Chapter 223: Labyrinth’s Toll As Xin delved deeper into the labyrinth, he navigated the winding pathways without any sense of where to go.
The rocky walls of the maze loomed high around him, their uneven surfaces reflecting the dim light that seeped in from the outside world.
He moved with caution, his footsteps echoing softly against the stone, aware that danger could lurk behind every corner.
His Abyssal Golems took the lead, their dark forms blending seamlessly with the shadows. Their glowing eyes scanned the surroundings, ever watchful for signs of movement.
With their unmatched speed and power, they swiftly dealt with the monsters that dared to harm him. Their sharp claws and powerful strikes made quick work of the creatures, their roars echoing through the maze as they asserted their dominance.
However, the same could not be said for Xin’s Elemental Golems.
Despite their elemental prowess, they faced formidable adversaries within the labyrinth. The monsters here were cunning and relentless, emerging from every crevice and corner.
With poor defense and agility, the Elemental Golems found themselves vulnerable targets. The enemies capitalized on their weaknesses, launching coordinated attacks that overwhelmed the Elemental Golems.
Their elemental blasts were easily dodged, leaving them struggling to fend off the relentless assaults.
Amidst the chaos, Xin’s Basic Golems stood steadfast, forming a sturdy line of defense around him. Their robust frames absorbed the blows meant for Xin, their resilience proving invaluable.
They pushed back the monsters, creating a safe zone for Xin to strategize and observe the battlefield.
Witnessing the struggle of his Elemental Golems and recognizing the need for additional firepower, Xin made a quick decision.
He summoned another Abyssal Golem, its arrival marked by a burst of dark energy. The new addition immediately joined the fray, reinforcing the ranks of the Abyssal Golems.
Its appearance sent a ripple of fear among the monsters, and the weaker ones quickly escaped.
In the heart of the labyrinth, where shadows danced with eerie grace, the real star of this unfolding fight was undoubtedly Pudding.
This peculiar pet of his possessed a unique ability that set it apart from the rest: the power to morph into any of the defeated monsters.
Today, it had chosen the form of a Cockatrice, a creature whose dangerous aura hung heavy in the air.
In the dim, labyrinthine darkness, where unsafe encounters lurked at every turn, Pudding’s transformation was both a blessing and a peril.
The Cockatrice, with its menacing glare and razor-sharp beak, was a serious threat. Its petrifying gaze had the potential to turn the bravest explorers into stone with just one glance.
The players, including Xin, had to tread carefully, for a single misstep could decide their fate.
However, Pudding was not merely a mimic; it could thoroughly copy the monster. It morphed so perfectly that other monsters didn’t even recognize it.
In its Cockatrice form, it exuded an aura of authority, and its interactions with the other monsters were nothing short of intriguing.
It converses effortlessly with its former adversaries, subtly asking for directions and gathering invaluable information.
With Pudding by his side, Xin found himself in a unique position.
While other players struggled in the depths of the labyrinth, constantly on guard against the monsters that roamed the maze, Xin had an unexpected advantage.
Pudding’s newfound form allowed it to blend seamlessly with the hostile environment, making it difficult for other creatures to distinguish it from one of their own.
This newfound alliance provided Xin with not only a reliable guide through the maze but also a shield against potential threats.
Monsters, once hostile, now regarded the disguised Pudding with a certain camaraderie, sharing insights and information as if it were one of their own.
But it didn’t mean that monster didn’t attack him. There were still some who wanted to kill Xin, and his Golems made quick work of them.
With Pudding leading the way and the monsters none the wiser to the true nature of their companion, Xin had an easier time traversing the dungeons compared to most players.
Pudding’s transformation had turned the tides of the labyrinth in Xin’s favor, allowing him to navigate the treacherous depths with relative ease.
"You’re quite remarkable, aren’t you?" Xin said, his fingers gently stroking Pudding’s chin as the creature purred in contentment.
Pudding’s abilities were truly invaluable. Though it couldn’t detect hidden traps and treasures, it was useless in other things.
Not only could it morph into various monsters and help him fend off their enemies, it also proved invaluable help in speeding up Xin’s crafting processes.
Additionally, it even assisted in generating basic materials for his golems, albeit at a leisurely pace. This had help him in the item restriction in the dungeon somehow.
Xin and Pudding pressed on, their footsteps echoing through the winding passages of the labyrinth.
The maze, seemingly alive with its ever-shifting walls and treacherous traps, challenged their every move.
