I gathered Alice, Beta, Gamma, Claire, and Ririsa in the central hall of my estate. They stood before me, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and concern. I knew this wasn’t going to be an easy conversation, but it was necessary.

  “Listen carefully,” I began, my tone firm but calm. “I have an important mission for all of you. You will travel to the Royal Capital and train yourselves further. Build a team, improve your skills, and help those who are suffering due to inhumane experiments. You must grow stronger—independently of me.”

  Their reactions were immediate and predictable.

  “No!” Alice was the first to speak, her hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of her sword. “We belong by your side. How can you expect us to leave you, Amahiko-sama?”

  “I agree,” Beta added, her gaze sharp and unwavering. “We’ve sworn our loyalty to you. Separating us from you is unacceptable.”

  Gamma and Claire nodded silently, their loyalty evident in their resolute stares. Ririsa, always the calmest of the group, hesitated before speaking. “If we leave, who will protect you?”

  I raised my hand to silence their protests, my eyes meeting each of theirs. “Your loyalty means everything to me, but staying here will limit your growth. You’ve all become powerful, but you need to hone your skills, face challenges on your own, and discover your true potential. Only then can you truly serve me and our mission.”

  The room fell silent as they absorbed my words. I could see the reluctance in their eyes, but also a flicker of understanding.

  After a moment, Alice stepped forward. “If this is your wish, Amahiko-sama, we will obey. But know this—we will return stronger than ever.”

  The others nodded in agreement, though their reluctance was still palpable.

  Before they set off, I prepared gifts for each of them—tools to aid them on their journey. I handed Alice a sleek black sword, its blade sharp enough to cut through steel with ease. “This sword will channel your power and grow with you. Use it wisely.”

  For Beta, I presented a massive two-handed sword, its weight a testament to her immense strength. “This weapon will test your endurance and amplify your strikes. Wield it with precision.”

  Gamma received a bow, intricately designed with runes that glowed faintly. Alongside it, I gave her a bag of infinite arrows. “Your aim is unmatched, Gamma. These arrows will never run out, and this bow will enhance your accuracy and power.”

  To Claire, I gave two elegantly crafted daggers, their edges shimmering with an otherworldly glow. “These daggers are light but deadly. Use them to strike swiftly and silently.”

  Finally, I handed Ririsa a spear, its shaft engraved with ancient symbols. “This spear is an extension of your will. Let it guide you in battle.”

  As a final gift, I gave each of them a ring, forged from my own mana. The rings pulsed faintly, radiating a comforting warmth. “These rings are imbued with my mana. They will protect you and keep us connected, no matter how far you go.”

  The five shadows looked at their weapons and rings, their expressions a mixture of awe and determination.

  As they prepared to leave, Alice turned to me one last time. “We will honor your trust, Amahiko-sama. When we return, we’ll be stronger than ever.”

  “I know you will,” I replied, my voice filled with confidence. “Go now. The Royal Capital awaits.”

  With that, they departed, their figures fading into the distance. I stood at the entrance, watching them go, a mixture of pride and sadness filling my heart. They were more than my shadows—they were my companions, my trusted allies.

  As the wind rustled the trees around me, I whispered to myself, “This is the beginning of your journey. Show the world what you’re capable of.”

  The forest stretched endlessly before me, its ancient trees standing like silent sentinels. My destination was clear—the biggest dungeon this forest held. Known as the Abyssal Labyrinth, it was said to be a hundred floors deep, filled with monsters that only the strongest dared to face. I adjusted the newly forged daggers strapped to my belt. They felt perfectly balanced, a seamless extension of my will.

  I arrived at a small village nestled at the edge of the dungeon. The villagers watched me cautiously, their faces weary from living so close to such danger. I didn’t stop to speak; I had no time for pleasantries. My goal lay within the dark depths of the labyrinth.

  The entrance to the dungeon was a massive stone archway, engraved with ancient symbols that glowed faintly. Stepping through, I felt a chilling wind, as though the dungeon itself were welcoming me to its challenges.

  The first floor greeted me with the snarls of goblins. Their green, grotesque forms lunged at me, crude weapons raised. I didn’t hesitate. With a swift motion, I drew my daggers and slashed through the first wave. The blades moved effortlessly, cutting through their flesh as though slicing air.

