Part A: Gearing Up
A large room filled with weapons, armor, and equipment bustled with activity as several Hunters prepared for their raid, the clatter of metal against metal filling the air.
Zero stood before a mirror, fastening high-quality chest armor. The metal gleamed—clearly expensive, well-crafted—as buckles clicked into place. He secured a long sword to his waist, the blade impressive, the scabbard decorated with intricate designs that caught the light.
He looked down at his equipment, running his hand over the armor. This equipment... it's far too high-quality for a low-ranker like me, isn't it? Behind him, other team members prepared their own gear—checking weapons, adjusting armor—but his thoughts drifted elsewhere. But...
A memory surfaced, pulling him back to Ryuji's office. The Deputy Chairman had stood before him, holding out a large equipment case that now lay open, revealing the armor and sword Zero currently wore.
"Listen carefully, Zero," Ryuji had said, his expression grave and concerned. "Even though I'm allowing you to join a D-Rank labyrinth raid, you must be extremely careful." His hand had gestured to the armor and weapons. "This equipment is all crafted from high-rank monster materials. It's some of the best protective gear available."
Zero had looked overwhelmed, uncertain. "But... this equipment must cost a fortune. How can I accept this?" He'd waved his hands in refusal. "I can't possibly—"
Ryuji had placed a hand on Zero's shoulder, his expression softening slightly. "Consider it an apology." His voice had carried genuine remorse. "For what happened during your assessment. For putting you in that dangerous situation."
Zero's eyes had shown gratitude and respect. "Ryuji-san..."
Part C: Meeting the Team
A friendly voice interrupted Zero's flashback. "Hey! You must be the new guy!"
Zero turned toward the source of the voice to see a muscular man in his late twenties approaching—Oda Nogunaba, the team leader. He had a friendly face, confident demeanor, and battle-worn equipment that spoke of experience.
Oda extended his hand with a warm smile. "We were short one member, so we got your recommendation." He scratched his head sheepishly. "Oh, sorry! I haven't even introduced myself yet." He straightened up, more formal. "I'm Oda. Oda Nogunaba. Team leader for this raid." He gestured toward Zero expectantly. "And you are...?"
Zero took Oda's hand, shaking it firmly. "I'm Zero. Thank you for having me."
The two engaged in friendly small talk, Oda's casual demeanor putting Zero at ease. "First D-Rank raid?"
"Yes, sir."
"Don't worry! Stick with us and you'll be fine."
A voice called from across the room. "Oda! We're ready to go over the plan!"
Oda glanced back, then looked at Zero apologetically. "Duty calls. Join us in a minute, okay?" He headed toward the other members gathering near a tactical board, speaking with them in low murmurs as he gestured at maps and diagrams.
Then Oda's voice rose, calling the entire team. "Alright, everyone! Gather up! Time to head out!"
Part D: The Labyrinth Entrance
All team members gathered, forming up before the labyrinth entrance. Before them stood a tear in reality itself—a glowing crack in the air, pulsing with obsidian-purple energy. It looked unnatural, wrong, beautiful and terrifying simultaneously, humming with power.
Zero stared at the entrance, eyes wide, nervous sweat beading on his forehead. So this is... a labyrinth entrance...
The crack pulsed with otherworldly light, edges shimmering like heat waves.
Oda noticed Zero's nervousness and raised his voice, addressing everyone but clearly for Zero's benefit. "Alright, everyone! We've got a rookie with us today!" His expression became instructive, professional. "Let's do a quick information review before we enter."
He pointed at the glowing crack. "Teleportation Orbs appear randomly and open these cracks in space." His hand motioned as he explained. "Inside, most low-rank labyrinths are cave-like structures—dark, narrow passages." He held up a finger for emphasis. "But higher-rank labyrinths—A-Rank and S-Rank—can have themed environments."
Brief images flashed through Zero's mind: castle interiors, dense jungles, vast deserts. "Castles, jungles, deserts... it depends on the boss monster ruling that labyrinth."
