Upon entering the guild hall Antoris didn’t miss our arrival as he stood waiting for us with Xander and Astrid sitting on a table nearby.

"Ah, I see you three have arrived, excellent. It is about time we begin this expedition. The Graced Clans are arriving now as we speak." He said as if I couldn’t hear the roar of the crowd outside.

I merely hummed in my usual demeanour, “Looks like we’re just in time too, a few low-ranked members of Graced Clans are that big of a deal, huh?”

Antoris chuckled at my remark. "We haven’t even started Kazu,” he said with a laugh as if the situation was already amusing enough. "Go ahead and take a seat with Xander and Astrid. This shouldn't take long, but it is important,” Antoris stated before gesturing to the table nearby where they sat.

Xander and his spiked up hair glanced our way with a wolfish grin as he leaned against a slab of steel or rather his large sword that served as a backrest. However, Astrid had a scowl hidden beneath a hardened gaze as her purple eyes held an authority that meant little to me.

Regardless we took our seats and Lilith hid in my shadow, once again holding some grudge against Astrid.

Xander was the first to speak up as he took a breath, "… Been a minute, Kazu. I can’t wait to start the expedition. I haven’t been invited to one in awhile,” he remarked like he was bragging as he stretched his arms in the air.

Astrid huffed and quickly followed up in response, "That’s because you were kicked out of future expedition, for not doing your part as a benefactor. A mistake you can redeem yourself of now." She stated lecturing Xander for his behaviour.

“Nah, I don't think so,” he remarked with a short laugh clearly proud of himself. Even, Reiner clicked his tongue at Xander like he didn’t want to deal with him.

"It really doesn’t matter, Xander will be pulling his weight this time around.” I commented with an air of indifference.

Which led to our attention shifting to the first group of five Graced Clan members that entered the lobby of the guildhall.

Although this group of tanned men and women shouted and laughed as they shoved one another with good nature. It was hard not to miss their furry ears or horns and Tattoo’s that spanned across their skin.

The five members took a seat on the benches at the left side of the lobby, causing the once quiet atmosphere to erupt in their loud banter.

It wasn't long before another group of Graced Clan members came through the lobby doors, it was quite clear they were elves based on their sharp ears, stunning features, and teal hair. They too took their seats on the bench taking up the left side of the lobby.

That left the final group of five Graced Clan members that had entered shortly after. Their embroidered white robe with blood red lines that clearly meant something, but they all screamed of high status.

And yet upon observing them, one individual did catch my attention, I had previously seen him in the Ranking Exam some time ago. Although his name still escaped me. Regardless they sat in the middle of the lobby surrounded by a clear distinction of their superiority.

I could only scoff with a lingering humor before Antoris took the opportunity to call everyone's attention to himself now that everyone was present.

"I'd like to welcome all of you here today, as you are well aware this assembly marks the thirtieth expedition into the Eternal Labyrinth in Vectus. The expedition is under the leadership of Graced Clans present, there is a few things I’d like to go over and introduce the representatives of each Clan here, but I will keep it short,” Antoris stated as he looked between the Clan members that filled the lobby.

Meanwhile, the Clans acknowledged his words in silence, but they all had a sense of arrogance that I had to expect. After all they were Graced Clans and the height of status many could only dream of.

"First off, the duration of expeditions tend to last a week and the floors leading up to the thirtieth floor are rather safe and mapped, albeit the few mana beasts remaining on the upper floors, however, expect to see an increase as you descend. The objective of every expedition is to exterminate the evolved Mana beast supporting the growth of other Mana beasts. Conquering a floor allows Clans to mine and collect any resources on the floor" Antoris explained Like he had done so many times before, but it was informative to me.

Regardless he continued to address everyone, "That brings me to my benefactors, who will aid you all in whatever you may need," Antoris said gesturing to me and the others in the back behind the Clans.

Although, Antoris never had plans to introduce us simply because like he said even members of Graced Clans knew our names.