  Every floor brought new enemies. Goblins, orcs, and wolves seemed to pour from every corner, their numbers growing with each level. The orcs were larger and stronger, their axes capable of splitting stone. But they were slow, and my daggers found their marks before they could react.

  The wolves were a different challenge. They moved in packs, their coordination making them formidable. But with precise magic, I conjured walls of fire to scatter their formations. When they lunged, I met them with steel, each strike delivering a fatal blow.

  The hours blurred together as I descended deeper. The constant battles tested my endurance, forcing me to rely on both physical skill and magic. Flames erupted from my hands, incinerating clusters of enemies. Lightning bolts struck down those that tried to overwhelm me with numbers.

  By the time I reached the 50th floor, the dungeon began to wear on me. The air grew heavier, the darkness more oppressive. But I pressed on. Resting wasn’t an option—not here.

  The 75th floor marked a significant milestone. It had taken me an entire day and night to reach this point. My body was screaming for rest, my mana reserves nearly depleted. Yet, I couldn’t stop. The enemies here were relentless, and the dungeon itself seemed alive, as if testing my resolve.

  A horde of orcs stood between me and the staircase to the next floor. Their leader, a massive brute wielding a spiked club, roared a challenge. I accepted. With a burst of speed, I closed the distance, my daggers flashing in the dim light. The fight was brutal, my movements a dance of precision and fury. Fire and lightning accompanied my strikes, ensuring no enemy escaped unscathed.

  Finally, the leader fell, his body collapsing with a thunderous crash. The remaining orcs fled, their courage shattered. I stood there, breathing heavily, my daggers dripping with blood.

  I leaned against the cold stone wall, allowing myself a brief moment to catch my breath. The staircase to the next floor loomed ahead, promising even greater challenges.

  “This is only the beginning,” I muttered to myself, gripping the hilts of my daggers. “I’ll conquer this dungeon, no matter what it takes.”

  With renewed determination, I stepped forward, ready to face the remaining floors.

  The staircase to the 76th floor was steep and endless, each step echoing in the oppressive silence. My exhaustion was evident, but I couldn’t afford to falter now. As I reached the next floor, a low growl greeted me.

  Hobgoblins.

  These weren’t like the regular goblins I had faced before. They were larger, stronger, and far more intelligent. Their bulging muscles and heavy clubs spoke of raw power, while their sharp eyes tracked my every move. The air crackled with the tension of a looming fight.

  The first wave of hobgoblins attacked in unison, their coordination far superior to the goblins on the upper floors. I dodged the swing of a massive club, feeling the rush of air as it missed me by inches. Spinning around, I drove my dagger into the chest of the nearest hobgoblin. It let out a guttural cry before collapsing.

  But there was no time to celebrate. Two more were already upon me, their weapons crashing down like thunder. I crossed my daggers, catching the strike, and pushed back with all my strength. Sparks flew as metal met metal. With a burst of fire magic, I forced them to retreat momentarily.

  The fight dragged on, each hobgoblin testing my limits. They were relentless, their brute strength a stark contrast to my speed and agility. I used every technique I had, weaving between their attacks and striking at vulnerable points.

  One hobgoblin swung its club with such force that it shattered the stone floor. I used the opening to leap onto its back, driving both daggers into its neck. It let out a deafening roar before collapsing, its massive body shaking the ground.

  Another hobgoblin tried to flank me, but I anticipated the move. A quick flick of my wrist sent a bolt of lightning crashing into its chest, sending it flying into the wall.

  As the battle raged on, my stamina waned. My breaths came in ragged gasps, and my arms felt like lead. But I couldn’t stop. Not now.

  The final hobgoblin stood before me, its eyes burning with fury. It was larger than the rest, its muscles rippling with every step. It charged at me, swinging its club with terrifying speed. I barely managed to dodge, the weapon grazing my side. Pain flared, but I ignored it.

  Summoning the last of my strength, I channeled dark magic into my daggers. They glowed with an eerie light as I launched myself at the beast. My strikes were precise, each one carving deep into its flesh. With a final, desperate lunge, I drove both daggers into its chest, piercing its heart.

  The hobgoblin let out a final roar before collapsing in a heap. I stood over its body, my chest heaving as I struggled to catch my breath.

  The path to the 100th floor was now clear.

