Auril Gabis.
The developer's nickname that always appeared at the bottom of the loading screen.
Well, I don't know if it's a nickname or his real name, but anyway…
'Why is that name here…?'
It's a bit sudden, but there are two possibilities.
[Compendium of Rifts II]
Either this book was written by a player…
…or it was actually written by him.
If it's the latter, I feel strangely uneasy.
It means that the game developer is somehow closely related to the incident where I woke up in this body.
'Is that bastard really some kind of divine being?'
Anyway, obtaining a clue is a good sign.
Auril Gabis.
If I carefully follow this name, maybe I can eventually find a way to return home.
I repeat, I still don't know anything.
Whether reaching the last floor and opening the Gate of the Abyss again is the key to returning or not.
'I should dig carefully, I might get hurt if I go around asking everyone.'
In that sense, I examine the book closely.
There's nothing special.
There's only a signature on the last page that seems to be the author's, and the book doesn't even have a publication date.
I make sure Ragna isn't around and then tear off a small corner of the page, slipping it into my bag.
'Even just finding out when this book was written would be a big gain—'
What the, it's already morning?
I finish my thoughts and get up from my seat.
I go to the desk and see Ragna dozing off. There's a blanket next to her, so I'm about to cover her with it…
"Hmm."
…when she senses my presence and wakes up.
"Why didn't you tell me? If I had known it was this late, I would have left."
"Don't misunderstand. I was just resting because I was a bit late finishing organizing the books."
A bit late organizing the books?
It's almost time to open the library!
"It's true, so don't misunderstand."
"…Alright."
She insists that it's true, so I just nod and leave the library.
Just before I step out the door, I look back and see her stretching with a tired expression.
"What are you doing? Aren't you leaving?"
Is she actually a kind person?
______________________________
Since it was morning, I just started my day.
As a barbarian, it's the same whether I wash up or not.
'But I should at least eat.'
I enter a random restaurant that's open nearby and have a quick meal before heading straight to the Magic Tower.
"Why is Mr. Yandel here at this hour…?"
"I came to ask you something."
"Make it quick. I'm sleepy."
"There's an open spot for a mage on our team, do you want to join—"
Clack.
Damn it, if you don't want to, just say so.
She's a failure too, I guess.
Whatever, I didn't have any expectations anyway.
"Wait! I have another request!"
I knock on the door urgently, and it opens with a creak.
"Another request?"
"I want to know when this paper was made."
"Hmm? Let me see."
Raven examines the paper I hand her with interest.
But it seems like she can't find anything special.
"I can do it, but why are you curious about that?"
"Can't you just do it?"
"Well, fine. But not for free, I need something in return…"
Raven trails off and then continues as if she thought of something suitable.
"My seniors are quite interested in you, Mr. Yandel, so go and help them out with their research. They've been bothering me lately."
She wants me to offer my body to those perverts?
"…Just once?"
"Yes, it's not that difficult of a request. I'll finish the analysis by the time you come next week. Ah! Right, and please don't come here unannounced at this early hour."
"…Alright."
It's 9:00 AM when I finish my business and leave the Magic Tower. It's a bit early, but since I have nothing else to do, I head to the bar, the meeting place.
Surprisingly, someone is there before me.
"Bjorn! What the! I went to your accommodation, and they said you weren't there!"
"Ah, I was at the library."
"Wha, what? All night…? Don't tell me that's what you meant by business?!"
"What are you talking about? I was reading books thanks to Ragna's consideration."
Misha looks at me with suspicious eyes, even though I'm telling the truth.
She's like a real mom.
"Are you serious...?"
"Why would I lie to you?"
"That's... true. Okay."
Surprisingly, she readily accepts it when I look her in the eye and say something.
It's like a good son wouldn't lie, I guess?
Anyway, as soon as I sit next to her, Misha hands me the drink she was having.
"Try this. It's made from a fruit called tomato, it has a really unique taste!"
I don't know about the unique taste, but something comes to mind when she mentions tomato juice.
"More importantly, what were you trying to say yesterday?"
It seemed like she was about to say something quite important, but we couldn't hear it because Hans B interrupted.
However...
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"You don't remember?"
"Uh, uh... did I say something wrong?"
Judging by her innocent eyes, it seems like she really doesn't remember because she was drunk. I tried asking if there was anything she wanted to say, but to no avail.
"Hmm? I don't think so?"
"I see."
"...Are you mad?"
"No."
There are two ways to make someone angry in this world, but I don't get angry over things like that.
It's not like she did anything wrong.
As I'm using the quiet bar like a cafe to pass the time, my companions arrive.
"Oh, you were here first?"
"I'm sorry for making you come all the way here in the morning because of me..."
The dwarf and Dwarkey appear as a pair, as always. After waiting for a while, Rotmiller also arrives and takes a seat.
And the meeting begins.
The topic, of course, is how to lift Dwarkey's labyrinth entry ban.
"Then let's each share what we've come up with. Let's start with... Bjorn, you go first."
Uh, me first?
It's a nerve-wracking position, but I finish my presentation honestly and concisely.
"I think it's best to find a new companion."
"...What?"
"Of course, finding a mage would be difficult. I asked two other mages, but they both refused immediately."
"...Wa, wait, you already asked other mages?"
"Is there a problem?"
I ask back confidently.
Although the dwarf, who was trying to find a solution, might find my actions disappointing...
Selfishness and altruism are always just a fine line apart.
I was just trying to find a realistic solution for the team, considering the worst-case scenario.
"Someone had to say it, even if it wasn't me. Isn't that right, Rotmiller?"
"That's... true."
Rotmiller nods with a slightly uncomfortable expression as I specifically ask for his opinion.
The dwarf's gaze becomes serious, but...
"Mu, Murad! I'm fine, so relax. Bjorn didn't say anything wrong."
Even Dwarkey says that, so the dwarf shuts his mouth.
"Th, then I'll give it a try!"
Misha raises her hand brightly, as if trying to lighten the mood.
Of course, it's not something worth listening to.
"Go, go ahead, Miss Kaltstein."
"I looked into it, and I heard that the Moselan knights are weak to bribes. How about we gather some money and bribe them?"
She suggests bribery with an innocent voice.
Indeed, that Martoan Baron or whatever probably bribed the knights to screw over Dwarkey.
But...
"Miss Kaltstein, the Moselan knights never deal with non-nobles."
The Moselan knights strictly exclude commoners.
Although most of them are without titles... no, maybe that's their last shred of pride.
"Is, is that so...? I didn't know that. Then next, Rotmiller, it's your turn."
Misha is flustered and passes the turn.
Since it's Rotmiller's opinion, I also wait for his words with some seriousness.
However...
"Honestly, I don't know how to deal with nobles... especially titled nobles, to get what we want. I'm sorry..."
It seems like Rotmiller also hasn't found a proper solution.
However, unlike when it was my turn, the dwarf sighs and comforts him instead.
"How is that your fault? Actually... that's only natural."
No, if he knows it's natural, why did he glare at me?
As I'm grumbling to myself, the dwarf speaks in a quiet voice.
"So, about that... Dwarkey and I thought about it last night..."
"Get to the point."
"How about we go directly to Baron Martoan and talk to him?"
In other words, let's have a showdown.
But there's a serious problem with that.
"How are we going to meet him?"
Most nobles reside in the 1st district, the Imperial City of Karnon. And it's a place where low-ranking explorers like us can't even enter.
It's not just about having a conversation, we live in different worlds.
However, it seems like the dwarf has already come up with a detailed plan.
"There's a tea house that Baron Martoan visits regularly. If we wait there, we'll definitely meet him."
Hmm, if that's the case...
It's definitely not bad.
Regardless of the low probability of the baron changing his mind, there's nothing to lose by trying.
"Then there's no problem. The two of you go."
"Wh, what do you mean? Come with us!"
What is he talking about again?
"It's just a matter of going to plead with him, why do we all have to go?"
"...We need courage! He's a titled noble!"
The dwarf starts whining excessively when I tell them to handle it themselves.
I'm already sighing at his hopeless attitude, but since we have some history together, I calculate the potential benefits.
'With 9 days left, finding a new mage is impossible...'
And if we just find any random person, it will be a pain in the ass unless they're decent.
As expected, it's best if Dwarkey stays on the team.
'And if those two go, it seems like they'll just stammer and come back without achieving anything.'
No matter how I think about it, going there myself seems to have a slightly higher chance of success.
But...
'I don't like meeting nobles.'
Even in the game, I made it a rule to avoid getting involved with nobles as much as possible.
Because there are no decent ones among them—
"I'll give you 300,000 stones no matter how it ends! Each!"