They murmured within their groups with a mixture of opinions and remarks. It was expected and I dismissed whatever they had to say with a scoff.

Antoris’s momentary interruption continued until he spoke up again. "That’s enough, quiet down,” he stated addressing the Clans.

However, one clan didn’t back down in their murmuring and instead their leader stepped forward as he straightened himself in his white and red robe. “We have every right to voice our opinion. How could we possibly trust these criminals you called benefactors. Know your place, The guild is nothing without the power of the Clans, you should know that," The most mentionable member sneered with a certain amount of authority and caused the surrounding Clans to agree with their own reasons.

However, Antoris listened to their remarks before speaking again. "I’ll say it again, that is enough. My benefactors have been loyal and beneficial to the Guild. I won't have any member of Graced Clans speak such slander. if you disagree, I will be more than willing to take the matter to your Apostle." he stated even if the Clan member scoffed knowing nothing would come from it.

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“You can’t be serious Antoris, my Monarch is far more powerful than you could ever imagine. As for your pathetic benefactors, I have no business with filthy criminals like them. I was just making you aware that I am displeased with the guild’s current changes like many others,” the blonde man said as if his point was proven.

It wasn’t till a growl left Reiners throat as his fist slammed against our table. “Tch, why don’t you ass kissing fools just shut up already, you’re annoying as hell,” he snarled with a click of his tongue before settling back into his seat with a slight scowl. “… I can’t believe I gotta go in a labyrinth with you imbeciles again," he grumbled to himself.

However, it had results even if the blonde scowled back. “And a hound barks when it shouldn't, if not for you that unsightly Xiao beside you, wouldn’t be here… hah. Whatever, you can finish this waste of time, Antoris Vosse,” he spat without another word.

Antoris only sighed and shook his head as he took a few moments before continuing. "Thank you, I understand we have our differences but to successfully conquer the thirtieth floor of the Labyrinth, those differences need to be set aside,” He stated calmly, like he was trying to appease everyone. However, it somewhat settled the subject before he cleared his throat. "Now then, I will begin introducing the S-ranked representatives of each Clan," he said while he once again had the attention of everyone in the lobby.

The Clans and my group waited for Antoris to begin introducing the S-ranking representatives, he did so with a breath of air, clearly annoyed by their attitude but it barely showed on his face.

“We will start with the most notable Graced Clan on this expedition. This is, Grayson Naria of Clan Naria. He was recently accepted into The Clan after having the most potential out of many Patron Clans in the domain, Itus. If you wish to address anything Grayson, don't hesitate to speak up, now," Antoris said as the blonde previously causing the uproar stood from his group of Clansmen.

After hearing his name again, I recalled Grayson, he was the individual that did better than anyone during the Ranking Exam. Although despite the arrogant attitude, He stood out from his group with his nose higher than it needed to be. Which caused his blue eyes to stare down at anyone he deemed inferior, even if he did look ridiculous as he did so.

“Yeah, I got something to say. My clan won’t be waiting or worrying about anyone’s well-being. If you do your job, we will get this over with in a timely manner. So, if anything we are the ones responsible for everyone in the Labyrinth. You will take our orders and carry out what I command with no complaints” he said practically staring down on everyone around us, but I was quite aware it was directed at us specifically.

Yet Antoris could only rub his eyes at Grayson's display, it was obvious he didn't have the patience for the man, and perhaps even other clans.

Regardless after Grayson’s grand display of superiority, he took a seat in his group and Antoris moved on. "Next up is Lyra Aerith of Clan Aerith. she is an S-Rank thought of quite highly in Luceria for the mastery of her battle art and magic,” He stated as another member of the group stood from the bench with a confidence in her posture.

It didn't take much to see that Lyra was an elf and had the stunning features of one, but unlike Grayson she was quite reserved and waved to anyone paying attention.

