"Alright." Spark muttered. Lowering his rifle. He surveyed the wreckage. A grin slowly spreading across his face. "That was a proper fight."
He was quite happy with the effectiveness of his team coordination. They had worked efficiently. Like a well-oiled machine. Defeating opponents without unnecessary drama.
He approached the smoking remains of the Bizarre Clockworks. The smell of grease and burnt metal hung heavy in the air. As he sifted through the debris, his senses immediately picked up on the residual energy signatures.
Unlike the previous encounters with lesser monsters in the Labyrinth, these ones offered something substantial.
From the metallic rubble, two distinct types of materials were identifiable. Scattered among the smaller gears and bent iron plates were larger metal fragments.
They were incredibly tough-looking fragments of dark, burnished metal. They gleamed faintly. Even in the dim light.
Spark wore his [Appraisal Goggles] and checked the data.
[Object: Broken Mythrite Metal Plates]
[Type: Scraps]
[Quality: Extremely High]
[Characteristics: Adaptable]
Nice loots! And those were not the only ones. There were other valuable things within the core of each shattered Clockwork.
Pulsating with a faint, residual energy, were two crystalline orbs. Fist-sized. Intricately faceted.
[Object: Mechanical Hearts]
[Type: Monster Cores]
[Quality: Extremely High]
[Characteristics: Extreme Efficiency]
Spark's lips thinned into a satisfied line. "Nice!" He rumbled. "These are the real prizes."
He knew exactly what those objects were.
Broken Mythrite Metal Plates... adaptable and of extremely high quality. They were not super durable. Or super tough. But, they were crucial for crafting any objects designed for extreme conditions.
As long as the environment didn't instantly destroy the metal objects, they would quickly adapt and immune to any negative environment effects.
The Mechanical Hearts... monster cores of extreme efficiency. They were the very essence needed for imbuing golems with high level artificial intelligence.
For any serious runecraft artist who dealt in golems and similar constructs, these were priceless. In the right channels, they would fetch a truly astronomical sum.
This discovery clarified a lingering question in Spark's mind. He had noticed the peculiarity of the Labyrinth of Fortune. In its initially explored 20%, there were multitude of easy-to-handle insect monsters that dropped valuable chitin.
But beyond that point, there had been a stretch where monsters seemed to yield nothing of value. It was a strange pattern that had stumped other adventurers. Likely contributing to why the Labyrinth exploration got stuck.
Now, Spark understood. The monsters immediately past the 20% mark were indeed barren of valuable loot. Acting as a kind of frustrating barrier.
But once one pushed past that segment, the rewards would be exponentially greater. Like there. In the truly dangerous depths like that chamber.
The catch, of course, was that one needed to be able to defeat the monsters. Be able to recognize the loots. And know the correct channels of trade to monetize such specialized materials.
Most common adventurers wouldn't even recognize the loots true worth. Let alone find a buyer.
This suited Spark just fine. His networks were already extensive.
"Gather the materials." Spark instructed. Nodding towards the spoils. "Scarlett. Kept them in your Spatial Bag. Ivy, try to incorporate them for your next alchemy research, later. Serenade, how's the radar reading?"
"Over there, Master!" Serenade pointed at a big boulder leaning on one side of the walls.
Spark turned his attention to the boulder. It didn't look much different from any other big stones in the vast chamber.
He moved closer. And pushed it sideways with his terrifying physical power. The boulder moved. Revealing a hidden cavity in the wall.
Tucked away in that secluded alcove was a treasure chest. It was old. Made of dark, polished wood banded with tarnished brass. And etched with faint, glowing runes.
This one emitted no dangerous magical signature. It seemed to simply be locked. But Spark wouldn't take any risk when he could reduce or eliminate it.
"Lilith!" He called. "Check for any possible trap."
Lilith approached and did just that. Just within a few seconds, she reported. "No trap at all master. It was safe. But it was locked"
Spark looked pointedly at Scarlett. He didn't need to give her more instruction.
"My turn then." Scarlett commented. Already approaching it. She summoned her Archthief Key. With a delicate touch, she inserted the key into the lock. A soft click echoed in the silence. The lid creaked open. Revealing its contents.
Inside, nestled on a bed of faded velvet, were several stacks of ancient gold coins. Gleaming dully. Another pile of these coins. They went straight into Spark's Spatial Belt, joining his already considerable horde.
Beside them, a cluster of raw mana crystals. Spark immediately passed them to Ivy. More materials for her alchemy experiments.
