SWISH SWISH SWOOSH SHAK SHAK SHAK

Silver streaks cruised through the air, elusive as a shadow and steps light as feathers as if she was riding in the air. In her hands were glimmers of platinum, soon painted red as wounds were carved and blood was drawn, dyeing the ground red.

A young elf hopped along the place, dodging and weaving against any attack whilst her eyes focused on the enemy before her. She brandished her daggers and cries rang out in the air, deep wounds forever etched on the goliath's body.

UNGAAAAAAA BOOM BOOM CRASSHHHHH

Bellows full of agony and cries drenched with hatred thundered across the corridors. It swung its large battleaxe again and again, much to no avail. Yuna was simply too fast and nimble, carving dozens of wounds in just a split second.

Another figure rushed forth, swinging its greatsword and carving a bloody crescent in the air. It brandished its blade again and again, rampaging about as it left deep scars on the ground and walls, debris and rubble flung to the air.

Yet despite the combined effort of the two, they couldn't even touch a single hair of the young lady. She simply dodged with minimal movements, lunging her daggers afterwards and leaving numerous wounds on the enemies.

GHIIEEEEKKKKLL KUURRRRAAAAAAA

A deep and resonant cru rang out in the air, and a bloody aura spread throughout the air. The Ogre of Massacre's muscles started to pulse and bulge, its eyes turning more and more red with the passing of time, redder than even that of blood.

The Ogre of Massacre has just exchanged its remaining mana to physical strength, granting it quite a large increase, and making its body seem larger than before. Yet despite how it looks, it was much faster, soon rushing at higher speeds.

RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE QUAAKKKEEEEEEE

The Minotaur Overlord didn't let Yuna escape either. As the Ogre of Massacre rushed towards the young lady, it stomped its massive foot to the ground and created a wall using earth magic to make sure she won't be able to get away, sealing her path.

Soon after the wall was made, the massive Minotaur Overlord joined in with the mad Ogre of Massacre and started swinging its gargantuan battleaxe as well, hoping to crush the young lady in one fell swoop.

It was a pretty good tactic... If it's a normal person they're up against, that is...

Unfortunately for the two monsters, their opponent was one who cannot be trapped. She remained unfazed despite such a circumstance and continued to rush as the wall. Yet rather than crashing, Yuna simply phased through as if it was all but a lie.

Yuna activated her "Phaseless" without a single hitch and made her body practically intangible, making the enemies more than puzzled. She then planted her left leg firmly and made a quick u-turn, then rushing towards the wall once again.

She was gone for a single moment, and the next moment she appeared once again. The wall which was supposed to trap the young lady had now become an obstacle that prevented them from learning of Yuna's counterattack, blocking their vision.

She phased through the wall and she leaped towards the air, silver glints glimmering in the air as her hair fluttered in the winds. The monsters tried to defend themselves as soon as they could, however... It was already far too late...

《Execution!》 ［Yuna］

Yuna rode the wind and her daggers fluttered like butterflies in the wind. They were like blooming flowers in early spring mornings, hundreds of petal-like blades rushing towards the enemies, drawing blood and dyeing the floors red.

The Minotaur Overlord's mighty and massive body was useless in front of Yuna's power. Her daggers sliced through its thick hide like hot knives through butter. A deafening cry soon echoed in the Labyrinth.

Yet Yuna's volley of attacks was still far from finished. After she lashed out with her trusty daggers, she then landed on the top of the Minor Overlord's head, shimmering blue light swallowing the expansive corridors soon after.

《Icicle Shotgun!》 ［Yuna］

Cold winds brewed in the air and condensed into spears of blue. Such spears soon rushed out from Yuna's palms, striking the Minotaur Overlord's skull and drilling deep, frost spreading and creeping in slowly towards the brain as well.

"Hmm... As I've guessed... It seems like Low-level spells still aren't there yet... I really should practice more, huh..." ［Yuna］

Unfortunately, despite some of the icicles piercing through the skull, they somehow didn't manage to kill the Minotaur Overlord. It was panting and clearly exhausted, yet deep in its eyes, it still wanted to crush the young lady, rage burning within,

Rage which didn't last so long. Because as soon as Yuna was done whispering a few words to herself, she leaped back and lingered in the air for a short time. She held her daggers tightly once more, and the moment she was at the level of the nape...

《Death's Grasp!》 ［Yuna］

... Yuna swung her daggers once more and the hands of death reached out to the unsuspecting Minotaur. The moment it realized, it was already far too late. Death already had a tight hold of it, looming very near.

The daggers cut though without much difficulty, decapitating the Minotaur Overlord and sending its head flying in the air. It slowly lost balance, swaying from time to time and before long, it fell towards the ground with a loud thud and a quick rumble.

