Two days had passed since Arius's regression. During this time, he devoted himself to intense training and self-development, while also trying to recall every detail of the labyrinth—its design, the traps hidden within, the loot locations, and the possible mapping routes. Such knowledge would prove invaluable the next time he entered, giving him a better chance of survival with fewer casualties.
Only four days remained before the scheduled raid on the labyrinth.
Arius had tried to delay the expedition by persuading the members and even negotiating with the guild that organized it, but his efforts were useless. Neither the guild nor the other raiders fell under the influence of House Korvis. Moreover, the guild possessed their own records and data about the labyrinth, and in their eyes, it was nothing more than a routine challenge—something they believed could be handled just like the others.
Arius didn't have any other choice but to join the raid with the guild. With only four days of preparation left, he needed to push himself hard in training to increase his chances of survival.
For now, he was training alone in the training yard; no one else was there except him. Sometimes he trained with the trainees and guards who served under House Korvis.
He was skilled in sword arts and spear throwing, but when it came to his main element, ice, it was difficult to maintain effectiveness. That was the area he constantly tried to improve, adapting his skills with Ice Vein, which was Arius's primary trait.
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The first, or Primary Trait, is what every person is born with. It is the natural element that defines the foundation of one's power. There are six: Fire, Wind, Water, Lightning, Ice, and Gravity. Each person possesses one of these by birth. Through spells, potions, and rituals, one may bend their affinity further—but the core element is immovable.
In Arius's case, it was Ice. He was born with this affinity, and upon awakening, he gained his Primary Trait: [Ice Vein].
Then comes the Second Trait. Unlike the first, this trait is not universal. The Second Trait allows a person to manipulate multiple elements, weaving them together to create greater effects. It is here that three additional elements reveal themselves—Void, Space, and Time.
These three are the rarest affinities in existence. Even among those who unlock the Second Trait, only about five percent can manifest even fragments of them. And those fragments are unstable—mere glimpses of true power. As for complete mastery…
In the Primary Trait, there are five tiers. To master one's natural element, all five must be climbed. Only after reaching at least the third tier can one begin to unlock the Second Trait.
Every element contains over a hundred variations—different techniques, styles, and manifestations. Some will appear unique, while others may seem similar to another element's power. The task of every wielder is to recognize the difference and refine it into their own strength.
Arius was at a very good age to obtain his Secondary Trait, which was [Eternal Sleet].
There are also many other methods of acquiring traits, but each comes with its own rules and often carries negative side effects.
Most humans possess different traits connected to the six natural affinities.
When Arius was born, he inherited the Ice element as his affinity, which was different from House Korvis's Gravity affinity.
Arius received his mother's Primary Trait, [Ice Vein]. That was why it was difficult for him to find his place within the family.
And when he rejected the offer to join the Imperial Avalar Academy in the past, it created some conflict within the house.
Roman supported him and did not question his choices, but Arius still needed to grow and gain experience. So, he decided to participate in raids of labyrinths and dungeons.
These raids helped him gain both experience and knowledge about the world. Most of the time, he hid his identity and took part as a common adventurer or an independent mercenary.
The house never openly opposed him—yet within House Korvis, almost everyone hated Arius.
Right after, Arius gathered his shattered thoughts and focused on his training.
He was swinging his sword with the [Ice Vein] trait, trying to create a force of energy similar to the traits of the Gravity element.
The one who guided Arius as his master was Roman himself. Almost everything Arius had learned came from Roman, who even tried to teach him the techniques of House Korvis.
However, it was not easy for Arius to learn techniques meant for Gravity when he had to adapt them for Ice.
Arius was trying to concentrate on his training, but his thoughts kept drifting to different things. He knew how to control them, yet he was unable to maintain his focus.
He made a few final swings with his sword, trying to steady his posture and hold the form of [Ice Vein].
He focused on his whole body, lowering his inner temperature so he could better adapt to his element.
Finally, he let go of his sword. Both of his hands were completely covered in ice up to the wrists. A thin layer of frost even spread across his neck, forming a fragile shield of ice.
When he stopped using his trait, his whole body temperature began to drop as a side effect of the training.
"Breath… breath…"
He took steady breaths, trying to control his body, to raise his temperature back to normal.
He succeeded in controlling his temperature and raising it; it was much easier for him to do now. He picked up his frozen sword from the ground.
"Wow, it's much easier for me now to control my temperature."
"I should go and eat something." Arius gathered all his belongings from the ground and walked down.
According to Arius, it was not going to be easy for him in the Labyrinth after just five or six days of training. He needed something as a backup.
Arius was sitting in his room, eating the food that had been prepared for him.
He had something in mind that could serve as a good backup to help him clear Block One.
However, it might be pretty tough for him to arrange it.
One option was to contract some mercenaries. This was Arius's backup plan, but it wasn't very beneficial because of the money he would need to pay them for the contract.
Another option was to ask Roman Von Korvis to support him by assigning some guards or soldiers from House Korvis to accompany him into the Labyrinth.
But that might raise questions, and Roman could end up thinking Arius was not capable of handling things on his own.
Arius had some savings that might be enough. Still, he was not going to ask for help from Roman. His pride and stubborn nature would never allow it—depending on others, especially within House Korvis, only made him appear weaker.
"Right now, I should focus on lunch."
He finished the meal quickly, though his mind kept drifting back to the upcoming raid. No matter how much he tried to push the thoughts aside.
Once he was done, he set the plate aside and leaned back in his chair. Four days left… that's all I have, he thought. If I can't prepare enough, the first Block alone might kill me again.
"If I die again, what would happen?" he muttered in a deep tone. He was confused—if he died the same way as before, would Oblivionis help him again?
Arius pushed that thought aside and stood up, determined to arrange some money or rewards to hire backup.
To hire and contract some mercenaries, he needed to leave the mansion and travel to a nearby village or town where he could find help.
Then a new thought surfaced in Arius's mind—shouldn't he try another guild and seek their aid? If he offered them a share of the rewards or enough money, they might be willing to help.
It felt like a far more realistic and reliable option. And even if he failed to convince the entire guild, at the very least, he could find an individual from there to support him.
The guilds were not like noble houses; they had no bloodline pride to maintain. They cared for contracts, coin, and reputation. Each guild functioned as an independent organization, recognized by the kingdom, and most adventurers or mercenaries registered under them for legitimacy. If a guild broke a contract or betrayed a client, their reputation would be scarred across every tavern and town, and no lord or merchant would dare deal with them again.
That made guilds far more dependable than wandering mercenaries. Money spoke louder than pride within their walls.
Arius tapped his fingers against the wooden table, thinking. If I can't convince Roman, and mercenaries are too unreliable, then a guild might be my safest option. At least they have rules…
Still, approaching them would not be simple. Guilds demanded coin upfront or valuable collateral. Arius knew he had some savings, but whether it was enough to secure skilled fighters was another matter entirely.
Arius decided not to waste more time. The most realistic option was to find help through a guild.
After a few minutes of thought, he stood up. He had already wasted enough days in training; now time was running short. If he wanted to have any chance inside the labyrinth, he needed to secure allies today.
"To hire some guild members, I'll have to leave the mansion and head to the nearest village," he muttered to himself, gathering his belongings.The village nearby would surely have at least one guild branch—and that was where he can Find someone.