A violet pair of pretty orbs, glowing as bright as the sun and as beautiful as amethyst, shifted left and right in the scenery of green. There was only silence in the air, only the simple rustling of the leaves and cracking of the branches to be heard.
There were grazing animals, there were bugs and little critters, some birds and some dragonflies. It was a lively and verdant forest, buzzing with life but no people to be seenー or at least, it should have been the usual case.
However, today was far from the usual. There was but one lone figure standing in the lush and viridescent wilderness, standing still as he focused his mind, eyes reaching out kilometers away. It didn't take long before he confirmed no one else was present.
『Yuna, have everyone prepared.』 ［Grey］
『Un! Got it!』 ［Yuna］
Peace looming all over the place, Grey soon reached out his hand and a gateー no, correctionー several gates opened up one after another, numbering no less than a hundred, each spanning over 5 meters in radius.
Coming out of those gates were valiant knights, some having swords on their waists, some having spears on their backs, some wielding shields, some a pair of daggers, and some a handy bow in tow, numbering over 500 men and women.
Soon, a pair of familiar figures came out. One was a young lady with fluttering silver hair and pointy ears, and the other was a lady with fierce red hair like that of burning flames. Both were beautiful and gorgeous like the flowers around them.
"So this is the rumored 'Gate', huh... I see now..." ［Cynthia］
"Hahaha. I hope it lives up to the rumors." ［Grey］
"It certainly does... I can now see why the knights have been looking up to you... And... It seems like we're already near Veltofar, are we not?" ［Cynthia］
"That's correct. About 6 kilometers away, to be exact." ［Grey］
Explained Grey and the General nodded in silence. Along with the knight, she also looked around the surroundings and quenched her curiosity. They don't exactly know where they are, but they know for a fact that they're far away from the Royal Capital.
The days have passed, and after waiting a whole lot of time, it was finally time for the Labyrinth of Thunder to open. That also means that adventurers and merchants from all over the kingdom and even from foreign countries have gathered near Veltofar.
Of course, as usual, knights would also be involved in the conquestー or at least, they were opposed to. But after the recent chaos and purification of the Kingdom, things had gone out of hand and the Kingdom didn't have time to send the knights.
Thankfully, Grey and Yuna were to the rescue. With a quick use of gates, they were able to quickly transport the whole conquest team in but a jiffy, everyone equipped with the best gear, cloaks wrapping around them for safety and covert reasons.
"Amazing... Are we really in the Mardfoll Forest?"
"This looks unfamiliar, but this fauna, there's no doubt about it."
"So this is the ability of His Highness... What a superb ability..."
It wasn't just superb, it was totally broken. So much so, that if Grey were to use it for evil purposes, no one in the world would be able to stop him. Just his combat power was already high enough, and now, such an ability... It was too broken.
Hearing rumors from the knights and soldiers, the General had expected a lot from Grey's ability, thinking that the young man could use it to connect two distant places simultaneously, and making undetected infiltration much easier.
She was correct, but at the same time, not. She even though they'll be taking several stops before arriving near Veltofar, however, don't even mention a few, they only took one trip, the knights pouring out in a couple dozen gates in just mere moments,
Forget about their power. If he wills it, Grey could send an entire battle-ready army into the battlefield in just a couple of moments. He could easily wage war with any country and conquer lands as if it was nobodies' business, in just a matter of minutes.
If Grey were amongst the ranks of the enemies during the Civil War, even if it was his only ability, they would have surely lost. Just thinking about the hellish nightmare they would have fought was enough to give the General a run for her money.
"Lord Grey, by any chance... You aren't planning on conquering any Kingdoms or countries sooner or later, are you?" ［Cynthia］
"No, I'm not, and don't worry, I won't use it for something unreasonable. I just want to live a peaceful life with Yuna. Plus, doing that is too bothersome." ［Grey］
"I see... That's a great relief then..." ［Cynthia］
"Hey, I just heard my name. Did anyone call me?" ［Yuna］
Thankfully, it seems like Cynthia won't have a chance to fight Grey anytime soon. Not that she wants to anyway. She could now sweep away the useless thoughts and just focus on what matters more right now. The Labyrinth of Thunder.
