Erwen Fornachi di Tersia.
She is currently in the Witch's Forest.
With her sister, Daria.
"Ugh... I'm so dizzy..."
"You'll get used to it. So once you adjust, try to focus on the sounds."
The reason she entered the Witch's Forest while hunting with her sister on the 3rd floor is simple.
She's been receiving scout training recently.
They entered the Witch's Forest on the last day before the labyrinth closes.
"Even if you don't become a professional scout, you need to know how to find your way up to the 4th floor."
"Ugh..."
Her sister is an experienced scout.
So she has already inherited enough knowledge and know-how to find her way alone on the lower floors.
But the Witch's Forest is different.
It's a special terrain where you can only navigate by relying on your senses.
"How is it, do you hear anything?"
Erwen focuses on the sounds as instructed by her sister. Other races have to specialize in one sense, like smell or sight, to avoid getting lost in the Witch's Forest...
Thump!
...but fairies, with their naturally developed hearing, don't need to do that?
According to her sister's explanation, although it's difficult to navigate this place like your own backyard, anyone can find the 4th-floor portal.
Thump!
As soon as she closes her eyes and listens, she starts to hear small sounds that she couldn't hear before.
The wind like blades, the rustling of branches, the howls of monsters, the clanging of weapons, and so on.
As she examines them one by one, she finds a sound that's clearly different.
Thump!
It's a heavy sound, like a heartbeat.
This must be the fluctuation of magic power that her sister mentioned.
"That way..."
Her sister smiles proudly as she points in the direction of the sound.
"Good job. Then shall we go?"
Erwen continues to focus on the sound and finds her way. There were times when she was so focused on her hearing that she didn't even notice monsters approaching...
...but her sister always helped her, so there were no problems.
How much time has passed?
Thump!
The fluctuation of magic power grows stronger.
Now, she can hear it even without trying, to the point where her ears feel stuffy. Just as she's thinking that it's okay to stop focusing on the sound...
[Good work, Rotmiller.]
...Erwen frowns at the sudden voice she hears.
She doesn't know who Rotmiller is, but...
"Hmm?"
"What's wrong?"
The voice saying 'good work' is familiar.
It's similar to the voice she misses, a voice that's both harsh and warm...
'Could it be...?'
Even though she thinks it's impossible, Erwen's legs are already moving.
Towards the direction where the voice came from.
"Erwen? Where are you... stop...!"
Although her sister calls out from behind, she continues forward as if possessed, unable to hear her.
After about a minute...
...a vast clearing appears, and a giant tower hidden within the forest is revealed.
There's a group of explorers in front of it.
One dwarf, two humans, one beastman...
And a barbarian.
Of course, his appearance is completely different from someone in her memory.
He's wearing shiny armor like an experienced explorer, and his shield is much larger and more luxurious.
She can't see his face because of the helmet.
But...
"Ah, mister?!"
Erwen instinctively feels it.
That he's that person.
"Mister!!"
She shouts belatedly, her voice echoing throughout the forest, but the barbarian doesn't turn around.
He had already half-entered the portal when she saw him, and now he's completely disappeared.
Therefore, Erwen runs.
As if she's about to follow him and jump into the portal.
"Erwen!"
However, her body, running with agility incomparable to when she was on the 1st floor, is soon stopped by her sister.
"...Let go! We have to go in—"
"Get a grip!!"
"Mister is over there..."
"Are you going to keep being stubborn? You didn't even see his face properly?"
Erwen is speechless.
It's because she belatedly realizes how her actions must have looked.
But...
"I... know. I just, I can tell!"
"What if you're wrong? The 4th floor is dangerous for just the two of us. And besides, do you even know what kind of people those who entered first are?"
"Th, that's..."
It was a question she hadn't considered.
Because Erwen was already certain.
But she doesn't have the confidence to explain this clear feeling in her heart to her sister.
So just as she's trying to break free with force...
"Ah, no...!"
The color of the portal changes to red.
It means that even if they enter the portal now, they can't go to the same place as those who entered before.
"Why! Why did you stop me?!"
"Because it's only natural! I told you that entering the 4th floor without permission could get you treated as a marauder, didn't I?"
"But... it was mister...!"
Erwen clenches her teeth.
Although something like anger wells up from deep within her heart...
...she takes a deep breath and comes to her senses.
'It's okay. At least I know he's alive...'
For now, she decides to be satisfied with that.
If she wasn't mistaken today, and he really was alive...
'...I'll be able to meet him soon.'
She'll definitely be able to meet him again.
__________________
「Entered 4th Floor Tower of Heaven.」
__________________
What was it?
That voice?
It seemed like someone was calling me...
'Could it be, Erwen?'
I freeze.
The only person who would call me 'mister' is her. But that doesn't make sense.
'No, there's no way.'
It's hard to believe that such a coincidence would happen after reuniting with my companions in this vast labyrinth.
It must have just been a conversation between other explorers.
Anyway, it's not something to worry about now.
"Bjorn, what are you doing! Let's move!"
It's a stone chamber about 40 square meters in size.
Each wall has a tightly closed door.
Tower of Heaven.
As soon as you enter, the first trial begins. In other words, monsters start pouring out.
[Kyaaaaak—!]
Seven 9th-grade, three 8th-grade, and one 7th-grade monsters.
Monsters that appear on the 3rd floor, regardless of their habitat, form a group and attack us. It's the reason why I usually call this place the 'Tower of Training'.
Since so many different types of monsters appear, it's easy to gain experience points, and you can also practice against patterns that you haven't encountered before.
'Orc Shaman, Stone Golem, Living Armor, and even a Dullahan...'
A bizarre combination appears from the start.
「Living Armor has cast [Armor Enhancement].」
The Living Armor is equipped on the Dullahan as if it's a host.
「Orc Shaman has cast [Frenzy].」
「Dullahan's physical resistance increases by 3 times for 10 seconds.」
The Dullahan, which already has ridiculously high physical resistance, practically becomes a rock, and in the meantime, the Stone Golem uses [Suppression] to inflict debuffs.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
While Misha and Rotmiller take care of the 9th-grade trash mobs, the dwarf and I form a shield wall and block the Dullahan.
Although it's a focused combination, tanking is easy with two tanks.
'High physical resistance doesn't really mean much to us.'
Our main damage dealers are Dwarkey and Misha.
Dwarkey, the mage, is needless to say, and Misha's ice damage has also increased significantly after properly building her as a freezing swordsman.
"Hmm, was it always this easy?"
The dwarf tilts his head as the battle ends quickly, even though he was just acting as a meat shield.
"Didn't we all get stronger!"
"Huhu, how was it? The spell I just used was one I learned recently."
No matter how strong a tank is, it's not very noticeable.
On the other hand, damage dealers are a class where even a small amount of growth is clearly visible.
And as for scouts...
"Ahem."
Well, they're practically non-combatants anyway.
It's safe to say that they've done their job as long as they get us to our destination within the time limit.
And it's not like only monsters appear on the 4th floor.
「Trial completed.」
As soon as all the monsters die, the tightly closed door opens wide.
Each door has a unique symbol engraved on it.
Courage, Wisdom, Fate, Patience.
Normally, we would have chosen the Stairs of Courage and fought random monsters, but...
"Since we don't have time, it would be best to go up floors quickly."
We choose the Stairs of Wisdom for now.
The difficulty of the Tower of Heaven increases with each trial, and the Stairs of Wisdom is a route where you can go up several floors at once.
We need to reach at least the 20th floor for it to be worth hunting.
「Chose the Stairs of Wisdom.」
Therefore, we walk through the darkness that resembles an abyss.
Although the path is complex, there are traps, and monsters occasionally appear, there's no danger with the professional scout Rotmiller.
Kwaaang!
As we reach the 6th floor after about an hour, the door we entered through is locked tight, and monsters attack us.
Unlike the 1st floor, there are even three 7th-grade monsters, but no dangerous situations arise.
The combination is also quite shitty compared to before.
"Hmm, there are no Stairs of Wisdom this time."
After the battle, we have no choice but to choose the Stairs of Courage. Fate has too many variables, and as for Patience... everyone shakes their heads in unison.
'Well, it's better to fight a few more monsters than to do that.'
If it were a game, it might be different...
...but in this reality-patched world, the Trial of Patience is a trial that everyone avoids.
It's hot, it's cold, it's sad, and shitty memories come to mind.
「Chose the Stairs of Courage.」
Anyway, we climb the stairs and reach the 7th floor.
Monsters appear, and that's it.
The battle ends easily, but the tightly closed doors show no signs of opening.
Well, that's only natural.
If you choose Courage, you have to wait 4 hours even after defeating all the monsters.
"Alright, let's recharge our courage while we rest!"
Anyway, regardless of the dwarf's joke...
...we're exhausted from traversing the Witch's Forest, so we spend our time resting without much regret.
There's no need for a watch.
Monsters don't respawn, and once the portal changes color, other explorers can't enter.
