⟨⟨Icicle Shower!⟩⟩ ［Yuna］

Blue light devoured the Labyrinth and a hail of frost ran rampant. Snowflakes formed midair and slowly condensed into large icicles, blue lances forming all over the place, suspended in the air and their sharp tips pointed downwards.

A silver-haired elf waved her hand and the icicles fell like a shower of stars, blue and white glints sparkling all over the place and pillars of cloud rising towards the air as the icicles ravaged the hall, tearing down each building they came across.

KHIIEEEKKK URRKKKKK GRRUUUUKKKKK

The monsters weren't safe either, their bodies pierced by hundreds of icicles, frost devouring their bodies and spreading like poison. Time ticked and frostbite slowly engulfed their bodies, their movements slowing down quite significantly,

Yuna wasn't finished either. The moment the rain of ice finished, she stretched her legs backwards and crossed her daggers before her. She poured all her strength towards her legs and a sonic boom followed at her wake.

⟨⟨Vanishing Flash!⟩⟩ ［Yuna］

The young lady faded like a mirage, not a single sound to be heard. There was only a platinum glimmer by the corner of the monsters' eyes, a fountain of red soon opening as their blood gushed forth like a spring of death.

Wounds appeared on the monsters bodies, not a single blur appearing, only pain suddenly gnawing away at them. They all started small, but the wounds only grew bigger with time, their flesh exposed to the harsh waves of Labyrinth.

SHRRIIIEEEKKKKKKK SCREEEAAACHHHHHH KHIEEEKKKKKK

Bellows of pain and agony danced in the air, the once white halls down dyes with red as their blood drenched the ruined ground. Violent winds followed as the monsters rampaged, lashing out their weapons and claws as they ran amok.

Yuna soon appeared once again, mist fading away from her body. The moment they spotted her, the monsters' eyes glowed with rage and they all rushed forth towards her with vigorー or so they wanted to.

However, don't mention running, they couldn't even move their bodies, hundreds of chains and ropes bound to their bodies. They tried to use their strength, but their mana was only sapped away when they did, a curse swallowing them from the inside.

⟨⟨Thousand Bleeding Streams!⟩⟩ ［Yuna］

There was no time to waste. The moment her enemies were all bound, Yuna then brandished her daggers at insane speeds, riddling the enemies with wounds and letting a shower of blood grace the cold, frozen ground.

She was below them in strength, but with "Bleeding Edge", she was able to make up the difference. The more blood she drew, the greater her strength became, soaring like a free bird until she was on par with her, blades drenched in the enemies' blood.

Each of her strikes were enough to cut diamonds in half, her speed not less than that of the speed of sound, and her daggers targeting the enemies' vital spots. She was a killing machine made for massacre and destruction.

⟨⟨Death's Grasp!⟩⟩ ［Yuna］

Her daggers sunk to the depths of the abyss and came out like the hands of death. It reached out towards the Minotaur Overlord and graced its neck with its touch. Blood gushed forth as its headless body fell helplessly towards the ground.

With the death of the Minotaur Overlord, the chains and binds were unbound and the others were freed. The Stray of Vengeance rushed towards the young lady and the Arachne of Origin stayed at the back, gathering mana to bring forth ruin.

However, there was no need to panic. Everything was under control...

"What do you think you're doing?!" ［Canopus］

"To assault our Mistress. Unforgivable!" ［Arcturus］

Two familiar voices rang out in the air, and two platinum figures suddenly appeared out of the blue. Their maws lunged towards the Stray of Vengeance, one biting its left leg, and the other aiming for its head.

Canopus and Arcturus bit with all their power and tore the Stray of Vengeance's body into pieces and a downpour of blood cascaded down the ground. Its sword fell from the air and a few clanging sounds echoed along some thuds.

The Arachne of Origin was in shock by the sudden demise of its comrade, but before it could even worry, another deadly maw emerged from the ground and it aimed for its neck at breakneck speed. It was none other than Kentaurus.

It was greatly startled, but it managed to compose itself, using all its legs to back away. One of its legs was caught by Kentaurus' massive jaws, but it was much better than its head being chomped offー or so it thought.

"You fool... You should have watched where you were going." ［Kentaurus］

The moment it landed on the ground, golden chains reached out towards it. It tried to leap away, but it was already too late. It was grabbed by the swamp of death with no way of escape. The more it struggled, the deeper it was dragged inside.

To make matters worse, such was not the end. A sudden glimmer suddenly shone in the corner of its eyes, and there it saw a silver-haired lady with her daggers crossed, suddenly appearing out of nowhere, her eyes cold as ice.

⟨⟨Death's Grasp!⟩⟩ ［Yuna］

A cold voice rang and the claw of death reached out towards the Arachne of Origin. It tried to cross its arms and defend itself, but it was futile. The claws simply passed through it and grasped its heck, its head flying off soon afterwards.