Without wasting any more time, Grey and Yuna then led the General and the Knights towards the location of the Labyrinth, a suspicious mound soon appearing over the distance, screaming the name of "Adventure" just by looking at it.
Of course, around the Labyrinth were new structures which weren't there just a few weeks ago. There were temporary stalls, a couple walls, some tents and camps, and a handful of carriages parked around as people poured in time and time again.
After all, it isn't the Adventurers only who would earn a lot from the place. There were also merchants who'll be dealing with all sorts of stuff, waiting by the entrance to snag themselves some deals and earn a profit by taking advantage of the opportunity.
"The Labyrinth of Thunder... It's been quite some time." ［Cynthia］
"Right... The General did participate in Dungeon Dives before." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. It's been over two decades since I last did and I was still a B-ranker by then. Though, mind you, Your Highness, I'm sure I still got it within me." ［Crynthia］
"Fufufu! I believe in you, General!" ［Yuna］
Much like them, it was also an opportunity for the Kingdom to earn a large sum for the repairs and the rehabilitation of the people. It was also the reason why they sent so many Knights, and even the General to go fill up the funds.
They continued to tread the grassy plains, and soon enough, the Labyrinth was less than a couple hundred kilometers away. The entrance doesn't look much different than before, but it will surely change a lot once the Labyrinth starts to wake.
However, rather than a bright and wonderful scene, what welcomed everyone was a loud and boisterous commotion where two large groups of people were having a spat with one another, their voices ringing all throughout the place,
"Like I said, we should be the ones who get to enter the Labyrinth first! Don't you know that Lord Shuren already promised us?!" ［???］
"That's absurd! I have never heard of anything like this! We shall proceed with the regular instructions! There's no need to change the rules!" ［???］
"What do you mean?! The word of the Lord is the Law! Are you really trying to drive us out right now?! Us, the Burlow Merchant Group?!" ［???］
"Whatever the case may be, the management of the Labyrinth falls under the direct jurisdiction of the Adventurers' Guild! That's how it has always been!" ［???］
And as it seems, in the two groups involved, one was the Burlow Merchant Group, and the other was the Adventurers' Guild Guildmaster. It wasn't an especially big group, however, it is a growing merchant group, influencing the neighboring towns.
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Of course, just because they have a little bit of influence, it doesn't mean that they could just flail it around and get whatever they want. It is all because of the bastard Viscount's fault for accepting large sums of money and obvious bribes.
The Adventurer's' Guild Guidlmaster tried to do everything she could to make them understand, however, it was futile. They neither want to listen to her nor comply with her terms. They were another bunch of trash to be cleaned up.
"Guildmaster Harriette, why don't you give up on this matter now? I, Burlow, promise to allow you to enter the Labyrinth after a few days." ［Burlow］
"Are you insane?! Do you understand what you just said?!" ［Harriette］
"Of course, I do. Was I perhaps too generous with my offer? If so, theー" ［Burlow］
"Hey, what's happening around here?" ［Cynthia］
It was painful to watch and even more so to listen. After hearing both sides blabber for a few moments, the General had decided to step up and intervene in the matters the two forces were arguing about and fix the issue before anything else.
The very moment the Guildmaster saw the General, her expression immediately turned pale, and so did some of the adventurers who recognized her. However, in light of the argument, she asked them silently to keep quiet with a subtle smile,
As for the leader of the Merchant Group, he was awfully unaware who she was. He may be a bit influential in these parts, but he has never stepped foot in the Royal Capital, and so, he didn't realize who it was standing before him.
"Umm... Boss, I think we should let this matter go. That'sー Ugh!"
"Stop spouting bullshit!" ［Burlow］
Someone who recognized the General tried to warn him, however, before he could even finish his words, he was halted with a hard hit to the head by the angry Burlow. He tried to whisper, but his words rang out loud and clear.