"Phew, then let's go!"
After sleeping for 4 hours, we choose the Stairs of Wisdom once again and climb the tower.
We've already reached the 12th floor in terms of floors.
But what is this again?
[Graaagh!!]
We freeze as we see a single monster standing in the center of the stone chamber.
Thud!
A giant body over 4 meters tall.
Huge fangs protruding from its mouth.
Grayish-white skin covering its massive muscles.
And a hunchback-like spine and abnormally broad shoulders.
"Tr, troll...?"
"Why is that thing here..."
Troll.
It's a monster classified as one of the biggest assholes among 5th-grade monsters.
If Death Fiends were 'newbie slayers'...
...this bastard was the one who played the role of 'keyboard breaker' for experienced gamers.
'This bastard appears here?'
Even I have quite a few memories of rage-quitting because of this guy.
And is it because of those memories?
Curses escape my lips involuntarily.
"Damn it."
No wonder things were going so smoothly even after encountering Hans.
Could this be the reason?
'Damn it, I didn't expect it to be a monster this time.'
It's not just marauders that you need to be wary of in the labyrinth.
-x-X-x-
Could it be that the 5th-grade monster's aura is so impressive?
Dwarkey stumbles back, stuttering.
"Wh, why is a 5th-grade monster in the Tower of Heaven..."
I can understand his feelings.
It's common knowledge that the highest level of monsters that appear in the Tower of Heaven is 6th-grade.
But as a veteran player, to clarify the facts...
'5th-grade monsters do appear, though.'
5th-grade monsters also appear in the Tower of Heaven.
Although the probability is ridiculously low.
Have I experienced it about seven times so far?
That's about the frequency if I combine all my playtime over the past 10 years.
However...
'I really didn't expect to encounter one on the 12th floor.'
The difficulty of the Tower of Heaven becomes fixed from the 100th floor onwards.
And all the times I encountered 5th-grade monsters were when I was grinding above that level.
But to appear on the 12th floor?
'Damn Hans effect.'
I sigh and shout with all my might,
"Everyone, get a grip!!"
Hans or my shitty luck or whatever.
It's not the time to calculate probabilities or think about how unlucky I am.
If a situation arises, action comes first.
Therefore—
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
…I cast [Wild Release] and charge forward.
If I just stand here, someone's going to die before they even come to their senses.
Whoosh!
As I rush in, emanating an increased threat level, the troll immediately swings its fist at me.
It's surprising that it has such speed despite its massive size, but...
...what's truly astonishing is its strength.
Kwaaang!
Damn it, I almost lost my shield.
My body is pushed back for the first time in a while as I'm overpowered in terms of strength.
"I'll, I'll help!"
The dwarf then joins in and blocks the troll's next attack.
「Hikurod Murad has cast [Counterweight].」
Thanks to the Iron Ant's skill, he doesn't get pushed back, and he even receives a shock absorption bonus...
...but his buckler is turned into scrap metal.
「Hikurod Murad has cast [Emergency Restoration].」
The dwarf had to use his equipment repair skill after blocking just one hit.
Geez, I told him to change his shield.
[Graaagh!!]
I block the next incoming fist and strike the troll's shoulder with my mace.
Thwack-!
I feel a solid impact, but that's all.
The troll bastard swings its other fist without even flinching or breaking any bones.
'Tsk, I can't even deal any damage, huh.'
I click my tongue and retreat, dodging the fist.
In the first place, even if I injure it, it's meaningless against a troll, and it's a foolish thing to engage in a strength contest with a monster like a troll.
Whoosh!
As the troll's fist swings through the air...
...the damage dealers finally come to their senses and start providing support.
First up is Rotmiller's crossbow.
Whoosh! Thud!
The arrow is shot with force but bounces off as if it hit a stone wall. As expected, regular arrows don't even pierce a troll's hide.
Tsk, it would have been different if it were the bear-like man.
Slash!
Anyway, even Misha's sword strike, which I had high hopes for, isn't very effective.
Although she managed to cut through the troll's thick hide, it wasn't deep.
'Still, it's a good thing she's a freezing swordsman.'
I console myself as I look at the frost-covered wound.
As expected of a 5th-grade monster, its resistance is so high that it didn't reach the 'Frozen' status, but this is still better than nothing.
It will at least slightly hinder its regeneration ability.
"I, it's done!"
Dwarkey also finishes chanting and shoots his signature 'Enhanced Ice Spear'. He aims for the head, which is usually a weak point for any monster.
But...
Kwagic!
The troll bastard, with its monstrous physical stats and high magic resistance, simply shatters the ice spear with its bare fist.
But seeing this sight, did he lose his will?
[Graaagh!!]
Dwarkey trembles in fear and stammers,
"We, we need to run away. Trolls are not the kind of monsters you can fight without any prepa—"
Right, they're not that easy of monsters.
Normally, you would prepare extensively before hunting them.
But where are we going to run away to?
"Shut up and focus on the battle!!"
"A, alright!"
Phew, why does he only listen when I yell at him?
Anyway, this guy is taken care of, so...
Kwaaang!
I focus more on restraining the troll and assess the situation.
5th-grade monsters require basic specs that are at their level just to even have a chance of winning.
Well, it's similar for 6th-grade monsters too, but there's a clear difference from 5th grade onwards.
'This is troublesome.'
Just look at the vampire we encountered in the Crimson Fortress.
Back then, we had Raven, a 6th-grade mage.
Since a mage's rank is calculated as +1.5, it means we practically had a damage dealer above 5th-grade level in the team.
And we also had the OP item, 'Tears of the Goddess'. A sacred relic with enough power to one-shot a Death Knight. And on top of that, we even bombarded it with its weakness, sun-attribute attack spells.
But what was the result?
'…It still didn't die in one shot.'
That's the power of a 5th-grade monster.
Even though I endured with potions and poured everything I had into one shot, it was still alive.
And that was for a monster with high regeneration but relatively low defense.
But what about this troll bastard?
It has both top-tier regeneration and defense.
In short, it's a similar type to the Death Fiend that served as a significant entry barrier.
It's the kind of monster where there's no chance of a lucky punch if your specs aren't up to par.
'Still... we're barely within the threshold.'
I calmly analyze our strength.
Excluding the dwarf and me, the tanks, I only consider the damage dealers. Can these two actually deal enough damage to kill a 5th-grade monster?
The answer is 'they can, just barely'.
If Dwarkey focuses all his mana on 'curses'...
...and while the two of us tanks hold out indefinitely...
...Misha, who has grown significantly this time, can gradually deal damage.
'The problem is, it wouldn't be surprising if one of us dies in the process.'
Due to the troll's characteristics, if we can't overpower it with our specs, we have no choice but to fight a long battle.
And when a battle drags on, accidents tend to happen.
"Misha! Be careful!!"
I block the fist swung at Misha with my body and grit my teeth.
"Ah, tha, thank you!"
It's going to be a tough battle, that much is certain.
A battle where it wouldn't be surprising if one of us died.
If Misha or Dwarkey were to be defeated, it would be game over.
But...
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
...we have no choice but to try.
5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes...
The battle continues amidst the dripping sweat.
Every second, every moment, is a time where we focus on our respective roles and pour everything we have into achieving one goal.
Kwaaang-!
First, the dwarf and I take turns receiving the troll's attacks and conserve our stamina as much as possible.
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 8th-grade curse spell [Deterioration].」
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 9th-grade curse spell [Slow].」
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 7th-grade curse spell [Softening].」
Dwarkey focuses on his role as a supporter, spamming curse spells instead of attack magic.
The troll's regeneration ability is decreased, its movements are slowed, and its physical resistance is slightly reduced.
Slash!
Misha diligently swings her swords at the troll.
Targeting one spot, as I instructed.
Slash!
After repeatedly striking the same spot, the troll's right arm starts to dangle.
[Graaak—!!]
Rotmiller is not just standing around either.
Although he can't shoot the troll in the eye as I requested because it's moving around so much, even the attempt itself helps as a tank.
It distracts the bastard.
"Dwarkey, come here!"
And it's also Rotmiller's job to take Dwarkey and run away when the troll's aggro is broken.
Phew, it feels like we're walking on thin ice.
Kwaaang-!
I quickly wipe the sweat from my eyes as I use [Wild Release], which just came off cooldown, to return the troll to its original position.
Although it seems like we're doing well…
…every moment is a crisis, and a drain on our resources.
'The repair costs are going to be astronomical again.'
The Laetium shield and breastplate, which I bought at a high price, are already dented here and there. It's a natural result after blocking countless punches from the troll bastard.
It's not even 3rd-tier material, it's just 2nd-tier.
Expecting it to be fine against a 5th-grade monster's attacks is shameless.
In the first place, it's not a situation where repair costs are important.
「Hikurod Murad has cast [Emergency Restoration].」
The dwarf, who has been using the skill to repair his equipment every time he blocks an attack, is now almost out of MP.
