I, the Weakest Human, Start with a Hundredfold Bonus Talent?

Chapter 126: Chapter126-Mine Labyrinth

"H-How could this happen?"

Upon hearing Elaria's explanation, everyone's expressions changed drastically.

They had felt something was off these past two days.

John had claimed he wasn't feeling well and hadn't shown up.

Even when Lily offered to heal him, John refused.

Now it seemed that Elaria had been imitating John's voice to respond.

"This is too risky! That dungeon was opened with a [Legendary] quality item, and John went in alone. Isn't that a death sentence?"

"But John said that the dungeon only allowed one player to enter. I wanted to go with him, but he refused."

"Elaria, if John really said that, he was probably lying to you..."

Lily sighed and continued, "John might have said that just to keep you from joining him on this adventure."

"How could that be..."

"It might be related to the [Divine Emissary] or [Apostle]. John probably didn't want us to follow him into danger. He's always been that kind of person. But this is too impulsive.

There's no need for John to open the dungeon at this time. The [Divine Emissary] did make an appearance, but it was just a probe.

As long as we stick together, they can't just come and kill us all, right?

There must be a reason that forced John to take this risk.

Elaria, have you heard John say anything strange recently?"

Upon hearing this, Elaria fell into deep thought.

Strange things—almost everything John said had elements she didn't understand.

But if it was the most peculiar...

"Before John left, he mentioned that one of his friends was terminally ill. He said that person was very important to him and that he had to find a way to stop it. Could that be the reason?"

"That's most likely it. But does John have any friends we don't know about?"

Since they had been traveling together almost every day, if John had such a friend, he would have introduced them to the group by now.

"Elaria, did John mention any other details? Like the identity of this friend or where they are now?"

Elaria shook her head helplessly. "John only said that one sentence. I asked for more details, but he didn't answer."

"Then there's nothing we can do..."

Helena bit her lip, her heart full of worry for John.

She felt both sad about John's abrupt departure and a bit upset with Elaria for keeping it a secret.

But thinking about it, she realized she might have made the same choice if she were in Elaria's position.

"Anyway, at least John is safe for now. We should trust him. If he encounters real danger, he has that teleportation scroll he bought, which can break through restrictions and be used in an emergency. He'll be fine."

Seeing the group looking lost and despondent, old Mac stood up and continued, "John went alone to protect us because we're still too weak to help him. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, we should use this time to improve our own skills!

Now, an opportunity has arisen with the sudden appearance of the mine labyrinth. It's the best chance we have.

I may not have much chance to advance anymore, but you all are still young and full of potential!

If you don't want to experience something like this again, get your spirits up and go to the labyrinth to become stronger!

When John returns, let him see how much you've grown!"

Hearing this, Exiled Immortal and Qing exchanged glances and sighed.

"Uncle Mac, we know you're trying to encourage us, but you're really not good with words. This kind of thing is better left to John."

"What should have been an inspiring speech loses its passion coming from you, old Mac."

"Stop nitpicking, you two. Just understand my point, okay? I'm just a blacksmith; I'm not eloquent."

"Uncle Mac is right. Since this has happened, we should trust John and believe he'll return safely. And we need to push ourselves harder too!"

Despite most of them having awakened their talents a second time, their combat abilities hadn't improved significantly.

Their talent skills were still hugely draining, often causing them to faint immediately after use.

The weaknesses of their original talents hadn't been resolved either.

Qing's survival ability, the space Exiled Immortal needed to use his talent, and Lily's chanting speed—all these issues still existed.

As for Helena.

Among the four, Helena was the only one whose talent hadn't undergone a second advancement, causing the gap between her and the others to widen.

In fact, on the current power ranking list, Helena was the only one not in the top ten.

John was ranked first, Exiled Immortal second, Qing fourth, and Lily seventh. Each of them had their own proud abilities.

Exiled Immortal had powerful crowd control abilities, Lily had large-scale destructive attacks, and Qing had unparalleled personal strength.

Only Helena was gradually falling behind the pace and rhythm of the group.

Although she didn't want to admit it, Helena was often the one everyone instinctively protected, which pained her deeply.

She didn't want to be a burden, nor did she want her companions to get hurt because of her.

But this was the reality.

Whether it was the Dragon Hunt operation, the battle against the Shadows of the Past in the mine, or even earlier, resisting monsters in the Deep Forest, once the fighting started, she would instantly become invisible.

There was nothing Helena could do about it.

...

Meanwhile, in the Underworld

John felt his heart racing, his expression growing increasingly grim.

The door had opened, but who was it?

Hades?

No, that couldn't be right.

If it were Hades, this was his palace.

He would have sensed John's presence immediately.

But if not him, who else could navigate Hades' palace without getting lost?

A multitude of thoughts raced through John's mind until he heard that familiar voice.

"Falms, I mean no harm. Don't look at me like that. You know we're on the same side. You're Hades' watchdog, and I'm the master's servant.

Why should we make things difficult for each other?"

That voice—it couldn't be mistaken—it had to be [Deception]!

But...

Why was [Deception] here?

"A lowly demigod, daring to consider himself my equal? Have you stayed in the abyss so long that your mind is damaged, [Deception]?"

"Say what you will. Where is your master? Has he not returned yet?"

"Hades has gone to the divine mountain and won't be back for a while.

But if you think you can do whatever you want in the underworld just because Hades isn't here, I advise you to drop that idea."

The dragon opened its mouth and spoke in a clear voice, obviously warning [Deception].

"Don't worry, I'm just here to find someone. Once I find them, I'll leave quickly. By the way, Falms, have you sensed the presence of a human?"

"Are you challenging the dignity of the underworld?!"

Something [Deception] said caused the dragon to suddenly rage, its deafening roar exploding behind John. Just a wall away was an enraged dragon!

"No human can survive in the underworld. [Deception], you better watch your words, or I won't hesitate to turn you into a pool of stinking blood!"

"If you can, go ahead and try."

[Deception] curled his lips into a confident smile, as if everything was under his control.

John couldn't understand where [Deception] got the courage to repeatedly provoke this dragon.

Even at his peak, [Deception] probably wasn't a match for the Dragon of Death and Sin.

What was the source of [Deception]'s confidence?

"Are you challenging me?"

"A dragon that should have been majestic and revered by thousands, now reduced to this pitiful state.

Stripped of your godhood and true name, imprisoned in the underworld, constantly subjected to the erosion of the underworld's aura, causing your scales to decay and your flesh to rot.

Heh... Drystan, this must be a bitter experience, right?"