Oda's expression became more grave. "The monsters we'll face are somewhat random, but experience has taught us patterns." He counted on his fingers. "In D-Rank labyrinths, expect goblins, lizardmen, vipers, and various insect types." His tone became more confident. "You might encounter other species, but their power will be capped at D-Rank level—same as the labyrinth itself."
He gave Zero a thumbs up. "Labyrinth ranks are measured the same way we measure Hunters—so trust the assessment." He turned toward the entrance, drawing his weapon with a sharp ring. "Alright! Let's move out!"
All members drew weapons and approached the entrance. One by one, team members stepped through the glowing crack and vanished with a shimmering sound. Zero steadied himself, gripping his sword handle. Here goes nothing...
He walked into the glowing entrance, reality distorting around him with an overwhelming sound that filled his senses.
Chapter 9, Scene 2: Inside the Labyrinth
Part A: First Encounter
The team emerged into darkness. Rough stone walls surrounded them, and the air was damp and cold. Water dripped somewhere in the distance.
The panel was almost entirely black—they could barely see. "I can't see anything!" someone called.
One team member produced a torch and lit it with a whoosh. Orange firelight illuminated rough stone walls and a narrow passage ahead, flames flickering steadily.
The six-person team advanced down the passage in formation, torch bearer in the middle, their footsteps echoing softly. A distant growling echoed through the cavern.
Everyone immediately halted, weapons raised. "Everyone, defensive formation!" Oda commanded.
Large shadows shifted in the darkness beyond the torchlight, scraping against stone. Three massive wolves stepped into the light—each the size of a full-grown dire wolf, muscular and intimidating. Strange Celtic-style markings glowed on their foreheads like tattoos.
One wolf's face filled Zero's vision—fangs bared, eyes glowing, the mystical marking on its forehead pulsing with energy as it snarled.
Oda quickly assessed the situation. "Three wolves! Pair up—two Hunters per wolf!"
Team members quickly formed pairs, each pair facing one wolf. One wolf immediately lunged at Zero. "Here it comes!" Zero brought his sword up defensively.
The wolf's massive jaws clamped down on the blade, holding it firmly with a powerful chomp. The sword began bending under the pressure, stress fractures appearing with sharp cracking sounds. Sweat poured down Zero's face. The sword's going to break!
Zero's partner swung his weapon, slashing the wolf's exposed underbelly. The wolf released the sword, howling in pain, its mouth opening wide and vulnerable.
Zero's eyes locked onto the opening. Now! He drove his sword straight into the wolf's open mouth. The blade pierced through the roof of the mouth and into the brain. The massive creature went limp and collapsed with a heavy thud.
Zero pulled his weapon free, breathing heavily. Nearby, Oda and another teammate coordinated their attack on a second wolf, Oda driving his sword into the wolf's neck. The wolf collapsed, dead.
Fuya, the team's mage, extended his hands. Magical chains materialized and wrapped around the third wolf. "Hold still!" The glowing magical chains bound the wolf, restricting its movement as another member rushed in and delivered a killing strike to the immobilized wolf.
The final wolf fell. All members took a moment to recover, breathing heavily.
Oda looked at each member, checking for injuries. "Everyone okay?"
Various members nodded or gave thumbs up. "Fine!" "Good here!"
He nodded approvingly. "Good work, everyone. Let's keep moving."
Part B: Deeper into Danger
The team battled through various encounters—goblins, lizardmen, giant vipers—defeating each group but taking longer each time. With each battle, the team appeared more worn down, armor dented, breathing heavier.
Oda's face showed growing concern. Something's wrong...
The team continued forward, the passage sloping downward. The air became heavier, a palpable pressure building. Everyone slowed, feeling the weight of an overwhelming presence ahead.
"Does anyone else feel that...?"
Oda's eyes widened in alarm. This aura... it's too strong!
He raised his fist sharply, signaling everyone to halt. "Everyone, STOP!"
All members froze in place.
His expression was deadly serious. "We need to retreat. Now."