Hmm, that's tempting.
If it's not loyalty pay, I guess meeting a noble once wouldn't be so bad.
_____________________________________
"If that's the case, then meeting him wouldn't be a bad idea."
"Really!"
The dwarf's face brightens up noticeably at my consent.
However, instead of getting swept up in his excitement, I calmly confirm what I need to know.
"So when can we go?"
Even if he's a noble, it's not a world where he can just kill anyone he wants.
Especially if they're a respected explorer.
There probably won't be any major risks, but it's my first time meeting a real noble since waking up in this body.
I also need to prepare myself mentally—
"To, today."
"What...?"
"If, if we don't go today, he won't visit that place again until next month."
Phew, no wonder I wanted to refuse.
But since I already agreed, I confirm other details.
How old Baron Martoan is, whether he's a man, if he has any dislikes, or anything else that would be good to know.
As I'm memorizing various things, time flies by.
"Le, let's go. Like you said, we need to be there early to pretend we met him by chance!"
The baron usually visits the tea house between 3:00 and 4:00 PM.
So we arrive at the tea house at 2:00 PM and wait for the right moment.
How much time has passed?
"Th, that's my second brother."
Baron Martoan appears with his servants.
Does he really come here in person just to enjoy tea brewed by the owner?
Since we won't have a chance to talk to him once he enters a private room, I quickly get up and take the lead.
"Who are you!"
A huge knight blocks our path as soon as we approach.
Dwarkey steps forward as planned.
"Ba, Baron Martoan! It's me! Liol Wobu Dwarkey! Please, just hear me out!"
Dwarkey prostrates himself on the ground, showing submission as I advised.
Baron Martoan, who was having a conversation with the owner, turns his attention to us.
However, his subsequent reaction is completely different from what I expected.
"Dwarkey...? That name sounds familiar."
He mutters as if he doesn't even remember properly.
A man who looks like a butler whispers in his ear,
"The Dwarkey family is the maternal family of the former baron's third wife, Lady Carlina."
"Ah, that's right! So what does someone from that family want from me?"
"I, I… that is, well…"
Dwarkey starts stammering, flustered by the unexpected turn of events from the beginning.
It's my turn to step in, earlier than planned.
"Greetings. I am Bjorn, son of Yandel."
I speak confidently, regardless of him being a noble.
If it were another race, that alone would constitute insulting a noble...
...but barbarians are an exception.
Our ancestors made a great contribution a long time ago and received permission from the king.
"It's been a while since I've had a conversation with a barbarian. It always feels strange."
Fortunately, the baron seems interested in the current situation.
Well, when would these guys ever get to meet a barbarian and be spoken to so casually?
"So what brings you to me?"
"This guy's labyrinth entry was banned after being taken away by the Moselan knights yesterday."
"That's unfortunate. But why are you telling me this?"
Because he said you were the one who ordered it.
'What? Why is he acting like he doesn't know anything?'
At first, I thought he was just making excuses, but at this point, I'm also starting to get suspicious.
And that's when...
The butler whispers in the baron's ear again.
"Hmm, an illegitimate child? Was there one? I see. So you did it..."
"Yes, I didn't report it separately because it wasn't something you needed to be concerned about."
"You did well. It's just a waste of time to know about such trivial matters."
Now that I see it, the baron didn't know anything about this incident, and it seems like the butler handled everything.
"Trivial matters...?"
Dwarkey is clearly in shock, but…
The outcome is not bad.
The fact that they consider it an insignificant matter means that the possibility of achieving our goal has increased.
"Can you lift the labyrinth entry ban?"
"Hmm, why should I?"
The baron tilts his head as if he doesn't understand at all. And what's annoying is that there's no malice in his expression.
His way of thinking is completely different from ours.
'Damn celestial dragons…'
I curse the baron inwardly and contemplate what to do next.
The butler whispers something in his ear again.
I don't know what method he's using, but I can't hear his voice again this time either.
But I can roughly guess what he's saying.
"Huh? What? This is that barbarian?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Hoo, Little Balkan… I've heard the name. The Count mentioned during the banquet two days ago that an interesting explorer had appeared."
The baron looks at me with a completely different gaze than before. His eyes are filled with life, as if he's discovered an amusing toy.
"Bjorn, was it? I'll grant your request if you do me a favor in return."
Ah, uh, hmm…
I didn't expect this situation…
"It's not a difficult request. And I'll give you a sufficient reward! What do you think?"
Somehow, I'm about to receive a second request.
-x-X-x-
The Baron's request was simple.
Some Count was throwing a big banquet in two months, and all I had to do was attend with him.
"Is that all...?"
"Hmm, I'd like you to show off some tricks in front of people. Like bending steel with your bare hands."
In short, he wanted to use me as a trophy to make himself look good at the banquet...
"Can you do it?"
What does he take barbarians for?
"That's no problem."
"Then it's settled."
For reference, the reward for the request was a service fee of 1 million stones and lifting Dwarkey's labyrinth entry ban.
Phew, this is what nobles are like?
Wasting that much money just to show off to others.
'Well, I'll just reap the benefits.'
Even without Dwarkey's issue, it's a good deal.
1 million stones just for playing along for a day?
The smelly sewer request was only 150,000 stones.
"Hmm, alright. Then I'll take care of that friend's problem right away. Think of it as my favor to you."
The baron even showed his generosity by resolving Dwarkey's issue first.
I wondered what he would do if I didn't keep my end of the deal later...
'I guess that's the kind of existence nobles are, where they don't have to worry about such things.'
I'm realizing once again that I have a long way to go.
I've built up some strength.
I've even gained a bit of fame.
But...
'I need to start planning for that side of things too.'
I need to gain power.
Just like in the game.
And just like it's been since I woke up in this place.
Incidents that threaten my life don't only happen in the labyrinth.
_________________________________
The next morning.
We gather at the meeting place again.
It's to confirm whether Dwarkey's labyrinth entry permit has been restored.
"So how did it go? Did that baron keep his promise?"
"I checked today, and there seems to be no problem."
"But why does he look so pale?"
"Huhu, it's just your imagination..."
Imagination my ass.
Could it be that he's so shocked that his half-brother, Baron Martoan, didn't even remember him properly, let alone feel threatened by him?
Dwarkey's mental state has completely collapsed since yesterday.
Well, he's trying his best not to show it...
"Ha..."
Dwarkey sighs deeply several times a day, as if the world is ending.
I hope he comes to his senses before the labyrinth opens.
"Ah, more importantly, here, take this. It's the reward I promised."
"Reward?"
"Didn't you guys come with me to negotiate with the baron?"
Hikurod takes out the 300,000 stones he offered as compensation.
I decide not to accept it.
"Forget it, why are we exchanging money like this?"
"I didn't go there expecting a reward. And besides, negotiating with him was also for the team."
It would be awkward for me to accept it alone when both of them are refusing...
'And it's not like I'll have any problems just because I don't have 300,000 stones right now.'
It's better to consider this a debt.
As we continue to enter the labyrinth, there will surely be times when we exchange favors, give and take, and even have to make concessions.
"Anyway, thank you. It's not easy to swallow your pride as a warrior."
Hmm, well...
Honestly, hearing those words makes me feel awkward.
1 million stones is too much to worry about pride.
"I'll never forget this and will repay you."
"No, why would you repay him? Bjorn, I'll definitely repay this debt tenfold."
"Whoever does it, just do it."
"Hehe, Bjorn is embarrassed!"
What is she talking about? I'm being serious.
__________________________________
There are 8 days left until the labyrinth opens.
What I've been doing during that time is simple.
Besides my usual routine of helping Misha train and reading hidden books at the library...
"It's paper made 150 years ago."
I found out the production date of [Compendium of Rifts II].
It's just ordinary paper that was commonly used back then.
'Phew, what the hell happened 150 years ago?'
The time when the game started.
The death of the first king.
And the time when this book was written.
Many questions keep overlapping with the period of exactly 150 years ago.
'It can't be a coincidence.'
There must be some kind of connection between those events.
That's all I've found out so far, but...
It's at least given me the motivation to move forward.
'I need to focus on researching the history of 150 years ago.'
Who brought the players here?
What was their purpose, and who the hell is Auril Gabis? If I keep gathering clues, maybe I can eventually uncover the secret.
Anyway, onto the second thing.
"Uh, uh... we're doing that...? No! It's not that I don't want to, but it's a bit sudden..."
I opened a bank account at Alminus Bank.
And we designated each other as beneficiaries in case of death.
We plan to deposit a portion of the money we earn together into this account and use it as a shared fund.
"In that sense, let's put all 2 million stones we earned this time into this account."
