Tale Of Unknown: Hero From Zero

8. Five-storey Monster, Chimera

A giant creature with the body of a goat, the head and legs of a lion, and the tail of a snake appeared to disturb the rest and lunch of the disciples. Their eyes widened to see the creature standing before them.

'[Chimera]!? Isn't that [Chimera] a monster from the 5th floor!? Why did that creature appear here!?'

With his wide eyes, Gillbert said that inwardly. He was really scared to see the form of the [Chimera], one of the monsters that should be from the 5th floor of this Hexaphilia labyrinth. No one expected that there were monsters from the 5th floor of this labyrinth, including Riyan. Indeed Riyan had expected if this incident would come, sooner or later, but he did not predict that the one coming was [Chimera].

The labyrinth usually has several floors that have different levels of difficulty. This Hexaphilia Labyrinth had 6 floors in total, currently the disciples were on the second floor who had quite strong and clever monsters. Unlike the [Cave Goblin] before, this floor was mostly inhabited by [Kobold] and [Furious Monkey] type monsters.

The disciples looked frightened, their bodies trembled and let out a cold sweat that flowed down. Riyan who usually stays calm and analyzes the situation from behind also begins to feel afraid and worried, although not as bad as others. They immediately prepared the weapons they were carrying while shrouded in fear.

"Everyone, run to the back! We need to get off this floor!"

As soon as a panicked cue was uttered from Gilbert, the disciples jolted running backwards, the road they had been on before. Riyan who was in the back row was a bit surprised to see his friends running towards him.

"Loser, move!"

Bruukkkc...

Rei Shawnhold, one of the disciples who often bullied Riyan, pushed him to the side to hit the wall for blocking the road. Riyan groaned in pain and sat on the labyrinth floor. His life parameters were reduced to 14 due to the impact. While the disciples were running around in panic, Riyan was sitting on the floor with no one to care about.

'Ukh.'

While saying that in his heart, he tried to get up on his feet. He rubbed his back of the head that was a little sore from hitting the wall earlier. It's not too hard, but still, Riyan is an ordinary human who can feel pain.

As he got up, the sounds and vibrations he felt just now slowly disappeared. He opened his eyes and found that the other disciples had run away like a herd of ants whose nest had just been found. Riyan only let out a heavy sigh and then a small run followed them from behind.

But as he made his fourth move, he felt a gust of moist wind crashing down his back shoulder. At once he realized that the monster had not yet gone from its place. He looked back and found the face of the lion staring at him as if he were looking at a prey.

'Wire...'

Bwoosh!!

[Chimera] opened his jaw and let out a breath of fire directed at Riyan. Riyan realized it had immediately set his left foot and jumped to the right to avoid the fire, but he realized that he would not be able to avoid the attack from the [Chimera].

"[Mana Shield]!"

As soon as he said that while raising his left hand towards the four-legged monster that was behind him. In an instant, in front of his left hand was formed a transparent disk with a faint blue color. The disk was holding a burst of fire from the [Chimera], in other words it was a shield.

The shield is the result of the development of [Mana Manipulation] from the practice of Riyan with Faleon so far. Indeed, the [Manipulation Mana] skill is very detrimental because it can spend a large amount of mana continuously, but the advantage, this skill allows the user to manipulate his own mana freely.

Forming mana into a desired object is one of the abilities of this skill, but if it is maintained for too long, then the mana will be reduced by about 5 points every second. Because of this [Mana Manipulation] was said to be a skill that harmed its users.

A second later, after Riyan came out of the creature's fire breathing range, the mana shield disappeared instantly. Riyan's mana instantly drained out once exerting [Mana Manipulation]. His status showed that his mana parameter only had 5 points, which meant that it would instantly run out once he deployed [Manipulation Mana].

'Damn it, it's running out anyway. Well, if you still want to survive that's the only way. Inevitably I had to use my entire mana at once. Huh...'

Complaining about it in his heart, Riyan stood up straight and grabbed the handle of the sword he was carrying on his back. He drew the sword, grasped it with both hands and formed a low position, the royal knight-style fighting horses he had learned from Faleon before.

