CHAPTER 140: 140 - LABYRINTH OF THE NURTURER [10]

On the first day of challenging [The Labyrinth of the Nurturer], Raven and the others managed to push their way up to the middle of the 3rd floor. They moved at a steady pace, fighting monster after monster without slowing down.

On the second day, they pushed their momentum even further, advancing all the way to the 6th floor before deciding to take a rest.

But after that point, things became far more complicated.

The labyrinth began revealing its true nature. The deeper floors grew more difficult by several levels, and each step forward came at a cost.

From the 6th floor onward, the dungeon turned into a massive maze filled with twisting paths, misleading routes, and deadly traps scattered throughout.

Traps weren’t the only problem. Stronger monsters lurked in the shadows, more aggressive and cunning compared to those on the upper floors. Poison darts hidden in walls, pitfalls covered with illusions, and sudden ambushes became a constant threat that slowed the team’s advance.

On the third day, despite giving it their all, the group only managed to reach the middle section of the 7th floor.

On the fourth day, progress continued to crawl. With much effort, they reached the 8th floor.

Then came the fifth day. By then, Raven and the others had adapted to the dangerous environment of the deeper labyrinth. Their teamwork improved, their pace picked up, and with determination burning inside them, they finally broke through into the 9th floor.

And now, on July 18, 2080. Saturday.

The sixth day of their challenge.

The group stood at the end of the 9th floor, having pushed themselves through trials far harsher than they expected.

*****

"We’re here..."

Eve mumbled in a low voice. She was at the front of the group, gazing at the staircase that led downward.

The structure didn’t look like the rough stone steps of the earlier floors— it was crafted neatly, resembling the work of skilled architects, and it spiraled deeper into the shadows.

"Phew..."

"Haaa..."

Behind her stood Alec, Curtis, Blake, Raven, Adelle, and Aoi. Each of them was breathing heavily, their shoulders slightly slumped from exhaustion.

"I’m shocked... we arrived at this place a day earlier than I expected..."

Raven, who had taken the rear position, muttered under his breath.

[Well, it’s because Alec and the others were much more cooperative than usual.]

Sariel’s calm voice echoed in his mind, replying to his thoughts.

Hearing that, Raven shifted his eyes to the rest of the team. They all looked completely drained. Sweat clung to their skin, dirt smeared their clothes, and even though they had fought through countless battles before, this exhaustion was on another level.

(Yuki is inside the ring, resting. She was the most exhausted out of everyone.)

’True... their performance was much better than I predicted.’

Raven acknowledged silently.

Then, with a wave of his hand—

Swaaa–

He pulled several vials and bottles from his spatial storage, setting them down in front of the group.

"[Mass Cleanse]"

A faint glow surrounded Raven’s hand as he chanted.

Swooo~

The magic spread out, enveloping every single one of them.

"Huh?"

Eve blinked in surprise.

"Wha?!"

Alec nearly jumped.

"Ohh..."

Adelle’s eyes widened with wonder.

"Hmm?"

Aoi tilted her head.

"The fuck is this?"

Curtis muttered.

"A magic, you buffoon."

Blake grumbled at him.

Specks of light drifted off their bodies, peeling away the dirt, blood, and grime that clung to them. The heavy stench of iron and sweat was erased and replaced with a refreshing scent, like a faint breeze carrying sweetness.

Their bodies felt lighter. The exhaustion wasn’t gone, but their morale instantly improved.

They didn’t need to ask who was responsible. All eyes naturally turned toward Raven.

"Catch."

Swish–

Two glass vials flew toward each of them.

"?!"

Alec instinctively caught his. The others quickly did the same.

Before anyone could open their mouths, Raven spoke first.

"I gave each of you an intermediate-class mana potion and a stamina potion."

He paused briefly, then added:

"Drink them and get some rest. After that..."

His voice grew sharper, filled with confidence.

"We will advance to the last floor."

The declaration made everyone freeze for a moment. The weight of his words sank in quickly.

"The potions... are you sure we can use them?"

Aoi asked, hesitant. She looked between the vials and Raven.

Raven met her eyes, then glanced at the others one by one before smirking.

"It’s fine. I still have plenty left. Besides, I know you guys already ran out of the ones you brought."

His words hit the mark. Aoi lowered her gaze at the potion in her hand, and the others followed suit. Their supplies had indeed been drained by their rush through the labyrinth. They had no choice but to rely on what Raven provided.

"Thanks."

Aoi finally said, speaking for the group.

"It’s nothing."

Raven replied casually.

