Awakened Talent: 10,000 Exp Converter!

Huff!

Vincent gasped for air, struggling to compose himself. The image of those crimson eyes seared vividly into his memory. Before he could process his thoughts, a hand abruptly rested on his shoulder. Jolting, he instinctively grabbed it.

"!!"

"Yo, chill. It's me. Are you alright?"

It was Caelius, looking at him with a puzzled expression.

Realizing who it was, Vincent released his grip. Shaking his head, he took a deep breath and finally regained his composure. His gaze wandered to the others, still resting and recovering their energy, before turning back to Caelius.

"I'm fine. But I need to ask you something."

Caelius frowned slightly, noticing the seriousness in Vincent's tone and the intensity in his eyes.

"What's wrong?"

"What's your real reason for coming here?"

For a moment, Caelius fell silent, seemingly debating whether to reveal the truth. Soon, a calm smile broke across his face.

"I suppose it's fine to tell you. While it's true that I'm interested in the rewards promised by the Novice Center, our main goal is to track Grarik's movements. My clan has been monitoring the Blackthorn Clan from the shadows for some time. We suspect they're planning something that could lead to another disaster for my family."

Vincent frowned deeply as Caelius shared his reasoning.

Inside the Throne Room—Boss's ChamberGrarik and his companions stood tense, their fierce gazes locked on the dark figure seated atop an imposing throne.

Hundreds of armored Blackrat Men surrounded them, weapons drawn and ready.

"Thrygians… I didn't expect your race to be my first visitors after all these years of imprisonment…"

The dark figure's voice was raspy, cold, and unsettling as it broke the silence.

"I'll give you one chance to explain why you're here before I kill you all," it added, its tone laced with a quiet menace.

Grarik masked his displeasure, maintaining a respectful demeanor.

"We didn't come to fight. We're here to offer you an opportunity."

No sooner had he spoken than an overwhelming pressure descended on them, forcing them to their knees.

"Y-Young Master! Your tone!" one of Grarik's companions stammered, gritting his teeth in alarm.

Realizing his misstep, Grarik's expression tightened, beads of cold sweat forming on his brow.

"F-Forgive my rudeness, Senior. I was wrong," he said, teeth clenched. "We've come to ask for your favor!"

The suffocating pressure lifted, allowing them to catch their breath.

"Hoh, a favor, you say? Explain," the dark figure said, amusement flickering in its voice.

"Please help us kill someone!" Grarik finally admitted, his tone steady as he masked his inner turmoil. Though outwardly calm, his thoughts burned with anger.

'If I were stronger, I'd kill him myself,' he seethed silently, though he dared not voice his resentment.

"Hoh… So, you claim you can free me from this prison?"

The figure's question was casual, but its interest was undeniable. Years of confinement had dulled its patience, and the recent transformation of its prison into a labyrinth had only heightened its frustration.

In the origin world, labyrinths typically formed naturally from concentrated origin energy, creating primals and eventually the maze itself. However, unique cases like this occurred when sealed entities evolved into powerful beings, forcing the world's system to create a labyrinth around them. This transformation took countless years, making the figure's predicament particularly unusual.

Grarik nodded, showing deference. "You're wise, Senior."

The crimson eyes of the figure narrowed briefly before regaining their composure.

Grarik then produced a fist-sized ruby crystal, holding it aloft. The moment the figure's gaze fell upon it, a flicker of excitement betrayed its otherwise impassive demeanor.

"Is that… a Labyrinth's Heart?"

Grarik's lips curled into a confident smile.

"Yes, this is indeed a Labyrinth's Heart."

The Labyrinth's Heart was a rare and sought-after artifact, created over decades as a labyrinth's energies condensed in its deepest recesses. Typically, a labyrinth's master guarded it, as the heart granted immense power, freedom from the labyrinth, and even the ability to construct a new one elsewhere. For creatures like the dark figure, it was a treasure of unparalleled value.

Despite its inward excitement, the figure maintained its stoic facade.

"State your terms."

"It's simple, Senior. We want you to…"

As Grarik elaborated, Vincent and his party prepared themselves on the other side of the labyrinth. Caelius, usually relaxed, wore a grave expression.

He recalled Vincent's earlier warning: a presence more powerful than the Calamity-rank Blackrat Man awaited them. Though skeptical at first, he had chosen to trust Vincent's words.

"Are you all ready?" he asked his team.

"Yes, Young Master," they replied in unison.

"Good. Be prepared to retreat if necessary."

"Retreat? What's wrong, Young Master?" Fiona asked, her curiosity piqued.

"We may encounter a dangerous individual beyond this door. No, I'm certain of it."

Caelius's tone left no room for argument. Though confused, Fiona and the others nodded solemnly, trusting their leader's judgment.

"Let's go," Caelius ordered, pushing open the heavy metal door. Its creak echoed ominously, and the resounding thud as it fully opened sent a chill through the air.

The moment they stepped inside, a crushing glare and oppressive aura halted them in their tracks. Their gazes snapped to the throne, where a dark figure sat holding the Labyrinth's Heart.

Vincent instinctively activated his Heaven Eyes, scanning the entity before them.

Vash Volcane (Primalized)

Race: Demi-human

Power: Tier 3

Vincent's eyes widened in shock.

"A demi-human? And primalized!" he thought, stunned.

Demi-humans, rare in Astralis, were born from human and primal unions. Despite their unique heritage, they faced severe discrimination.

Grarik's laughter broke the tense silence.

"Haha! You're too late, Caelius!"

Caelius ignored him, his focus solely on Vash Volcane.

'He's dangerous,' Caelius thought, steeling himself as he countered the oppressive aura suffocating his team.

Vash's grin widened, his gaze lingering on the Labyrinth's Heart in his hand.

Grarik turned to Vash.

"Senior, will you help me eliminate them?"

Caelius tensed, knowing the dire consequences if the two forces joined. But to his surprise, Vash rejected the request outright.

"Though I despise humans, our contract doesn't include them. They're your problem. Do not seek me again—I'll appear when the time is right."

With that, Vash conjured a black, misty serpent that coiled around Grarik's wrist.

"Do not lose it."

"Wha—"

Before Grarik could respond, Vash's aura flared, and the Labyrinth's Heart blazed with crimson light. The throne room trembled as rubble fell from above.

"Senior, what is the meaning of this?!" Grarik demanded, his voice quaking.

Vash's sharp glare silenced him instantly.

"Are you questioning me?"

Grarik gulped, bowing his head. "I-I wouldn't dare."

A massive crimson portal, five meters tall, materialized before Vash.

Vincent stood frozen, his gaze locked on the dark figure. As Vash stepped toward the portal, its crimson eyes flicked toward Vincent, sending a shiver down his spine. Then, without another word, Vash disappeared.