With Xin’s luck and quick thinking and Pudding’s adaptable nature, they navigated the dangers with calculated precision.
One obstacle they faced was the Crushing Walls, massive stone barriers that shifted abruptly, threatening to crush anyone caught in between.
Xin’s Abyssal Golems carried him, and Pudding’s agility allowed them to evade the deadly trap, sidestepping the crushing force just in time. The walls trembled, narrowly missing them.
The downside was all his Basic Golems were crushed in that trap.
It’s a good thing that Xin hadn’t created another, or they would only go to waste.
However, he still created another two Basic Golems just in case that monster would attack him again. He couldn’t be traversing these walls without a Tank.
Another challenge came in the form of the classic Disappearing Floor, sections of the ground vanishing to reveal hazardous spikes or a perilous pit below.
Still carried by his Abyssal Golems, Xin and Pudding deftly leaped across the disappearing tiles, avoiding the deadly traps hidden beneath.
The labyrinth wasn’t short on cunning either; Poisonous Gas Vents released toxic fumes, weakening those unfortunate enough to trigger them.
Xin and Pudding were prepared for the worst, and they held their breath and swiftly moved past the vents, minimizing their exposure to the poisonous air.
Xin had brought antidotes for these poisons, so it wasn’t a problem for them.
Next, were Pendulum Blades swung menacingly, slicing through the air in deadly arcs. With Xin’s keen eye for detail and the blades’ movements, they expertly maneuvered through the deadly traps.
Xin didn’t know if it was because of his cat race that luck seemed to be on his side as they dodged one trap to another.
Next was a Lightning Trap that tested their reflexes as a specific tile triggered a magical effect, summoning a stroke of lightning.
Xin’s Basic Golems had shielded them from the lightning strike. Though they got destroyed in the process, Xin and Pudding came out unscathed, thanks to them.
Lastly, the Pitfall Traps presented a challenge: false tiles collapsing under the players’ weight, plunging them into deep pits filled with hazardous spikes.
With the help of Pudding’s newfound friends, they detected the unstable tiles, avoiding them with nimble steps.
The labyrinth, though filled with perilous traps, proved no match for their cooperation and extreme luck.
Having triumphed over every obstacle, they advanced steadily until, at last, Xin stood at the heart of the labyrinth. Here, amidst the intricate maze, lay the portal that would usher the players into the next level of the challenge.
In the heart of the labyrinth, Xin’s eyes widened in surprise as he beheld a scene that defied his expectations.
The space opened up into a wide, grand hall, its stone floors and walls bearing the weight of centuries’ secrets. The stones, worn smooth by countless footsteps, bore the scars of time, their surfaces etched with mysterious markings that hinted at forgotten histories.
At the center of this hall, radiating an otherworldly aura, stood the focal point of their arduous journey — the portal.
Its presence was mesmerizing, a swirling vortex of energy that seemed to draw the very essence of the labyrinth into its depths.
Around the portal, groups of players gathered, their eyes alight with worry and anticipation. Clad in various armors and robes, they represented a myriad of classes and races.
The atmosphere in the hall buzzed with a blend of excitement and tension.
Some players chatted animatedly, discussing strategies and speculating about the challenges that lay ahead.
Others stood in stoic silence, their eyes fixed on the portal, their expressions a mixture of resolve and apprehension.
Near the entrances that led to the heart of the labyrinth, Xin noticed several players waiting patiently. These adventurers, having successfully navigated the maze’s intricate paths, awaited their companions, who would join them for the next leg of their journey.
The numerous doors that had led them to this central point were scattered around the hall, each concealing the mysteries of the labyrinth within.
In the midst of the camaraderie shared among fellow players and the electric anticipation hanging in the air, Xin was suddenly gripped by a wave of worry when he failed to spot Victor and the rest of their group anywhere.
"Did they . . . perish?" Xin’s mind raced with concern.
However, he swiftly dismissed the thought; no notification had flashed on his screen, indicating their demise.
Perhaps he had simply navigated the maze too swiftly?
Xin pondered. He had managed to finish in fifteen minutes, a stark contrast to Victor’s anticipated thirty.
"They must be on their way," Xin reassured himself, deciding to wait in one corner, his eyes flicking back to the portal, anticipating Victor and the others.
However, what shocked him was the notification that soon flashed on his screen.
[Your companion, Grey Smoke, has DIED!]