Boom Boom Crash

  A noisy cacophony echoed proudly all throughout the fiery depths of the Labyrinth. It was a relentless pandemonium filled with noise, fmes, and darkness as the bzing winds danced freely all over the pce.

  In the rge corridors, a single monster could be seen. A humongous body which easily pick up elephants, heavy braces which weigh tons upon tons, and angry red eyes glowing as ferociously as the fmes before it. Equipped with a battleaxe of devastation, it walked proudly like a king.

  ??Lightning Parade!?? ［Julius］

  ??Fire Trident!?? ［Amelia］

  But eve was like a king, there were still some which dared to challe, lightning and fmes crag as they grazed its tough skin. Such attacks came from the puny humans standing in front of him, eyes fueled with determination.

  CRASSHHHH

  The Mineneral swung its heavy battleaxe towards the ground, fissures and cracks f oer another. Clouds of dust filled the surroundings as a heavy crash resounded in the air along the searing winds.

  Fortunately, Julius and Amelia mao dodge the attack. It may be humongous and powerful but its speed was on the slower side. Using their small and nimble size, they quickly evaded, emp their strides as much they .

  "Ugh!" ［Julius］

  "Yhness, are you okay?!" ［Amelia］

  Still, their evasion was not without any repercussions. While the Mineneral was slow amongst those of the same rank, it was still S-rank. One could only imagihe strain in their legs as they evaded with all their might.

  It wasn't the first time. In fact, they have been fighting the Mineneral for more than half an hour already. They have already unched dozens upon dozens of spells and arts but there was not even a single scrat the enemy's tough skin.

  All they have been doing the whole time was unch attacks from its blind spot then evading when the enemy terattacks. Such a repetitive cycle tinued for a long time until their mana pools started to drain.

  "No, I'm alright. Let's ー dodge!" ［Julius］

  CRASHHHHH

  There was no time to rest. As Julius and Amelia rested for a couple seds, atack came from above, splitting the ground once again, fountains of va spurting all over the pce as the fmes danced around.

  It did not just stop there. As soon as Julius dodged the battleaxe, the enemy's massive hand started heading towards him, the presence of death looming about it. The very moment Julius regained his foothold, he quickly darted to another dire, injuring his feet even more.

  "Ugh! ??Lightning Cascade?? !" ［Julius］

  A pained grunt eg clearly, lightning crackled once again through the dust clouds and struck the Mineneral's back. But as one would expect, it was futile. The gap in their strength was too big for him to do any damage.

  Julius hadn't even nded when the Mineneral turned around once again. Its gargantuan battleaxe was now off the ground ready to strike once again, and so it did. Ane downwards swing came towards Julius from above.

  ??Silver Pythons!?? ［Amelia］

  CRASSHHHHH

  Amelia tried to restraitleaxe, but the binds were quickly broken. The battleaxe struck the ground once again, bsting Julius from the gusts and shockwaves alone. He was blown away dozens of meters, his back colliding helplessly towards a wall.

  "Yhness!" ［Amelia］

  Worry running thi her veins, Amelia quickly rushed towards Julius' dire. He could no longer move his body freely nor could he see things clearly. He was almost unscious, blood gushing out of his mouth like a fountain.

  NNGGGAAAAA

  But what Amelia did was a big mistake. The moment she focused her attention towards Julius, she had thrown away her own safety. Before she could notice, a deadly swing was now heading towards her way, one which could blow away mountains with retive ease.

  "Agh!!" ［Amelia］

  The ground quaked violently once again as Amelia was bsted meters away. If it wasn't for the barrier Grey casted earlier, she could have lost her life. heless, she still lost sciousness from the destructive impact.

  Julius and Amelia both down for the t, the Mineneral marched towards them with ess on its faot showing even a little bit of mercy, it then raised its battleaxe to the air, preparing to nd the finishing blow. It was a strike to end it all.

  "Not so fast! ??Swift Guillotine??" ［Yuna］

  Unfortunately for it, Julius and Amelia weren't alone on their own. A sudden fsh of silver came down from out of nowhere, appearing in front of the Mineneral without any form of warning.

  The very moment, a fountain of blood gushed out violently as the Mineneral's right arm was cut off. A pained groan eg soon after, apanied by a loud thud as its arm and battleaxe fell towards the ground without aance.

  NGGAAAAAAー Whoong Whoong Whoong

  The Mineneral couldn't even express the pain it felt. As soon as it opes mouth, six beams came raining down towards it from the front, iing its limbs, torso, and head without any mercy. In just a few seds, all that there was left ile of ashes and an enting battleaxe.

