Asterion's Axe – a two-meter-long axe, forged from the very labyrinth and body of Asterion. It had two blades, each marked with red runes that increased the weapon's power, and its handle was made of nearly indestructible bones bound together by chains.
"Damn."
Its power was so great that a single swing was able to cut through several walls of the labyrinth, leaving openings. If Enrico hadn't pulled the two down, their heads would have flown.
'System, what the hell is this? As far as I know, last time the difficulty was about fifteen percent of the original story.'
[Sorry, but the world's difficulty is increasing over time.]
'Then why didn't you warn me?'
[I wanted to make it a surprise.]
Glakka tried to block that axe with her own, which was a huge mistake, as her weapon shattered the moment it touched Asterion's, leaving a cut on her arm.
"Charged Dash."
Before another strike could land, Enrico grabbed her, pulling her out of the way of a swing that destroyed the ground beneath them.
"Blessing of Wind."
Elian, who had improved his wind magic to boost his speed, began moving around the Minotaur, trying to pierce it, but his attacks seemed ineffective.
"What tough skin."
"He's using stone magic to increase his durability."
Elian retreated when he saw the axe approaching, immediately stepping back while Enrico took the front, managing to slightly deflect the axe with a punch to its blunt side.
"Zero Impact."
Landing seven consecutive blows, Enrico noticed he had barely caused any damage and made a mental note to improve the technique.
"Flame Steps."
The axe cut Enrico in half—except it was just an afterimage. Around the Minotaur, multiple images of Enrico flickered, circling Asterion. One leaped above his head to punch, but was cut down by the axe.
"Flame Impact."
Asterion, who had looked up to strike that attack, was caught off guard by a punch to the face that turned his head slightly backward.
'Damn, still not enough damage.'
Asterion spun, trying to hit Enrico with the axe, but once again struck only an image. Grakka, with fists wrapped in mana, slammed into his back, while Elian, charging magic into his dagger, managed to make a small cut on his skin.
The three began to synchronize, Enrico always being the one to open a breach for the others to strike. It was a pity all that damage meant little to Asterion, who simply landed a punch on Elian with such force that he smashed through several walls, falling into a pit.
'Damn, he's separating us.'
"Grakka, let's go after Elian."
"I'm right behind you."
They ran toward where Elian had been thrown but were stopped when Asterion leapt and tried to cleave them apart. Enrico placed his foot on Grakka's ribs and shoved her, pushing them both away from the impact zone. A large cut appeared in the ground as the walls closed in.
"Grakka, hurry."
"What's happening?"
"It looks like he can make the labyrinth move in his favor. Must be a unique ability."
The two broke through the wall—being careful no longer mattered—and went to where Elian had been, only to find the pit sealed with solid ground.
"…Seems he can reshape the labyrinth too."
Asterion appeared behind them with his axe, so Grakka stepped forward, using her magic.
"Resistance Magic: Immovable Wall."
She took a defensive stance, magic covering her whole body. Even though she resisted for a second, she was sent flying back. Enrico stepped forward to prevent the second strike.
'I'll try to redirect it.'
Seeing the axe coming, Enrico held it with his hands for just a moment before spinning, catching Asterion off guard by hurling his weapon aside. It was the second time that boy had done it. Then Asterion's foot glowed a furious red, and with a kick to Enrico's stomach, he was hurled into Grakka, both of them smashing through a wall.
"Magic Defense!"
Enrico saw his body being enveloped by a barrier and realized it was Grakka's magic. He crossed his arms, adding his own fire and water magic to resist an attack infused with earth mana.
"Gahh!"
The two began crashing through the floor, falling deeper and deeper, seemingly through several levels. Enrico noticed Grakka was losing consciousness, so he grabbed her and covered her, putting himself in front as they dropped into a pit.
"Water Healing."
As his back slammed into the ground, he started healing them both. With Grakka now unconscious, he could use his water magic freely.
[It's not over yet, Enrico. He's coming.]
'Wait, what? But we're on a floor that isn't his.'
Asterion seemed to be descending after a leap, so Enrico stood, immediately carrying her on his back to put her body somewhere safe. In the original story, Asterion was forbidden from entering other floors, which allowed Kai and his companions to escape once they left his domain.
"Damn difficulty."
Crouching behind a rock, Enrico heard the sound of impact as Asterion struck the ground, scattering dust everywhere. The Minotaur was chasing them through every corner, so Enrico held his breath for a moment and thought calmly.
'What do I do? Him leaving the labyrinth is good because he can't use the other features of his unique ability—but the state we're in is really bad…'
Seeing from a distance, Asterion began sniffing the air. Enrico decided to first put as much distance as possible and then come back with a new plan—maybe he would find Elian and the others.