" The number one thing we need for the next round is a device called ' pathfinder ' " Max said as he addressed the group.
The second round was basically a labyrinth race to the centre where everyone started from the same distance from the portal.
There were N number of permutations and combinations possible to get to the centre, but on average one would need at least 17-20 hours to find the path.
In this round, there were no restrictions on inventory which meant that Max and group could use any item that they wished for.
Max advocated for the use of the tool called the ' Pathfinder ' , because he had used the tool in his past life during dungeon explorations and knew the effectiveness of the device.
" Isn't pathfinder a device which just calculates geometric positional data? ". Anna asked, being aware of the machine in question.
" Yes, the pathfinder is a device that does not allow the user to roam around in circles in labyrinths by giving an alert when one takes a turn that is headed towards an already explored direction.
While it won't be as fancy as some other dungeon tools, with the pathfinder we can blindly start rushing through the labyrinth without fear of making wrong turns, and clear the trail through sheer speed run". Max tried to convince the others.
" How much does it cost? " Sebastian asked, as although he did not know the exact cost of the device he knew that buying one won't be that cheap.
" 10 million gold ". Max replied as a sharp hiss went throughout the group.
Technically it was 2.5 million gold each and although it was an astronomical sum, Max and Asiva could barely afford it because of the Saint Maximus backing, whereas Anna had the money in spare, but Sebastian could not bring out that kind of money because he had no backing and no supporter behind him.
" I have about 6 mil ". Anna said after a minute or so, trying to break the silence.
" I- I have 200k ". Sebastian said as he put all of his savings into this
" I have 2 mil ". Asiva said nonchalantly
" I'll fork the difference ". Max said as he took over the sourcing problem.
As Max tried to go onto the forums to bid for the item, he realised that he was not alone in trying to obtain the item as he saw nearly 7 bids from fellow students.
Not wanting to miss-out on the limited stock of the item, Max knew he needed to contact the professionals as he reached out to his platinum card service executive, transferred him the funds and some premium to help him secure the item.
As expected the seven seas bank had deep contacts with other chambers of commerce and although there were 11 bidders and only 3 units for sale, Max managed to secure one unit at a discounted price of 9.8 million gold.
Max tipped the butler generously and then returned Sebastian the 200k he forked, because although Max's own personal savings dropped below a million after this purchase, he could not see his friend become penniless.
With the purchase complete, the team took the next two days to sharpen their skills and recover from the fatigue of the last round, as finally 3 days later the round 2 of the tournament officially started.
***********
( 72 hours later )
[ Varsity Notification - Welcome to the labyrinth race, first 16 teams to get to the centre wins the race!
Goodluck! ]
Max held the pathfinder in his hand and treated the dark gold rated device with absolute care as the group started to sprint through the initial corridors of the labyrinth without caring much as to what turn they were taking.
Right off the bat, Sebastian who was the most advanced man stepped on a trap and caused arrows to be shot towards the group, as Max had to take one arrow straight into his right arm inorder to protect the pathfinder in his hands.
-230
" Agh damnit". Max cursed as Asiva pulled the arrow out of his hand, and applied ointment as Max drank an HP potion to regenerate
" Be more careful guys " Max said as the group trotted with a little more vigilance afterwards trying to make sure that they did not trigger more disasters.
Ofcourse it was a pipedream as the labyrinth was designed to create trouble for players at every turn, as the group experienced everything from poisonous snakes, crushing walls, rolling balls, instant pits of death, and sudden fire pits.
By the time the one hour mark passed the initially sprinting team were walking cautiously and in formation as they expected disaster at every step.
Despite the slow pace of walking, the group was currently 4th closest to centre and although there was a long path still to cover, the pathfinder helped them to not make any wrong turns and keep progressing in a set direction.
The device was a lifesaver, because there were many turns that the group took which felt natural to them, however, it was the pathfinder that reminded them that it was a wrong turn.
Navigating the labyrinth without one would have resulted in absolute disaster, as the group praised Max everytime the device corrected them from making a mistake.
Just as they took one more turn the group could hear faint whispers coming from down the tunnel ahead as Sebastian put up his hand as a signal to halt.
There were players ahead, and it was both an opportunity and a danger, because should they confront the group and kill a single member, they would send the whole group back to the starting point, however, should they confront the group and get one of their own killed, they would be the ones to be teleported back instead.
Staying hidden and doing nothing was always a safe option, but naturally the predatory group were not the ones with such a cowardly mentality.
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/// A/N - This bonus chapter has been sponsored by patron Cervantez91.
Please thank him in the comments ///