The Demon King is unfathomable

Chapter 402 Players Infiltrating the Trial
At the same time, in an observation room on the upper level of the Great Sage's Tower, responsible for monitoring subspace fluctuations, a red glow was flashing.

A young magician was staring intently at a crystal that was flashing an unusual red light, his expression extremely tense.

Don't dare to neglect!

He strode up to his superior, looked at the magician who was leisurely sipping tea, and reported in a flustered tone.

"Senior! A dense subspace fluctuation has been detected in an area about 100 kilometers north of the tower. Should we send someone to check it out?"

Because teleportation arrays require relatively scarce magic crystals on the surface and must withstand a certain degree of subspace backlash, this mode of travel is not the first choice for most people on the continent of Os.

In contrast, Hell and Chaos, whose teleportation technology is more advanced, prefer this mode of travel that allows them to quickly traverse large areas that are otherwise impassable.

For this reason, fluctuations in the subspace are often seen as a sign of the spread of hell or chaos corruption, especially large-scale transfers!

Moreover, this is in a remote and sparsely populated place like the northern wilderness...

However, after listening to his subordinate's report, the highly experienced magician merely raised his eyelids lazily and waved his hand dismissively.

"No need to make a fuss."

As he spoke, he slowly flipped open the register beside him, pointed to one of the records, and continued.

“That’s Mentor Merck’s labyrinth trial grounds… Look here, it’s written in the log! He applied for temporary access to the teleportation array, and the crystal you’ve been staring at has been flashing since yesterday.”

The young mage was still somewhat uneasy and asked hesitantly.

"But... what kind of supplies would require such a high-powered teleportation array? The fluctuations in subspace energy are too intense!"

"Who knows."

The supervisor grew impatient with the questions and had no choice but to open another thick budget approval book, find the approval item and signatory according to the application number.

"...Oh, I found it."

After reading the details, a knowing, wicked smile instantly appeared on his face.

"The budget says 'undead creatures for trials.' Hey, I guess they probably got a batch of wild ones from the Kingdom of Rhodes."

"Undead?!"

The young mage was startled at first, but when he met the senior mage's gloating smile, a wicked grin immediately appeared on his face as well.

"...Ha, Instructor Merck is really daring. The mages who are taking on the labyrinth trial this year are in for a tough time!"

"I had heard that Mentor Merck was very strict, but I didn't expect him to put in so much effort at this kind of celebratory event... But it's good."

The experienced magician gently blew on the tea leaves floating in the teacup and added slowly.

"Didn't those kids always complain that the Mage Tower didn't teach anything real? I hope they don't regret their complaints."

Although skeletons are just cannon fodder, they are not so easy to deal with.

Otherwise, so many experienced adventurers wouldn't have stumbled in the labyrinth...

……

On All Souls' Day, the Tower of the Great Sage was brightly decorated, and the snowfields outside were bustling with activity, sweeping away the usual silence.

A stone gate, made of massive stones, sits beside a huge platform. The teaching assistants, holding two staffs, stand beside the stone gate, their expressions solemn yet their eyes brimming with barely suppressed excitement, awaiting the start of this grand trial!
Colorful magic flags fluttered in the cold wind, and chains of lights made of glowing crystals crisscrossed above the crowd, decorating the entire venue like a festival celebration!

A large number of magic apprentices who had reached the mage level gathered here in twos and threes. They were dressed in robes of various schools of magic, excitedly showing each other the new equipment they had prepared for this trial, and discussing tactics enthusiastically. The atmosphere was extremely lively.

"...I bet this year's champion's prize is definitely a silver-grade magical item!"

"Stop dreaming. With mentor Merck around, we'll be lucky to even walk out of here upright..."

"Do you think the reward could be a gold-grade magical equipment?!"

"Hilarious, Merck doesn't need to give it to you, right?"

"Sigh... I just hope my performance can attract His Highness Colin's attention. He hasn't recruited a large number of apprentices into his laboratory for a long time."

Amidst this commotion, Ilana seemed somewhat out of place.

She was dressed in a simple preparatory growth robe and followed behind Anjie somewhat uneasily, being pulled by her through the crowded streets.

