WHOOSH WHOOSH Whoosh Whoosh whoosh....
The winds blew and the dust soon settled. The once raging storm was now calm, the air softly bouncing up and down as they wafted through the Boss Room, sweeping by the craters and settling by the large ravines formed by the intense, recent fight.
Two figures stood in such deafening silence, heaving lengthy sighs and gazing into the distance, their clear eyes filled with nostalgia, looking back when they first entered the Boss Room. The once beautiful scenery was now in tatters and ruins.
It has been a month since Grey and Yuna first fought the Sovereign Arflus, and time passed by like a flash in the blink of an eye. Now, neither the room nor the Boss is present, only memories lingering around. It was difficult yet memorable times.
"Mmn... It feels a little lonely now. It wanted to fight more too..." ［Yuna］
"Don't be too sad now. Even if we didn't defeat the Boss today, it would still despawn sooner or later. It would be able to resist the deactivation of the Labyrinth," ［Grey］
"Still, it was a good fighter... It even reached Catastrophe-Class for a short while. Did you know it could do that too, Grey?" ［Yuna］
"Not at all. I was pretty surprised myself." ［Grey］
"Right～? I wonder when we can fight such a powerful opponent again." ［Yuna］
Even then, Grey and Yuna were pretty happy to have crossed strikes and spells with the Sovereign Arflus. It may be a terrifying monster without any shred of mercy nor conscience, but it was also the reason they could leap in bounds in strength.
Moreover, it was also because of it that they were able to test their limits and see just how far they could go and learn a couple tricks. Had the experience lasted a couple more months, Grey and Yuna would have been able to get much stronger.
"Hm? Have you forgotten how powerful your fiancé is already, Yuna? You could always ask me for training, you know?" ［Grey］
"No way! Your abilities are absolutely broken! And you never go easy on me even though I'm your fiancée! It's too unfair!" ［Yuna］
"You're the last person I want to hear that from, My Dear. And it's training, after all. One should always give their best! Isn't that right?" ［Grey］
"No way! You always bully me!" ［Yuna］
"Hmm... Is it still a no even if I offer you some sweets?" ［Grey］
"Uuu... You meanie... Stop teasing me already..." ［Yuna］
A scene of ruin, devastation, and fierce competition, now turned sweet and sappy with flowers, hearts, and sparkles floating in the air. The ruined and tattered Boss Room was painted pink and heart, sweetness drifting in the air.
The flitting continued and Grey teased Yuna some more. The young lady's face had become flushed and red, all the way to the tip of her pointy ears as Grey flooded her heart with elation and exhilaration. She was both happy and embarrassed.
All the flirty shenanigans aside, Grey and Yuna proceeded to head where the Boss fell, not a single trace of its ragged body left. All there was were a couple drops, each worth billions of kiels at the very least.
As usual, there was a mana crystal worth at least 20 billion kiels. Then there were 3 "Cosmic Storm Crystals" which were very valuable materials that can be made into Legendary-Grade items, and also a single "Spark of Origin".
"Ohh～! Those are pretty good items, aren't they? Can I have a Cosmic Storm Crystal, Grey? I want to test something with them." ［Yuna］
"For alchemy, right? Sure, go ahead. I can't really make Legendary-Grade items yet anyway. You can have all three of them." ［Grey］
"Really～?! No takesy-backsies, okay?!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. You sure are excited." ［Grey］
Or so he says, but it wasn't just the young lady who was excited. Grey was also pretty interested and excited about the final item. It was a crystal which was surrounded in cosmic mist, sparkling in all colors and shimmering brighter than the stars.
It was the "Spark of Origin", an item which can summon a vicious lightning storm as soon as mana is poured into it. It was an item of pure destruction which could utterly annihilate a whole army in but a single moment.
However, such was not what Grey wanted. Other than the fact that it can be used as a weapon of mass destruction, it can also be used as an engraving tool which could engrave the best runes in equipment and items during enchanting.
Grey already possesses the "Divine Enchanter's toolset", but having it would greatly increase his arsenal of enchantments and make work even faster. He could use both it and the former to double his speed. It was an Enchanter's dream item.
"Mmn... A Spark of Origin, huh... That means I can perform enchantments together with Grey now, right?" ［Yuna］
"Oh? Should we have an enchanting date then? It's been a long time." ［Grey］
"Un! I'd love thatー" ［Yuna］
Yuna didn't even finish her words. It always takes her some time to realize, but her fiancée was actually the devil. Grey may be smiling right now, but as soon as Yuna accepts his offer, it would surely be hell for the young lady.
