Days passed inside the labyrinth.
The group occasionally ran into magic beasts, but these were easily defeated by Thalia. With each battle her intuition, sense, and battle acumen grew sharper…more refined.
Thalia started to notice small differences in the beasts they encountered…somehow their mana seemed different…like a unique signature. She figured that the difference was because each species of beasts was either created or born in a different universe.
'At this rate I will hit level 50 soon!' Thalia thought to herself with pride and excitement.
"I think I see people!" she exclaimed in amazement… "up ahead…about a mile away."
The group quickened their pace without abandoning caution.
As they approached, they called out in a loud voice, "WE ARE FRIENDLY! WE ARE FRIENDLY!"
No response came…
Upon arrival, Gaia and Thalia's heart sank. The group of people they had discovered were in bad shape. Their clothes hung on their bodies loosely…ripped and in tatters, shoes worn out…their faces pale and gaunt. Some turned their heads slowly to see the visiting group…others didn't bother to move.
It was clear this group was lost…they had traveled until their provisions ran out…succumbing to exhaustion and starvation, they were now too weak to move.
"It's ok…shhh…it's ok…we are here to help." Gaia spoke to each on individually as kneeled down to assess them. One-by-one Gaia examined them all.
Thalia and Kesi quickly followed Gaia's lead and did the same. They gently helped those too weak to move, they helped them drink water and eat food slowly. Gaia and the group decided to set-up camp here and help the lost group recover their strength.
Days passed, little by little the lost group regained their strength and vitality. After expressing much gratitude, the lost group shared their story…they were manfolk (a species similar to humans and terrans but from a separate universe). Their Itarim had been killed and their universe was devoured completely…down to the last atom.
They were able to escape the destruction, thanks to the sacrifice of many brave men and women. It was during these conversations, that Thalia noticed that everyone in the group was either elderly or very young (children and a few teenagers). A few nursing mothers were also in the group along with their babies. Apparently, the fighting-age men and women had band together to fight against the invaders…buying time for their loved ones to flee.
Once the lost group was strong enough, they continued onward as one united group. It was certainly a nice change to have new faces join the group. Older ones adopted the children as "grandsons" and "granddaughters" …and the children adopted the older ones as "grammas" and "grandpas".
The new members of the group were shocked to learn that Thalia…the beautiful pink haired young woman did all the fighting. The shock eventually turned to trust and confidence…magic beasts big and small all defeated by her single-handedly.
The following 10 weeks added further to the excitement. The group encountered more survivors! Small groups of terrans, manfolk, dwarves, and fauns (mostly human-like creatures with some animal-like features) were slowly added to the group.
'We were 23 people when we entered the labyrinth…now we are over 100!' Thalia thought in amazement.
Although their numbers had increased…their fighting power remained the same. Except for Gaia, none in the group were able to fight. Kesi and a few other teenagers could contribute a little…but against stronger opponents they would be a liability.
Having lots of elderly people did have some benefits. They helped care for the little ones…freeing Gaia to lend a hand in fighting magic beasts. However, Gaia rarely fought…instead she opted to leave all the fighting to Thalia…that way she could continue to grow in experience and level. Still, it was reassuring to know that if a strong opponent appeared, Gaia could provide backup.
With such a large group, travel plans were made in advance. Everyone knew their assignment. Thalia made sure to carefully navigate through the maze…never straying too far away from sources of food and water.
During this time, the survivors slowly started seeing Thalia as their leader. They named her "the Maiden of Light". It's unclear who exactly started it…but others liked it and before long the name stuck…Thalia the Maiden of Light.
Week 12 – about 3 months after entering the maze…the group finally made it to their intended gate…it had opened just a few days before…and they managed to arrive before the gate closed.
Thalia clenched her teeth…with Lucidity skill active she could see what was waiting for them on the other side of the gate…earth.
The group had finally made it to the Dark Universe…ruled by the Dark God…the powerful and terrifying Shadow Monarch…the one powerful enough to defend against multiple Itarims and their armies.
"Are we really going to do this." Thalia asked Gaia…nerves and anxiety showing in her voice.
"Yes…let me take the lead…follow the plan as discussed." Gaia said with confidence.
"They are waiting for us on the other side of the gate…I can see them clearly…and it's not a warm welcome…" Thalia said weakly.
"I know…but still…we need to try." Gaia said with conviction.
Gaia walked through the gate first, her stride like that of a boxer about to enter the ring. Each step firm and confident…with a sense of duty and readiness.
Right behind Gaia walked Thalia…then behind her was Kesi…then the entourage of survivors including the children.
On the other side of the gate, Thalia's eyes caught sight of a beautiful young woman with gray eyes and long blonde hair. She wore red-themed armor and a light-colored longsword rested easily in her hand.
Hae-in Cha was waiting…on her right was Il-Hwan Sung…and behind them was a Korean strike team.
[NAME: THALIA LVL: 50
JOB: ERROR
TITLE: NONE FATIGUE: 0
HP: 5,518
MP: 3,805
STRENGTH: 66 VITALITY: 45
AGILITY: 111 INTELLEGENCE: 210
SENSE: 372
[PASSIVE]
SAVANT Lv. 1
Due to high natural affinity to mana, your growth rate is accelerated to 150%.
INSIGHT Lv. 1
Bonus to Intelligence and Sense.
[ACTIVE]
AURORA Lv. 2
Light based magic that may be used as an attack or imbued into objects, increasing its attack/defense/durability. Reduces magic resistance and physical defense on target area by 50% for 1 minute.]
LUCIDITY Lv. 1
Allows Player to see mana. Player may see through space including dimensional walls.
Higher SENSE stat increase Player's range. Mana cost is 0.