And it's the same for Misha.
Her MP has been rapidly depleting because she's been maintaining [Cold Condensation] to further hinder the troll's regeneration.
Well, Dwarkey is in the worst condition, though.
"Heuk, heuk..."
Since trolls have high magic resistance, he had to continuously cast curses to maintain the curse effects, and now he looks like a corpse.
In that sense, it's time for a final check.
"How much mana do you have left?"
"2 minutes... no, maybe 3 minutes at most."
"If you exclude 'Slow'?"
"...7 minutes should be possible."
"I see. Exclude 'Slow' from now on."
Although the troll's movements will become more ferocious if the Slow curse is removed, we'll have to deal with it.
If 'Deterioration' disappears, the arm we just half-severed will heal completely within seconds.
'7 minutes...'
The time limit has been set.
7 minutes.
If we can't kill the troll within that time, we'll be the ones who get killed.
Therefore, it's time to go for the win.
"Misha, are you still not done?"
"Ugh, even if you say that! It won't cut off!!"
I acknowledge that there was a problem with my plan.
It's impossible to cut off the troll's arm with Misha's sword.
Although we managed to cut through the muscles while hindering regeneration with the [Deterioration] curse, the frostbite effect, and the acidic blood on Viper's Fang...
...the bone, which is as hard as 3rd-tier material, is the problem.
No, wait, troll bones actually are 3rd-tier material, so it's not wrong, is it?
Anyway, it's not a big problem.
There's never been a time when my plans went perfectly according to plan.
'Let's go with Plan B.'
I discard Plan A and bring out a new plan.
Although it's something I just came up with.
"Hikurod! You take over from now on!"
"Alright! But what are we going to do?"
I raise my mace instead of answering.
There's a right tool for every job.
In the first place, swords aren't good for breaking bones.
Maybe if it were a sturdy blunt weapon...
Clack!
I swing my mace down, and a satisfying sound is heard.
It's true damage, as the leather and muscles don't absorb the impact at all!
「Troll has cast [Frenzy].」
「Pain is temporarily nullified, and physical stats are greatly increased.」
The troll bastard lets out a pained roar and starts rampaging as it uses a skill.
"I, is it not done yet!"
The dwarf, who somehow managed to hold it back, shouts more urgently than ever.
I don't answer.
How would I know?
Barbarians just keep going until it's done.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
I engrave the barbarian spirit in my heart and keep swinging my mace without rest.
Clang!
The troll bastard tries to push me away with its remaining arm, but the dwarf manages to block it.
Therefore—
Clank.
…I throw away the shield I was holding in one hand.
Because hitting with both hands is stronger, right?
Clang!
I grip the mace with both hands and strike, and I feel an even stronger impact.
It's the same feeling I had during the vampire battle.
The feeling that it will work if I just keep going a bit longer.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
I even use [Wild Release] to increase my physical stats a little more.
With the taunt also applied, even the dwarf can't hold back the troll bastard…
Thwack!
…but I'm also confident in my durability.
I take the troll's attacks with my bare body and focus on swinging the mace.
Once, twice, three times...
Kwagic!
On the third hit, the bone cracks slightly.
And...
Four times, five times, six times...
Kwagic!
On the sixth hit, the bone shatters, and the arm bends at an unnatural angle.
[Graaak—!!]
At this point, it should retreat, but the troll bastard keeps attacking as if it has its own pride.
Thwack!
I get hit, but I keep swinging my mace with a sense of joy.
And that's when it happened, on the tenth hit.
Kwagic!
The bone is finally completely shattered.
The arm dangles, held only by a few tendons.
"Misha!"
Before I can even shout, Misha, who had flown in, swings her sword and severs the tendons.
Thud!
The arm, covered in muscles, falls to the ground with a heavy thud. It was the first achievement we made after 20 minutes of struggling.
However…
'Is this just the beginning?'
I'm a barbarian who can't be satisfied with something like this.
I wait for the next opportunity without even taking a breath.
From now on, it's a real race against time.
The troll's active skill, [Ultra Regeneration].
It's a skill that's only used when there's a serious loss of limbs or when their life is in danger due to a brain injury.
'Damn it, as expected of a troll.'
As soon as the skill activates, bones start to grow from the severed end, and flesh and muscles begin to fill in.
It's regenerating at this rate even though it's under the deterioration curse and frostbite, not even frozen…
…it's a ridiculous regeneration ability…
…but…
'It will take 2 minutes for it to fully grow back.'
The troll can't use [Ultra Regeneration] for at least 2 minutes.
It's not just a skill that increases regeneration significantly, it's a skill that's used to regenerate specific body parts.
In other words, even if his brain explodes or his heart is shattered, he can't heal those parts until that arm is fully regenerated.
Therefore—
Clank.
…I throw away my armor and helmet.
The dwarf looks at me as if I've gone crazy.
"Wh, why are you suddenly taking off your armor?"
Why, you ask?
This guy is clueless.
「Character has cast [Gigantification].」
My body expands in an instant.
Although I'm still smaller compared to the troll, which is almost 4 meters tall…
…this should be enough to at least compete.
Clank!
I throw my mace and shield away carelessly and grab the troll's neck, hanging on. And I restrain its remaining hand with both feet.
[Greugh!]
Could it be that it never imagined an explorer would challenge it to a wrestling match?
The troll bastard starts panicking and flailing its arm around.
Of course, nothing changes.
Even if this bastard's strength is higher than mine…
'This bastard must have a problem with his head too.'
…what can he do with just one arm?
"Misha, stab its eyes first!"
The table is set…
…so it's time to go for the win.
-x-X-x-
A level 5 monster, the troll.
He may be the poster child of regeneration, but even this guy dies if his heart or head explodes.
But I invested all of the team's strength into severing the guy's 'arm'.
And finally...
[Graaagh-!!]
...we sealed one of the bastard's arms, rendering him helpless.
In other words, we created an environment where Misha can deal damage without any risk.
Tadat.
Misha, who had been keeping her distance and focusing on dodging the troll's long arms, finally leaped.
And landing on my shoulder—
Thump!
—she plunged both swords into his eyeballs simultaneously.
No matter how high the physical resistance, there are always weak points.
[Graaagh-!!!]
The troll's struggle intensified as the swords, enchanted with acidic blood, pierced its vulnerable eyes.
Damn it, what kind of strength is this…?
"Bjo, Bjorn?"
"Don't worry about here, just keep stabbing!"
I shouted, squeezing the troll's arm with my thighs with all my might. Misha, knowing that this wasn't the time to relax, focused on stabbing instead of answering.
The first variable occurred here.
Thump, thump, thump-
As Misha repeatedly stabbed the swords into his eye sockets...
Clang! Clack!
...a scraping sound was heard.
Up to this point, it was as expected.
Even humans have bones behind their eyeballs.
However...
"...Bjo, Bjorn? It's too hard, I can't get it in!"
The problem was the strength of the bones.
Even if it were his thick arm bones, I thought she would be able to break them and pierce his brain quickly...
Right, he won't die easily.
"Keep going."
"Got it!"
Misha then gripped 'Viper's Fang' in a reverse grip and continued to strike the eye sockets.
That's when the second variable occurred.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
As time passed, the troll started to rampage.
Having lost his sight, he gave up trying to shake me off and charged towards one spot using his only remaining free limbs, his legs.
The problem was...
"Dwarkey! He's aiming for Dwarkey."
Somehow, the eyeless troll bastard was running precisely towards where Dwarkey was.
[Graaagh!!]
Rotmiller hugged Dwarkey and dodged left and right, but the troll pursued them relentlessly as if he could see.
"Mana! He's definitely sensing mana!"
Even I didn't know about this phenomenon.
Is he really instinctively sensing and following mana, as the dwarf said?
'Damn it.'
Whatever the reason...
Just when we thought it was a done deal, the situation suddenly took a turn for the worse.
Less than 10 seconds after the situation erupted, Dwarkey and Rotmiller were cornered.
It was inevitable.
If Misha were there, it might have been different...
...but Rotmiller's physical stats weren't high enough to carry someone and escape from a 5th-grade monster.
[Graaagh—!!!]
The troll then charged towards them, cornered. The dwarf tried to stop him somehow, but it was useless.
Kwaaang!
The dwarf was sent flying like a soccer ball and crashed into the wall from the troll's kick. It seems like his [Counterweight] was deactivated because his MP ran out...
Damn it, at a time like this.
"Bjo, Bjorn?"
"Ah, got it!"
Still, Rotmiller managed to escape the corner using the momentary gap created by the dwarf.
Of course, it was just buying a little time.
About 3 seconds?
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Rotmiller, who was running towards the opposite side, was caught by the troll and rolled on the ground to avoid his kicks.
I can't see their situation from my position anymore.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
The troll stomps down.
"Hi, eek...!"
Although I don't hear the sound of someone getting trampled, since he's rolling around diligently...