Shocked faces turned toward their leader. "Retreat? But we haven't even reached the boss yet!"
Oda's voice was firm, brooking no argument. "This labyrinth doesn't feel right. It's harder than it should be." He gestured back the way they came. "And the deeper we go, the more intense the aura becomes. This isn't normal for D-Rank."
Member 4, a younger Hunter, stepped forward. "But our guild leader will be furious if we come back empty-handed!" He gestured at their limited loot. "The magic stones and monster corpses we've collected aren't nearly enough to cover expedition costs!"
Oda's expression hardened. "Our lives are more important than profit!" His voice carried absolute authority. "We retreat first. Then we'll have the Association recheck this labyrinth's rank—or we recruit more members before returning."
He turned to one team member—Mita. "Mita, summon your One-Horn Horse. We need to get to the entrance as fast as possible."
Mita, a beast tamer, nodded and began summoning, energy glowing around his hands. "Understood!"
Part C: Ambush
From the passage they came from, rapid movement echoed—scraping sounds growing louder. Everyone spun around, weapons raised.
A massive herd of sleek, silver-scaled creatures emerged—reptilian panthers, their scales gleaming in the torchlight. There were dozens of them, hissing in chorus.
The team members' faces showed alarm. "Silver Reptilian Panthers?! There's so many!"
Oda drew his weapon, taking charge. "Focus on breaking through! Make a path!" His voice rose over the chaos. "Avoid prolonged fights! These creatures are tough and they outnumber us!"
The team engaged the panthers, fighting desperately with clashing weapons and hissing beasts. Two team members managed to fight through the herd and escape down the passage.
Zero, Oda, Fuya, and Member 4 remained, completely surrounded by panthers. They fought back-to-back, barely holding the monsters at bay. Sweat poured down their faces, armor was damaged, breathing labored.
Member 4 glanced toward where the other two escaped. "Where's Mita?! Where's the horse?!"
The passage behind them remained empty.
Anger and fear mixed in Member 4's voice. "This is what we get for spending time building friendships! Betrayal at the end!"
Oda slashed at a panther while responding. "Stay positive! And don't let your guard down!"
He called to the mage. "Fuya! On my count, use magic to blast the ceiling!"
Fuya looked worried. "But that will attract even more monsters!" His voice showed clear apprehension. "And there's a chance the boss will be drawn here too—we're not far from the boss chamber!"
Oda's face showed determination. "We don't need to fight them! We just need to buy enough time to run!"
He raised his hand, fingers counting down. "Three!" "Two!" "One!"
Fuya thrust his staff upward, magical energy gathering. "Fire Charge!"
A fireball shot upward and exploded against the ceiling with a tremendous boom. Rocks and debris rained down from the shattered ceiling, rumbling and crashing. Large boulders crashed down between the team and the panthers, creating a temporary barrier as the creatures were forced to climb over and around the fallen rocks, slowing their pursuit.
The four Hunters sprinted down the passage at full speed. "Run! Don't look back!" Oda commanded.
They ran with everything they had, lungs burning, legs aching. The panthers were no longer visible behind them.
Member 4's face showed momentary relief. "I think... we lost them...!"
Oda didn't slow. "Keep moving! They'll find their way around!"
Part D: The Horror
They rounded a corner and suddenly stopped, horrified, skidding to a halt.
On the ground lay the corpses of Mita, the other escaped member, and the One-Horn Horse. All brutally slaughtered, torn apart with claw marks everywhere, blood pooling around them.
All four stared in shock and horror.
Fuya's legs gave out. He fell to his knees with a heavy thud. Tears streamed down his face, his voice cracking. "That means... there are monsters at the entrance too..." He grabbed his head, voice rising to a scream. "We're cornered! We're all going to die here!"
Oda turned toward Fuya, his voice firm. "It's pointless to cry now!" He extended his hand toward the mage. "Stand up! We run forward—maybe there aren't many monsters at the entrance!"
Zero and Member 4 moved to help lift Fuya, but he pulled away, shaking his head frantically. "No! No! It's useless! We won't survive!"