Just remembering all the hardships the young lady had to go through just to improve her smithing and enchanting skills was more than enough to wake her up from reality, nightmares and horrid memories flashing inside her mind in a single second.
"No, actually... Grey, why don't we have an alchemy date instead? Didn't you say you wanted to become better at alchemy?" ［Yuna］
"Yuna... You're dodging the topic again, aren't you?" ［Grey］
"I... I don't know what you mean... I just want to spend time with you..." ［Yuna］
"... Haah... Sure, sure, we'll go with that. But!... After which, we'll be improving your enchanting and your smithing as well. You've been sitting too comfortably at Tier-4 for too long. It's time you rank up." ［Grey］
"Eh... Ehh? Ehhh?! No fair! No fair at all!" ［Yuna］
There was a smile on the young lady's face as soon as she heard Grey's words, but such a smile soon disappeared and turned into a pale expression, then shock soon after. Not only was she forced into enchanting, there is also smithing as well.
Whilst the young lady wallowed in her broken hopes, Grey looked at the Spark of Origin once more. Seeing it in his hands, he was reminded of another item as well which he could have gotten in the Labyrinth of Flames last year.
It was the "Vulcan Destroyer's Core" which, like the Spark or Origin, was insanely useful in production, smiting to be precise. After all, not only could it produce insane amounts of heat, it could also refine materials to the highest degree.
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However, such an item was ravaged by the tornado of Divine Poison, reduced to nothingness. There are lower grade cores, but they won't be as useful to him as it would have been.?Just remembering it is more than enough to make his heart ache.
"Haah... Such a shame indeed..." ［Grey］
"Uuu... Grey, you bully... I hate you..." ［Yuna］
"And I love you very much, My Dear." ［Grey］
Shenanigans and regrets aside, Grey and Yuna then walked towards the Treasure Room, a grand door greeting them warmly once again. It was decorated lavishly and grandly, all sorts of wonderful gemstones and precious metals making it.
CLANK CLACK CLACK THUNK THUD CREEEAAAAKKKKKK
They poured mana into the doors, and a familiar series of heavy mechanical sounds ensued. The doors started to move and the entrance was soon opened, slowly but surely. A radiant glimmer of gold, silver, and crystals greeted them soon after.
The Labyrinth of Thunder has been cleared more recently than the Labyrinth of Stars, and so, there wasn't as much treasure to be seen. However, it was definitely far from tiny either, still managing to make a large pile of riches which could blind anyone from a single gaze, billions of kiels laying around.
As usual, there were coins, crystals, jewelry, magic tools, and equipment, all valuable enough to afford a couple castles at the very least. There was also the usual pedestal by the center, a single object sitting atop, illuminated by brilliant light.
"Yaay～! Treasures～! This really is the best part!" ［Yuna］
"Yuna, don't run around too fast. You might trip yourself." ［Grey］
"Grey, I'm not a kid anymore, you know?" ［Yuna］
Yuna was excited like a little child like usual and started running around the place, looking and scrutinizing every little thing which caught her fancy and was very curious about many items displayed by the side shelves as well.
There were many she was already familiar with, but there were also some which she had never seen before. Other than the magic plants, which everybody knows she is crazy about, everything was also quite interesting in their own ways.
There were fabrics she's never seen before and luxurious jewelries which looked ancient. However, she knows they aren't your usual items. After all, they are rewards for clearing a hellish Labyrinth. It was only natural.
"Hey, Grey! Look! Look! What do you think?!" ［Yuna］
"Hm? What are you up to agaー" ［Grey］
Grey couldn't even finish his sentence, halting on his tracks as soon as he saw his beloved draped in random yet beautiful fabric. They were wrapped around her body like a dress, and there were also accessories hanging in her neck and her wrist.
Seeing her act like such, Grey was reminded of his childhood where he and his friends would use random clothes they found and start cosplaying anything which came to mind, dressing themselves up absurdly. They were fun and nostalgic times.
However, Grey couldn't tell whether he feels the same thing after seeing the young lady dressed up like a doll by a toddler. She looked like a young girl trying to look like the celebrities she finds pictures of. Her childishness has reached a new peak.
"Haah... Really... Just how did I fall in love with you....?" ［Grey］
"Teehee! Isn't it because I'm cute?" ［Yuna］
"Hey, don't be too cheeky." ［Grey］
"Ow! Oww! Oww! My cheeks! Grey, that hurts!" ［Yuna］
The young lady answered with a bright and confident smile, but what she received was a tight pinch to the cheeks. Grey didn't put much strength in it, but it was more than enough to make it sting a little bit, the young lady flailing around.
