[Hahaha! Now wasn’t that fun! Finally, the feeling of getting to use some of my powers again. It feels good to be free from that bore of a prison! Oh, and it looks like your meager existence managed to level up as well! Come now Ko, you are more than encouraged to praise me. Aren’t you pleased with my power? Why, this is still only just a fra—]
As much as I wanted to respond to Coileene who was happily rambling away in my mind about how amazing and awesome they were, I was still struggling to regain control of my body. Everything, was a mess. My vision was jumbled, my limbs felt foreign, and the nausea... This really wasn’t what I—
Before I could even finish my thoughts about how jarring being back within my own body was, I had somehow managed to empty the contents of my stomach onto the labyrinth’s floor. Very similar to my initial world assimilation when I first arrived on Terra. However, I did take note of the vomit my body was so happily expelling, along with the uncomfortable sensation it was bringing, showcasing the stark differences between the two scenarios. The acidic mixture, was a horrible, grotesque blend of blue and black liquids that burned my throat, while causing an equally searing, carbonated sensation throughout my nostrils. Something I would rather not experience again, nor wish upon my enemies. But, I guess considering the alternatives, it was better this, than dead.
[Oh please, you’ll adjust to it eventually. It seems your core is still attempting to compensate for absorbing most of my magical energy. You are simply expelling excess mana, nothing more, nothing less.]
Oh how wonderful for you to provide that riveting bit of exposition as to my current ailment Coileene... I take it you are now the substitute for my internal, helpful assistant and monologue?
[Pfft, always was Ko. Except now, with more of my energy within your core, you get the true Coileene experience! Aren’t you grateful for this divine blessing? Having Terra’s most powerful god and deity, always by your side, willingly answering any questions your simple mind may inquire about? Come now, ask away!]
Tch, you know damn well that this isn’t what we agreed on Coileene!!! And my name is Kotato, I won’t permit you to act so familiar with me. This is merely a mutually, beneficial transaction, nothing more.
[Ohhhhh nooooo... I can’t use your precious shortened name... What ever shall I do... Ko—]
...
*Cough*
Trying to refocus my thoughts, I was still left speechless as to the seemingly massive power boost I received. These metallic disks, while I had never seen or used them before, my body clearly knew how to utilize them, no doubt due to Coileene’s merger with me. Magnifying spells, along with a drone-like support feature? That said, it’s quite a shame the instruction manual was rather obtuse... Otherwise this would be wonderful...
[Really now... I’m obtuse...]
...
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, my body started to feel like my own again. Sights, sounds, and sensations, all greeted me with their simple purpose of shaping how my mind interpreted reality. Before me, was the crater created from that pillar of light attack, along with the metallic chains calmly resting at the centre, oblivious as to the drastic landscaping they had just survived.
[Now now, there will be plenty of time to admire the scenery Ko. However, I am still waiting on my thanks for saving the day!]
Thanks?!?!! I’m to thank you, after you blatantly ignored the only condition I had, over granting you access to my body?!?
[Yes, yes you should.]
You ungrateful, narcissistic serpent! Seriously?!?! Thank you for ignoring our deal?!?! Maybe whoever locked you down there was right, and I should have left you alone...
...
[Look, as much as you hate me for taking control of your body again, you are oblivious to the dangers I’ve also exposed myself to by agreeing to your “pathetic” condition. Believe me, you will still retain capabilities and control over your actions as you wished. However, I am allowed to assume control over your meat prison if your immediate existence is at risk of death... Such as almost being cleaved into halves by an oversized cow! Surely you should understand this much, no?]
...
While I was still displeased with Coileene’s arrogant attitude, I was suddenly caught off guard, as I felt my body become painfully constricted by a ball of... Fluff? Struggling to turn around, I managed to identify the culprit as a very puffy eyed, and tear-stained fox, who was now quietly sniffling into my chest. Relieved, and, happily embracing her as well, I heard her trembling, muffled voice, coming through my now soggy clothing.
“Ko!!! I... *sniff* I... *sniff* I’m so glad you’re alright! I... Don’t know how you did it, but... Please don’t ever do that again to me...!”
Seemingly at a loss for words myself, I just continued holding and squeezing Inari back. I mean, this whole scenario was clearly traumatizing, and I obviously had a lot of explaining to do. So, doing my best, I responded to Inari’s words.
“Inari... I said I was sorry... Didn’t I? I promise to explain everything I can, in as much detail as I can, once we get out of here. And, while I’m happy you were worried about me... I feel really, really gross right now... You probably shouldn’t be hugging m—"
“I don’t care!
...
I’m not letting you go... Not until I’m satisfied...
...
Your eye... And your mana signature... What… *sniff* Happened to you?”
...
“Let’s just say... I’ve managed to solve the mystery surrounding the world serpent...”
Curious at my explanation, I finally caught Inari looking up into my eyes. They were still filled with a glossy sheen from her torrential waterworks, but she seemed to be calming down now. That’s when I noticed that my right eye was still burning slightly. It was a faint, pulsing pain that I had become somewhat use to, but clearly a large amount of mana was still gathered around it.
