Chapter 145 I'm Such A Genius, Aren't I?
'I know I'm more impressive than I think, but I've really outdone myself this time.'
A good look around proved my point nicely. Monsters made for the perfect workforce—of course, while under my influence.
Unfortunately, in the first round, the Demons had taken control over the Labyrinth. I didn't have access to their free labor.
Besides, with that surprise assault, they initiated, there was no time to enlist the Monsters.
'But now...' A wicked grin formed on my face.
Not only did I have access to a nearly unlimited supply of Mana Chalk and Mercury—useful for the runes I wanted to set up, I was also seeing some very nice ores that would make epic weapons and structures.
Finally, with the many fairly powerful monsters lurking around this place, I could gather more than enough to meet my needs.
"Everything is coming along nicely. Just you watch, Demons."
I wasn't going to lose this time.
'This battle is a game of resources. The only one permitted to win... is ME!'
*****************
'I can't believe this. This is simply beyond amazing!'
Among the entourage that religiously followed Sam was one very awestruck person. Her eyes never stopped glimmering as she looked at the back of the most gallant person she had ever met in her life.
'The Legendary Dragon Slayer—no, he said I should call him Sam... he's so amazing!'
Her name was Asa, a B Rank Adventurer whose Primary Class was Ranger. She prided herself on her sensory abilities and high intuition, but in the presence of the amazing Legendary Dragon Slayer, every iota of conventional sense went to the drain.
He was beyond the realm of reason, out of any means of analysis. He was simply superb!
No, it wasn't an exaggeration! He truly was a being beyond measure...
... At least according to Asa.
'He controlled those Minotaurs with a single breath. He made them harvest all those ores and crystals within the most minimal time, and he stored them in an invisible dimension.' Her thought recounted all but a fragment of his achievements.
How could someone like that be within the realm of human understanding!
'Its almost like the Hero that was prophesied since the days of old has appeared.'
Of course, Asa didn't know how the Hero would look like if he indeed appeared—or if he was real—but if such a being existed, then they would most likely bear an uncanny resemblance to the Legendary Dragon Slayer.
Yes! To Asa, there was no one she could use to measure higher than the magnificent man standing before her.
"Let us proceed. This is only the beginning." His voice caused her body to tremble in awe, and she sheepishly nodded in response.
According to the Legendary Dragon Slayer's words, they would leave the Minotaurs behind, so the monsters could keep harvesting the remaining useful portions of their habitat.
'What a brilliant plan!' Asa's mind screamed in complete awe.
Why?
Because it amazed her just how incredibly efficient he was being. They would.proceed to even deeper depths while the beasts would slave away in service to their master.
'I-I'm so happy that I was chosen to witness thi!'
Asa had been surprised to hear that she was specifically chosen by the Legendary Dragon Slayer. Her joy knew no bounds that he even remembered her and their previous encounter.
He had told her;
"Do what you need to do."
And she had been working toward that end. Not a day went by that she didn't remember his words ringing in her mind and within her heart.
Then, this happened. He chose her, among very few others, to accompany him on this ultra important mission.
Asa tried her hardest to contain her gleeful smile as she trailed behind the Legendary Dragon Slayer. They were heading toward the 18th Floor—a level no one had ever reached before.
It was shrouded in mystery and danger, yet the man before her walked ever so confidently. It was almost as though he saw the end from the every beginning.
What kind of power could inspire such level of confidence in one's abilities? How could a person be so certain of their victory? The answer was revealed to Asa as she watched him.
Absolute Power!
If one had unlimited, unrivaled power, then they wouldn't need to worry about anything else. They would be the single, most powerful entity, so all forms of danger was rendered insignificant to them.
That was what she realized when watching the Legendary Dragon Slayer. Asa observed his confident back, devoid of hesitation or the slightest hint of fear.
It contained unbridled assurance.
'I... could I ever reach such a realm?'
The answer, of course, was no.
She knew fully well where her limits lie. She could never hope to reach the zenith. But why did she have such faint hopes within her?
Here, Asa thought, was a man who defied the logic that bound her.
If he could transcend beyond the limits of humanity, despite being but a man, what stoped her from ascending to far greater heights.
These thoughts pushed her forward, unable to resist the allure that the existence of the Legendary Dragon Slayer gave off.
'He's so amazing! I-I... I don't want to let him go! I... I...'
*
*
*
The 18th Floor was a dreary place. A stark difference existed between the previous Layer and the one they currently found themselves on.
For one, no bright illumination governed the cave-like structure. It also consisted of several tunnel-like crevices.
Amid this despairing darkness, even before Zabdel used a Spell to generate illumination, the Legendary Dragon Slayer summoned a Magic Item that sent a burst of brightness piercing the deep darkness.
Not only one, but several Magic Tools were summoned by his awesome power, and he easily distribution it to each member.
'It's strange. I don't sense any Mana from it...' Asa thought to herself.
She also didn't need any special means to activate it. By simply flipping a switch, the lights appeared.
A simple mechanism, yet too complex to comprehend. Asa was once again filled with adoration toward her idol.
'A-amazing! He truly is beyond understanding!'