Gulp–

Without further hesitation, they downed the potions. A comforting warmth spread through their bodies as stamina and mana flowed back into them. None of them spoke, too tired to exchange words, but the relief was written clearly on their faces.

Then Raven turned toward Adelle.

"Adelle."

"Yes?"

She responded quickly.

"Here."

Swish–

He tossed her another potion.

"Huh? What’s this for?"

"Heal the others. They’ve still got some minor injuries."

"Oh, okay!"

Adelle replied with a smile. She immediately got to work, casting recovery spells on each of them while fueled by the potion.

’Adelle really is a great help...’

Raven thought silently, watching her. She didn’t just heal. She observed battles carefully, supporting whichever side of the formation needed her most. In terms of contribution, she stood right next to him.

The group continued resting, regaining their energy.

It was only 9 AM. Time was on their side, but Raven had no plans to waste it. The double growth effect of the dungeon still lingered, and he intended to clear everything before it disappeared.

*****

Ten hours later...

Once again, the group stood before the staircase leading to the final floor.

The 9th floor had tested them to their limits. It was a twisted forest unlike anything they had seen before, shrouded in darkness, where the sky above was absent and the only light came from eerie violet leaves hanging off withered trees that towered over twenty meters high.

The floor was crawling with giant insects of all shapes and sizes, every one of them ranked [C-]. They swarmed in groups, never fighting alone. Every encounter forced Raven’s team to stay sharp.

They hadn’t spent those ten hours idly. While they rested in turns, they also hunted, making sure no one grew complacent. They had fought tooth and nail in squads of three while the others stayed behind to recover, slowly cutting down monsters to keep their edge sharp.

Now, standing united, they faced the staircase that would lead them to the true end.

"Is everyone ready?"

Eve asked, scanning the group.

"Yep, I think."

Blake answered first.

"I’m nervous... but ready to go."

Alec admitted.

"If it’s with you, I’m always ready to go anywhere."

Curtis said without hesitation.

"How can you say that with a straight face?"

Raven muttered.

"I’m ready."

Aoi said calmly.

"I’m fully rested, so yeah, I’m ready too!"

Adelle chimed in cheerfully.

The atmosphere was heavy, yet the determination in their voices was clear.

Eve nodded firmly.

"Then let’s go."

The group descended the staircase together.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

The echo of their footsteps filled the silence.

After what felt like a long descent—

Tap–

They reached the bottom.

What greeted them was a massive gate of stone, towering at least thirty meters high. The surface was carved from metamorphic rock, its design both intimidating and awe-inspiring.

"That’s cool."

Blake muttered.

"Yeah."

Alec agreed.

"It’s kinda intimidating... but nice."

Adelle added softly.

Eve remained quiet for a moment, then said firmly:

"Blake, open the gate."

"Okay."

He replied immediately.

He stepped forward, placing both hands on the massive surface. A sharp burning sensation stabbed into his palms.

Blake grimaced.

"Guys, brace yourselves."

Everyone immediately readied themselves, weapons in hand, spells at the ready.

"Hup!"

With a grunt of strength, Blake pushed.

CREEEAK—

BOOM!

The gate groaned open, unleashing a thunderous sound that shook the chamber.

SWAAHHHH~

A wave of scorching air erupted from within.

"Ugh..." Eve staggered.

"Keuk..." Aoi coughed.

"What the fuck?!" Curtis cursed.

"Kyaaa!" Adelle yelped.

"Eh?" Raven raised an eyebrow.

"Hot!" Blake hissed.

"Ah..?" Alec gasped.

The heat was overwhelming, searing enough to incinerate normal humans on the spot. Even as awakened, the group could feel it burning against their skin.

"[Heat Resistance!]"

Adelle acted quickly, casting the spell across the group before anyone could be harmed. The suffocating heat lost its sting, though the air still felt heavy.

As they adjusted, Raven muttered under his breath.

"What the actual fuck?"

The others looked at him with slight confusion. But they didn’t pay much mind— Raven always cursed anyway.

Unlike them, he had been prepared. He had already cast Heat Resistance on himself before the gate opened.

But the reason he cursed wasn’t the heat.

It was what awaited beyond.

As soon as the gate creaked open, he had Sariel appraise the monster waiting for them.

The results made his expression twist into a frown.

=====

[Hell’s Prisoner]

Rank: C++

Strength: C+

Agility: D+

Stamina: C+

Intelligence: C

[Skills]

Self Destruct

Fire Manipulation

Flame of Hell

=====

"Those transcended bastards... I better get a good reward after this..."

Raven muttered with irritation.

"Sariel, tell that to them."

[Already did.]

"Good."