Chapter 177: Secret Boss Rush Quest (6)

~Third POV~

In the middle of the night taking shelter in the middle of the desert somewhere in the Guiltina Continent Silva has begun discussing with Athena finding her on the way by complete accident.

Since then Silva began to talk to Athena about the current world events happening to what he knew as Athena absorbed the information like a sponge taking in everything and giving her side of the story in the process somewhat surprising Silva of her capabilities.

Upon finishing everything within a homemade home using <Arc of Embodiment> Athena began to wander about inside pacing back and forth as Silva listened to her words, "I see… if that's the correct date. Less than 100 years have passed since my seal… with Duke Barbaroa passing and Elefersia-sama sealing me away… I'm left with one option of living on my own."

Listening to her words Silva frowned till he changed his expression to a smile responding to her claims as she tilted her head to his direction, "Or… you could just hang around with me. Since you have nowhere to go and I did unseal you that kind of makes me by default my responsibility for you right?"

Considering his words Athena nodded her head but then voiced out her wish in a neutral tone to him, "Perhaps… but would that interfere with my wish though?"

Intrigued Silva asked with a bemused expression on his face the question to Athena, "Your wish?"

Nodding Athena wished what she wanted most in a confused tone to Silva what she desires, "Of course. My wish is to have feelings."

At this Silva expressed confusion asking another question to her confused, "You want emotions then? But don't you have them already?"

It was Athena's turn to be confused asking in a confused tone making Silva realize immediately why she couldn't, "No…? I don't feel anything per se…. Perhaps it's a flaw my creator didn't place originally."

Interjecting her thoughts Silva responded in realization what Athena failed to realize shocking her, "Or… or just maybe you can't tell your feelings apart. I can certainly tell you are confused by the tone of your voice."

Athena tilted her head surprised but confused as Silva continued smirking happily proving himself right to her pointing at her chest, "Currently you're thinking all sorts of things right now, aren't you? That's the feeling called confusion sweetheart."

A small bead of sweat formed on Athena's face muttering confused by the events, "But… what's the feeling in my chest… it's beating rapidly yet I feel so content…"

Listening Silva pointed out the emotion she's currently feeling with his <Magic Sense> taking a sip of water from his drink, "I believe the feeling your experiencing is the one known as happiness. You are just happy you have emotions you just needed someone to help show you the way. Think what you want to do Athena that's the right of every living creature in this world... even you deserve it."

Athena's eyes widened in shock and admiration as Silva took his eyes off her knowing what to do in her head in a determined tone, 'This human Silva… his different from the others. Expressing concern and kindness… follow what I want to do huh? Then…. It's decided what I want.'

Her eyes gazed at Silva's face, determination in her voice as she managed to get his attention as Athena spoke, "In that case, I wish to stand by your side, Master. I want to experience the world with you."

Raising an eyebrow trying to make sure he didn't mishear what Athena wanted clearing the misunderstanding if there was any in a confused tone, "By my side? And what's this about Master business?"

Athena resolutely responded copying Silva's own words against him smiling and expressing her happiness at her idea, "I want to help to recognize emotions. With you taking responsibility I wish for you to help me and figure out my place in the world."

Smirking at this Silva nodded his head in agreement about to explain his current job before asking Athena her original purpose, "Wait… hmm…. Why were you sealed here to begin with and what was your purpose?"

Athena blinked a bit surprised before exclaiming the reason for her imprisonment in a neutral tone, "Oh right. The purpose of my creation was to be a weapon for the self-defense of persecuted Wizards. More specifically against the Dragons Elefseria's guild faced eventually the proclaimed Dragon Gods."

Listening to this Silva replied of his current job not violating any agreements he made with Elefseria since he saw Athena as a weapon to a person exclaiming, "What a coincidence! I'm taking on the old man's request. Hell, I even took care sealing the Water Dragon God becoming pals, and exterminated the Wood Dragon God."

Athena's eyes widened in surprise asking for more details to which Silva smiled explaining trusting her like a friend.

/////

[November 12, X790]

*Voooom*

Riding across the sky with Athena onboard Silva's Magic Carpet they soon witness the latest signs of the Great Labyrinth of Dogras in sight as Athena asks confused, "You are certainly finding Elefseria's heart within the deep Labyrinth would assist me in learning about feelings? Are you certain the Moon Dragon God Selene isn't pulling your leg? Did I use the slang right?"

Silva nodded agreeing with Athena's words responding voicing his concerns and getting her attention, "Yeah…. But it would be better if you kept it. Besides, you'll need Dragon Slayer Magic to become stronger right? And how else would we know best than the Law Dragon Heart to help you out, Athena?"

Athena merely smirked feeling happiness for her friend doing as he promised, "Umu."

Upon view they managed to view the entrance towards The Great Labyrinth of Dogra located in the unique village with high-top platforms surrounded by forest-like scenery; the outside of the labyrinth being a large chained-up door-like pillar.

*Tmp*

Dropping down they soon viewed the entrance of the Labyrinth peeking inside seems to be endlessly creating maze seeing the changes as Silva thought observing the seal, 'Interesting… so this place is sealed huh? I can tell Elefersia Magic is in place. Better to destroy it and enter right away but first… <Observe >.'

