BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM

Vials and bottles continued to rain, explosions of all colors painting the place with life and vibrance, and the swirls of mana orchestrating chaos and ruin. There were thuds, booms, crashes, crackles, howls, and bellows, music to the ears.

Such terrible theatrics was playing by the tune of a young lady, her silver hair aflutter in the air as she hurled one bottle after another. There was a bright smile on her face as she peppered the place with all sorts of destructive concoctions.

However, such fun wasn't one to last long. Soon enough, Yuna's stash became fully empty, all but a lone bottle to be seen. She threw the final piece, the final note soon ringing in the air with a loud and splendid bang.

"Mmn... That was the last one... That was a 100% solution, too..." ［Yuna］

"Don't be too sad now. You did quite a bit of damage, didn't you? At least we could confirm that it's useful against S-rank monsters and below." ［Grey］

"That's true... But it's not really that useful against Calamity-Class monsters and above. At best, all it could do was make an okay-ish wound." ［Yuna］

"There aren't many who can do that, you know? You should be a little more proud of yourself. You've already done great, Yuna." ［Grey］

"Mmn... I guess you're right..." ［Yuna］

The young lady was down, but her expression quickly brightened up as soon as Grey showered her with praises and compliments. She didn't dwell on the potion matters any longer and simply smiled like an adorable little rabbit.

It was still the Labyrinth, but the atmosphere was sweet as can be. It was as if the two were having a quick and light stroll, a date so to say. It was so sweet, even ants would die from diabetes. The only problem was...

BANG BANG BOOM BANG BOOM GHIEEEEKKKKKKK

... That there was quite a noisy and persistent monster trying to get at them. It was swinging its claws, lightning and thunder crying at every strike. It was quite ferocious, beating Grey's barrier again and again without rest.

It was a Shockfang, no, to be more specific, it was a Phantom Shockfang. It is a lightning-attribute monster which normally sits at S-rank, but the buff the Labyrinth provides, it is now sitting at the bottom of Disaster-Class.

Such a monster also happens to be the test subject for Yuna's experiments, utterly and completely enraged after Yuna bombed it without any shred of remorse. The wounds are already starting to heal, but the searing pain was still fresh as new.

"Now... What should we do with this thing?" ［Grey］

"Master... Mistress... Destroy... Enemy...?" ［Scheat］

"Fufufu! We appreciate the thought, Scheat, everyone, but it would be difficult for you right now. How about when you all grow a little bit more?" ［Yuna］

"Okay... Understood... Stay... Now..." ［Markab］

The spirits were also raring to go, but since they're still at E-rank, there isn't really much they could do. Even if they pour it their all, they wouldn't even leave a scratch. Still, the thought was quite adorable, Grey and Yuna smiling to themselves.

Well, despite all that, with the rate they're currently absorbing corruption. Sooner or later, they will be soaring through the ranks and before long, they should also be able to handle them. One could only wonder how such cute spirits can achieve such feats.

"Then, why don't we have your Master defeat the enemy for us? It should be over in a jiffy! Won't you show us how cool you are, Sir Grey?" ［Yuna］

"Yuna, really... You make me blush, My Dear." ［Grey］

"Fufufu! I can't be the only one receiving compliments, after all." ［Yuna］

The sweet and sappy atmosphere was now back, and giggles could be heard floating adrift in the air. Though the spirits didn't understand much of what was going on, they still cheerfully danced around, their soft chimes ringing in the air.

It was pointless to waste any more time. With such anticipation bearing down on his shoulder Grey soon walked towards the rioting enemy and cracked his hands a little. He looked at the monster, dead in the eye, not a single fear to be spotted.

If it was him back when he was still on Earth, he may have already ran away or stood still and trembled in fear, but now, he felt no such thing. Rather, he is quite excited to face off with such an enemy, his heart racing with enthusiasm.

'Cool, huh... I guess I've become one... Just kidding.' ［Grey］

A smile blooming on his face, Grey quickly took out the barrier, creating a new one to cover Yuna and the spirits at the same time. His sharp eyes locked towards the enemy, thunder resounding with every step he took.

It wasn't just him. As soon as the barrier was broken, the Phantom Shockfang also rushed out like a literal lightning bolt, booms and crackles darting out the air as his lightning-clad body lashed out towards Grey.

It raised its long arms and thunder answered, streaming towards Grey at tremendous speeds... However, it still wasn't fast enough. Grey didn't even have to use his broken abilities, simply relying on his battle sense he has honed through the years.

The young man saw the attack clear as day, his eyes moving faster than lightning and his body following through. He easily dodged the attack, and clenched his fist soon after. There was no need for magic. Brute strength was more than enough.

"Sorry, but... I can't act uncool in front of my fiancée now, can I?" ［Grey］

Whispered the young as his fist connected towards the Phantom Shockfang's open and vulnerable body. What followed soon after was....

BOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMM

,.. A thundering shockwave which ran rampant all throughout the corridors, followed by an explosion of mana and pressure produced solely by brute force.

The Phantom Shockfang received the force of the attack straight on, and all its bones and organs were crushed immediately, a massive hole bore through its chest and its limbs torn apart, its dismembered body blasted away in all directions.

Lightning and gales continued to lash out, and scars were carved all throughout the Labyrinth. Both dust and blood was cleared out by the blast, leaving only a clean space as soon as the lightning bolts died out, a lone man standing victorious.

"So, how was it? Was I cool?" ［Grey］

"Un! Very!" ［Yuna］

The battle was already over before it even started, only bright smiles to be seen as Grey headed back to everyone else. The young lady already knows how powerful Grey was, but it's in moments like such she could squeal like any normal girl.

Happiness and silliness in the air, Grey, Yuna, and the spirits soon continued to tread on, defeating all sorts of monsters they saw, taking a look at the treasure rooms, and carefully disarming the traps from quite some distance away.

They could afford to play around before, but in the 9th floor where lightning veins are powerful enough to incinerate S-rank monsters in a mere instant, there was no need to place themselves in unnecessary harm. It was far too risky.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Just like that, Grey and Yuna progressed through the Labyrinth smoothly. It was an arduous and demanding task, the spirits soon unsummoned the very moment they ran out of mana and energy. It was a shame, but it was best for them to rest.

GURRRUUUKKK THUD THUD CRAASSSHHHHHH

"Was that the last one, Grey?" ［Yuna］

"Yeah. I don't see any more monsters around." ［Grey］

The monsters were defeated one after another as if they were nothing, and all the valuable drops and items were collected, things quickly getting done with the use of magic. It was just the staple routine, normal as can beー

"Hm? Isn't that......" ［Grey］

... Or so it was normal for quite some time. However, just as Grey checked with his "Heaven's Eye", he saw something interesting poking out from the corner of his eyes. It wasn't really a rare thing per se, but it was still interesting to say the least.

It was a treasure room, but not just any type of treasure room, but a rare and special treasure room Grey and Yuna had only seen for a couple times. Even then, the one Grey is seeing is incomparably more massive than any they've seen before.

"Yuna, I just found something interesting. Wanna come and join me?" ［Grey］

Hesitation was not even an option. As soon as Grey said out his words, Yuna quickly brightened up and she nodded her head ever so adorably. She doesn't know what Grey was talking about, but it was still an exciting thought.

Riding along such excitement, Grey and Yuna quickly rushed away, the young lady following after the former. There were a lot of sharp twists and turns in the massive maze-like Labyrinth, some sceneries looking similar despite being different.

GURRAAAAAKKKK BUHHIIIIKKKKKK KRUAAAKKKKKKK

And of course, like any good old Labyrinth, there were also lots of traps and monsters present in every other hallway, all trying to kill them without sparing a second thought. Not that they could, anyway. All were crushed in a single strike.

"Almost there... And here we are!" ［Grey］

"Ohh... Ohhhh... Ohhhhh...! Ohh～waah～!" ［Yuna］

It was beautifulー no, it was beyond beautiful. There weren't just simple ores, crystals, and precious stones present, but fairly high-grade metals, magic crystals, precious gemstones, and all sorts of wonderful earthy items displayed in abundance.

The previous environment-type treasure rooms Grey and Yuna have been to were mostly filled with magic plants, ore deposits, aquatic items, and many more. Yet all of them pales in comparison to the abundant treasure room before them.

Not only is it over 5 times bigger than most of them, the ores present were also top-notch. There weren't just High-Grade materials, but Superior-Grade, and even some Legendary-Grade materials as well. It was a treasure trove waiting to be mined.

"G-G-Grey! A pickaxe! Hurry! Give me a pickaxe! Please!" ［Yuna］

And as usual, Yuna was the one most excited about the materials she could mine. Despite Grey being a blacksmith and the one who usually deals with such items, his joy could never hold a candle against Yuna's excitement and enthusiasm.

It doesn't matter whether they are herbs, magic plants, ores, fruits and nuts, crystals, monster drops, equipment, or anything else. A hoarder will be more than happy to hoard what they can and keep them all even if they aren't entirely useful.

Of course, as the Queen of Hoarders, Yuna didn't want to lose out on the chance to get her hands on some good stuff. She may not be able to use them in smithing, but she could very much experiment with them using alchemy. She was getting excited.

