Two days have passed since the heroes first entered the labyrinth.

In preparation for their investigation of the labyrinth, Kris made sure that each Savior would have enough supplies with them to last a few days if they could not find the the Abyss King’s tomb right away.

Although no map of the labyrinth exists, Liliana can use Spirit Magic that allows her to follow an invisible trail towards the Abyss King’s life force.

Despite the harsh conditions inside the labyrinth and the perils they have yet to face, the Five Saviors remain optimistic as they push forward into the unknown…

*****

“Another hell-hound!” (Lily)

“Got it!” (Kris)

Kris slashed his sword at the monster that came at the group from the right. It had the shape of a dog, but was several times larger and entirely covered in black.

“HAH!”

Kris’s mithril-iron alloy sword sliced it in half and the hell-hound dissipated into dark mist.

Several hours have passed since the Five Saviors started clearing the dungeon after they awoke. There was no route to follow, so the heroes could only rely on Liliana to guide them towards the resting place of the Abyss King.

“These monsters are pretty weak, aren’t they?” (Gale)

“Even so, they’re relentless. They like to attack in packs so stay vigilant. It’s only going to get tougher from here on.” (Kris)

“Right!” (Everyone)

The monsters that populate this labyrinth do not possess living bodies. They are merely puppets created by the labyrinth to dispatch intruders. In fact, they do not have individual consciences and are instead directly controlled by whatever force governs this nightmarish place.

“In spite of a lack of a physical body, the monsters seem to eat each other so as to evolve into more powerful variants.” (Lily)

“I noticed that as well, but it appears we’ve been labeled as ‘bigger’ prey.” (Kris)

The most common monsters that had been attacking the group thus far have been large black dogs, named hell-hounds. Although they are weak in a one-on-one fight, a pack of hell-hounds can be deadly for even the strongest of warriors to battle.

As the heroes ventured deeper into the labyrinth, the number of monsters opposing them increased exponentially. In addition, more variations of monsters attacked the group, which put them on edge as they did not know what kind of creature will appear.

However, even with hordes of monsters constantly harassing the heroes, no one considered turning tail and escaping towards the exit. Each person knew their duty was to stop the Abyss King’s awakening, and neither one of them would shy away from completing their task, even if they had to sacrifice their own lives.

Reassuring himself, Kris pressed onward with his allies.

As the vanguard, Kris was the front-line of the formation and the main fighting force of the group. He also had the responsibility of alerting the group to any danger that lies ahead.

As they were walking down a wide passage, Lily moved behind Kris and whispered into his ear.

“...Kris.” (Lily)

“...What’s the matter?” (Kris)

“...Well, I don’t know myself, but...I’ve been getting a strange feeling for awhile…” (Lily)

“...I’ve noticed it too...I’m getting a strange sensation that increases the farther we descend…” (Kris)

“...Yes. It feels like…this place...” (Lily)

“...It wants us out…” (Kris)

Lily nodded in agreement.

Well it’s good to know I wasn’t under some effect of the labyrinth. If Lily who has high magic defense is also getting the same sensations, this labyrinth must be more than a simple tomb.

“...Perhaps this labyrinth has it’s own conscience.” (Kris)

“...Yes, that would explain how it can spawn numerous monsters while also reviving the Abyss King.” (Lily)

Kris was relieved his companion had the same conclusion, but something else bothered him.

Even though the sensations are very strong, it doesn’t feel like the labyrinth is threatening us, but rather warning us. It’s as if...it’s telling us that if we don’t leave now, we’ll never return…

Kris was very confused. This labyrinth was supposed to be the Abyss King’s final stronghold, where his minions continued to carry out his villainous deeds. Kris assumed that if the labyrinth had it’s own intelligence, then it would be doing everything it could to eradicate the heroes so that its master can return.

On the contrary, Kris could feel no ill will from the labyrinth’s warnings. Instead, it feels like the labyrinth is pleading us to abandon our mission and save ourselves. Except for the monsters that have continuously attacked Kris and his group, the labyrinth is only worried about the heroes’ well-being.

If the labyrinth itself despises the Abyss King, then what is truly going on here…?

With no way to answer his questions, Kris could only put aside his troubling thoughts and lead the group as the quest continued…

*****

After another hour of exploring the labyrinth, Kris and his allies settled in to rest before moving on.

In order to preserve food, only a light supper was prepared. With plenty of water thanks to Lily’s expertise in Water Magic, the only worry was the management of food and other necessities.

Under the cover of a barrier set up by Lily, the five heroes relaxed around a campfire after enjoying Kris’s cooking. Even though Liliana’s barrier is very strong, it was decided that two members of the group would take turns on watch while the rest would get some sleep.

The two on guard at the moment happened to be Kris and Eliza.

“...Eliza, what are you doing?” (Kris)

“*sniff**sniff* Mmmm, just relieving some stress.” (Eliza)

“...And how does sniffing me relieve your stress?” (Kris)

“*sniff**sniff*...I don’t know.” (Eliza)

“...Is that answer supposed to put my mind at ease?” (Kris)

“Um...yes?” (Eliza)

“Then it failed!” (Kris)

Currently, Kris’s lap was occupied by the Demi-human Savior, Eliza. While curling her legs up so that she was completely on top of Kris’s lap, she had also turned her upper body to the side so that she could embrace Kris from the front.

I’ve heard of relieving stress, but this is ridiculous…

Kris sighed as he looked down at the White Wolf girl as she was burying her head in his chest with a delightful face. Her smile was large enough that her white fangs protruded from her lips and glinted from the campfire.