However, everything was still far from over. As soon as the Minotaur Overlord was taken down, the Ogre of Massacre quickly took the chance and grabbed its blade to cut the young lady's head off, eyes filled with madness.

KUURRAAAAAAA GURAAKKKKKK ARAKKKKKKK

It recited its battle cry and the whole corridor was shaken. The Ogre of Massacre swung its blade with anticipation and delight, its blade of red cutting through Yuna without any resistance, as if it was slicing air... Because it was...

Yuna didn't even need a warning. As soon as she saw the Ogre of Massacre darting towards her, she activated her "Phaseless" once again and left her illusion to take her place, the blade passing through it soon after.

"How impatient... Shouldn't you mourn for your partner fiー" ［Yuna］

"first?"... Is what Yuna wanted to say. But such a thought quickly turned to "I guess not" as soon as the Ogre of Massacre swung its blade towards the young lady, once again wanting to settle the differences with the use of brute force, of course.

Once... Twice... Thrice... The Ogre of Massacre was really persistent as well. Even though it hasn't hit Yuna even once, it still kept on going, slashing and thrusting its blade, passion burning in its eyes. It would have been a great novel protagonist.

"Hmm... Your swordsmanship's actually pretty good, huh..." ［Yuna］

Meanwhile, Yuna was just admiring the swordsmanship and skills of the enemy. She has never really paid much attention to it before, but now that she's seen it, they don't just swing their swords arbitrarily but actually have some decent play.

It swung its sword from the left, creating a massive crescent, and followed with a spin when it missed, then pouncing once again for a thrust. There were also strikes from below, above, and difficult angles, all smooth yet heavy.

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A single swing would be enough to wipe out entire towns, gargantuan blades flying at breakneck speeds and sweeping away everything in sight. The shockwaves were just as powerful, the winds howling and bellowing with every strike.

However, it was all futile. Yuna didn't even need to use her "Phaseless". Every single move played in her blue eyes clear as day, her body moving almost instinctively the very moment the enemy's movements were analyzed.

'Slow...' ［Yuna］

Even High-Rankers would only see a blur, but to Yuna, each and every strike was slow and too easy to dodge. Compared to the Disaster-Class Sovereign Arflus, the Ogre of Massacre was far too slow to the point it was boring.

CLANG CLANG CLANG CLANG CLANG

Yuna also tried clashing blades with the enemy, but it was just as boring. She easily parried and blocked each strike, her smooth and delicate movements making her look like she was actually dancing with daggers in hand.

UURRAAAAAAKKKKKKKK

The Ogre of Massacre finally ran out of patience, letting out a thundering scream and rocking the ground with every step it took. It poured every single bit of mana it had left into augmenting its body, increasing its physical strength greatly.

Its eyes glowed red, and it rushed soon after. Only a blur could be seen as it darted towards Yuna, its greatsword raised high and its swings massive as can be. Even the Labyrinth walls were unsafe, deep scars carved each and every time.

《Execution!》 ［Yuna］

Even then, no matter how much it amplified its physical strength, Yuna still remained undoubtedly faster, her attacks passing though without much difficulty and cutting up the enemy like a deadly storm, wounds carved time and time again.

《Dice!》 ［Yuna］

Another torrent of blades followed and the Ogre of Massacre's muscles and tendons were cut up one after another. Its limbs were still attached, but with how much damage Yuna has caused, they have become practically useless.

She swung and she swung, brandishing her daggers at breakneck speed, dozens of blades, if not hundreds, landing in a single moment. Blood was spilled and the whole corridor was dyed red, the enemy unable to even let out a pained scream.

"It seems like you still need a lot of training... You lack experience..." ［Yuna］

It was great at swordsmanship, it really was, but compared to the participants of the Carnival of Swords, it was nothing. It may be able to defeat all sorts of people below it, but it was not a match for true experts.

"How pitiful..." ［Yuna］

There was no need to dawdle any further. With the enemy already in a state unable to even hold its sword, it was time to finish up the whole ordeal and end its misery. Yuna gripped her daggers for the final time, and...

《Thousand Bleeding Streams!》 ［Yuna］

... Her blades lashed out as if there was no tomorrow. Be it the head, the neck, the torso, or the limbs, nothing was left unharmed, each one carved with deep and nasty wounds, cut up to pieces hundreds of times in but a single moment.

The torrent soon ended and the Ogre of Massacre bursted like a fountain of blood. It fell to the ground as chunks and pieces, soon glowing dimly and fading away as it turned back to mana, fragments of light drifting in the air.

