in a while, but those infrequent outbursts of violence would be stopped by the King.

'I don't even think there was any need to worry about the Minotaurs invading the upper floors. They seem perfectly content with their lifestyle, and I'm sure they wouldn't cause any problems if trouble doesn't find them.'

Unfortunately for them, I demanded trouble.

"GURRRRRUUUUU..." Their menacing tones echoed as they rallied around, trapping me in their middle.

Any human could practically kiss their lives goodbye at this point. However, I was...

"... No Longer Human." A grin escaped my face as I spoke.

I had always wanted to say that.

My sudden speech seemed to rattle the Minotaurs closest to me, causing them to raise their fists in an attempt to pummel me with their powerful blows.

'Their Stats are moderate, I guess. I won't take any damage, but still...' I calmly observed my opponents, watching everything move in slow motion.

[SYSTEM NOTICE]

<A Quest Has Been Issued>

[Minotaurs are dangerous monsters once threatened. Since you invaded their territory, take responsibility. Subdue the monsters at once.]

<Parameters>

Success: Suppress or kill the Minotaurs

Failure: You fail to suppress the Minotaurs

—Reward: 10 Stat Points. 100 Karmic Value

—Failure: None

~Do You Accept This Quest?~

[Yes] [No]

"Haa... really?" I nearly sighed in exasperation.

Thanks to all the dope rewards I had been raking in recently, the rewards presented before me seemed so meagre.

'Still, it's better than nothing, right?'

I had no right to complain, considering the fact that I was much stronger than my opponents.

The mere fact that the System even deemed them foes worthy of elimination was more than enough.

I picked [Yes] and decided on the best method to use in order to subjugate them.

'The truth is... this has been my intention from the very start.' A wide smile escaped my face as I noticed their fists had gotten dangerously close.

It was no matter, though. Everything was under control.

"[Domination]."

>SHWUUUUUUU<

A pulse of invisible energy swept my surroundings, causing all the aggressive monsters around me to halt.

Their immediate response to my Skill [Domination] made me smile in relief. This was the first time using it on Monsters, after all.

"Alright then... mission accomplished."

The Minotaurs, all under the effects of [Domination]—a Skill used to forcefully influence beings to adhere to one's will—began parting the way for me.

I was allowed out of their airtight circle, granting my vision unhindered access to the rest of the humongous cave.

The Minotaurs under.my control gathered behind me, like the good underlings they were. This caused the more powerful ones—who had previously observed from the sidelines—to jerk up and rush toward me in frenzied panic.

"[Domination]."

Once again, my wave of influence overwhelmed them, turning the previous enemies into allies—no, subordinates.

They proceeded to move behind me, having eyes devoid of violence or free will. They were simply marionettes being pulled by the strings of my will.

But, simply this much wasn't enough.

"Now, then, will you come out... Minotaur King?"