Published: January 22, 2026
One day, as the year was drawing to a close, I was exploring the 93rd floor of the Great Southern Labyrinth together with the members of the first squad.
Since the route to the boss area had already been established, today was the final check before the full-scale assault.
I can’t say I have no reservations about clearing the Great Labyrinth.
The information I heard from Abel Edington a few months ago—that the labyrinth was once called a sanctuary and was created by the Hero of the Fairy Tale—still lingers in my mind like a thorn.
However, there’s no way to verify the truth of that story.
Given the current lack of sufficient evidence, I decided it’s pointless to dwell on it for now.
What we need to do is reach the 94th floor and clear it.
“Still, this place is damp and unpleasant. I just can’t get used to it...” Will grumbled as we cautiously explored, walking ahead of me.
The 93rd floor is almost entirely covered with trees, resembling a jungle.
The temperature and humidity are quite high, making it similar to a tropical rainforest without rain.
As Will said, it’s muggy and an unwelcome place to linger.
“That’s true. It’s a bit better compared to the 91st floor, but it’s still not somewhere you want to spend a lot of time.”
“What bothers me most is that it’s winter and cold above ground! It even snowed last night—I might catch a cold from the temperature swings.”
Rain and Lucre nodded in agreement with Will’s complaints.
“Alright, conversation break. Demonic beasts are approaching. Three Arm Apes. Rain and Lucre, prepare a barrage. Will and Orun, handle the hunt!”
Ms. Selma, sensing the approach of the demonic beasts, issued instructions telepathically.
“Understood!”
We immediately switched our mindset to combat mode and prepared to meet the Arm Apes.
Arm Apes are ape-like demonic beasts with long arms; their combat power isn’t particularly high.
However, their three-dimensional movements using the tall trees are very complex, making them quite troublesome to catch.
Rain and Lucre unleashed a barrage of Water Arrows in the direction of the Arm Apes.
It’s difficult to finish them off with magic alone, but by setting up such a barrage, we can restrict their path and prevent them from getting close to the three of us in the rear.
Since Arm Apes lack ranged attacks, as long as we keep our distance, the rear party members are relatively safe.
That means Will and I can move forward.
After confirming no other demonic beasts were nearby, we dashed forward.
Water Arrow, an intermediate mage technique, can’t be expected to deal much damage to deep-layer demonic beasts.
The same goes for the relatively low-endurance Arm Apes.
However, the fact that it doesn’t cause great damage also means it inflicts at least some damage.
The three Arm Apes disliked the barrage and changed course to avoid the Water Arrows.
“I’ll take down the one that came down! You handle the ones that went up!”
“Got it! — Reflective Barrier!”
I entrusted the Arm Ape landing on the ground and coming toward us to Will, while I targeted the two that climbed further up the trees.
I circulated my qi throughout my body, using Gravity Manipulation and Reflective Barrier to instantly close the distance.
One Arm Ape tried to intercept me with sharp claws, but I easily dodged and swung my Schwarzhase.
Just before the blade made contact, I activated Instantaneous Ability Surge (Impact), and the Arm Ape’s torso and neck separated without any resistance.
I caught a glimpse of the fallen Arm Ape turning into black mist at the edge of my vision.
I then tried to cut down the remaining Arm Apes, but they skillfully used the trees to flee, and my sword couldn’t reach them.
“Ms. Rain, block their escape route.”
“Leave it to me!”
I called out to Rain telepathically, and she fired multiple attack spells to block the Arm Apes’ path.
Thanks to Rain’s magic attacks, I was able to close the distance to sword range and swung Schwarzhase to turn the Arm Ape into black mist.