"Eek? All of it?"
"You don't have any immediate use for it, do you?"
"Ugh... you're not planning on using it for something strange behind my back, are you?"
"What do you take me for?"
We decide to keep the remaining 900,000 stones in cash after depositing 2 million stones each into the account.
There's nowhere to use it right away, and...
Since we've moved on from the days of barely scraping by, it's time to start saving.
Ah, and there was also this.
"You're... Bjorn, son of Yandel?!"
While walking down the street, I coincidentally reunited with one of the barbarians from my coming-of-age ceremony.
His name is Karak, the third son of Fanun.
We just asked about each other's recent situation and parted ways.
He said he became an 8th-grade explorer and is working as a tank in a team of humans on the 2nd floor?
"What about the others? Most of them are dead. There probably aren't many left besides you, Ainar, and me. As you know, it's not an easy place."
Anyway, it seems like his personality has changed a lot since he formed a team with humans.
He used to be much more simple-minded.
"If they had told us more about that place instead of clinging to outdated traditions, they wouldn't have died so much..."
Seeing him express bitterness towards the ways of his tribe, I almost wonder if he's really a barbarian warrior.
Honestly, I felt sorry for him.
He must have gone through a lot to change like that, considering he was a warrior to the core.
'Not all barbarians are the same.'
Thanks to him, I realized something new.
Barbarians also grow mentally.
They might still be weak in terms of knowledge like letters and numbers, but they gain wisdom as they survive in a changed environment.
'...Maybe there are even some seniors who have become almost like humans after several years—'
"Bjorn, what are you thinking about so deeply?"
"Nothing."
I end my thoughts at Misha's voice.
Well, it would be a bit rude to be lost in thought when she just cooked and brought me food.
"But Bjorn, you seem a bit taller...?"
"What?"
"It might be my imagination, but stand here for a moment!"
...This is annoying.
But I get up from the middle of my meal and measure my height. Misha chops the air from the top of her head to my chest and then nods.
"You've definitely gotten taller! About this much?"
"Are you sure you're not mistaken?"
Honestly, I can't believe it.
Leaving aside the fact that I can even grow taller here, how can she tell at a glance that it's less than 1 centimeter?
"Hmm, I'm good at noticing things like that. So you can trust me."
"...If you say so."
Instead of arguing, I just nod.
Well, I might have gotten taller.
I've been eating a lot of meat lately.
'...If I really did grow taller, should I eat even more meat?'
If it's true, it's worth it.
A height that's naturally above average.
That's the decisive reason why I chose a barbarian as a tank, not a dwarf. The [Gigantification] mechanism itself multiplies based on your base height.
'It was exactly 1.771 times, I think.'
Now I have another reason to eat meat.
"...Don't just eat the meat, eat everything!"
"..."
"Tsk!"
After the meal, I check my backpack one last time to see if I've missed anything.
Because it's almost time to enter the labyrinth.
"Let's go, everyone's waiting."
As we head to the meeting place, I see my companions dressed differently than usual.
The dwarf is wearing heavy armor instead of a shirt.
Dwarkey is standing there, holding a long two-handed staff.
"Uh, Rotmiller! Why don't you have a weapon?"
"Don't worry, I put it in the [Treasure Vault]. I've gotten used to it, so it's more convenient to take it out when I need it than to carry it around all the time."
"Oh, I see."
The Mimic's ability, [Treasure Vault].
I used to think it was just a skill that replaced subspace storage, but maybe it's a very convenient essence for Rotmiller, who handles various equipment like crossbows, shields, and swords.
"Then please gather around me. I'm going to cast [Bonding]."
As soon as Dwarkey starts chanting, a green light spreads out and seeps into our bodies.
It's like forming a party.
This spell is necessary for multiple people to enter the labyrinth and start in the same location.
'Ainar used to wait in line at the guild from dawn...'
I'm starting to understand why explorers make such a fuss about mages.
If you have a mage in your team, you don't have to wait in line at the guild from early morning...
...and there are significant financial benefits as well.
On average, it would have cost 100,000 stones in fees for five 6.5-grade explorers to cast [Bonding].
"Let's get going."
As we walk together towards the Dimensional Plaza, I see more and more explorers on the streets.
It's a sight you can only see on the last night of every month.
Everyone looks like beggars when they return.
"Halt! I think we're lost."
"No way! We have to get to the labyrinth within the allotted time!"
Coincidentally, we encounter barbarians again.
Young warriors with their bare bodies, filled with nothing but anticipation and excitement, heading towards the labyrinth after finishing their coming-of-age ceremony.
"...Follow us."
I ask for my companions' understanding and help them.
Although I don't have any sense of tribal duty...
...I feel like I should do it.
"Really? Thank you. If you tell me your name... what! Bjorn, son of Yandel?!! You're Little Balkan!!! I respect you!!"
Anyway, regardless of the young warriors' excessive reactions...
I give them various advice on the way to the Dimensional Plaza.
That they should be wary of fellow explorers, especially humans, since barbarian hearts are traded at a high price.
That they should try to find other races as night companions.
That they should be careful of traps and stick to paths with light, and so on.
I generously share the knowledge that would have been helpful for me when I first entered the labyrinth.
"If I do that, can I become a famous warrior like you?"
Well, I don't know about that.
But...
"Yes."
"Ooh! Is that so! Alright! I'll definitely do everything you said!"
It's better for them if I do this.
They're the kind of guys who only understand when you tell them clearly.
The dwarf quietly speaks to me as I watch the young warriors head towards the portal, engraving my advice in their hearts.
"You... you're very kind to your own kind?"
"I just did what I could. Isn't it harsh to have to learn everything through experience?"
"Hmm, that's true. Hahaha!"
With that small talk as the last exchange, we also head towards the center where the portal is open.
Swaaaaaaaaa!
My vision becomes distant, and a brilliant, multicolored light covers it.
Suddenly, past events unfold like a panorama.
'This is the fourth time, isn't it...'
During my first entry, I reached the 2nd floor after defeating countless bastards.
The second time?
I entered a rift with the sole intention of becoming stronger. But it turned out to be a variant rift.
And then it got even crazier.
I formed a team, but we got separated.
In the end, the Floor Master started rampaging, and I barely made it back after practically stepping into the gates of hell.
Therefore...
Flash!
I hope nothing happens.
There's no way something would happen again, right?
I throw away those thoughts before they even fully form.
'Phew, what kind of bastard is going to appear this time?'
Something will definitely happen again this time.
So let's brace ourselves.
_______________________________
「Entered 1st Floor Crystal Cave.」
.
.
.
「TIP: The character has reached the maximum number of essences that can be absorbed. Hunt new monsters and level up!」
-x-X-x-
"Name Lee Hansu, age 29, missing for a month, his company filed a missing person report. Tsk, any family?"
"Just his mother. But when we contacted her, she said she didn't want to be involved."
The man sipped his coffee as he listened to the report.
It wasn't anything special.
How many people have complicated family situations?
"So, Detective Park, why did this missing person case come to our team?"
"That's… the CCTV only caught him entering his house, but not leaving. And the windows were all locked."
"Indeed… something smells fishy."
The man put down his coffee and started reading the report in earnest.
He had seen all sorts of things during his 15 years as a detective, but even to him, this was a rather peculiar case.
There were no signs of intrusion or stolen belongings.
The last credit card transaction was a month ago.
And most importantly, the clothes the missing person was wearing were found in his bedroom. It wasn't like he took them off himself, but as if his body had just disappeared.
"Whoever it is, he's a complete lunatic."
He had a hunch that this was no longer a simple missing person case.
It might even be a major crime that would shake the entire nation.
"You secured the scene, right? First, send a request to the National Forensic Service. Let's see the results of the forensic analysis."
Detective Park hesitated for a moment at his instructions and then spoke cautiously.
"Um, Team Leader… there's something I want to show you before that."
Why didn't you include it in the report?
He had that question, but he nodded, and Detective Park returned with a monitor.
"It's the monitor that was found in the missing person's room."
"What? Why do you have that? Don't tell me you took it out without permission?"
The man was raising his voice in disbelief when he noticed something and froze.
"Wait a minute, Detective Park, how is the monitor turned on?"
"That's… I don't know either..."
There were letters on the black screen of the monitor.
Even though it wasn't connected to the computer or even plugged into a power outlet.
And it was even updating with sound.
Beep, beep beep beep, beep—
「The coming-of-age ceremony has been successfully completed.」
「New equipment has been equipped.」
「Total item level has increased by +12.」
「Bjorn Yan....」
「....」
「....」
What do these letters that keep appearing mean?
