At the Labyrinth gate in Frostar City, there were always two people from GAA watching. They changed shifts with two other people every eight hours to be on the lookout.
“I don’t get it. Why are we looking for some unknown kid? It’s the second cycle’s third day’s evening already.”
“You think he died inside?”
“If not, he has five hours only. Once the third cycle starts and the monster number increases along with their stats, it becomes way hard to survive inside.”
“Eh, the gate is glowing. Someone’s coming out.”
The two men fixed their eyes on the gate and soon saw a black-haired young man with almond-golden eyes walk out and stretch his arms with a leisurely vibe.
“Feels good,” Almond smiled as he looked around. Everything was familiar, the same as when he first entered the Labyrinth, but…he was completely different!
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He sensed a couple of gazes on him and turned his head looking at the two men in their twenties as they were walking towards him.
“Almond Crowshade. We are from GAA, nice to meet you.”
Almond smiled and nodded, “Hi.”
“We would appreciate it if you could come with us to the GAA branch, as we have orders from Commander Dagon.”
“Sure, let’s go.”
‘I guess Lily has made arrangements for me.’
…
After Almond arrived at the GAA branch, he met with Lily’s parents in the office.
Looking at Almond, both of them subtly sized him up, their eyes filling with shock as they could feel Almond’s stats were off the charts for someone at Silver level 10.
Almond greeted them politely and respectfully, but his bearing was confident and unperturbed, attributed to his arsenal of power and also the memories he acquired of his past life and knowing a brutal truth that people of this world didn’t know related to the ‘phases’ of the Labyrinth.
‘Anyway, do they know about my relationship with Lily?’ Almond was only a bit nervous about this one thing.
“Almond Crowshade,” Sabrina smiled, her voice gentle and calm as she continued, “Lily told us everything.”
“Everything?” Almond blinked.
Dagon had a poker face as he replied with a nod, “Everything, indeed.”
“But there are important things that you need to know right now,” he added and gestured to Almond, “First, have a seat.”
Almond sat down on the chair, a hint of curiosity on his face.
“The act of you killing Jacob and the other two has been captured in a live high-definition video format due to a secret project of GAA—Arcane Eyes.”
Almond’s pupils shrank.
“But don’t worry,” Sabrina immediately added after Dagon finished speaking. “Jacob’s father doesn’t know.”
“If my act is captured, then does that mean what they did to me was also captured?” Almond asked.
‘He is still calm, no anxiousness or worry,’ Dagon was surprised. ‘It seems he already figured our intentions aren’t to harm him.’
“That’s right, what they did to you was also captured at that time,” Sabrina nodded. “I had formed a plan to help you get out of this mess and deal with Jacob’s father, who was like a time bomb ready to explode because his son died.”
“And,” Dagon said, “That plan was approved by Grand Admiral Rudra.”
Almond was genuinely surprised. ‘Grand Admiral Rudra?! He’s way too big of a big shot.’
“It was too dangerous to leave Draven alone because he could kill students and anyone he found suspicious, which was why this plan was formed,” Sabrina narrowed her eyes, “GAA decided to let him see the footage of his son’s being murdered. This was the only way to keep him from snapping.”
Almond nodded, his expression thought, “From what I know, Jacob’s father isn’t exactly a good person. I’ve heard rumors, and rumors like those have a basis of truth…is GAA planning to eliminate him?”
Sabrina and Dagon were taken back.
‘Kid is sharp.’
‘Lily was right. He is a hoarder of information.’
“That’s right,” Sabrina nodded with a soft smile. “Lily is completely smitten with you, and we don’t have any objections. She’s our beloved, brilliant daughter, and we trust her judgment completely.”
Almond’s ears turned slightly red as he couldn’t help but smile.
“Cough,” Dagon coughed and continued with the main topic, “Anyway, that’s why we have to remove the threat that is Draven, and you are bait in this plan. We also can’t just kill Draven openly. There are guilds and forces that oppose GAA from the dark, and killing Draven without solid proof will put GAA in a negative light.”
Almond nodded. “So after showing him the footage, you will let him loose on me?”
Seeing no hint of fear in him, Sabrina and Dagon were surprised and wryly smiled.
“Aren’t you scared?” Sabrina raised her eyebrows. “This is a risk for you.”
Almond smiled and replied, “Two reasons. One is that this plan was approved by Grand Admiral Rudra. I can’t possibly die with him in the play.”
Dagon chuckled and nodded, “That’s correct. What’s the second reason?”
“My class skill,” Almond’s eyes glinted as an ethereal and mysterious grimblade flashed in them, clearly captured by Sabrina and Dagon, who felt a potent, higher rank of power from Almond.
It was higher than any of their skills’ quality, and that’s what Almond wanted to show them.
“Interesting,” Dagon said as he stretched a grin. “Although we are curious about your arsenal of power, we won’t pry as that’s not exactly tasteful for Adventurers. Putting this aside, the stage is set for the play, so we can depart for Skytree City anytime you want.”
Sabrina waved her hand as a hologram popped up from the table in front of her, showing a countdown.
“If you want to rest and sleep, you can do that here or in the Skytree city because you exited the Labyrinth one day earlier than we expected. Draven is already there and waiting to see the footage, but he will only see it once you arrive there,” Sabrina said.
“Well, there’s no need for rest as I had full ten hours of sleep after defeating the Floor Boss,” Almond smiled and got up, “but I’ll appreciate a shower before we depart.”