The Arachne of Origin's head landed on the ground and so did its body. The ground tremored from the weight and a loud thud echoed in the air, accompanied by the light footsteps of the young lady as she descended.

A storm of mana brewed as the bodies of the monsters glowed. The corruption was sucked in by the High Dragons and soon, their bodies vanished into thin air, leaving behind quite some valuable drops and some precious equipment.

"Mistress, are you alright? Do you need some healing?" ［Kentaurus］

"I'm okay, Kentauras. Thank you for worrying. And... Good job, everybody. With this, this should make it 8 of them." ［Yuna］

"We're only doing what we're supposed to do, Mistress." ［Arcturus］

"Mistress, let's go hunt some more! I still have some energy left!" ［Canopus］

It has been a few days since everyone started their dive, and their days haven't been any busier. They fought day in and day out every single day, only taking short breaks in between, and even cutting down the hours they sleep.

They have been upping their efficiency so much that they even only cooked simple meals, and even only had some jerky during lunch. The only time they could relax was during dinner where they spent time enjoying the rest of the day.

Of course, it wasn't just Grey and Yuna. The familiars were also doing their best to assist Grey and Yuna. Many of them were already at the peak of S-rank, ready to break through to Calamity-Class after just a couple more days.

BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM

They were working hard so much, they went all out most of the time and riddled the Labyrinth with explosions and shockwaves. The ground trembled at their power, flames raging on the ruins and thick clouds of dust wafting all throughout the place.

Whilst Yuna hunted with Canopus, Kentaurus, and Arcturus, Sirius led Vega, Capella, Rigel, Procyon, and Achernar to hunt down other monsters, utilizing all they could to take down their enemies without risking either one of them.

"Oh, looks like they're just about done as well..." ［Yuna］

"Should we head there as well, Mistress?" ［Arcturus］

"No need, I'm sure they're fine, and... We still have to collect the drops..." ［Yuna］

There is no need to worry as Yuna knew they could win by themselves. Instead, she focused on collecting the drops their enemies left behind and stored them inside her storage ring, stashing away billions of kiels whilst humming playfully.

They just defeated three of them, and a few more just recently. There was no need to rush themselves and hurry to their deaths. It may be short, but collecting drops was also the perfect time to rest, releasing the tension in their bodies.

"Mistress, we've returned. Here are the drops we collected." ［Sirius］

"Thank you. You should rest yourselves for a while before we continue." ［Yuna］

"Understood, Mistress." ［Sirius］

Soon enough, the other familiars also returned to where they were and gave Yuna the bounty they earned. They only fought against two, but they were a bit stronger than the ones Yuna's group fought. Still, their drops were amazing.

After storing the drops in the storage ring, Yuna then sat down a pile of rubble and munched on a couple cupcakes she bought before they headed down the Labyrinth. There were only a few dozen of them so she savored them as much as she could.

Of course, she also shared them with the familiars, who were now in their wolf pup form. Smiles were afloat on the Labyrinth as they enjoyed the delightful sweetness and creaminess of the cupcakes. Peace in a land of nightmares.

"Okay! That's enough rest for now! Let's head to another zone!" ［Yuna］

"""Yes!""" """Understood!""" """Yeah!"""

A few minutes passed and everyone started moving again. The familiars have turned back to their true forms and flew in the air, surveying the ground and watching out for any dangers lurking in the dark crannies of the Labyrinth.

The sound of footsteps soon stopped and everyone's guard was raised. A single figure appeared in front of them, its eyes glowing with a white flame and its head turning towards them as it sat in a pile of rubble.

"Everyone. Raise your guards. This might just be our hardest battle." ［Yuna］

It wasn't just hard, it was insane. Though it might look like a simple ghost-like being at first glance, as one would expect from the 10th floor, it was a logic-defying monster which sits near the pinnacle of strength... A Spectre of Trickery...

Though it is normally at Calamity-Class, since it is of the light-attribute, its power has been augmented many times and it is now at the bottom of Disaster-Class. Even with all of them helping out, their chances of winning would be less than 5%.

"Everyone, this is going to be dangerous, and we might just lose our lives if even a single thing were to go wrong... Still, are you willing to follow me?" ［Yuna］

"... What a useless thought, Mistress. Our lives belong to you. We will follow you until our very last breaths, even to the depths of hell." ［Sirius］

"Please use us however you wish, Mistress. We are yours to command." ［Rigel］

"That's right, Mistress! It's just one guy! We'll just have to beat it up!" ［Procyon］

There has never been any need to worry, all the familiars are ready to give up their lives for their Mistress. A smile bloomed on her face as her heart was moved, her anxiety and worries fading away as it was a passing lie.

It may spell their doom, but it was also a chance to grow. As long as Yuna gets a few hits, the tide of the battle would be turned to their favor with "Bleeding Edge". All they needed was an opportunity, and an opportunity they shall make.