“Senior Ange, most of the people here are mages. Would it be a bit inappropriate for me, a prospective student, to go through with this? Maybe I should…” Seeing the frequent glances directed at her, Ilana began to have second thoughts again.

"Don't be nervous, Ilana!" Angela turned around and gave the anxious Ilana a bright smile, saying casually, "Everyone is very friendly, and besides, I've got your back!"

She paused, then added a sentence.

"Besides, since we're already here, you can't just spoil everyone's fun at this time, can you?"

Ilana fell silent.

Strictly speaking, she wasn't a weak-willed person, and she had her own opinions. However, when faced with a well-intentioned invitation, she genuinely didn't know how to refuse.

and……

This is just a trial, and it's not a bad thing to come along and broaden one's horizons, especially since there are teaching assistants patrolling the maze to ensure the apprentices' safety.

She found a million reasons to convince herself, unaware that her dear senior thought the same way.

Anjie took in her expression, a sinister smile creeping onto her lips, while still speaking sweetly as if coated with honey.

"It's okay, darling, I bet you'll have a wonderful All Souls' Day memory... We'll be there soon!"

As she spoke, she finally pulled Ilana to a relatively quiet corner. There, three girls, also dressed in blue mage robes, had been waiting for a long time. The one in the lead was Miss Rastina, with a high nose bridge and her golden ponytails swaying like straight drills.

"Lastina, I've brought Ilana here!" Ange enthusiastically pushed Ilana in front of everyone, introducing her like a trophy, "She's Colin's most prized student. With her here, our tactical analysis is sure to be a piece of cake!"

Ilana, who was pushed to the front, was a little flustered. She bowed to everyone and greeted them in a low voice: "Hello, I am Ilana... I hope you seniors will give me your guidance in this trial."

Lastina didn't respond immediately. Instead, she crossed her arms and scrutinized her legendary "love rival" for the first time at such close range.

She had imagined the ugly face of this enemy countless times in her mind, thinking that she would be a cunning and seductive vixen who knew how to use her beauty to seduce men... However, the Ilana in front of her was completely different from her imagination.

She wore a simple apprentice's robe, without any extra accessories. Her slender figure exuded a cool aura, along with a hint of naive detachment.

Especially her eyes, so clear as a lake beneath a glacier, without a trace of impurity. Instead of arousing a man's desire, they involuntarily calm and purify those who see her.

This... is the woman who stole all of Prince Colin's attention?

For the first time, a subtle wavering arose in Rastina's heart. This was clearly just a bookworm who only knew how to bury himself in books.

Is it really meaningful to bully someone like that?

However, this wavering lasted only a moment, quickly replaced by an even stronger surge of jealousy—

Who knows if it wasn't just an act to hook up with men?

Some men, in particular, fall for this!
Rastina's molars clenched so tightly they made a grinding sound.

She was, after all, an aristocrat. Although her character wasn't great, she still had some manners. Bullying the weak was not a righteous act, and even if she won, it wouldn't bring her any joy. The other party had to be someone who "deserved their punishment" to fit her bullying aesthetic.

Simply put, she needed to find an excuse to put herself on the side of justice, even if it was a very far-fetched reason.

Rastina's expression shifted between gloomy and conflicted, causing Ilana to worry that she might be too weak and causing trouble for Angela.

Ange frantically winked at Rastina, worried that her attitude would scare away the already cooked duck, and then quickly turned to look at Ilana, who had an uneasy expression, and said.

“Ilana… Haha, Miss Rastina is just a little quiet. She’s actually a very nice person. Please don’t mind her.”

Lastina quickly realized what was happening, forcing a forced, friendly smile to salvage the situation, and extended her right hand.

"Welcome, Ilana. I've heard of you... With you joining us, our team is truly a force to be reckoned with."

Normally, she would never allow a mere commoner to touch her body, even if the other party came from the empire itself.

Ilana took her cold hand and nodded politely and humbly.

"I don't deserve such praise... Magic and combat experience are my weaknesses, and I have much to learn from you, my senior."

"Alright, let's stop being so polite, the trial is about to begin."

