Labyrinth of Silas.

The group journeyed to the southern part of the Zephyr alchemy research lab facility.

There, they spotted the gaping hole in the ground that led into the labyrinth.

It appeared that the dense forest that had once surrounded the area had been cleared out, leaving the path to the entrance exposed.

The group was standing before the gaping hole that led into the labyrinth.

Myne spoke up, "We should be careful guys."

Rachel nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, of course we'll be careful. I wouldn't want you all to die, that wouldn't be good for my rep and well... also for your lives." (Rachel)

Archibald turned to Rachel. "Oh, how considerate," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Vesta looked at the dark hole and gulped.

Lirien noticed and teased him, "What's the matter, Vesta? Scared?"

Vesta pretended to cough.

"Don't be silly. I'm just concerned about our safety. In the adventurerʼs guidebook one of the rules was — 'never go into any dark chasms, holes, valleys, forests and so on' — I'm not really thrilled about breaking this specific rule." (Vesta)

[ Huh? There's a rule like that? ] (Archibald)

Lutessa spoke up. "But how are we going to make it down the hole?"

Rachel thought for a moment before suggesting, "We could climb down, but perhaps Rumia can use her earth magic to create stairs for us to descend."

Rumia nodded. "I can do that."

However, Lamperouge grew impatient and interrupted, "Can we stop talking and just go already?"

Archibald turned to Lamperouge and exclaimed, "You seem to be relishing the idea of entering into a labyrinth that's an embodiment of death!"

Lamperouge shrugged. "What can I say? I'm looking forward to it."

The others looked at each other, unsettled by Lamperouge's enthusiasm for death.

Rachel spoke up, "Let's go. We don't know what's waiting for us down there."

The group took one last look at each other before beginning their descent into the unknown, unsure of what lay ahead.

...

They were now inside the Great Labyrinth of Silas.

「The Sun God, known as Solgravus, was the one who had bestowed a sacred treasure to Silas.

It was said that Solgravus had tasked Silas with guarding the treasure, but Silas' greed had consumed him and he absorbed its power, leading to his demise.

As the years passed, the land began to transform, with the labyrinth growing and expanding beneath the surface.

Once inside, adventurers find themselves in a maze of dark and twisting tunnels with walls made of black stone.

The tunnels are lined with ancient torches that flicker with an eerie green light, and strange symbols can be seen etched into the stones.

The air is thick with a sense of danger as one cannot predict what is around the next corner.

At the heart of the maze rests a philosopher's stone, an artifact of immense power.

A stone which was once the heart of the Immortal Alchemist, Silas.

The stone is said to grant immense magical powers to anyone who is able to reach it, but the guardians of Solgravus defend it ruthlessly.

The interior of the labyrinth is filled with hidden traps, illusions, and even strange creatures that have made the maze their home.

Some adventurers have reported hearing whispers in the darkness, warning them to turn back, while others have claimed to have seen ghostly apparitions.」

They walked down the dimly lit labyrinth.

The group was filled with a sense of unease and tension.

So far, there weren't any visible signs of trouble, but Myne couldn't help but ask, "Is this labyrinth really that dangerous? I mean, it looks pretty quiet so far."

Rachel, who was leading the way, turned around and said:

"This labyrinth was first explored by the Emperor of Zenoa's special forces after one of the researchers here came across it. After that, the adventurer's guild sent several people in, but none of them ever came back."

Lirien tightened her grip on her uniquely designed bow.

Some would see it as just another fancy bow.

But it was actually a magic gear.

"I'm guessing that means this labyrinth is filled with danger." (Lirien)

Rachel nodded in agreement.

"Exactly. The guild then sent in some experienced adventurers to follow up, but they never came back either."

Rumia gasped and said, "So, this labyrinth is really that dangerous?"

Archibald increased his grip on his sword, <<Ver-Ather>>, and nodded.

[ These guys are a bunch of newbies. I mean...

Sure labyrinths are scary and all, but there's always a lot of treasure.

And a lot of treasure means I can get myself a better sword. Gosh, I miss my laptop, I wouldn't need to work this hard for a sword.

Sigh... ] (Archibald)

As they continued walking, the sound of Vesta's thick armor rang out.

"You should have worn lighter armor, Vesta. It's too heavy and will only slow you down." (Archibald)

Vesta chuckled and replied, "One can never be too careful, Archibald."

"Sir Vesta is right.." (Lutessa)

"Thank you Lutessa, you're such an angel." (Vesta)

"Oh brother," said Archibald, rolling his eyes.

Rachel continued talking.

"The Empire realized that if this labyrinth could take down veteran adventurers, then the contents of the labyrinth must be very valuable and the danger... well you know." (Rachel)

Lamperouge chimed in, "So that means there's a likelihood that a dragon is inside the labyrinth?"

Rachel nodded but said, "We can't be too sure yet. There are magical beasts just as dangerous as a dragon."

The group grew quiet, taking in the danger and uncertainty of their journey ahead.

In order to succeed...

They had to stay alert, focused, and ready for whatever lay before them.

...

"When a quest becomes impossible to complete, it is given to Rankers like me directly from a King or the Emperor, or in special cases, a guild can reach out to Rankers and request that we complete the quest. From then on, the quest is no longer just a quest and it becomes a commission." (Rachel)

She mentioned that commissions offer higher rewards and most Rankers prefer them as they provide a better source of income.

Still, it depended solely on what job was suited for each Ranker.

Vulturnus, Sword God of the East, didn't take commissions that weren't up to his standards.

Hence, he'd usually end up embarking on one commission a year.

In some cases, none.

They walked deeper into the labyrinth.

And Lamperouge grew increasingly suspicious.

He gestured to Rumia and asked her to use her [Search] magic to check their current vicinity.

"It'll be bad if we run into any traps or monsters," he explained.

Rumia nodded and held out her staff <<Benevolent Wind Empress>>.

"Spread out mana. Oh great spirits that navigate the world, use your guiding wisdom to grant your servant sight beyond sight, 『Search』" (Rumia)

A thin layer of mana extended from her body like a wave.

It moved in varying directions.

"There aren't any monsters.." (Rumia)

Archibald uttered a sarcastic comment, "That's not creepy at all."

Vesta breathed out a sigh of relief, "At least we don't have to worry about that. Still, it can't get any worst than monsters right?"

Archibald spun around and glared at Vesta, "Dude, you did not just say that."

"What?" said Vesta, clueless.

They resumed ambulation.

The ground began to shake and crack beneath them.

They tumbled down a series of steep tunnels, each one leading them deeper into the labyrinth.

Rachel was the first to stand up and dust off her armor. "Where are we?" she asked out loud.

Archibald groaned in pain as he pushed himself back up, "I don't know, but my head hurts."

"Ouch," Lutessa rubbed her buttocks.

Vesta was still lying on the ground, groaning in pain from the weight of the group falling on him.

"Can someone please get off me?" he whined.

Lamperouge looked around their surroundings, trying to figure out where they were.

"This place looks like an ancient worship ground," he commented.

Myne looked at him and nodded, "You're right. But what is an ancient worship ground doing in the middle of a labyrinth?"

"Hm.." (Lirien)

"Well, I guess we'll have to find out." (Rachel)