We arrived at Maceria's transport gate when suddenly Professor Layla Greenfield spoke, "Great timing, Vice Guild Master."

I sensed her wariness and urgency, as if something troublesome had just occurred.

Typically, Old Man Gray would be the one to update me on sudden events, but he was conspicuously absent.

"Where's Guild Master Gray?" I asked politely.

"Dad, I mean Guild Master Gray, went just outside the north city's gate," Layla replied.

"A strange portal suddenly appeared, and the Guild Master went to check it out," she added.

"He asked me to tell you about it the moment you arrived," Miss Layla continued.

Worry etched across everyone's faces, and I couldn't blame them, considering we had just emerged from a challenging battle recently.

"Thank you for informing me, Miss Layla," I replied, acknowledging her concern for her father.

"I guess I'll head to the northern gate," I continued.

My friends gazed at me, as if expressing a desire to accompany me.

"I mean, let's head to the northern gate," I corrected, maintaining a calm demeanor.

However, the sudden appearance of a portal in front of a city in Arcadia meant only one thing, an Instance Dungeon.

Instance Dungeons are randomly appearing dungeons or labyrinths at the front gates of cities in Arcadia Online.

This event is eagerly anticipated by high-level players because Instance Dungeons offer substantial experience points, thanks to the presence of high-level monsters.

Additionally, Superior Class Boss monsters, threat level B+, which spawn in these dungeons, have rare item drops due to their extreme difficulty.

The portal to the Instance Dungeon has limited access, allowing players from various towns and cities to enter.

These players can collaborate to confront the Superior Class Boss monster and share the valuable loot drops, aligning with the original intention of Instance Dungeons.

However, player versus player (PvP) battles are not uncommon within these dungeons, leading to the participation of only high-level players.

In Arcadia Online, the only means of exiting an Instance Dungeon is either by defeating the Superior Class Boss monster or by being defeated by a monster or another player.

While this wasn't a significant issue in the game, where consequences were limited to losing some experience or, occasionally, a rare equipment piece, the situation has changed.

Venturing into an Instance Dungeon now carries significant risk, bordering on what some might argue is suicidal.

It involves entering an unknown territory with no option for retreat, facing threats from both other players and formidable monsters.

A few minutes elapsed as we reached Maceria's Northern Gate.

Stepping outside, I spotted Guild Master Gray, accompanied by some of Maceria's adventurers, guarding the ominous dark purple portal.

"Vice Guild Master," one of the adventurers called, walking toward the portal.

"Young man, I assume that defending Castor Town was a success," Old Man Gray said with satisfaction.

"Yes, we successfully defended Castor Town," I replied.

The Guild Master recalled our conversation about the strange portal that had appeared just outside of town during our time playing Arcadia Online.

"I considered entering, but I remembered your warning not to do so without informing you first," Old Man Gray explained.

"Monsters in Instance Dungeons are significantly stronger, and there's no way out except by defeating the Dungeon's Boss," I said.

"You made the right decision, Old Man.

This portal leads to one of the Superior Class Boss monsters, Asterios the Bull King," I added, sighing with relief that the Guild Master had heeded my advice.

"Wasn't Basilisk a Superior Class Boss?" Dia inquired.

"Both Basilisk and Asterios are indeed considered Superior Class Boss Monsters," I clarified.

"Dealing with Basilisk was already challenging," Neil mentioned, sounding a bit terrified.

"Should we just ignore this portal?" Rain asked.

"We can't. If the Instance Dungeon isn't cleared after some time, monsters from it will start spawning on the portal until the Dungeon is defeated," I explained.

"In this case, hordes of level 55 Minotaurs, a Greater Class monster, threat level C," I continued.

Everyone looked horrified, except for Dia, who was already checking her equipment and preparing to tackle the Dungeon.

Glancing around, I realized that Ash was missing the entire time.

"Where is Ash?" I inquired.

"He went back to Castor Town to ask for your cousin's help," Claire explained.

"He doesn't need to, as this portal is probably present in Castor Town," I noted.

Just moments later, I saw two figures exiting Maceria's Northern Gate, Ash and Earl.

"Big bro Asriel, it looks like we're in a bit of trouble," Earl stated.

"I don’t think I have enough level to tackle the Forsaken Labyrinth," he continued.

"That's true, not just for you but for everyone here," I stated.

"What do you mean, Earl?" Rain suddenly asked.

"The Forsaken Labyrinth is a level 60 Instance Dungeon, and it's also a raid-difficulty dungeon.

After all, Asterios the Bull King, is the Forsaken Labyrinth Boss monster," Earl answered.

"I think our group can pull this off since we already defeated Basilisk," Ash stated.

"The reason is simple: the Forsaken Labyrinth is considered a red dungeon in Arcadia Online," Earl explained.

"It’s one of the middle-level dungeons where player versus player instances are allowed," he continued.