"Ohh～! What a nice drop!" ［Yuna］

Of course, like many others, it also dropped a couple of things as soon as it vanished. One of which was the very greatsword it used, the "Overbearing Demon Blade". It is definitely massive, even reaching taller than Yuna.

"I wonder how much this would cost... A few billion kiels, maybe?" ［Yuna］

Mumbled the young lady as she swung the sword around as if it didn't weigh a tad. It wasn't the first time they picked up such swords, but it was still interesting. If she could give them to someone she knows, maybe Eliza, Elise, or even Vanessa.

Playing around aside, Yuna soon stored the sword in her ring and dropped the other drop items as well. She has been doing so for the past few days, earning a great and favorable amount of items which could even rival Royal Treasuries.

It has been about 3 weeks since Grey and Yuna entered the Labyrinth of Thunder and every day had been the same, fighting monsters day in and day out in order to make themselves a lot stronger, reaching new heights never seen before.

It was already night time and though they couldn't see the stars, it was still a beautiful time. Such was why Yuna took a stroll around the corridors and had a little late night stretch while she was at it, fighting monsters once again.

"Ah! Right! They must be done now, right?!" ［Yuna］

As soon as she was done with her little stretch, Yuna flicked her fingers and cleaned herself with a little bit of magic. She then darted towards the base camp as soon as she could, riding along the winds. Tonight is a special night, after all.

It was New Year's eve!

Last year, they were in the Labyrinth of Flames and Grey was always clashing with the Vulcan Destroyer, so they didn't get the chance to celebrate it together. In order to pay back such a missed opportunity, they are now celebrating double the fun!

A smile on her face, Yuna continued skipping along the corridors, and thankfully, not a single monster stood in her way. Before long, she finally arrived at the base camp, a warm and festive atmosphere greeting her as soon as she entered.

There were colorful banners and buntings hanging around everywhere, quite a few little colorful statues and figures made using earth and plant magic, some games to play, and of course, delicious food displayed atop the dining table. It was their little festival.

"Welcome back, Mistress! What do you think? Is it pretty?!" ［Vega］

"Un! Very pretty!" ［Yuna］

"Fufufu! Did you hear that everyone? The Mistress loves it!" ［Vega］

As for the ones enthusiastically designing the place, it was none other than the spirits and familiars. They familiars were all in their Salferine forms, using any bit of magic they can to liven the place up, making it super festive.

Yuna was actually helping them out a while ago, but after acting a little too excited, she was asked to leave for some time and have a little stroll. Well that and the fact that Grey wanted to give her a little surprise.

They have always celebrated New Years together whenever they can, but it is only now that they have so many participants. Grey wanted to show Yuna what it's really like to celebrate the New Years with everyone. A little present, so to say...

"You're back already? How was your stroll?" ［Grey］

"It was great! I managed to get a couple good drop items!" ［Yuna］

"Hahaha. Good for you then... I'm almost done cooking, so you can take a seatー No, actually, can you set the table, please?" ［Grey］

"Un! Sure!" ［Yuna］

There was nor a need to think so deeply. As soon as Grey asked Yuna, the young lady quickly headed towards the table, setting the tablewares as soon as she could with a bright smile blooming on her beautiful face.

Grey continued to cook, wonderful and appetite-arousing aromas adrift the air. The dishes were soon displayed atop the dining table, painting the place with life and colors, everyone excited as can be.

CLACK CLACK THUD CLING CLING CLING

The tablewares were passed along and everyone soon took their respective seats soon after. They sat along the various places there, wherever they felt most comfortable. Of course, Grey sat alone with Yuna.

"Then, everyone, I won't make this long. Thank you for the whole year before us, and I'll be in your care this coming year once again. Cheers for a new year!" ［Grey］

"Un～!" ［Yuna］ """Yeah!!""" """Alright!!""""

The party quickly started and the clinking of plates echoed in the air as everyone moved their spoons and forks. They took dishes of their liking and ate them with delightful smiles blooming on their faces, happy as can be.

It was quite some work preparing everything, but seeing how everyone was smiling, everyone was satisfied and happy. Grey and Yuna were especially so, feeling quite warm and fluffy despite being inside the Labyrinth.

The food was delicious, the scenery was colorful and festive, everyone was having fun, and most of all, they could finally relax after some time. It was a wonderful time, everyone giggling and smiling as they enjoyed New Year's Eve.

