Erik entered the 16th floor. Beyond the 15th floor, the lower floors lacked unique designs and instead formed an ever-changing labyrinth. Maps were nearly useless, and an adventurer’s party required a mage capable of casting a basic spatial awareness spell, or escaping would depend entirely on chance factor.

Erik navigated the maze of the 16th floor, where the pathways were narrow rocky terrain. The howls of monsters caught his attention.

“A pack of Night Wolves,” Erik thought to himself after hearing the howl. Night Wolves, also known as creatures of shadow, were capable of moving as shadows on the ground. Not only that they had the ability to hide in another person's or monster's shadow, while in shadow form, they could not be harmed.

This ability gave them both an ultimate defense and a surprise element. Night Wolves were large, roughly 2 meters in length, with red eyeballs and black spindle-shaped pupils. Their black fur surrounded their bodies, and their large fangs and teeth were used to tear apart anything who crossed their path.

"Quick step," Erik mumbled, vanishing from his position and darting around three corners of the floor in the blink of an eye.

A party of three adventurers had been surrounded by twelve Night Wolves. All the adventurers seemed exhausted.

Erik noticed three dead Night Wolves lying on the side, and he deduced they had been struck by fire magic, judging by the wounds on their corpses.

The male adventurer of the group was a middle-aged man, clad in silver armor and holding a sword with a blue hilt. His head was also covered by a helmet hiding his black hairs.

Next to him stood a female adventurer, an elf with blue eyes and long braided blonde hair. She carried a tree branch-like wand and appeared the least fatigued.

Another member of the party was a young human mage, wearing gold-silver armor and holding a short sword wreathed in fire. Her armor covered most of her body, except for her legs and arms, likely designed for mobility.

"Do they need my assistance?" Erik wondered as he observed the party, knowing that adventurers typically followed a rule of not stealing another's prey.

One of the wolves took the offensive approach and charged towards the elf at a rapid pace.

The female elf, who had been standing with her wand, cast a fireball spell at the wolf attacking her. The wolf dodged the spell be stepping towards left and dashed towards her, aiming to attack her.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Erik mumbled, "Lance," and a light magic spear materialized, which almost instantly pierced the wolf attacking the elf.

"Good grief," Erik muttered. "Do you need help?" he shouted, drawing the attention of the adventurers.

The female elf he had just saved shouted back, "It would be highly appreciated."

Erik noticed three of the Night Wolves sinking into their shadows, likely preparing to attack him.

Erik mumbled, "Miniature Sun," and a small orb of light magic emerged from his wand. It hovered above them, illuminating the surroundings and dispersing the shadows of the Night Wolves.

The male adventurer seized the opportunity and attacked one of the wolves that had been about to slip into its shadow.

Four of the Night Wolves shifted their attention to Erik and charged at him in a quick motion.

Erik retreated slightly and mumbled, "Multiple Lance." Instantly, four lances formed, resembling swords,

Erik flicked his wrist forward, and swords of light flew toward the Night Wolves, impaling their chests. Two wolves collapsed instantly, while the other two pressed on with their advance.

The wolves were about to reach Erik and seeing the wolves closing in, Erik murmured, "Excellus." It was an intermediate spell that created a sword of light for a mage to wield.

Both wolves leaped—one from the right, aiming for Erik's right hand, and the other from the left, targeting his torso.

Erik’s wand glowed, transforming into a sword made of light, which he used to decapitate the wolf that was attacking him from the left. Before he could strike the second, its fang scratched his right hand, leaving a deep wound.

"Ah, that's bad," he said, looking at the wound. "Light Heal," he mumbled, a bright light enveloped his right hand, healing the injury.

While Erik was fighting the four Night Wolves, the adventurer party managed to defeat the rest of the pack.

"You guys alright?" Erik asked as he walked toward the adventurer party. He glanced at the bodies of the Night Wolves scattered around, confirming the pack has been defeated.

"Seems that way," the elf replied in a calm voice as she cast a healing spell on the other female adventurer in the party.

"It would have been a lot worse if you hadn't come to our aid," the middle-aged adventurer said as he looked at Erik with his black eyes. He stepped forward and extended his hand to Erik for a handshake.

"It's Aldraz," the adventurer said with a smile as he shook Erik's hand. He seems really young, perhaps as old as Naomi, Aldraz thought as he looked at Erik.

"It's Erik sir," Erik replied with a small smile. He glanced at the bodies of the Night Wolves where he had been fighting, then turned his attention to Aldraz, who had crouched down and begun dismembering the wolves’ bodies.

"Can I share the loot?" Erik asked, watching Aldraz.

"You sure could. You can take the five Night Wolves you killed, if that works for you. Aldraz added in a casual tone. Technically, you assisted with one of the wolves I killed, so…" Aldraz began, but before he could finish, Erik waved both his hands dismissively.

"I don't think that would be necessary. I already got five—that's enough," Erik said in a pleased tone. With a small chuckle, he added, "I thought you might not let me take any, considering I’m not part of your party and with the adventurers' guild rules and all."

"That sure is the rule. But you know what, kiddo? Adventurers gotta stick together. Not sharing loot with someone who helped you? That's bad and unprofessional in my book," the female elf interjected in a serious tone.

Erik unconsciously smiled at her comment. They are good people, Erik thought to himself.