"Encounters with unknown and strong players will be inevitable, and there's the added threat of level 55 monsters residing in the dungeon," Earl added.

"You're telling me that we're too under-leveled to enter the dungeon?" Ash asked, a bit annoyed with what he just heard.

"Under-leveled and with no experience in fighting people," Dia suddenly said.

"Then what are we supposed to do?" Ash asked in frustration.

"Stay here and protect the city until I come back," I said calmly, understanding my good old friend.

"What do you mean 'I'?" Dia angrily asked.

"I want you and the others to protect the city against the Minotaurs in case the dungeon isn't defeated in time," I stated.

"Are you going alone again?" Dia asked.

"I did think of bringing our whole group into the Forsaken Labyrinth, but on second thought, it’s a pretty bad idea," I answered.

"My hands will be fully occupied just with the monsters in the labyrinth.

Add the unknown adventurers from different towns and cities with unknown goals, and I don’t think I can assure everyone’s safety," I continued.

"Is it because we never have experience in killing people?" Ash suddenly asked. "Ash!" Claire exclaimed.

"Killing someone is easy, but how you live with it is the difficult part.

After all, a single doubt could cost you not just your life but also the people around you," I stated in a sad voice.

Dia looked at me with guilt.

I just smiled at her while giving her a tap on the shoulder.

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"I’m leaving my friends and the city in your hands," I said while slowly walking toward the portal.

I stopped for a moment as I felt a warm hug on my back.

"You’ll come back, right?" Claire said while softly sobbing.

"I will, I promise," I said while slowly removing her hands.

I looked at them one last time as I stood at the portal.

"Young man, good luck," Guild Master Gray said.

"Will he be fine?" Neil asked as I started entering the portal.

"He will. After all, he is the number one solo dungeon clearer in Arcadia Online," Earl stated proudly as my body slowly disappeared into the portal.

My eyes gradually adjusted to the dim light emanating from the torches strategically placed along the corridor walls.

As anticipated, much like in Arcadia Online, I found myself randomly spawned on the outer edge of the maze.

Almost instinctively, my hands reached for the map, only to be reminded that to reach the Boss Chamber, I had to navigate the maze and gradually unveil the entire map.

I maintained a cautious awareness of my surroundings, fully aware that at any moment, I might encounter either a horde of minotaurs or a group of unfamiliar adventurers.

Despite being in my Blade Dancer Class and equipped with my most formidable gear in preparation for any encounter, a sense of wariness lingered.

It had been a considerable amount of time since I found myself alone, navigating the dark and winding corridors of a random maze.

My footsteps echoed through the lengthy, vacant passageways as I proceeded cautiously.

Running was never advisable when exploring ruins and mazes, a lesson learned both in real life and in the gaming world.

After a while, I heard the heavy hoof steps, a clear indication that a group of Minotaurs was just around the corner.

The Forsaken Labyrinth presented an excellent opportunity to advance my level.

I firmly gripped the hilt of my sword, Kaleidoscope, and swiftly propelled myself to the next corner using a simple Dash.

The three Minotaurs were caught off guard as I suddenly appeared in front of them.

Without wasting a moment, I unleashed sixteen powerful short-range slashes, forming the deadly Blooming Moonflower technique that enveloped the Minotaurs.

Two of the monsters were instantly vaporized, while the last one stood barely on its feet, having lost both arms.

As it prepared to unleash a howl to alert nearby monsters, its head rolled off its shoulders as I swiftly finished it with a point-blank Half Moon Slash.

Reflecting on the encounter, I acknowledged a bit of rustiness.

I realized I could have enhanced my approach by running vertically on the walls before employing the Dash, followed by the release of the Blooming Moonflower, likely obliterating all three Minotaurs. In dungeon or labyrinth clearing, efficiency is paramount.

The fewer skills and mana you expend in defeating a monster, the better, as conserving resources becomes crucial, particularly in a solo boss fight.

I continued my exploration for a couple of hours until the sounds of clashing metals and roars of monsters reached my ears.

Although uncertain, my instincts hinted that I was close to one of the chambers guarded by an Elite Greater Class monster.

The name "Goliath the Armored Bull" caught my attention as I observed the elite monster engaged in a fierce battle with a group of unknown adventurers.

Discovering an elite monster chamber typically meant proximity to the Boss Chamber.

Approximately five adventurers were confronting Goliath.

From my vantage point, I identified two Warriors, a Shielder, a Brawler, and an Assassin among them.

While their composition wasn't optimal, their teamwork displayed effective coordination, gradually whittling down Goliath's HP.

Though my initial intention was to proceed directly to the boss's chamber, a single door past Goliath compelled me to silently observe them from a distance.

The Brawler seemed to be the group's leader, evident in the way he issued commands, particularly directing the Shielder on when to employ Shield Guard.

