However, checking the personal stats panel in the Adventurer's Manual didn't reveal any noticeable attribute changes.
Whatever.
Even if it was just an illusion, at least he'd genuinely enjoyed it as pure culinary delight.
"How's your body feeling after eating that? Any side effects?" Gauss asked Aria, who had stood up beside him.
Aria placed a hand on her stomach, carefully assessing her physical condition before shaking her head.
"Other than being stuffed, I don't seem to be experiencing any of those uncomfortable symptoms like before," Aria replied, sounding equally surprised.
He stored the freshly cleaned Mimic Chest shell and its two rows of sharp teeth in his Storage Bag.
The chest body itself could hold other supplies, so it didn't take up much extra space.
Both the chest body and teeth were quite durable, making them valuable trophies he couldn't just leave behind.
After thoroughly searching the platform's surroundings and extracting a few ancient silver coins from between the floor tiles, the satisfied pair climbed back onto the path using vines and platforms on the opposite side from where they'd come.
Urfen demonstrated his incredible leaping ability with several powerful jumps between platforms, landing steadily beside them.
With stomachs full and energy restored, the team set off again.
Gauss recast [Gauss Field] on himself, Aria, Urfen, and Eck.
This had become his habitual practice in the wild - every few hours, before the spell expired, he'd dismiss it and recast fresh protection.
Though mana-intensive, this method minimized the risk of being ambushed during protection gaps.
Besides, the ancient Mimic Chest meat they'd eaten was still steadily providing nutrients and energy.
Their footsteps grew lighter and more energetic as they navigated the lush second level of the maze.
*Crack!*
Gauss stepped back swiftly.
A moment later, an oversized Venus flytrap snapped its serrated leaves shut on the ivy-covered wall beside them, the edges still quivering.
"Knew it," Gauss chuckled.
After half a day in the maze's second level, he could now predict where such ambushers might lurk.
This seemingly dreamy, verdant space concealed countless dangers beneath its beautiful surface - strange plants, aggressive flora, and all manner of insects.
Far more treacherous than the desolate first level.
He recalled the adventurer team attacked that morning outside. Their decision not to venture into the second level, even after finding the entrance, had been wise.
Given what he now knew, that non-professional team would have struggled to leave unharmed.
Even the weakest monsters here possessed exceptional stealth and aggression.
No wonder the Labyrinth Guide recommended only basic adventurers explore the first level, explicitly suggesting the second level and below were for true professionals.
"Magic Missile!"
After creating safe distance, Gauss pointed his staff at the carnivorous plant.
A deep blue missile struck precisely where the flytrap rooted into the stone wall.
*Boom!*
The giant obstruction exploded, scattering green chunks and sticky sap everywhere.
"Carnivorous Plant ×1 slain"
"Total monsters slain: 1,501"
With this kill, Gauss unlocked his 25th ordinary monster entry in the Monster Encyclopedia.
It became the 25th because earlier, he'd slain a [Giant Beetle] for his 24th entry.
"Acquired title [Carnivorous Plant Hunter]. This title upgrades with more kills."
"Current effect: Bane"
Generally speaking, when detected beforehand, most plant-type low-level monsters weren't particularly challenging.
Even without Gauss's ranged magic, a few solid strikes to the roots with a long weapon could finish them.
The key, of course, was "detecting them beforehand" - crucially important.
Gauss increasingly appreciated how vital perception attributes were in the maze.
Looking at the [Empathy Bracelet] on his wrist, his initial inclination to sell it for money was shifting toward keeping it.
At least during his maze explorations, it proved immensely useful.
Wearing it not only helped avoid dangers but also led to extra treasure finds.
He could always sell it later.
Passing the flytrap remains, Gauss inspected carefully but found nothing valuable. After some hesitation, he collected several unidentified spherical objects (possibly seeds or fruits) into his Storage Bag.
The team pressed forward, pushing through dense leaves with rustling sounds.
"Another signpost ahead."
They reached an open area resembling a hall.
There stood a familiar-looking weathered sign with illegible carvings, accompanied by an ancient stone bench.
Having traveled for some time, Gauss and Aria sat on the bench to rest.
Through recent experience, Gauss confirmed that eating Mimic Chest meat provided temporary strength and stamina boosts lasting about two hours.
Perhaps long-term consumption, combined with his [Energy Storage Gland], could gradually enhance his physique?
He had that intuition.
"Gauss, look over there!" Aria suddenly turned while sitting, spotting something unusual behind them.
Following her pointing finger, Gauss saw a deep green pavilion—or perhaps a large birdcage—woven from dense vegetation.
A hazy green energy membrane surrounded it, making details indistinct from afar.
What was that?