The Shadow Of Fate

The reward room of the Minotaur's Labyrinth was massive, like something out of a dream. The walls were made of ancient stone, carved with runes that glowed faintly, casting a soft light across the cavern. Shelves stretched all the way to the ceiling, crammed with treasure that sparkled and gleamed in the dim light. The air smelled old, like leather and something magical, and there was this strange hum—like the room itself was alive. In the center, on a pedestal, sat a chest with golden locks that shimmered, daring anyone to open it.

Alucard, Iglis, and the rest of the party stepped inside, their jaws practically hitting the floor. None of them could have imagined this much treasure in one place. Weapons of every type imaginable lined the walls—swords, axes, bows, and more—each of them glowing faintly with enchantments. Suits of armor made from rare metals and magical fabrics, mysterious books, potions, gemstones, and ancient relics filled the room. It felt like stepping into a story from another world.

"Look at all this... It's incredible," Alucard said, his voice filled with awe. "This is a treasure hoard beyond even my wildest dreams."

Eleanor's eyes darted around the room, barely able to keep up with all the glittering treasures. "These must be the rewards for completing an S-rank dungeon. No ordinary dungeon would have anything like this," she said, her voice almost breathless.

Aldous crossed his arms, his gaze sharp as he surveyed the room. "Indeed. Only S-rank dungeons have reward rooms like this. This is the stuff of legends."

Alucard turned to Iglis, a proud smile lighting up his face. "This all belongs to you, Iglis. You defeated the boss. You earned it."

Iglis shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "I don't need all of it. Maybe some better armor, an elixir to help with battles, and a book on Eldar magic. The rest is yours. It's obvious you need it more. Your weapons and armor are practically falling apart…except for your rapier, Alucard. Take what you need, and I'll sell the rest."

The group exchanged glances, gratitude clear in their eyes. They nodded and, with a chorus of thanks, began exploring the room. Every item seemed more impressive than the last.

Amabel practically squealed with excitement as she picked up a pair of daggers. The blades were engraved with intricate silver designs that shimmered faintly. "Look at these! Perfectly balanced!" she said, twirling them in her hands.

Eleanor leaned in, her fingers tracing the runes on the blades. "These are perfect for you, Amabel. They boost stealth and give a damage buff when you're hidden. They're called 'Jack the Ripper.' And that armor next to them—it's enchanted to conceal your aura. It's so light, it'll feel like you're not even wearing it."

Amabel's eyes lit up as she grabbed the armor, clearly thrilled.

"What about me?" Alucard asked, scanning the room. "What can I take?"

Eleanor pointed toward a suit of polished silver armor. "You should take the 'Holy Grail' armor. It enhances holy magic and can heal you over time. Perfect for someone like you."

Aldous's attention was drawn to a massive war axe leaning against a pillar. The blade crackled faintly with arcs of electricity. "What about this one?" he asked, his deep voice filled with interest. "Looks powerful."

Eleanor nodded, evaluating the weapon. "That's the 'Storm Breaker Replica.' It's made for brute strength. And that shield next to it—the 'Aegis Replica'—can petrify enemies when you infuse it with mana. But be careful. It's risky. You should also grab the 'Naga Armor.' It'll protect you and boost your endurance."

Meanwhile, Iglis wandered toward a pedestal where a set of armor made from ancient wood was displayed. The wood's grain glowed softly, as if alive. Next to it sat a shimmering elixir in a bottle covered with glowing runes.

Eleanor smiled as she saw him pick up the items. "That's the 'Elderwood Guardian' armor. It's lightweight but incredibly strong, and it enhances your connection to nature. That elixir—the 'Growth Elixir'—will help you grow stronger and master Eldar Magic faster. Only a hundred of those exist. You deserve it, Iglis. You took down the boss."

Iglis nodded, slipping the items into his subspace ring. Despite the excitement, his thoughts drifted. He remembered the strange power he'd felt earlier when holding Iradeus. It lingered in his mind like an unanswered question.

Eleanor's voice brought him back to the present. She had chosen a dark robe and a staff crowned with a gleaming gem. "I'll take the 'Brahman's Magic Robe Replica,'" she said. "It boosts my magic resistance and spell potency. And this staff is the 'Gluttony's Staff Replica,' one of the Seven Deadly Sins. It lets me absorb magical attacks. Perfect for me."

She spotted a stack of parchment with strange runes scrawled across them. "I can't read these, but they might be useful. I'll take them, too."

One by one, the party equipped their new gear. They looked completely transformed, their old, battered equipment replaced with legendary items. Their appearances were striking, their power undeniable. After gathering the remaining treasures into Iglis's ring—including the body of the Minotaur Mother, a prize for the guild—they turned toward the exit.

"Let's head back to the guild," Alucard said, strapping his rapier to his side. A confident grin spread across his face. "We've earned it. Time for a well-deserved promotion."

The labyrinth's dark corridors seemed less intimidating as they walked out, their new gear giving them strength with every step. When they finally emerged into the sunlight, the golden glow bathed their faces. The chirping of distant birds felt like a victory song as they began their journey back.

The Adventurer's Guild was alive with chatter as the group stepped through the doors. Their new armor and weapons gleamed brightly, catching the eyes of everyone inside. Conversations stopped, and heads turned. The room filled with murmurs as the other adventurers gawked at the party's impressive haul.

The guild manager's eyes widened when he saw them. "Back already? And with such incredible gear... I assume you completed the Minotaur's Labyrinth?"

Alucard stepped forward, his grin as sharp as his rapier. "We did. And we'd like to apply for our promotion to S-rank."

The manager's expression softened with respect as he began filling out the paperwork. His hands moved quickly, but his gaze lingered on the group, clearly impressed. Around them, the murmurs of awe grew louder. Other adventurers whispered to each other, a mix of envy and admiration in their voices.

As the paperwork was finalized, the party stood tall. Their journey was far from over, but this was a moment of triumph. With new ranks, legendary gear, and unbreakable bonds, they were ready for whatever challenges awaited them. For now, they'd enjoy the recognition they'd fought so hard to earn.