The sword was still wrapped in white bandages. He had never opened the package since it was given by Faleon, no matter what the reason. He takes a breath and exhales it vigorously, then concentrates.

"Delivery."

Ssr!

Just because of a single word, the bandage that wrapped the sword came off on its own as if obeying what was said by Riyan. Faleon tells Riyan that his bandage will break off by itself if the sword is in the hands of the right person. At first Riyan was confused and could not believe what Faleon was saying, but now he understood.

Looking at the shape and material of the sword with the [Appraisal] skill, Riyan smiled. He was satisfied and thanked Faleon for giving this sword to him.

A double-bladed sword, white in color, sharp, light, and comfortable in the hand. The handle is deep black wrapped in a small bandage. The main material of the sword blade was the bone, the bone of a dragon. This was evident from Riyan's [Appraisal] skill.

'This sword is very good, no wonder why the general chose this sword. To my confusion, why did he give me such a good sword? Well let it be, be grateful for what is there and use it as best you can.'

---

Name: Glayster

Type: Weapon/Sword

Power :140

Effect: Stealing mana from a pierced enemy

Material: Dragon bone, magic cloth, oak

---

Riyan became more confident looking at the power status of the sword he was holding. His power status was 100 times stronger than his own. With this, he could defeat monsters like [Cave Goblin], [Kobold], [Furious Monkey], [Wild Gwinwydd], and other weak monsters. But [Chimera] was different from those monsters, this one creature had a status far above them.

"[Record]"

Before fighting, Riyan used the [Appraisal] skill to see how powerful the status of the [Chimera] was. When he got the results, he was surprised. His eyes could not believe what he saw. A moment later, he smiled wryly along with a wry look on his face.

"Isn't the comparison too far? Is it not next to weight? Huh..."

---

Name: Chimera

Race: Hybrid Monsters

Grade: Crusher

Level 76

Life: 38000/38000

Mana: 7800/7800

Physical Strength: 1300

Magic Power: 970

Resilience: 790

Attribute: Darkness, Explosion, Fire

Skill: Dark Force, Gale Burst, Fire Breath

---

This fight between Riyan and [Chimera] is really one-sided, very unfair. A weakest human against a destructive classy monster, it was too terrifying.

"I don't know if I can defend against this creature, but well, I'll do my best."

Highlight Riyan's eyes became sharper looking into the [Chimera] eyes. With a trembling body, he tried to suppress the fear that radiated to each of his cells. There was no way Riyan would not be afraid to face this monstrous monster that even Gilbert just ran in panic accompanied by overwhelming fear.

[Chimera] was speechless staring at Riyan from a distance of about twelve meters. The creature walked slowly towards him. Seeing that, Riyan took something from the left pocket of his pants and immediately ate the thing.

'With this status-enhancing pill, my entire basic status can add up by as much as 50 points for about five minutes. After that, my status will return to its original state and my stamina will also be much reduced. I should be able to attack him as much as possible while dodging every attack he launched.'

What that Riyan had just eaten was a status-enhancing pill. As Riyan had explained, the pill could add to a person's entire basic status by as much as 50 points in a five-minute duration. But after that, the stamina of the user will be reduced drastically and of course his status will return to how it was.

"Well, let's start this one-sided fight!"

After saying that, Riyan set his foot on the floor and lunged straight towards the opponent he was facing right now. Seeing Riyan advance first, the [Chimera] greeted him with a deafening roar.

***

A few minutes after the disciples ran as fast as they could out of fear, they realized that the [Chimera] was not chasing. They were really happy about it, but their hearts were still overwhelmed with worry and anxiety if any other [Chimera] reached this second floor.

""Huh.huh...""

Taking a deep breath, they sat on the floor and rested for a while. Gilbert and Johan watch the situation around so that the same incident does not happen again, Typhania, Layla, and Rizu try to calm their friends with a variety of positive sentences.

"Why did [Chimera] appear on this floor!? Isn't that [Chimera] a monster that's on the fifth floor!?"