Lastina released her hand, flicked her ponytail that was hanging down her shoulder, and then looked at the other two followers behind her and said.

"How are your preparations going?"

The two mage girls grinned, one whistled, and the other fiddled with her wand, stretching her stiff shoulders beneath her mage robes.

"Everything is ready, Miss."

"Same here!"

It's clear that they are of slightly higher status than Anjie, and they are probably the type who usually order the latter to buy cigarettes from the artisan street.

"very good."

A smile played on Rastina's lips as she turned her gaze to Mentor Merck, who was standing on the high platform in the distance, and said in a cheerful voice.

"I can't wait for the next trial!"

As three long chimes echoed across the noisy snowfield, the previously bustling crowd at the assembly point gradually quieted down.

All eyes were drawn to the temporary platform erected at the entrance, where Mentor Merck had already appeared.

He was dressed in an impeccable robe of the Source Law School mentor, his expression cold and stern, his gaze sweeping over every young and innocent face below like that of a hawk.

A hint of tenderness appeared in those sharp eyes.

Once upon a time, he was just like these young apprentices, with a pure heart and eyes full of ideals to explore the nature of power and truth.

Oh, it’s great to be young.

He cleared his throat, banishing the distracting thoughts from his mind, and began to speak.

"Young magicians, welcome to the annual All Souls' Day Labyrinth Trial. I am the person in charge of this trial, Merck."

"You may have heard of me, or you may not, but that doesn't matter. You only need to remember one thing—"

"This maze before you will be the stage to test what you have learned over the past year! It is also an excellent opportunity for you to prove your worthiness to remain in the Academy before the real trials begin!"

"Back then, it was in this trial that I won the championship, and that's how the respected Professor Arist Thorne spotted me from the crowd..."

Merck casually gestured to Professor Alistair, who had recently become quite interested in empty titles; it was something that came naturally to him anyway.

Excited whispers filled the snowfield, and faces beamed with excitement. Even Rastina was among them.

Although she had no interest in staying at the Academy to study magic, the thought that Prince Colin was also watching her made her cheeks flush.

If it is that prince, it is not impossible for him to stay in the mage tower.

As for Kurs, who was standing in the crowd, he clenched his fists and secretly vowed to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a name for himself!

There's no future in doing odd jobs during the winter recruitment season; he ultimately needs to rely on his abilities to attract the attention of truly powerful scholars.

Those big shots value strength more!

Kurs vowed to make a name for himself and make Ilana, who had "abandoned him" and "turned to Prince Colin's arms," ​​regret her decision and feel sorry for giving up such an honest and promising boy.

He must have stood at a higher position than his mentor, Merck, looking down at the masses with a nonchalant gaze, as if they were ants on the ground...

While everyone was lost in thought.

Instructor Merck's emotionless voice continued, concluding the trial's opening remarks with concise and serious words.

"The rules of the trial are simple—survive and go as deep into the maze as possible to get the highest score!"

"Your ultimate goal is to destroy the 'artificial core' located at the deepest part of the labyrinth, which will determine who the champion is and which school of thought will ultimately receive the honor!"

"Go for it! Young men and women! Chase your dreams, because you won't have such a good opportunity again in the future!"

"Your trial has begun!"

After he finished speaking, he didn't say another word, but simply waved his hand.

Beneath the stone gate not far from the high platform, rows of small teleportation portals that had been prepared beforehand were instantly activated, their azure mirror surfaces resembling rippling lake water.

The apprentices' enthusiasm was completely ignited, and the crowd surged toward the shimmering portals like a tidal wave, one group after another, afraid of being even a little too slow!
Those who pass through the teleportation array will be randomly teleported to different locations on the first floor of the maze, according to the order in which they entered!

A carnival brimming with both opportunity and crisis has begun, and what awaits them within the labyrinth are trials unlike anything seen by any previous apprentice or even their mentors.

"It's our turn! Let's go, Ilana!"

Ange affectionately took Ilana's arm and pulled her from the crowd toward one of the portals.

Facing the portal that resembled an unknown abyss, Ilana felt a surge of tension, as if the Demon King were waiting for her ahead.