[What? Do you not like your new fashion statement? I’ve graciously remodeled your eye to better suit my unique needs! It should look very similar to my own now, if you remember from our... Conversation together. <3]
Did... Did you just... Say a heart symbol in my head?!?! How the heck does that even work!! And while I appreciate you making yourself... “At home” ... Don’t just suddenly change my appearance without permission!
[Humph! You’re no fun Ko... Fine...— I’ll change it back to its usual, boring self... But, when channeling a large amount of power, it will once again, revert to my own!]
At Coileene’s words for restoring my eyeball back to its original design, I finally felt the pulsing pain subside, which prompted me to rub my irritated eye in turn. Shortly after, Raya approached us, speaking in a struggled, and exhausted tone.
“Champion... You survived! And... You saved us from this beast! How did you... What was that magic?”
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“I can’t really explain it too well Raya. Just know it’s from the shield artifact you’ve seen me using. While the circumstances surrounding it are... Complicated. I managed to draw out some of its power in our time of need. I’m... I’m just sorry I couldn’t save the rest of your squad in time.”
All of us, gradually started to realize the situation we had now found ourselves in. Scattered all around, was an assortment of charred bat viscera, along with the various bits and pieces of flesh from the humans I had once spoken with, mangled and obliterated beyond all recognition. Heads, arms, and legs, laid strewn around us in hideous, and unnatural shapes from our encounter. The atmosphere was akin to a grotesque box of confetti’s cruel prank, reveling in the gut retching response it provoked from onlookers. My stomach, once again, felt nauseous taking in the scene before me. Even after being through plenty of battles since my short time here on Terra, I still wasn’t adjusted to seeing humanoids so viciously slaughtered. It really made me wonder how those other protagonists in isekai shows seemingly adapted to these situations without issue. Looking towards the heroes, they too were just as speechless, with all of them resting on the dirty floor, rationalizing they had somehow survived the encounter as well. Then, my head was filled with a thunderous, yet familiar chime from a popular fantasy RPG’s victory music.
[Duh duh duh duh! Dooo duh- dun, doo-duh!]
[Congratulations, Challengers! You Have Successfully Cleared The 15th Boss Floor Of The Solara Labyrinth! Generating Rewards Suitable For The Party – Calculating.]
[Success! Rewards Materialising Within The Central Chamber – Notice – Initiating Chamber Alteration Sequence – Shortcut – Caution! Please Watch Your Footing As The Floor Transforms Into A Designated Checkpoint.]
Umm, Coileene... How come I’m hearing that monotone voice again? I thought you said tha—
[I don’t know, Ko. This is the first time I’m hearing this voice as well.]
Well, that’s obviously not the answer I was looking forward to hearing, and, looking at everyone else around me, they too also heard that same voice as well. This whole labyrinth really was just a complete nightmare of mysteries.
While I was still trying to collect my thoughts, mulling over different possibilities for the origin of this mysterious additional assistant’s voice, a small, marble-like pedestal rose out from the crater the minotaur was defeated in. Then, in a brilliant flash of blue and white light, a typical wooden treasure chest appeared out of thin air, calmly resting itself atop the stony, smooth surface. Without hesitation, I saw Haru rapidly spring to his feet, making a mad dash towards the new found loot. Upon reaching the trembling wooden container, he happily flung the heavy top open to reveal our battle spoils; a pair of metallic boots.
Realizing I was still holding Inari, I finally managed to end our embrace, sheepishly looking away, then started walking towards the other heroes, who had already joined Haru by the treasure chest. After casting appraisal, I was able to see the footwear was incredibly useful, truly fitting as a reward from our life-or-death struggle.
---
Item Name: Boots of Indominable Tenacity
Quality: Epic
Requirements: Dexterity & Strength >= 15
Stats: Attack +10, Defence +10
Magic Conductivity: Strong
Enhancements: Greater Status Boost -> All weapon and magic attacks deal +5% increased damage, with an additional 2% damage ignoring the target’s defensive parameters.
Bonus Effect 1: Enhanced Maneuverability -> Individual equipped with the Boots of Indominable Tenacity may channel magical power into them which will allow the user to walk on air for 5 seconds. Cooldown time of 80 seconds.
Bonus Effect 2: I Won’t Give Up! -> Individual will receive mental fortitude to endure tremendous pain for 30 seconds once their health drops below the 10% threshold. While under the effects of “I Won’t Give Up!”, the combatant will deal +50% extra damage. Useable once weekly.
Summary: A legendary pair of boots generated by the Solara Labyrinth as a reward for defeating the 15th floor boss. They are made from a mysterious alloy, yet crafted with utmost perfection and quality.
---
Those boots, were incredible! The raw status boost alone they provided already made them exceptional, and the additional bonus effects? A passive damage increase, along with enhanced mobility??!? My mind was absolutely captivated about the possibilities these boots could be used for! However, my enthusiasm was cut short, after hearing Haru’s arrogant exclamation upon revealing the treasure.
