Chapter 51: Back to the Labyrinth
“Yo, long time no see…”
“Caelius…”
The familiar, good-looking blonde man waved, wearing his usual proud smile that caught the attention of everyone around the room.
Vincent ignored the whispers and wondered how Caelius recognized him, even under his mask.
Even the armor he wore was entirely different from their first meeting. Yet somehow, Caelius had recognized him instantly.
This is the second time someone’s recognized me…
He recalled how Azhara had known he was human. Though he showed no reaction, Vincent sensed that Caelius was dangerous and mysterious. He realized he still hadn’t explored the origin world much, having focused so heavily on hunting that he hadn’t learned about the society here.
He had a lot more to do.
“I haven’t seen you in a while, but you’ve gotten stronger…” Caelius paused, staring at Vincent. Though it hadn’t been a week in the real world, Vincent had jumped from early Tier 1 to peak Tier 1, which surprised Caelius, although not by much. He had his fair share of experience.
“Yeah…” Vincent replied curtly, finally realizing the strength of the young man in front of him, through his Heaven Eyes.
Peak Tier 2, not far from breaking through, he thought, sensing the thick aura Caelius emitted.
This person was perhaps his age but already close to Tier 3.
This world really is filled with hidden talent, he mused, surprised at meeting someone like Caelius on his first day in the Origin World.
“Anyway, what brings you here?” Caelius asked.
“Hmm, nothing much. I was just curious about yesterday’s incident.”
“Oh, about the Blackbite Rat Labyrinth? You planning to check it out?”
“Kinda…”
“Got a party already, or want to go with me?”
Vincent paused, staring at Caelius’s smile, weighing the risks and whether it was worth it.
A commotion broke out behind him as someone entered the Novice Center.
“Look! The young master of Blackthorn is here, too!”
“Oh no, both demons are here. Conflict’s bound to happen!”
As expected, Vincent turned to see the person who had humiliated him on his first day. His gaze sharpened.
Grarik Blackthorn…
The muscular, purple-skinned thrygian, clad in heavy chestplate armor, was accompanied by two more thrygians as they walked arrogantly, scoffing at their surroundings.
“Yellow dog!”
Grarik called out, glaring at Caelius, who smirked.
“You’re here too, Big Fool.”
The usually short-tempered Grarik remained unaffected by Caelius’s insult, keeping his arrogant smile.
“It seems you’re interested in the mission. Unfortunately, you won’t accomplish much with me on it.”
“Well, if a genius like you says so, then I bet that’s definitely going to happen.”
Unfazed by the sarcasm in Caelius’s response, Grarik laughed before turning serious.
“You better not show your face outside the sanctuary, or else…”
He was interrupted by one of his companions. “Young master, they’re in the meeting place now. We should go.”
Grarik nodded, giving Caelius one last glare before leaving, completely ignoring Vincent as if he didn’t recognize him.
Vincent frowned as he watched Grarik leave, curious about the mission they’d mentioned and the rewards the Novice Center had offered to interest these two rivals.
Sensing his curiosity, Caelius looked at him. “Curious about what he meant?”
Vincent nodded.
“Well, the Novice Center posted an investigation mission for the new labyrinth and offered a Tier 3 cultivation technique along with several other rewards.”
Vincent was shocked by the Novice Center’s generosity. He now understood why Caelius and Grarik were interested. Even he was tempted to try.
A Tier 3 technique was essential for any warrior, especially those preparing for a breakthrough, though Vincent knew little about it. He could only imagine the other rewards.
Seeing Vincent’s momentary reaction, Caelius smiled. “Interested? Want to join my party?”
Vincent’s curiosity grew.
“You say ‘your party,’ but where are the others?”
Caelius simply smiled in response.
Moments later, at the entrance of Blackbite Rat Labyrinth, Vincent and Caelius arrived.
He noticed how different the surroundings were from the day before.
Yesterday, Tier 1 (1★ – 5★) origin warriors had crowded the entrance, but today was different.
Groups of peak Tier 1 and several peak Tier 2 warriors gathered. Vincent still couldn’t sense any Tier 3 in the area.
Even the three portal entrances of the labyrinth had merged into a single, larger portal.
While observing these groups, three shadows suddenly appeared beside Caelius, surprising and alerting Vincent.
“Relax. They’re our companions,” Caelius said, smiling.
Vincent looked at the newcomers—each clad in a golden cloak and mask, all silent and exuding the aura of Tier 2 origin warriors.
They neither spoke nor moved, simply standing behind them.
Vincent looked back at Caelius, expecting an explanation, but Caelius only smiled, clearly not intending to elaborate.
Though Vincent didn’t know their true motives—especially Caelius’s—he wasn’t afraid. He’d considered the possible outcomes. If things went badly, he could always use his instant escape scroll.
When it was their turn to enter, the interface displayed options for which floor to enter. Vincent realized the choices were available for those who had already visited certain floors.
Though he had options, Caelius and his party hadn’t been to the Blackbite Rat Labyrinth before, so they’d need to start from the first floor.
Upon entering, one of the golden-cloaked figures pulled out a golden short staff and chanted, creating a bright yellow orb that illuminated the area.
With Caelius’s command, “Let’s go,” the group moved quickly, reaching the third underground level within an hour of non-stop travel.
Once there, Vincent sensed an eerie silence. The surroundings were so still, void of life. He couldn’t feel any primal energy within 50 meters, which he found strange.
He understood their goal: investigating the incident that had killed several Tier 2 origin warriors.
But he had no idea where or how to begin.
Caelius then took out a compass, channeling origin energy into it. The arrow began to move, pointing in a direction.
“What’s that?” Vincent asked, curious.
“Oh, this?” Caelius replied, holding up the device. “It’s a ‘source compass.’ It points to where someone last died, allowing their soul to transfer back to their world.” He held up a vial filled with misty energy.
“Oh.”
Vincent realized he knew next to nothing about the origin world—even items like this existed here.
Once again, he was reminded of the world’s dangers.
If someone somehow acquired some of his aura, he’d likely be hunted relentlessly. Luckily, Grarik hadn’t managed to get any trace of his aura; otherwise, he’d be pursued every time he entered the origin world.
Caelius uncorked the vial, and the misty energy flowed into the compass, which lit up and whirled, pointing north.
Without hesitation, Caelius said, “Let’s go.”
Moments later, they arrived at a huge portal. None of them knew where it led.
They stopped, searching the area but found nothing.
“It seems we have only one choice—we have to enter this portal,” Caelius said, turning to Vincent.
“I might not be able to protect you once we’re inside. Are you willing to go? I won’t force you.”
Vincent didn’t hesitate. “Don’t worry. I can take care of myself.”
“Hoho, I wouldn’t have believed you if you’d said that when we first met.”
Caelius chuckled, recalling his first encounter with Vincent.
Vincent could only smile wryly, feeling slightly embarrassed. He vowed silently to get revenge on Grarik to erase the humiliation he’d felt.
“Alright then, let’s go.” Caelius said.
When they passed through the portal, Vincent’s vision blurred briefly before clearing.
They found themselves standing on a red pavement, outside a massive crimson castle.
Help me by sending gifts and golden tickets!
