Chapter 253: Chapter 253 - Dead Zone Labyrinth(Part 1)

"There we you, that should do it. Alright, you’re all set now...I’ve adjusted the seal on your full power, you should be able to unleash it in stages now. I’ve placed five levels on the seal, each level is holding back a fifth of your full power. Well, technically, the first level is holding back half of a fifth...in your current, base form, you’re at ten percent of your full power. Unlocking the first level will double your current power level, and unlocking each subsequent level will give you an additional twenty percent. This should help you control it better," I remarked, as I stepped back with a nod.

"Great, thanks! I can feel it, I’ve gained the ability to control this seal at will now...how’d you figure out how to do this?" She inquired with a grin.

’Yeah, Larrk, how did you figure that out?’ Chimed in Azazel dryly.

Sheesh, alright...

"Well, if you want to get technical, it’s actually Azazel who pulled it off, I just suggested the idea and he took it from there," I admitted sheepishly.

’Excuse me, I helped too, you know,’ Huffed Plasmuk indignantly.

"Oh, and Plasmuk helped too, I guess," I repeated after him wryly.

"I still can’t believe that the thing that was trying to kill us just a couple of weeks ago is now helping us," Remarked Lumena in bemusement.

’Wha-...did she just refer to me as ’that thing’!? I should’ve killed her when I had the chance...’

Easy there, my guy, no need to take it so seriously.

So, yeah, about two weeks have passed since we ended up at the bottom of the Dead Zone Labyrinth, today’s likely the 25th of Aprilis, assuming we’ve managed to accurately keep track of time, that is.

I think we’re about halfway through the Labyrinth now, so it’ll probably still be another couple of weeks or so before we finally make it to the top.

We had to fight a whole lot of powerful Monsters, but after having fought Plasmuk and barely surviving, even the Catastrophic Grade Monsters we encountered didn’t feel like that great a threat.

Well, the fact that I’ve currently got two Demonic Grade Contracts probably helped, though Plasmuk’s abilities are kinda tricky to get the hang of.

A couple of days ago, I got the idea on how to adjust Izzy’s seal, and made the suggestion to Azazel, who was immediately on board with it. He and Plasmuk then began working on formulating a Spell to put my idea into effect, and as of right now, it’s just been implemented.

"Let’s hold off on testing out how effective that seal is until we’re back outside, okay? On the off chance that something goes wrong, I’d really prefer not to have to fight feral Izzy again," I remarked wryly.

"Yeah, I’m really sorry about that...and thanks again for bringing me back to my senses," She smiled apologetically.

"Don’t mention it. I’m just glad I survived. Okay, I’m starting to get a bit worn out...I think that’s enough walking for today, let’s stop here for now and get some rest," I suggested, as we came across a small stream of water.

I don’t sense any Monsters nearby, though it wouldn’t matter too much if I did...whenever I sense a large number of Monsters nearby, we just hide out in my Pocket Dimensional until they leave.

"Sounds good to me, I might’ve miscounted, but I’m pretty sure we’re at the twenty-seventh floor now. Which means we’re more than halfway there, I think this is a good point to take a break on," Added Lumena wearily.

"Hm, I’d say we’re more than halfway through now. The further up we go, the weaker the Monsters we encounter will get, so we should be able to get through the upper floors a lot quicker. That said, it’ll probably still be at least five to ten more floors before we stop seeing Disastrous Grades and higher level Monsters," I surmised after mulling it over.

"Can’t we just bust through the ceilings after a few more floors?" Suggested Izzy impatiently.

I get how she feels, I want to get out of here too, but...

"No, that’s too risky even at this point. Maybe once we’re upto the tenth floor or so we can consider that. But for now, let’s continue on foot," I shook my head reluctantly.

"Yeah, after surviving a battle against a Demonic Grade Monster, I’d prefer not to die getting crushed by falling rubble," Responded Lumena dryly, as she formed some water and let it fall into her mouth, before glancing at me and adding, "By the way, how much food do you have left in your Pocket Dimension? I really don’t want to have to resort to eating Monsters..."

"Don’t worry, I’ve still got plenty left. Like I told you before, I’ve stocked up enough to last a good three to four months at the very least, I’d estimate that we haven’t even gone through a full fifth of the food I’ve got stored up."

"Well, that’s good. It’s been years since I’ve gotten to eat proper food, and now that I’m getting used to that again, I don’t want to go back to eating stuff that barely even qualifies as food," She sighed in response.

I wouldn’t exactly classify canned and preserved food as proper food, but I get what she means...if it wasn’t for Prysm, my diet would’ve been pretty abysmal back when I was locked up in that former Knight Commander’s basement.

I wonder how things are going in Obsidian? It’s likely that the True Nobility have made their move by now, I hope everyone’s okay...I’m sure Argent and Prysm will be able to take care of themselves, though I’m not even sure if they’re in Obsidian at all.

For all I know, they could be here in the Dead Zone, looking for us. Well...guess I’ll find out soon enough, it shouldn’t be too much longer before we make it to the top of this Labyrinth now.

_____________________________________________

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed this Chapter! Don’t forget to vote, and feel free to leave a comment, I appreciate any and all feedback and criticism!

Also, check out my Insta account @aimdaqs for posts relating to this book.

Join the Discord server, I plan to tease upcoming Chapters and future story arcs here, and you can also discuss or ask me any questions about the story and characters. Use the invite link to join:

https://discord.gg/sRbx9VbTVP