266 Chapter 266
Everyone halted in their steps after coming out from the mysterious fog and gawked at the sight of a huge crater extending for almost a mile.
Deep beneath the surface, within the dark bowels of the earth, lies an intricate labyrinth of twisting tunnels and caverns.
Carved out over centuries by hands or mystical power, this subterranean maze was a realm of perpetual darkness and mystery.
The walls from the side were adorned with luminescent moss and eerie crystals, casting a dim illumination as they showcased the path through the depths from the side.
The air was thick with an ancient, musty scent, and a palpable sense of foreboding hung heavy.
The passages branched off in many directions, leading one deeper into the heart of the maze. Each pathway led to either success or becoming irretrievably lost.
Strange creatures and monsters lurk in the shadows that regenerate even after one sweeps through them.
Some sections of the labyrinth hold forgotten chambers adorned with relics of a lost civilization like ornate statues, cryptic hieroglyphs etched into stones, and chambers rumoured to have many treasures guarded by ancient traps.
It was truly a treasure land on which the foundation of Cyprus was built as many nobles' houses and primary weapons came from this place.
"Those who dare to venture into its depths must tread carefully, for every step risks entrapment in an unending maze where time seems to stand still, and escape becomes an impossible dream." Ami explained and asked them to take out the badge they received by them.
"You see, the badge is currently grey and inactive but once we allow you access, your badge will gain colour and you can enter. The entire labyrinth has 75 floors. And there is an interesting fact, the more monsters you kill, the more effect it will have on your strength."
Looking at everyone's curious expression, Herman stepped forward to explain.
"You can think of it as gaining exp by killing monsters like games."
"Now, we have been brought here for two reasons. First, as per the prize, you can enter the storage room and select something of your choice. The second reason is a test." Ami spoke looking at everyone out there.
"To enter a labyrinth, you need to be at 5-Star at minimum and secondly, you should know how to fight monsters and beasts well. Previously, we used to have many outings but with things happening we decided to stop this for the first year so your combat experience in dealing with monsters is lacking."
Ami then stared at Herman who looked aside and waved his hand.
"Previously, we used to test you in dummies but now you have to fight a monster of a special kind. We will do this for a day every week so that you can adapt to it before stepping inside the labyrinth."
With the movement of Herman, an invisible layer of the wall disappeared and a gate appeared.
On the left side, a vortex appeared showing a chamber from which multiple chained monsters appeared. A great chilly bloody aura radiated from them freezing the entire place.
Except for Frederick and Lucas, everyone else was frozen by fear and a palpitating heart.
Even Charles, Monica and Rose were not looking good.
"Students, let me remind you. This isn't a normal monster but is a demonkin. They weren't different from the normal beasts and monsters found in a dungeon in appearance but they carried the demon essence miasma. They can subdue normal beasts around them and have intense blood lust that makes it hard for people who encounter them for the first time to close in." Herman's words struck more fear in everyone's heart.
"They are smarter, better and tougher. All of them caged here are malnourished but still, you can see the sharpness in them. I want you to fight one and at least injure them. It's okay even if you can't."
Ami saw their confused expressions and explained.
"We are doing this now because of the change in the tournament of Ralph's structure. Before the team battles there is a show-off where each student will fight a monster to display their prowess before everyone but this year, the participants will have to face Demonkin so we are starting this now as it takes time to get used to blood lust." Ami explained the situation.
Some of them were nervous but they tried to reassure themselves that this wasn't the first time they had experienced killing a monster.
In the end, Demonkin is just a monster after all, isn't it?
"First is Richard Cross.''
'What? Why me first?'Richard screamed inside in bewilderment as he ranked last.
"Choose any of them and don't fear. We will save you before you encounter danger."Ami and Herman both assured him while asking by looking through the vortex and then entering the gate.
Richard stepped forward and said, "I chose that one."
Out of all Richard chose the least threatening one.
The demonkin he chose was Wolfbite, who stood on its two humanoid limbs. It had four horns over its forehead and wide teeth leaking saliva.
It looked like a werewolf with the presence of horns.
Richard pulled out his sword and just as he stepped inside the gate and prepared to attack, a large piercing howl shook him to his core.
"GRRRRRRR!" The Wolfbite screamed as it sensed the presence of a being similar to its strength.
A dense coagulating killing intent struck Richard making his vision flurry. Its large reddish eyes glowed violently making Richard's whole body twitch.
"Shit!" Richard cursed, trying to move forward, but his legs seemed to be stuck in one place.
Ami's figure flashed behind Richard and she pulled him back freeing Richard from the tortuous encounter.
"It's okay Richard. It's already good that you didn't become unconscious. All you need to do is gain experience. Once you are subjugated to such pressure, you won't be stricken by fear." Ami patted Richard to soothe his wounded pride and then threw him aside.
"Next."
The next one also had a similar result to Richard but after that, Jennette appeared.
Like others, she was also frozen and her body started trembling in fear but unlike others, her will remained firm and she managed to land a blow.
Tiffany also did the same, by managing to overcome the fear by throwing her axe. Alas, it bounced off after striking the monster as the axe wasn't strong enough to pierce its outer layer.
Charles subconsciously clapped for her but stopped after noticing Lucas and Frederick smiling at him.
Monica gave a soulless gaze and before the monster could emit the blood lust.
"Earthen embankment"
A layer of earthen walls shot up and covered her, blocking the murderous intent.
With the monster's position locked by chains, she started chanting.
"Shackle of earth."
"Blade of wind, Cycle of fire, Rain of lightning."
Binding the target with an additional earth shackle, she created a cyclone of fire that engulfed the whole beast over which blades of wind and lightning struck one after another.
In a few moments, the beast was almost burnt to death.
"Good job, Monica, you deserve the second position."
Next was Charles who just thrashed a huge rock over the beast and then Rose who dug a hole in it using her Air piercer.
However, they were affected and collapsed onto the floor after coming out.
Frederick immediately ran after Rose, polluting everyone's eyes with love.
Jeanette particularly expresses her displeasure over such a sight.
Lucas looked around, finding everything desolate around him.
'These damned guys.'
Until now, everyone treaded cautiously and fought using long-
range attacks instead of pushing forward.
Yes, until now...
"Lucas, it's your turn,"
"Now choose the monster you wish to fight." Ami said as she looked at Lucas.
Lucas looked at various Demonkin monsters with great interest.
"I want to choose this one." Lucas declared, pointing at a humanoid-shaped monster.
"An early 4-Star?" Herman asked.
"And another thing, please unhinge the demonkin. I want to take it on fully."
Herman blinked his eyes in confusion and stared at Ami after hearing such an odd request.
Ami walked forward and pulled Lucas.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, is that a problem?"
"Hey, have you gone mad? Can you handle it? This is just a simple test of experience. You will have your chance to fight later." Ami spoke, giving Lucas a weird gaze.
'That damned Harris, he is surely affecting this guy.'
"I am sure, I just want to try out something."
Ami sighed heavily.
"Don't come back crying after getting your ass kicked." Ami chided him and walked back.
Lucas stepped into the portal and appeared before the monster.
Everyone who looked at the screen suddenly frowned.
"Hey, has he gone insane? Why is he fighting an unhinged beast?" Charles screamed.
And to everyone's shock, the demo kin that was unhinged started running towards Lucas who just stood there nonchalantly while Demonkin raised his fist to slam Lucas making everyone's heart go wild in fear.
Some tried to close their eyes while Ami prepared to go in and save Lucas but much to everyone's surprise, the claws of Demonkin coming at Lucas, stopped suddenly….
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