Thanks for the invitation. I'm in Type-Moon, inheriting the legacy of Zi-O.

The one who holds hands tightly, the beast hidden deep within the labyrinth.

The Minotaur, as recorded in Greek mythology, is a monster with the head of a bull and the body of a man, wielding a double-edged axe, hidden deep within the labyrinth and untouched by anyone, until finally killed by Theseus.

This is the fate of the monster in front of you, but even knowing everything about this monster's past will not help you in this battle.

"Ugh... Ugh...!" Watching his powerful claws being gradually pushed back by the opponent's double axes, Nian Zhuo couldn't help but smile bitterly to himself, "This guy's strength is truly outrageous..."

"Beep beep—" The long-lost sound rang in Nian Zhuo's mind. "The numerical information of the enemy in front of you has been analyzed. Would you like to view it...?"

"Eh...who are you...oh, it's the system?!" Because the other party had been missing for so long, Nian Zhuo had almost forgotten about its existence. "By the way, how come you can suddenly analyze enemies this time? Didn't you only have the function of distributing tasks and rewards before..." Just as Nian Zhuo was talking to the system in his mind, the Minotaur under him keenly noticed the opportunity for Nian Zhuo to be distracted.

"Ughhhhhh!" "What—?!" The double axes instantly broke through Nian Zhuo's suppression, and then the monster's tall body threw a large axe into the air and clenched its fist to smash Nian Zhuo's abdomen.

"Thump—" Without any suspense, Nian Zhuo was once again knocked back. All of this happened in just a few seconds. Even Mashu and Drake, who were covering their wounds, did not expect that Nian Zhuo, who was so strong in their minds, was no match for this monster in a clash of power.

Super Strength: The ability of a monster or magical beast, which temporarily increases the user's strength. The duration depends on the "Super Strength" level.

These skills were automatically transferred to Nianzhuo's mind by the system when Nianzhuo was knocked away.

"Strength A++, Endurance A++, I have to admit, this monster is a really tough enemy." Having realized that OOO's power was not suitable for fighting against it, Nian Zhuo took it off the driver from his waist.

“So, how to deal with you…” Nian Zhuo reached into his pocket and rummaged around, then pulled out a watch face that was both green and purple. “…Hmm, this one is definitely better.” He turned the watch face toward the silent monster.

—W.

"Then, Mash and Captain Drake, please lend me a hand!" Twisting the dial, Nian Zhuo could feel the emerald green data stream and the purple data stream entering his body together, constantly repairing the damage caused by the monster.

"Hmph... Pirates don't talk about running away." Picking up his flintlock pistol, Drake adjusted his captain's hat, a wild smile creeping across his face. "Besides, I'm your captain! Since you've defeated me, then as I said, this life is yours to do as you please!"

"Rest assured, Mr. Nianzhuo." Mashu, with her flowing purple hair and carrying a giant shield, stood before the two once more. "This shield will definitely not be broken by the enemy again."

“…Then, I’ll leave the instructions to Ritsuka, okay?” Tilting his head to look at the orange-haired girl behind him, Nencho placed the dial on the driver.

"W!" Then, within the small maze-like path, a turquoise gale enveloped Nian Zhuo's figure.

The purple light stirred the surrounding rubble, while the emerald green gale sucked up stones that had fallen to the ground. It surrounded Nianzhuo as if protecting him.

"Who are you underestimating? I am the Master of Chaldea, Fujimaru Ritsuka!" An energetic shout came from behind. The disappointment and worry had disappeared from Ritsuka's face, leaving only trust in them and certainty of victory.

Since you have entrusted us with this trust, we will certainly not let you down.

Then, a turquoise gale suddenly swept outwards, sending pebbles flying and crashing against the surrounding walls.

Mashu stood in front of Ritsuka and Drake, blocking most of the rubble with her shield, while the rest was shattered by Drake's gun.

Meanwhile, Asterius, with his strong physique and brute strength, managed to swallow the flying stones, like an ant trying to shake a tree, unable to even leave a mark.

But that's not the most important thing. Half emerald green and half deep purple, Nian Zhuo, equipped with W armor, has returned to the battlefield.

"Rider Time! Kamen Rider Zi-O!! Armor Time! Cyclone! Joker! W~!"

Extending his right hand, Nian Zhuo pointed to the monster not far away.

