"Captain, you can't possibly fathom how extraordinary you were just now. When the ice wolf unleashed that icy mist, all of us could distinctly sense our vitality ebbing away at a rapid pace. Yet, with a single strategic maneuver of yours, you deftly averted that impending crisis. Just moments ago, I engaged in a meticulous recollection. Had I been in the position of the captain, I pondered what course of action I would have taken... After much contemplation, I could conceive of only one solution, and that was to beat a retreat!" Anya remarked, supporting her chin with a single hand.

  "Anya, do not overlook the fact that we are situated within the boss's chamber. In this scenario, the option of retreating simply does not exist," Fess admonished.

  "Oh dear! I very nearly forgot!" Anya exclaimed, giving her head a gentle tap.

  "Well, that implies that I was truly at a loss for a solution. Fess, were you able to come up with anything?"

  "I'm afraid I couldn't think of anything either." Fess awkwardly rubbed his nose.

  "So, this precisely underscores the extent of Captain Kenley's prowess! Despite having known Orphen and Tek for a considerable period, we do not possess an exhaustive familiarity with their magics and skills. Yet, in his very first venture of teaming up with us, Mr. Kenley comported himself like a battle-seasoned hero. Not only does he possess an intimate knowledge of each of our skills, but he has even taken my personality into consideration. I must admit, Captain, you are truly exceptional," Anya expounded once more.

  The Priest Orphen nodded in agreement. "I concur wholeheartedly. Just moments ago, Anya was still intent on continuing the attack. Had Captain Kenley not arranged for me to remain by her side, there is a high likelihood that Anya would have been transformed into a veritable icicle."

  Anya playfully stuck out her tongue. "Thank you, Orphen. If it hadn't been for you, there's a real possibility that I might have remained there indefinitely. Hehe!"

  The Priest merely offered a smile and refrained from further comment.

  Just then, Tek also voiced his thoughts. "I must admit, Mr. Kenley, I am somewhat taken aback. Given that you are not a Cleric, your profound knowledge of Cleric magics is quite remarkable. I wonder, did you perhaps once form an adventure party with a friend who was also a Cleric?"

  Kenley offered a faint smile and retrieved a large Sun Cross pendant from within his bosom. "The reason is that I am an Honorary Paladin."

  "What?! You, you are an Honorary Paladin! Could you be the very individual that our teacher spoke of some time ago..." Tek seemed to have made a sudden realization.

  "Precisely." Kenley did not demur.

  "I see... Nevertheless, I hold you in the highest regard. Your ability to commit so much information to memory without forgetting a single detail not only attests to your prodigious memory but also serves as a testament to your remarkable intelligence. The fact that you were able to devise the appropriate countermeasures within such a brief span of time during the heat of battle is truly commendable. I must say, Mr. Kenley, you are a most deserving Honorary Paladin. I, Tek, am utterly convinced!"

  "That's not all, Master. There is still one matter that Master has yet to elucidate. He recently instructed us mages to employ the Fire Wall to nullify the ice wolf's Ice Spikes."

  "Yes, I recall having attended classes in the academy where the teacher explicitly stated that the Fire Wall cannot be utilized in the same manner as the Fire Shield. (Note: The Fire Shield is a single-person defensive technique)," Anya interjected.

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  Guinevere was evidently intrigued as well. "I too would be keen to hear Mr. Kenley's explanation."

  At this juncture, Kenley furrowed his brow. "Have none of you discerned the underlying principle?"

  "Discerned? Discerned what?" Everyone exchanged a puzzled glance.

  "Indeed, the Fire Shield can be employed for defensive purposes. However, both the Ice Spikes and the Fire Wall are composed of water and fire elements. By their very nature, water and fire are mutually antagonistic. When the Ice Spikes pass through the Fire Wall, the two elements come into conflict, thereby naturally nullifying the attack of the water element. Do you comprehend?" Kenley patiently elucidated.

  "Is this not the very principle of mutual restraint that we studied in class? But what bearing does it have on the Fire Wall's ability to serve as a defensive measure?" Anya seemed to be on the verge of a realization.

  Kenley slapped his forehead in exasperation. "You are all being far too dogmatic. Just because the teacher decreed that the Fire Wall cannot be used for defense, you have blindly adhered to that dictum without question? True wisdom is gleaned from practical experience, Anya. Have you not learned anything from the recent instance where the Ice Spikes were neutralized by the Fire Wall?"

  Guinevere's eyes lit up with understanding. "I see. Mr. Kenley is suggesting that we approach the matter from a different perspective. Indeed, in our daily practice, we have become so accustomed to regarding the Fire Wall as a means of blocking and hindering the enemy that we have never considered its potential as a defensive magic. As a result, we have unwittingly fallen into a misconception. Thank you, Mr. Kenley. I have derived great benefit from this insight."

  "Master is truly remarkable! Despite not having specialized in magic, he exhibits a deeper understanding of it than many practicing mages. Master, how would you feel about studying magic together with Tia? Tia would be delighted to instruct you! With your exceptional magical aptitude, Master, it would be a great pity not to pursue the study of magic!" Tia eagerly proposed.

  Kenley offered a gentle smile. "Tia, let us defer the discussion of magic study until we return. For now, let us focus our attention on the present situation."

  "Very well!" Tia replied with a sweet smile.

  "I see! Now I understand why you opted for the Fire Wall instead of the Fire Shield. So that's how it is..." Anya exclaimed, as if a light bulb had gone off in her head.

  "Mr. Kenley, your erudition and wealth of experience are truly awe-inspiring. Mr. Kenley, please accept another bow of respect from Orphen." Orphen, appearing as though he had just had an epiphany, once again bowed deeply to Kenley. Even Tek was influenced by the gesture and followed suit.

  Kenley waved his hand dismissively. "Thank you, but let us reserve the words of praise until we have successfully emerged from the trial labyrinth alive..."

  In truth, what Kenley had just expounded upon were mere commonplaces within the realm of PK. It was simply that these individuals had been overly dogmatic in their approach. They had accepted without question whatever their teacher had imparted, never once venturing to explore alternative perspectives. Reflecting on those professional gamers, one could appreciate that they possessed a far greater repertoire of strategies than what he had just shared.

  Glancing at the open door, Kenley stepped forward. "Well, let us put an end to this idle chatter for now. We should proceed to the next floor."

  "Very well, I, Fess, shall take the initiative to assume the second battle position." Fess promptly followed suit.

  The others immediately fell into step behind them.

  The second floor of the labyrinth had been successfully cleared!

  ...

  Thanks to Kenley's astute leadership and the enthusiastic and proactive cooperation of the entire group, the third floor of the labyrinth was also successfully navigated with relative ease, encountering few significant obstacles. Although there were several instances where they narrowly escaped peril, they ultimately managed to extricate themselves from danger.

  Next in line was the fourth floor, which was also the level that demanded the utmost vigilance from everyone: the Inquisition of the Holy Heart.

  This was the final hurdle on the path to the fifth floor.

  There was no combat on this floor, yet its significance could not be overstated. Upon pushing open the door leading from the boss's room on the third floor to the next level, the group was greeted by a floor that resembled a tranquil lake.

  Vaguely, they could make out their own reflections on the surface of the floor. With each step they took, ripples would radiate outwards like the waves of a pond, creating a truly enchanting sight.

  "What sort of trial awaits us on this floor?" Anya mused, her gaze fixed on her own shadow on the ground, unable to suppress her curiosity.

  Just then, a terrifying sight unfolded before their eyes. The Anya reflected on the ground was staring back at her with a malevolent grin!