Noah simply nodded.
"I see."
He did not ask any further questions. Though he was curious at what Morgana had to talk with duke Thornveil’s family.
He knew that Morgana was also from a count’s family.
’So they might have some deals. If I am not wrong she’s going to be countess of her family in future.’
The two continued walking through the forest.
Unlike the northern forests of the Eldritch Duchy, many of the trees here had already shed their leaves. Countless bare branches stretched toward the sky, creating a strange yet beautiful landscape.
Dry leaves crunched beneath their boots with every step.
Occasionally, birds flew overhead while the distant cries of magical beasts echoed from deeper within the mountains.
The scenery remained peaceful.
They continued walking for nearly an hour.
Eventually, Noah frowned slightly.
"...How much farther?"
Damien looked ahead before grinning.
"We’re close. Let’s run from here."
Without waiting for a reply, Damien immediately accelerated.
Mana surged through his body as he shot forward like an arrow.
"Tch..."
Noah clicked his tongue before wrapping mana around his legs as well.
His body became noticeably lighter.
The two sprinted across the forest at incredible speed.
Trees blurred past them as they leaped over rocks, crossed narrow streams, and dashed through winding paths without slowing down.
Nearly thirty minutes later. They finally arrived at the base of a small mountain.
Standing there calmly with her arms folded was Morgana.
She had already changed into practical combat attire instead of her usual outfit. Light armor covered her upper body.
The moment Noah saw her, he walked forward respectfully.
"Instructor Morgana."
He gave a polite bow along with a small smile.
"It is good to see you again."
Morgana gave him a brief nod.
"It is good to see that you have fully recovered."
She mostly mean mentally.
Her gaze shifted between the two young men.
"So...Are both of you ready?"
"Yes," Noah answered immediately.
Damien nodded as well.
"We’re ready, Master."
Noah hesitated for a moment before asking,
"Instructor... Are you certain there isn’t any real danger inside?"
Morgana calmly replied,
"There shouldn’t be. I have already explored most of the labyrinth myself."
She then glanced at Damien.
"I also gave Damien an emergency communication device. If anything unexpected happens, he only needs to activate it. I will receive the signal immediately and come to rescue both of you."
Hearing those words, Noah finally felt much more at ease.
"That’s reassuring."
He let out a quiet breath.
Without wasting any more time, Noah reached into his storage ring.
A flash of light appeared.
The next moment, a set of light combat armor materialized in his hands.
He quickly equipped the armor over his clothes before adjusting the straps securely around his shoulders and waist.
After that, another flash emerged from the storage ring.
His sword appeared in his right hand.
Noah gripped the hilt firmly before looking toward Morgana with determined eyes.
"I am ready."
---
Damien walked forward, and Noah quietly followed behind him.
Instead of climbing the mountain, Damien led him toward a rugged section near its base where countless jagged rocks and massive boulders were scattered across the ground.
To an ordinary person, it appeared to be nothing more than a natural rock formation.
However, after weaving through several enormous boulders, Damien suddenly stopped.
Hidden behind one of the largest rocks was a narrow opening barely wide enough for a single person to pass through.
If someone did not know where to look, they would never notice it.
"So this is the entrance," Noah muttered.
Damien nodded with a grin.
"Yep."
Without another word, he stepped inside.
Noah followed him closely.
The passage was surprisingly narrow and completely engulfed in darkness.
Only the sound of their footsteps echoed through the confined tunnel.
After walking several meters, Damien raised his right hand.
A small sphere of white light materialized above his palm, illuminating the rocky passage ahead.
The magical light chased away the darkness, allowing both of them to continue deeper underground.
The tunnel gradually widened.
Several minutes later, they reached the end.
A massive stone gate stood before them.
Ancient symbols were carved across its weathered surface, while thick layers of dust hinted that it had remained untouched for countless years.
"So this is the labyrinth..." Noah murmured softly.
Damien placed both hands against the heavy stone door.
"Help me a little."
Noah stepped forward and pushed as well.
Rumble...
The enormous gate slowly creaked open, releasing a deep rumbling sound that echoed throughout the underground passage.
Dust drifted through the air as the ancient entrance revealed itself.
Damien walked through first.
Noah immediately followed.
The instant he crossed the threshold, he felt a strange sensation wash over his entire body.
It lasted for only a brief moment.
It was almost as though he had passed through an invisible membrane or perhaps a portal.
He instinctively looked behind him.
The entrance appeared exactly the same.
’Was that... my imagination? Or is this one of those labyrinth who are located in different small dimension.’ Noah wondered.
He could not tell. Before he had time to think further.
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
One after another, the mana torches mounted along the stone walls suddenly ignited with pale blue flames.
The corridor brightened instantly.
The entire passage came into view.
Its walls, floor, and ceiling were all constructed from neatly arranged gray stone bricks. The craftsmanship looked ancient, yet every brick remained perfectly intact despite the countless years that had passed.
The long corridor stretched far into the distance, disappearing into darkness once again.
Damien smiled confidently.
"Let’s go."
Without hesitation, he began walking deeper into the labyrinth.
After taking one last glance at the ancient entrance behind him, Noah tightened his grip on his sword and silently followed.
Though Labyrinth didn’t have much monster like those in dungeon.
But it’s more focus on traps and maize like progression and exploration.
Whatever danger lay ahead, Noah was ready to face it.
---
[A/N: Well it was supposed to be a single Chapter. But as my habit I yap a lot and write to huge chap. So decided to spilt them into two! kekeke!!
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