Eight days. It had been eight days since Spark Nighthawk and his entourage had entered the Labyrinth of Fortune.
For most adventurers, such a stretch of time in the uncharted depths would be troublesome. It would be a harrowing ordeal. A brutal test of survival. Multiplied by desperate scrambles for food. And the constant threat of unseen dangers.
For Spark and his women, however, it had been… a rather pleasant vacation.
For them, uncharted tunnels often yielded not just treasure. But also convenient location to place campsites.
The creatures guarding these places were formidable. Yes. But they were rarely overwhelming. Their challenge level seemed to be calibrated just exactly as their current level.
Spark recalled the memories they experienced these eight days. They were excellent experiences. Choosing the labyrinth as their first adventure destination was definitely a great idea.
Inside his majestic tent, Spark stretched languidly on the bed. His towering figure was clad in exquisite, specially crafted explorer's gear. Imbued with rune inscriptions to suit his combat needs.
The ease with which they navigated this subterranean realm was a testament. Not only to the effectiveness of their combined strength. But also to Spark's unwavering insistence on comfort and safety.
While others might brace for grim survival, Spark's philosophy was simple. Why endure hardship? When an abundance of resources could render it obsolete?
He had no plan to save all his wealth. He just needed to save enough. The excess... he would convert them to convenience, comfort, safety, and... power.
"Another successful delve." He rumbled. A broad, easy smile gracing his lips. "The Labyrinth certainly knows how to reward persistence… and excellent planning."
He was caressing Lilith's hair. Her blonde secretary were sitting on his lap. Nestled comfortably against his huge frame.
"Indeed, Master." Lilith replied. Her voice was a melodious purr. "The quantity and quality of the enchanted items are beyond our initial projections."
She glanced towards Spark. Her expression was softening. A subtle shift from professional demeanor to something more intimate. A spark of devotion she reserved only for him.
Spark nodded. His mind drifted to his women. His aides. Subordinates. Team members. Love slaves...
Lilith Lunaire... his ever-efficient secretary and deadly assassin, had finally retired her cumbersome crossbow. Her preferred method of dispatch now simply involved dual-wielding her main technomind weapons. The Arcane Handgun and Cursed Dagger.
From the treasures gained during the exploration, Spark gave a pair of enchanted rings to her. They enhanced speed and stealth. Making her an even more elusive and lethal force.
Ivy Stellaire... the meticulous researcher and alchemist, had acquired a new, potent tool from the treasure piles. A Mystic Grenade Launcher. Customable and perfectly suited for delivering her specialized offensive alchemical creations.
Other than that, her already keen senses were further sharpened by a pair of rings. Ones that boosted her perception and accuracy. Allowing her to analyze threats. And deploy her creations with unparalleled precision.
Melody Aurora... his graceful personal assistant, had now relied on Summer Noon, her new enchanted harp and her voice for combat encounter. The melodies they created could weave through the battlefield to bolster her allies.
To ensure her own safety while she channeled her wishart support, Spark gave her mystic leather armor. Enchanted with self-regeneration and an automatic energy shield. She also equipped an enchanted necklace that boost her mana regeneration.
Her mother, Serenade Aurora... his elegant and prudent treasurer, had employed a similar tactics. She sang and played Autumn Twilight, her enchanted harp. To weave weakening spells upon their foes.
She wear identical armor to her daughter. Clad in mystic leather that offered both regeneration and an energy shield. And a ring enchanted with mana efficiency runic array.
And, Scarlett Eventide... the enthusiastic secret guard. She had remained positioned as a formidable protector for Melody and Serenade. Her magic buckler was tasked for deflecting incoming attacks.
Outside the essential protection during combat, her various gu-insects scouted ahead and engaged threats as needed. And, Spark gave her an Eldritch Handgun from the treasures they gained. Adding a strong ranged offensive capability to her repertoire.
In addition, she was also given a pair of bell earrings that amplified her accuracy. And an anklet enchanted with enhanced reflexes. Making her a deadly guardian from any distance.
...
"It's time." Spark announced. His smile was fading slightly as his focus sharpened. He clapped his hands together. The sound echoing in the suddenly quiet tent. "Time to conquer the final chamber. And its guardian."
They had explored the place and reached the huge metal gates inscribed with cloud pattern. They knew that behind the gate lay the final treasure. Every other labyrinths on Anearth had that kind of design.
Lilith nodded. Dropping from his lap.