  The floors between 76 and 99 were a blur of relentless battles. More hobgoblins, orcs, and other monstrosities tried to block my path, but I cut them down one by one. My body moved on instinct, driven by sheer determination.

  Finally, I stood before the staircase leading to the final floor. The air was heavy, charged with an unnatural energy. The boss was waiting.

  I tightened my grip on my daggers and steeled myself for what lay ahead. “This is it,” I said to myself. “The final test.”

  With unwavering resolve, I began my ascent to the 100th floor, ready to face the ultimate challenge.

  As I opened the door to the 100th floor, a wave of oppressive energy washed over me. My body tensed instinctively, and I was nearly forced to my knees by the sheer intensity. It was as if the air itself had turned into a crushing force, vibrating with a supersonic hum that made my ears ring.

  Ahead of me stood an army of hobgoblins—around 200 of them, their snarling faces illuminated by the dim, flickering torches on the walls. The room reeked of sweat, blood, and raw malice.

  But it wasn’t the sheer number that caught my attention. No, it was the five figures standing in the center.

  Unlike the rest, these were no ordinary hobgoblins. Their auras were different, more refined and potent. Each of them radiated a unique energy, their postures exuding confidence and power. These were mature goblins—elites among their kind. Their eyes gleamed with intelligence, and their muscles were corded with raw strength.

  But the one in the middle...

  He was different. Larger than the rest, his hulking form towered over even the other mature goblins. His skin was a darker green, almost black, and his chest heaved with each powerful breath. Every exhalation seemed to ripple through the room, carrying with it a pulse of energy that made the air tremble. His red eyes locked onto mine, cold and calculating, and I could feel the weight of his authority.

  The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  This was their king.

  He didn’t need a crown or throne to command respect. His very presence demanded it.

  The Goblin King raised a clawed hand and pointed at me. His voice was deep, guttural, and filled with venom as he said, “Finish him.”

  The room erupted into chaos as the army of hobgoblins surged forward like a tidal wave, their roars echoing off the stone walls. Weapons clanged, feet pounded, and the ground shook beneath their combined charge.

  I stood my ground, a slow grin spreading across my face.

  “Come at me!” I roared, my voice cutting through the cacophony.

  I activated my murderous intent, letting it pour out of me like a flood. The atmosphere shifted instantly, the air growing colder as my dark aura mingled with the oppressive energy of the floor. The weaker hobgoblins faltered for a moment, their eyes wide with fear, but the king’s command drove them forward.

  Daggers in hand, I prepared to face the onslaught.

  The first wave reached me, their weapons glinting in the dim light. I sidestepped a club aimed at my head, spinning around and slashing at its wielder’s legs. My movements were precise and fluid, each strike aimed to incapacitate rather than kill.

  A second hobgoblin lunged at me, but I ducked under its swing and delivered a sharp kick to its chest, sending it crashing into the ones behind it.

  The mature goblins watched from a distance, their eyes gleaming with interest. They weren’t moving yet, observing how I handled their army.

  The Goblin King, however, didn’t seem impressed. He leaned against his massive sword, his eyes never leaving me.

  The battlefield was a blur of movement as I danced among the hobgoblins, my daggers flashing like lightning. Their sheer numbers made it impossible to avoid every attack, and I could feel the sting of minor wounds accumulating.

  But I didn’t let it slow me down.

  “Is that all you’ve got?” I taunted, my voice dripping with defiance.

  The Goblin King growled, his grip tightening on his weapon. “Pathetic,” he muttered, his voice carrying easily over the din.

  His words seemed to ignite the mature goblins. One of them, a towering brute wielding a massive warhammer, stepped forward. He roared, the sound shaking the very ground, and the other mature goblins began to move as well.

  The real battle was just beginning.

  I tightened my grip on my daggers, my grin widening despite the odds.

  “Let’s see what you’ve got,” I whispered, preparing myself for the challenge ahead.

  As the last of the hobgoblins fell to the ground, their lifeless bodies littering the floor, I exhaled deeply, wiping the blood from my daggers onto my cloak. The air was thick with the stench of death, but there was no time to relax.

  The Goblin King remained seated, unmoving, his crimson eyes locked onto me. He hadn’t lifted a finger during the chaos, his confidence in his forces unnerving yet intriguing.

