In the Shadow of the Dragon: Isekai Adventure

Chapter 13: The Abyssal Dungeon – The Cartographer’s Secret



Labyrinth Exploration: The Forbidden Abyss and Its Treasures

A Secretive Invitation

Li Ran and Darkmoon Dragon Princess had long established themselves in Alva City, earning a reputation far beyond that of ordinary adventurers. As S-rank adventurers, their skills and influence made them ideal candidates for high-stakes missions.

This time, they were approached by Regnas, the Guild Master of the Adventurers' Guild, with an offer they couldn't refuse—a top-secret exploration mission within one of the most heavily restricted dungeons in the land.

The labyrinth was known as The Forbidden Abyss, a mysterious ruin that housed treasure chests containing magic stones—precious resources sought after by entire nations. These stones held as much strategic importance as Mythril Steel, the rare metal mined in the royal capital, Carosso, or the FireStones harvested in the Yanling nation.

Due to their immense value, the Forbidden Abyss was under the joint jurisdiction of both the state and the Adventurers' Guild. Any exploration had to remain highly classified, and only the most trustworthy individuals were permitted entry.

But even reaching an agreement to explore the labyrinth was a bureaucratic nightmare. The kingdom's strict regulations, coupled with endless approvals and security measures, made the entire process unbearably slow.

To make this mission possible, Regnas had used every bit of his influence to persuade both Lord Casalain, the governor of Alva City, and Duke Kadar, the kingdom's finance minister.

Duke Kadar, a greedy noble obsessed with wealth, was particularly eager to capitalize on the magic stone deposits within the labyrinth, pushing hard for its development to maximize his own profits.

With the approval secured, the mission was officially set in motion.

A Meeting with the Guild Master

Li Ran and Darkmoon Dragon Princess found themselves once again summoned to the Adventurers' Guild office, where Regnas wasted no time in delivering yet another lengthy speech about the privileges of being an S-rank adventurer.

"As an S-rank adventurer, you're entitled to exclusive access to top-tier intelligence, high-ranking missions, and national-level assignments. This isn't something just anyone can—"

Darkmoon Dragon Princess, seated across from him, gave him a cold, sharp glance and interrupted,

"Get to the point."

Regnas cleared his throat awkwardly before finally getting to business.

"The Forbidden Abyss Exploration Mission. This is a rare opportunity."

He explained that this was one of the most significant breakthroughs in years, as this mission would not only expand the depths of the labyrinth but also provide the Guild with newfound resources and political influence.

Li Ran's eyes immediately lit up with excitement.

"A dungeon expedition? Count me in!"

His instant agreement left Regnas speechless for a moment. He let out a sigh and muttered,

"And here I was preparing to give a full speech to convince you… what a waste of effort."

With a resigned chuckle, Regnas unfurled a detailed map of the labyrinth, pointing to its current exploration progress.

"The Guild has only managed to map out the first three floors, but anything beyond that remains uncharted territory. Even within the first three levels, there are unsearched areas that remain unexplored."

"Additionally," Regnas continued, "you won't be going in alone. You'll be accompanied by a specialist—someone perfect for mapping and navigation."

At his words, a small-statured figure entered the room.

The Master Cartographer – A Halfling's Gift

"This is Neo, a halfling cartographer," Regnas introduced.

Neo was a short and agile man, wearing a pair of round glasses, giving him a sharp yet mischievous look. His small stature allowed him to slip into tight spaces, making him an ideal dungeon scout.

"Cartography is my specialty," Neo said, adjusting his glasses with a smug grin. "I'll be handling the mapping of the dungeon, and if we run into trouble, my first priority is survival. So, don't expect me to fight—I leave that to you two."

Li Ran raised an eyebrow. "That's… refreshingly honest."

Neo laughed. "When you spend your days crawling through ruins, you learn that staying alive is the first rule of success."

With their team now assembled, Li Ran and Darkmoon Dragon Princess spent the rest of the day preparing supplies for the expedition.

Their descent into the Forbidden Abyss was about to begin.

The First Floor – Slimes and Goblins

The next day, the trio gathered at the designated entrance, where they exchanged brief greetings before stepping into the dark, ancient labyrinth.

The first floor was relatively straightforward, occupied mainly by Slimes and Goblins. For ordinary adventurers, these creatures posed a significant challenge.

But for Li Ran and Darkmoon Dragon Princess, they were no more than pests.

As they advanced through the unmapped areas, they eventually stumbled upon a massive chamber, filled with adventurer corpses scattered across the ground.

At the center of it all was a monstrous entity—an enormous Slime, its gelatinous body pulsating with dark energy.

Darkmoon Dragon Princess narrowed her eyes.

"This isn't an ordinary Slime. It's far stronger than expected."

Without hesitation, battle erupted.

The Battle Against the Giant Slime

• Darkmoon Dragon Princess deployed "Moonlight Barrier", reducing the Slime's perception and reaction speed.

• The Giant Slime retaliated with "Corrosive Ooze", turning the ground into a deadly acidic swamp.

• Li Ran executed "Dimensional Rift Slash", using his Severance Blade to cut through the Slime's core.

• However, the Slime rapidly regenerated, its gelatinous body reforming instantly.

• Darkmoon Dragon Princess launched "Moonshadow Claws", directly targeting the Slime's magic core.

• The Slime countered with "Elastic Crash", attempting to engulf Li Ran, but he dodged skillfully.

• Li Ran used "Spatial Fracture", severing the Slime's regeneration ability, preventing it from restoring itself.

• Darkmoon Dragon Princess unleashed "Shadow Devour", encasing the Slime in dark energy, sealing its magic flow.

• Li Ran and Darkmoon Dragon Princess combined their ultimate moves—"Endbringer's Strike"

• The devastating attack completely obliterated the Giant Slime, reducing it to nothing but dissipating magical residue.

With the battle over, Neo swiftly completed the first floor's map, noting down every corridor, hidden passage, and potential hazards.

As the trio caught their breath, Li Ran looked toward the looming staircase leading deeper into the abyss.

"This is just the beginning…" Darkmoon Dragon Princess murmured, gazing into the depths of the dungeon.

Their exploration had only just begun, and the secrets of the Forbidden Abyss awaited.


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