"Team Leader, I looked into it a bit… and it seems there have been a few similar cases overseas."
"What, overseas…?"
There was no way they could know for sure yet.
_______________________________
「The labyrinth is closed.」
「Character is being transported to Lafdonia.」
_______________________________
My vision brightens as the darkness recedes.
As if out of habit, I raise my head and see the usual cloudy sky filling my view.
I let out a long sigh.
'…I made it back alive again.'
Actually, saying I 'returned alive' is a bit inaccurate.
Although I spent every day on edge, expecting something to happen…
…nothing happened in the end.
And twice in a row, at that.
'Hmm, I really thought something would happen this time.'
Honestly, I'm still bewildered.
It's because the previous expedition went so smoothly.
Thanks to a good starting point, we reached the 'Rock Desert', the 2nd floor connected to the gnome district, in just 9 hours after taking the 2nd-floor portal in the eastern part of the 1st floor.
Well, we didn't get the portal opening achievement points because there was someone there before us.
「Killed Corrupted Gnome. EXP +1」
「Killed Kobold Shieldbearer. EXP +1」
「Killed Stone Golem. EXP +2」
「Killed Megalith. EXP +2」
「Killed Sandman. EXP +....」
「....」
Various 9th-grade monsters, including gnome variants and the kobold trio. And even various types of 8th-grade monsters, including Stone Golems.
Even though we hunted and defeated all types of monsters at my request, we were able to reach the 3rd floor on Day 4.
'It was the same while we were going to the Witch's Forest.'
We reached the central area of the Witch's Forest on Day 8 without any problems.
The marauders we encountered?
There weren't any.
And from the moment we entered the 4th floor, [Tower of Heaven], we didn't even encounter any other explorers.
「Trial completed.」
「Chose the Stairs of Courage.」
It's time for the real hunting.
We continuously climbed the stairs and fought monsters.
All the monsters that appear on the 3rd floor 'Pilgrim's Path' swarmed out in random groups, and we encountered 6th-grade monsters about once every three days.
「Killed Vitol. EXP +4」
「Killed Lizardman Scout. EXP +2」
「Killed Dullahan. EXP +3」
「Killed Banshee Queen. EXP +3」
「Killed Ilatrek. EXP +3」
「Killed Drake. EXP +4」
「Killed Living Armor....」
「....」
We spent our time until Day 23, when the 4th floor closed.
The 6th-grade monsters that I was once so worried about?
Although there were a few times when I made mistakes during the first few encounters…
…we were able to defeat them all without any major crises thanks to our significantly increased strength.
And as a result, experience points started accumulating rapidly.
'They don't call it the Tower of Training for nothing.'
All the monsters that appear on the 3rd floor also appear here.
There are even 6th-grade monsters and monsters that only appear here.
Well, it was still a bit short of reaching level 4, but…
Anyway, as a result of focusing solely on hunting…
"Dwarkey?"
"Th, that is… if we divide it equally, it's about 720,000 stones."
"It's 780,000 stones."
"Huh? Bjorn, what do you mean…?"
"Uh, uh… I recalculated, and you're right, Bjorn?"
"What?!"
We each received 780,000 stones.
And that's even with the Mimic's passive skill [Greed], which increased the magic stone drop rate by 30%. Without it, it would have been around 600,000 stones.
"Hmm, it's definitely not a small amount of money… but it feels a bit disappointing. Is it just me?"
"Somehow… I feel the same way."
"Hahaha! Well, it's only natural since we earned so much before! Now that I think about it, Bjorn, it seems like your ridiculous luck has finally run out!"
I don't know about luck…
But since there were no hardships, the income was also smaller.
Although marauder bastards are annoying, they at least wear decent equipment.
They're practically more profitable than mining magic stones.
'…Somehow, I earned less than when I first entered the labyrinth.'
Now I understand why marauders keep appearing. They're easier to catch than 6th-grade monsters, and they're much more profitable.
It's inevitable that they would be drawn to it like moths to a flame.
Especially for those who consider themselves efficiency freaks.
'Let's not be too disappointed. The past few months were just special, this is normal.'
I barely manage to let go of my lingering thoughts, thinking about the game.
The cost of consumables, various expenses in the city…
It's only natural that you can't make a lot of money in the early stages.
That's why newbies who don't even have 1 million stones end up dying from taxes before even reaching the 2nd year.
'…In the first place, reaching the 4th floor in just a few months is an absurd speed.'
I say that to myself and spend my time productively in the city.
We occasionally gather as a team for socializing and planning the next expedition, and I fulfill my promise to Raven by visiting the Magic Tower every week.
"Hmm, we only have 4 more sessions left, huh?"
"So when can I meet that senior of yours?"
"Ah, there was a slight problem. If it's okay with you, Mr. Yandel, I'd like to postpone it to next month…"
"…Do as you please."
Training, library, socializing, information gathering…
It's been a truly leisurely time that I've never experienced before.
Although I'm so anxious that my hands and feet are trembling…
No one, not the Evil Spirit Hunters, Hans, or anyone else, approaches me until it's time to enter the labyrinth again.
So I thought something might happen this time…
'But nothing happened in the end.'
We passed through the 'Goblin Forest' and went up to the 3rd floor.
Thanks to that, we were able to catch additional monsters that we missed before.
And eventually, I leveled up during our days on the 4th floor.
That's all that's changed compared to the previous expedition.
"Bjorn! What are you thinking about so deeply? Let's go."
I snap out of my thoughts as I feel Misha shaking my waist.
"Come to your senses quickly. We'll have to wait a long time if we're late."
A long time my ass.
Maybe if we were still 9th-grade explorers…
But 6th-grade explorers have a different checkpoint, so the waiting time is less than half.
And the officials are much more polite.
"Alright, then let's go! Hahaha!"
We each go through our respective checkpoints and gather in one place.
And we quickly finish the distribution.
"We each get 790,000 stones."
"Bjorn? Is that correct?"
Dwarkey's pupils tremble anxiously at Misha's question. What kind of mage is so bad with numbers?
"I don't know. If it's correct, then it's correct."
Since his calculations were accurate this time, we let it go without any complaints.
And as a result…
790,000 stones are deposited into my pocket.
As expected, is the world all about give and take?
Phew, since things went smoothly, the amount of money we earned is the same as last time.
"Then let's meet separately tomorrow to have our return drinks, and today, let's each go back and rest!"
"Alright."
We disband as soon as the distribution is finished and head to our accommodations.
But what is this again?
Today, this room feels dirty and cramped.
It feels like just yesterday I was happy that the room was bigger and had windows.
Thud.
Even though I washed up and lay down on the bed, it doesn't feel real.
I used to feel alive at this moment…
I suddenly have this thought.
How long will it take for me to move to a place like that inn room with the money I'm earning like this?
'…And my growth has practically stopped lately.'
The more peaceful things are, the more anxious I feel.
Therefore, I force a smile.
'…I'm getting too greedy.'
On the first day I woke up in this body…
I made plans, assuming it would take at least a few years, maybe even my whole life. But thanks to a series of coincidences, I've been able to shorten the time by at least 2 or 3 years.
Let's not be impatient.
Things are going well enough.
So—
'Damn it, what the hell am I thinking?'
I slap myself hard on the cheek.
Smack!
Things are going well?
The better things are going, the more dangerous the situation is.
There's no way that things will keep going smoothly forever with my luck.
Don't forget.
That shitty things always happen when you let your guard down.
'Evil Spirit Hunters? Guild? Moselan? Nobles? Who is it this time? Or will I be fine until I enter the labyrinth?'
I tighten the screws in my head, recalling the experiences that are etched in my mind like trauma.
'No, that can't be.'
I can't stop.
I have to keep getting stronger.
That's the only way to survive.
Someone might think I'm paranoid…
But actually, I haven't changed one bit since the first day.
'Always think of the worst.'
If I have to become a madman, I want to be a madman who survives.
_______________________________
"Bjorn? Did something bad happen?"
"No. But why do you ask?"
"Your eyes seem a bit fiercer…"
That's what Misha said as soon as we met the next day.
Therefore, I decide to loosen the screws a bit, just a little. My brain needs that much leeway to make rational judgments—
"Can I touch your ears?"
"…What?"
For a moment, I think I might have misheard because I'm going crazy, but no.
"That… my older brother said it felt good when he touched my ears. It was a long time ago, though…"
What? That asshole did that?
I can't even imagine it, even though it was when she was young.
"Ah, for reference, I'm talking about my older brother! He's still nice to me…"
Whether he was nice or not…
What kind of pervert is he?
This is why a good family environment is important when you're young. Look at her, her eyes are filled with pure kindness. She probably doesn't even realize what's wrong with it.