She's just a trainee; can she really keep up with these senior mages?
It wasn't until yesterday that, under Ophia's guidance, she mastered the skills of rapid spellcasting and simultaneously releasing multiple fireballs.

Seemingly sensing her unease, Anjie quickly turned around, urging her on with her plump face and radiant smile.

"Don't be afraid, Ilana, just stick close to me! With Miss Rastina here, we're sure to win! She's one of the strongest students in our class!"

Lastina twirled her bangs with her index finger, her slightly raised chin conveying a hint of pride, which could be considered an admission of this.

Those with a higher soul level than her didn't work as hard, and those with a lower soul level had no chance of competing with her. At least among mages, she, who had already reached the peak of bronze, had few rivals.

That unwavering enthusiasm finally dispelled Ilana's last lingering concerns, putting her at ease.

Taking a deep breath, she suppressed all her unease and mustered her courage to nod.

"Hmm... I'll try my best to keep up."

After saying that, surrounded by Ange, she followed Rastina's team into the shimmering light curtain and disappeared without a trace...

In the crowd not far away, Ophia's bright eyes remained fixed on the "Lastina Squad," watching them disappear into the teleportation array.

Although they would be teleported to different locations within the maze, she wasn't too worried.

Rastina wouldn't choose to make her move on the first floor of the labyrinth, where there are the most patrolling instructors and other passing magic apprentices.

If Ilana, whom they deliberately abandoned, is rescued by someone else, their carefully crafted plot will lose its meaning.

Therefore, they will definitely make their move deep inside the maze!
“Miss Castellón, when do we move?” Bane whispered beside her, his eyes gleaming with anticipation for the new weapon that was about to be tested.

The secret weapon they had spent over a month preparing was currently stored in Miss Castellion's spatial ring, and he couldn't wait to see the power of the "Explosive Flame Thermobaric Bomb"!
Hader was also looking forward to it, but his reserved face still showed caution and worry, as if he was afraid of causing trouble.

The use of magical artifacts and scrolls is not prohibited in the maze trial, but the premise is that one must not use the power of the items to damage the maze walls, nor endanger the lives of other apprentices...

These are the rules of the game.

Ophia nodded, her confident face beaming with excitement, like a captain preparing to set sail for Devil's Island to rescue the princess.

The descendants of the Castellón family are all born explorers, and she was no exception. However, the interests of the holy city and the nobility had suppressed her nature, and it wasn't until recently, when she set foot on this snowy plain, that her restless heart was finally released.

She had only ever experienced such thrills in novels before, but now she could finally experience it firsthand!

She waved to Bain and Harder beside her, and with great enthusiasm, gave the order to set off.

"set off!"

……

Just as the vast army of apprentices marched into the maze, an unknown "descent" was taking place within the maze.

One by one, the skulls, which were placed haphazardly in the corners of the passageway as decorations, suddenly had eerie green soul flames ignite within their skulls without warning.

At the same time, the energy mirror monsters generated from the core of the maze began to spawn one after another. Among them were slimes, goblins, imps, and other strange and unusual creatures.

They showed no interest in their "alive" counterparts, simply wandering the maze's corridors according to a set procedure, waiting for the first "challengers" to enter the hunting area.

These monsters, after all, were not created from the true core of the labyrinth, but were imitations created by the magic of the Holy Power School. Naturally, they could not be as full of spirit as the labyrinth of the Great Tomb.

However, even so, they are still very realistic when they fight, and they don't hold back at all just because the other party is an apprentice.

Some of the startled "skeletons" would challenge them to a duel, and they would fight back without hesitation...

On the first level of the maze, in a dark and damp corner, the consciousness of [Knowledge Explosion] awakens in a brand new skeleton soldier's body.

He first stretched his creaking skeleton, then closed his eyes and sank his consciousness into his "sea of ​​consciousness." Through the player-specific system interface, he confirmed that he was in the long-awaited new map of the Academy, participating in a special event called "All Souls' Day Labyrinth Trial."

His original game character is currently frozen, and he is currently controlling a mirrored character. Everything will return to normal after the event ends.

Alternatively, the "mirror character" dies during the event.