"Then, everyone, I leave my back to you." ［Yuna］

"You can rest assured, Mistress!" ［Achernar］

Her eyes glowed a sharp glint and light enveloped her body. Kentaurus used holy magic and casted buffs towards everyone whilst Arcturus shielded them with barriers. Sirius also did the same, creating dummies with the use of illusion magic.

Frost and sharp winds devoured the place as Yuna activated her authorities of ice and assassination. The large bodies of the familiars vanished into thin air as they were veiled by Yuna's "Nihility", nor a single trace left.

With everything now ready, they soon stepped foot into the Spectre of Trickery's zone and steeled their hearts. The very moment they did, the enemy's eyes burned bright and it suddenly disappeared out of thin air.

BOOOOMMMMMM

The Spectre of Trickery suddenly appeared, its claws lunging towards Yuna's eyes. It was sharp and deadly, the young lady barely dodging the attack and by bending her body rewards the back, cold sweat trickling down her face.

Another slash came from above, the young elf leaping in the air to do it. A loud crash echoed in the ground as a crater formed below when the enemy struck. A cloud of dust brewed, but not a trace of the enemy to be seen.

'Physical and Presence Concealment...!' ［Yuna］

The enemy was just like Yuna, able to hide all its traces without leaving a single hint behind. It soon reappeared before Yuna and lunged its claws once more. She waved her daggers in response, piercing the enemy's chestー or so she thought.

'Huh...?!' ［Yuna］

However, she only slashed through thin air. Her heart raced uncontrollably and a dim glimmer shone in the corner of her blue eyes. She pulled herself back and narrowly dodged the enemy's attack, its claws grazing her lovely cheeks.

Not only can the enemy erase its presence, it could also create illusions of itself to fool its enemies, becoming even more useful as they also have no presence. It was no wonder it was called the "Spectre of Trickery". It deserves such a name.

'However... You didn't consider one thing...!' ［Yuna］

CLANG

Yuna twisted her body and brandished her daggers upwards. Fierce sparks flew here and there at the same time as it clashed with the enemy's claws. A smile bloomed on Yuna's face soon afterwards.

'You're not the only one with such an ability...!' ［Yuna］

KHIIIEEEEKKKKKKKK

It was all too sudden, a massive maw suddenly biting the Spectre of Trickery when it least expected it. The jaws belonged to none other than Canopus, hidden with Yuna's "Nihility" and only striking when it confirmed the enemy's location using the sparks.

It wasn't enough to deal much damage, but it was laced with a deadly curse. Not only would it weaken the enemy and eat away its life force, it also left a mark on it which allows them to trace it wherever it was.... The perfect counter!

"Then, let's start the fun, shall we?" ［Yuna］

A frightening smile bloomed on the young lady's face and she soon vanished into thin air. Sparks and shockwaves filled the air, the ground ruptured by the impacts as two opposing forces clashed, not a single figure to be seen.

Streams of pressurized water, lances of golden light, chains of darkness, jaws of the earth, lashing vines and ivies, blue icicles of frost, and many more. The Labyrinth was thrust into chaos and blood was spilled, dyeing the ground red and black.

A battle veiled in the eyes of many continued to unfold.

....

BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM

Explosions ruptured the air and bolts of light darted all over the waves. Blinding light swallowed the whole boss room whilst a streak of scarlet light cruised amidst the veil of radiance, brandishing its claws and flapping its white.

A young man landed on the ground and twisted his body, he shot his fist to the right, the winds howling from the pressure. He followed up with an axe kick from below, sweeping like a storm and leaving a deep gashing scar on the ground.

Yet despite the power behind those blows, they didn't hit a single thing, completely missing the streak of scarlet light. The latter simply docking then leaping before lunging its claws towards the young manー or so it was about to.

WHOOOONGGGGG BAAANNNNGGGGGGG

Another explosion echoed and a black panther appeared out of thin air. It shot an orb of mana towards where they were, making both Grey and the Bloodwing Chromius leap away from the explosion, thunder resounding all over the place.

『Are you alright, Master?』 ［Polaris］

『Yes, I'm alright. Thanks for the save,』 ［Grey］

Grey had already lost count over how many times he and Polaris have challenged the Boss, and they have always been retreating every time they found themselves in danger, the battle continuing the moment they have rested adequately.

Unfortunately, the Boss is not reset every time they fight. It only meant it only got stronger and stronger after learning about their techniques, implementing it to its own attacks, even copying a couple of Grey's most difficult spells.

CRACK CRACK CRACK TREMMBBLLLEEEE BOOOOOMMMMMM

Massive ravines spread on the floor and climbing on the walls, brilliant light gushing forth from it. The light soon erupted, and the whole place was riddled with explosions, beams of golden light rushing forth from all directions.