Hearing that, the disciples thought back to why the [Chimera] could reach this second floor. Everyone thought hard to solve it, but no one got the answer, not even Gilbert.

A few months ago, Faleon and the royal army came to this labyrinth with orders to conquer it. Faleon and his two brothers who were almost as strong, then along with the royal army that could be said to be of sufficient strength, broke through to the 4th floor without any serious problems.

But once they reached the fifth floor, they were faced with powerful monsters far beyond their expectations, [Chimera] was one such monster. They stopped in the middle of the road and retreated with all the remaining personnel. The fifth floor killed 70% of all the soldiers Alestein had sent.

After calming his friends down, Tifania, Layla, and Rizu sat together leaning against the labyrinth wall while exhaling a heavy sigh of relief. They did not expect to calm the crowd of people who were panicking turned out to be quite tiring.

"Huh.. calm down is very difficult yes, these are."

"Ahahaha, that's how they are."

"..."

Layla and Rizu chatted to let go of their fatigue, but Typhania did not, she was obviously thinking about something out loud. He realized there was something less than the disciples, I don't know what it was.

"Tifania, what's wrong?"

"E-eh!? A-a-what?"

Typhania who was thinking about something was surprised when Rizu asked like that. Panicking, he was confused as to what he would answer.

"Your face looks weird."

"Ma-time?"

"Oh, you're right, Rizu. Typhania, what's wrong with you? Is there anything unpleasant?"

"N-no, I'm fine, ahahaha..."

Laughing wryly, Tifania said that. Hearing their best friend's reply, Layla and Rizu were relieved. They may have thought that Typhania was still a little frightened by the appearance of the creepy [Chimera], but it was not. Tifania thought of something that stuck her mind so that it made her confused.

While the other disciples chatting with each other dispelled the gripping atmosphere just a moment ago, Typhania thought of the reason why the [Chimera] was not chasing them, instead, even though with this distance the creature can easily catch, tear and eat them.

'Why isn't that [Chimera] chasing us? Doesn't [Chimera] have a very keen sense of smell and hearing? What's the reason for stopping?'

As he thought about it, he accidentally saw a man sitting estranged from the others curled up. He stood up and walked over to the man.

As soon as he arrived, the man looked as terrified as he had just seen something so terrifying. His body trembled violently, his hands and forehead letting out cold sweat that poured down, his eyes were clearly drawn with great fear. Tifania patted the man on the shoulder slowly and asked him in a soft voice.

"Rei, why are you curled up like that? Not like you usually are. What's up?"

The man is Rei Shawnhold, one of Riyan's oppressors. He was surprised when Tifania patted him and asked him that. His face lifted up looking at Tifania's brown eyes. His fear slightly disappeared just looking at the girl, but he immediately ducked staring at the stone floor again. Typhania who saw it was confused.

"Hey, what's wrong? Is there something that makes you uncomfortable?"

The second time asked by Typhania, Rei further lowered his head. He did not dare to raise his face and look into the eyes of Typhania. While exhaling, Tifania straightened her bent body to confirm Rei's condition and stepped away from the man.

"If you don't want to say it, I won't force it. After all, I don't have that kind of authority."

Instead of being angry or anything like that, Typhania was such a person. If someone doesn't want to tell you something he's asking, he won't force it. Typhania is a girl who does not like to impose her own will. It was rare for him to ask selfish things for himself, even to his family.

Hearing that, Rei who had been silent, finally relented and started to raise his voice with a small volume.

"I. saw..."

Two words were thrown from his mouth, making Typhania stop her steps and turn her eyes to Rei. He waited for the next words to complete the two words into a solid sentence. A few seconds later, Rei continued his words.

"Riyan.. The loser fell and didn't catch up..."

Degh's!

The sentence that had been composed of the two words was now complete, but Typhania heard something shocking from Rei. Suddenly his heart was pounding and anxiety, fear, worry, and other negative feelings invaded his mind. Cold sweat began to pour from his forehead to his hands.

"That's a lie, right?"

Not believing Rei's words, Tifania asked to confirm the sentence she heard. In response to the question from the girl, Rei again lowered his head. Then, Typhania realized what made her uncomfortable since then.