"Right, Grey, what's your new year's resolution this time around?" ［Yuna］

"Hmm... New Year's resolution... That I'll be more open, I guess? I don't want to see my fiancée crying again, after all." ［Grey］

"Ehh... You're still hung up on that? Didn't I tell you it's fine? And, it's not like you're the only one at fault. It was also my fault for misunderstanding... It's because I was a little too clingy... Should I tone it down, after all?" ［Yuna］

"There's no need. I also very much like that part of you. And if anything... Are you sure you can hold yourself back? Being less clingy, that is." ［Grey］

"H-H-Hey! I'm not that attached to you! I can also be colder, you know! I can show some restraint! Look! I'll show you my pride!" ［Yuna］

Says the young lady, then trying to ignore Grey as she focused on her food. Grey also did the same, enjoying what he cooked and eating with a smile on his face. There was only silence in the air, two figures not looking each other in the eye.

It seemed really easy, but for the young lady, it was extremely difficult. They always chat during meals and share stories, after all. Not only did the meal feel awkward, it was also just as lonely without any talking or even eye contact.

Grey continued to act normally, enjoying Yuna's expressions unfold using "Heaven's Eye"ー or at least, he was at first. But the moment Yuna's expressions looked lonely, and crestfallen, ears drooping and eyes gloomy... he already knew it was his loss...

"Haah... Alright, you win, you win. Let's stop this already. It feels so lonely when you ignore me like that." ［Grey］

"S-See?!ー I-I mean, Un! Didn't I tell you I can do it?!" ［Yuna］

"Yeah, you sure can. Am I actually the clingy one?" ［Grey］

"Un! Grey is clingy too! So let's never do this again, okay～?" ［Yuna］

Grey is still too much of a fool for his beloved. If Yuna cannot stand being ignored by Grey, the young man also can't stand his beloved making such sad faces. They are both to smitten by one another, falling too deep, hopeless as can be.

Just like that, Grey and Yuna continued on with their meal, the cheerful atmosphere back in no time at all. They soon talked about their real New Year's resolution, all the while enjoying the delicious dishes like there was no tomorrow.

"Mmn～! Grey's cooking really is the best～!" ［Yuna］

"Hmm... Should I quit my jobs then? Being a househusband seems more gratifying if I always receive such great praises." ［Grey］

"Ehh～? We aren't even married yet... And, don't you do most of your work inside the house anyway? Wouldn't that make you a work at home husband then?" ［Yuna］

"I guess that's right... A dual-income household would be more stable..." ［Grey］

"Un! That's right! We can't be too carefree, after all!" ［Yuna］

Of course, what would a fun celebration be without some silly and random talks? The two suddenly started planning their married life as if they don't have enough money to buy castles on a whim, planning things out whilst acting like a normal couple.

Though, it's not like Grey and Yuna weren't actually serious. After all, married life is not a joke. While they still don't know when they'll be getting married, it is best that they settle on some plans and make them seem reasonable.

"Oh? Master, Mistress, are you thinking of getting married, already?" ［Vega］

"Oh! If that's the case, then how many children do you want?" ［Canopus］

"Master, Mistress, please bestow me the honor to protect the young masters and young mistresses. I will make sure to keep them safe." ［Arcturus］

"A young master and a young mistress, huh... That sounds fantastic." ［Polaris］

Overhearing their conversation, the familiars and spirits were quickly excited, asking all sorts of things and clearly excited for the future. They have still yet to marry and yet they are already volunteering themselves as guards of the children.

Grey and Yuna tried to calm them down, but everyone was far too excited. Soon, the whole safe space was drowned out in chuckles and excitement, everyone having fun as much as they could as they did all sorts of things.

Time flew by without much telling, and the party went on. There was card, board, and ball games, piñata, puzzles and riddles, singing, dancing, random dramas, and all sorts of things. It was a lot of fun and excitement.

The hands of the clock ticked, and the longer hand drew closer to twelve. Soon after, only minutes were left, and some time after, and then there were only a few seconds. There was silence in anticipation, everyone slowly counting down.

"""10... 9... 8.... 7.... 6... 5... 4..."""

From 10, and a decrement with each passing second. Everyone waited and relaxed themselves, looking forward to the show. The Labyrinth's ceiling was limited so it took some time to readjust them, but they could finally work.

The fireworks are already by the center, a long string attached to ii. It was ready to explode at a moment's notice, simply waiting for Grey's signal. A signal which came not too long after.

""""3...! 2...! 1...! Happy New Year～!""""

BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM

The fireworks shot out and explosions rang out one after another. There were all sorts of colors ranging from red to blue, and all sorts of shapes from flowers, little critters, snowflakes, and many more, each one beautiful as can be.

Everyone who watched the show was mesmerized by the beauty, their little hearts pounding ever so quietly, resonating with the booms. Two figures' hands slowly crept towards one another, holding the other tight, and fingers interlocking.

"Happy New Year, My Dear." ［Grey］

"Un! Happy New Year too! I'll be in your care again!" ［Yuna］

"Likewise." ［Grey］

What a lovely night.

CHAPTER 442 END