She quickly retrieved her weapons from her technomind space. Ivy checked the primer on her grenade launcher. Melody and Serenade exchanged a glance. Their fingers were already drifting towards the strings of the harps in their hands. Scarlett adjusted her buckler and prepared her gun.
They were ready.
They emerged from the opulence of their temporary haven. Not even bothering to take down and pack up the tent. And retrieve the defensive array. They would be back. The final chamber was not far.
Just within five minutes, they reached the closed gates. Despite its enormous size, Spark pushed it open easily.
The vast chamber ahead pulsed with a dim, ethereal light. Emanating from the colossal crystal chest that dominated its center. And between them and their prize stood the Centaur Knight.
It was definitely a creature of immense power. Its lower half was that of a magnificent, war-harnessed giant steed. Its muscular flanks rippling with barely contained energy.
The upper torso was that of a powerfully built warrior. Clad in gleaming, intricately carved plate armor. A massive, two-handed war hammer rested against its shoulder.
The helmet on its head was etched with glowing runes. Ones that spoke of potent enchantments.
The creature focused its attention toward them. Its face was a mask of stoic ferocity. Eyes burning with the ancient, territorial rage. This was no mere beast. It was a sentry. A guardian of the Labyrinth's deepest secrets. And a... Tier-4 monster.
Spark's easygoing demeanor changed. Into a serious one. An undeniable aura of dominance emanated from him. He shifted his weight. His massive frame was exuding raw power.
"Well, now..." He said. His voice was a low growl. "Looks like the Labyrinth has saved its best for the last. Wonderful!"
Lilith immediately moved to his side. Her stance fluid. "Instruction, Master?" She said, withour easing her focus to the opponent.
"Standard tactics." Spark said. "Prioritize safety. Let's try to gauge its ability first. Ivy?"
Ivy was already assessing the Centaur Knight's structural weaknesses. She chimed in, "Its armor appears to be reinforced with inscribed energy conduits. A direct hit to the primary nexus on the center of its chest point might be effective."
"Let's attempt that." Spark agreed. "Everyone. Standard Tactics. Engage!"
Melody's harp began to sing. A subtle melody that promised to ease their burdens. While Serenade's joined in. A counterpoint that hinted at misfortune for their foe.
Scarlett stepped forward. Positioning herself between the Aurora sisters and the imposing centaur. Her buckler and handgun were raised. Her gu-insects had scattered. Ready to join the battle.
The Centaur Knight sensed their approach. It let out a guttural roar that shook the very stones of the chamber. Its warhammer slammed against the ground. Sending a shockwave of raw energy directly towards them.
Spark reacted instantly. He charged. While transforming into his full werelion form. His charging body met the shockwave head-on. His bare hands were glowing. Coated with wind elemental energy.
The impact was immense. A concussive blast that forced even the charge of his formidable frame to stop. But Spark held his ground.
"Nice power!" Spark quipped. His voice was echoing with excitement. One that belied the intensity of the encounter. He lowered his body and... charged forward again.
Lilith moved. A burst of Spatial Blink. And, she was suddenly flanking the Centaur Knight. Her arcane handgun spat bolts of crackling energy at the centaur's back and head. But they were armored.
The Centaur Knight got surprised by her sudden appearance. It swiveled its massive torso. Attempting to intercept her.
Big mistake. Spark's charge crashed against its side. As it tried to rotate, a heavy punch struck the center of its chest.
Unfortunately, it did nothing. The centaur shrugged it off without any damage.
The beast tried to lash out against Spark. However, Spark was not stupid. He had retreated immediately.
Ivy, from a safe distance, launched three alchemical grenades consecitively. Each with different effect.
One of them exploded on impact as it hit the monster's head. Releasing a cloud of corrosive gas. Another detonated with a blinding flash. Momentarily disorienting the beast. The last one... exploded in burst of orange and bright red color inks.
"Target marked!" Ivy shouted. Her focus unwavering.
The Centaur Knight bellowed in frustration. Its heavy armor had deflected most of Spark and Lilith's initial attacks. But it couldn't escape Ivy's marking.
In rage, the centaur swung its warhammer in a wide, devastating arc. Forcing Lilith to use her Speed Boost to narrowly evade the crushing blow.
The creature's focus shifted to the persistent, darting assassin. It seemed to forget about Spark.
Spark grinned. He drew his Power Rifle from Technomind Void Space. Aiming it to the Centaur Knight's helmet-covered head. And then, he pulwd the trigger.
BANG!