I Built a Beast Empire After Reincarnation-Chapter 33: The Forge of the Ancients - Into the Labyrinth
Chapter 33: Chapter 33: The Forge of the Ancients - Into the Labyrinth
The morning sun shimmered on the horizon as Lucas and Kaela galloped through the outer forest trails, their beasts bounding with powerful strides. Zephyra flew above in lazy arcs, occasionally diving low before catching the winds again, while Thunderfang, Kaela’s electric saber cat, prowled beside Umbra with matching pace. The eastern wind brushed against their cloaks, and the wilderness buzzed with energy.
Lucas opened the system interface with a mental command, eyes narrowing as he scrolled to the Side Quest: Forge of the Ancients.
Side Quest: Forge of the Ancients
Objective: Reach the ancient forge once used by the Carter bloodline. Defeat the guardian and retrieve the Imperial Forge Ores.
Progress: 25%
Bonus Objective: Slay the guardian beast.
Reward:
Ancient Blacksmith’s Hammer
Legendary-tier Crafting Blueprint: Armor of the Skybreaker
Unlock Passive Skill: Forge Bond (Enhances compatibility with equipment made from special ores)
"Looks like we’re getting close," Lucas murmured, eyes bright with anticipation.
"You think this hammer’s gonna be better than the last one you stole from that goblin king’s vault?" Kaela teased.
Lucas smirked. "That one shattered. I’m hoping this one lasts longer than ten swings."
He tapped over to his Status screen.
Lucas Carter - Level 29
Class: Beast Emperor
HP: 4800/4800
MP: 3200/3200 freewёbn૦νeɭ.com
Primary Skills: Aegis, Beast Fusion, Identify, Tactical Command, Predict, Summon: Umbra/Zephyra
Passive Skills: Leadership Aura (Major), Strategic Intuition, Adaptive Learning
"We’re almost level 30," he said aloud. "There’s probably something waiting at that milestone. Maybe a class evolution. The system’s been quiet, but something tells me it’s big."
Kaela leaned back on Thunderfang, stretching. "Whatever it is, I hope it includes some spa time."
...
Two Hours Later...
They arrived at a cliff face overgrown with vines and moss. But as Zephyra circled above, the winds revealed a stone arch half-buried in dirt. Runes glowed faintly beneath layers of dust. The Beastkin warrior approached, brushing moss away.
"This is it," Lucas said. "The Labyrinth."
The moment his palm pressed against the rune-etched stone, Angel’s voice whispered in his ear.
[System Update – Side Quest Modified]
"Boss located within labyrinth: Aranevra, the Widow of Iron. Eliminate her to access the Imperial Forge Ores."
Lucas exchanged a glance with Kaela. "A spider. Of course."
...
The stone doors creaked open, revealing darkness thick enough to swallow sound. Lucas lit a crystal lamp, and they proceeded down the narrow corridor. Faint scuttling noises echoed.
Within an hour, they faced the first wave—mutated cave lizards with jagged armor plating and venomous tails. Kaela charged into the fray with Thunderfang, her twin axes flashing. Lucas hung back, using Tactical Command to boost his damage output and speed.
He unleashed Zephyra’s wind blades from the rear, slicing through the lizards before they could flank them.
Wave after wave tested their endurance—bats that screamed magical interference, worm-beasts that tunneled and attacked from beneath.
By the fifth chamber, both Lucas and Kaela were covered in grime and ichor.
"I’m gonna need a new outfit after this," Kaela grunted, leaning on her axe.
"Let’s hope there’s a forge waiting for us at the end," Lucas quipped.
...
Finally, they entered a vast cavern lit by natural luminescence. Glittering ore veins lined the walls, but the centerpiece was a massive nest of webbing. At its center, a bloated, chitin-armored spider rested—its eyes glowing red, mandibles clacking in anticipation.
Aranevra, Widow of Iron – Level 35
Lucas flinched. "This thing’s five levels above us."
{Angel} chimed in: "Statistical advantage doesn’t guarantee victory. Strategy prevails."
Kaela cracked her knuckles. "I’ll pin it down. You break it."
The beast lunged first, spitting iron-threaded webbing. Thunderfang leapt sideways, dragging Kaela out of range. Lucas summoned Umbra, and his gauntlets materialized around his arms with a glow.
Zephyra soared above, distracting the spider with rapid aerial cuts. Aranevra shrieked, legs scuttling, trying to skewer the dragon midair.
Lucas waited for the right moment, dodging a swipe, then activated Beast Fusion with Zephyra—his daggers appeared in hand, brimming with wind.
Critical Strike!
He landed a blow on one of Aranevra’s legs, severing it. The spider shrieked.
Kaela slammed her axe into the abdomen from behind, forcing the creature to rear up.
The battle lasted nearly twenty minutes. Lucas issued buffs mid-fight. Umbra shielded Kaela when she was knocked down. Thunderfang bit deep into joints.
Finally, with a cry, Lucas and Kaela struck simultaneously. The daggers severed the beast’s head. A burst of light erupted.
[Boss Defeated – +1 Levels Earned]
(Lucas Carter – Level 30 Kaela – Level 30 Thunderfang – Level 30 Zephyra – Level 30 Umbra – Level 30)
The nest dissolved, revealing a vault beneath, glowing with Imperial Forge Ores.
{Angel} whispered again: "Congratulations. The forge awaits, Emperor Carter."
Lucas stepped forward, eyes gleaming. The forge would be theirs. But what secrets did level 30 truly unlock?