"Misha, don't say things like that to just anyone. They might misunderstand your intentions and have strange thoughts."
Maybe I would have misunderstood her words and thought she was flirting if I hadn't known that Misha likes skinny guys.
"But you're not just anyone."
Geez, she's talking back.
"Just say you understand."
"…Okay. Anyway, if that doesn't work, should I grill some meat for you?"
"…If that's the case, I'll gladly eat it."
And so, breakfast is decided to be grilled pork.
Although it's quite expensive for one meal, even if I buy it myself, since it's meat…
I make a rational judgment.
It's definitely not a loss if I can grow even a little by eating this meat.
"Eat slowly! Let me eat some too!!"
"…Didn't you say you don't like meat?"
"You insensitive barbarian!!"
Anyway, regardless of the slight mishap during the meal…
We start our day in earnest after filling our stomachs.
It's evening when we're supposed to meet the others, so…
"I'll be out for a bit."
"Oh, then can I rest today?"
"If you're bored, just swing your swords. Seeing you drop your sword the other day, it seems like your proficiency is still lacking."
"That's! Because I didn't have enough strength!!"
"Then you need to exercise."
"You musclehead!!"
Anyway, I leave Misha behind and go out.
"Have a safe trip! And come back as late as possible!"
Well, it's not like she'll actually follow my words and spend her time training…
But that's her choice.
Thud, thud.
I walk diligently with my strong legs and soon arrive at my destination.
It's the place I always go when I have time to spare.
In other words, the library.
"It seems like there were no major incidents."
Ragna speaks to me as soon as I arrive, now that we've exchanged names and gone through various things.
Of course, it doesn't feel like we're close.
"As you can see, there weren't. Have you been well?"
"Of course."
"Then I'll leave it to you today as well."
Just as I'm about to ask for the [High-Grade Book Detection] spell after a brief exchange of greetings…
Ragna hesitates for some reason.
It's a habit of hers that she does when she has something to say, although she doesn't realize it.
"If you have something to say, just say it."
"…How do you always know?"
"It's just your expression."
Ragna makes a slightly offended expression at my honest answer. It seems like she's quite upset to hear this from a barbarian.
However, as a rational intellectual, she gets straight to the point without any digressions.
"I'll tell you beforehand, but it's not confirmed information. However, I thought I should warn you since you're an explorer."
"Warning?"
It's a word I didn't expect at all.
But suddenly, I snap out of it.
Even though she said it's not confirmed information, it's not going to be nonsense, considering her personality.
"What is it? Tell me quickly."
At my urging, Ragna speaks cautiously,
"There might be a dimensional collapse phenomenon in the labyrinth soon."
I have a reasonable doubt as soon as I hear it.
Dimensional collapse.
It's a true 'disaster' in the labyrinth that can't even be compared to something like a Floor Master.
'I was wondering why it's been so quiet lately…'
Could it be that this is about to happen?
-x-X-x-
A moment of silence passes.
I organize my thoughts briefly and let out a small sigh as usual.
Ragna looks at me and closes and opens her eyes slowly.
"You're surprisingly calm. As expected, I knew you wouldn't believe me if I told you."
What is she talking about? I sighed because I thought it might be true.
"Well, maybe it's better to just ignore it. Dimensional collapse is a disaster that you can't predict, and even if you know about it, you can't stop it."
She's definitely right about that.
Even in the game, dimensional collapse always happened suddenly.
Well, it was more common for it not to happen at all, though.
'It was about a one in a hundred chance.'
Of course, if it did happen, it was a disaster.
If it were in the mid-to-late game where you could handle it to some extent, it might be different...
...but in the early stages, it was more efficient to just press the ESC key and start over.
"So where did you get this information?"
I calmly confirm what needs to be confirmed.
Although I have a hunch that this is the cause of my anxiety, there might be other things I don't know about.
"It's from a mage named Chernal Pergan of the Tarutein school. I heard he has been researching the dimensional collapse phenomenon for a long time."
She tells me the name of the mage and then says that's all she knows.
"I see. I'll look into it myself. Anyway, thanks for the warning."
Just as I turn around and head towards the door, I hear a voice from behind.
"Are you... just leaving today?"
Well, since a new quest has appeared, I have to go take care of that first, right?
_____________________________
In a tavern, as noisy as always…
A silver-haired fairy sitting in a corner taps the table with her index finger.
It's a habit she has when she's troubled.
"Ha..."
Her beautiful and kind younger sister, Erwen.
That child has changed since three months ago.
She started asking for help with training, which she used to hate, and she pushes herself to the limit as if even sleeping is a waste of time.
And she's become a bit sharper.
Although I'm her blood-related sister, so it's not as bad for me...
...her tone, gaze, and actions when dealing with others are clearly different from before.
'Still, it's a relief that it's not a bad change...'
Excessive ambition and wariness towards others?
They're qualities that are welcome for an explorer whose destiny is to enter the labyrinth.
In fact, thanks to that, she was able to grow a lot.
Her sister, who successfully made contracts with all four spirits, has even managed to awaken three of them and build their own independent wills.
And that's not all.
Her archery, physical skills, and close combat skills using daggers are also improving day by day.
Honestly, it's to the point where I wonder how such talent remained dormant for so long.
However, the cause of her sighs lies in the trigger for this change.
'How long can I keep hiding it...'
The death of a barbarian whom she used to call 'mister' and rely on emotionally.
Actually, even calling it death is funny.
The person in question is alive and well.
And he even gained the title of Little Balkan.
'Should I tell her now?'
When she first heard about him, she was surprised. And then she felt anxious.
She thought it was only a matter of time before Erwen found out.
But what do you know?
Erwen, who has been solely focused on training in her room, still doesn't know about it.
"Hey, did you guys hear? The Black Sword might become Sword Saint's disciple!"
"Huh, where did you hear such nonsense? Sword Saint, that noble man, taking a mere explorer as his disciple? That's ridiculous!"
Daria, sitting alone in a corner of the tavern, feels relieved as she eavesdrops on the chatter of the surrounding explorers.
'Indeed, the rumors have finally died down…'
The story that was once heard everywhere in this city has been buried under new stories.
Stories about him defeating evil spirits, or slaying the priest of Karui who fled to the sewers.
It was a bit nerve-wracking when the barbarian's story started circulating in the tavern again, but…
Even that has mostly subsided now.
'Right, let's just leave it at that.'
Daria finally makes up her mind.
Actually, it's not even something to contemplate.
As someone who has chosen to live as an explorer, when will such an opportunity to grow like this come again?
"Hey, fairy lady, did you come alone—"
"Get lost. If you don't want a hole in your forehead."
Daria pushes away the drunkard who approaches her and leaves the tavern.
She used to come here every evening, worried that the barbarian might cause another incident and become the talk of the town again…
But she won't be coming anymore.
Knock, knock.
She returns to the inn and knocks on her sister's door.
There's no response.
She inserts the key, thinking she might be asleep on the floor.
Click-
The lock opens, and the door creaks open.
She sees her sister inside.
Erwen has summoned all four spirits and is meditating with her eyes closed.
But…
"Have to…"
Her lips are moving slightly as if she's muttering something.
Daria approaches quietly, holding her breath.
Then she can hear what she's muttering more clearly.
"Have to get stronger. Have to get stronger. Have to get stronger. That's the only way not to lose anything. The only way to have everything…"
Her sister is repeating similar words as if brainwashing herself.
"Erwen…?"
Daria hurriedly wakes her sister up.
Surprisingly, her sister's expression is simply peaceful.
"Ah, sister, you're here?"
"Are you… okay?"
"What do you mean?"
"That… you were muttering something to yourself—"
"Yes? I was just talking to the spirits."
Although it doesn't seem like the kind of conversation you would have with spirits…
Daria keeps her mouth shut.
It's because she's been dismissed.
"I'm in the middle of training, so can you come back later?"
"Alright…"
Daria leaves the room dejectedly.
And she returns to her own room and ponders what just happened. Because that wasn't the kind of look that could be attributed to 'enthusiasm' or 'determination'.
It was almost like an obsession.
It wasn't like this even during that incident 10 years ago…
'What's the problem? That barbarian couldn't have been that important to her—'
Daria freezes.
The biggest change that happened recently comes to mind.
'Ah, could it be because she absorbed that essence?'
Daria takes out a book from the bookshelf.
It's something she bought at the guild for a hefty price a while ago.
[Lower Grade Essence Compendium]
It's a book that contains information on all essences between 7th and 9th grade.
First, she checks the essence she absorbed this time.
