URRAAAAAKKKK GUAAARRRR
Low and booming voices thundered throughout the corridors, large figures swinging their heavy maces and firing their arrows. The ground shook with every swing and the gales bellowed with every arrow shot.
The Orc King rushed towards the front, his mace swinging and swirling. A loud roar echoed as it screamed, the whole corridor trembling at its every step. Its eyes were red, saliva dripping from its mouth like a feral beast chasing its prey,
Unfortunately for it, it chose the wrong prey. He was a young man, hair black as the night sky and eyes as clear as morningdew. Despite the large figure of the enemy several folds bigger than his, he neither flinched nor panicked.
Rather, he stood his ground and peered towards the enemy. He tilted his head a little and saw another Centaur Warchief join the fray, pulling back their bowstrings and readying themselves to fire at a moments' notice.
GRRROOOOAAARRRRRR
The Orc King roared once more as it closed in on the young man. It raised its heavy mace and with every vein bulging in its arms, it swung it as hard as it could, a loud crash and rumble echoing as the heavy mace struck the ground.
The heavy mace was soon lifted, and both dust and debris crumbled down as it was lifted. However, there was not a single trace of the enemy he had just crushed. There was no blood, no crushed organs, no broken bones, nothing at all.
It tilted its head in confusion, and looked left and right, however, rather than its prey, what it found was pain. A pair of arrows had struck its left shoulder blade. Blood was sprayed on the ground, a pained groan soon echoing in the air.
GUAAAAKKKKKL KURRRR RURRRR
Arrows still stuck in its shoulder blade, the Orc King turned around, seeing two figures before it. They were the Centaur Warchiefs standing from afar, their arrows already fired and they are reloading their bows once more. It was obvious who shot him.
GROOOARRRRR KURAAKKK KURAAKKKK
There was no time to waste. As soon as it identified the target, the Orc King quickly rushed towards the Centaur Warchiefs. The latter didn't waste any time either. As soon as they felt the hostility of the Orc King, they immediately fired their shots.
Arrows were shot and maces were swung. The two forces clashed with one another as their blood dyed the bricky floor and walls red. Screams of agony filled the air and the sound of cracking bones became music floating adrift.
The Orc King brought down its mace and crushed one of the Centaur Warchiefs' left arm. However, the other Centaur Warchief didn't let it be. It soon fired an arrow to the enemy's eye, a pained bellow thundering all over the place as it cried.
Whilst such chaos occurred, and the monsters were brutally killing one another, a single figure watched them from afar. He was hovering in the air, watching the show unfold and taking notes of what he's observing, eyes clear as can be.
"Hmm... The Centaurs are quite weak in close combat, but surprisingly, they can hold their ground, huh... Interesting..." ［Grey］
That figure was none other than Grey, and now, he's taking his sweet time together, learning about the feral nature of monsters and how to better use them against one another. He was like a field biologist, only that it was a far more dangerous job.
Of course, the reason why the monsters are fighting was none other than Grey as well. He had landed on the Orc King's shoulder blade when he dodged, prompting the Centaur Warchiefs to shoot, and the rest is history.
"Hmm... The Orc King seems to be overwhelmed... I guess the Centaur Warchiefs' cooperation is much better than I thought..." ［Grey］
Over an hour has passed since Grey and Yuna arrived at the sixth floor, and after clearing out the traps, they have now arrived on the 7th floor. The monsters are all at least B-rank, with some A-ranks wandering around here and there.
Normally, Grey would finish them off in a jiffy, but now, he decided to let them fight it outー or rather, that was all he could do as he waited for Yuna. He has been waiting for over half an hour already, with no signs of a reply anytime soon.
As for the young lady, she is now experimenting in another zone, trying to see how effective her new concoctions are against the monsters in the Labyrinth. She's been wanting to try them out, hungry for results like the alchemy maniac that she is.