It was fine if he's the one who calls Yuna cute, adorable, or beautiful, but somehow, when she says it herself, he just wants to give her a quick pinch to annoy her. It was so fast, he didn't even realize his hand had moved, acting almost instinctively.
POMF POMF POMF POMF BOP
"H-Hey, Yuna, I said I'm sorry already... I was wrong." ［Grey］
"Hmph! Shut up, you dummy! Bullies like you need to be punished." ［Yuna］
Though, it didn't take long before the tables were turned, and soon enough, it was Yuna who was pounding her closed fists onto Grey's shoulder, pouting and sulking ever so adorably with small tears forming in the corner of her eyes.
Now, they don't even look like lovers anymore. Rather, they seem like siblings who constantly annoy one another over the pettiest of reasons. It was a strange love-hate relationship one just couldn't tell which part of the spectrum it falls into.
Well, to the eyes of the beholder, it would seem nothing more than an idiotic couple flirting ever so sweetly. Had they been in public, there wouldn't just be one or two people cursing them under their breaths. They are too sweet for God's sake.
All jokes aside, Grey and Yuna quickly cleared out the treasures lying around and ridded up the room, storing them inside the Inventory and adding up to their already long list of treasures. Only one remained in the room.
"Seeing that it was a sword and then a spear last time, I was expecting another weapon again, but... Not in this form..." ［Yuna］
"That may be right, but it's still a Divine-Grade item." ［Grey］
"A Divine-Grade bracelet... This isn't just an accessory, isn't it?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. Not at all... Not at all..." ［Grey］
It was the grand prize on the pedestal, and like Yuna said, rather than your usual traditional-style weapon, it looked nothing like the part and looked quite adorable in comparison, shimmering quite radiantly and beautiful as can be.
It was a golden bracelet with black outlines and carvings engraved into it, looking slick and grandiose. It wasn't too big nor too small, and seems to be equipped with size-adjustment features to fit the user. An elegant piece of craft.
《Appraisal》 ［Grey］
-----------------------------------
【Equipment】
【Name】Gleipnir
【Grade】Divine
【Power Value】114,972
【Enchantment Value】335
【Description】
A bracelet made under the light of a billion stars, molded by several million lightning strikes to bring forth a weapon of mass destruction. It contains the very essence of power and destruction, able to annihilate cities within a single snap and wipe away mountains without any difficulties.
Gleipnir can create countless chains made of lightning depending on the amount of mana the user possesses, getting more and more powerful with every drop. These chains can extend indefinitely and can strike or phase through various objects by the user's will. It can also create large explosions with mana and energy.
【Ability】『Retribution (5☆)』
-----------------------------------
That very same piece of art was just as powerful as it was beautiful, not only does it seem like a simple, fancy bracelet, it was also packed with features which anyone, regardless of attribute and class, would want to get ahold of.
The number and power of the spears depends entirely on the amount and quality of mana, but as long as those requirements are fulfilled, one would be able to summon a great deal of lightning chains and deal a fair amount of damage,
It possessed the 5☆ ability "Retribution" which, in itself, already possesses incredible functions. First of all, it can enhance any lightning-attribute magic spell to three folds across the overall stats, making it very formidable.
Second, it could also gather and store mana and energy over time and release it all in a single moment. Given enough time, it should be able to charge up for an attack which could wipe out even Catastrophe-Class monsters in an instant.
"G-Grey! C-Can I try it?! It looks so cool! I wanna see what it does!" ［Yuna］
"Sure, go ahead. Just make sure to be careful." ［Grey］
"Un!" ［Yuna］
Of course, as soon as they received such a wonderful item, a rush of excitement quickly flooded their hearts. Both Grey and Yuna wanted to see just what it was capable of, perfect to be tested outside in the already tattered Boss Room.
They didn't waste a single second. As soon as Yuna wore the bracelet, the bracelet shrank to fit her wrists perfectly and made itself light as a feather. Yuna didn't even notice it weighed her down, feeling as if it wasn't even there to begin with.
"Alright! Yuna, this place should be good enough!" ［Grey］
"Un! Here I go!" ［Yuna］
Yuna's voice echoed in the air and a cold glint shimmered throughout the whole room. She waved her hands, and poured mana to Gleipnir, dozens of spearheads popping into existence and hovering in the air, bright and radiant as gold.
The spears crackled and the wind was sent into turmoil, the spearheads soon started to spin, rotating faster and faster until they turned into drills. A flick of her fingers and all the spearheads rushed out.