'Where's Cannibalo…'
Although it's a monster that only appears in the Witch's Forest, she luckily obtained its essence while rescuing an explorer who was being chased out of the forest by it.
'Ah, found it.'
She flips through the pages of the book and reads the text while summoning the fire spirit.
[Cannibalo] 7th grade.
Agility (Medium), Darkness Resistance (Low), Endurance (Low), Accuracy (Medium), Sixth Sense (Low), Hearing (Medium), Obsession (High).
*Increases agility and senses when moving.
*Mana Mine (Red)
*Hound (Blue)
*Tracking Arrow (Green)
As she carefully examines the content, she freezes at one part.
"Obsession is… high-grade?"
Feeling a sudden sense of déjà vu, she also checks the essence she absorbed three months ago.
[Steel Hill Stalker] 8th grade.
Strength (Low), Physical Resistance (Low), Grappling (Low), Jumping Power (Medium), Earth Resistance (Low), Perception Interference (Low), Agility (Medium), Obsession (Medium)
*Increases penetration when surprise attack is successful.
*Piercing Arrow (Red)
*Terrain Eruption (Blue)
*Weakness Detection (Yellow)
'What the hell is this…'
There was Obsession again.
And it was even medium-grade.
'Don't tell me, that too…?'
She also checks the essence her sister first absorbed.
And as expected…
[Goblin Archer] 9th grade.
Flexibility (Low), Smell (Low), Poison Resistance (Low), Perception (Low), Perception Interference (Low), Accuracy (Low), Vision (Low), Agility (Low), Obsession (Low)
*Inflicts paralysis poison when using bow-type weapons.
*Sneak
There was Obsession here too.
Now Daria understands the situation.
Her excessive obsession with strength was all because of this stat.
'Then what should I do?'
It's not like she can just remove the essence she absorbed after spending money on it.
But it's also heavy on her heart to just leave it be.
'Let's have her remove it when she absorbs an essence that can replace it.'
She reaches a conclusion after much deliberation.
However, as she washes up and lies down on her bed, she faces a new question.
'Uh, wait a minute.'
If Erwen finds out that the barbarian is alive before then…
…which direction will this stat take?
________________________________
Ten days have passed since I heard about the dimensional collapse.
However, whether it was a baseless rumor or true, or just someone's misconception…
…I couldn't find any concrete information despite my efforts.
"Chernal Pergan?"
Even Raven, who always helped me when I came to her with questions, couldn't do anything this time.
"No, I mean, even if you ask me to meet him, I've never heard that name before. In the first place, the Tarutein school doesn't really interact with us."
"…I see."
"Anyway, please clear your schedule for a whole day next week. The lottery winner has been chosen."
"Lottery winner…?"
"Did you forget? You promised to help my seniors with their research in exchange for me looking into the paper, right?"
No, I remember that.
But I didn't expect it to be chosen by lottery.
'Tsk, this makes me even more anxious…'
I've never been lucky with lotteries in my life.
Anyway, I tried various methods to meet the mage named Chernal Pergan, but they all failed.
And in the meantime, rumors started circulating.
"Bjorn! Did you hear?! There might be a dimensional collapse soon!!"
Misha came back in a hurry, making a fuss after saying she was going to meet an old friend.
If she knows about it, it must have already spread everywhere.
In fact, when I went to the bar in the evening, everyone was talking about the dimensional collapse.
But the problem is…
'No one even knows the source.'
Who started the rumor?
And what's the basis for it?
There's no such information, and everyone is just fueling the rumors with their anxiety.
'This is… a bit strange…'
I feel an inexplicable sense of dissonance.
Normally, there should be at least some plausible evidence for it to spread this widely, right?
Although various unfounded rumors have been added as evidence now thanks to gossipmongers, there was nothing like that in the beginning.
'Could it be that someone is intentionally spreading the rumors?'
I come to that conclusion after observing the situation from the beginning.
Of course, it's just speculation…
…but no matter how I think about it, the current situation is a bit strange.
'Ha, I think there's really something going on.'
It's frustrating.
I want to know the information that's circulating silently in more secretive places, not just the rumors being exchanged in the bar.
But the walls of reality are high.
How could a ground-dwelling barbarian who only gained fame through combat access such information?
'If it weren't for Ragna, I wouldn't even know the name Chernal Pergan.'
Finally, I make a decision.
I'm holding the letter and the pill that Ghostbusters sent me.
It's a pill I was originally planning to take at least 3 months later because of the anonymity guarantee, but…
'I guess it's okay to take it a month earlier.'
I put the pill in my mouth and swallow it.
「Character has consumed GB-027.」
I'm not immediately dragged into the spiritual world.
According to the information I found in the secret library that Raven and Ragna opened for me, the gathering takes place at midnight on the 15th of every month.
'I just need to wait three days.'
Time flies by.
And the moment I've been waiting for arrives.
It feels like my mind is separating from my body.
「The character's soul resonates and is drawn to a specific world.」
When I open my eyes, there's a computer in front of me.
_______________________________
It's a pure white space reminiscent of the universe.
It would probably be difficult to even tell which way is up or down.
If it weren't for that computer over there.
'What the, again?'
Although it's a completely different start from what I expected, I slowly walk towards the computer.
It's a feeling I've never experienced before.
It feels like I'm piloting a robot and controlling it to walk.
I finally reach the computer, swaying back and forth, and check the monitor that's turned on.
[Please enter the password.]
A short sentence on the black DOS screen.
I enter the password without hesitation.
[Rafdonia's king, Mother fucker]
Ah, so that wasn't referring to the P.S. in the postscript.
-x-X-x-
It's been 5 months since I woke up in this other world.
If we include the days I spent in the labyrinth, it feels even longer.
A lot has happened during that time.
I killed a person for the first time, and I killed monsters. I've done many barbaric things to survive.
But is my essence as a modern person still intact?
Click, clack, clack, click, thud!
As soon as I finish entering the password, my pinky finger naturally presses enter.
And I flinch as I realize one thing.
'This is... my body?'
It's not the rough and thick hands of a barbarian.
It's not the body of a warrior with broad shoulders and muscles like rocks.
It's Lee Hansu's body, 175 centimeters tall, average weight, with soft flesh and skin.
That's when...
"Ah, shit!"
I feel like the ground is collapsing, and my body is being sucked somewhere.
When I come to my senses, everything is pitch black.
It's not unfamiliar since I've experienced it often in the labyrinth, but...
Click.
With the sound of a switch being flipped, my surroundings brighten up.
Surprisingly, I'm in my room.
My room, Lee Hansu's room, where I used to enjoy games before being dragged here.
'...So what's the point of all this?'
I first check my surroundings.
Bookshelves, computer, a slightly yellowed bed...
I go outside and check the kitchen, living room, and bathroom, and everything matches my memory.
'Ah, then could it be that too...?'
I hurriedly open the refrigerator door.
For some reason, it's filled with nothing but chilled cans of cola.
I wonder what kind of arrangement this is, but I don't think about it too deeply.
How could I possibly resist this?
Click, hiss-
A sound that makes me feel refreshed just by listening to it.
I could endure everything else, but I've missed this so much. I quickly pour it into my mouth, worried it might disappear before my eyes.
But...
'Damn it.'
I can't taste it.
There's no sharp sensation that feels like it's splitting my throat in half.
It just feels like a tasteless, odorless liquid is going down my throat.
That's when...
Ding-dong-
The doorbell rings.
I check the intercom, and there's a blonde, white woman.
It's probably not a religious solicitation, right?
Just as I'm about to say, 'Who are you?' in my usual tone, I realize my mistake and speak again.
"Who is it?"
I judge that she might be able to figure out that I'm a barbarian from my tone of voice.
'But why does it feel so awkward?'
It feels like there are thorns in my throat even though I just spoke normally.
Soon, I hear a response from the other side of the intercom.
[I'm SoulQueens, the guide for Ghostbusters. May I come in?]
Hmm, I didn't know it was this kind of system.
I quickly open the door before I offend her.
But what's this?
"Um, why are you walking into the wall?"
"Ah, was that a wall? To me, it just looks like white space."
Is she talking about the space I saw earlier?
It seems like there are some mysterious rules at play in this spiritual world.
As I roughly give her directions and guide her to the living room, the woman lets out a gasp.
"You're amazing. Usually, you can at least faintly see the shape."
"Shape?"
"This place. Maybe you..."
"You can just keep calling me 'you'."
"...If you insist."
As promised in the letter that guaranteed anonymity, the woman doesn't show any disappointment at my indirect refusal.
"Anyway, this space is a manifestation of what you imagined. The place that your inner mind thinks of first. It usually becomes the space that you feel most comfortable in psychologically."
