Chapter 77: Climbing The Labyrinth 1

"Hmm. Then there's no point in going there for now. Let's clear a few labyrinth floors."

"Let's aim to clear floor 5. Every 5th floor you clear creates a checkpoint to which you can teleport to from the labyrinth entrance on your subsequent visits."

"5? Isn't that too ambitious?"

"No, you've improved significantly and I plan to fully participate this time after you clear the first few floors on your own."

I nod and we do as discussed, as we go back to our inn to equip our gear and soon find ourselves on the first floor of the labyrinth once again after paying the highway robbery of an entrance tax of 40 bronze coins, which leaves us with 4 silver and 412 bronze coins.

As we step into the labyrinth's dark, echoing halls, I can't help but reflect on my last visit here. I was only level 1 then, but now I'm level 9, and the difference is going to be absolutely staggering.

While I haven't invested all my free attribute points, the boost in my power and speed is palpable. I can feel the raw energy coursing through my veins, enhancing my every movement. Ayame and I make our way through the familiar corridors of the first floor. S~eaʀᴄh the ηovelFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Before, I had to be on the defensive, constantly dodging out of harm's way, and Ayame often had to step in to save my hide. Things are different now. As we navigate the labyrinth's twisting corridors, the chittering of a [Steel Carapace Beetle] echoes from the shadows, a massive, armored creature with razor-sharp mandibles and a body encased in gleaming metallic plates.

The beetle lunges at me with startling speed, its mandibles snapping with lethal intent. Instead of retreating, I grip my spear tightly and brace myself, meeting its charge head-on.

The beetle's momentum halts abruptly, and I use its own force against it, twisting my spear to leverage the creature off balance. With a swift and calculated push, I flip the beetle onto its back, its legs flailing helplessly in the air.

I smirk, murderous satisfaction surging through me, as I position myself over its exposed underbelly. "Thanks for the XP." I mutter, raising my spear high.

With a decisive thrust, I drive my spear into the beetle's soft spot, piercing through its weak point. A gush of green ichor spills out as the creature gives a final, feeble twitch before falling still.

I withdraw my spear, wiping it clean with a sense of satisfaction. Ayame nods approvingly beside me. We then continue our merciless slaughter with great proficiency and soon find ourselves in the waiting line for the boss room. I've slain over twenty monsters for the measly reward of 60 XP, which at this point is not very tantalizing, though we were quite fast in our progress up until now.

The dimly lit corridor leading to the boss room is bustling with activity, a throng of adventurers and explorers gathered in line, eagerly awaiting their turn to face the challenges within. As Ayame and I take our place among them, we immediately draw curious and admiring glances from the crowd.

My armor, polished to a brilliant sheen, reflects the torchlight like a beacon, and the intricate designs etched into the metal catch the eye of many around us. Ayame stands beside me, her own armor equally impressive, if not more so, the sleek lines accentuating her graceful yet formidable presence. Her hand rests casually on the hilt of her sword, a silent testament to her alert readiness.

Whispers ripple through the line as we stand, each murmured comment underscoring the impression we make.

"Who are they? Their gear looks incredible," one adventurer murmurs to his companion, casting an envious glance at my armor.

"They must be high-level to have equipment like that," another chimes in, nodding toward Ayame's elegantly crafted armor.

"But then what are they doing on the first floor?" A timid boy asks.

"Everyone has to start climbing from the first floor if they haven't been in the labyrinth before, you stupid retard." A woman who holds his hand in hers explains kindly. Yikes. I can guess who wears the pants in that particular relationship.

I catch similar snippets of conversations, some wondering if we're famous explorers from another labyrinth, others speculating on our exploits and skills.

No one dares approach us to ask direct questions, though. Are we really this impressive? I must admit, I feel great.

Our turn soon arrives and we step into the boss room.

The heavy wooden doors swing open with a groan, revealing the cavernous expanse of the boss chamber. At the far end, the Brutal Carapace Beetle stands, twice as large as the others of its kind we encountered earlier. Its chitinous shell glistens with an ominous sheen, reflecting the sparse light filtering through the cracks in the stone ceiling.

Sharp mandibles click together menacingly, and its multiple eyes glare at us with a malevolent intelligence.

This beetle, though only a Level 1 boss, is a rather imposing presence. Memories of our previous encounter flash in my mind- how I was basically owned by this monster, I for sure would've fallen if not for the presence of my adorable samurai back then. But today, things will be different.

I step forward with determination, gripping my spear tightly. Ayame moves to the side, giving me room to maneuver while ready to jump in if needed, her confidence in me clear from the glint in her eyes.

The beetle charges, its legs thundering against the stone floor, aiming to crush me with its massive weight. I stand my ground, waiting for the perfect moment. As it closes the distance, I sidestep with agility, letting its momentum carry it past me.

I activate [Power Strike] and with a fluid motion thrust my spear into its exposed side, the sharp point piercing through the weaker joint beneath its shell.

The beetle screeches, a grating sound of fury and pain. It spins to face me, swinging its massive pincers. I duck under the attack, feeling the air whoosh above me as I move with precision and grace. I retaliate with a powerful strike of my own, aiming for its eyes. My spear connects, and one of its bulbous eyes ruptures with a sickening squelch.