[Phoenix Headquarters]
"Are you sure your team is ready for the Labyrinth?" Norman asked.
"Yes, I'm sure. We have trained for the last two weeks without any rest. So I can say we are prepared for it." Ethan replied.
"Still, be careful," Norman said, worrying about his son.
"Okay. I will keep that in mind." Ethan nodded and left the room.
He headed to the training ground, where his team and a few executives were waiting for him. They greeted him with respect and admiration.
"Young master, are you ready?" Trevor asked.
"Yes. By the way, how much do you know about Labyrinths?" Ethan asked.
"Oh, if it is about Labyrinths, then there are only four of them in the world, but one of them can't be accessed unless the other three are cleared. According to most theories, they are formed when multiple dungeons come together." Trevor explained.
"Okay." Ethan said.
"Sir, we are ready to move." A member informed them.
"Okay. Let's go." Trevor said.
They all got into their respective cars and drove to their destination. They got out of the car and stood before a large red-colored portal.
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"Okay. Young master, from here onwards, your team will enter the Labyrinth. If you fail to get out of it within three days, then we will enter the Labyrinth to help you." Trevor said.
"Okay." Ethan said and turned his head towards his team.
He noticed a change and determination in his teammates. They looked at him with trust and confidence.
"Let's go." He commanded as he strode towards the portal, followed by his team.
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As soon as Ethan's team entered the portal, they saw the status window pop up on their screens.
[You have entered the 1st floor of Demonus Labyrinth]
[1st floor quest is generating]
[Objective]
☆ Kill 200 marrowswifts
[Rewards]
☆ Access to the 2nd floor.
"This is gonna be annoying." Ethan muttered as he looked at the status window. He scanned the surroundings and saw a dark and rocky terrain, with cracks and holes on the ground.
"Marrowswift? I've never heard of them." Leo said as he looked at the status window. He frowned, wondering what kind of monsters they were.
"Well, that's because they are rare monsters." Mike said.
"Are they dangerous?" Mia asked, feeling nervous.
"No, rather than dangerous, they are annoying." Mike said.
"What do you mean?" Leo asked, feeling curious.
"You will know when you try to fight them." Mike said, smiling wryly.
"Okay, but how are we supposed to find them?" Mia asked, looking around.
"Oh, they look like mongooses and they usually travel through underground tunnels." Mike said, pointing at the holes on the ground. "They can sense vibrations and sounds, so they will come out if we make some noise."
"I found one." Dagger said as he pointed at a marrowswift that emerged from a hole. He saw its red eyes and yellow fur, and felt a surge of adrenaline.
He quickly rushed at it and thrust his daggers at its chest. He expected to feel the impact of his blades, but instead he felt a sharp pain on his wrist. He looked down and saw blood dripping from his wound.
The marrowswift had dodged his attack and swiftly retreated after scratching his wrist with its sharp claws. It made a squeaky sound and disappeared into another hole.
"Damn." Dagger cursed as he realized what happened. He wrapped a bandage around his wrist and glared at the hole.
"What happened? How can they be so fast?" Leo asked, amazed by the morpecko's speed.
"Yes, being fast is their specialty, but what makes them annoying is that they use their surroundings very efficiently." Mike said, admiring the morpecko's skill. "They can use the holes and rocks to hide and attack, and they also love to taunt and mock their enemies."
"Then how are we supposed to get rid of 200 of them?" Mia asked, feeling hopeless.
"Yeah, we... aag." Leo wanted to continue, but a rock hit him on the head. He groaned and rubbed his head, feeling a bump. He looked towards the point from where the rock came and saw a few marrowswifts wielding slingshots.
"Quo qou." They provoked him by gesturing their fingers and laughing. They seemed to enjoy making fun of him.
"You!" Leo gritted his teeth and rushed towards them, feeling angry. He wanted to punch them and make them pay.
But they quickly borrowed into the ground, disappearing from sight. They left behind a trail of dust and laughter.