If we leave the troll alone for a bit longer, someone will definitely die.
Dwarkey, Rotmiller…
…or maybe even both.
Thud!
It's a crossroads of choices.
Misha is focused on stabbing with her swords and is completely unaware of the situation below.
All decisions are up to me.
Thud!
If I let go of his arm and go down, I might be able to save Dwarkey or Rotmiller.
But ultimately, that choice will lead to a total party kill.
If I let go, the troll will attack Misha with its free arm…
…and we won't get another chance.
'Damn it.'
I close my eyes tightly.
And I can't help but think…
…that this was bound to happen someday.
Thud!
[Dungeon and Stone] is not a game that pursues adventures filled with dreams and hopes.
As the game progresses, the deaths of companions become inevitable, and the adventure continues as long as the main character survives.
Yes, that's the kind of game it was.
This goddamn game—
Kwagic!
That's when I hear a crushing sound from below.
It's the sound of flesh and bone being mangled, a sound I've heard countless times since waking up in this place.
Misha, sensing something strange, stops stabbing.
Of course, it's only for a brief moment.
"Keep going!!!"
Misha resumes stabbing at my shout.
Clang, clang, clang!
I grit my teeth and put all my strength into restraining the troll's remaining arm.
That's when…
Thwack!
…Dwarkey, who was kicked away by the troll, comes into view. His body is bent at an unnatural angle, as if his spine is broken.
With this, I realize one thing.
Although it wasn't information I wanted to know…
Then the sound I heard earlier must have been Rotmiller's body.
"...Heup!"
Did Misha see Dwarkey, who had risen to our eye level?
She flinches for a moment and then starts swinging her swords with an expression that seems like she's about to cry.
"Die! Die! Die! You monster! Die!!!"
Although we had to just watch our companions suffer for the sake of survival, the situation took a turn for the worse.
With Dwarkey down, the curses were lifted.
The arm is rapidly regenerating due to the [Ultra Regeneration] effect.
「Misha Kaltstein has cast [Ice Crush].」
「Misha Kaltstein has cast [Ice Crush].」
「Misha Kaltstein has cast [Ice Crush].」
As if knowing that time is running out, Misha swings her swords down with all her might. And as those seemingly eternal seconds pass…
Clang! Clang, clang… Kwagic!
…a refreshing sound of impact is heard, and the troll's body that I was holding onto disappears.
「Killed Troll. EXP +5」
The troll's body, which has reached death, turns into light and disappears, and Misha and I fall to the ground.
Normally, I would have regained my balance in mid-air and landed on my feet, but neither of us have the energy for that.
Thud!
As I lie sprawled on the ground, staring blankly at the ceiling, a fist-sized magic stone falls next to my head.
Thud. Roll-
That's all the loot there is.
There's no dramatic essence drop.
I'm reminded once again that this moment is reality.
Right, it's not a dream.
Neither is the choice I just made.
Nor the sight of Dwarkey flying away in a mangled state due to that choice…
"Rotmiller! Dwarkey!"
I force my body up, pushing aside my desire to rest. Misha is already running to take care of our fallen companions.
"Rotmiller! Come to your senses!!!"
"Do, don't shake me…"
"So, sorry!"
Surprisingly, Rotmiller is alive.
One of his legs is not just broken, but completely crushed, but it's not a fatal injury.
The heavens helped, literally.
If his head or upper body had been crushed, that would have been the end.
"Before me… Dw, Dwarkey first…"
"Ah, got it!!"
While Misha rushes towards Dwarkey, I check Rotmiller's leg injury, which has been left unattended.
"What happened to Dwarkey?"
"Don't worry, he's alive thanks to you. So how about you worry about yourself now?"
"That's… true. Huhuhu."
"It's going to be quite painful."
"I kno… ugh! Keueueuek!!"
Rotmiller groans and faints after being 'potion-ed', and that's the end of the immediate measures we can take.
It seems like it's the same for Misha.
"Bjorn…"
Misha looks at me with an expression that seems to seek confirmation.
I chuckle and answer,
"Yeah, they're all alive."
"That's… a relief… truly…"
Misha slumps down, her body losing strength.
It seems like she only realizes it now after hearing my answer.
But I still don't feel it.
'I can't believe… no one actually died.'
It's not that I wished for them to die.
No, I'm more than happy that they all survived.
However, it's hard to be completely happy because there are too many unsettling aspects.
After all…
…we didn't overcome this crisis because I did well.
Because I made a good plan beforehand.
Or because I responded well when a variable appeared.
'We were… lucky.'
We were just lucky.
And as I acknowledge that, I finally realize…
…what it means to live as an explorer in this damn world.
Today, everyone survived like in a movie.
But…
'It probably… won't always be like today.'
I know better than anyone…
…that such luck won't come to someone like me over and over again.
As time passes, they regain consciousness one by one.
The dwarf is the first to wake up.
"…So, everyone is alive."
The dwarf, who has confirmed that everyone survived, doesn't laugh heartily like usual.
He just repeats the same words as if praying.
"Thank goodness. Yeah, that's right… truly a relief…"
Well, if he's been an explorer for several years, he must have experienced quite a bit. The death of companions is like a fate for explorers.
"To be safe after encountering a troll, I should make a donation to the temple…"
Rotmiller is the next to wake up after the dwarf.
I approach him hesitantly and apologize with a hint of excuse.
"I'm sorry. I didn't expect the troll to act like that when it couldn't even see."
"…How is that your fault? We should be the ones thanking you. If it weren't for you, none of us would have survived."
"But…"
"Your judgment was correct, so don't blame yourself."
It seems like Rotmiller already knows that I was willing to sacrifice the two of them.
Well, there's no way he wouldn't know.
I was the one who kept shouting at him to do it.
"Keugh, ugh…"
After some time, Dwarkey also groans and opens his eyes.
"Don't move. Your injuries haven't fully healed yet."
"Is everyone… okay…?"
"We're all fine! So don't worry!"
"Ah… Mi, Miss Misha… I'm glad you're safe…"
"Idiot! That's what you say?"
"Th, that's…! Cough! Th, that's true…? Hahaha."
The heavy atmosphere finally lightens up a bit as Dwarkey, who was in the worst condition, wakes up.
"Haha, to think that the five of us defeated a troll. We can't even brag about it. No one would believe us!"
The dwarf starts cracking jokes like usual, and Misha does the same.
"Ugh, an essence should have dropped! Somehow, it feels unfair. We went through all that trouble, but we got nothing, right?"
"We saved our lives, didn't we?"
"Rotmiller, you have too little greed, that's the problem."
"Right, you even used a top-grade potion, didn't you? Ah, of course, don't worry. We'll all chip in and pay you back."
"That's a relief."
"Ah, but Bjorn, what are we going to do now? You're not thinking of going up any further, right?"
"Phew… what do you think of me? Of course, we're going to rest for a while."
"Wait, Misha? Why are you asking Bjorn? I'm the leader of the team."
"Ah… right?"
Anyway, regardless of the dwarf's question…
…everyone accepts my suggestion of staying on this floor until the labyrinth closes without any objections.
Because we're not in a state to continue exploring.
We rest in the same place where we had the fierce battle with the troll, soothing our tired bodies and minds.
「The labyrinth is closed.」
「Character is being transported to Lafdonia.」
And so, a week passes, and my sixth expedition comes to an end.
-x-X-x-
In the end, the expedition was put on hold after the troll battle.
It was because Dwarkey's condition wasn't improving.
[Even if he drinks more potions, it won't heal any faster. Not everyone's body is as sturdy as yours.]
Even after the wounds are healed, it takes time for the muscles and bones to properly realign if there's no natural regeneration.
Therefore, we had to rush to the temple as soon as we returned to the city, passing through the checkpoint.
Unlike Rotmiller, Dwarkey wasn't at a level where time would heal his injuries.
"Phew, now I feel a bit better..."
Dwarkey, who couldn't even stand up for a week, finally succeeded in standing on his own after receiving 'High-Grade Healing'.
"No aftereffects? I was worried because the treatment was delayed..."
"Haha, don't worry. I'm in good enough condition to enter the labyrinth right now."
"That's a relief."
Thanks to the initial treatment with a top-grade potion, Dwarkey was back to normal with just one dose of divine power.
It's a relief.
If he had any lingering effects, it would have hindered the next expedition.
"Then let's meet again in two days, and for today, let's each go back and rest."
Since we didn't earn much from the magic stones we acquired after the whole team assembled, we decided to postpone the distribution until after receiving the request reward and disbanded.
'Hmm, is it about 400,000 stones per person?'
I don't know for sure until we divide it, but it should be around that much if we sell all the byproducts of the Frogman Shaman and split it five ways.
We agreed to deduct 200,000 stones per person for potion expenses.
'Damn troll bastard.'
Because of that bastard, my financial loss is significant.
I'll have to pay a lot to fix the bent equipment.
