Chapter 43: The Boss Room

Shortly after Elise entered the labyrinth, Ian and Aetherinra reached the Boss Room.

Along the way, they were blocked by many Tier 1 and Tier 2 magic beasts, but they posed no threat to Aetherinra or Ian.

The two reached their destination with ease.

Gazing at the stone door before them, Aetherinra knew the true challenge lay within.

Although she was also at Tier 3, magic beasts usually possessed significantly higher combat power than humans.

Furthermore, inside a labyrinth, a magic beast’s strength would be further enhanced, granting them power far beyond others of the same tier.

This was why labyrinths were so difficult to conquer.

Moreover, she still did not know what kind of creature resided inside.

If it was an ordinary magic beast, she could handle it.

But if it possessed special abilities, her life would likely be in grave danger.

At that thought, Aetherinra shook her head.

‘What am I even worried about?’

‘I’ve come this far, I have no reason to back down!’

She turned to Ian and spoke.

“I can’t guarantee your safety in the battle ahead. If you’re scared, please leave.”

“I told you, I won’t let you go to your death,” Ian replied flatly, though he was actually feeling a bit anxious.

He already knew exactly what the boss behind the stone door was.

It was a Water Demon with a special ability to absorb attacks.

It was nearly impossible for him and Aetherinra to defeat it on their own.

His only hope now was to pray that after Elise informed Deere, he would be able to react in time.

For now, his primary goal was to stall!

He had to prevent Aetherinra from entering the Boss Room.

However, just as Ian finished his thought, Aetherinra reached out to push open the stone door.

“Then do as you wish.”

“Wait! Don’t you want to know who that mysterious person in black was?”

Hearing Ian’s words, Aetherinra’s hand stopped.

That mysterious person in black was the culprit who had caused Veronica to fall into a coma.

How could Aetherinra not want to know their true identity?

“Are you saying you know who they really are?”

“I don’t know for sure, but I’ve managed to piece together a few clues.”

Aetherinra frowned at Ian’s words.

“What clues?”

“That person probably isn’t part of the Human Race, nor the Demon Race. They belong to another race entirely.”

Aetherinra’s face darkened upon hearing this.

Was Ian playing with her?

Anyone who had seen the mysterious person’s methods could tell they didn’t belong to the Human or Demon Race.

“Is that the clue you’re talking about?”

Aetherinra was speechless and didn’t want to waste any more words on him.

Ian also knew that the information he had shared was useless fluff.

However, it was all he could tell her for now.

Although he had his own suspicions about the person’s true identity based on their previous conversation, he couldn’t share those things with her.

He couldn’t exactly tell her that the person didn’t belong to the Continent of Phalloran and that Outer Domain Evil Fiends were coming to invade them, could he?

Even if he told her, she likely wouldn’t believe him.

She would probably just treat him like a madman, so he decided it was better to say nothing at all.

Regardless, his goal was to stall her, not to make her believe him.

“Yes, that is my clue,” Ian replied with a serious expression.

Aetherinra was clearly exasperated.

“What’s the difference between saying that and saying nothing at all?”

Ignoring him, she reached out again to push the stone door to the Boss Room.

“Wait!”

“What now?”

“Well… that…”

Ian hadn’t thought of what else to say to delay her.

Giving Ian a frustrated look, Aetherinra didn’t stop her hand this time and pushed the door open.

‘Damn it, I guess I’ll just have to brace myself.’

Watching Aetherinra enter, Ian cursed inwardly.

He could only hope that reinforcements would arrive in time.

Just as he was about to follow her into the room, a familiar voice called out from behind him.

“Young Master!”

He turned around to see his adorable little maid, Elise.

Ian was overjoyed.

‘Since Elise is here, it means father knows, right? The reinforcements should be arriving soon!’

However, to Ian’s shock, Elise was completely alone.

“Elise, why are you the only one here?”

“I came by myself!”

Ian’s heart sank at her answer.

Had Elise failed to explain things clearly to his father, or did his father not believe his theory?

“Did you tell my father everything?”

“I did. However, as soon as I finished, the Lord left in a great hurry.”

Hearing this, Ian’s heart finally settled.

It seemed there was a support force, but because Elise was so fast, the reinforcements were still behind her.

“Young Master, where is the Young Lady?”

Elise had assumed Aetherinra and Ian were together.

But now she only saw Ian, with no sign of Aetherinra.

“She already went into the Boss Room alone.”

“Ah! Then isn’t she in great danger?”

Elise’s cute voice sounded anxious.

She was clearly very worried about her.

“Young Master, we should hurry inside too!”

“Don’t rush. Going in like this is just suicide. We need to discuss a strategy first.”

Ian placed a hand on his chin, thinking deeply.

“By the way, Elise, what tier are you now?”

“I just reached Tier 2.”

Ian was stunned.

‘So fast? Elise has already caught up to me?’

However, this was good news.

The stronger Elise was, the higher their chances of defeating the Water Demon.

He had originally thought she was still a Rank 1 Mage, so he hadn’t had much confidence in defeating the boss.

But now, it seemed the three of them might actually be able to succeed.

“Once we’re inside, use your Light Shield skill to block damage for Aetherinra and me. Leave the task of attacking the magic beast to me.”

Ian gave Elise her instructions first to ensure they wouldn’t fall into chaos.

“Okay, I understand!”

With their tasks established, Ian led Elise into the Boss Room.

As soon as they entered, they saw Aetherinra, who was already covered in wounds.

She had been backed into a corner by the Water Demon, and her clothes were torn in several places.

“Curse it… This magic beast actually has a special skill. My swordsmanship can’t damage it at all!”

Before Ian had even arrived, she had already learned firsthand how formidable the monster before her truly was.