The Tables Turn
Most of the Red Dragon Group had never been to a maze before. As they traveled, they couldn't help repeatedly glancing at the wondrous scenery of the lush world on the second floor.
Shrubs shifted as they moved, while vegetation enveloped them on all sides. Even a deep breath seemed to fill them from within with the vitality of plants.
But this wasn't simply the effect of the scenery. On a deeper level, they were being stimulated by the Natural Magic Power that permeated the maze.
Gauss walked at the head of the group, controlling a dozen or so "water serpents" as they slithered ahead along the walls of the surrounding passageways.
Any monsters or beasts hidden in the grass were mercilessly strangled the instant the water serpents passed by, leaving pools of blood on the ground and walls.
Enemies that occasionally appeared from the flanks or behind them were quickly dealt with by the rest of the group.
Although powerful creatures like the adult Spider Demon Gauss had first encountered could be found on the maze's second floor, most of its inhabitants were low-tier monsters or creatures with low Challenge Levels.
The majority of their group were professionals, and they were led by him, a fighter with transcendent abilities. Their force was vastly overqualified for exploring this place.
As they charged recklessly through the maze, they soon entered the first "restricted zone."
Gauss narrowed his eyes as he looked at the surroundings, but the corners of his mouth slowly lifted.
There was something familiar about the atmosphere around him.
Although the location had changed, and even the scenery was mostly different, he still sensed a similar feeling.
He twitched his nostrils.
A foul odor was mixed in with the rich herbal scents.
The smell was faint,