If it caused me this much trouble, it should have at least dropped an essence.
It's fortunate that I earned a lot beforehand, otherwise, we would have actually returned at a loss.
"Bjorn, what are you going to do now?"
"First, I'm going to go back to the inn, wash up, and then go organize the items. Of course, you're coming with me."
"Huh? Me too...?"
"Didn't you just relax in the labyrinth? Don't think about running away."
"I wasn't! Anyway, it's annoying to go back to my place, can I wash up at your inn?"
"Of course."
We head to my accommodation to avoid unnecessary travel.
And I finish washing up quickly.
I need to move fast if I want to visit the commercial district before the carriages stop running.
"Eek? You're already done?"
"You can take your time. It's going to take a while to organize everything anyway."
"Oh, really?"
After sending Misha to the bathroom, I laid out the loot I acquired this time and started organizing them.
Equipment and consumables obtained from defeating the three guys who were targeting Jensia and the baby barbarian.
'I'll sell this, and we can use this... '
I even wrote down a list and was diligently organizing when someone knocked on the door.
"Excuse me, are you in there?"
It was a man's voice I'd never heard before.
When I opened the door, I saw a man wearing an Explorer's Guild staff badge.
"Are you Mr. Bjorn Yandel?"
"...Yes."
"Would it be possible for you to accompany me to the guild?"
Damn it, suddenly?
I felt annoyed as memories of being taken to prison after hearing similar words came back...
...but judging by the employee's tone and expression, the situation is clearly different this time.
And I don't see any guards.
First, let's calmly assess the situation.
"Tell me what it's about first. I'll decide whether to go or not after that."
"Ah, you're right, I should have explained first."
The employee realized his mistake and then cautiously explained the situation.
"...Witness?"
"Yes, they said you would prove that he's not a marauder..."
The baby barbarian is in trouble.
_____________________
"Although such requests are usually not accepted, as you know, after 'that incident', all related regulations have become stricter... I apologize for the inconvenience, but we're just here to confirm. If you're not related to him, you can just refuse—"
"I'll go."
"Yes?"
"Wait here while I change."
I close the door and put on my coat.
And I inform Misha, who's in the shower, that I'm going out.
"Misha, today's plans are canceled."
"What? Why all of a sudden?"
"It seems like something happened to Karon. I'm going to the Explorer's Guild for a bit, so go home or whatever after you're done washing up."
"What? What are you... ! No, explain in more det—!"
"You've been waiting, huh? Let's go."
"Is it that annoying for you to do that, you barbarian!!"
Anyway, regardless of Misha's pointed cry...
...I head to the guild with the employee who was waiting outside.
Coincidentally, the place we arrive at is the same branch where I broke out of prison.
"It's been a while."
"Yes? Ah, yes... Please come in. The branch manager is waiting."
"The branch manager...?"
As I'm reminiscing about old times while looking around...
...I follow the employee to the third floor and see Karon dozing off on the sofa.
The mustached branch manager is sitting across from him.
With a very displeased expression.
"Oh, been well?"
"...Thanks to you."
Geez, he's so curt.
Still, it doesn't seem like a serious situation. If Karon was really accused of being a marauder, he wouldn't be sleeping here, but locked up in the underground prison.
Snore, snore-!
First, I wake up Karon.
Well, is it even right to say I woke him up?
"Karon, stop pretending to sleep and wake up. There's no need to do that even here."
The branch manager and the employee both tilt their heads in confusion at my words, and then Karon slowly opens his eyes.
"...How did you know?"
How did I know?
You left with those meaningful words.
"I thought... you might do that."
"You mean you acknowledge me as a fellow warrior?"
"Yeah, that's right."
Karon smiles genuinely as I nod roughly, and bumps his shoulder against mine.
"Anyway, thanks for coming. Bjorn, son of Yandel."
"It was the natural thing to do. Did these guys do anything bad to you?"
"Don't worry, nothing like that happened. If it did, would this guy be here?"
Hmm, that's true.
But I wasn't asking you.
"Karon, answer me."
"Nothing like that happened."
"I see."
I nod and chuckle.
This is why precedents are important.
Would they have treated us this well if I hadn't caused that ruckus before?
Thud.
I comfortably sit down on the sofa without asking permission. Just in case the branch manager forgot what kind of person I am.
"I'll have rum."
"Don't tell me you're discriminating against me because I'm a barbarian?"
The branch manager lets out a long sigh.
"Whew... We don't have any alcohol. I can offer you some tea—"
"Cold water. With ice."
"Alright..."
Is it because he's a creature that learns?
The branch manager doesn't point out my unreasonable tone or behavior and just gives me what I want.
He's learned firsthand how to deal with an unreasonable barbarian.
'Barbarians really are OP.'
Karon looks at me with sparkling eyes as I put my dusty feet on the expensive-looking desk.
"As expected, you're... an amazing warrior..."
He seems quite impressed that I'm acting so carefree in front of the branch manager of the Explorer's Guild.
Well, I guess the branch manager feels the same way.
Judging by how his mustache is twitching in disbelief.
"You guys really are..."
"What? Do you have something to say?"
"...No."
The branch manager shrinks back as soon as I ask back gruffly, as if I might pick on him if he complains.
Smirk.
It was the reaction I expected.
A lot has changed since I saw him before.
I'm not the powerless 9th-grade barbarian I was back then.
"I've heard about you. They say you're called Little Balkan?"
I became a 6th-grade explorer in just a few months.
And I even have a title, and rumors are circulating that I'm friends with Baron Martoan and that the Count is keeping an eye on me.
And if he investigated me, he would also know that I've been going in and out of the Magic Tower every week because of Raven's research.
Of course, the important thing is something else.
"Here's your ice water..."
I've become stronger.
Strong enough to turn this branch manager's head into a smashed tomato in one second.
Well, it's the city where law comes before violence, but whatever, at least the branch manager will think that I'm not the type to care about that kind of thing.
"Enough with the small talk and let's get to the point. So what are you planning to do about Karon?"
As I push aside the ice water and ask, the branch manager shrugs.
"...Nothing. He can leave now if he wants to. The mage confirmed that it was self-defense."
"...What?"
I'm momentarily stunned by his unexpectedly cool answer.
'He already confirmed it with the mage?'
It's not a strange story.
He's not as high in Magic Resistance as I am.
He could have confirmed whether Karon's story was true or not with just one spell, without needing to call me.
But that means...
'He had a purpose in calling me, not Karon.'
I quickly grasp the situation.
Yeah, that's more like the Explorer's Guild.
Now my heart is starting to race a little.
"Karon, you can leave now."
"Is that okay? I was kind of hungry..."
"You won't grow taller if you skip meals. Go."
"Alright! See you later, Bjorn, son of Yandel!"
I send Karon out first.
It seems like the branch manager also wants to keep the listeners to a minimum.
"Good work, Odrian. You can leave too."
"Yes, Branch Manager."
As soon as the employee who guided me and even brought me ice water leaves, we're the only ones left in the branch manager's office.
"..."
Neither of us speaks, and a natural silence follows.
I wait patiently for him to speak first.
"The reason?"
"Lady Urbans wants to meet you."
"Lady Urbans? Who's that?"
The branch manager asks incredulously,
"Are you serious? You really don't remember the one you held hostage?"
Ah, the regional manager's daughter.
Damn it, why didn't he just say that?
"...You haven't completely forgotten, huh?"
"Ahem, anyway, why does that woman want to see me?"
"Well, you'll find out once you meet—"
What the, is he trying to bait me?
"Then I refuse."
"What?"
"I'm hungry, I don't have time to waste."
I get up as if ending the conversation, and the branch manager hurriedly continues,
"...I can't say much, but it's not something that would harm you. It's more likely to be beneficial."
Hmm, seeing him go this far, it doesn't seem like he'll give me any more information even if I push further.
'The woman I held hostage wants to meet me...'
There was nothing to think about.
"Tell her no!"
Geez, I'm already busy, I don't have time for this.
I'll pass on the troublesome stuff.
______________________
In the middle of the street in broad daylight.
"Ha, ha, ha..."
Erwen is running through the crowd.
Her body, which she just washed clean, and even the skirt she put on after a long time, are already soaked in sweat, but...
'...I hope it doesn't smell...'
Hmm, it should be fine.
They've already seen each other in much worse states, haven't they?
Meeting him is more important to her.
'...As expected, you were alive!'
She's overjoyed, but she also feels a sense of self-deprecation.
Bjorn, son of Yandel.
The first companion she ever had, the barbarian who saved her when she was wandering alone in the labyrinth.
He disappeared before she could repay her debt, and she had thought he was dead.
She feels stupid for locking herself up in her room, lost in her own delusions.
'...I can't believe he became so famous...'
She didn't even have to ask around.
She just asked a few people after returning to the city, and most of them knew his name.
One of them even knew the address of the inn he was staying at.
'Uh, wait a minute... then why didn't my sister tell me anything?'