He fell back onto the ground, giving up completely. A massive shadow loomed behind the fallen mage.
A Silver Reptilian Panther stood directly behind Fuya, jaws opening wide with a hiss.
Zero's eyes widened in horror. "FUYA! BEHIND YOU!"
In a blur of motion, the panther's jaws closed around Fuya's entire upper body. Fuya's legs and lower torso collapsed to the ground, severed cleanly. Blood sprayed everywhere. Dark blood flooded out from the corpse.
Zero, Oda, and Member 4 stared in absolute terror. Zero's entire body trembled. He... he was just...!
Part E: Crec's Intervention
Desperation overrode hesitation. "CREC!"
Space tore open beside Zero. The magnificent cosmic bull appeared, starlit body glowing.
Without hesitation, Crec charged the panther that killed Fuya. His cosmic horns connected with the creature, launching it through the air. The silver panther was hurled dozens of meters away, crashing into the wall.
Member 4 suddenly seized Zero by the collar, shaking him violently. Tears streamed down his face, rage and grief mixing. "If you had a beast this powerful—!" He shook Zero harder, his voice breaking. "WHY?! WHY DIDN'T YOU CALL IT BEFORE MY FRIENDS DIED?!"
His grip loosened as sobs overtook him. "They... they didn't have to... die..." His hands fell away as he slumped, defeated by grief.
Crec's voice resonated in Zero's mind. "Master! More monsters approaching! Trust your power! Believe in yourself—you can defeat them!"
Zero's expression firmed with resolve. "Crec! Take Oda and him out of here!" He gestured urgently toward the entrance. "Take down any monster in your way!"
Oda stepped forward, refusing. "No! You need to come too!" He readied his weapon. "I'll buy time—you escape on your beast!"
Zero shook his head, his face showing calm resolve. "No. They're too fast. Even Crec can't outrun them while carrying all of us." His voice was steady despite the fear. "Here, I can call Crec back after he gets you out. But if you stay, you'll die." His eyes locked onto Oda's. "You have to go. Now."
Zero's eyes glowed faintly as he communicated telepathically. "Crec, after you drop them outside, come back as fast as you can."
The cosmic bull knelt, allowing the two men to climb onto his back. Reluctantly, both men mounted. Oda looked back at Zero, his face showing respect and concern. "You better survive, kid."
Zero gave a weak but genuine smile. "I plan to."
The bull exploded into motion, carrying the two survivors. Crec and his passengers vanished around a corner, heading for the exit, their sounds fading into the distance.
Part F: Zero's Stand
Zero stood by himself in the blood-stained passage. Silence surrounded him.
The scraping, hissing sounds of monsters grew louder. He pulled his damaged sword from its sheath, the blade showing multiple cracks from the earlier wolf bite. This sword won't last long...
Massive shadows began appearing at both ends of the passage with growling and hissing. Silver Reptilian Panthers—ten, fifteen, maybe twenty or more—emerged from the darkness. Mixed among them were other creatures: vipers, lizardmen, goblins, all hissing, growling, and screeching.
He was completely encircled by the approaching horde.
Despite his fear, his eyes hardened with determination. I need to survive... A mental image of Zoe flashed through his mind—her smile, her worried face. For Zoe...
An image of Ryo appeared—his friendly wave, his loyal support. To find Ryo...
Images of Kim and Klister—loving, caring, missing. And to rescue Mom and Dad...
His expression became more complex—determination mixed with regret. I was the one who wanted to face greater enemies. To push myself. He gripped his sword tighter, accepting responsibility. So now... I face the consequences.
The horde began advancing from all sides, slowly tightening the circle, scraping against stone. He took a defensive position, sword raised, body balanced.
Zero stood alone in the center of the passage, a tiny figure surrounded by a massive horde of monsters. Torchlight flickered, casting dramatic shadows. The cracked sword gleamed in his hand. His expression showed fear but also unwavering resolve—a boy who'd chosen to stand, knowing full well he might fall.