"Yuna... You know... When did we ever have a pickaxe?" ［Grey］

"Eh?! We don't?!" ［Yuna］

"We rarely do mining quests, after all. And even if we did, we just borrow from the guild or just use magic. Are you really that excited that you've forgotten about it?" ［Grey］

"Oh, right! Teehee! Silly me!" ［Yuna］

In public, she is like any normal girl. In front of children, she is gentle and mature. In front of Grey, she is sweet and childish. But in front of untapped resources, she is a maniac ready to rip everything apart in the name of hoarding.

As soon as she put her mind on it, Yuna immediately started to move and used magic to harvest the ores one after another, dashing left and right as she collected all that she could. They were in a Labyrinth, so there was no need to hold herself back.

"Grey, aren't you helping? You can use these for blacksmithing too, you know? There are all sorts of rare materials here that I'm sure you'll like." ［Yuna］

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming, Milady." ［Grey］

"Oh, and can you please start mining over the other side? We should be able to finish much faster that way! Time is of the essence!" ［Yuna］

"Haah... So all you wanted was a helper, huh..." ［Grey］

Yep, he was just a helper. After all, with such a large area to mine, no matter how fast Yuna is, there is no way she could finish mining everything before the day ends. She needs help, and she knows Grey was more than capable.

Even then, even knowing that his fiancée just wants an extra hand, there was nothing Grey could do about it. He is too much of a fool for her, after all. All he could do was pinch Yuna's cheeks a little, much to the latter's confusion.

"Eh? Why? Did I do something wrong?" ［Yuna］

"Not really. I just want to pinch my dear fiancée's soft cheeks... Just consider it as payment for helping you out... I guess...?" ［Grey］

"Uuu... You bully..." ［Yuna］

Shenanigans aside, Grey soon started to work on the mines, letting bursts of winds swirl and lash out with a flick of a finger, and making them dig out ores, big or small, one after another with much precision, aided by earth magic,

They may just be mining ores, but with magic involved, one which could easily shred metals into scraps, they needed to be extra careful to not damage the ores. They had to be precise and stable in their control, gently sweeping the dirt and rocks away.

There weren't just gold, platinum, and palladium, but High-Grade minerals such as Fallanov, Black Iron, Blancium, Noirite, and so much more. There's also Superior-Grade metals like Celberin and Lodesteel, and Legendary-Grade like Mithril.

"With this amount, I could probably make a ring or something..." ［Grey］

The amount or Legendary-Grade Ores wasn't much, but considering they go for millions, one could only imagine how much a couple dozen grams would cost. A small and simple ring made from such would be priceless. As for equipment...

"I really need to practice more, huh..." ［Grey］

... Apart from the fact that the amount was too little, Grey is still far too inexperienced. He has a large stock in his Inventory, but being a Tier-8 blacksmith is a drawback. If he wants to forge better gear, he needs to train himself much stricter.

After all, Grey has now reached Disaster-Class, his progress slowing down a little as it became harder to find enemies of the same level. It would be good to spend more time on his hobbies and improve himself in different aspects as well.

CRACKLE CRACKLE CRACKLE CRACKLE

However, not even a couple minutes has passed since Grey started and bolts of lightning had already started to lash out all over the place. There wasn't just one or two, but a whole squad of "Arfluses" heading towards him.

"Ah, right... I totally forgot about those guys..." ［Grey］

Environment-type treasure rooms, like the name suggests, pose as some sort of separate environment inside the Labyrinth. Not only in appearance, but its character as well, housing several "lifeforms" as if it was like a living, breathing nest.

These monsters are picked at random, and spawns monsters of different ranks that do not rely on the depth of the Floor, functioning something like a nest from the surfaceー No, rather, it is a nest, a big one at that.

This time, they are facing "Arfluses", lightning-attribute monsters whose bodies are made of lightning, only a core remaining solid. There are G-rank "Lesser Arflus", E-rank "Arflus", C-rank "Greater Arflus", and A-rank "Thunderstorm Arflus".

There are even higher variants of such monsters as well, but it seems like the Nest Boss is but an A-rankー No, an S-rank "Thunderstorm Arflus". Lightning-attribute monsters receive quite a large power-up, after all.

"Now, what to do with these..." ［Grey］

It would be easy to deal with them with a little bit of magic, but the problem is, the ores and materials would also be damaged if he lash out inside. There was no way Grey could risk it... Yuna may get sad, after all...

『Do you need help, Master? I could create barriers for you to protect the place. You can rest assured as you fight.』 ［Arcturus］

『No need. I think I can handle this. Thanks anyway.』 ［Grey］

『Understood. Please do not hesitate to call us if you ever need something. We will be more than happy to be of use and assistance.』 ［Arcturus］

『Hahaha. I'll keep that in mind.』 ［Grey］

Well, if the enemies could damage the surroundings, then the solution was pretty simple. All Grey needed to do was become so fast and overwhelming, the enemies wouldn't even notice what hit them until they already lost their lives.

