Thus the Boy Runs Through the Labyrinth ~The Story of an Ordinary Boy Who Ended Up Punching Heroes, Demon Lords, and Even Gods~ – Chapter 14

Day 2

“Yo, newbies, good morning. How’d you sleep?”

“I’m sore, but even more so, the two brats you trained are fucking dead.”

“They’re breathing, good. Today we head into the labyrinth from the morning. Go kill some monsters. Target: 20.”

“That’s double what it was last time.”

“What, you wanna go for a run instead? I can have you running until sunset.”

“Fine, I’m going.”

“You three, your target is 30.”

“I think I’m gonna puke.”

Seven trainees eliminated, 15 remaining.

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Day 3

“Whoa, whoa, a pile of corpses. Are these guys actually dead or what?”

“Says the one who killed them.”

“Well, what can you do? Today’s a rest day. Pushing your body non-stop will kill you too.”

“…Instructor, what’s with that thick book?”

“While your body rests, engage your brain. The more knowledge you have about monsters, the better it will serve you.”

“Well, classroom learning is better than flirting with death…”

“Also, if you screw up the test, I’ll kill you.”

“Can’t you do anything without betting your life on it?”

Five trainees eliminated, 10 remaining.

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Day 4

“OI! What are you sleeping for, you worthless brats!!!”

A powerful kick to the abdomen jolted Ul awake amidst groans and vomiting.

On the training ground, Guren had declared they’d be doing one-on-one combat. The result was an absurd situation where all remaining trainees were VS Guren in a mock battle. And then, mere seconds later, Ul lost consciousness.

When he woke up, it was a scene of carnage. The only ones around were those writhing in pain. How on earth it had become like this was beyond Ul’s comprehension.

“You useless trash can never become adventurers! Get up already, you piles of garbage.”

He didn’t even have the energy to protest, *‘I can’t get up.’* Judging by how consistently his right leg was being kicked, Guren planned to kick everyone awake in turn. Terrifyingly so.

*‘Wouldn’t it be better if he just kept kicking me like this?’* such thoughts crossed his mind, but then there was movement.

“…Mmmph.”

Someone got up. It wasn’t Ul. It wasn’t any of the other trainees. Silver hair that refused to be dulled by the mud, a beautiful girl, Shizuku. Of course, Guren showed her no mercy either. He struck her, kicked her, and sent her sprawling onto the ground.

But she got up faster than anyone, and though her face contorted in pain, she glared at Guren with steady eyes.

“…A girl has more guts than all of you pathetic losers.”

“Sing, pierce, ice!”

A strange chant with her hands pressed together, and then, a blade of ice was born. Several sharp icicles danced in the air, precisely targeting Guren, and flew straight towards him. It was magic cast without hesitation or mercy. But Guren just smiled.

“Your magic accuracy is good, and your lack of hesitation isn’t bad, but–”

*WHAM!* Guren swung his fist. No special equipment, just a single swing. With just that action, the icicles approaching Guren’s face shattered and scattered.

“…Well,”

Guren shrugged at Shizuku, who stared with wide eyes.

“Your aim is too simple. But more importantly, your magic power is fundamentally lacking. It’s brittle.”

“How do I get stronger?”

“Consume magic, turn it into flesh and blood. Kill monsters, use them extensively.”

“I see… Then,”

She assumed a stance to cast her magic, but in the next instant, Guren appeared before Shizuku, sent her flying with an open palm strike, and knocked her to the ground. She tried to get up, but before she could, Guren followed up. He slapped her, kicked her away, and then crushed her.

“A magician without a wall to protect them is just a punching bag! You got knocked down, girl! Do you even have balls?!”

“…Guh.”

Ul got up. He spat a mouthful of blood and stood, but his brain was reeling, making it difficult to stand straight. Seeing this, Guren snorted.

“Breathe, gather power in your lower abdomen, and expel fatigue.”

He did as he was told. He took a deep breath and exhaled. His lower abdomen felt a little warmer, or so he thought. His unstable body felt slightly better, and he faced forward. Guren’s fist was there.

“Now, die.”

Three trainees eliminated, 7 remaining.

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Day 5, Day 6, Day 7 ———

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