After their rest, everyone was ready for the platform rune puzzle.
Sara stepped forward, Zaro commanded. Tell me what you see.
The mage studied the flowing runes, her academic training showing. The patterns repeat but shift based on some trigger. Each platform has a matching symbol set.
Tom, what about you?
The rogue pointed upward. Platforms make a path but some look unstable. Maybe triggered by those symbols.
Marcus shield ready. Zaro approached the central pillar. His void sense revealed layers of magic woven through stone.
Sara touched a rune on the pillar. Energy surged through the chamber. The nearest platform glowed, its symbols matching the ones she'd activated.
Well would you look at that. Like playing magical hopscotch. But them wrong moves probably aint nearly as friendly.
They need to solve this themselves, Zaro thought. But he activated Shadow Camo anyway. Just in case.
Sara traced another rune sequence. The second platform stabilized, creating a clear path upward. She smiled at the recognition.
Keep going, Zaro encouraged while maintaining Shadow Camo. His enhanced void sense tracked unstable platforms above.
The third platform activation triggered a defense mechanism. Stone guardians emerged from the walls. Marcus raised his shield as Tom moved to protect Sara.
Hold your horses there buckaroo. System alerted. Combat protocol re engaging.
Sara dont break concentration, Zaro called from the shadows. Marcus Tom handle the guardians. Complete the sequence Sara.
The warrior and rogue moved with practiced coordination, their earlier training showing. Sara continued activating runes, each successful sequence stabilizing another platform.
Void sense warned of a guardian flanking their position. Zaro's enhanced Shadow Camo let him reach out from twelve feet away, redirecting its attack. The construct stumbled, giving Tom a perfect opening.
The chamber rumbled as Sara activated the fifth sequence. More guardians spawned, but the team held formation. Marcus' shield work kept Sara protected while Tom struck with deadly precision.
A guardian nearly caught Tom's blind spot. Zaro's invisible hand adjusted the rogue's dodge. Tom flowed with the movement, turning defense into a lethal counter.
Almost there Sara, Zaro encouraged. Two more sequences.
The mage's hands flew across runes, understanding blooming in her eyes. Each pattern told a story, ancient magic responding to her touch. The sixth platform locked into place.
Final sequence initiated partner. System announced. Hope you're ready for whatever this triggers.
The guardians pressed their attack as Sara worked on the final sequence. A construct lunged for Tom's blind spot.
Shadow Camo kept Zaro nearly invisible as he void stepped to intercept. The combination left ripples of shadow in the air, like dark water disturbed by unseen movement. His intervention sent the guardian stumbling past Tom.
The rogue capitalized on the opening, never realizing how it occurred. His daggers found crystal core as Sara activated another rune set.
Marcus' shield work had improved dramatically, each block creating openings for precise sword strikes. His confidence showed in every movement.
Zaro void stepped again, shadow camo making him a dark blur. He appeared behind Sara just as a guardian tried flanking. His void bolt turned it to rubble before void stepping back to observation distance.
Look at you floating around like a shadow on a moonless night. System drawled. Them ripples are mighty pretty too.
Sara's fingers danced across the final runes. Understanding blazed in her eyes as ancient patterns aligned. The seventh platform locked into place as remaining guardians crumbled.
The final platform locked into position with a resonant tone. Energy surged through the rune patterns, turning their flowing script solid gold.
Hot diggity partner. Puzzle completion detected:
Experience gained 200.
750 of 3,300 until level 13.
A path of light connected the platforms, forming a spiral staircase to a chamber above. Zaro maintained Shadow Camo, void stepping between positions to ensure the path was stable.
His void sense detected something massive awaiting them above. The air crackled with concentrated magic.
Well shoot. System drawled. Looks like solving the puzzle just invited us to the main event. That thing up there feels stronger than moonshine in a dry county.
Sara you understand these runes now, Zaro asked while void stepping back to the group.
The mage nodded, confidence radiating. They tell a story about binding ancient power. This was a test of comprehension not just activation.
Marcus studied the staircase. His shield stance had become almost instinctive. Tom moved like a predator now, each step calculated.
Time to see what awaits us, Zaro said. The shadow ripples from his void steps faded as he took point. Stay alert. This labyrinth isn't done testing us yet.
Ready for round 2 partner? System asked. That thing upstairs is still waiting meaner than a wet cat in a rocking chair store.
Time to move, he commanded. Formation up those stairs. Whatever waits above just met a significantly improved team.
Light spiraled up the floating staircase as they ascended. Each step hummed with magical resonance, testing their worthiness.
Void sense painted warnings across Zaro's vision. The chamber above radiated enough power to make his enhanced senses tingle.