Grey heaved a sigh and activated "Triple" using "Authority". His whole body has been amplified and the winds howled to greet him. He was light as can be, riding on the gentle yet raging winds as he hopped up and down, testing himself a little.

"Really... The things you do for love..." ［Grey］

Grey mumbled to himself, and soon enough, he burst forth at speeds not even sound could compare. There was a sonic boom, and Grey's figure was soon nowhere to be seen, only a light blur, his afterimages soon fading away.

CRACKLE CRACKLE CRACKLE CRACKLE

The Arfluses were wandering aimlessly throughout the mines, sparks flying out left and right, bolts of lightning crackling as they took their steps. Before them was a beautiful mine and soon, there was darkness.

Before they could even notice, an illusive figure had already rushed past them and destroyed their cores in all but a split second. The winds followed soon after and their bodies were blown away as they all shattered into fragments of mana and light.

It was all too sudden, all the Arfluses disintegrating one after another without magic a single sound in rapid succession, happening almost simultaneously. They simply fell towards the ground, erased by a blurry flash without even noticing.

《Phantom Caliber》 ［Grey］

Grey's punch rushed out and connected towards the Greater Arflus, cracks showing up as shock rang throughout the core, breaking apart and soon turning itself into fine powder in just a matter of seconds, not a tick or tock to be heard.

It wasn't just one. All the Arflus behind it also suffered the same fate, their cores all broken in under a minute and their bodies fading away afterwards. Grey continued such a trend, eliminating hundreds of them in all but under a minute.

Soon enough, he arrived at the center of the nest, and surely, there was a massive figure waiting for him. It was the Thunderstorm Arlfus, towering over 5 meters in height and body clad entirely but scarlet red lightning.

GHIIIEEEEEEEKKKK CRACKLE CRACKLE CRACKー

"Hey, I'm afraid we can't be having that here." ［Grey］

It was S-rank, yes, it was S-rank... But to the eyes of Grey, it was an insignificant speck of dust, just as worthless and troublesome as the others before it and all he needed was a single punch, bolting faster than a bullet.

《Phantom Caliber: Omega》 ［Grey］

The punch connected, and much like the ones before it, its core has been shattered before it could even muster any power. Shock and pain rang throughout its senses, its whole being slowly torn apart as its core slowly pulverized itself.

The Thunderstorm Arflus tried to lash out its hands, but it was already far too late. It had already lost its strength, all power slowly leaving its body as his lightning bolts slowly faded away with time, scattering aimlessly.

CRACKLE CRACKLE CRACKLE CRACKLE

Well, the Thunderstorm Arflus wasn't the only one in the room. There were also a couple Greater Arflus present, however, they also suffered the same fate as their boss, disintegrating into the air as soon as they caught Grey's eyes.

It didn't even take a minute, and before long, the whole treasure room was cleared of monsters, only metals and minerals left waiting to be mined. Light soon filled the boss chamber and a certain something materialized out of thin air.

After all, what kind of treasure room was one without a treasure chest?

As soon as the Thunderstorm Arflus was defeated and turned to mana, the treasure chest quickly showed itself, looking magnificent as ever. It was decorated with both gold, silver, and a couple gems, looking fancy as can be.

The exterior was already luxurious, what more of the treasures stored inside. Grey soon took a peek and surely enough, it did not disappoint. There were quite a lot of valuable things inside, the young man soon returning to where Yuna was.

"Waah～! So many Legendary-Grade ingots～! There's Mithril and Orichalcum! There's even Scarletite! And some Argonite too!" ［Yuna］

Such was the bright expression which greeted Grey as soon as he returned. They weren't just raw ores either, but processed ingots of the highest purity and quality. They were items which would sell billions, amazing as can be.

Of course, Yuna, as someone who loves resources quite dearly, was very overjoyed by such a sight. Her eyes were sparkling ever so brightly, head turning left and right as she examined them, Grey chuckling to himself all the while.

"Do you love them? You can have them all if you want." ［Grey］

"Really? No takesy-backsies?!" ［Yuna］

"Of course. I still have a lot for myself, anyway." ［Grey］

"Waahhh... Thank you, Grey! You're the best!" ［Yuna］

In exchange, Grey got a tight hug and a light peck on the cheeks. It may not seem much considering how sweet and flirty they usually are, but it was more than enough to make Grey satisfied. He is a simple man.

"Ohh～! Getting such a nice present really makes me excited! It feels like I'm full of energy! I think I can fly!" ［Yuna］

"Hahaha. Flying may be a little bit much for now. Why don't we continue collecting the ores, My Dear? We don't have all day, after all." ［Grey］

"Un! Let's keep on mining! Yeah～!" ［Yuna］

"Yeah～." ［Grey］

He's just a fool, after all.

CHAPTER 437 END