Ep. 7 — Chapter 29: Time on the Clock (5)

The Minotaur stared at Leon and the [Treasure of Ancient King] in his hand. Leon neither showed any struggle or pain whilst holding the sacred relic. Instead, it only made him more powerful, the status pouring out of him was causing the Minotaur to tremble.

[…Do you still think you can defeat me even with that weapon in your hand?] Even so, he tried his best to remain unflustered.

"We'll have to see, shan't we?"

[Foolish…arrogant fool!]

"You've been talking since before." Leon said, taking a step towards the Minotaur with immense confidence. "But you haven't done anything yet. Perhaps, are you unsure of your own power once standing before this treasure?"

Leon himself wasn't sure where the confidence in him emerged from. He had never considered himself to be the arrogant and prideful one. But now, it all felt natural. Something within the [Treasure of Ancient King] was causing him to be as such, bringing forth the power—along with the pride.

The Minotaur roared out loud before blowing out of his nose. Angry gurgling came forth and he bared his teeth. [I will show you who I truly am! No hero has brought me down! He has killed me once, but I only grow stronger! Not a single soul but Theseus has managed to take my life!]

Theseus. Leon vaguely remembered that name. The one who killed the Minotaur, according to the myths. Was this Theseus's weapon? No, it doesn't seem right. His mention of Theseus was full of hatred. But it's completely different for this 'ancient king'.

But that isn't important now.

"Then I will become the second one." Leon's confidence grew, but he was careful not to be too caught up in his newfound power.

[If you think so…then I won't hold back any longer!]

"?!"

The Minotaur let out a deafening roar, causing the entirety of the labyrinth to shake. He slammed the walla beside him, causing it to crumble down. The bricks and whatever other materials used to build up the walls came crashing down. Dust rose and the ground shook tremendously.

Leon raised his hand to cover himself. The clouds of dust went past him and enveloped himself in it.

[I had a keen interest in you. But now, I'm sure that you're bound to cause me trouble. I won't hold back anymore.]

A large battleaxe, the blades alone were the size of the Minotaur's entire body. The Minotaur held it with one hand, the other reached out towards Leon. [Thus, I shall obliterate you with my sacred weapon as well.]

Just then, a red blaring message appeared before Leon.

[Time Remaining: 15 minutes.]

[A 'Quest Update' has been imposed!]

—

Dungeon Quest: [Battle for Glory]

Difficulty: ★★★★

Information: A fight between a villain and a hero.

Time Limit: 15 minutes.

Compensation: Additional 5,000P alongside dungeon rewards, new Achievement

Upon Failure: Death by collapsing of the labyrinth.

—

Memories that don't seem to belong to him surged through his head. His thoughts became filled with unknown memories that he felt weirdly familiar with. And such, Leon used these memories to guide him. Since they were memories of the ones who also possessed the 'Hero' Attribute.

And said memories were telling him to defeat this evil ahead of him. A sudden force was drawing him to attack.

[Attribute, 'Hero', is calling forth the memories of its former incarnations!]

Leon moved, his speed has increased dramatically due to his attribute taking effect. His overall stats had almost reached 30 each. Even he was unused to his own speed, feeling his body to be much lighter than usual. But it was to his advantage now.

However, the Minotaur moved as well, matching his speed. Not only was he upgrading, the evil ahead of him was gradually increasing his strength to match and counter the force of good.

[I am…!]

Leon rushed in. [Treasure of Ancient King] moved in his hand and he prepared to cut down the enemy before him. At the same time, the Minotaur moved towards him with his battleaxe swinging rapidly.

[The boss of this dungeon has revealed its true name!]

[I am Asterion!]

The two weapons collided, shattering the grounds below them. The cracks spread out throughout the entire room. Asterion's battleaxe clashed against the [Treasure of Ancient King], sparks flying and moving around in random directions.

The two blades, the battleaxe's massive steel pressed against the [Treasure of Ancient King]'s pure white blade. Leon's feet dug into the ground, he was being pushed back.

Marks were dug into the ground as he continued to skid away. The Minotaur, now Asterion, was pushing Leon back. He was only able to match the strength of Asterion, but ultimately failed to overpower his opponent.

Asterion swung his battleaxe in a disarrayed manner, making it impossible for Leon to properly defend against the incomprehensible attacks being directed at him. The blade of the axe ripped up the grounds, slicing cleanly through the floors of the dungeon.

Leon lowered the [Treasure of Ancient King], the tip of the blade barely touched Asterion. But the next moment, a deep cut made its way onto his shoulders. A pained gargle came from the bull, but it continued to swing its axe.

The battleaxe nearly reached Leon. He managed to deflect the attack, but the force of the swing caused him to release his grip on the [Treasure of Ancient King]. Leon staggered back as he watched the golden-white sword flung out of his hand and falling to the ground. Clanging of the sword was heard before the battleaxe was placed to his side. Asterion planted the weapon beside him and huffed out.

[This is the end for you. And the Book of Myth will record it as such. How the mighty hero was taken by Asterion, the accursed child of an unfortunate woman.]

Their battleground had become an area of complete destruction. The battleaxe had ripped apart the room, whilst the [Treasure of Ancient King] fought against the weapon, causing large cracks to spread throughout the room.