Grey didn't even need to use his eyes. Just seeing what's currently happening, and the conversation from before was enough for them to know who the bad guy was. It also weighed on the fact that the merchants were also dealing with the late Viscount.
"Hah? And who are you?" ［Burlow］
"I'm a knight from the Royal Capital, here to participate in the Labyrinth conquest. Is there anything else you want to say?" ［Cynthia］
"I see... I apologize for my rudeness, Dame." ［Burlow］
He was arrogant at first, however, as soon as he realized the General was from the Royal Capital, he immediately changed attitudes and became a lot more respectful. Still, he wasn't one who'll simply give up because of some knight.
It wasn't the first time the General dealt with such bastards, and so, she deliberately hid her identity so that she could fully hear what really was happening without anyone bending the story to their favor. It was perfect especially for merchants like Burlow.
The General couldn't do anything about the Guildmaster, but it was enough for her. She has visited Veltofar before, and already met her as well. She is the daughter of the previous Guildmaster who also happens to be an acquaintance.
"Can you explain what's happening here?" ［Cynthia］
"Of course, Dame. You see...." ［Burlow］
One after another, Burlow and the Guildmaster started their stories and explained to the General what exactly was happening. It started rough at first, however, they soon got to the main point, their stories surprisingly matching one another.
It was just as they overheard. The Guildmaster was simply leading the Adventurers and Merchants towards the Labyrinth of Thunder, when all of a sudden, they were greeted by the Burlow Merchant Group who already took up camp everywhere.
The latter had claimed that they had paid the idiot Viscount a hefty sum so that they could get inside the Labyrinth first. However, their real objective was the monopoly of the Labyrinth and getting rid of all the competitors.
In turn, it made the Merchants and Adventurers who had been participating in the Labyrinth Dive quite upset. The fact that they were trying to monopolize the whole Labyrinth for themselves is against tradition and the law as well.
"Grey... I want to dive already... Can't we just beat them up?" ［Yuna］
"Yuna, why have you been so temperamental as of late?" ［Grey］
"Nothing, really... Just look at his face. It's screaming for a beating," ［Yuna］
Said Yuna, looking quite upset, as she glared at Burlow. The Labyrinth was already close to opening, and normally, it would have been time to prepare already. Yet here they are, still quelling an argument. Who wouldn't be upset?
To resolve the topic, the Guildmaster had suggested to just battle it up, and decide with which side was stronger. However, seeing as the Guild has High-Rankers, Burlow quickly declined as it was too disadvantageous for him.
He even offered the High-Rankers to go along with them, knowing that they'll be fighting in the lower floors anyway. There was no need to fight it out when he could just whip out the contract the Viscount had written up for him.
And it may be because of arrogance, but to mock the Guildmaster, he also made an offer, saying that each of them will pick someone from the enemy's team to act as their representative and have them battle it out for the rights over the Labyrinth.
It was a clearly disadvantageous offer for the Guild as the enemy had all sorts of men hired to specifically dive in the Labyrinth, the weakest at least G-rank. Yet the Guild has rookie adventurers which are still at H-rank. Burlow could simply pick amongst the youngsters, and anything after that would be easy.
"I see... In that case, why don't we go with Burlow's suggestion?" ［Cynthia］
"Oh, how wonderful!" ［Burlow］ "Eh?!" ［Harriette］
However, it is also because of that arrogance that he'll meet his downfall. After all, there just so happens to be a young and delicate-looking young lady amongst the knights. All the General had to suggest was quite simple...
"However, rather than the Guild, why don't you pick from the people behind me? You can pick anyone you want." ［Cynthia］
"Anyone, huh... Are you sure you won't regret that? Remember that it's the Diving Rights of the Labyrinth we're talking about here. This is no game." ［Burlow］
"Yes. You can pick anyone you want. However, you can't ever change your decision afterwards. Of course, the same also goes for me." ［Cynthia］
"Hmm... If that's the case, then.... I'll pick... Her!" ［Burlow］
... She simply needed to add fuel to the fire, and soon enough, Burlow made his pick. As one would expect, he skipped out on the bulky and powerful-looking knights, and headed straight to picking a frail-looking and delicate young lady... It was Yuna.