Grey and Polaris had no other choice but to leap on the air, the very goal of the Bloodwing Chromius. As soon as they left the ground, it quickly rushed towards them, bearing its claws towards their necks with fury burning in its core.

It was a good strategy, however, it wasn't the only one who was learning. A smile soon bloomed on Grey's face as soft blue light shone from where he was, his figure suddenly vanishing in the air and a gate took his place.

⟨⟨Northern Wind: Boreas!⟩⟩ ［Grey］

The gate opened up and violent whips of wind lashed out. Dozens upon dozens of spears came gushing forth the gate, cascading like a shower of stars and bolting towards the enemy with the intent to kill.

All the Bloodwing Chromius did was dodge, flapping its wings and rushing away. It was able to escape, but not without any cost. A couple dozen spears stuck on its body and fragments of scarlet light chipped away from it.

"Not so smart now, are we?" ［Grey］

What Grey did was none other than a simple trick. Though he did leap in the air, he changed his trajectory with wind magic midway and veiled himself with illusion magic, using a bit of it more to disguise the gate as himself.

The Bloodwing Chromius waved its hands and destroyed the remainder of the spears with a wave of crescent light. Explosions ruptured the air once more as rage bubbled deep inside its core, looking at Grey with hostility.

It spread its wings and scarlet orbs of light formed around it. It soon burst forth into countless arrows, raining down on the ground and darting towards the walls, leaving not a single spot safe from its reach.

⟨⟨ ⟨⟨ ⟨⟨Barrier!!⟩⟩ ⟩⟩ ⟩⟩ ［Grey］

Multiple layers of barrier were erected the moment Grey reached his hands out, bolts of light peppering him without mercy and without stopping. All he could do was defend against such a devastating barrage... Just what the enemy wanted.

The moment Grey poured all his concentration on defending, it then rushed towards him and lashed its claws towards him, its claws ripping out Grey's heartー or not. He had once again vanished, Polaris teleporting him away.

WHOOSH WHOOSH WHOOSH WHOOSH WHOOSH

Another gate opened before it and bolts of mana rushed forth from Polaris mouth. It was yet another surprise attack, however, it had already prepared itself for such a situation, quickly dashing away, not falling for another trick.

However… What it didn't prepare for what happened next.

Grey suddenly appeared behind it the moment it stopped and charged its next attack. He had already predicted where it would stop and asked Polaris to teleport him there at the exact moment, his fist lying in ambush and ready to strike.

⟨⟨Pinpoint Tempest: Deathpierce!⟩⟩ ［Grey］

Harsh winds bellowed and coiled around his fist. It connected with a bang, a gaping hole boring through the Bloodwing Chromius, followed by two more as his "Spectral Echoes" was activated, blasting the latter away.

It didn't just stop there. The moment it lost control of its movements, albeit slightly, it had also forfeited its defenses. Grey was teleported behind it once again, another one of his fists reaching out towards the falling angel.

The Bloodwing Chromius mustered all of its will and flapped its wings to create an upward drag, forcibly stopping itself from falling towards Grey's hands. However, it was already far too late.

⟨⟨Vein Breaker!⟩⟩ ［Grey］

Darkness casted out on the top of his palms and the hands of hell rushed towards the Bloodwing Chromius. It passed through the Boss without causing any wounds, soon fading away like a thin veil mist dissipating in the wind.

Yet despite it looking like a failure, Grey was happy, a subtle smile blooming on his face. It wasn't a destructive spell nor was it a deadly technique. It only caused a little bit of change... An itsy-bitsy but critical change...

CRACKLE CRACKLE CRACKLE CRACKLE BOOOOMMMMMM

The Bloodwing Chromius once again released a shower of piercing light, thousands upon thousands of thousands of arrows raining down on the ground. It peppered the place with craters and gashes, destroying the already jaded ground.

It lashed out violentlyー or so it wanted to. But it suddenly stopped, head filled with confusion as it scanned its body. It then looked at Grey with hatred burning inside its core, definitely wanting to crush the small creature before it.

"Oh, looks like you've noticed it, huh..." ［Grey］

What Grey casted was a curse. And not just any curse, it was one which damages the mana veins inside a creature, making mana leak all over the place, each spell and each action now costing more than usual... Time was now in their hands

It was one of the few original spells Grey came up with, during the rests they took while trying to find a counter against the Bloodwing Chromius. It took him countless trials and errors, using every single bit of his time, multitasking as much as he could.

"I hope you liked my present. It took me quite some time to prepare it, you see. I'd be really disappointed if you hated it." ［Grey］

A provoking smile bloomed on Grey's face as he watched the Bloodwing Chromius clench its fists in anger. That reaction alone was more than enough for all the time and effort Grey spent perfecting the technique.

"Now then... Shall we start the next round?" ［Grey］

CHAPTER 336 END