That thought suddenly crosses her mind, but Erwen doesn't delve any further.
She must not have heard.
There's no way her sister would have intentionally kept it from her.
And it's not an important fact right now.
'Ugh, what should I say to him when I meet him? Come to think of it, I disappeared without a word...'
Her heart can't stop pounding.
It's a pleasant sensation she hasn't felt in a long time.
Although she always kept the curtains drawn because she didn't want to see the sun rise and set, the sunlight on her skin feels warm and comfortable today.
'First, I'll apologize. He must have looked for me too. He probably couldn't find me because he didn't remember where our accommodation was.'
Erwen reaches her destination and organizes her thoughts one last time, preparing for the imminent reunion.
And she smooths out her clothes.
Then she knocks on the door.
Thump, thump.
She hears footsteps approaching from inside.
And they quickly get closer.
Thump, thump!
It feels like her heart is about to burst.
She wants to see him and talk to him like they used to. Like those times when they talked about their daily lives, laughed, and had fun together.
'He'll be surprised when he finds out I can control all four spirits. Uh, no… he's much stronger than me, so maybe he won't even be impressed?'
Although she's a bit worried, he'll definitely praise her in the end.
He'll tell her that she did well, that he's proud of her.
It's mister, so he'll definitely do that.
"Heehee..."
The corners of her lips curl up at the thought.
Slam.
The door finally opens.
But what's this?
"Huh? Who are you?"
The person who opens the door is a beastman.
A cat-person with triangular ears on top of her head.
Erwen checks the room number on the door.
201.
She didn't come to the wrong place.
She asked several times to make sure, so there's no way she misheard. Then could it be that the person who told her the address got it wrong?
Hmm, it seems like that's the case.
Still, she should at least ask in case it's the room next door. He's a famous person, so the people in the same accommodation should know him.
"Um, excuse me... do you know which room Bjorn Yandel is staying in?"
"Huh? You're looking for Bjorn?"
"Yes? What do you mean..."
"Bjorn went out after washing up a while ago, would you like to come in and wait?"
He went out after washing up a while ago...?
No, wait a minute… if she's saying that, then it means this is mister's room, isn't it?
She's confused.
What's going on?
"Or, just tell me who you are. When Bjorn comes back, I'll tell him someone came to see him."
She's saying that as if they live together… Erwen raises her head, dazed, and takes another look at the beastman's face.
She's beautiful.
It's to the point where even she, a fairy, can't deny it.
And…
Drip, drip.
…water is dripping from her red hair.
As if she just finished washing up.
"You said that Bjorn left after washing up a while ago, right?"
"Yeah, why?"
The beastwoman's answer seems to say, 'is there a problem?' and the corners of Erwen's lips twist into a smirk.
Of course, it doesn't last long.
"No, it's nothing. Can I come in and wait?"
"Uh, su, sure…?"
She then enters the room.
It's messy, with loot scattered across the floor.
"It's a bit messy, right…? It's not usually like this…"
"I know what these are. I did them with mister too."
"Huh? You did them? Ah… you're an explorer too?"
"Yes."
"Th, that doesn't mean anything strange, right? This is all from defeating marauders—"
"Don't worry, I'm not misunderstanding anything."
Erwen cuts her off and focuses on the feeling in her chest.
And she smiles sweetly and continues,
"If you coveted what belonged to someone else, you deserve to be punished, wouldn't you say?"
Her heart, which had been beating passionately just a moment ago, has now turned ice-cold.
-x-X-x-
A heavy scent of wood filled the office.
Nile Urbans, the 7th Regional Manager of the Explorer's Guild, chuckled.
He remembered what his daughter had said a while back.
[I have no intention of living the rest of my life as your doll, Father.]
When the prison break incident first happened…
He noticed his daughter's suspicious movements.
Because there was no reason for her to have a private meeting with the branch manager back then.
He launched a full-scale investigation, discovering his daughter had been secretly building her influence within the guild.
'Even women have their own lives to live.'
It was quite a remarkable move for a rebellious act.
He felt troubled, but at the same time, he couldn't help but feel proud, thinking, 'as expected of my daughter'.
But…
'I told him to be careful even when breathing.'
He could only look at that ambition with affection because it was his daughter.
'So, Branch Manager, you chose my daughter in the end.'
Bjorn Yandel.
The barbarian who achieved tremendous growth in a short period of time.
The Branch Manager tried to make contact with him today.
He still didn't know what his daughter was planning with that barbarian, but it became clear the Branch Manager had gone under his daughter's control.
That fact was very unpleasant.
'He dared to rebel against me.'
He couldn't understand why the Branch Manager made that choice.
He was already out of favor, and he already decided on a replacement. Knowing that, he must have tried to grab onto a rotten rope.
But understanding and forgiveness are entirely different words.
'I'll get rid of both of them this time.'
Nile Urbans' eyes gleamed as he sipped his tea.
He originally planned to leave the barbarian alone.
Although he felt disgusted every time he thought about that humiliation, the barbarian had already built his own standing.
There was no need to create another enemy unnecessarily.
But now it was different.
There had to be a reason his clever daughter tried to contact the barbarian.
'…And besides, he's been bothering me for some reason.'
Nile Urbans made a decision.
If something is bothering you, just remove it.
Before it becomes a bigger problem later.
____________________
Kwaaang!
How long has it been since I left the Explorer's Guild?
As I'm walking back to the inn, thunder rumbles from the clear sky, and heavy rain pours down.
'Damn it.'
Dark, ominous clouds cover the sky.
I considered just getting soaked and going, but I thought it might be a passing shower, so I entered a nearby restaurant.
Since it was time to eat anyway, I figured I'd have a meal and wait for a while.
"Here's your order."
Grilled meat, pumpkin stew, and rye bread.
Although my stomach is warm and full, it feels somewhat lacking.
It's not like I'm at one of those cheap 300-stone restaurants like before.
'Indeed… Misha is good at grilling meat.'
As I think about buying a few pounds of meat and having her grill them for me when I get back, I order another glass of rum.
Since I'm here, I'll wait until the rain stops, or at least calms down a bit.
Misha wouldn't be at the inn anyway.
'Ah, I wonder if she's still there because of the rain?'
As I'm drinking alone, the sound of rain serving as my companion, various thoughts flit through my mind.
It feels like just yesterday I was crawling on the ground, avoiding goblin traps, and eating stone bread, but half a year has already passed.
'…Seafood pancake and makgeolli… they wouldn't sell that here, right?'
My desire to return home has faded significantly.
Everything has just become familiar.
The creaky bed, the tiny studio apartment with a single bathroom, and the daily routine of laughing and chatting with my companions while drinking cheap beer.
'I've changed a lot too.'
If you asked me to list the shitty things about this world, I could go on all day. But if you asked if there has never been a single happy moment…
Although survival was my initial goal, I gradually started to feel a gamer's joy as I saw myself grow.
And it wasn't bad to joke around and laugh with my companions.
It's a strange feeling.
'If I hadn't been summoned here, I would probably still be playing games alone in my room.'
The 29-year-old office worker Lee Hansu had a very limited social circle. Of course, he wasn't dissatisfied or inconvenienced by it.
He was diligently preparing for retirement, and he could live on his own without relying on others.
Unlike this world, where companions are mandatory.
'These thoughts must mean… I've become attached to them.'
I take a sip of the rum, which has a strangely sweet aftertaste as if they added sugar.
Dwarkey, Rotmiller, and the dwarf.
Thinking about them makes my mouth feel bitter.
'To go to the upper floors, I'll have to form a new team, right?'
With the current members, we're outmatched from the 5th floor onwards.
Their growth potential is limited, you know?
First of all, Dwarkey is not from the Magic Tower, and he has a serious problem of having low mana capacity.
'He's doing well now, learning new spells, but it's safe to say that he can barely use 6th-grade spells.'
And Rotmiller is needless to say.
In the lower floors, he's fine as long as he can find the way, but in the upper floors, even scouts need a high level of combat power.
After all, the maximum party size is five.
'Unless that man awakens as a Guide… his limit would be the 4th floor.'
Of course, unlike those two, the dwarf would be able to perform well even in the upper floors if he just has good equipment.
But a team doesn't need two tanks.
'…Once Misha's specs are a bit higher, I should form a new team.'
It's something I've been thinking about for a while, but I've finally made up my mind.
The troll battle we had this time played a big part in it.
I'm going to keep climbing the floors, and I can't achieve that goal with them.
It might seem heartless, but it's also a decision for their sake.
The upper floors are teeming with monsters even worse than trolls.
It's better not to expect to survive just because we were lucky this time—
"Yandel?"
Uh, what the sudden—
I turn my head at the voice calling me, and a completely unexpected person is standing there.
It's the bear-like man.
No, I mean…
"Beefcake?"
"…It's Urikfrit. If it's difficult to pronounce, you can just call me Avman."
"Then I'll do that."