It’s funny. She acted so much like Sylvia when we were introduced to each other.

When he first met her, Kris had the impression Eliza was very dignified, the best example of a proud Wolf Demi-human. Before, and even during, the tournament in the Elven capital, Eliza would almost never show a smile, even if she was victorious. Occasionally, Kris would catch her smiling from time to time, but she always had a composed face that never showed her thoughts when in front of others. Kris couldn’t tell if she was shy or just nervous around people she didn’t know.

...In fact, the first time she smiled in public was when she lost in our duel. Then, she began to talk to us about herself and we got to know more about her.

Kris knew from hearing about her background that she is rumored to be the only survivor of her species, the White Wolf. When we as a group took turns in talking about ourselves, we learned from her that she has no memories of her parents or where they may be. Since the Black Wolf village is the only home she has, she considers them to be her family.

Even though she was welcomed by everyone, Eliza told us she had always felt like an outsider.

Despite their similarities, the White Wolves were superior to their Black Wolf relatives. Their strength was on entirely different level and their unusually long lifespans meant their warriors were very experienced in combat. In fact, they were considered one of the strongest species of Demi-humans that have ever existed. Unfortunately, their strength was also a cause for concern among the other species. Even other races feared the combat prowess of the White Wolves. Some even speculate their annihilation by the Abyss King’s forces was out of fear that they would become terrible enemies if left alone.

I can’t even imagine what it must feel like to be that last of your kind. She must have been under constant stress in order to live up to her lineage. I wonder if she even had a chance to enjoy herself before we met.

Kris didn’t mind spoiling Eliza after hearing about her hardships, but her current position was very dangerous for him.

Despite being a teenager, Eliza had a bountiful bosom and the thin leather armor she wore did not hinder the softness of her chest as it pressed tightly against his. She also had an extremely beautiful face that Kris believed put even Elven women to shame.

Her slender thighs were also resting on top of his criss-crossed legs and the pale white skin that was exposed between her short-shorts and knee-high leather leggings was sparkling in the glow of the fire. Even her tail with its fluffy silver fur had its own allure as it wagged back in forth and forth in front of the fire.

I think any man would be overwhelmed if a beautiful girl suddenly started sniffing and licking you for no reason...

Kris could not help but get excited from this situation, but he also had no intention of taking advantage of Eliza either.

Though her age would make her a young woman by Human standards, she would still be considered an adolescent in regards to her lifespan as a White Wolf, making her prone to displaying a child’s innocence at times.

However, Kris knew full well what kind of situation someone would mistake this as, but he also had conflicting thoughts on whether to treat Eliza’s actions as a child’s affection or something more.

I’ve been told before I can be dense when it comes to romance. I guess this is one of those times...

For the sake of keeping his sanity, Kris asked Eliza something that he had been curious about.

“Hey Eliza, is my ‘scent’ really all that special?” (Kris)

“Absolutely! Even though you’re a human, you have an entirely different scent than any other human I’ve ever met! It’s incredible! Just what are you?!” (Eliza)

Eliza popped her head up as she answered Kris energetically. The light of the campfire reflected off of her eyes, which were two different colors. Her left eye was a deep hazel color, while her right eye shined with a pale blue.

Eliza had once disclosed having heterochromia in the eyes holds a very important significance for Wolf Demi-humans. Apparently, those who have it are celebrated as ‘Twilight’ warriors, with each eye representing night and day respectfully.

Kris looked into her eyes and judged she was speaking the truth.

Hold on...the White Wolves are said to be legendary trackers and their senses are said to be the best of any Demi-human. Perhaps, not only Sylvia, but Eliza can also sense my father’s blood… I guess I really am abnormal…

Eliza’s words also reminded Kris of a similar remark he had said in the past.

I bet you’d be laughing right now if you heard someone say this to me, wouldn’t you...Yuki…?

Kris unconsciously showed a pained smile upon reminiscing on his past. Seeing his reaction, Eliza misunderstood and started panicking, thinking she had said something offensive and hurriedly tried to correct herself.

“I-I’m sorry! I-I didn’t mean to upset you, I-I was just curious. Don’t get me wrong, your scent is definitely a Human’s, but at the same time there’s...something else.” (Eliza)

“It’s okay, I’m not mad. So I have quite a unique scent, huh?” (Kris)

“Yes! For some reason, it calms my heart and makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.” (Eliza)

Kris was puzzled by her strange answer as he felt conflicted over how to respond to Eliza who was clearly indulging his “scent” to her heart’s content.

Well, it’s not like I have any reason to hide my mixed heritage, but I also don’t know how she’d react...I think it would be best if I wait-

As Kris was debating over whether or not to tell Eliza his secret, a voice makes the decision for him.

“...His father is a Drake.” (Sylvia)

“Huh!?” (Eliza)

“...Hahhh…” (Kris)

Sylvia, who was supposed to be asleep, said thus as she sat next to Eliza and Kris. Eliza was speechless and could only look alternately between Kris and Sylvia. Kris leaked out an exhausted sigh as the discussion took an unexpected turn.

“What do you mean his father is a Drake!? Is that true Kris!?” (Eliza)

“...Yes, it is.” (Kris)

“Really!?...But then, shouldn’t you also be a Drake Kris?” (Kris)

Kris could not hide from the unyielding gaze of Eliza’s upturned eyes and so he explained the story of his parents’ meeting in the same manner he told Sylvia. By the time he had finished, Eliza was staring at Kris with an astonished face while her eyes were twinkling. Sylvia, who had quietly listened, showed a proud expression like she was happy to have someone related to her race as a companion.

It’s going to be a long night...