System alert partner. That room up there is cooking up something meaner than a rattlesnake in a boot.
The staircase opened into a vast circular arena. Ancient pillars stretched into darkness above. At its center stood a metallic construct unlike the stone guardians below. Its core pulsed with multiple colors, armor plates shifting like liquid metal.
Well shoot. System assessed. That there is what we call a final exam.
Classification. Elite Guardian
Level: 35
Core Type. Multiple elemental
Threat Assessment. Higher than an eagles nest
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
The construct studied them with glowing eyes. Intelligence burned in its gaze, not the simple programming of previous opponents.
Sara, Zaro commanded. What do those runes tell you?
The mage examined flowing script across arena walls. It's a test of mastery. We have to prove worthy by demonstrating everything we've learned.
The constructs cores began cycling through elements. Fire ice lightning and shadow energy swirled beneath its armored shell.
From their observation position on the sidline, Ramrod grinned like a proud parent. His massive arms crossed as he watched Marcus perfect the shield techniques they'd practiced.
Ezra and Chad maintained ready stances. They would jump on if needed.
The construct's shadow core erupted, sending tendrils of dark energy toward Sara. Chad's barrier spell shimmered into existence, giving her time to dodge. His hat somehow remained perfectly adjusted despite the magical exertion.
A metal blade nearly caught Tom, but Ezra's Shadow Direct opened a portal. The construct's own attack redirected into its ice core, creating a momentary weakness.
Hot dog. System exclaimed. That elf's got timing better than a rooster at sunrise.
Ramrod chuckled as Marcus executed a perfect shield bash. That's my boy, he muttered.
The construct recovered quickly, cores cycling faster. Liquid metal rippled as it launched simultaneous elemental strikes. Sara recognized the pattern, her spells finding gaps between elements. Tom's movements flowed like water, each strike precise.
Zaro maintained Shadow Camo, void stepping to optimal positions. His enhanced stats let him track multiple threats while staying ready to intervene if truly needed.
Zaro pulled a mana potion from void storage without breaking Shadow Camo. The familiar blue liquid restored his reserves as he tracked the battle.
The construct's cores pulsed brighter, cycling elements faster. Lightning arced toward Tom while ice formed beneath his feet. A dark bolt from its shadow core followed, the combination a perfect death trap.
Zaro void stepped closer, Temporal Dilation slowing the world to a crawl. Two precious seconds of enhanced time let him analyze the attack pattern. The construct had modified its targeting algorithms, learning to create lethal combinations.
Marcus' shield intercepted lightning as Sara's fire melted ice. Tom rolled under the void bolt, his movements showing real growth. The recruits adapted without Zaro needing to intervene.
The construct paused, all five cores pulsing in sync. Something big was coming.
Well butter my biscuit partner. System announced. Your stealth stats just got an upgrade.
Shadow Camouflage reached Level 2.
Base cost, 45 mana per minute.
Wraith Cloak synergy active.
7% damage reduction.
Final cost, 42.75 mana per minute.
Total duration: 9 minutes 21 seconds.
Note. That's more sneaking time than a fox has chicken dreams.
The construct gathered power as Zaro noted his improved efficiency. With over nine minutes of stealth and a full mana pool, he could maintain perfect observation while keeping temporal dilation as backup.
The construct's cores blazed with blinding light. Liquid metal peeled back revealing a concentrated sphere of pure elemental chaos.
Sweet mercy partner that thing's about to unleash more hurt than a hornet in a rocking chair factory.
Zaro's void sense screamed warnings as the blast released. Sara focused on countering, not seeing the secondary void pulse aimed at her spine.
No time for subtlety. Zaro void stepped between Sara and certain death. His enhanced agility let him shove her clear but the shadow energy caught his left hand. Flesh and bone vaporized to the wrist in an instant. Minus 85 health.
Sara stumbled from his push, seeing only a spray of blood as she rolled clear. Zaro activated Eye of the Storm immediately. His vitality regeneration kicked in after the three second delay, stacking with meditation for 8 health per second.
The pain wasn't as bad as he thought it would be, it was half shock, and half his vitality kicking in. The pain of hitting the stat upgrade thresholds were about the same in 10 points increments, so he seemed more resilient to the pain.
However as soon as the healing kicked in there was odd itching and burning as the nerves regrew. It was the oldest sensation Zaro had ever felt.
He marveled at his new body and his vitality. At first he had to hide the fear and panic on his face, but that quickly turned into excitement and confidence.
Well would you look at that. System marveled. Growing back faster than rumors at a church picnic.
