"Everyone, I know that you have all just come from the bandit raid not too long ago, but it has come to my attention that there is a Labyrinth in that area that Carlos the Jabber was planning on exploring," Kassandra announced to everyone in the guild.
Over the last few days, a notice was put out, and many Adventurers and mercenaries flocked in to take part in the Labryinth expedition. Of course, Kassandra weeded out the nasty people whom she suspected would be a problem during the expedition, but a shit ton of people still were left.
The labyrinth had many, many treasures that could make anyone set for life. Anyone would risk everything just to get an opportunity to explore a labyrinth. But that great fortune would also come with tons of danger.
A labyrinth was filled with tons of monsters who were at least comparable to a Tier-4 warrior or mage, and those were the weaker ones. This meant the likelihood of weaker people being set for life was lower than the number of people who would explore the labyrinth.
But that wasn’t all. Most of the danger didn’t come from being injured or killed by monsters; it came from the other adventurers or mercenaries. The true colors of people come out when they are exposed to something valuable, whether that be money, women, or some other items such as grimoires or powerful weapons.
Your best friend of 10 years can become your enemy when faced with greed.
"I’m just going to say this one time, and one time only. All the loot earned in the Labryinth will be split fairly between everyone who participates, regardless of skill or strength. Since everyone is risking their lives, they will be fairly compensated for that."
A lot of people did not like that, and some even decided to leave. They didn’t think it was fair to the people who would actually be doing all the work, since they would be stronger.
"I’ll be participating as well. Does this mean I should take all the credit and rewards because each and every one of you is far weaker than me?" Kassandra asked
No one responded. They just put on an embarrassing look as they listened to her downplay their abilities, rightfully so.
"That’s what I fucking thought. Now, we will leave in two hours. Check your gear, say goodbye to your families, and be ready at the main entrance within the time frame. If you are not there, we will leave you, and anyone who joins late will not be eligible to join in later. Dismissed."
"Damn girl, you told them." Kai laughed, wrapping his arm around her shoulders.
"Did I? I didn’t want to sound arrogant, but it was the truth and I wanted to make a point." Her entire expression changed when Kai was around as she enjoyed his presence. Even if he didn’t hypnotize her, she still would have enjoyed his company since he made her stronger.
"Nah, you killed that shit. You even made some people leave. Weeding people out who would be a nuisance is a good thing."
"You’re right." She smiled. But then she scanned Kai’s energy and her eyes widened in utter shock. "H-How?! Y-Your mana, you’re strong! Too strong! It’s like you’re at least 50x stronger than you were a few days ago."
He laughed nervously. "W-Well, I was holding back this entire time, to be honest."
Technically, he wasn’t lying. Each time he had even one SP sitting around, he was holding himself back by not investing it in his stats. Heck, he could be as strong as a demon king right now if he wanted to.
"N-No way! Are you a hero or something?" She wondered.
"Oooo!" Gwen elbowed Kai. "She’s on to you, babe."
"Hey! Shhhh! I don’t want everyone to suddenly bombard me! Do you know how annoying people can be? Besides, if too many beautiful women gather around me, who knows how many of them will get pregnant."
Amaya kicked Kai in the balls.
"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOF!!!!!!!!!" He fell to his knees, tears running down his face as he clutched his nuts.
"Problem solved." She said confidently.
"N-No! Problem not s-solved, you bitch!"
Kassandra chuckled. "I know you’re not the hero, but it was just shocking that you are actually this strong. Anyway, let’s prepare to leave."
---
Over 1,000 people joined the expedition to explore the labyrinth and they made their way toward the Bandit Stronghold where it was located.
The place was closely guarded by the church of Gracia, who were called because of the demonic practices that were happening in the secret dungeon beneath the stronghold.
"Shit!" Kai cursed. He didn’t think the church would arrive so soon. He hoped that with the sword being in his inventory, they wouldn’t sense the divine power that it radiated.
"Someone is going to be outed." Gwen grinned.
"Knock it off." Kai popped the back of her head.
"Ow! That hurt!" She cried
"Good."
"You’re a meanie."
"Serves you right, bitch." Amaya sneered.
"Excuse me?"
Kai shut down their potential argument immediately. "Oh, no. Don’t start you two. Bicker at the inn, not in front of everyone."
’Why are they friends one moment, then enemies the next?’ He wondered.
"Ahh, Kai, I’m scared." Sasha grabbed his arm, her boobs pressing against it. "I hope you’ll be able to protect me in that scary labyrinth."
Kai instantly perked up. "Ha, haha, don’t worry, nothing will happen to you. I’ll make sure to protect you at all times."
Sasha turned around, grinning at Gwen and Amaya maliciously.
"That bitch!"
"Oh, it’s on!"
"Kai! Protect me!" Gwen took his other arm.
"Nyaaan! I’m afraid of scary places!" Amaya jumped on his back.
"Tch, look at that bastard, surrounded by beautiful women." A jealous adventure sneered.
"I know, right. Fucking bastard. Save some of them for us, am I right?"
"No, you’re uglier than horse shit. That’s why Amy wont sleep with you."
"Awwl." His spirits were broken