CHAPTER 101………………………………………………….
Elias and Theron entered the spire together. The interior was very dark.
Thunk—
As they stepped inside, the door automatically closed behind them. Elias flinched at the sound, but Theron held her hand reassuringly.
“Eli, are you okay?”
“Ah, yes. I was just a little startled.”
The darkness of the spire made Elias tense. Theron noticed immediately, as her hand trembled in his. He gave her a small squeeze to reassure her.
Flicker—
Then, the corridor of the spire brightened slightly. Torches along the walls began to light one by one.
This is kind of scary…
It was an unsettling scene—torches lighting on their own in an empty space.
Still, Elias tried to push her fear aside. If she hesitated out of fear, her life could be in danger.
Actually, if only she died, it wouldn’t matter so much. The problem was that if she faltered, Theron would be in danger too.
For Theron’s sake…
Clutching her club tightly, Elias moved forward. The spire’s interior was eerie enough to make it seem haunted.
Well… there are probably scarier things than ghosts lurking here.
The spire itself wasn’t very wide. Despite its considerable height, the narrow space allowed them to see the surroundings at a glance.
The first floor was empty. Elias and Theron ascended the stairs tucked in a corner.
From the 1st to the 10th floor, there was nothing. The darkness merely gave it a gloomy, old mansion-like feel.
Monsters and demons only appeared from the 11th floor onward.
Grrr!
Grotesque monsters and demons attacked immediately. Although Elias and Theron hadn’t formally fought together before, they trusted each other and coordinated naturally.
Thwack!
Elias’s hammer smashed the demons, and Theron’s sword cut through the monsters.
Together, they battled their way upward, floor by floor.
After roughly an hour of combat, they paused on the stairs for a brief rest.
“Eli, aren’t you tired?”
“A little, yes.”
Elias leaned her head on Theron’s shoulder, and he wrapped an arm around her.
“Rest for a moment, even if just briefly.”
“Thank you, Theron.”
After a short break, the two continued ascending the spire.
Two hours passed while clearing monsters and demons along the way.
Finally, they reached the top floor of the spire.
This is the top of the spire…
Elias stared at the massive door before her. Every floor she had ascended had a door, but those were modest in size.
This door, however, was magnificent. Easily over 4 meters tall, it was a wide double door.
Anyone can tell there’s a boss behind this.
Elias looked at Theron, checking if he was ready before opening the door.
“I’m ready, Eli.”
“Yes. Then let’s open it.”
With determination, Elias placed her hand on the door. It swung open, as if welcoming the intruders.
They stepped inside together.
The top floor resembled a grand hall, but at its center stood a terrifying monster.
A half-man, half-bull—a Minotaur—with the body of a human and the head of a gigantic bull.
Looks like a Minotaur…
Its size was massive, roughly three meters tall.
Grrr—
The Minotaur’s black eyes fixed on them. Elias and Theron instinctively knew battle would begin.
Thud!
As expected, the Minotaur charged at them.
Elias leapt forward, enlarging her hammer, while Theron blocked the horned attack with his sword wrapped in blade energy.
Clang!
Seizing the opportunity, Elias swung her hammer at the Minotaur from above.
But the creature swiftly dodged, making Elias realize this fight could take longer than expected.
But we can’t let it drag on.
Both Elias and Theron were already nearing their limits. Any delay could cost them their lives.
Elias summoned all her divine power into her hammer.
Whoosh—
A dark crimson energy swirled around her. She poured every ounce of her power into the pork cutlet hammer.
The Minotaur, sensing the deadly intent, braced itself.
Thwack!
Elias vanished in an instant and reappeared behind the Minotaur. Her hammer struck its head with a thunderous impact.
Slowly, the Minotaur began to disintegrate.
The battle at the spire was finally over.
“Eli! You did well.”
Theron rushed to her. Exhausted from using all her power, Elias stumbled, and Theron immediately caught her. She ended up in his arms in an instant.
“Thank you, Theron.”
Rumble—
The spire began to shake at that moment. Both Elias and Theron were startled.
Then, a crimson energy enveloped them. Both recognized the source immediately.
Lilith…
Elias realized the immense power covered not just them but the entire maze. She closed her eyes.
Flash—
When the crimson light vanished, they opened their eyes.
“We’re… back!”
“At last!!”
They had returned to the palace banquet hall.
Everyone waiting for Elias had safely returned, including some she had not met. Even those who had perished in the maze were back.
This must be Lilith’s consideration.
She must have even transported the bodies to reunite them with their waiting families.
Thank you, Lilith.
Elias silently thanked Lilith as she surveyed the surroundings.
The Emperor, the Princess, followers of Lilith, high nobles, and knights—all had returned safely.
Elias glanced at the banquet hall floor, which had been destroyed before but now appeared fully restored.
“Oh, Lilith! Thank you!”
“Thank you, Saint!”
The followers of Lilith offered their prayers and approached Elias, expressing endless gratitude.
Supported by Theron, Elias greeted them in return.
“You did well, Eli.”
Once the crowd dispersed, Theron smiled at her. Elias smiled back.
“You did well too, Theron.”
The Emperor then summoned the knights to investigate the incident.
“The banquet is over. Everyone may return home.”
Many had returned injured or as corpses from the demon realm. The hall had been chaotic, with nobles and knights in confusion after the massive disappearance.
Thus, the Emperor officially ended the banquet. Investigations would be conducted with the knights, and nobles involved would be questioned later.
After the banquet, Elias and Theron boarded a carriage, heading straight to the Lilith Church.
Theron’s consideration allowed the exhausted Elias to rest.
“We were in the demon realm for so long… it’s almost dawn now,” Elias said, looking out the window. Theron allowed her head to rest on his shoulder.
“It seems time flows differently in the demon realm than in our world.”
“Truly… what an endlessly long day.”
Elias closed her eyes.
A day that had dragged on endlessly, consuming all her power and energy. She had no strength left.
As she fell asleep almost immediately, Theron gently tidied her hair and whispered,
“Rest well, Eli.”