Ezra's eyes widened as she watched new tissue form. Bone muscle and skin regenerated in seconds. Twelve seconds after impact, Zaro flexed a completely restored hand. Only the blood on the floor suggested anything had happened.
Sara turned back, seeing only splattered blood and Zaro's intact form in Shadow Camo. The construct gathered power for another assault.
The Elite Guardian's cores flared brighter with each passing second, cycling through elemental energies at a dizzying speed. Fire, ice, lightning, water and shadow swirled together, radiating a palpable aura of destruction. The runes on the arena walls glowed brighter in response, casting eerie light across the battlefield.
Zaro stepped forward, deactivating Shadow Camo and letting the dark ripples dissipate from his form. He rolled his shoulders, muscles tensing with anticipation. Enough sneaking around, he thought. Let’s see what this thing is really made of.
Marcus, keep its focus for as long as you can, Zaro barked, his voice sharp with authority. Ezra, Sara, and Chad, support him. Tom, look for weak points, but don’t overextend. I’ll take point.
You’re going head to head with that thing? Chad asked incredulously, adjusting his hat as if trying to process the madness.
Yeah, Zaro replied, flexing his fingers as void energy began to swirl around his fists. It’s time I earned my keep.
The Guardian roared, its liquid metal armor rippling as it launched a volley of attacks. Lightning streaked toward Marcus, who absorbed the blow with his shield, staggering but holding his ground. Ezra’s shadow infused arrows zipped through the air, striking at exposed joints in the construct’s limbs, while Sara launched carefully timed fireballs at the ice core. Chad's spells shielded the group from the worst of the elemental onslaught.
Zaro surged forward, his enhanced Strength and Agility letting him weave through the chaos with ease. He closed the gap in seconds leaping into position just as the Guardian’s massive arm swung toward him. He ducked low, the strike missing by inches, and retaliated with a devastating Shadow Strike, charged at four times its usual power.
The first punch connected with a thunderous impact, the void energy tearing through the Guardian’s metal plating. The damage rippled outward, shattering pieces of its armor. The most damage Zaro had ever dealt in a single attack. He smirked and got ready to dig in. Stepping into his next attack.
The Guardian fired a flurry of beams into Zaro that took nearly half of his health in one shot, the force almost throwing him against the wall. He used the force to orient his feet in the wall and jumped off of it back to throw another strike. He would have to finish this fast.
He unleashed a flurry of blows, each one a 4 times charge Shadow Strike. The construct reeled as punch after punch hammered its core and limbs. Each strike hit with precision, void energy bypassing its defenses to tear into its core. From a green inner glow to yellow in his system.
The new update to the system seemed to show him a glimpse of a health bar when his attacks did damage. The bar would show up briefly and evaporate.
He dodged an attack and let the hands go, three more shadow strikes in a row devastated the enemy. Crunch. Crash, Crunch.
Zaro danced around the Guardian’s retaliatory strikes, his enhanced agility keeping him one step ahead. The construct’s massive claws raked through the air where he had been seconds before, its attacks growing more frantic as Zaro’s assault continued.
Five down, Zaro muttered under his breath, void energy crackling around his fists. He pivoted on his heel, dodging another elemental strike, and delivered his final punch directly into the Guardian’s central core. His mana depleted.
The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the arena, void energy surging into the construct and destabilizing its energy matrix. The enemy's health was destabilized completely.
A notification was muted.
The Elite Guardian stumbled, its movements erratic as cracks spread across its glowing cores. With a final, guttural roar, it collapsed, its elemental energy discharging harmlessly into the air. The metallic frame crumbled into a heap of shimmering fragments, its power extinguished.
The room fell silent, save for the crackling of residual magic. Zaro stood amidst the remains of the Guardian, his chest heaving as void energy flickered around his body. Sweat dripped from his brow, but a triumphant grin split his face.
He had to halt the reflex to pop a health potion and use Eye of the Storm instead. He took 20 seconds to heal a chunk of his health and then checked his notifications.
Achievement unlocked, Heavy Hitter. The System drawled. Over 1,200 damage dealt within 60 seconds. Reward: +1 strength and +1 agility.
Note. You hit like a mule on a mission.
His team rushed forward, their expressions a mix of awe and relief. Marcus clapped him on the back. That was insane. You went toe to toe with that thing and didn’t even flinch.
Didn’t have time to, Zaro replied with a chuckle, trying to act normal as the pain started to dissipate from his mana depletion.
Ezra retrieved a fragment of the Guardian’s core, examining its intricate design. You didn’t just weaken it, she said, turning the piece over in her hands. You destroyed it completely.
Team effort, Zaro replied, glancing around at his companions. Every one of you did your part. I just delivered the final blow.
