Chapter 8 This place looks modern!

The morning sky in Zionis City hung with an orange hue, casting a soft light that greeted Seir and Gala as they left Yulf's house. The fresh air filled every breath, invigorating their spirits for the final mission in Zionis City.

"Our last journey together with Arion and Malvin," said Seir, looking around with meaningful expression.

Gala replied, gazing at the sunrise, "Yes, we must complete this well, Master Seir. Now, let's go to the guild to find a suitable mission."

They walked together towards the Adventurer's Guild, searching for a mission on the bulletin board. Their plan to depart with Arion and Malvin strengthened their determination. Suddenly, Herta approached them, seeming to have something to give.

Herta greeted from behind, "Good morning! Seir, Gala. You arrived very early. Are you looking for a mission?"

Seir answered, explaining, "Yes, we plan to find a suitable mission for our final adventure with Mr. Arion and Malvin. Gala and I plan to continue our journey after this mission, so it must be a memorable one."

"So, you want to leave? Well, I have a suitable mission for you!" Herta replied cheerfully.

"What mission is that, Herta?" Seir inquired.

"It's a special mission. We need to go to the guild master. Follow me up those stairs," Gala pointed towards the stairs and began guiding them.

While heading up, Seir whispered to Herta, "Hey, Herta! What kind of person is the guild master?"

Herta turned back and answered, "He's a good person. However, you'll find out for yourselves."

Herta opened the door to the guild master's office, a room made of old wood, welcoming Seir and Gala inside.

A man with white hair and a white beard, wearing a serious expression, was finishing some documents. Upon realizing their presence, he stood and asked Herta.

The guild master began questioning Herta with a smile on his face, "Herta, are they the new members in Arion's group?"

Herta, smiling warmly, replied, "Yes, Guild Master."

The guild master invited Seir and Gala to sit in front of his desk. Zeg, the guild master, approached and sat across from them. Herta returned to her receptionist position.

"So, you're Seir and Gala, as rumored. You seem close. Arion has told me about your contributions to the guild, and it's truly impressive," Guild Master Zeg initiated the conversation.

Seir calmly responded, "Yes, I am Seir, and beside me is Gala. She is my valued partner."

Gala added with a polite smile, "Nice to meet you, Guild Master."

Guild Master Zeg continued, "Ah, sorry for not introducing myself earlier. My name is Zeg, as you may know. I am the guild master of the Zionis City branch. It seems you have something to convey, right?"

Seir replied, "Yes, Guild Master Zeg, actually, we were planning to find a mission for our adventure in this city. But suddenly, Herta recommended that I take a special mission, and then she led me to you."

"Indeed, I have a special mission. I didn't expect Herta to choose your group. Her judgment is good," Guild Master Zeg responded.

"This mission is to explore and report on a new labyrinth that has appeared near Gaban Village, west of this city. The labyrinth is named Millennium due to its peculiar structure. I think this mission is suitable for your final journey. After that, do you have a destination in mind?" Guild Master Zeg explained.

Seir thought to himself, "Tchh... This guild master is quite cunning. Well, I guess it's fine; I won't incur any losses and might even gain some benefits."

Seir answered, "Alright, I'll accept this mission!"

Seir and Gala exited Guild Master Zeg's office, heading down the stairs towards Herta, who was performing her duties as a receptionist. As they descended, Herta called out to them.

"Hold on, Seir! Gala! Come here for a moment!"

Seir and Gala noticed and approached Herta, asking, "What's the matter, Herta?"

Seir initiated the conversation with a friendly smile, "What's up, Herta?"

Herta replied while asking, "So, are you taking that mission?"

Gala, with her cheerful smile, answered, "Yes! We're taking it. This way, we can leave a good impression before leaving, and I... can go on adventures with Master Seir alone, hehe~"

Herta responded with a touch of sadness, "Are you really leaving... Actually, I wanted you to stay here a bit longer..."

Seir, with his reassuring smile, replied, "I will definitely bid you farewell, Herta. Gala will also meet you again someday."

Herta replied with a slightly gloomy expression, "Why does Gala want to meet me someday?"

Gala, with her cheerful demeanor, replied, "Because you like Master Seir, right? Haha~"

Herta's face turned red with embarrassment, "Ah... Th-that's... Okay, I'll wait for that moment to come."

Seir and Gala left, seeing Arion and Malvin waiting for them at the back of the tavern. They approached Arion and Malvin.

Seir looked at Gala, "Prepare yourself. This will be the final test before we step into a new chapter."

Gala smiled, "Of course, Master Seir. We will show that we are worthy of being true adventurers."

They sat where Arion and Malvin were waiting, with Arion's serious expression and Malvin's confident smile creating an interesting dynamic.

Arion greeted them, "Good morning, Seir, Gala. We're ready to head to Gaban Village."

Arion continued, "I knew you would take this mission. So, Malvin and I waited for you here."

Seir nodded, "Good morning, Arion. Let's complete this mission well."

Gala added, "We can definitely get through this together."

The journey to Gaban Village took several hours. As they left the city, the scenery gradually transformed into a dense forest. Gaban Village, west of Zionis City, appeared on the horizon.

As they approached the village, a tense atmosphere became more palpable. The Millennium Labyrinth, which appeared near the village, became their focal point. The labyrinth's entrance looked majestic and mysterious.

Arion gave instructions, "We must stay united and be cautious. This labyrinth has just emerged, so we don't know what dangers await us inside."

Seir added, "Gala, perhaps you can use your magic to scan the surroundings and see if there are any traps."

Gala nodded, "Sure, Master Seir. I will do my best."

Their steps towards the labyrinth's entrance became heavier. They could feel the presence of thick magical energy as they approached. The labyrinth's door opened slowly, revealing dark corridors stretching before them.

Seir led the way, "We must be careful. I think this labyrinth can alter its spatial structure."

Gala responded, "I will create light to illuminate our path."

With the purple light ball generated by her powers, Gala stepped forward, illuminating the dark corridors. The atmosphere in the labyrinth felt silent, with only the sound of their footsteps echoing.

Malvin broke the silence, "This labyrinth is truly strange. Look at its structure; sometimes there are blue lines that glow. Even the walls and floor are made of metal." Malvin looked upwards and was surprised, "Even the ceiling too!"

Arion agreed, "Don't let your guard down. There must be traps ahead."

Their small talk broke the silence, but the tense situation made every word sound heavy. They traversed corridor after corridor, hoping to find the labyrinth's core, their main objective.

Gala suddenly stopped, "I sense some strange energy nearby."

Seir looked at her, "Is it dangerous?"

Gala twirled her light ball, "Not entirely clear. I think we should remain cautious."

They continued their journey, navigating through increasingly complex corridors. Each turn took them deeper into the ever-changing labyrinth. The atmosphere grew tenser as time passed.

"There are signs that we're approaching the labyrinth's core," Arion said, observing glowing yellow symbols on the corridor walls.

Seir nodded, "We must be ready for anything. Prepare yourselves."

They arrived in a large room that seemed to be the labyrinth's center. The walls were adorned with strange symbols glowing in yellow.

"I think this is the place. The Millennium Labyrinth's core," Malvin stated, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings.

A heavy silence loomed as the four of them prepared to face whatever might happen in that room. The Millennium Labyrinth had brought them to a critical point, where their destinies would be tested even more rigorously.