It was ridiculous, the knights barely holding in their laughter as they heard Burlow's decision. They already expected the answer, but it was still completely and utterly hilarious. To think he would pick Yuna out of everyone... It was the peak of stupidity.
"I see... You made an interesting pick. Then in that case, I'll pick... You! The bald guy on the left! The one with bulging muscles!" ［Cynthia］
As for the General, she picked the strongest-looking one, just relying on her senses. He was a C-ranker and also Burlow's right hand man. Compared to Yuna, his body was screaming with muscles, height towering over the others.
After all, if they want to show just how overwhelmingly powerful they are, they must completely show the difference between them and their enemies. There was no need to go for small fries. Taking down the strongest was more than enough,
"Hahaha. You won't regret choosing this, right, Dame?" ［Burlow］
"Of course not. I swear it on my name as a knight." ［Cynthia］
The General had sworn on her title, and a devious smile had bloomed on Burlow's face. The latter didn't even think of the possibility of losing and simply celebrated on his own, salivating at the thought of victory and profits. He was really moronic.
There was no time to waste. As soon as everything was decided, everyone made way for Yuna and the large thug to have a battle. The first to knock out the other or throw them out of bound wins. Everything was also valid, be it wounds or injuries.
"Then, without further ado... Start!" ［Cynthia］
The fight has started and cheers rang all over the place. The side of the merchants were smiling ever so happily, while the side of the Guild was nervous as can be. Not a single one of them knew who exactly Yuna was. It was far too worrying.
"Hehehe! Now, why don't we play around, little giー"
However... Such worry was soon turned to surprise after the very next scene. Before anyone could even notice, Yuna had suddenly vanished and soon reappeared before the man. She was far too fast, the General only catching a blur of her figure.
"You talk too much." ［Yuna］
Such was her only words, soon clenching her fist tightly and putting some power behind it. She has been looking forward to the Labyrinth, and now, some fools are bothering her. She was not happy in the slightest.
BOOOOOOMMMMMM BOOM BOOM BOOM
Pouring all her resentment into the punch, Yuna connected her fist to the enemy's solar plexus, soon blasting him away. He was blasted so fast, sonic booms echoed one after another, the huge man clearing away a line as he was shot away.
The man couldn't even change his expression as she received Yuna's punch, and yet, in just a single second, he was already out of bounds, flung several hundred meters until his figure vanished into the horizon.
Everyone was surprised at the results, unable to believe what they just witnessed with their own two eyes. After all, who could have expected such a young and slim lady could send someone over 10 times her size flying. It was unbelievable.
Soon after launching the huge man away, Yuna's eyes peered towards the enemies, specifically to Burlow. They were both cold and sharp, ready to cut the latter up in an instant. Just a single glare was enough to send shivers down his spine.
"You have nothing more to say, right?" ［Yuna］
"N-No! Not at all! You won fair and square!" ［Burlow］
Or so he says, but deep down, he wanted to say something. However, Yuna's cold and murderous glare was certainly something else, enough to warrant both fear and intimidation to those which happened to catch her glance.
It was only then that the Guildmaster realized who Yuna was. She had been looking for the two S-rankers who had signed themselves up for the dive, but to no avail. She now knows full well why the General was so confident.
"Then, that settles it. We'll be using the usual rules, and everyone will dive as per the rules. Anyone who breaks them will be punished accordingly." ［Cynthia］
WHOOOHOOOO OOOHHHHHH YEEEAAAAHHHHH
A loud and lively cacophony of cheers and applause rang throughout the vicinity as Cynthia made her announcement, the Adventurers and other Merchants celebrating the fact that they can now set up camp and prepare for the dive.