  From behind him, the four mature goblins stepped forward.

  Each of them radiated a distinct aura of power and command. Their forms stood in stark contrast to the chaotic masses I had just defeated. These weren’t ordinary adversaries—they were the king’s elite, and it showed.

  The first, Nata, moved with a regal air, her red cloak billowing as she stepped forward. Her white hair gleamed in the dim light, her green eyes burning with confidence. She lifted her staff, the air around her crackling with raw elemental energy.

  The second, Keiko, adjusted her glasses, her lavender skin glowing faintly. Her elegant attire did little to conceal her poised demeanor. She gave me a calculating look, her hands already preparing enchantments.

  Bloody, the third, was a stark contrast. She wore her aggression like armor, her red ponytail swaying as she tightened her grip on her crimson blade. Her red horn glowed faintly, a testament to her sheer physical power.

  Lastly, there was Sato, her mischievous grin unsettling yet strangely inviting. Her pink eyes sparkled with excitement, her small black horns and casual attire giving her the appearance of someone who thrived on unpredictability.

  The king raised his hand, motioning for them to begin. He remained silent, his confidence in his elites apparent.

  “Finally,” I muttered, a smirk tugging at my lips. “Something worth my time.”

  Before I could even prepare, Nata made the first move.

  “Inferno Surge!” she called out, slamming her staff into the ground. A massive wave of fire surged toward me, the intense heat licking at my skin. I leaped to the side, narrowly avoiding the blast, but the ground where I had been standing was scorched black.

  As I landed, Keiko was already waiting. Her eyes gleamed as she whispered, “Temporal Bind!”

  My body froze mid-air, a magical force locking me in place. My muscles screamed as I fought against the enchantment, but her spell was ironclad.

  “Too slow,” Bloody growled, charging forward with her massive blade. Her strikes were relentless, each swing forcing me to block with my daggers. The impact sent shocks through my arms, her strength far exceeding anything I’d faced before.

  Despite the pain, I couldn’t help but admire her raw power. “You’re not bad,” I muttered, dodging a particularly vicious strike.

  Sato, meanwhile, circled the battlefield like a predator. She darted in and out of the fray, landing quick, precise strikes before retreating. Her agility was maddening, and her unpredictability made it nearly impossible to anticipate her next move.

  “Too much for you, human?” she teased, her pink eyes gleaming with amusement.

  I grinned. “Not even close.”

  Gathering my strength, I unleashed a surge of dark aura, breaking free from Keiko’s binding spell. The force of my release pushed Bloody back momentarily, giving me a brief window to counterattack.

  “Shadow Strike!” I roared, my daggers infused with dark energy as I aimed for Nata.

  But she was ready. A barrier of ice materialized around her, my attack shattering harmlessly against it. She retaliated with a blast of lightning, forcing me to retreat.

  Keiko smirked, her hands glowing as she began crafting another spell. Bloody charged once more, her strikes relentless, while Sato continued her hit-and-run tactics, her speed unmatched.

  This wasn’t a battle—it was a symphony of chaos.

  Each of them was stronger than me in sheer level, their statuses far surpassing mine. Yet I couldn’t stop the exhilaration coursing through me. The challenge, the danger—it was intoxicating.

  “Come on!” I shouted, my voice echoing through the chamber. “Is that all you’ve got?”

  The Goblin King remained seated, watching the fight with cold detachment. He didn’t need to intervene. His elites were more than enough to push me to my limits.

  And I was loving every second of it.

  The tension in the air grew heavier with every passing second. The battle had escalated to a level I hadn’t anticipated, and I was forced to give everything I had to survive.

  Nata raised her staff once again, her voice booming through the chamber. “Glacial Cataclysm!” she chanted, and the temperature dropped instantly. Massive spikes of ice erupted from the ground, forcing me to dart and weave through the labyrinth of freezing death.

  “Trying to slow me down, huh?” I muttered, my breath visible in the icy air. “Not a bad plan.”

  From the corner of my eye, I saw Keiko smirking. She had already prepared another spell. “Ethereal Chains!” she called out, and glowing golden chains materialized around me, wrapping themselves tightly around my body.

  “Not again,” I growled, straining against the magical restraints.