And this was the outcome of their long fought battle.

[The current quest has been forcibly concluded.]

With the [Treasure of Ancient King] nowhere in reach, it was only a matter of time before the battleaxe brought down his demise. And thus, the ugly bull will become the last thing he sees.

"If only…"

[Yes, make your final prayers.]

And as if the world listened to his silent prayers, the walls beside them burst open.

.

.

.

I stared inside the boss room. The Minotaur stood above Leon, a massive battleaxe in hand. It was about the size of his entire figure, and the way he held it made it seem as if he was a giant. An absurd strength for one to have.

And a few metres from them, somewhere in the middle of the room, laid the ancient treasure. One that I had originally planned on giving to Leon had I not been held back. After all, his attribute was perfect for this weapon. Actually, this weapon was made for him, specifically.

But it seems he managed to claim the weapon without my help.

[You dare intrude my home as well?] The voice of the Minotaur was empowering. It was clearly not human, and I was talking to a literal beast.

But…

"Which one are you?" I asked, stepping over the slabs of stones on the floor from the collapsed wall that I had punched into earlier. I went through the hole I made and managed to enter the boss room, now facing the boss of this dungeon.

[So you're aware? You're a unique one, I must say.]

"Enough with the talks. Which one am I against now? Are you still the 'Minotaur' or are you 'Asterion' now?"

[What difference does it make?]

"That shouldn't be of concern to you." I said, unfolding the chains from my arms. I faced Leon who was on his knees. A look of relief suddenly overcame his face as he saw me coming in.

"Sir Rayes…"

His voice was full of hope, nearly breaking into laughter. Golden aura dissipated from his body. I guessed that the Hero attribute had finally finished taking effect. He should be gradually losing strength now, so he's in no condition to continue fighting the Minotaur.

"10 minutes. Can you make it out of here in ten minutes?" I asked him and he looked back at the hole.

"I…that's too little…"

"No, you will be fine. Start moving."

My voice came out as a demand rather than a request. Leon nodded his head and started running out. A gasp came from his voice as he saw what I meant.

The walls through the entire labyrinth had been destroyed. It provided a straight path to the entrance, which means he would just have enough time to escape the dungeon before it collapsed. At most it'd take around 6 minutes, give or take some time from that.

[A new player is not going to make a big change.] The Minotaur spoke, his voice was mocking and full of ridicule.

"You're right. But that depends on who."

[And who would you be? From what I can tell, neither of your attributes can match up to that of the hero from earlier. Confidence can only take you so far, human.]

"Yes, hero. Isn't that right?"

[Hah?]

"I have no intention to fight you." I told him. A look of surprise came to his face but he quickly regained composure. "After all, I only came to rescue a colleague of mine."

Laughter emerged from the Minotaur. It was uncontrollable laughter. Something about what I said was funny apparently.

[Do you think you can leave? You have taken his spot, so you will now stay here.]

I took a glance at the timer. There was only 7 minutes left before the end of this quest. Then, the entire dungeon will collapse in itself. If so, I have no need to fight here but stall for time. At least, until I can make it out in the nick of time before the dungeon collapses and kills the Minotaur.

[Do you wish to stall for time? That won't work. Your speed is of no match to me.]

"And how would you know that?"

[It took you long enough to find your colleague. I don't think you can outrun me, little player.]

"I had wanted to let him finish you off, in fact. That way it could boost his attribute of a Hero. But it doesn't seem to be possible just yet. So I had to intervene to prevent losing such an important piece. Especially to low level dungeon bosses such as yourself."

[You dare…!?]

"Enough talking. Whichever one you are, I will kill you now and obtain that power of yours."

Immediately, the Minotaur disappeared from his position and reappeared before me. The battleaxe that seemed to be as big as him swung with intense speed. However, it was just enough for me to easily evade.

His attacks didn't cease and continued to come. They swung in succession, destroying everything around us. The already destroyed throne was then reduced to golden pieces of dust as the battleaxe struck cleanly through it. Like a swarm of locusts ravaging the farmlands, the battleaxe obliterated everything.

My chains moved swiftly and caught the handles of the battleaxe, restraining its movements and causing the Minotaur to yell out in anger.

[Your 'Lightweight' skill has reached level 8!]

I was able to move a lot quicker, even when airborne. I spun around, moving over his shoulder and wrapping the chains around the Minotaur. I managed to pull the entirety of his figure back and broughts his battleaxe up in the air as well.

"Hey, I learned a new technique just earlier."

[Guahhh…!!]

Pained cries came from the Minotaur as the chains pulled his arms back into a position that is normally unable to be reached.

I suppose I'd have to thank that damned lieutenant. It was time for me to try out the new moves he had taught me in exchange for carrying out a favour for him.

[Your skills 'Basic Martial Arts' has managed to reach its 'Ascension' stage and has evolved!]

[A new skill has been learned!]

"This is the Fifth Secret." I said to the Minotaur and pulled the chains back. I controlled the movements of his body and brought the chains down, causing it to pierce right through the back of the Minotaur.

[Aaarrghhhhh!!!]

Secrets of Killing

Fifth Secret: Spine.