I could only watch as she took a breath before speaking. "Clan Aerith’s Apostle Lady Ena, has been looking forward to this day since our bid, it is an honour to be selected for the expedition. We have no doubt that we will succeed.” She said before she bowed to the group and sat back down.

Antoris acknowledged her statement before moving on to the final representative introduction, however before he could even say anything a beastmen with red fluffy pierced ears from the right side of the lobby shot up from his spot.

“The Name is Eto Kemonozu of Clan Kemonozu, I am the S-ranked leader of this group. For beastmen this Expedition is a pretty easy time, nothing humans or elves would understand with your weak ass bodies, but we will take you all in there and back without issue, got it?” he remarked causing the two ladies in his group to purr with giggles as they rubbed against his rather built frame.

I could tell Antoris had his fill of this meeting as he took a deep breath. "Yes… this is Eto of Clan Kemonozu famed for their strength and the ultimate Kemonozu battle Art,” he said calmly as he introduced the man as he intended.

The beastmen smirked in triumph before throwing himself back into his seat with the girls around his arms. There were definitely some interesting people here. Regardless, it didn’t matter from their aura’s they were competent, and that was what I needed. If they lived up to their reputations, the Labyrinth was going to be simple.

Antoris wasted no time in moving onto the final order of business, "that concludes the introduction of the S-ranked Clan representatives, now the expedition shall commence. Remember, the Labyrinth is unpredictable, but I believe you all will overcome any challenges that come your way for your Monarchs. I have absolute confidence in you all and await your safe return. Your carriages and the gate taking you the Labyrinth await," he announced as everyone rose from their seats and begun to leave in chatter and completely ignoring us.

Regardless, I stood from my seat followed by Reiner and Lilith who cued our two new companions to rise from their seats. Antoris smiled in his spot clearly wanting a final word with us.

“Your carriage is also waiting outside of the guildhall. I must admit I’m quite excited for this. I will be here waiting when you return.” He stated in front of us as we began our departure.

I hummed at his words before speaking, "See you soon then. it should be an easy time," I remarked in return as he chuckled in response.

"I knew you’d say that, very well. Take care of yourselves," he said with a final smile watching us leave.

Outside of the guildhall the crowds still waved off clans but looked our way with much less enthusiasm, as a few watched us walk past them and toward the carriage parked outside.

Reiner and Lilith were at my side as Xander with his large sword and Astrid followed closely behind.

“Heh. It’s been a while huh? Kazu. Time to get a proper stretch,” Reiner remarked with a grin as we approached the carriage, where our luggage had already been packed and loaded.

“Something like that,” I said stepping into the carriage with the others following behind me.

Once inside and settled in the carriage, we began our journey to the Gate that would be teleporting us to the Eternal Labyrinth in Vectus.

Reiner made himself comfortable beside me with his feet kicked up onto the side Xander and Astrid sat, while Lilith still hid in my shadow next to me with her slight scowl on Astrid.

Regardless this was it, after completing the expedition I would be able to remain on the mainland and find more Bonds, as it stood, I found two already and I took it to my core, their existence made me want to find more.

It wasn't long until the carriage came to a large structure of arched rings and a vortex of Magical Energy that glowed a bright blue.

“Ugh, I hate these gates they always make me feel sick to the stomach,” Xander complained with as our carriage rolled toward it behind the Clans ahead of us.

Astrid huffed in annoyance at his whining. “You better not throw up in here, Xander," she stated causing him to roll his eyes.

“…No promises.” he remarked before I could only let out a sigh as our carriages turn to enter the swirling pool of energy was Imminent.

I found myself a bit content as we rode toward the gate with Reiner and Lilith, specifically. So much had changed since I returned to the mainland and yet there was so much, I still wondered about. The Eternal Labyrinth might have been a minor thing among those things, but I felt like I was moving further down this path that was my life.

Regardless I was ready for what came next as I rested back into the carriage seat.

It was time for the Eternal Labyrinth Expedition to commence.