"Why didn't you say it sooner!?"

The disciples were shocked by the almost unheard scream of Typhania. Gilbert, who heard the cry of Typhania, walked over and asked.

"What's up, Typhania?"

Typhania did not reply, but instead walked straight to the place where she placed her wand and took it. After which, he stepped his feet into the passageway they had passed just now in panic looking at [Chimera]. Gilbert was startled and immediately pulled Tifania's hand to stop her.

"Tifania, what are you doing?! Do you want to deal with that monstrous monster?!"

"I'll save Riyan..."

"Huh?"

In an instant all the attention of the students was seized because of the sentence thrown by the girl. They were confused to hear Typhania's words, and even Gilbert was confused by what he said.

"What do you mean, Typhania?"

Gilbert who did not understand what Typhania was saying asked with a puzzled and astonished expression. As Gilbert and the other disciples were astonished at Typhania's words, Rei was still curled up in fear on the cold stone floor.

"You guys are always like this! None of you have ever cared about Riyan! Never thought that he was among us all! Then because of that, none of us are aware that Riyan disappeared somewhere! I didn't know this before, did any of you realize this!?"

The loud cries of Typhania made all the disciples there open their eyes wide. Their views looked at each other and moved in different directions to prove the words of Typhania. Moments later, they realized that what Typhania was saying was true.

Gilbert who had just realized this was suddenly shrouded in fear and worry. His body suddenly trembled, his hair was goosebumps, cold sweat dots broke through his skin pores slowly.

YOOOOOOOOOO!!!

A loud roar resounded from the passageway to the passageway and finally reached their ears. Hearing the intimidating giant roar, the disciples were again shrouded in intense fear. Even Gilbert looked terrified.

After that, Typhania again stepped with his legs that had stopped because they were held back by Gilbert without caring for the big roar. He walked with unbearable feelings of annoyance and sadness. He does not understand why the loss of existence of Riyan until it is not realized by all of them, including himself.

"Wait, Tifania!"

Gilbert immediately grabbed hold of Tifania's hand once more to stop her after successfully suppressing her own fear. Typhania immediately turned around and was about to yell at Gilbert, but he said he saw Gilbert's seemingly regretful and serious face.

"I'll go with you. Although I'm sure we won't be able to defeat the monster, but at least we can get out of this labyrinth without any casualties."

"So, you mean you want to help Riyan with me?"

"Yes. Even if I hate her, it doesn't mean I should just leave her. As his classmate, I wouldn't let him die, even if that guy was a jerk."

Hearing this, Typhania was shocked. He knew that Gilbert had started hating Riyan since Riyan had revealed his true plan, but he had no idea that Gilbert still had the will to save him. He's a little happy to mix, but there's no time for that.

After that, he took his hands off Gilbert's grasp and walked back with the back he showed the entire disciple. The pace was quick, like someone who was in a hurry, because it was true.

"Let's go."

"Yes." Yeah."

"Wait!"

Just as Gilbert wanted to catch up, one of the disciples stopped the two of them in a loud voice. The two students looked back. When they turned their heads, the other disciples had stood up while holding their respective weapons and magic staffs with a hint of fear still attached to them. Seeing this, Tifania and Gilbert were shocked.

"We did hate the boy, but we didn't hate him that much to the point of wanting to kill him. Riyan is one of us, one of the heroes summoned to this world. Leaving a peer just because his opponent was too strong, it was an extremely despicable act for a hero. Isn't that right, Gilbert?"

The words of Johan made Gilbert and Typhania fall apart. Knowing that no one wanted to leave someone, even though he was the weakest and most useless person among them, they both smiled happily.

"Then let's hurry, we save Riyan!"

""Yes!!""

In response to the cry of Typhania, the entire disciples ran as fast as possible to the place where the monstrous monster, the [Chimera] was located. Indeed fear and anxiety enveloped them, but at least they had someone reliable in this kind of situation. That guy is... Gilberts.

With the leading position, Typhania ran with all her might, followed by Gilbert and the other students from behind.

'Hold down, Riyan, we'll help you!'