A screen popped up describing the details about the location in front of Silva.

[Location: The Great Labyrinth of Dogra

Description: The Great Labyrinth of Dogra is an ever-growing underground maze located somewhere on the continent of Guiltina. It was created and formed by the Magic Power of the Dogramag's remains fusing with the land post-mortem.

Due to the Earth Dragon God consumed Elefseria's dragon heart, allowing him to retain its consciousness and attempt to regenerate his body and regain his power for a century, but in the form of a large maze under Ignia's request.

The area is filled with various traps such as rolling boulders, trap doors on the floor with spikes, and various kinds of rock monsters roaming throughout the labyrinth that attack any who enters. These monsters have a core in them that allows them to move and can mostly be stopped by destroying these cores. The maze is also able to shift its passageways, likely caused by triggering one of its contraptions such as removing an orb from a statue, making it difficult to map out.

The labyrinth is an extension of Dogramag's body, upon its creation, he scattered gemstones known as Dogra Cores that sealed his power all throughout it. It was through these stones that the labyrinth continuously expanded.]

Finishing reading the long description the two looked at each other with Silva bringing out Rongo Rongo and Extase drawing Athena's attention to his actions, "Alright time to head out to search for the old man's heart! This will be a cinch to with Extase!"

*Shinng*

Athena's eyes widened seeing Elefseria's magic seal easily cut by Extase blades in one swing as he motioned for her to follow getting her attention, "Come on Athena it's time we hurry along getting the heart then getting out of there. Those dragons aren't gonna be staying around for long!"

Walking forward Athena followed feeling excitement in her chest of the sense of adventure.

/////

*Tmp*

Stepping out from the ship with Irene Squad in disguise viewed the lands of Guiltina Irene whistled to the land out from the ship muttering in a surprised tone, "Interesting… I do believe I smell hints of Dragon within this region. Color me surprise."

Juliet childishly replied surprised in a happy tone punching her fist into the air, "Whoa! That means there are more of them my lady!"

Annoyed by other members Heine scolded her fellow squad member in a harsh tone whispering, "You idiot. We're here on the job Sun-chan. Belserion-sama had a mission for us to capture a foreigner for his majesty!"

Juliet merely acted cutely as Irene sighed both leaving as her eye shined using Eye Magic over the land using an invisible spell to keep her eye hidden from the sky to not tip off Silva as they tried locating him as she searched, "Remember we remain calm as I search for him. He needs to be –!!!"

Irene froze on the spot muttering in shock alerting her squad members of her words seemingly located their target but the person beside him shocked her greatly, "That amount of Magic Power…!! Who's this Machia that can match with Zeref…."

Their eyes widen at those claims as Irene smiles happily widening her insanity showing lightly at the people of interest, "Interesting!! Certainly, this Silva has a certain taste in company. Juliet. Heine. Both be prepared for large confrontations ahead. Will wait for them to appear ambushing them at this Labyrinth!"

Both nodded moving in Silva's direction…

/////

*Sniff*

Sniffing the air following their scent Kiria responded in a serious tone, "I managed to find his trail! Will find the bastard soon enough Guild Master!"

Licking his lips in anticipation Georg grinned only to stiffen up his sense of smell hinting at another dragon aiming in the same direction where Silva was, "Now ain't this interesting… I'm smelling another dragon heading that way. A fiercely strong one at that."

The other Dragon Slayers smelled and sensed the Magic Power eyes widening at the sheer size with Misaki narrowing her eyes, "Is there perhaps a new Dragon God sir?"

Georg shook his head confirming the Magic Power expressing a greedy grin on his face eyes slitted in a serious tone, "No. That power…. Her Magic Power surpasses to that of Elexion the former Lightning Dragon King. Best to ambush her as one."

They all nodded all rushing towards their destination.

/////

*Shinng*

*THUD*

Slabs of stone soon broke down as Athena and Silva both landed down at the center of The Great Labyrinth with Silva pouting at the so-called indestructible walls, "Indestructible sorry excuse of walls my ass! These fell like paper when my Extase gets to work."

Taking the pieces of the walls that made up the Labyrinth both of them collected since they are parts of the Earth Dragon Body and useful material as their eyes landed on the lowest level floor of the Labyrinth.

The lowest level of the labyrinth is a wide cavern with large plant roots and where the heart of Elefseria was held.

*Vooom*

Immediately taking the heart without hesitation into his <Requip > Athena's eyes widen voicing her confusion about the events unfolding, "Huh? Silva friend you sense what I'm detecting here correct?"

*Rbml*

Silva nodded sighing detecting a magic signature from the Labyrinth preparing for combat replying in an annoyed tone, "Oh, great. Who knew the old man was this bad at killing a dragon that was proclaimed dead? Fucking Dragon Slayer my ass!!! That old geezer must be getting old if he fucks this much not knowing he didn't kill the Earth Dragon God. Better be prepared, Athena. Let's see how strong this Earth Dragon God is."

Both eyes turned towards the shaking rubble both narrowing preparing for battle…

Next chapter