"Hmm... I wonder how she's doー" ［Grey］
BOOOOOOOOMMMM RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE
"... It seems like she's doing just fine." ［Grey］
And as one would expect of concoctions which had to be tried out in the Labyrinth, the destructive power they possessed was no joke. They were just Superior-Grade items, but they are capable enough to even render High-Rankers incapable.
As for why Yuna made such items, she's simply thinking of ways to crush waves of monsters without the help of High-Rankers. Monster waves might happen once more, and people couldn't always rely on the High-Rankers. A sort of last resort, so to say.
Grey had just checked with his "Heaven's Eye" and the firepower behind them was no joke. A few dozen of them would be more than enough to wipe out a whole town. No matter what, they are items which shouldn't fall into the wrong hands.
"Grey, I'm done testing～!" ［Yuna］
Before long, the young lady had returned with a bright smile on her face. It seems like she was satisfied with the result and quite happy that her creation worked out. Grey soon landed back down on the ground to greet the former.
"How'd it go? Was it effective?" ［Grey］
"Un! It takes a few tries, but it should be able to kill B-rank beasts after two or three shots. Well, for the diluted solution, at least." ［Yuna］
"That was all diluted...? Aren't you making something too dangerous, Yuna? I know your intentions are good, but this might get quite risky, you know?" ［Grey］
"I know. That's why I'm trying to see what dilution rate I should go with. I'm throwing 10% right now, so I think 0.5% should be fine. It's capable enough to wipe out E-rank monsters. Something like... What is it... Umm... Grenades, right?" ［Yuna］
The young lady explained calmly, showing Grey the explosive solution she made. It was one which would explode as soon as it's filled with a large amount of mana and gets in contact with air at the same time. An another-world grenade.
People already have means of creating explosions with magic, but normal people who don't know magic could never do anything of the sort. Yuna was still debating whether she should release it to the public, not wanting it to cause troubles as well.
"Well, worst-case scenario, I think we should just keep these to ourselves. These things are far too dangerous." ［Grey］
"Un. I think so too... It's a shame, though... I worked so hard on these..." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. We can't just endanger everyone, after all. I'm sure you'll be able to make something more appropriate next time. Maybe like a long-lasting potion?" ［Grey］
"A healing potion with extended duration, huh... It may make it less effective, but it should be useful in certain situations... Un, I'll try that one." ［Yuna］
"There you go. I know you can do it." ［Grey］
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
There was no need to say anymore. Grey simply patted Yuna's head to cheer her up, the young lady's pointy ears flapping up and down as soon as he did. She may have changed a lot, but she was still the same, adorable Yuna deep down inside.
Wlst Yuna tried not to think of the matter about the explosive concoctions anymore, a peculiar scene made her eyes linger away from Grey. Shocks and crashes echoed all throughout the Labyrinth, blood spilled time and time again.
"By the way, Grey, what are those guys doing?" ［Yuna］
They were the Orc King and Centaur Warchiefs who were still engaging in combat, trading blow for blow and making the ground shake. The latter may be weaker in close-combat, but with two of them, they could fight a fair match.
It has been several minutes since the battle started and heavy wounds have started to appear on the monsters. The Orc King had lost an eye and had its ribs broken, whilst one or the Centaur Warchiefs had lost an arm, the other's head bleeding red.
"Ah, well... I got bored of waiting so I let these guys fight. I'm observing them right now to see how they fight against other monsters." ［Grey］
"Ohh... I see... That might be helpful some time." ［Yuna］
The fierce fight continued and the two parties engaged in brutality, not wanting to back down nor run away. They traded blows, wounds appearing soon after. If anyone were to get in their way, unless they are High-Rankers, they would surely be crushed.
BUHIIIKKKKK GRAAARRRR ORRYYYAAAAA GRAAAARRRR
The Orc King cried and the Centaur Warchief yelled. The former swung its massive mace, sending the latter away. A couple more bones broke and a few more wounds were opened, however, it was going just as planned.
