The Primal Hunter Chapter 1245 - Minaga’s Awesome and Illustrious Labyrinth Complex Dungeon-5

Standing before the dungeon's entrance, the trio faced the gate as Minaga addressed Jake and Casper.

“Make sure to jot down notes and deliver a thorough report when you're finished, okay?” Minaga instructed. “In particular, you, Jake. Entering with a fresh perspective and your special talent for exploiting and wrecking any decent dungeon, your insights ought to be utterly destructive but one-of-a-kind.”

“To be honest, I'm not sure if you truly desire my feedback,” Jake grumbled.

“Desire isn't quite the right term,” Minaga replied, shaking his head. “Yet at times, hearing unwelcome truths is essential for growth. Just deliver your thoughts politely, and everything will turn out alright. The issue rarely lies in the feedback but in how it's presented. Communicate respectfully, demonstrate empathy and appreciation for the effort invested, and criticism becomes beneficial. It's also more impactful that way, since appearing harsh will make the recipient defensive and unwilling to heed your words.”

Jake gazed at Minaga briefly before shifting his attention to the gate. “I'll pass along all my observations via Casper. Unless you've flooded the area excessively. In that case, I'll happily act like a total jerk.”

“That's entirely reasonable, and rest assured, I'm not so inept,” Minaga responded, folding his arms.

“I'd have strongly objected too,” Casper added. “Excessive water is dreadful, and battling within it is miserable. Plus, life and water often intertwine, creating a tough setting for my spells. With life essence infused in the water, converting life to death proves much more challenging than normal, so even my skills that leverage life energy get severely weakened.”

“How involved were you in building the dungeon?” Jake inquired, intrigued. He'd assumed Casper had focused on powering up and setting up the Risen Island back on Earth.

“Not very,” he admitted, shaking his head. “Like Minaga mentioned, I mainly offered consultations and occasional tips. He handled all the core building and layout, but my input was sufficient to earn me some profession levels along the way.”

Jake gave a nod as a new idea occurred to him. “By the way, how tough is it to advance your profession? Don't you need to create or upkeep dungeons for experience?”

“I do,” Casper confirmed with a nod. “But it's manageable. I've constructed a few small dungeons independently and oversee several minor connected realms, which provide steady experience. My class is the one trailing more, since carving out time for hunts has been tricky amid all the other duties.”

“Judging by your level, it doesn't look too rough,” Jake remarked after casting Identify on his longtime companion.

[Risen: lvl 333: Divine Blessing of the Blightfather]

Jake truly couldn't recall Casper's prior Blessing. He doubted it was divine, but uncertain, he chose not to mention it.

“Nah, I didn't claim it was awful, only that time has been scarce,” Casper said with a shrug. “To bond with Lyra, I've done some hunting lately. Actually, while my levels might lag a tad, Lyra compensates more than enough. You'll witness that soon enough inside.”

“I suppose so,” Jake agreed, then faced Minaga. “Anything more before we go in?”

“No hazard compensation,” the Unique Lifeform warned. “And try not to perish. It turned out fine for a mutual friend, but I doubt you'd relish the ordeal.”

“I wouldn't call it dying traditionally; it was more like a ritual self-sacrifice that turned me into a Risen,” Casper explained helpfully.

“I meant Lyra, but fine,” Minaga stated flatly.

“Then I can tell you Lyra absolutely hated dying as well,” Casper replied, his expression stern enough to force Minaga to drop the topic.

“Anyway, that's everything from me! Take notes, avoid death, and above all, enjoy yourselves!” Minaga exclaimed, attempting to clap Jake and Casper on the back, only for his hands to pass right through them again.

With a nod, Jake placed his hand on the gate alongside Casper.

You have discovered the dungeon: Work-in-Progress, unauthorized visitors or personnel not allowed.

Requirements to enter: Minaga

Requirements to enter not met.

WARNING: Only 5 challengers are allowed per party attempting the dungeon.

“Minaga, didn't you claim the dungeon was prepared?” Jake demanded, shooting the Unique Lifeform a glare.

“Oh yeah, I overlooked switching it on. Hold on,” the scatterbrain replied, gesturing with his hand. “Give it another shot.”

Jake exhaled and touched the gate again, triggering a new message this time.

You have discovered the dungeon: Minaga’s Awesome and Illustrious Labyrinth Complex Dungeon-5: Test Run 1

Requirements to enter: Lvl 325+

Requirements to enter met.

WARNING: Only 5 challengers are allowed per party attempting the dungeon.

At last, it functioned properly, and overlooking the ridiculous name, Jake regarded Casper. “Ready?”

“Absolutely,” the Risen affirmed, and promptly, Jake confirmed the entry as they vanished, pulled into Minaga's probably dubious invention.

--

Minaga remained outside, arms folded, grinning as the pair stepped into his dungeon; yet right before departing, a dreadful epiphany struck him.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

“Oh no,” he uttered, eyes widening. “Oh, no no no…”

Too late now, he grasped the grave blunder he'd committed. Pacing anxiously, panic surged in his thoughts after dispatching them prematurely into the dungeon.

Fists clenched, Minaga hoped Casper might salvage things, though he suspected not, given the massive oversight on his part.

Shutting his eyes, he could only wish for their forgiveness and survival as he summoned a vital overlooked item with a wave. An object he dreaded they'd suffer without, but now, he merely sighed in regret.

“My apologies,” he murmured, staring at the tome in his grasp. “Especially after all that hard work…”

Minaga wondered if he'd ever absolve himself upon realizing… he'd completely neglected to hand over the companion novel, which offered essential backstory for the dungeon and featured captivating tales to immerse challengers in its lore.