  "Mistress, are you okay?" ［Vega］

  "Un! Thank you for w! Ah! Oh, aaurus! Please heal Julius and Amelia! Make sure they have no severe injuries!" ［Yuna］

  "Yes, Mistress!" ［Kentaurus］

  Even when both Julius and Amelia were hurt and lost sciousness, there were no traces of worry in Yuna's face. Rather, she was very calm as if they were just having their own pii the danger-filled Labyrinth.

  Yuna was also very satisfied that the two mao survive against the Mineneral for more than half an hour. Though it was true that the tter was greatly weakened with opus' curse magid the two wore tons of barriers and buffs all over their bodies, survival was still survival.

  But even when Yuna and the familiars were there, there weren't any traces of Grey and Poros to be seen. The two have already desded dowh floor and are doing their own training. It has only beehan an hour sihey left yet she already misses him.

  "Hmm... Sihey're still unscious, should we train by ourselves for the time being, everyone?" ［Yuna］

  "We'll do as you wish, Mistress." ［Sirius］

  "Let's catonsters, Mistress!" ［Vega］

  "Fufufu! It's decided then!" ［Yuna］

  Burying her longing with the use of training and leaving Julius and Amelia in a blue zone, Yuna, along with the familiars, headed deeper into the Labyrinth. Loud noises soon eg as fierce battles started to unfold.

  From Minenerals, to Dulhan anders and Four-Armed Cyclops, even Vul Emperors who were strengthened all the way to the bottom of Camity-Css. Yuna and the familiars faced a rge number of enemies and all of them suffered the same cruel fate.

  Colleg the drops was also quite easy with the Superirade ste ring Grey retly crafted for Yuna. It was one which could store about 200 cubic meters of spad slow down the flow of time by about five times. A very useful item.

  "Ugh... What happened...?" ［Julius］

  More than an hour has passed and Julius finally regained sciousness. His head still ached like hell, pain running through his body as if all his bones were just crushed to paste just retly. Well, because it was... Almost...

  Well, he wasn't the only one. Amelia, who was also beside him, suffered the same fate. She was still unscious, sn ever so peacefully as she rested herself.

  "Hmm... Amelia... Hey! Amelia, wake up! Amelia!" ［Julius］

  "Mmn...? Yhness...?" ［Amelia］

  "Ah! Thank God! Thank God you're safe!" ［Julius］

  It was just all too sudden. Amelia hasn't even fully woken up when Julius suddenly hugged her tightly. It was an unusual ame which quickly woke up the young dy. A waking up apanied by a lot of muscle pains.

  "Y-Yhness... It hurts..." ［Amelia］

  "A-Ah... Sorry..." ［Julius］

  A red tint was over Amelia and Julius' face as they separated from one another. It was one brought about by embarrassment as their hearts flutteredー or it may have just been because of the reddish hue emanated by the fiery Labyrinth... Which would make a lot more sense.

  Now that they were ba their senses, Julius and Amelia then tried to recall what just happened before they got unscious. But the only thing they recalled ainful experiend more pain. It was a memory they waet.

  "Oh? You're awake already? How are you feeling?" ［Yuna］

  And just in time, the very reason for their paiuro the blue zoh the familiars following behind her. Her face looked so pretty and i, but in the eyes of the two, she was only a demonic teacher who knew no mercy when teag.

  "Why are you still asking that? Of course, it hurts like hell! It felt like my whole body was crushed under a mountain! Why in hell are we even fighting S-rank moo begin with?" ［Julius］

  "Eh? But opus already weake. It should only have the strength of an A-rank monster, you know?" ［Yuna］

  "Big differehey'll still kill us in a si!" ［Julius］

  Julius' eyes burnt with deep and fierce rage as he made an outburst, his emotioing like a furious volelia was with him, only much calmer.

  Their reas were only uandable. After all, even with the buffs towards them and curses towards the enemy, the gap in their strengths still lies ihousands. If it wasn't frey, Yuna, and Arcturus' yered barriers, they would have died already.

  "But you survived, didn't you? That's all that matters. In the first pce, you also agreed to this. You should suffer at least this much." ［Yuna］

  "Ugh... You're right... But dammit..." ［Julius］

  "Now, now, stay still for a little bit. I'll cure your body pains." ［Yuna］

  Unfortunately for them, the one who triumphed was Yuna. With such a logic behihey couldn't argue mu respohe method may be strid brutal, but they were still doing their jobs properly and more effitly than anyone else.

  In the end, Julius and Amelia were forced to accept the harsh reality and shut their mouths. They stayed quiet whilst Yuna healed their pains with holy magic, brag themselves for what's about to e.

  "And now that you're healed... Let's discuss your mistakes, shall we?" ［Yuna］

  And there it was. The harshest part of Yuna's lecture where she chews out all that there is left iudents' fidence, pointing out their mistakes oer another. A brutal way to engrave iudents' hearts how inexperiehey still are.