The macho-looking bear-like man, as if trying to live up to his appearance, sits down across from me without even asking for permission.
I don't feel offended since I often do that too.
"I never expected to see you as a customer."
"Customer?"
"Ah, I didn't tell you, did I? This is the shop my wife runs."
The owner…
It's an unexpected piece of information, but it's not something to be surprised about. 5th-grade explorers should have enough wealth to open a shop.
If I'm going to be surprised, I should be surprised about something else.
"You were entering the labyrinth alone even though you have a wife?"
"The shop hasn't been doing well lately. I have to work hard and earn money, don't I?"
Hmm, then I have nothing to say.
It's not something I should interfere with.
"Anyway, it's a strange coincidence that the owner of the place I came to avoid the rain is you."
"It's a coincidence beyond strange. It gave me certainty, Bjorn Yandel."
"Certainty?"
The bear-like man answers nonchalantly,
"Let me join your team."
Huh? What's this again?
______________________
Join my team all of a sudden?
It's an unexpected topic, but I understand after listening to the rest of his story. From the bear-like man's perspective, I'm a verified explorer.
"If you saved a complete stranger in that situation, you wouldn't backstab them, right?"
Although I asked for 5 million stones, he seems to have a good impression of me for saving his life with a top-grade potion in the rift, where we were cut off from the outside world.
'…So it's like this again.'
A tank-type summon and powerful ranged physical damage.
The bear-like man would definitely be able to pull his weight even on the 5th floor or higher.
But…
"It seems like there's a misunderstanding. We just entered together this time, but I have a fixed team."
I indirectly refuse his offer.
I'm planning to stay with Dwarkey's party for a while, and I can't just kick someone out to let this man in.
Unexpectedly, the bear-like man nods readily.
"If that's the case. Let's talk about it again when there's an opening or if I leave the team."
"An opening?"
"You know what I mean, right?"
The conversation about joining the team ends with the bear-like man's meaningful look. Afterwards, we briefly discuss when he'll pay back the 5 million stones.
"I've already listed some equipment I wasn't using on the exchange, so I'll be able to give you the money by the promised date."
I feel a bit heavy-hearted, looking at the empty shop…
But we agree to meet again here in ten days and exchange the money for the collateral.
"See you then."
"Here, take this and wear it. It'll fit you."
Since it doesn't seem like the rain will stop anytime soon, I borrow a raincoat from the bear-like man and head to the inn.
Swaaaaaaaa-
Heavy rain pours down as if a typhoon has hit.
As I run through the unusually quiet street, I soon arrive at the inn.
But what is this again?
"Ah, Bjorn, you're back? You have a visitor."
"Uwaaaaaang! Mister…!!"
Just like the downpour on a sunny day, an unexpected encounter awaits me.
_____________________
Since that incident 10 years ago, I've lived a life of restraint.
So I thought I was good at holding back.
At least until today.
"If you coveted what belonged to someone else, you deserve to be punished, wouldn't you say?"
Erwen freezes as her true feelings slip out.
"Hmm? You… you're unexpectedly tough."
Fortunately, it seems like she didn't notice the meaning behind my words…
'What, what did I just say…'
Strictly speaking, it's not something that was taken from her.
Mister isn't an object.
And she was the one who chose to leave his side and join her sister.
Then what is this feeling?
Crack.
She feels an unusual surge of hostility.
Could she win if they fought?
She finds herself observing the other woman with that thought.
"Come to think of it, we don't even know each other's names. I'm Misha Kaltstein."
"…Erwen Fornachi di Tersia."
"Wow, you have a pretty name too… Erwen, it's nice to meet you."
"Yes…"
She accepts the handshake, hiding her reluctance.
And she sits down and talks to her.
Although she has no intention of becoming friends with this woman, there's one thing she wants to ask.
"Miss Kaltstein, do you happen to have a boyfriend?"
"Boy, boyfriend…? Don't say weird things. Bjorn and I are just companions, companions!"
"Hmm, I see."
For some reason, her anger seems to subside.
She doesn't understand why Bjorn's name came up immediately when she just asked if she had a boyfriend.
Still, she needs to confirm a few more things.
"I'm sorry. I mistook you for his girlfriend because you said you showered together earlier."
"Sh, shower together? What are you talking about! I just borrowed the bathroom for a moment."
"You borrowed the bathroom in a strange man's room, is your accommodation far from here?"
"Uh, it's not that far…"
"…You're saying it's not?"
Erwen raises an eyebrow at her words.
Even if he's not her boyfriend, this woman is definitely harboring lewd thoughts.
To the point where she's even using such a vulgar tactic.
"Ahem! So how do you know Bjorn?"
Did she want to change the subject?
This time, it's the other person's turn to ask a question.
Erwen answers honestly.
"I was mister's companion."
"Hmm? Mister…? Bjorn is only twenty years old…"
"Ah, it's just a nickname between us, so you don't have to worry about it."
"Nickname...?"
"Yes, is there a problem with that?"
The beastwoman smiles awkwardly as Erwen tilts her head innocently.
"No, it's not a problem. Why would there be? Nyaha!"
Although she's smiling, her tail is swishing back and forth, hitting the bedsheets as if she's annoyed.
Seeing that, Erwen feels a strange sense of victory.
Until the unexpected counterattack.
"Mister and I are a bit special, you see. We were first companions, and we even had our first return drinks together—"
"Hee, but that only means something to you, doesn't it?"
"...Yes?"
"Well, it's been months since I've been with Bjorn, and I've never heard him mention you. Nyaha!"
The beastwoman smiles brightly and stabs a dagger into her heart. Erwen is speechless at the sudden change in attitude.
But she instinctively knows one thing.
"Erwen, you said your name was? It's, it's cute, I guess. But… wouldn't I get annoyed if you treated me like an idiot while showing this much hostility?"
Misha Kaltstein.
It's only natural that she felt hostility towards this woman from the moment she saw her.
"Hmm, still, thank you for one thing. Thanks to you, I'm no longer confused."
"Confused? What do you mean?"
"Well, don't you already know?"
This woman is an enemy.
Someone who's trying to take away what's precious to her.
-x-X-x-
For a moment, I stand still, gazing ahead.
Inside the room where Misha assumed no one would be, there are two figures.
Misha and Erwen.
'They couldn't possibly know each other, so did Erwen come to see me and run into her by chance?'
As soon as I enter the room, I habitually analyze the cause and effect based on the given circumstances.
But that's all it is.
Kwaaang!
Unlike the humid air outside due to the pouring rain, a strangely chilly atmosphere pervades my small, single room.
This room is full of mysteries.
'What the? Why is she so pissed off?'
Having spent almost every day together for the past few months, I can tell just by her expression.
Right now, Misha is very, very angry.
It's incomparable to the time when she was caught secretly throwing out carrots after eating all the meat.
Even her tail fur is slightly puffed up, as if she's feeling wary...
What's strange is that Erwen is the same.
'…Is she crying?'
Tears well up in her eyes.
She's not bawling, but she's trying her best to hold back, as if enduring something.
It's an expression closer to enduring with frustration rather than crying out of sadness.
'Did these two fight or something?'
Based on the information I see, I reach a conclusion.
It seems like Erwen and Misha had a fight.
As for the reason, well, I don't know either.
I don't think either of them is the type to clash emotionally with someone they just met.
Clack.
As soon as I close the door, Misha and Erwen's gazes simultaneously turn to me.
It seems they only noticed my presence after the door closed, perhaps because of the sound of rain and thunder...
Misha is the first to speak.
"Ah, Bjorn, you're back? This is your guest."
Misha greets me with a smile as usual.
But her eyes aren't smiling at all.
And at that moment…
"Waaaaah! Mister…!!"
Erwen bursts into tears she'd been holding back and runs towards me, even jumping.
I instinctively dodged.
But was it an unexpected sight?
Erwen, regaining her balance like an agility-based character, bites her lip and asks me,
"Is it… because of that woman?"
What is she talking about?
Although it seems like her vibe has changed a lot since I last saw her…
Well, it's been a while.
"Because of that woman?"
"Ah, it's nothing!"
Erwen shakes her head violently as I ask back, thinking they really had a big fight.
And then she glances at Misha as if trying to gauge her reaction.
"Bjorn, why are you so late?"
Misha approaches me with quick steps as our eyes meet.
"You left in such a hurry, is everything okay?"
Her voice is filled with an unbearable nasal tone.
I shudder but answer her question,
"Everything is fine. Karon was accused of being a marauder, but after I went and said a few words, it was all resolved."
"Hee, I see. Good job."
Misha says something condescending and pats my head.
She would usually pat my arm or back.
At this point, I have no choice but to ask,
"What… the hell is wrong with you?"
"What do you mean? I'm praising you for doing a good job. You can't consider a barbarian as a stranger."
I involuntarily tilt my head.
That wasn't even what I asked…
…and her answer itself is full of contradictions.
