Chapter 111: Minotaur Buffet

They stepped over the scorched remains of the hellhounds, their blackened bodies still emitting wisps of smoke. The ground beneath their feet retained a faint residual heat, the aftershock of the devastating lightning Akira had unleashed moments ago. Leading the team at the front, Akira wasted no time. In pursuit of faster, more efficient advancement, he once again showcased his overwhelming magical prowess—much to the awe and admiration of the girls following behind. He raised his hands, murmuring an incantation under his breath. In the next instant, dazzling magic surged from his palms like a fountain of light. Without even giving the approaching horde of monsters a chance to roar in protest, the spell detonated with unimaginable power. A brilliant light engulfed them, and they were instantly reduced to nothing but ashes—utterly annihilated. The girls witnessing the spectacle widened their eyes in amazement. Just when they thought they understood the extent of Akira's strength, he once again shattered their expectations, raising the bar to yet another impossible height. Throughout the rest of the journey, Akira unleashed wave after wave of spectacular magic. The cavern echoed with radiant bursts, resounding chants, and breathtaking displays. It was like watching a magical performance of the highest caliber—a dazzling feast of power that left the girls both mesmerized and speechless. In just over an hour, the team arrived at the entrance to the 17th floor—the place where the infamous floor boss, Goliath, would be born. As they prepared to pass through the Wall of Sighs and descend to the 18th floor, a sudden change occurred. It began as a low, muffled rumble—so faint at first that it could've been mistaken for a trick of the mind. But the sound grew steadily, vibrating through the floor and the walls, becoming louder and more distinct with every passing second. Cracks began to splinter across the walls around them, spreading like spiderwebs. The ground trembled, and the air grew heavy with tension, as if something massive was struggling to break free from deep within the dungeon. At the same time, deep, raspy breathing filled the air, escalating quickly into thunderous roars that shook the very cavern they stood in. Then it appeared—monsters that would send lesser adventurers fleeing in terror. Their hulking shoulders were covered in rippling muscle, their arms thick and bulging like tightly wound ropes of steel. Every heavy step they took crushed the stone beneath them, leaving behind crater-like hoofprints in the floor. Towering Minotaurs. Copper-skinned and massive in build, the Minotaur was one of the most iconic and terrifying monsters the dungeon had to offer. And this time, it seemed the dungeon had taken their numbers into account—spawning not one or two, but twenty towering Minotaurs before Akira and his companions. "Whoa... What's with all the bull monsters? It's like a Minotaur buffet." Noin said, wide-eyed with excitement, a grin tugging at the corners of his lips. Hearing that, Iska teased, "Maybe it's your mouth, Noin. You've been talking nonstop. Guess you summoned the horde with your voice." Despite the overwhelming number of monsters before them, the girls remained calm. Laughter and teasing continued as if the twenty monstrous beings closing in were no more threatening than a line of practice dummies. Unfazed, Ais took a step forward and asked, "Akira, do you need help?" She had been itching for action—she hadn't hunted a single monster in over an hour. Her fingers twitched with anticipation, her eyes gleaming with fighting spirit. "True," Ryuu chimed in softly, her voice like a gentle breeze. "Akira, you've been casting spell after spell... want us to help clean up this time?" Even as they spoke, the Minotaurs surged forward, crowding into the cavern like an unstoppable tide. They quickly spread out, forming a semi-circle around the team. Their glowing red eyes glared with bloodlust, and their flared nostrils puffed out steam. Their bodies rose and fell with each heavy breath, and their roars echoed violently. The Minotaur was, without doubt, the strongest monster classified under the middle floors by the Guild's threat-level ratings. For normal adventurers, they represented a nightmare. But for Alise and her companions—veterans who had already descended as deep as the 30th floor—these were hardly worth mentioning. The only surprising thing here was the sheer number. Akira, standing at the front of the formation, casually raised a hand and called out with a cheerful tone, "Nah, you girls have come all this way—don't bother. I've got this. Just watch me take care of it in one go. Everyone, step back a bit." As the monsters bellowed and charged, Akira's lips curled into a confident smirk. Ripples shimmered through the space around him and then suddenly, flames began to appear, as if born from the very air itself. They seemed small at first glance, flickering innocently but those who could sense magic would feel the terrifying power surging within. Without hesitation, Akira extended his left hand and gave a gentle wave. Whoosh... Whoosh... Whoosh... In an instant, the flames responded. With a sharp whistling sound, they shot forth like a rain of meteors. A barrage of fireballs streaked through the air, their speed so intense that the space around them distorted with heat. The ground shook with their passage. It was as if time itself had slowed. The girls watched the oncoming inferno in awe as the flames pierced the air like red-hot blades through butter. Even against the Minotaurs' thick hides and formidable musculature, the fireballs didn't falter. They tore through bone, muscle, and flesh alike with savage ease. Then—boom! A series of dull, concussive explosions erupted. The flaming projectiles struck, detonating on impact. Blood and gore burst in every direction as the upper bodies of the Minotaurs were obliterated, their limbs blown apart by sheer force. The lower halves of the monsters now headless and twitching, collapsed to the floor in unison, raising clouds of dust that blanketed the battlefield. In mere moments, the fearsome tide of Minotaurs was reduced to scattered, smoldering remains. The cavern walls nearby bore deep scorch marks, blackened and marred by flame. The sight was both terrifying and awe-inspiring. But what shocked the girls most of all was the fact that this was Akira holding back. He had deliberately weakened the magic's intensity to avoid further damage to the cave. Turning back toward them, Akira wore a carefree smile on his face. His tone was casual, light-hearted—like he had merely swatted a few flies. "Well? Did you see that?" He said, grinning, "Just a piece of cake. Handled in a flash!"