This level 30 skill from the Shielder Class nullified attacks, provided the damage did not exceed twice the Shielder's total defense.

With a 30-second cooldown, the skill proved useful in blocking moderate AOE damage.

On the contrary, the Assassin primarily operates at mid-range, hurling Paralyzing and Poison Daggers at the elite monster and only resorting to Backstab when Provoke is accessible.

Provoke, a Shielder level 40 skill, allows them to redirect the monster's aggro toward themselves, a crucial method for managing aggro, especially when in a party with high DPS and squishy classes like the Assassin.

Their strategy, while simple, proves highly effective.

During Goliath's Grand Slam, the group hides behind the Shielder, utilizing Shield Guard to nullify the attack.

Once the threat is neutralized, the two warriors execute Quick Slashes to chip away at Goliath's HP, while the Assassin debuffs the monster with a Paralyzing and Poison Daggers.

Whenever Provoke is active, the Assassin employs Backstab, complemented by the Brawler's Tiger Fist to boost their damage per second.

However, the looming question is how they plan to handle Goliath entering Berserk mode, especially as the Armored Minotaur's HP steadily approaches critical levels.

After Goliath enters Berserk the Brawler takes the aggro of the elite monster.

The Brawler seems to activate one of its defensive skills, Iron Body, a level 45 Brawler skill that blocks 90% of incoming damage for 10 seconds.

As the Iron Body effect fades, the Brawler executes a potent attack, obliterating the remaining HP of Goliath.

Dragon Fist, the Brawler's level 50 skill, enables them to reflect double the damage received over the past 10 seconds back to their opponent.

A dragon-shaped flame engulfs the Armored Bull before it dissipates into nothingness.

The Brawler promptly consumes an HP potion, and his attention shifts toward me.

Although I'm concealed in the shadows, a faint glow from a smoldering torch likely betrays my location.

"It's considerate of you not to attack us while we were engaged with Goliath.

Perhaps it's time you reveal yourself, stranger," the Brawler remarks.

"I have no intention of fighting you," I respond, gradually approaching them and emerging from the dark corner of the corridor.

"Where are your comrades?" the warrior inquires. "I have no comrades.

I'm alone," I reply. "Liar!" the other warrior exclaims.

"Who in their right mind would venture into Forsaken Labyrinth alone?" he adds.

"Me, I suppose," I joke, which might not be the wisest choice, as the Assassin lunges at my back with Backstab.

However, the Brawler intervenes, sending the Assassin flying into the walls before he reaches me.

The Assassin sustains minimal damage, as the Brawler uses a simple kick attack.

"Why the hell did you attack me, Dean?" the Assassin protests as he gets up.

"I told you before, Sean, don't attack recklessly.

You almost got yourself killed," Dean admonishes.

"What do you mean, brother?" Sean inquired.

Dean simply gazed at the shattered pillar, a result of my Half Moon Slash.

Sean's eyes widened as the pillar crumbled, cleaved in half.

"Don't worry, I only aimed at his right arm," I reassured, clarifying that my intention wasn't to take his brother's life but rather to impart a lesson.

"Why on earth is Arcadia's strongest Swordmaster present in this place?" the Brawler questioned.

"What do you mean?" I responded, intrigued by how he was aware.

"Swordmaster Leirsa," he stated.

Everyone looked at me with astonishment, as if witnessing a ghost.

"You're not joking, right, Dean?" the Assassin asked.

"There's no doubt since there are only a few crazy people in Arcadia who attempt to solo Instance Dungeons, and one of them is Swordmaster Leirsa," he explained.

Confused whether it was a compliment or an insult, I dismissed it.

Dean approached Sean and handed him an HP potion.

"So why are you here, Swordmaster Leirsa?" Dean inquired.

"Of course to clear the Forsaken Labyrinth," I replied instantly.

"Alone?" Sean questioned.

"Yeah, I couldn't let my friends take the risk of getting killed by a sudden attack of other players in an Instance Dungeon," I explained teasing Sean.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to attack you.

It's just that I feel you're more dangerous than Goliath," the Assassin stated.

"And you're probably right," Dean agreed.

"After all, my first death on Arcadia Online was because of him," he added.

"Did we meet before?" I inquired.

"Yes, in the very same place where we are now," Dean answered.

"Deirka?" I asked.

"Guild Master Leirsa!" Dean replied, displaying the dragon infinity symbol on his right fist.

Deirka is one of my oldest guild members and one of my guild officers.

"It's been a while, Deirka!" I said with a smile.

He then proceeded to introduce his party. "As you already know, Sean the Assassin is my twin brother.

The Shielder is Mace, my cousin, and the other two Warriors are Aaron and Shane, who are my long time friends," he briefly introduced them.

I never expected to find one of my guild members in an Instance Dungeon, and even luckier, one of my guild officers, I thought as I added myself to their party.