--

Jake's eyes fluttered open, his sphere expanding to survey the area swiftly. Next to him, Casper performed a similar scan, clearly probing the nearby terrain somehow.

One fact stood out: they occupied a secure zone of some kind. Inside a modest cabin shielded by a magical barrier, they stood, and Jake's Pulse of Perception revealed enormous walls soaring beyond visible heights—the Labyrinth's onset, he figured.

Reviewing the entry notification, Jake inclined his head.

You have entered the dungeon: Minaga’s Awesome and Illustrious Labyrinth Complex Dungeon-5: Test Run 1

Objective: Uncover the true purpose of the Grand Labyrinth’s construction.

“This matches what I'd anticipate from Minaga's descriptions,” Jake whispered.

“Indeed,” Casper agreed, approaching a cabin window to peer out. “This starting hub serves as a secure spot for rest after accessing the fifth dungeon. It's designed for strategizing and healing during the run, since the barrier persists even when we exit, offering a reliable haven unless we're fighting. During combat, it blocks passage, even for us.”

Stepping beside Casper to gaze outside, Jake probed the Risen on his knowledge of the site.

“Know where to go first? And what sorts of foes await?” Jake questioned.

“We target the heart of the developing Grand Labyrinth,” Casper replied. “Regarding enemies, expect those involved in the building efforts.”

“Humanoid types, then,” Jake acknowledged. “What's the projected duration? Reaching a central boss in the Grand Labyrinth sounds straightforward and swift.”

“No clue on the time, and oddly, I suspect it won't wrap up as quickly as you wish,” the Risen replied, shaking his head.

“With Minaga involved, likely,” Jake breathed out. “Also, how sure are you against B-grades?”

“Quite sure; I've slain plenty. I depend on Lyra a lot, admittedly, but I manage fine,” Casper stated. “And you? Rumors say you've tackled numerous B-grades, including one mighty scaled beast infamous for its heavy breathing.”

“That's a rude take on dragons. Though I won't argue,” Jake laughed. “Since you brought it up and Minaga knows about my True Dragon kill, dare I guess the end boss outstrips a fresh-evolved True Dragon? He did imply I might struggle.”

“Couldn't say, but even if true, you're not solo this round,” Casper grinned. “I'm no match for your strength, but I can assist greatly. Curses excel at hindering even mighty beings, so I can soften tough opponents for you. Plus, curse magic's drawbacks—like risking allies—won't apply to you.”

“Fair point, and I'm eager to witness a true curse-wielder in action,” Jake admitted, truly interested in Casper's capabilities at his power level. “Like you noted, I have a knack for curses too, but I scarcely tap that side of my Path beyond thrusting at foes.”

“For what it's worth, my curses mostly aid in stabbing folks too,” Casper laughed, shaking his head.

“Hey, I might pick up a trick or two,” Jake said with a shrug. “Now let's move and see Minaga's setups.”

“Agreed,” Casper said, and together, they left the cabin, beholding the distant Grand Labyrinth. Just outside, Casper scowled, prompting Jake to glance his way.

“What's wrong?”

“Nothing major, but confirm we both missed any journal Minaga surely intended for us in there?” the Risen queried.

“Didn't see it at all,” Jake confessed honestly. He'd dismissed the cabin's contents as junk, including the journal now visible via his sphere.

“Excellent, a key insight that even top-tier Perception might overlook such an item if not prominently placed. Had it 'dropped' near the door, we'd have spotted it instantly, but on the nightstand? Way too subtle,” Casper beamed.

“Why does it seem you and Minaga clashed on this, and you think you've triumphed?” Jake murmured.

“We did, and victory's mine,” the Risen chuckled.

Jake merely shook his head as they advanced toward the Grand Labyrinth. From afar, the walls' bases hid from view; only their lofty sections extended endlessly upward. Even squinting hard, Jake couldn't discern the peaks.

Crafted from dark metal, the walls seemed impenetrable. Jake noted scattered round openings, likely for later navigation. He suspected these gaps tied to the ongoing build phase, not the final design.

Cresting a hill after some walking, they viewed the Labyrinth's foundation. Jake quickly located a ground-level entry, validating his hunch that the round holes differed from prior dungeons' completed versions.

Yet Jake's interest shifted to the figures milling below. Their forms looked strange, gleaming oddly in the sun, but Identify clarified it.

[Aginian Construction Golem: lvl ???]

“Golems?” Jake blurted, astonished. “And Aginian… echoes Minaga's name a bit closely, huh?”

“Intentionally,” Casper groaned. “They hail from the Aginian Empire, a made-up group Minaga partially named after himself. I warned the title was too blatant, but he insisted few would catch on. Like how folks overlook backward-spelled nods to real things.”

“Honestly, I might side with Minaga; many ignore or miss such hints,” Jake said, shaking his head. “But facing golems—doesn't that hinder you?”

“What do you take me for? I've adapted to such foes,” Casper dismissed with a shrug. “Anyway, varied enemies await deeper, and these are mere basic builders. Living targets appear ahead.”

Jake nodded, relying on Casper's life-detection prowess. As a death-attuned Risen, he sensed vitality across wide ranges, stronger beings more readily.

“Ready to begin clearing?” Jake proposed. Still distant, the golems dotted sparsely, allowing isolated takedowns.

“Your offhand tone makes me think these barely qualify as threats to you,” Casper sighed, shaking his head. “If so, mind if I handle them? I'll gain experience, and you'll observe my skills better. Plus, perfect chance to draw from my curses, as you wanted.”

Jake eyed the golems once more, tempted to test a quick kill, but relented, knowing opportunities abounded later. “Alright, show me your stuff.”