Of course, the General didn't just leave the matters be. It was still a fact that Burlow violated the laws regarding Labyrinth diving and must be punished for it. Otherwise, more and more idiots will take after him. It would be too troublesome.
"Oh, right,.. And before I forget. The name is Cynthia til Shaleburg. With my authority as the General, I am arresting you for the crimes of bribery, violation of several laws in the Labyrinth code, and so on. Iー." ［Cynthia］
"W-W-Wait! Dameー No, General! Your Grace! This is a misunderstanding! Why don't we talk this over over a cup of tea?" ［Burlow］
"... Double the charges of bribery and take him away," ［Cynthia］
"Wait! Wait! Your Grace, you're making a mistake! This is......" ［Burlow］
The merchant tried to negotiate, but rather than get away with it, he only made his case even heavier. As soon as he was taken away, all the other affiliated merchant groups quickly turned quiet and everyone didn't try to argue any longer.
Just like that, the preparations for the Labyrinth dive finished quietly smoothly. All the adventurers and merchants set up camp and their stalls, everyone happy and excited as can be, looking forward to the activation of the Labyrinth.
Meanwhile, Grey, Yuna, and the General were brought into a tent for a short briefing regarding the Labyrinth. As usual, High-Rankers will be going first to light the place up, followed by the knights eliminating threats, and soon, the other adventurers.
It was a process Grey and Yuna were all too familiar with, so it didn't take long before they headed back towards the Labyrinth entrance, a dark and eerie cavern greeting them casually. Inside it was so much mana, it was practically paradies.
KHIIIEEEKKKK GIEEEEEKKK URRUUUKKKKK
And just in time, monsters have started spawning one after another. The torchstones have yet to be activated so they were spawning slowly, still, there were already more than a hundred of them that Grey had detected.
There weren't just H-rank monsters, but G-rank monsters as well who belonged to the Lightning-attribute. As the Guildmasger continued his address to the participants, a whole lot more of them spored, their subtle cries resounding in the air.
"Then, Without further ado...! Let the dive begin!" ［Harriette］
BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM
The Guildmaster yelled to the top of her lungs, and a series of booms followed after her. The High-Rankers have started bolting inside the Labyrinth, the torchstones lit up time and time again like a river of stars spanning as far as the eyes can see.
The High-Rankers were fast, and the General was even faster. However, even then, she couldn't compare to Grey and Yuna, the two leaving nothing but their powerful yet lib steps left behind. Breaking the sonic barrier was a simple task for them.
However, just when they rushed forth a few kilometers already, the whole place was void of any monsters and demonic beast, not a single trade of any enemies to be seen. Considering that it was the Labyrinth, it was far too strange...
"Hm? is the Labyrinth bro... ken...? Eh?" ［Yuna］
WHOOOOONNNGGGGG CRACKLE CRACKLE BOOOMMM
The young lady couldn't even finish her words, when suddenly, the ground started to glow as they passed, and soon enough, bolts of electricity ran rampant all throughout the place and explosions followed soon after.
They were traps, and not just one, but several hundred landmine-type traps which were scattered all throughout the Labyrinth. They weren't exactly dangerous themselves, however, it was more than enough to paralyze the unlucky victims.
Of course, such traps were of no effect to Grey and Yuna. Forget about getting hurt, the mines' explosions couldn't even catch up to them. They all exploded one after another, turning the massive corridors into one riddled with explosions.
"Hey, Yuna... You're setting them all off on purpose, aren't you?" ［Grey］
"Teehee!" ［Yuna］
"Don't 'teehee!' me... Haah... Really..." ［Grey］
Rather, the young lady was having a lot of fun activating the traps and riddling the whole place with explosions. It was as if she was playing hopscotch, only that there was a followup explosion with each step she took.
While it was good for the other adventurers' perspective that the traps have been set off, the way Yuna does it... Well, it was somehow off-putting. There was no one crazy enough in the world who'd do the same. It was amazing... One way or another...
"Fufufu! Come on, Grey. Join me!" ［Yuna］
"Yuna..." ［Grey］
CHAPTER 434 END