“Perfect! These boots were clearly made for me, the spear hero! I’ll be taking them as my reward for heroically slaying the minotaur! I contributed the most during the encounter, so it’s only natural the strongest receives the spoils!!!”
…
You know what… I don’t care at this point. After coming back from literal death, I really don’t have the energy to argue with his dumbass about taking the loot. Once we get out of here, I think I’ll decline any further expeditions into the labyrinth for a while. Shrugging my shoulders while looking back at Inari, she too simply sighed after witnessing the spear hero’s claims for being the pivotal center piece of the minotaur’s demise. Then, almost as if the labyrinth floor itself wished to abruptly end our celebration for survival, the room began to shake violently at our feet, knocking all of us onto the hard ground in surprise.
I struggled, trying to regain my footing, but was powerless against the sheer force jolting my entire body. As the room continued to violently shake, modest boulders and stones rained down around us from the ceiling above. Off to the side, near where the minotaur first landed, large and imposing stone columns, burst forth from the ground, as the rocky terrain parted ways to reveal an intricate, stone alter, whose ascension was graciously accompanied by the happily rotating floor. Staring in awe, all of us remained mesmerized as the ancient alter sprung to life, levitating a pair of spherical disks, several feet above it’s offering table. Then, in a burst of fury, light illuminated the cavern, blinding my eyes with its painful sting, as the spherical disks became filled with a reddish, pinkish light, humming in satisfaction for having completed its grand entrance. Finally, having finished it’s debut, the floor ceased it’s traumatic trembling’s, as the mysterious voice, once again, filled my head with it’s monotonic explanations.
[Transformation, Complete – Initiation Teleportation Sequence – Establishing Connection With Designated Surface Conduit – Success – Spatial Link Stable With Target Locked – Activating.]
Still shocked from the unexpected appearance of the stone alter, Inari, Raya, the heroes, and myself, were all suddenly whisked high into the air amongst a violent vortex of ravenous winds. Our unconsented displacement quickly brought us to a bewildered swirl around the humming disks, as power swelled within, cultivating in another blinding show of light.
In an instant, and, still recovering from the whole ordeal, I let out an exasperated gasp for air to bring my lungs some relief. However, while I had grown accustom to the damp, musky air within the labyrinth’s confines, I was taken off guard by the fresh and cool crispness my lungs received instead. Next, my body was violently flung, landing onto a hard, stone floor, as my ears were graced with the sounds of civilians and children, screaming in horror.
“CLEAR THE SQUARE!!! CLEAR THE SQUARE!!!”
“WAHH!!!! MOMMY! I’m scared!!!“
“THEIR DEAD!!! BY THE GODS, SOMEBODY CALL THE GUARDS!!! QUICKLY!!! ANYONE!!!!”
Opening my eyes, and, ignoring the advice from optometrists everywhere, I caught myself staring into the luminous rays from Terra’s twin suns, blinding, and stinging my retinas, gleefully producing a colourful kaleidoscope of shapes across my vision. Recovering from the self-induced lightshow, I violently coughed, gasping again for breath, as my brain slowly began to process what had just happened. All around me, laid the strewn body parts of the royal guard members, playfully creating a grotesque menagerie inside the once pristine square of Solara’s marble fountain. Limbs and heads, took up new residence in the calm and serene waters of the flowing water basin, gradually dying the crystal waters, into a repugnant, brown haze, while others choose to bask in the summer’s sun, with faces of anguish for all to see. My ears were overcome with the chorus of screams and panic amongst the crowd, who had been basking in the tranquil environment just moments before. Children shed tears of confusion and pain, as parents violently ripped them away from the horrific scene.
To my right, Inari and the heroes, were struggling to catch their breath, while Raya had already regained her footing, doing her best to shout orders to the nearby guards at the royal gates, panic clearly straining her coarse voice.
“SOLDIERS! Clear the area! The square is *cough* on lockdown until further notice!!! Assist the citizens and gather the royal healers!! NOW!!!”
A few of the guards fortunately grasped the severity of the situation, quickly abandoning their post to inform the royal palace of the drastic emergency occurring just outside the entranceway, while others rushed towards the fountain, doing their best to block off corridors by raising improvised earthen pillars with their magic. Looking atop the fountain, calmly oscillating above the towering statue of King Solar, was a familiar pair of rotating disks, blissfully humming away at the chaos strewn below. Taking an educated guess, I imagined this was the “designated surface conduit”, providing a link between the labyrinth’s floor, and Solara’s surface.
[Oh ho! Now things are getting interesting Ko… It looks like this story is finally turning a new chapter. Something tragic, yet, fortunate, has happened at the royal palace. I advise you to remain vigilant.]
Confused at Coileene’s unexpected exposition, a guardsman from the royal palace ran up to us shortly afterwards, gasping for breath, as he crouched over slightly to bring relief to his exhausted lungs. Then, he spoke to Raya, while desperately trying to maintain his composure, which was in stark opposition to the pained expression he wore across his face.
“Commander Raya. The… The palace!!!— King Solar, he’s dead!!!”