Chapter 82 - The Maze (Final Part)

[Due to setting a new record, you have options to choose from the following Rewards.

1. Elemental Mana Cores - This can help improve the Mana Potency of the person with the said Element. Will receive a bag of all Elemental Mana Crystals.

2. Advanced HP Limit Breaker x2, Advanced MP Limit Breaker x2

3. Angel's Chestpiece x1 - An Armor used by the fallen Angel Beelzebub

4. Blueprint of [Staff Of The Elves] x1 

You may choose two among the above]

Now Lucas was in a dilemma. He saw everything was something that was needed. "The Elemental Mana Cores will help us increase our strength, and to replenish our Mana. The HP and MP Limit Breaker potions are something that can be used for me too. And the Staff, I'm sure Emilia would like one. And I don't know what this Angel's Chestpiece might be, but all I can say is it is a very good chest piece", he thought.

Everything was interesting, and everything was something that everyone needed. He didn't know about the first two, but the second two were something that would help them in the survival round. It was something he was sure about. He decided to discuss it with everyone.

He then relayed everything to everyone. Tobias was the first to speak. "You don't seem like you have much Mana inside you.  We have used those potions since we were kids and I think we have a lot more in store than you. So, I think you can take the potions. But the second one, I'm not too sure. My brain's fried just thinking about this", he smiled.

Everyone turned and looked at him. "Glad to know that the muscle head has a brain", teased Robert. Everyone began to laugh. A hologram appeared in front of them. 

[As the time has passed the hour, the Survival shall be conducted tomorrow. Initiating Rest Mode] 

Lucas was shocked. It wasn't just him. Everyone was shocked. "But, isn't it just like six hours since we came inside?", asked Michelle. Lucas then understood the phenomenon. "Seems like time in the tower is different indeed. Since we have been in here for twenty-four hours, it deems that we need rest. Just what in the world is this portal?", he asked in awe.

A small building rose out from the grounds, and in it were five rooms. Everyone took one room for each of them, and they began to freshen up. Lucas was the one who needed it the most. His dress was drenched in blood again. "This is the second time this has happened. I have to improve myself", he thought.

He took a clean shower and took out a set of clothes from his inventory. He then looked at the exclusive he had received, Thermo Reception. 

[Thermo Reception - Use the power of Flames to determine heat signatures around you]

"Wow, this skill will be really helpful for me. Like all the time", he smiled. He remembered the times he got hit while he was running through the maze. "Does this maze reward according to the people's performance? If it does, then I think clearing this portal will be a good thing, and a bad thing too", he dived deep into thought.

After everyone got refreshed, everyone met up in the hall that was in the center of all the rooms. It was a large hall, with five doors. Three on the left and two on the left. The girls took the ones on the left, and the guys took the ones on the right. Lucas began his thoughts.

"I think this portal is like a training ground. Like training to the other portals that have opened around the world. Like, everyone got things that we need the most. And it seems like the rewards are being tailored accordingly. So if it is like this, then I do not want to clear this portal", he said.

Everyone was shocked at what he said. "But if we clear it, then our names will be recorded in history", said Emilia. Everyone agreed to what she said. But Lucas's next line made them think. "If we clear this one, do you think there is a chance that anyone other than us will be able to clear the whole UCDM list? If this is the training ground, then I think it is best to leave it so that other people will be able to improve themselves in this place", he said.

This struck everyone's thoughts. "That is true. We do need other hunters to increase their strengths. And that would help us in clearing these portals quicker", said Robert. Tobias was just sitting idly. "What do you think, Tobias?", asked everyone. He looked around the room with his eyes wide.

"Me?", he then creased his eyes like he was thinking hard. "We could become superheroes of Earth. Protectors Of The Earth! Like the Avengers!", he said with a slight rise in his voice. Robert smacked the back of his head, and everyone began to laugh. Lucas was still weak due to the use of the technique.

He began to cough out some blood, and he wiped it off on his sleeve. Everyone stopped laughing and looked at him with worry. "Don't worry, I can handle this. It's something normal for me", he smiled. He then bid good night to everyone and left the place. He went outside and looked far into the sky, which had now turned dark. It was just like the night sky on Earth.

"Just what kind of an entity are you, Portal? Who opened you up? And he more confusing question, if this is all the doing of someone, who is it?", he muttered. "Maybe someone far beyond our reach", came a voice from behind him. "Robert", he smiled at him. Robert came and stood next to him.

"That move you used against the final beast, what move was it?", he asked. He was taking a guess, but he had to be sure if his hunch was right. Lucas sighed. "It is a move forbidden to me, at least until I reach the third stage of Aura. Unification of both Mana and Aura", he smiled.

Robert smiled. "You're not Lucas Smith, are you? You're from the Royal Family, right?", he asked. Lucas sighed. "And that is why I shouldn't have used it", he said in a low voice. Robert smiled. "Well, look who it is. The Third Prince of the Heart Kingdom, Lucas Heart. And don't worry, I don't think anyone would know the move you used", he smiled at him.

"How did you recognize the move?", he asked. Robert smiled. "There was once when I saw this movie. And that one time, the pure amount of power that radiated from this move left me in awe. The reason I'm pursuing the path of the sword is to meet this person, and maybe learn from him", he said as he looked into the sky.

Lucas looked at him and saw admiration in his eyes. The way he was looking into the sky, and the way he said it, made it seem like he was chasing the silhouette of this person. "Who is he?", he asked. "The King of this Kingdom, or your father, Benjamin Heart, I must say", he said.

Lucas didn't say anything. He knew about the deed of his father that was spread throughout the kingdom, but for someone to have witnessed it in action, that was something Lucas didn't expect. 

"Well, there is something I must say then. My master once told me this. Do not chase someone, rather take them as someone as your equal. Look at the efforts that they poured. Look at their methods and the way they trained. Study them. Then, integrate it into your sword. With their efforts, and your training, you will reach the level they are at", quoted Lucas.

Lucas just turned around and left Robert to ponder upon the words he told him. "Study them, huh?", he smiled as he looked at Lucas. "I have someone I acknowledge as my rival. I shall study you, Lucas Heart", he decided.

(At The Heart Palace)

Ben and Merlin had finished packing up their stuff, and they left the palace. They made they're leaving intentional, as they wanted to sniff out the traitor among them. "Alright, I'll be leaving. Just make sure to take good care of the kingdom",  he said to Sam. Sam understood in an instant what was happening.

"A rat amongst us, huh?", he smiled. The code word 'take good care', was a way of saying that there is a rat amongst us. Ben and Merlin got into the car that was parked in front of them, and he started the car. He left the palace and headed towards The Watch Guardian's Tower.

After ten minutes after they left, he felt a crash. He left the car and saw an elderly on the ground, clasping his leg. Ben chuckled. "Come out, this is a very old trick", he said out loud. Then emerged out a group of people with black hoods, and they were around fifty of them.. "Just a small amount of you guys think you can take me down?", he said as he laughed.