"We must all venture into the Labyrinth," Ethan declared, his voice unwavering and determined.
"Are you certain about this?" Norman interjected, seeking to sway Ethan from his decision.
"Yes, I am," Ethan affirmed, his tone steady and logical. "Despite the inherent risks, if our adversaries have successfully navigated it, then the threat posed within will only be compounded."
Having carefully considered the situation, Ethan had assessed the risks and benefits, ultimately arriving at a calculated conclusion.
Norman sighed and nodded.
He knew Ethan was right, but he still wanted to protect him.
He wanted to be by his side, to fight with him, to die with him if necessary.
"Okay. I understand. I will go with you." Norman said, his voice resolute and firm.
"Thank you, Father," Ethan responded, his voice tinged with both gratitude and concern, "but I cannot allow you to put yourself in harm's way,"
Ethan continued, his tone unwavering yet gentle. "Your place is here, leading and protecting our guild. I need you to stay and safeguard our home while we confront this threat."
Norman's expression softened, understanding dawning in his eyes as he recognized the weight of Ethan's words.
With a nod of acceptance, he reluctantly acquiesced, silently pledging to fulfill his duty to the guild and his son.
"Alright. Look after yourself, son," Norman said, rising from his seat with a heavy heart.
"I'll do my best, Dad," Ethan responded, watching as Norman departed from the meeting room.
"Don't worry too much. We'll stand by his side," Hans assured, his tone brimming with confidence and reassurance.
"Of course, Guildmaster," Trevor chimed in respectfully, his obedience evident in his tone.
"So, when do we launch our assault on the Labyrinth?" Andrew inquired.
"Tomorrow," Ethan declared decisively. "Until then, everyone should rest and prepare. We'll reconvene tomorrow fully prepared for what lies ahead." With that, Ethan concluded the meeting, leaving his comrades to make their final preparations.
Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.
-------
[After a day]
Ethan and his companions approached the entrance of the Labyrinth, a looming stone archway adorned with cryptic symbols.
A palpable chill hung in the air, accompanied by a foreboding sense of dread gnawing at their hearts.
They understood all too well the peril that awaited them within—the labyrinthine filled with traps, monsters, and hidden dangers.
Moreover, they were acutely aware that the Demon guild and Blood Hound lay in wait within, poised to engage them in a deadly confrontation.
As they stood before the entrance, a silent exchange of nods passed between them, a silent affirmation of their readiness and unwavering resolve.
Each member of the group had diligently prepared for this pivotal moment, and none among them harbored any intention of faltering or retreating now.
With steely determination etched upon their faces, they steeled themselves for the daunting trials that lay ahead, unified in their commitment to confront whatever challenges the Labyrinth had in store.
"Is everyone prepared?" Ethan queried, casting a steady gaze upon his companions.
"Yes," came the resolute response, echoing in unison from the assembled group members.
"Excellent. Let's proceed," Ethan declared with a nod.
Drawing in a deep breath, Ethan took the first step forward, crossing the threshold of the Labyrinth.
His team, comprised of Hans, Trevor, Andrew, and other designated leaders, followed closely behind, accompanied by a multitude of players brimming with determination and resolve.
[Welcome to Asura Temple]
As Ethan and his team ventured deeper into the Labyrinth, bracing themselves for the anticipated darkness and danger, they were instead greeted by an unexpected sight—a vast expanse of verdant plains stretched out before them.
Grass swayed gently in the breeze, trees cast dappled shadows upon the ground, and distant hills undulated against the horizon.
The sky above was a serene blue, adorned with billowing clouds, and the sun bathed the landscape in warm, golden light.
At first glance, it appeared to be a tranquil and idyllic scene—a stark contrast to the foreboding reputation of the Labyrinth.
Yet, despite the superficial beauty of their surroundings, Ethan and his team remained wary.
They understood all too well that appearances could be deceiving, and beneath the guise of this picturesque landscape lurked unseen perils and treacheries.
They knew that within the Labyrinth, danger could manifest in the most unexpected forms, and they remained ever vigilant as they ventured forth into the unknown.
[You've arrived at the first floor]
The blue screen popped up.
[Objective: Survive the attacks of the monsters and reach the exit]
[Time Limit: 24 hours]
[Hint: The exit is hidden somewhere in the plain. Use your senses and your skills to find it]
[Warning: The monsters are strong and vicious. Do not underestimate them]
[Good luck]
As they read the cryptic message displayed before them, a surge of confusion mingled with curiosity swept through Ethan and his team.
They pondered the nature of the challenge that lay ahead—what manner of monsters they would encounter, where the exit might be concealed, and how they would navigate through this enigmatic landscape.
Their musings were abruptly interrupted by a grisly sight that met their eyes—an array of mangled and bloodied corpses littered the verdant plain before them.
Some of the fallen creatures were familiar, while others appeared strange and utterly horrifying.
Wounds and scars marred their lifeless forms, stark reminders of the brutal and merciless battles that had taken place.
Amidst the carnage, a portal gleamed ominously at the center of the plain, its shimmering surface like a mocking invitation.
Ethan and his team exchanged uneasy glances, a silent acknowledgment of the grim reality that awaited them within the depths of the Labyrinth.
[This floor has already been cleared]
As the voice echoed once more, confirming their suspicions, Ethan and his team exchanged knowing glances.
It became apparent that this floor had already been conquered, leaving them with no immediate challenge to face.
"They've beaten us to it," Emily spat, her voice laced with bitterness and resentment towards their adversaries.
"Then we press on," Ethan declared, his tone resolute and brimming with impatience.
With a firm nod, he signaled for the group to move forward, their determination unwavering as they forged ahead into the depths of the labyrinth, undeterred by the setbacks they encountered along the way.
[Would you like to move to the next floor?]