  "First and foremost, the enemy's weakness. Grey and I had already told you about it when we were still at the Royal Academy, didn't we? The Minotaurs' skin may be tough but there's still the eyes, the joints, the moment when they open their mouths, and many more you take advantage of.

  Also, Julius, stop using spells all the time. Is your spear just for decorations? What's the use ing it if you won't use it? Do you think this is just a game? You should have utilized your speed and struck the back of its ko lower its mobility. Don't just rely ed attacks because you're afraid to get hit.

  Do you not know your own strengths? We've casted a number of barriers and buffs on both of you. You should have sidered that as a part of your strategy. Don't just try to whittle it down slowly! Many monsters regee!

  Don't think you're off the hook either, Amelia! Just because Julius lost sciousness doesn't mean you ignore your own safety and rush towards him! Who will save you if both of you are already down, huh?! You could worry but you should still keep your focus on the enemy!" ［Yuna］

  It was a loure aher Julius nor Amelia could retainst her. They knew full well their mistakes and could only accept Yuna's words. The lecture tinued for the mio e, Yuna's voice resounding clearly all over the pce.

  Even with all the knowledge they've learnt, it was still hard for them to apply them into a practical sario. Of course, Grey and Yuna also went through the same ordeals as they are currently undergoing. It was also why they are trying to instill the great importance of experience along with theory.

  While Yuna knows it is practically impossible for the two of them to beat any of the monsters ih floor even with all the help they get, it was still a good opportunity to learn about many monsters and how to deal with them.

  "And that's all. Any questions?" ［Yuna］

  ""No..."" ［Julius and Amelia］

  The lecture was finally over but there were no signs of life nor happiness in the eyes of the prind the dy. Although it wasn't the first time they've beeured by Yuna, it was still depressing. It was like their mother was scolding them.

  "Well, even with all the mistakes you made, I still want to gratute you. Surviving that long... that's not something everyone do. You did well. I'm proud of you." ［Yuna］

  Even then, Yuna was not one who only knew how to scold people. She also knows when to praise them and how to reward them. With just that little bit of words, Julius and Amelia's moods were quickly lifted back up.

  "Ah, right! We found a treasure room nearby, do you want to see?" ［Yuna］

  "A treasure room?! I want to see it!" ［Julius］

  "I would also like to see it if possible." ［Amelia］

  "Un! Of course!" ［Yuna］

  Capel on the lead, everyohen headed towards the nearby treasure room. It was one Capel found with the use of vibrations through the ground and walls, finding out where there were rge hollow spaces.

  It was also worth noting that the familiars have decreased their sizes drastically to move easily in the Labyrinth. Though they retaiheir true forms, they were now only the size of a bear, much smaller by dozens upon dozens of times.

  "'M-Mistress, we're here..." ［Capel］

  "Fufufu! Thank you, Capel!" ［Yuna］

  "Y-You're wele...!" ［Capel］

  It was just like any other walls in the Labyrinth, not a single differeo be seen. It was hot, it was rocky, and a lot of crystals were embedded into it. If it wasn't for Capel's mastery over earth magic, it would have been impossible otherwise.

  Just like before, Yuna softly pced her hands on the Labyrinth walls aly poured mana into it. A slow and weak rumble soon quaked throughout the corridor, light shining brighting as a hidderance was revealed and opened.

  "Whoa... So this is a treasure room, huh..." ［Julius］

  ented Julius as he watched the entrance open before his eyes. Amelia was just as surprised, speechless even, as she tried to prehend the meisms behind the hidderance. Both were curious aed about the treasure room.

  Unsurprisingly, the treasure room's hallways were also fiery and fire-themed. It was like an a civilizations with fountains by the side. The only difference was that rather than crystal-clear water, what flowed fiery-red va. A truly intimidating room.

  "What are we waiting for? Let's goー" ［Julius］

  "Bzzt! Julius, that's a strike for you!" ［Yuna］

  Julius couldn't even take a siep when Yuna quickly stopped him by grabbing him by the colr. It was all so sudden that Julius almost choked and coughed, his neck hurting a little bit. He was still as careless as ever.

  "Seriously, you should pay attention to your surroundings. Don't you know what a treasure room is widely known for?" ［Yuna］

  "Uhh... Isn't it for treasure...?" ［Julius］

  "Bzzt! That's arike. Another one and you won't be having dionight. Are you sure you were listening in on Grey's discussions?" ［Yuna］

  "Sorry, I just fot...." ［Julius］

  He truly was hopeless. Not only did he fet su important lesson, he was also about to it a istake made by beginners aerans alike. It was to get carried away by excitement aheir guard down.

  "Cadet Amelia, would you mind answering my question?" ［Yuna］

  "Y-Yes! They're known for their high-risk, high-reward nature." ［Amelia］

  "Correct! That's a point for you!" ［Yuna］

  It was just like Amelia had said. Though many call it a mistake, it's not just as simple as what it implies. After all, such a mistake could cause great harm and loss towards those who fall for it. In the worst case sario, it could eveo death. They were mistakes one must avoid at all cost.