With the Orc King now focused on one of the Centaur Warchiefs, the other one could finally gain some distance and wield its bow. Its eyes may be blurry because it was drenched by its own blood, but it was more than enough.
The Centaur Warchief pulled the bowstring and fired off towards the enemy, a loud boom thundering throughout the Labyrinth as soon as it let go, striking the enemy at breakneck speed without even giving it time to react.
KUAAAARRRRKKKKKK HIIIIKKKKKKK
It was aimed at the head, but because of the blood obscuring its view, it missed. Still, it blew apart and way the Orc King's left shoulder, a loud bellow rocking the Labyrinth as its body screamed in pain. Its glare soon pierced the enemy.
"Ohh～! They are quite the persistent fighters, aren't they?" ［Yuna］
"Well, they're monsters, after all. They won't stop until either their enemies are dead, they are dead, or their target is out of range." ［Grey］
"Hmmn... I already know that, but it's still very fascinating seeing them fight. It would really be dangerous if they're also intelligent, right?" ［Yuna］
"People would have been extinct by now, if that was the case. That's what makes monsters of Calamity-Class and above so dangerous... Now that I think of it, maybe your concoctions aren't that dangerous, after all... Just maybe,.." ［Grey］
Overwhelming monsters, deadly beasts, and dangerous people. Despite Merusia seeming so lovely and peaceful, once you think about it, only then can one realize just how truly terrifying life in Merisia is.
Thankfully, the monsters don't just head straight to people's settlements after they spawn, and what's even better is that they mostly act out on instinct. Otherwise, the whole Salferine population would have already been wiped out.
Well, it's not like people are the only enemies monsters have. There are also beasts which find them annoying and troublesome to deal with. Especially those referred to as "Sovereign" or "Divine" beasts. They go out of their way to eliminate them.
"Are you going to continue observing, Grey?" ［Yuna］
"I was, but... Now that you're here, there's no need to observe any further. I'll just dispose of them real quick and we'll proceed to the next floor." ［Grey］
"Ah! In that case, can I use my concoctions again? I want to see how powerful 0.5%, 1%, and 3% solutions fare against these B-rank monsters!" ［Yuna］
"Umm... Okay, sure... Go ahead." ［Grey］
"Un! Thank you!" ［Yuna］
Grey was about to finish off the Orc King and Centaur Warchiefs, but Yuna has other plans in mind. As soon as Grey gave her his permission, she instantly brightened up, an excited expression blooming on her place as she prepared her things
There was the main solution and the diluent, a few dozen bottles and vials here and there as well. Yuna soon mixed the two liquids together, creating slightly different solutions one after another, colors slightly varying.
"Now, let's see how they fare!" ［Yuna］
The mixing was soon finished and what was left were a couple dozen bottles of 0.5%, 1%, and 3% solutions. Yuna poured a bit of mana in them, and soon hurled them towards the enemy. A massive and deadly explosion followed soon after.
BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM
Well, there wasn't just one or two explosions, but a series of them, exploding one after another like fireworks in the middle of a festival. Only that those fireworks were extremely deadly and the festival was filled with blood.
The unsuspecting monsters were peppered under a rain of death and demise, their pained screams drowned out by the sound of the explosions ringing and silenced by the rumbling ground. Even blood was scorched, only death to be seen.
The enemies were already wounded, but it still doesn't remove the fact that they were deadly. A sea of flames raged on in the Labyrinth, the scent of death looming along the scent of burnt flesh. It was too devastating.
"Yuna... Isn't this a bit overkill?" ［Grey］
"Hm? What do you mean? They're the weakest ones though? I haven't even used the 30%, 50%, and 100% solutions yet." ［Yuna］
"Haha... Just make sure to practice moderation, okay?" ［Grey］
There was no need to hold back. With a bright smile on her face, Yuna ravaged the floor with her explosive concoctions, throwing them time and time again. It was a rain of death and demolition, flesh and blood exploding everywhere.