"So?"
"It's usually visible to others. Although there are some people with strong defense mechanisms, you can still recognize the shape to some extent..."
The woman looks at me with a strange expression.
I can't tell if it's curiosity or wariness, but I decide to address the inconsistency first.
"Then what about when you rang the doorbell earlier? You said you couldn't see me."
"I guess it was expressed that way. I didn't ring any bell. I just called out to you as soon as I arrived in this white space. Does that make sense?"
Honestly, I kind of understand what she's saying, but I don't understand at all.
So I just smile awkwardly and nod.
"Thanks to your kind explanation."
"I'm glad. Actually, it's a difficult concept even for mages to understand, so I'm always at a loss for how to explain it."
Anyway, since she introduced herself as the guide, I ask her what I'm curious about.
"Ah, but what happens if you enter the wrong password?"
I figured it out by chance, but there must be people who can't enter the password.
"That? Nothing happens. It's just a bluff. In the first place, there's almost no one who gets the password right before I arrive, like you."
"...?"
"Whether you enter the password or not, I have to come and confirm anyway."
For reference, the confirmation she mentioned is simple.
She can just tell by looking?
I wonder if she has some special ability, but I realize it when I see my current appearance.
A navy blue suit that fits snugly.
It's the suit my ex-girlfriend bought me to celebrate getting a job.
'The difference starts with the clothes...'
Well, I also knew she was a modern person as soon as I saw her, so it must be the same for her.
"Wow, you're really quick-witted. The difference between players and NPCs starts here."
"NPCs?"
"It's a slang term for the locals. Anyway, the difference between the two is not just the clothes, but you can clearly tell when you enter this space. This is the first time I've seen a case where you can't see anything..."
"So usually, you can tell just by looking at the room."
"Yes. There's no way an NPC would have a poster of a rock star in their room, right?"
I understand.
With this kind of verification method, it would be almost impossible for locals... I mean, NPCs... to hide their identity and enter.
"Then I pass?"
"Of course."
I was secretly worried because my room wasn't visible due to my defense mechanisms, but the woman nods without hesitation.
Seeing that, I realize one more thing.
Clothes, tone of voice, expression, and this mindscape.
There must be a more definitive way to distinguish NPCs besides these things.
'They're probably not telling me for security reasons.'
"Alright, then... you've officially become a member of our Ghostbusters."
"But who came up with the name Ghostbusters?"
"There is. Someone like that. You'd think, 'what kind of crappy name is this?' I told them to change it to something else..."
Uh, I asked because I thought it was a very witty name...
"Ha, everyone who comes here asks why we chose this name."
I nod awkwardly.
Although I can't agree with the sentiment that it's a crappy name, I can pretend to agree.
Acting tactfully has always been my specialty.
"Indeed... it's a unique name."
"Right? Ah, where was I..."
The woman returns to the main topic and continues.
"Ah, we can no longer forcefully separate souls and kill people like we used to with NPCs who snuck in. Instead, we can banish them from ever being summoned here again, so please make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules when you have time."
The woman then explains the basic methods for using the Ghostbusters community.
"Do you have a computer? If you do, go ahead and turn it on. If not, you'll have to imagine one and materialize it..."
"I have one."
"That saves time. Go ahead and turn it on."
When I turn on the computer as instructed, instead of the familiar OS screen, a window pops up.
"Ah, just a moment. Your code is..."
After entering the code the woman gave me, the window changes to a page where I can set my nickname.
"Just create a nickname here, and that's it. You can't change it once you've made it, so choose carefully."
Hmm, what should I use?
As I'm contemplating, the woman offers some advice.
"You've used Stone Ivan, right? Most people use the nicknames they used there. My nickname, SoulQueens, also came from there."
Stone Ivan.
It's a community for a dead game, so the main board's refresh rate was less than 30 posts per day...
But still, everyone who played this game must have used it at least once.
I did too.
'It's not my real name, it's just an ID, so it should be okay to use my nickname from there, right?'
I enter my nickname and press enter.
But...
[That nickname is unavailable.]
"Ah, it seems like someone is already using that nickname."
What? Someone's using that nickname?
I don't understand at all, but I change one letter and set my nickname. The woman looks at my nickname and smiles meaningfully.
"Huhu, you must be a fan of that person, huh?"
Fan? What is she talking about?
Just as I'm about to ask in detail, the woman continues her explanation.
It's about how to use the community.
"Alright, then I think I've told you everything I need to. I'll be on my way now, so please feel free to use it. If you have any problems, send a 1:1 message!"
The woman with the nickname SoulQueens then leaves.
I'm alone in the room again.
Having completed the tutorial, I browse through the community without much difficulty.
[20s, 30s Men Only]
[American Union]
[Beastmen Gather]
[Wizardry]
[Chat Room]
There are several chat rooms currently active.
I guess I can choose any of them and enter to chat with the people there?
It's a futuristic yet fantastical system.
'There are even rooms with rank restrictions and passwords.'
I choose a random room to enter as a test, to get used to this place.
[Newbie Room]
It's a unique room where only people who have been in the community for less than a year can enter, not a rank restriction.
I chose it because I thought there would be many people similar to me.
Click.
The moment I double-click...
A bright light emanates from the monitor.
And just like the day I woke up in the barbarian's body while playing the game...
When I come to my senses, I'm in an open space.
________________________
Click, clack, clack-
A bonfire is burning fiercely in the center of the clearing, like a campfire.
There are about a dozen people standing around it.
They're all men.
Well, how many women would play this perverted, hardcore game?
"Oh, a new person!"
Gazes gather as I appear.
White, yellow, black.
There's more racial diversity than I expected, but…
After living in the other world for a few months, I first feel a sense of kinship as people from the same hometown.
Is it the same for them?
"Which country are you from?"
"Ah, Korea."
"I see! Welcome!"
I look around and observe my surroundings.
There's no racism, and the atmosphere is one of genuinely welcoming a newcomer.
'Is that thing above their heads their nickname?'
Letters are floating translucently above people's heads.
A black man in a neat suit approaches me and speaks.
"It's a bit bare, right? We haven't gathered enough points to decorate yet. I'm DarkMan, the room owner. Could you please turn on nickname display and introduce yourself?"
"Nickname display?"
"You must be new to this room. Just think 'I agree'. In this community, thoughts and intentions have power."
Thoughts and intentions have power…
So I just have to do it like using an active skill?
'Nickname display.'
As I say that inwardly, people's gazes turn towards the top of my head.
It seems like they can see my nickname now.
But…
"Hello, I'm Elfnunna."
The moment I reveal my nickname, thinking it's an anonymous space anyway…
"...."
"...."
An eerie silence falls over the clearing.
And after a moment…
"Elfnuna?!"
"Crazy, the person who wrote the stat guide?"
"Uh… wasn't that person from the game company?"
"As expected, that person was Korean! I knew it!"
"Excuse me! Is it true? Is it really you?"
For some reason, a commotion breaks out.
However, before I can grasp the situation, I quietly exhale a deep breath.
'Whew…'
What is this again?
-x-X-x-
The clearing starts buzzing with excitement as I reveal my nickname.
I close my eyes for a moment and assess the situation.
First of all, Elfnuna, the name they're mentioning…
…is the nickname I used to use.
I chose it without much thought because my character at the time was an elf.
And…
'I also wrote the stat guide…'
Was it around my 3rd year of playing?
I felt it was a waste to keep the information I had painstakingly compiled to myself, so I uploaded it to the forum.
As expected of a dead game forum, I remember the view count not even reaching 100 after a year.
But…
'Why are they all looking at me like I'm some rare named monster?'
Come to think of it, that woman earlier also mentioned something about being a fan.
Why?
It's been about 5 years since I last visited that community.
'…Did I become famous without even knowing it?'
Whatever the reason, I come to a conclusion.
I'm famous.
I can figure out the reason why I became famous later.
I have enough clues to deal with the situation right now.
"Ah, you must have misunderstood."
About 3 seconds.
After grasping the situation, I smile brightly and wave my hands.
"I'm a fan of that person. If you read the nickname carefully, you'll see. It's not Elfnuna, but Elfnunna. N-u-n-n-a."
It's a good thing I changed one letter because of the nickname overlap.
I hate receiving unnecessary attention.
"Oh, come to think of it…"
"The nickname is different."
The men look at my nickname again at my words.
"It's Elfnunna! Not Elfnuna!"
"What the, was he just impersonating…?"
"As expected, there's no way. I had some expectations because he's Korean…"
They sigh in disappointment.
Some of them even look at me with slightly unfriendly eyes, as if they feel like they've been deceived.
