While the two of them were having lunch and busy cuddling with each other. The world outside all had their eyes on the news regarding the Labrinth at the city center of Aston City.
Many big leaders and important figures had all their attention on the Labyrinth. All the news channels and media platforms were showing live news and updates about the labyrinth.
When the ninth engraving of the Labyrinth's door was lit up. It was an epic moment for everyone.
After the news from the Polaris city raid. Everyone had the general idea about how terrifying the Labyrinth can be.
No one knows just how powerful the monsters of the top floor are yet. Many powerful groups and parties from different cities also entered the Labyrinths to clear it. It was like a competition between big wigs of the cities. If Aston City clears the Labyrinth first their influence will increase. Cause they will be the first to know the secrets of the Labyrinths.
Although some parties from other cities also managed to clear up to the 5th floor it was still shameful for them. As they had to use a raid party of 50+ people all the time.
But the Labyrinth of the Aston city was being clear at a rapid pace by a solo Awakened. Leonard Drake.
Because of this news, his name started to grow far and wide. Everyone wanted to get to him first. Such a strong awakened, why would no one want him?
Many strong guilds and influential families from the southern sector wanted Leonard Drake.
All the preparations were being done just to get him to join them. It was a tough competition.
The Guilds who wanted to enter Aston city to entice Leonard Drake were shunned by the mayor and the big families.
Shidou Clan was also involved in this. So many didn't dare to offend them and could only give up.
Inaka Shidou also wanted to get Leonard Drake to join them.
"We have to do everything we can to get him to join us. Don't let the others get to him first." Inaka said to her secretary with a grave voice. This was a serious matter. After being rejected by Shin, Inaka tried to get as many powerful awakeneds as she could. But that was not enough. Many people joined the other guilds of the Shidou clan.
Yes, when Inaka had said others her competitors weren't limited to outsiders but also insiders. The Shidou clan is very big and influential so they have a lot of members in it.
They had prepared a test for their younger generation to create their own guild and made them compete with each other in a race to get the most resources. This way they can decide on the next heir of the clan. Of course, this also helped them get to increase their influence and power. With also those Awakeneds and resources which they collect.
Inaka was one of those younger generation candidates. So she was also hell-bent on this. She couldn't lose to her other siblings and cousins.
"I have already obtained whatever information we can get about him. Mam. Now we can only wait until he comes out of the Labyrinth." Hearing Sophia's words Inaka nodded and sighed. She was indeed right they can't do anything about it.
"What do you think? Do we have a chance?" Inaka asked Sophia her secretary with a grim face. She obviously knew the answer.
"Our chances are very slim," Sophia replied with her head held down.
*Haah*
Inaka sighed.
"Well, I expected as such. If only we could have had him join us. He just had to be a member of such a powerful clan." Inaka shook her head sideways. 'There is no point thinking about this. We can only try out luck here.'
Sophia looked at Inaka's stressed expression and felt sad. If only there was some way she could have helped her boss. But she can't do anything about it.
After all their guild didn't get much support from the clan as much as her other siblings got.
Inaka put down her pen and stopped working as she looked out of the window to see the sight of the evening sky.
***
Alfred was busy with his work. As he had to manage many things and contacts from many associations.
"Yes Yes, the information is correct. The ninth floor is cleared. We have confirmed it."
*Beep*
Alfred put the call to an end and sighed.
"I'm tired. Just many calls do I need to attend." As they were big corporations he can't put an employee to this task. As they would want to talk with someone who is in a higher position in the company and the call will naturally end up with him.
"It's all because of him." Alfred gritted his teeth as he thought of Shin. Naturally, he was very proud of his son in the morning but by now. He is very annoyed.
"Because of his deeds, my workload increased so much. I might need to do overtime because of him." Alfred's boss Stuart had delegated this task to him.
"I want a big bonus for today's work," Alfred muttered with a serious face.
"But really, who even is this Leonard? I know Shin used him. But was he acquainted with him?" Alfred murmured while reading the information for Leonard once again which he has read countless times today.
"Whoever he is. I pity him."
*Tring*
As another call beeped Alfred's face turned ugly.
"Just why? I thought I'll take today easy and go home early." Alfred bitterly took the call and again repeated the same words which had been done all this time.
Alfred had already memorized all the information on Leonard by now.
"Yes, we will keep on updating," Alfred said and put down the call.
He sighed and looked at the TV screen in front of him. It was showing Nine bright engravings.
His face turned serious as he was in deep thought.
"Are you going to clear the tenth floor now Shin?"
"Be careful my son," Alfred muttered as another call beeped irritating him.
'Tsk'
***
Shin and Alice finished eating and headed towards the gate to the next floor. On their way, Shin explained his powers to Alice to which she listened very seriously.
She also explained her powers and skills. At least the things which she knows about.
'I see. So she doesn't know much about her Queen transformation and since last time she hasn't been able to use it.' Shin thought as he listened to Alice's explanation.
Shin was very interested in Alice's Queen transformation. As he also saw how powerful her powers and her summons were.
'She also looked kinda hot.' Shin said inwardly as he thought of her Queen form. She was very mature, unlike the current Alice.
'Her figure was also nice.' As Shin was thinking that he saw Alice frowning.
"What happened?" He decided to ask her.
"You are thinking something dirty, aren't you?" Alice said with a questioning look. She didn't look like she was joking one bit.
Shin gulped and feel cold sweat on his forehead. What should he say? 'All her transformations are a part of her. So I didn't do anything wrong.' Shin thought and replied with a confident smile.
"Is there anything wrong if I think about my girlfriend in that way?"
Alice blushed and held her head down. She didn't expect Shin to retort so confidently.
"... It's not wrong," Alice muttered meekly.
"Sorry I didn't hear you," Shin said while grinning inwardly. He wanted to tease her a bit.
"I said there's nothing wrong about that," Alice said in a high pitch although in a shy tone.
Shin laughed inwardly.
"So what does my girlfriend think should we do about this." Shin continued teasing her.
"Tonight okay," Alice said meekly with her head held down.
Her face was completely red with embarrassment.
Shin understood the meaning behind her words and stopped teasing her. He didn't this conversation to lead to that. But who was he to refuse?
"Okay." He uttered softly.
Alice's face turned even redder. She was very happy.
As the awkwardness continued for a moment both of them reached the gate to the next floor.
Both of them were serious now. This wasn't the time to first anymore. They were not fools to let their guard down on the next floor. With experience, both of their personalities were also changing.
"It's time for the next floor. Are you ready?" Shin asked Alice.
"Yes, I am." She replied seriously.
Both of them entered the Tenth Floor.
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