"Why? Barbarians and beastmen get along, don't they?"
…Is that so?
Hmm, well, they're better than fairies, who are sworn enemies.
"He, here's a towel!"
Just as I'm about to ask another question, Misha jumps and places a towel on my head.
"Dry your hair first. You'll catch a cold."
"Ah, uh… alright."
I dry my hair with a towel, feeling suspicious, and turn my gaze towards Erwen. I can't keep neglecting my guest.
"Erwen, did you come here first?"
"Yes? Ah, ye, yes…"
Erwen shrinks back and avoids my gaze as I speak to her.
And she was the one who ran to me earlier.
Ah, so she feels a sense of distance because I dodged?
"Anyway, it's good that you came. I was thinking of visiting you sometime—"
"Yes? You were thinking of visiting me?"
"…So?"
"Really? I'm happy. I thought you might have forgotten about me…"
I chuckle at the sudden change in atmosphere and answer,
"I won't forget someone I met during my first labyrinth exploration."
"Ri, right? How could that be? It just meant something special only to me, after all?"
Huh?
Although I feel a strange sense of dissonance…
…I nod at Erwen's earnest gaze.
"…That's right, isn't it?"
"Yes! It was just that! As expected!"
Erwen's face brightens up at my single answer, although I don't know what happened.
I guess that's enough socializing for now.
I decide to ask what I'm curious about first.
"Anyway, it's been a while. So how have you been?"
"Me? You're curious about how I've been?"
"So…?"
"Then I'll tell you!"
Erwen then starts chattering like a bird, telling me everything that happened since we last met.
Most of it is about the labyrinth.
Going up floors with her sister, killing monsters, absorbing new essences. Ah, she also said that she usually stays cooped up in her room and trains day and night?
"Look! I can control all four spirits now! And I've even awakened three of them!"
"What? Three?"
"Yes! I worked really, really hard!"
Honestly, I'm also a bit surprised.
It's hard to consider it as an achievement made in just a few months, even if she was raised like a secondary character thanks to her sister's help.
'Is this what talent is?'
In many ways, her case is different from mine.
If I became stronger with high-grade essences and equipment, she really achieved it through training and developing her abilities.
'She hasn't even been an explorer for a year, and she's already a bow-wielding fairy who has succeeded in awakening three elements…'
This is definitely rare.
If she can awaken all four elements, she can do 'that' later on.
'Tsk, if it weren't for her sister, I could have added her to the team.'
I feel a bit disappointed as if I've lost a talented individual.
But I decide not to say anything unnecessary.
We're not forming a team right now anyway, and she won't abandon her family and come with me.
"Anyway, it's a good thing you were busy training. I thought I couldn't visit you because I moved accommodations. Well, you also had to focus on your growth rather than me."
"Ah, it's not exactly that…"
"Right, Bjorn is right. You should focus on your own survival first when you're not even a 1st-year yet."
Misha, who had been listening silently, gets up and puts her arm around Erwen's shoulder.
Erwen flinches and—
"Yes…"
—nods weakly.
Is it just my imagination that she seems to be wary of Misha?
I belatedly ask,
"Ah, so what happened between you two while I was gone?"
Actually, I've been curious since the beginning.
But Misha just tilts her head innocently at my question.
As if she heard something strange.
"Huh? Nothing happened?"
"Nothing happened? I thought you guys had a fight or someth—"
"Nyaha! Fight? No way. We became really close, right, Erwen?"
"Yes, Miss Kaltstein…"
"What's with 'Miss Kaltstein'? Just call me sister."
"Yes, sister…"
It's like watching a delinquent girl taking an innocent schoolgirl to an alleyway.
I'm sure something happened…
But as long as they keep their mouths shut, I doubt I'll get the answer I want even if I ask.
'I'll figure out what happened later…'
I walk past them and open the window.
The sky is clear, the dark clouds having disappeared. Sunlight shines on the wet street, making it sparkle.
So I give them a subtle order to leave.
"The rain has stopped, so you should both leave now. I need to wash up and get some rest."
For some reason, I feel a wave of fatigue washing over me.
____________________
After leaving mister's room…
Erwen faces a difficult situation.
"Huh? You're going this way too?"
"Yes, but…?"
"Then go ahead. I'll go a bit later."
She's heading in the same direction as the beastwoman.
Well, fortunately, it seems like this woman also doesn't want to walk with me…
"Then you go first. I'll go later."
"No, you go first."
This is the biggest problem.
Going later?
How can she trust those words?
She feels like the woman will turn around and go back to mister's room as soon as she's gone. Looking at her expression, it's clear that she suspects her of the same thing.
"Ha…"
Erwen and Misha both sigh at the same time.
"Then should we go together?"
"Yeah, that would be better."
An awkward silence fills the air as they walk.
No one speaks first, and they just focus on walking.
Well, it's only natural.
Although she told him nothing happened, that wasn't true.
[Well? Don't you already know what I mean?]
The moment she heard those words, Erwen felt like her mind went blank. Her heart raced with anxiety, and she couldn't bear it any longer.
So she blurted out something without thinking.
[You wicked cat…!]
It was the first time she had ever cursed at someone.
And on top of that, when she came to her senses, her hand was reaching for the dagger at her waist.
That's when Erwen realized…
[Hey, is there something wrong with your head?]
…that if it weren't for those words, she would have already drawn her dagger.
The beastwoman is strong.
Not just her imagination, but truly.
Fairies, with their naturally keen senses, can feel other people's magical energy.
'Twice as strong… no, maybe even three times.'
There was a huge difference in their magical energy.
It means that she has absorbed many more high-grade essences. And she could also tell from the aura and posture the beastwoman was emitting.
She felt dizzy as soon as she realized it.
Misha Kaltstein.
This woman is an enemy.
But she can't defeat her in a fight.
That means… she'll lose.
Just like she did before, she'll lose something precious.
Yes, she'll lose.
Her emotions, separated from reason, overwhelmed her.
A memory engraved in her mind paralyzed Erwen's thoughts.
Her mouth moved on its own, driven by her emotions.
[Please don't take him away… Please….]
A pathetic plea.
Words that she would never have uttered if she were in her right mind.
They came pouring out.
[What…?]
Even the beastwoman, who was staring at her with cold eyes, was speechless.
Erwen knew how pathetic and strange she must look right now, even in her own mind.
But…
…she thought she could do even more if it meant protecting what was precious to her. No, she might have actually knelt down and begged, tears streaming down her face.
Clack.
If it weren't for mister arriving just then…
[Waaaaah! Mister…!!]
Erwen shakes her head as if to dispel her thoughts.
It was a shameful memory she didn't even want to think about.
For some reason, her thoughts become irrational whenever it involves mister.
'…I must have seemed like a strange girl.'
Erwen glances at Misha, blushing with shame.
She's now standing at a fork in the road.
"I'm going this way, where are you going?"
"Fortunately… it's the opposite direction."
"Hmm, I see…"
The moment to escape from the awkward silence has arrived, but neither of them can take a step, just staring at each other.
Misha is the first to speak.
"Are… you coming tomorrow too?"
"Yes, I am."
"Ha… how did I really…"
Misha facepalms as if she can't believe this situation.
Erwen feels the same way.
Before she rushed here, all she could think about was meeting mister and having fun together.
"Anyway, I'm going. You go too. Okay?"
"Um…"
"Huh?"
Erwen grabs Misha's arm, who is about to head towards the other path.
She has something to say.
Although she doesn't really want to.
"…Thank you."
"Thank you…?"
"You didn't tell him… about what happened earlier."
"The part where you tried to attack me with your dagger?"
"Yes…"
Misha lets out a big sigh as Erwen hangs her head low.
"Alright, let's make a promise."
"Promise?"
"You're going to come here anyway, even if I tell you not to. So let's keep this between us. That… I guess it's the same for you, but… I don't want to make him worry about something like this."
"…Okay."
"Then I'll be going. And you go home too, okay?"
"Yes."
Erwen then parts ways with Misha and heads back to her accommodation.
Although it's quite a distance, it doesn't feel long, perhaps because her mind is so preoccupied.
She enters her room, and her sister greets her.
With a worried expression.
"Erwen."
"Sister…"
Erwen collapses into her sister's arms.
"Did you… meet him?"
"Yes. He was really alive."
"I, is that so…? That's good."
She acts spoiled in her sister's arms for a long time, as if seeking comfort.
And then she gathers her resolve.
"Sister, I'm going to become stronger."
"Stronger…?"
"Yeah. Is something wrong with that?"
"No, I thought you were going to stop training…"
Erwen tilts her head at her sister's meaningful words.
Why would she stop training?
Well, when she first found out that mister was alive, she felt like the years she spent training in her room were meaningless…
"But I have someone I have to defeat now."
Erwen feels a burning desire, even more intense than before.
"So please help me from now on, sister."
If she doesn't want to be on the losing side…
…then she just has to be on the winning side.