Just like that, the two descended from the 7th floor to the 8th, once again ravaging the whole place and leaving not a single trace of the enemies behind. Even those who just spawned were not spared, greeted by death as they opened their eyes.
It was an utter and complete massacre, the cries of the monsters echoing in the air as they were consumed by the merciless flames of hell, each and every one of them dancing in agony as the potions continued their deadly downpour.
"Right, Yuna... You're only using null-attribute mana, right? What happens if you imbue it with an attribute?" ［Grey］
Grey asked, but no sort of reply came from the young lady. Rather, she paused for a moment, an even brighter and more excited smile soon blooming on her face. A cold shiver ran down Grey's spine as he realized his mistake.
"Fufufu! I was waiting for you to ask that!" ［Yuna］
"So there really is something different..." ［Grey］
"Un! Let me show you a demonstration!" ［Yuna］
Enthusiastic as can be, Yuna soon took out another explosive potion from her person and soon filled it with mana, imbuing fire-attribute magic at the same time. The bottle changed color and the contents shone brighter, ready to explode any time.
Yuna threw the concoction with extreme force, the sound of shattering glass echoing subtly soon after. The bottle broke and the contents were exposed to the air, all sorts of reactions happening in but a split second.
BOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMM FWOOSH FWOOSH FWOOSH
An even loud explosion boomed in the Labyrinth and the flames erupted like a raging dragon, swallowing everything within reach and painting the whole corridor red and amber. The flames were even stronger than before, scorching everything black.
It was the same concentration of solution, but the whole scene couldn't seem any more different. Not only the flames, the sheer power of the explosion was enough to tear apart any B-rank monsters in an instant.
"This is what happens! The explosions become prettier! Don't you think so too, Grey? It's really pretty, isn't it?" ［Yuna］
"Yuna... It's not a matter of being pretty or not... Isn't this too dangerous?" ［Grey］
"Hm? Do you not like the color? We can change the explosion to light blue if I use ice-attribute mana instead. Or would you prefer another color?" ［Yuna］
"You're missing the point, My Dear..." ［Grey］
It was dangerousー no, far too dangerous. It may be helpful in exterminating large hordes of monsters, but it was not something which should be released out to the public. Items which could cause wars and ruin at the simplest mistake.
However, it is also because of such destructivity that it could be used as a trump card against powerful monsters like Flood Bosses or Dungeon Bosses. Maybe they could even defeat a Labyrinth Boss using such an absurd and dangerous method.
Thankfully, though a bit too cheerful and mischievous, Yuna is not the type to play around with such dangerous items with other people around. Still, they must test the true power of the items to know just how much risk and benefit it could bring them.
"Yuna, next time you test something, tell me first, okay? We should be able to prepare some countermeasures in the Sanctuary." ［Grey］
"Un!ー Ah! Right! I almost forgot! Can I expand my Laboratory a little bit? I need to do more experiments later, so I need a little bit more space." ［Yuna］
"Sure. Just don't go overboard, alright?" ［Grey］
"Un! I'll keep that in mind!" ［Yuna］
All things now sorted, Grey and Yuna proceeded with their journey, taking yet another hour to pass from the 8th floor to the 9th, and eliminating several dozen monsters on the way there, collecting the drops, and disarming the traps.
It was also then that Grey and Yuna realized how effective the concoctions were against the A-rank and S-rank monsters. It takes a few 30% or a single 100% solution to kill an A-rank, dismembering it to pieces.
However, the same couldn't be said for the S-rank monsters. They need about 5 to 8 100% solutions to kill, making it very expensive. Moreover, it was only possible since they are confined in a closed in and relatively narrow place like the Labyrinth. It would be more difficult out in the open.
The experiments continued and soon enough, Grey and Yuna reached the 9th floor after almost 2 hours. It was also the floor with monsters sitting at S-rank, and some even at Calamity-Class. Even the traps have become "somewhat dangerous".
