"A Hero's Fight" As Drake unleashed the Dragon Slayer's Secret Art, the red-haired woman retreated while Ais was momentarily distracted. Dra
"A Hero's Fight"
As Drake unleashed the Dragon Slayer's Secret Art, the red-haired woman retreated while Ais was momentarily distracted.
Drake was slightly disappointed that this Fallen Sprite, unlike the one on Level 59, simply vanished after purification.
With Valletta's death, the Fallen Sprite fragment's extermination, and the red-haired woman's retreat, the battle ended.
The food storeroom's monsters disappeared; only a few robed figures remained, having already fled.
The group began clearing the battlefield. Drake examined the cursed weapons, studying their construction.
Drake knew they were made by Barca, a Daedalus descendant.
His knowledge of this [Mystery] wielder was limited.
A thousand years ago, Daedalus knew he couldn't complete the artificial labyrinth, Cronus, alone. He turned his obsession into a curse, encoding it into his bloodline—a Orario version of the Foolish Old Man who moved mountains.
This led to the last descendant colluding with the Dark Faction, providing them shelter and a base of operations.
Dix, to break the curse, became a sadistic pervert.
Unlike Dix, Barca obeyed the curse, focusing on building the labyrinth.
Six years ago, he'd partnered with Njord, the sea god of Mellen, smuggling monsters to fund the project.
His level and adventurer's history were unknown.
Drake guessed Barca was Level 3 or higher, possessing [Smithing] skills alongside [Mystery].
The labyrinth required Orichalcum and Adamantite; ordinary blacksmiths couldn't handle these materials.
Barca not only crafted weapons for the Dark Faction but also modified the labyrinth.
Daedalus left behind a curse and likely vast knowledge. Drake was envious of the cursed weapons.
He couldn't access the labyrinth yet, but he'd get a chance later.
Finn said, "Can you identify the cursed weapons' origin?"
Drake nodded. "Few in Orario possess [Mystery]; only that Daedalus descendant.
This proves the labyrinth is the Dark Faction's nest!"
Finn nodded, returning the Sure-Hit Spear. "Thanks; we'd have been in trouble without it!"
Drake took it. "Glad it was useful; I got some feedback."
Finn looked at the spear longingly. "Will you sell it?"
Drake looked at Finn. "Interested?"
Finn nodded. "Its abilities suit my magic."
Drake smiled dangerously. "Let's discuss the price!"
Finn's face paled; the pain was worse than his other wounds.
After cleaning the battlefield, they returned to Level 18.
After meeting Riveria's search party, they decided to return to the surface.
Riveria's group had an uneventful search, unlike Finn's intense battle.
Level 18 was vast, half the size of Orario. The forest was labyrinthine; a thorough search was difficult.
After the Level 24 battle, Finn needed to readjust his investigation.
Upon reaching the upper levels, they found unusually few adventurers.
They encountered a bloodied adventurer.
Raul, from the Loki Familia, helped him. "What happened? How were you injured?"
After drinking a recovery potion, the adventurer said, "Minotaurs! A Minotaur with a greatsword went to the upper levels; many were killed!"
Finn approached. "Do you know its location?"
"You're… Loki Familia's ?"
Finn said, "Yes. Calm down; we'll exterminate it."
"It's in the passage ahead; a team with a white-haired boy is there."
Drake facepalmed; it was Bell.
…
In the cavern, Bell, wielding the Hestia Knife and a short sword, fought a Minotaur wielding a greatsword.
Welf was there, holding a small girl's bag, despite her struggling.
"Welf, let go! You won't use your magic sword to help Bell, you won't help, and you won't let Lili help! What are you thinking?!"
Welf, wincing, said, "Lili, calm down! We can't interfere; this is Bell's adventure!"
"What?! That's an enhanced Minotaur! Bell will be in danger!"
"That's what makes it an adventure!"
A new voice made Lili stop struggling.
Welf turned, surprised. "Drake, what are you doing here?"
It was Drake. He said, "I returned from the middle levels; I heard about the enhanced Minotaur."
Lili knew he was a high-level adventurer. "Please help Bell!"
Drake shook his head. "If Bell dreams of being a hero, he'll face this.
And if you want to stay by his side, trust him."
Lili stopped struggling, looking at Bell.
"Bell, I trust you! You'll win like a hero!"
The Loki Familia arrived behind Drake.
"What's happening?" Tiona asked.
Drake said, "A rookie adventurer on his first adventure!"
Bete scoffed. "Another rookie; don't let him cry for help later!"
Lili glared at Bete; she thought he was bad.
Finn watched the battle. "Bete, watch; this rookie isn't simple!"
Bete looked; he couldn't mock him anymore.
Gareth stroked his beard. "His movements are a little clumsy; he's a rookie."
Riveria added, "But his techniques are efficient and skillful!"
Bell dodged the Minotaur's attacks, striking weak points with his short sword and dagger.
"His skill is good, but too shallow!" Tione said. "But it's good for a Level 1."
Bell's attacks only cut skin and muscle. If he were stronger, he could have severed the Minotaur's tendon.
Continuing, Bell would exhaust himself. He knew this, but he didn't give up.
"Firebolt!"
Bell released flames from his palm; they quickly struck the Minotaur's face.
"No incantation!"
Everyone was surprised; quick-cast magic was rare; this boy was worth watching.
But then, they were shocked by something else.
Legend said the first hero, Argonaut, defeated the Minotaur, saved the princess, and achieved his only goal.
Watching Bell fight bravely, they saw that battle.
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