  After all, Yuna had experie first hand with her almost opening a mimic. It was a relief that Grey was there at the time. She has always been cautious of the treasure rooms ever sihat i.

  "Is when you see a treasure room like this one, you must always be cautious. If there aren't mohen it would be traps instead. In such cases... It could get a little bit dangerous." ［Yuna］

  With the use of earth magic, Yuna made a small pebble appear out of thin air. And without much effort, she easily tossed it towards the ground before them. Quite an unbelievable se unfolded soon after.

  The very moment the pebble touched the ground, tless magic meisms activated oer another, hundreds of runes glowing simultaneously. A quick sed after, a barrage of magices peppered the room without mercy, loud booms eg without stop.

  When the barrage stopped, there was nothi of the pebble Yuna threw, every si and piece was evaporated, erased from existenever to be seen again. Such a thing would've happeo Julius if Yuna hadn't stopped him.

  Both Julius and Amelia's eyes popped out of their sockets from surprise as they withe violent torrent of magic spears. Fear was easily engraved in their hearts at that moment. heless, it was in now way just "a little bit dangerous" as Yuna had described it previously.

  "See? Be careful ime, okay?" ［Yuna］

  "Y-Yes..." ［Julius］

  It was in that moment that Julius swore deep inside his heart to raverse a Labyrinth recklessly once again. He quickly made it one of his life's mantras.

  Luckily, there were only a couple traps ireasure room which Yuna disarmed with ease. Yuna may not possess the "Divine Eye" like Grey does, but with the experiences she gained from the previous Labyrinth, she was able to pensate.

  After a couple minutes of walking, they finally arrived at the main room where a sireasure chest could be found. There were no statues, decorations, or anything of the sort. Su arra only atuated the grandiose of the treasure chest.

  "Julius, you opereasure chest." ［Yuna］

  "Oh, really?! Thaー wait! This is aest, isn't it?" ［Julius］

  "Fufufu! You passed!" ［Yuna］

  It was a close call. Julius was about to head towards the treasure chest as per Yuna's request, but after remembering what just happened retly, he quickly stopped on his tracks and raised his guard. He was learning surprisingly quickly.

  The little test cleared and over, Yuna made yet another pebble usih magid just like before, she threw the pebble towards the chest, waiting for a rea. But a couple moments had passed but there wasn't anything. It was safe.

  "Phew... It seems like it's not a mimic. Julius, you open it now." ［Yuna］

  "Ohh! Alright!" ［Julius］

  Excitement blooming on his face, Julius quickly headed to the treasure chest and ope. A bright light shone upon the room as soon as he ope, revealing the treasures stored ireasures costing millions each piece.

  "Oh! What a cool sword! There's also some armor!" ［Julius］

  "Waah～! So beautiful..." ［Amelia］

  "Are there any potions? Alchemy ingredients?" ［Yuna］

  "No, but there are a lot of equipment and crystals," ［Julius］

  "Uuu... How unlucky..." ［Yuna］

  But just like usual, Yuna was only ied in items which be used in alchemy. Her mood was quickly down as soon as she realized there was only equipment and money ihe treasure chest.

  After distributing and st the items ihe chest, the three quickly headed out the treasure room where the familiars greeted them. And just as they went out, in the er of Yuna's eyes, was a monster in a nearby zohey were in, only waiting for them to step foot ihe zone.

  "Julius, Amelia, about leaving you aloh that Mineneral, I'm really sorry. How are your bodies now? Do they still ache? Are you feeling anything strange or traces of fatigue?" ［Yuna］

  "Yuna... It's okay. We know you're only thinking for our sake. And don't worry, thanks to Kentaurus' healing magic, we're feeling very good!" ［Amelia］

  "Hahaha! That's right, we're fit as fiddles!" ［Julius］

  "Fufufu... I see... That's good to hear... The's fight another one, okay?" ［Yuna］

  There was a bright smile on her face, but her words couldn't differ much more than it already does. It was a statemeher Julius and Amelia expected, their eyes now widened in shock.

  ""Ehhh?!"" ［Julius and Amelia］

  "Don't worry, it will be much easier this time, I promise!" ［Yuna］

  They were tricked, backstabbed, and quite possibly, bamboozled. Yuna has beore ing with the passing of each day. They didn't expect Yuna would use sympathy to trick them into saying their bodies were ready to fight.

  Julius and Amelia wao retainst the silver-haired elf before them, but there was nothing they could do. It was at that moment that they remembered that Yuna was a demonic teacher just like Grey. All hope was lost.

  A bright smile was still blooming on Yuna's face.

  CHAPTER 191 END