Well, they were just spearheads at first, but as soon as they extended, what they were attacked to was not poles, but rather, lengthy and golden chains which could not be any similar to bolts of lightning dating at breakneck speeds
CRACKLE CRACKLE CRACKLE CRACKLE
They weren't very difficult to control either. With a simple thought, Yuna could change the trajectory of the chained spears and make them make turns, both smooth and sharp, orchestrating a complex web of lightning as she waved her hands.
What's more, Yuna could also control the spears separately, able to split them into groups or even fuse them into larger and more powerful chains. Not only would it be a powerful attack weapon, its binding capabilities were unmatched as well.
BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM
Yuna sent the spears flying into the walls, peppering the already jaded walls and adding a couple more craters and scars, not a shred or mercy in her eyes. They all poured down like a heavy rain, powerful enough to erase cities off the map.
However, Yuna was far from over. As soon as the chains were tested, it was time to test out the amplification it brings to lightning-attribute spells. She opened her hand, and a sphere of blue appeared, crackling and roaring.
《Azure Lane!》 ［Yuna］
Yuna reached her hands out and a massive beam shot out towards the direction her palm was facing. The Boss Room was painted a bright blue color, an even deeper and more massive crater carved into the poor wall.
Not only was it more powerful, it also covered a bigger area and bolted out at a much faster rate, creating nothing but a devastating outcome. One could only imagine the power it could release using the second option embedded into it.
"Ohh～... As expected of a Divine-Grade Weapon. It really is amazing." ［Grey］
"Un... Too amazing, actually. It even fits perfectly to my wrist, and doesn't feel uncomfortable at all... Can I keep it, Grey?" ［Yuna］
"Hm? Sure. It looks inconspicuous, anyway." ［Grey］
"E-Eh?! Really?! I-I was only joking, though?!" ［Yuna］
"It's fine, we already have a lot of Divine-Grade items and weapons anyway. And I'd feel much better if you had this with you." ［Grey］
Or so he says, but it's not like there are many which could have Yuna anyway. She's already a Disaster-Class Ranker, only a couple figures above her. With her abilities, even if she's facing Catastrophe-Class enemies, she would surely remain unharmed.
Well, not that anyone is still unused to it anyway. It may have toned down a bit, but Grey was still a little bit overprotective of Yuna. As long as he can keep his beloved even a little bit safer, nothing was too much. A smile bloomed on Yuna's face...
"Ah, but that also means you'll have to improve your proficiency in lightning magic. That would make Gleipnir more useful." ［Grey］
"Ehh... Do I really have too...?" ［Yuna］
"Not necessarily now, but you'll need to do so sooner or later." ［Grey］
... A smile which soon turned into a frown as soon as she heard the continuation of Grey's words. She is already busy with all the things she's working on, and now, she'll have to think of improving her lightning-attribute magic.
The young lady couldn't even remain touched about Grey's actions, her mood quickly souring and her heartbeats quickly settling at how thoughtless her fiancée was. She hit him with a quick pound on the shoulders just for the heck of it.
"H-Huh? What was that for?" ［Grey］
"Hmph! Figure it out yourself, dummy!" ［Yuna］
Grey utterly confused, and Yuna puffing her cheeks, the two soon headed back to the treasure room to finish their business. The treasures may have already been cleared out, but there were still a couple things left to do.
First of all, there was the activation of the pedestal to update the world's system about the spirits, his main mission. The other thing is to ask God about quite a number of questions which have been plaguing his mind for quite some time now.
There was the story in Torogi, the ways to improve one's ability, the deal with the blood and essence coursing in his body, matters about the spirits, and many more. There were a lot of things he wanted to ask, and it was the moment of truth.
Now that they have taken out Gleipnir on the pedestal, a bridge between Merusia and God's new dimension should have been temporarily opened. However, rather than God, what lay waiting for Grey and Yuna was a peculiar object...
"A letter....?" ［Yuna］
There was no sort of divine being present, but rather, there was only a letter. Inside it was a single sheet of paper, only a few words. Words which Grey and Yuna never expected to receive from God, their eyes opening wide.
......
The God you are dialing is currently busy and unavailable for an indefinite period of time. Please leave a message after the beep.
*Beep*
P.S.
Congratulations on clearing another Labyrinth!
......
He ran away. He was clearly running away, and not wanting to answer any of Grey and Yuna's questions. With such a quick and timely reply, there was no way he was "busy and unavailable". It was clearly written in a hurry.
Moreover, he even imitated the script of the voice messages which plays whenever you contact an unavailable number back on earth. He even had the audacity to ask to have them leave a message after the beep... It was a letter for Pete's sake!
"Th... This... This Idiot God! Damn you!!" ［Grey］
A loud scream filled with frustration and irritation filled the air.
CHAPTER 445 END