Perhaps due to server upgrades, "Natural Disaster Online" has updated many features recently, and he couldn't help but look forward to the possibility that the creation of secondary characters might be available someday.

That would be amazing!
Just then, Luo Yan's majestic voice rang out in his mind, echoing in his sea of ​​consciousness like the tolling of a bell on a snowy plain.

"Awake, my servants!"

"The magic apprentices of the Academy are making their final preparations to invade our labyrinth. I need you to nip this crisis in the bud at all costs!"

[System Notification: The limited-time event 'All Souls' Day Labyrinth Trial' has officially begun! Main Quest: Stop the magic apprentices from entering the lower levels of the labyrinth at all costs!]

Meanwhile, the task interface has also been updated with detailed points rules.

In addition to earning points by stunning or capturing magic apprentices, players participating in the event can also obtain extra rewards by searching for treasure chests hidden in the maze.

It is particularly important to note that this activity was merely a drill.

Although this was an enemy exercise, the upright and honorable Demon King was unlike the despicable and cunning humans, and disdained to attack students who were not prepared for a life-or-death struggle.

Each spirit must restrain itself, stop at the point of contact, and strictly prohibit causing death.

+1 or -1 won't work!
"Despicable and cunning humans, huh... Isn't this guy human himself?" Looking at this absurd description, Hu Wan, who had just woken up, couldn't help but mutter a complaint.

Pig-headed Knight: "No problem, he didn't say he wasn't despicable and cunning either."

Tauren Warrior: "What about being upright and honorable?"

Pig-headed Knight: "Of course it's the righteous yet despicable Demon King! No problem!"

Minotaur Warrior: "Damn... what the hell is this?"

Like Hu Wan, Yi Ye Zhi Qiu's expression was also somewhat subtle, but the subtlety was mainly concentrated in the last line.

They are skeletons, not goblins.

How do I add 1?

On the other side, [Knowledge Explosion], who had just woken up, was extremely excited when he saw the announcement.

He had been looking forward to the Xuebang map for a long time, but unfortunately, it was always the Demon King who "virtually" experienced it for them, and they, the cattle and horses of the Great Tomb, couldn't even smell a hint of its fragrance.

Although this place may seem to be just the "sewer" of Xuebang, it can be considered that he himself has studied at Xuebang!

Moreover, the rewards for this event are exceptionally generous, and the dropped rewards can be taken back outside the dungeon, making it very "silver-friendly"!

It's a bit unfair not to kill anyone. Back in the Great Tomb, he felt that their Demon King was perhaps too merciful to his enemies.

[Knowledge Explosion] excitedly looked at his two teammates beside him—[Gotham Good Citizen] and [Go to the Pier to Hourly Seagull].

He opened his jaw, making a series of "crackling" sounds as his bones rubbed together.

"Brothers! Let's get to work! Let's teach these guys from Xuebang a lesson!"

"Damn it... what kind of crappy skeleton is this? It's not even as good as my Ankylosaurus!" [Gotham Good Citizen] was the first to complain. "Leveled to zero, no skills, can't even wear my favorite plate armor, this event is ridiculous!"

At least give him a lizardman skeleton soldier!
There are similar large cemeteries...

"Stop complaining," [Knowledge Explosion] chuckled. "Didn't the announcement say that these are temporary bodies prepared for us by the Demon King, and everyone is the same? Perfect, those old guys are now on the same level as us. Isn't this the time to test our skills?"

"Snow Leopard is right!" [Go to the dock and count the seagulls] chimed in immediately, "I support the dog-like planner!"

[Gotham Good Citizen] grumbled irritably, "Save your breath. Even if you're a sycophantic planner, he can't hear what you're saying."

[Going to the pier to count the seagulls] He retorted defiantly, "How do you know he can't hear you if you don't lick him?!"

The Good Citizen of Gotham was speechless for a moment after being confronted, and after a long silence, he raised an osteoporotic middle finger at the bastard.

"You are this!"

[Going to the pier to count the seagulls] was shameless, but instead took pride in it, and chuckled shamelessly.

"Thank you for the compliment, I really am that long."

[Gotham Good Citizen]: "..."

[Knowledge Explosion]: "…………Is this damn long?"

(End of this chapter)