There was also a bundle of dried, dark-red herbs. Ones that seemed to gently pulse with an internal, malevolent warmth. The distinctive look provided Spark with enough information. It was an extremely rare... Witchfire Herb.
Spark picked up the Witchfire Herb. This was a potent ingredient for potions and alchemy. But, it was also an excellent for evolving specific types of fairies. He knew Scarlett's Curse Fairy could benefit immensely from it.
"Scarlett, this will be used to evolve your curse fairy." He said to Scarlett. Handing the herb over.
"But hold onto it for now. Her growth isn't quite maxed yet. You can use it only after her growth reached its peak." He added.
Scarlett's submissive nature manifested in a brief, almost imperceptible shiver of pleasure at his instruction. Her eyes were holding a deep, devoted admiration.
"Yes, Master! I will keep it safe." She answered confidently.
Spark focused back to the objects in the chest. Nestled amongst the more practical items, there was a pure decorative one.
A small, exquisite figurine caught Spark's eye. It was the figurine of a three-tailed fox. Meticulously crafted from gleaming gold. Its eyed were inlaid with glittering precious diamonds.
While undeniably beautiful and likely valuable, Spark recognized it for what it was. A purely decorative piece. Possessing no inherent magical properties. Or practical use. He nevertheless added it to his collection. Appreciating its artistry.
Next to the fox, a delicate silver necklace lay coiled. Spark's appraisal revealed its true worth.
[Object: Necklace of Purity]
[Type: Necklace (Accessory)]
[Quality: Enchanted]
[Characteristics: Disease Immunity]
Spark immediately equipped the necklace. Being immune to disease was a trait he wouldn't reject.
And finally, the last object... a musical instrument. Another lute. Similar type to what they previously gained.
But this one... Its body was crafted from smooth, pale ivory. And its neck and tuning pegs made of a darker, almost cerulean wood.
"Oh, another lute!" Melody gasped. Her eyes were wide with delight.
Spark activated his [Appraisal Goggles] and scanned the items.
[Object: Summer Noon]
[Type: Lute (Musical Instrument)]
[Quality: Enchanted]
[Characteristics: Self-Restoration]
[Characteristics: Blessing Resonance]
[Characteristics: Enhanced Mana Recovery]
Spark took out the ivory and pale blue lute. Melody stepped forward. Almost reverently. Among them, only she and her mother used musical instruments. And her mother had already acquired a magic lute.
"Alright. This is for you." Spark stated. Handing her the beautiful instrument. Her forte was supporting them through her magical songs. Ones that strengthened and blessed allies. This lute would amplify her abilities perfectly.
"It was called Summer Noon. And it will make your support even more potent." He added.
Melody carefully took the lute. Her fingers were tracing its smooth surface. A soft, reverent hum escaped her lips. As she felt the innate magic within the instrument resonate with her own.
"Thank you, Master. I will use it well." She said with her sparkling eyes. Her loyalty and devotion would have deepened further if it hadn't been maxed yet.
With the loot secured and distributed, Spark glanced around the vast chamber. Which was now quiet and tranquil.
He calculated. The place was far enough from the main dungeon paths. Large enough to accommodate them. And it seemed relatively stable.
The pulsating light had died. Dissipated after the Bizarre Clockworks were defeated. But the natural glow from the crystals and the cave plants were sufficient.
"We'll make camp here." Spark declared. "Set up the grand tent. Ivy, activate the advanced defensive arrays. Scarlett, ensure the perimeter is secure during the setup."
He strode towards a central, flat section of the chamber. His mind was already planning the next phase of their descent. This dungeon was proving more fruitful than he had ever imagined.
Scarlett also moved through the periphery. A silent shadow. He unleashed her gu-insects to scout for danger. Her senses extending into the deepest corners of the chamber. Ensuring no hidden threats remained.
Within minutes, the vast stone chamber transformed. A luxurious tent unfurled itself. Even more luxurious than the one they used during their trip to Regalheart Volcano. It was far larger and more opulent than necessary for their small group.
Its silken walls shimmered with subtle protective enchantments. And inside, soft carpets and comfortable furnishings conveniently materialized.
Around it, Ivy meticulously placed and calibrated a series of mana-infused stakes and linking devices. Activating shimmering, almost invisible defensive arrays. Ones that hummed with potent, deterrent magic.
Again, this defensive arrays were newer. Better. And, obviously, much more expensive. But it was Spark's style of exploration and adventure. Safety, convenience, and luxury.
The arduous fight had been worth it. Their first deep dive into the Labyrinth of Fortune had already yielded more than Spark had initially hoped for. The true adventure had only just begun.