The festive season passed, and the new calendar year 1015 arrived.
Only two days into the new year, the snow and ice began to melt.
However, the thaw was often colder than the snowfall itself. Even Gauss, whose constitution resisted the cold, had put on several extra layers to keep warm.
"Knock, knock, knock!"
Gauss was tidying up and preparing to head out to train his magic, brute strength, and swordsmanship when someone knocked on the door.
When he opened it, Alya was standing outside.
"Happy New Year."
"Happy New Year."
The weather had been so cold these past two days that Alya had stayed home without going out.
This was the first time the two of them had met since the new year began.
Gauss welcomed her inside.
"Is something wrong?" Gauss asked curiously.
There was still some time before the scheduled day to gather and carry out the commission.
"I have some huge news!" Alya could barely hide her excitement. "I just heard about it when I went out to buy meat for Ulfhen and the others!"
"Don't rush. Take your time."
Gauss poured her a cup of hot black tea and gestured for her to drink first.
Alya sat down in a chair, raised the ceramic cup, and took a sip. After calming herself a little, she continued.
"Near the Forest Capital, Barry, someone discovered a newly emerged underground labyrinth just these past two days!"
"Oh?" Gauss's eyes lit up.
This really was explosive news!
A labyrinth was different from the dungeons he had experienced before. It was larger and had multiple levels. A unique ecosystem could even form inside one. The challenges were more difficult, but that also meant more monsters, traps, and potential treasures.
A newly emerged labyrinth would inevitably attract countless adventurers from the