"Haha, it can happen if you're a fan!"
The room owner, 'DarkMan', laughs and mediates the situation, then tells me a few rules to follow in the room.
That we must address each other with respect?
There weren't any other noteworthy rules besides the fact that they'll kick out anyone who causes trouble.
"Then I'll be on my way, so feel free to chat among yourselves. You can leave whenever you want."
The atmosphere of welcoming a newcomer is short-lived.
People return to their original spots and start chatting here and there.
As I'm contemplating where to go, a white man approaches me.
He's a player with the nickname PinkGuy.
"Elfnunna, what year are you in?"
"Ah, I'm in my 1st year."
Actually, it's been 5 months, but I judge that it would be strange if I said I entered this place too early.
However, the response I get is unexpected.
"Really? You received the letter quite late, huh?"
"Yes?"
"Well, very few people receive the letter after gaining fame, most of them get it early on when it's obvious."
"I see…"
"Since Elfnunna only received the letter now, it seems like you've been doing a good job acting. I started as a human and was just carrying luggage when I got the letter."
"Ah, yes…"
"Anyway, if you're in your 1st year, it's only been about 70 days in that world… so you must be up-to-date on things, right? How is it over there?"
I'm not sure if there are any events worth mentioning, so I ask back as if I misheard.
"70 days… you say?"
I'm pretty sure I just said I'm in my 1st year.
But why is it 70 days ago?
PinkGuy continues with an 'oops' expression.
"Ah, you wouldn't know that since this is your first time. The flow of time is different between that world and this one."
"Different?"
"Yes. 1 month on Earth is about 5 months there."
In short, it's a 1:5 time ratio.
I feel a strange sensation as soon as I hear it.
'Only a month has passed…'
I'm happy that less time has passed, but I wonder if I've been reported missing.
There should be someone who looks for me besides my company.
As I continue talking with PinkGuy, I hear various things.
"A way to go back? Well, there are many speculations… but I heard there's nothing confirmed yet."
Even the players who came here much earlier than me haven't figured out how to return.
The founder of Ghostbusters is a veteran player of 20 years.
"Isn't it amazing that he cleared that game 5 years ago?"
"That's right."
The more new information I hear, the more I feel a sense of defeat.
It's like my pride as a veteran player is crumbling?
One way or another, everyone here reached the Gate of the Abyss before me, making them all experts compared to me.
'They might look stupid on the outside, but they're all actually amazing people—'
"So what multiplier mode did Elfnunna clear it on?"
Huh? Multiplier?
As I look at him as if I don't understand what he's saying, he adds,
"You probably didn't clear the original version, so Elfnunna must have cleared the remake. What multiplier mode did you play on?"
No, I still don't understand…
Remake?
"If I say pirated version, would you understand? You know, that game file that was uploaded on Stone Ivan's forum 5 years ago, the one where you can adjust the experience points and drop rates."
Oh…
There was such a thing?
PinkGuy then speaks with unconcealable pride,
"Ah, not to brag, but I cleared it on 50x."
How can there be so many people who cleared this game?
It's the moment a long-held question is answered.
__________________________
[Dungeon and Stone].
The game that I barely managed to enter the final boss room after grinding for 10 years.
While playing, I countless times wondered how a game could have such difficulty.
However…
'You can set the maximum experience points and drop rates to 100x?'
Crazy, what kind of OP setting is that?
I didn't even know the level cap was 30.
Because even after killing every monster in the labyrinth, level 11 was the limit.
'Wait, if the level cap is 30, does that mean you can absorb 30 essences per character?'
Honestly, I can't even imagine it.
At this level, there's no need to choose what to give up or what to take, you can just stuff everything in.
It makes me feel like an idiot for agonizing over the best combination of essences, considering their synergy.
And I even heard that you can open rifts, the core of growth, at any time you want…
'With a 100x drop rate, Numbered Items would just be raining down.'
Thirty essences.
And a super OP character armed with all sorts of artifacts.
If five characters like that formed a party…
The Ancient Dragon, the Lord of Destruction, Leviathan, or whatever, would have died instantly with just a poke.
"So what multiplier did Elfnunna clear it on?"
"…50x for me too."
"Ah, I see. Was it difficult?"
Difficult my ass.
With these conditions, I'm confident I could clear it in one try even if dimensional collapse or any other bullshit event happened.
But…
'It would be disadvantageous to me if I said that.'
Just like how the Evil Spirit Hunters came looking for me as soon as I gained fame, excessive attention is poison. It's foolish to take risks just to brag to someone.
Let's not do anything that stands out and just find out what I need to know.
"What multiplier mode did the person who created this place clear it on?"
"Ah, that person? Don't be surprised when you hear this. He cleared it on 15x mode. It was only possible because he was an original player."
"15x… I see."
Since it seems like I should be surprised, I pretend to be surprised. For reference, PinkGuy said that the average multiplier among players is 60 to 80x…
Hearing that, the conversations of the people laughing and chatting in the distance start to pierce my ears.
"Haha, isn't it a ridiculous world? I still haven't entered a rift. In the game, you could just click on it."
"Phew, that's right. How can we even reach the last floor if it's this hard just to enter a rift…"
"They say there were many Easter eggs in the game, I should have looked into those things more."
The players are lamenting as they compare the remake version they played with reality.
Well, it's understandable.
This is the real-life version with even higher difficulty than the original.
"Whew…"
A deep sense of emptiness washes over me.
Seniors who cleared this game before me.
As I think that, I try to console myself, saying that I should look for things to learn from them rather than trying to belittle them…
But this is ridiculous, isn't it?
"Elfnunna?"
"Sorry, I was just thinking for a bit…"
Afterwards, I continue talking with PinkGuy for a while longer.
In the process, I learn things that are common knowledge for ordinary players, and I get a much better understanding of how this community works.
And one question is also answered.
'So with the remake… I mean, the pirated version, circulating, the game became popular again, and my nickname also became famous…?'
In many ways, the conversation with PinkGuy was informative.
It was even fun.
"Ha, I would have no regrets if I could just have one proper pizza… Elfnunna, are there any foods you miss?"
"Cola and gukbap."
"Gukbap? What kind of food is that?"
"It's the most efficient food I've ever eaten."
How long has it been since I had a conversation like this?
____________________________
After exchanging a few more words with other people, I leave the Newbie Room.
PinkGuy asked if it was okay to add me as a friend, and I politely declined. He was definitely a nice person, but I didn't want to get close.
He was too nice.
As if he were treating me like a girl he likes.
'Anyway, I think I know everything I need to know…'
I return to the room with the computer and continue to gather information, reading the forum and announcements.
So now it's time to achieve the purpose of coming here.
'Let's look into the dimensional collapse.'
As I type on the keyboard, I check the timer in the lower right corner.
It was originally 12 hours, but it's already down to 7 hours.
The space closes when the time runs out, even if you don't log out, so I need to hurry.
[Exchange]
I use the mouse to open the exchange page.
This place offers a service where you can purchase information, items, etc. using Ghost Points (GP).
In simpler terms, you can use GP to obtain resources or buy rare items.
However…
'As expected, it's better not to touch this.'
I decide not to use this function as much as possible.
Items have to go through the real world.
No matter how complex the intermediary system is…
…even if the system seems quite safe…
…in the end, since physical objects are exchanged in reality, it's inevitable that there will be a connection with me as a barbarian.
[GP Owned: 0]
Therefore, I also pass on the option of charging GP with real money.
Of course, I need GP to purchase information about the dimensional collapse, but…
It's not a big problem.
I can be self-sufficient here.
Click, click.
I use the mouse to filter the exchange items by [Information] and then change the category to [Purchase Requests].
Countless question posts appear.
[20 GP] Is there an easy way to reach the 2nd floor?
[100~500 GP] I'm raising a melee character, I want to know an OP build for the early stages.
Easy questions have correspondingly low GP rewards.
However…
[7,000 GP] I want to know the special events for each stage of the 4th floor Tower of Heaven.
[2,800 GP] I want to know the exact mechanics of the passive skill 'Dragon Master'.
The rewards for more in-depth questions are higher.
So I sort them by highest price.
Because that's the most efficient way.
[70,000 GP] Buying 1st floor Floor Master strategy. No jokes.
[69,000 GP] Only those who know about the 6th floor Skull Island, please contact me.
1st floor Floor Master?
[1:1 chat request sent to TacitRonin.]
[Transaction completed.]
[GP Owned: 70,000]
Skull Island, the hidden piece on the 6th floor?
[1:1 chat request sent to Bro_78.]
[Transaction completed.]
[GP Owned: 139,000]
I know everything about this game.