"Come and count your sins." There are no better words than these, and only the hard-boiled detective and the monster of the labyrinth can now enumerate the sins of this berserker.

"...!...!" Seemingly understanding, yet seemingly not understanding, the Minotaur still let out a deafening roar.

He flipped the two large axes in his hands and swung them down at Nianzhuo and the others again.

"Mash, you're in charge of dealing with the enemy berserker's attacks!" Ritsuka gave the order from behind, and Mash appeared in front of Nencho without hesitation.

"Leave this to me, Mr. Nianzhuo!" Mash slammed her shield against the ground, her eyes fixed on the charging berserker, her resolve growing ever stronger.

"—!" Approaching, it swung down. The massive axe blade struck the equally massive shield, erupting in a dazzling burst of sparks.

"Ugh—!" Mashu bit her lip in pain, but she still held on to the shield tightly and did not retreat an inch. "Aaaaaah!" With the determination in the girl's eyes, the shield seemed to be covered with a layer of pure white light.

This time, the girl took the berserker's attack head-on, instead of being knocked away as she had been at the beginning.

"Oh! Oh oh oh oh oh oh!" The berserker, who was already without reason, was not about to let Mash get away from blocking his attack. His arm muscles bulged, and then he slammed the axe blade into the shield like a drummer, making a heavy thud.

"Don't underestimate me!" Then, from behind the shield, Drake stepped out, his high heels slamming into the ground. Leaping into the air, Drake first thrust out his pirate sword.

The cold light on the blade stung the Minotaur's eyes, causing him to stop attacking with one hand and swing the axe at the incoming longsword.

However, the figure wielding the sword was no longer there.

Just like when he first fought against Nian Zhuo, as he watched his pirate sword being shattered by the berserker's axe, Drake's ghostly figure appeared behind him.

"Now, Drake! Fire!" Ritsuka shouted at Drake, "Think to yourself that you can break through his defenses, and the Holy Grail will grant your wish...!"

"Really?!" Drake shouted back, pushing off the monster's back with his legs and leaping in the opposite direction.

Golden light condensed on the muzzle of the gun in his hand.

Without hesitation, Drake aimed at the monster's back and pulled the trigger.

Golden energy erupted from Drake's gun. This time, with the aid of the Holy Grail, Drake was finally able to teach this so-called "invincible man" a real lesson in blood.

The attack pierced the monster's seemingly hard back, leaving two small wounds.

However, the ability to still inflict damage on the enemy in front of them undoubtedly boosted everyone's confidence.

The next moment, the monster in pain behind him immediately turned around and swung another large axe, striking the spot where Drake had been standing.

However, after his successful attack, his opponent had already escaped to safety and was watching him with a smile.

"Then, Mash, hurry up and follow!!" Ritsuka behind her gave another instruction. The monster, which had already turned around, exposed its side to the girl, and Mash, who naturally noticed this opportunity, also raised her shield.

"For the final blow, use 'Flame Fist' on him, Mr. Nencho!" Ritsuka raised her fist high, as if she could already see victory.

"Understood!" Then, in his mind, with the help of the Joker's memory, Nian Zhuo quickly acquired the skills of a fighting expert.

Mash lifted her shield from the ground and slammed it into the monster's side before it could react.

The bones cracked with a terrifying sound, and Nian Zhuo, of course, was not about to let this opportunity pass. His fist, wreathed in purple energy, appeared before the monster.

"This punch is my way of repaying you!" He roared, the data of Joker in his mind transformed into the thought of this strike, and Nian Zhuo slammed his fist hard into the monster's jaw.

"Rider Punch—!" A punch imbued with purple power struck the berserker's bull-head mask hard, lifting its massive body off the ground and sending it flying backward.

"Great! It worked!" Ritsuka couldn't help but shout with joy as she watched the berserker's massive body leave long, thin marks on the labyrinth floor.

However, the cheers abruptly stopped...

Mash and Drake, whose expressions had relaxed, were all noticed by Nencho and Ritsuka.

The berserker, who had been lying on the ground, slowly stood up.

"No...no way." Ritsuka pinched her cheek as if she thought she was dreaming. "Ouch...this isn't a dream..."

"Crack...crack..." came the sound of something breaking. The bull-head mask that the berserker had been wearing finally developed many cracks.