The System chimed in. Experience gained, 1,800. 2,550 of 3,300. 750 until level 13.
Loot drop detected. Core Fragment of Elemental Chaos.
System Alert. Quest completed.
Zaro muted the notification for now.
He knew what it was about.
Chad adjusted his hat, an impressed smirk tugging at his lips. Well, if you’re going to show off, I guess that’s the way to do it.
With the labyrinth completed the dungeon reward would come.
There were 7 chests that appeared near the front entrance. When the group was passing by they opened them quick. After all, this was the entire point of a dungeon. The battles, the upgrades and the loot.
Zaro marveled at his first level 35 labyrinth dungeon reward chest. He took the moment in with all its brilliance. He had earned this and his excitement was more than anything he had ever felt.
Zaro reached forward and opened the chest. The ornate lid creaked as it revealed its contents. A faint crimson glow bathed his face as a single scroll lay nestled inside. The energy from the scroll pulsed softly, drawing his attention like a heartbeat.
The voice of the System filled his mind. Well now, partner. You’ve wrangled yourself a fine piece of treasure. That there is Blood Bargain. Risk your own life for power. This one ain’t for the faint of heart.
Zaro picked up the scroll. Learn skill? Popped up in the air next to it. Zaro focused on confirm. Heat surged through his body as knowledge of the skill began to integrate with his system. The System continued. Blood Bargain lets you sacrifice your health to boost your strength, intellect, or speed. The bigger the gamble, the bigger the gain. Be careful though. You don’t wanna bite off more than you can chew. The scroll began to burn and turn to ashes as he learned it. The embers absorbed into his skin.
The energy felt both thrilling and heavy, as if warning him of its cost. A second notification appeared in his vision. Upgrade available. Spend one Skill Upgrade Point to enhance Blood Bargain? The description was just question marks.
Zaro dismissed the notification. Not yet, he thought. This wasn’t the time to explore what might come next.
The rest of the group approached their own chests. Each treasure pulsed with its own energy, resonating with the person it was meant for.
Marcus reached into his chest and withdrew a glowing blue scroll. Steel Resolve. A skill that strengthens shield techniques and enhances durability. He nodded and tucked the scroll into his gear.
Ezra stepped forward to retrieve a dark purple scroll. Arcane Archer’s Mark. A skill designed to amplify precision and infuse ranged attacks with whatever affinity energy the user had. She studied the runes carefully before slipping it into her pack.
Chad’s chest revealed a green scroll crackling with sparks. Fleetfoot. A skill that enhances reflexes and agility, making the user faster and harder to hit. Chad tilted his hat and grinned. Just my speed.
Tom’s reward was a fiery red scroll radiating intense heat. Blazing Strikes. A skill that adds fire-based effects to melee attacks. He tested the energy briefly before nodding with approval.
Sara lifted a radiant scroll shifting between gold and silver light. Arcanist’s Purge. A spell that cleanses curses and dispels harmful magic. She smiled, already imagining its uses.
Ramrod reached into his chest and pulled out a weighty scroll surrounded by earthy tones. Stonebreaker. A skill that increases raw strength and shatters defenses with powerful strikes. Ramrod gave a rare smirk before adding the scroll to his inventory.
With the rewards claimed, the team regrouped. Zaro stood silently for a moment, glancing in the system at the Blood Bargain skill. He knew it would be risky, but the potential was undeniable.
Alright. Zaro’s voice cut through the silence. Let’s move out. We’ve got what we came for. No sense waiting around for the labyrinth to change its mind.
The group followed him out of the Reward Chamber and into the sunlight. The oppressive tension of the labyrinth faded, replaced by relief and camaraderie. Chad stretched his arms and yawned loudly. I’m voting for a week of rest after this one. No arguments.
Ezra smirked. Rest for you means trouble for the rest of us. You’d get bored in two days.
Ramrod huffed as he adjusted his weapon. Focus. We need to analyze these scrolls and prepare for what’s next. This wasn’t just any labyrinth.
Zaro walked slightly ahead of the group, rolling his shoulders as he activated Blood Bargain experimentally. He gave 10% of his health for 10% strength. It felt as if he was stabbed in the shoulder and he immediately felt the change. It was only 3 points but his muscles bulged. The sensation of power surging through him was both exhilarating and heavy. He canceled the skill quickly, unwilling to test its limits here. The System spoke again. Well partner, now you’ve had a taste. This skill’s got potential. Let’s see if you’ve got the grit to use it right.
Zaro tightened his grip on his voidfang as they made their way toward the guild. Blood Bargain was only the beginning. Bigger challenges loomed ahead, and he knew his team would be ready for them.