Spirit Labyrinth [Pt 1]

Zhongcheng and his team ventured forward, surprise filling their faces as they took cautious steps.

'Why haven't we encountered any other traps ever since that swirling blizzard?'

Based on the level of treasure the Labyrinth had, and the kind of harsh environment it was hidden in, Zhongcheng expected more resistance. It was strange that none came for them despite venturing a good distance.

"Remain vigilant, everyone. We don't know what might—"

Just as he was speaking, a bright blue light shot up, signalling the activation of yet another trap.

'A-ah… about time!' It wasn't like Zhongcheng was intentionally seeking danger, and wanted hindrances to their goals.

However, if there weren't any traps that stopped them, then it was most likely that the treasure they sought for wasn't in the location they were heading to.

'All Labyrinths behave like this. Especially top-tier ones. If it does happen to be the place we're searching for, but possesses little traps, then I would be even more wary.'

That would mean this Labyrinth was different from the others, and the consequences for that were unpredictable. That wasn't something anyone wanted.

"ROOOOOOOAAAAAAAARRRRRRR!!!"

This time, it seemed like a massive Ice Golem had been constructed by the Labyrinth's trap.

It's block-like body gleamed, and it stood at least seven meters tall, with jaws as ferocious as a wild beast's, and sharp claws that would dig into any opponent without mercy.

Spikes appeared behind it, and on its shoulders, and its glassy eyes told of a lack of life, and an existence whose only purpose was to kill off intruders.

"Let's do this! Defensive Array, everyone!"

For a monster of this magnitude, they decided to use the [Grand Protection Array], the third most effective protection Array that their Sect developed.

It was also the most they could generate, given their levels of ability.

"ROOOAAAAAARRRRR!!!"

The beserk monster rushed toward Zhongcheng and his team, baring its fangs and raising its massive arms to pummel them before they could properly set up their defenses.

"RAAARRRRHHHHHH!!!" It brought down its hands, creating a powerful pressure that would most definitely kill a lot of the Spiritualist if it landed on them.

Fortunately, a bright yellow light surged forth right as it nearly crushed them, creating a massive barrier that covered their immediate vicinity.

The construct's attack did not go through.

"GURH!" The Golem recoiled due to the surprising defense the group had established, taking a step back.

"NOW! Transformation Technique. We're using the [Blazing Wave Array]!"

A 'Transformation Technique' allowed Spiritualists, and in this case, Array Users, to change the properties of their Arrays into something else.

It was a complex procedure, available only to Master Grade and above, but the rewards were worth it. Not only did they not need to make a different array—which would consume even more time—but the conservation of energy it provided made the 'Transformation Technique' a must-have.

>WHUUUUUUMMMMMM!!!<

The barrier around them suddenly transformed into a wave of flames, now concentrating in the direction of the staggering Golem.

"ROOAA—!"

Before it could leak out any further noise of resistance, the flames consumed it completely, licking the frosted grounds in the process.

Hisses caused by rapidly evapotating water spread through the area, and it sent a wave of warmth flying in multiple directions.

Of course, this only lasted a while before the bitter cold returned.

"Let's keep going!"

*****

Much to Zhongcheng's surprise, there were a lot of traps that kept popping up one after the other. The intervals were so tightly knotted that he began to wonder why the first trap was so far away from the rest.

The team still conquered every trial with dedication, marching ahead with conviction on their faces.

'Thankfully we heeded the words of the Priestess and I came with thirty masters. A single individual facing all these traps alone… they would have used up almost all of their energy.'

Even he, who was currently at the peak of the Master Stage could feel a substantial amount of energy already drained in this expedition.

'In any case, we must continue!'

The group walked a few more kilometers until they finally arrived at the promised place.

"T-this is it…? The Spirit Labyrinth of Eternal Glaciers?" He whispered, taking in the sight in front of him.

A cold misty fog covered the entrance to the icy cave-like structure, and everyone watching could barely make out the glimmering ice that formed the entrance.

"We're marching in!"

As they approached the entrance, they could feel the temperature dropping, and their breaths were visible in the freezing air. The ice formation that made up the entrance was like nothing they had ever seen before. It was as if someone had carved it out of a giant crystal, and it shimmered and glimmered in the dim light.

With a sense of trepidation, Zhongcheng led his team into the icy cave. The inside was even colder than the outside, and the walls were covered in a thick layer of ice that reflected the light in a dazzling display. It was beautiful, but deadly at the same time.

Without needing any instruction, every single member of the squad coated themselves in Mana, not only to keep themselves warm due to the rapidly declining temperature, but also to protect them from any hidden surprises.

The Spirtualists walked carefully, trying not to slip on the icy surface beneath their feet. The reflective surface of the ice provided enough light for them to see their way, but the shadows cast by the formations in the cave made it difficult to see far ahead.

'We're close now… so close!' His thoughts echoed.

Now within the Labyrinth, which happened to be a cave, all they had to do was overcome the challenges that dwelled within.

Only then would they be able to claim their grand prize and return victorious.

Unknown to Zhongcheng, and his team members, there was an additional person who trailed behind them.

… And his eyes contained a deadly glow.

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[A/N]

Thanks for reading. I hope you're enjoying the book so far.

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