  Bloody saw her chance, charging straight at me with her crimson blade glowing faintly. The power behind her strikes was monstrous, and I could feel the shockwaves of her swings even as I dodged.

  “You’re persistent,” I said, gritting my teeth as I struggled against the chains.

  “You talk too much,” Bloody growled, her horn glowing brighter as she powered up for another strike.

  And then there was Sato.

  Her movements were like a blur, darting around the battlefield with impossible speed. She struck from my blind spots, her claws grazing my armor and leaving deep scratches.

  “Catch me if you can,” she teased, her pink eyes sparkling with mischief.

  I smirked, finally breaking free of the chains with a surge of dark aura. “I don’t need to catch you. I just need to stop you.”

  Gathering my energy, I unleashed “Dark Nova”, a massive explosion of dark energy that sent all four of them flying backward. The impact cracked the ground and shook the entire chamber, but I didn’t have time to savor the moment.

  Nata quickly recovered, her green eyes blazing with determination. She raised her staff and summoned a massive tornado of fire and ice, sending it hurtling toward me.

  “Impressive,” I muttered, leaping to avoid the onslaught.

  Keiko, meanwhile, had crafted what looked like a magical cannon out of thin air. It glowed with a strange, ominous light, and I could feel the power radiating from it.

  “Let’s see how you handle this,” she said calmly, firing a massive beam of energy straight at me.

  I barely managed to deflect it with my daggers, the force of the impact pushing me several feet back.

  Bloody didn’t let up, charging at me again with her blade swinging wildly. Her strikes were relentless, each one aiming to end me in a single blow.

  “You’re strong,” I admitted, parrying her attacks. “But strength alone isn’t enough.”

  Sato darted in once again, this time aiming for my legs. I jumped just in time, but her agility was unmatched. She twisted in mid-air, landing a solid kick to my side that sent me crashing into one of the ice spikes.

  “You’re all so much fun,” I said, wiping the blood from my mouth as I stood.

  The four of them regrouped, their eyes locked onto me with unyielding determination. Despite the blood trickling down my face and the exhaustion setting in, I couldn’t help but grin.

  This was what I had been looking for—a challenge that pushed me to my very limits.

  “You’re strong,” I said, gripping my daggers tightly. “But I’m not done yet.”

  My aura flared to life, a mix of dark, silver, and golden energy swirling around me. The ground beneath me cracked as I unleashed my full power, the sheer force of my presence pushing the goblins back slightly.

  “I hope you’re ready,” I said, my voice echoing through the chamber. “Because I’m just getting started.”

  And with that, I charged forward, daggers in hand, ready to take on all four of them at once.

  The atmosphere shifted. The air grew colder, heavier, as I unleashed a more potent version of my murderous intent. It wasn’t just an aura anymore—it was a suffocating force that bore down on everything around me.

  The four mature goblins hesitated for a fraction of a second, their instincts screaming at them to be cautious. I smirked, tightening my grip on my daggers.

  “So, you’re finally starting to feel it,” I said, my voice calm but laced with menace. “Good. Let me show you what it means to truly fight for survival.”

  I dashed forward, my speed doubled by the boost of my murderous intent. Bloody swung her crimson blade at me, but I parried it with one dagger and countered with the other, aiming for her shoulder. She managed to block it at the last second, but the force sent her skidding backward.

  Keiko tried to entrap me again, chanting another spell. “Enchanted Shackles!” Chains of golden energy shot toward me, but I slashed through them with ease, my daggers glowing with dark and silver light.

  “Nice try,” I said, closing the distance between us in an instant. She barely had time to conjure a magical barrier before I struck, the impact shattering her shield and sending her reeling.

  Nata responded by summoning a massive wall of flames between us. “Infernal Barrier!” she cried, the fire roaring to life.

  “Do you think fire can stop me?” I taunted, leaping through the flames without hesitation. My daggers absorbed the heat, their blades glowing red-hot as I emerged unscathed.

  Sato took advantage of the chaos, appearing behind me in a blur of motion. She slashed at my back with her claws, but I twisted just in time to block her attack.

  “You’re fast,” I admitted, pushing her back with a surge of dark energy. “But speed alone won’t save you.”

  The battle grew even more intense. Each of them began to show signs of strain—sweat dripping from their faces, their movements slightly slower, their attacks less precise. My murderous intent was taking its toll on them, and I could see the cracks beginning to form in their confidence.