It then shattered completely and fell to the ground.

And the true face of the maze monster hidden beneath the mask was revealed to everyone.

The eternal labyrinthos

The pitch-black bull's head mask gradually crumbled into pieces and fell to the ground.

However, his true face was revealed to Nian Zhuo and the others.

Contrary to popular belief, the berserker's eyes were bright red, but his face appeared soft and harmless.

The monster's jaw, struck by the Nian Zhuo, was now dripping bright red blood from the corner of its mouth.

The monster had countless tiny wounds all over its body, and its breathing became increasingly labored; it seemed that it was only one step away from being defeated.

His body swayed, and he looked like he was about to fall backward.

"That was...that was close...!" Mashu hadn't expected the enemy to be so formidable. Just as she was about to breathe a sigh of relief, seeing the monster regain its footing, she exclaimed, "Eh, how could this be...!"

No, the enemy's strength has far exceeded Mashu's expectations. Even Nencho, equipped with Knight Armor, couldn't completely suppress him. The hope of victory seems to be fading again...

However, Nian Zhuo knew very well that the berserker in front of him was already at his last gasp. He could have used the Wizard's watch to bully the opponent's constitution, which had no magic resistance, or he could have used Zi-O II to understand the opponent's every move and easily win.

However, he didn't want to do any of that.

"Because I am a knight, and exploiting the opponent's weaknesses is not what I (we) pursue." This was the thought of the predecessors who entrusted him with power.

"What we want is for even the enemy to fight freely and enjoyably, and then achieve victory." Nian Zhuo lowered his head, clenched his purple fist, and the power of the Joker surged from within him once again.

"Gulp... Eh...!" Wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, Asterius stood up again. "Ugh... Ugh...!" He gritted his teeth, but his hands still tried to pick up the double axes stuck in the ground not far away.

"He's still alive after taking so many bullets?!" Drake was shocked. He had fired enough bullets in this battle to fight ten times over on the sea, yet this monster could still stand up. "Even a glutton has its limits!"

Clenching his teeth, Asterius stretched out his arm to block the dark road behind him, but did not launch an attack.

“Protect…!” he roared, but the words he uttered were not the shrieks that a monster should utter.

However, Drake still harbored the idea of ​​eliminating the threat completely, and relying on the protection of the Holy Grail within her, she closed her eyes.

"Looks like we'll have to use the snake cannon!" A thick, black cannon barrel appeared out of thin air behind her.

“Once his head is blown off, he should fall down!” Using the Holy Grail, Drake materialized the cannons on his ship and aimed his flintlock pistol at Asterius’s head, ready to pull the trigger.

"Come on—fly to the abyss of hell!" Golden light and scorching energy appeared in the dark cannon barrel.

"Ugh—!" Feeling the scorching heat of the opponent's attack, Asterius still desperately protected the dark road behind him, defying the monster's instinct for survival, gritting his teeth and waiting for death to come.

“…Wait a minute!” A small purple figure ran out from the dark passage behind them.

However, it was too late. The instant she emerged, Drake pulled the trigger.

Inside the cannon, a golden orb of light, carrying intense heat, transformed into a projectile and shot towards the motionless berserker.

However, the golden cannonball suddenly stopped mid-air, unable to move.

A hand covered in emerald green armor grasped it completely.

“…Hoo.” It was Nian Zhuo, whose emerald green hand grasped the cannonball fired by Drake, successfully saving the monster's life at the last second.

"Mr. Nianzhuo...!" Mashu had just recovered from the shock of a little girl suddenly appearing out of nowhere when she realized that Nianzhuo had blocked Drake's attack. "Are you alright...?"

“…” Nian Zhuo nodded silently, and in the center of his emerald green gauntlet, a small gust of wind was enveloping the golden cannonball. “It was really… a close call.”

Indeed, if Nian Zhuo hadn't suddenly thought of using the Cyclone Memory's ability to control the wind to stop Drake's bombardment, the berserker's head should have been completely destroyed.

Even with the help of the wind, Nianzhuo could feel the violent struggle in his palm.

Although the Joker's power couldn't stop it, now that it had been stopped, the cannonball would be a piece of cake for Nian Zhuo.

A purple light flashed across his hand, and then Nian Zhuo crushed the cannonball.