"Ohh～! We're finally here! The 9th floor!" ［Yuna］
"Yeah... It looks quite different from the Labyrinth of Stars, doesn't it?" ［Grey］
"But it's still amazing! It's like an extremely massive maze!" ［Yuna］
Yet despite that, the 9th floor was a sight to behold. Lightning veins pulsed left and right, light shining from all corners, and the corridors now encased in tough bricks which made it look even more dungeon-like.
The organic feel of the Labyrinth was now gone, replaced by the artificial look of the bricks, arches, and hallways provided. There were all sorts of geometric shapes all over the place, sharp corners and hidden traps to be seen everywhere.
But perhaps the most interesting things were the lightning veins themselves. They have now incorporated themselves into the artificial aesthetics of the dungeon and looked like futuristic lines, circuits Grey often sees in sci-fi movies.
"Grey! It's the 9th floor already! Can I?! Can I?!" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, you can... Just make sure to be careful." ［Grey］
"Un! I'll make sure to make it spectacular!" ［Yuna］
"Hey, that's not what I said..." ［Grey］
But perhaps the most excited of them all was none other than Yuna. She has been curious about the lightning veins ever since Grey told her about it, but she had to keep her curiosity to herself until they reached a place no other would intrude in.
The 9th floor was perfect for such a place. She still doesn't know how explosive or destructive the veins are, but she knows that they'll go boom once you hit them hard enough. It was a hazard not only to the challengers but the monsters as well.
The young lady didn't waste any more time. As soon as she got Grey's permission, she immediately went around to the smallest vein. She may be curious, but she isn't one who'll endanger herself recklessly. Grey would surely be scolding her then.
"Everyone, come closer. I'll put a barrier around you." ［Grey］
Of course, with such danger looming over them, Grey made sure to call the spirits over. They may be in their spiritual form right now, but there is no saying whether they'll be affected or not by such a destructive blast.
Yuna had spotted a vein and Grey had already shielded the spirits. With everything now in place, Yuna soon took quite a number of steps away and focused her sight on her targetー Or so she was about to.
THUMP THUMP THUMP THUD
But before she could even start, a resonant rumbling echoed in the air. There was a large monster approaching, its footsteps resounding on the ground. It was an S-rank "Orc Conqueror", still unaware of Grey and Yuna's presence.
Unfortunately for it, it had arrived at the wrong timing, and conveniently enough, there happens to be another lightning vein close by it. An interesting and mischievous idea popped into Yuna's mind, curiosity looming in her heart.
The young lady had made a decision. With a flick of her finger, a rock, the size of her closed fist, materialized from thin air. It grew and compressed, repeating the process over and over again, and soon enough, it bolted throughout the air.
BOOOOOOMMMMMM BOOOOOOOOOMMMM CRACKLE CRACKLE CRACKLE
Thunder resounded as the stone was thrown, and thunder resounded once more as the lightning vein was broken. Bolts of lightning and clouds of explosion rang out all over the place, flooding the place with heat and electricity.
The unsuspecting Orc Conqueror was far too pitiful. Before it even noticed, its body was already consumed by lightning, deadly currents running through its vein and charring it inside out, its sense of pain numbed by the electricity.
The rampaging currents soon calmed down and little sparks soon dispersed. The nightmares are already over, yet remaining alive in Grey and Yuna's memory, forever etched deep inside. The wind soon blew and ashes drifted afloat in the air.
"G... Grey...? Isn't this a little too dangerous...?" ［Yuna］
"Ah... Yeah... I didn't expect it to be this powerful either... It... It certainly was surprising... Yeah... Too powerful..." ［Grey］
"Th... That actually scared me a little bit." ［Yuna］
From an excited rabbit, to a meek fawn. Yuna's attitude had turned a complete 180 after seeing just how potent and devastating the lightning veins were. Even Yuna's explosive potions were not a match for it.
"Grey... I don't wanna do this anymore..." ［Yuna］
"Yeah, good choice..." ［Grey］
CHAPTER 436 END