  Bloody charged at me again, her horn glowing with fiery energy. “You won’t defeat us!” she shouted, swinging her blade with all her strength.

  I dodged her strike and countered with a devastating kick to her stomach, sending her crashing into one of the dungeon walls.

  “You’re tough,” I said, watching her struggle to stand. “But even the toughest warriors have their limits.”

  Keiko tried to blindside me with another spell, chanting rapidly. “Mystic Tempest!” A vortex of wind and light engulfed me, tearing at my armor and slicing into my skin.

  I gritted my teeth, enduring the pain as I channeled my dark aura. With a powerful burst of energy, I dispelled the vortex and lunged at her, forcing her to retreat.

  Nata and Sato coordinated their attacks, combining their magic and physical prowess. Nata unleashed a barrage of ice shards while Sato darted around, striking at my blind spots.

  I dodged and parried their attacks, my movements growing sharper and more precise. My daggers danced through the air, leaving trails of silver and dark energy as I countered their every move.

  “You’re all strong,” I admitted, my voice steady despite the fatigue creeping into my body. “But this fight is mine to win.”

  The four of them regrouped, their expressions a mix of frustration and determination. They were breathing heavily now, their stamina waning.

  Meanwhile, I felt a surge of power coursing through me. My murderous intent had pushed me to the brink, but it had also unlocked new depths of strength.

  “I hope you’re ready,” I said, my voice echoing through the chamber. “Because I’m not holding back anymore.”

  I charged forward once again, my daggers glowing brighter than ever, and the battle raged on.

  He air was thick with the stench of blood and sweat. My heart pounded in my chest, but I couldn’t let my guard down. The four mature goblins—Nata, Keiko, Bloody, and Sato—stood before me, their breaths heavy, their movements sluggish. Yet, they refused to back down.

  “You’re tenacious,” I said, wiping the sweat from my brow. “But this ends now.”

  Bloody roared, charging at me with her crimson blade glowing bright. Her movements were slower now, her strength waning, but her will was unyielding. I sidestepped her attack and countered with a quick slash of my daggers, striking her armor and forcing her to retreat.

  Nata attempted to cast another spell, her hands trembling as she chanted. “Frozen Barrage!” Ice shards rained down from above, but I raised my hand, summoning a barrier of dark energy to shield myself. The shards shattered on impact, the fragments scattering harmlessly to the ground.

  Keiko and Sato tried to flank me, their teamwork still impressive despite their exhaustion. Keiko hurled enchanted knives at me while Sato leaped toward me with her claws ready to strike.

  I smirked. “Nice try.”

  I dodged Keiko’s knives with ease, my movements fluid and precise. As Sato closed in, I spun around and delivered a powerful kick to her midsection, sending her crashing into the dungeon floor.

  The tide of battle had turned completely in my favor. The four of them were on their last legs, their stamina drained, their attacks losing their precision.

  “You’ve all fought well,” I said, my voice steady but tinged with respect. “But it’s over now.”

  Raising my hand, I chanted a binding spell. “Chains of Dominion!” Dark chains erupted from the ground, wrapping around each of them. They struggled against the bindings, but their strength had faded.

  Nata glared at me, her green eyes burning with defiance. “You… you’re stronger than we expected.”

  Keiko adjusted her glasses, her calm demeanor cracking. “You’ve earned our acknowledgment… but this isn’t over.”

  Sato grinned, even in defeat. “You’re something else, human.”

  Bloody clenched her fists, her pride refusing to let her admit defeat outright. “We’ll remember this.”

  I nodded, a faint smile playing on my lips. “Rest now. You’ve given me an excellent fight.”

  As the chains tightened, binding them in place, a powerful aura surged through the chamber. I turned my attention to the far end of the room, where the goblin king finally rose from his throne.

  His presence was overwhelming, his aura like a tidal wave that clashed against mine. The ground trembled beneath our combined power, and the air buzzed with energy.

  The king, a towering figure with golden armor and piercing red eyes, took a step forward. His voice was deep and commanding.

  “Congratulations on your success,” he said, a smirk forming on his lips. “Let me entertain you.”

  I raised my daggers, my own aura flaring to meet his. The corners of my mouth curled into a grin.

  “I am looking forward to you!”