Chapter 10: Labyrinth

Groaning, he pushed himself up, trying to steady his dizzy head. The bright colors faded, replaced by darkness that was almost suffocating.

'Where am I?' he thought, his heart racing. Ading sound broke the silence, and a notification appeared in front of him.

[System Notification]

You have entered the Labyrinth of Desolation.

Seojun's eyes widened. The name alone sent chills down his spine. This was no ordinary place; it was designed to break even the strongest adventurers.

'Why do I always end up in these situations?' he wondered, shaking his head.

Another notification appeared.

[System Notification]

Labyrinth of Desolation

- Description: A deadly underground maze filled with traps, ancient guardians, and lost souls. The labyrinth is alive, constantly changing its paths to confuse and trap anyone who enters.

- Difficulty: Extreme

- Survival Rate: Less than 1%

- Objective: Reach the Core of the Labyrinth and claim the Heart of Desolation.

- Warning: The longer you stay, the more dangerous it becomes. Beware of the Labyrinth's Guardian.

Seojun took a deep breath, trying to calm down. 'Less than 1% survival rate?' He was starting to regret not choosing the Easy Way but he didn't really choose it was an accident.

But he knew he had no choice now. He'd have to find his way through this deadly labyrinth before it could trap him.

Drawing his Flame Dagger, Seojun stepped forward cautiously. The ground was uneven, and the walls were close on both sides. It felt like the labyrinth was watching him, waiting for him to make a mistake.

Seojun glanced at the screen floating beside him. "Any advice, System?" he asked, expecting the usual sarcastic response.

The system's screen flickered, and instead of an emoji, a more serious message appeared.

[Host, you must clear every floor of this labyrinth until you reach the Boss Room. Only by defeating the final guardian can you claim the Heart of Desolation.If you want to return to Earth and see your mother again, you have to clear this labyrinth. There's no other way out. Stay strong and keep moving forward.]

Seojun's heart tightened at the mention of his mother. He clenched his fists, determination filling his eyes. 'I have to do this. I'll make it through, no matter what.'

Seojun began his journey into the Labyrinth of Desolation, Seojun walked down the stone stairs, feeling the air grow colder and heavier with each step. The stairs seemed to go on forever, but eventually, he reached the bottom and found himself in a long, dark hallway.

The walls were made of rough stone, and the ceiling was so low that Seojun had to duck slightly. The hallway stretched out into darkness, and Seojun couldn't see the end of it. As he took a step forward, a familiar ding! sounded, and a screen appeared in front of him.

[System Notification]

You have arrived at the First Floor of the Labyrinth of Desolation.

Seojun gripped his Flame Dagger tightly, ready for whatever might come. He started walking down the hallway, his footsteps echoing in the silence. Suddenly, he heard a faint clattering sound up ahead. His heart began to race as the sound grew louder. A figure appeared in the darkness, slowly moving toward him. The system's appraisal activated, showing the creature's details.

[Appraisal - Skeleton Farmer]

Level: 250

Type: Undead

Weapon: Rusty Axe

Status: Relentless but weak.

Seojun saw the skeleton dressed in tattered rags, holding a rusty axe. This shouldn't be too hard, he thought. The Skeleton Farmer swung its axe at Seojun, but he easily dodged the attack and slashed his Dagger across the skeleton's chest. The creature crumbled into a pile of bones, defeated in an instant.

But before Seojun could relax, he felt a sharp pain in his stomach. His eyes widened in shock as warmth spread across his body. He staggered forward, struggling to stay on his feet. Looking down, Seojun saw a sword had pierced through his back, leaving a bloody hole in his stomach. Blood poured from the wound, soaking his clothes.

"F-fuck..." Seojun gasped, feeling blood in his mouth. The pain was intense, unlike anything he had ever felt before. Desperately, Seojun gripped his Dagger and turned around, barely able to keep his balance. Standing behind him was a towering skeleton, its eyes glowing with a menacing light.

[Appraisal - Skeleton Knight]

Level: 328

Type: Undead

Weapon: Cursed Sword

Status: Deadly and precise.

Seojun's vision blurred as he kicked the Skeleton Knight with all the strength he had left. The kick made the creature stumble back, but the damage was already done. Seojun fell to his knees, trying to stop the bleeding with his hands, but it was useless. The pain was overwhelming, and every breath felt like a struggle. Seojun felt his strength slipping away, his vision getting darker.

Am I really going to die here? he thought, fear creeping into his mind. But even as the pain threatened to take over, Seojun refused to give up. He thought of his mother, and a wave of determination surged through him.' I have to survive. I have to get out of here,' he thought, forcing himself to his feet.

His legs felt weak, and the world around him spun, but he had to keep going. He raised his Dagger, ready to fight the Skeleton Knight again, even though his hands were shaking. The Skeleton Knight recovered quickly and raised its sword to strike again.

Seojun knew he didn't have much time. Summoning all his strength, he lunged forward, ignoring the pain in his stomach, and stabbed his Dagger into the Skeleton Knight's chest.

The creature let out a hollow moan as flames spread through its body, turning it to ash. The Skeleton Knight collapsed, and its sword fell to the ground. Seojun fell to his knees again, his vision fading. He was alive, but just barely.

The pain was too much and the blood loss was making him weaker by the second, He took the healing potions in his inventory but some bottle broke as his grip is too weak.

'I can't... die here...' struggling to stay awake. He had to keep moving, but his body was reaching its limit. As the darkness closed in, Seojun fought to stay conscious, holding on to the hope that he could still survive this nightmare.