We're wandering through the labyrinth.
We don't have any thread or biscuits, but it's fine.
Because we have Rotmiller.
"Wait, I'll leave another mark here just in case."
I used to think, 'what's the point of a scout in a place where even Guides can't find their way?', but…
It was all just my arrogance.
Rotmiller, who climbed his way up from the bottom, is a truly versatile man.
"Can I see the map?"
"Here."
He creates a map based on the path we've taken.
And it's not just a rough sketch, but a detailed map reminiscent of a minimap.
He creates it just by stopping every 10 minutes or so and scribbling for a bit.
"Alright, I'm done, give it back. I need to update the map."
"Uh, here."
Although it's fascinating to see Rotmiller confidently drawing on the map, I don't ask how he does it.
Because I already asked earlier.
[It's not that complicated, so I can just memorize it by walking. As for distance measurement, I just count my steps and write it down accordingly.]
He said mapmaking and observation are his specialties since he's been doing it for years in the 1st-floor Crystal Cave?
I never knew this man had such talent.
I feel a bit sorry for him.
It's not really talent, but rather the result of his hard work because he lacks talent.
"Sorry for taking up your time. Let's go."
We stop for about 30 seconds…
…and then continue walking through the dark labyrinth.
Rotmiller is following closely behind.
For reference, he's holding a longsword in his hand, not a crossbow.
It's a change that happened after a few battles.
[This should be enough to hold off at least one of them.]
Rotmiller, whose stats have increased, starts actively participating in battles.
Just like experienced scouts usually do.
He's trying to pull his weight even outside of navigation.
"It's your turn this time."
Four Vykuntus appear from the front, following Rotmiller's warning, whose sense of smell is well-developed.
Although it's a group of four 6th-grade monsters, a scale we haven't even encountered on the 4th floor…
…no one is particularly nervous.
Because we have Dwarkey.
Whoosh!
'Enhanced Ice Spear' is shot as soon as the monsters appear.
However, it's different from before.
It's not just one ice spear with several times the power, but two of them.
'I can't believe he can double cast…'
I feel a bit of self-deprecation when I learn this fact.
I've been with them for months, but I didn't know them at all.
'Damn it.'
His mana stat is abnormally low…
…but Dwarkey's talent for magic is remarkable.
He can even cast support magic after double casting.
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 8th-grade support spell [Trajectory Control].」
The ice spears, instead of flying towards us directly, fly over our heads like cannonballs, without us having to move aside to create space.
Kwaaang!
Two of the 6th-grade monsters disappear into light before the battle even begins.
Therefore…
"Let's finish them off quickly and move on. I'll take one of them with Miss Kaltstein."
While I'm focusing on one…
…Misha and Rotmiller team up to deal with the other one.
And by the time Misha defeats one…
Whoosh!
…Dwarkey's Ice Spear, after another round of chanting, smashes the head of the Vykuntus I was fighting.
It took about 4 minutes.
"Bjorn, what are you doing? Let's go."
The last change in our Team Misfits.
"Huhuhu, don't worry about what appears. I, Liol Wobu Dwarkey, will take care of everything."
Dwarkey has become annoying again.
__________________
Guardian of Balance.
Originally, mages benefit the most from this field effect.
Because mages can't absorb essences.
It's a structure where their main stat, mana, is inevitably boosted.
But…
'There's a limit to everything'
'Even Dwarkey's case is a bit extreme.'
However, if you consider it carefully, it's an understandable change.
The mages I used to bring along in the game were all talented, so their magic-related stats were high.
Unlike Dwarkey, the former half-assed mage.
"It's a truly mystical feeling. It's like all my shackles have been released."
Dwarkey is human.
And he has a body that's far from athletic.
And on top of that, his mana stat is below average…
'Just looking at his stats, there must have been almost a threefold difference between him and us.'
It would be different if everyone on the team were human…
But me, Misha, and the dwarf…
…there are three other races with naturally high base stats on the team.
Rotmiller?
Although he's on the receiving end of the benefits, it's nothing compared to Dwarkey.
He's a veteran who has already absorbed four essences.
'…So somehow, the mage ended up with all the stats?'
I finished analyzing the team's strength after observing them for a day.
Although I'm the one who suffered the biggest loss…
'How can things go this well?'
The team as a whole has become at least twice as strong.
[Dungeon and Stone] is a team-based combat game.
The highest efficiency is achieved not when one person is exceptional, but when everyone can pull their weight.
Although it's a bit bitter…
…that's why I was planning to leave Team Misfits.
'Is this the first and last time we'll be doing proper team play?'
Rotmiller and Dwarkey.
Today, I was able to see a side of them that I hadn't seen before.
But nothing changes.
If they put in a lot of effort and luck is on their side, they might be able to reach today's level.
However…
'It would take years.'
It takes a long time.
And besides, that would be the limit of their growth.
Their weaknesses are too clear.
Rotmiller?
His combat power can be improved by absorbing essences.
But for the kind of play I want, I need a scout with the 'Guide' ability from the 5th floor onwards.
Dwarkey?
Double casting or whatever, in the end, the most important quality for a mage is their mana stat.
That's why the Magic Tower didn't accept him either.
It's a harsh thing to say, but…
Dwarkey's talent isn't anything special compared to the Magic Tower's standards.
Just as that thought crosses my mind, my chest suddenly feels cold.
Not just a feeling, but literally.
「Character has taken cold damage.」
A chill that pierces through my skin and reaches my bones.
I come to my senses and see Misha fuming.
"Hey, Bjorn!! How long are you going to ignore me?!"
"Ah, what did you say?"
"What did I say?! Everyone else is going to sleep, so keep watch properly!"
She punches me in the chest and then asks in a gentle voice as if she's belatedly worried,
"But… are you okay?"
"I'm fine. It's still cold, but it doesn't hurt."
I tilt my head genuinely.
"Me?"
"Yeah. It's hard to explain… ah! If I had to compare it, it was similar to the expression you made when I told you to eat carrots."
Uh, I don't understand.
"Enough, go to sleep. I'll keep watch properly, so don't worry."
"Hmm, alright."
Misha then returns to her spot and gets into her sleeping bag.
And she chats with the other companions.
"Ugh, I'm so tired today."
"Haha, that's understandable. We were dragged to a strange place and defeated so many 6th-grade monsters."
"…I, I don't know if I should say this, but I actually enjoyed it a bit. It felt like I was exploring for the first time, I guess? Honestly, until now, it was different from the exploration I imagined."
"Ah, I think I understand."
"Haha, it felt like we were explorers from a story."
A few words of chatter before ending the day, lying down.
Of course, it doesn't last long since it's time to rest.
"Ah, right. Dwarkey, you were amazing today."
"Th, that's not because I'm talented or anything. To not have to calculate the spell structure to conserve mana and just shoot it out? It's something any ma, mage could do."
"Uh… is that so? I don't really understand even if you say that. Anyway, good work today, and sleep well."
"Mi, Miss Misha, you too."
The sporadic conversation ends, and silence falls.
[01:04]
Day 20 has begun, and an hour has already passed.
I keep watch while also reviewing my plan.
'We should be able to obtain that item in a few hours, so now I just need to find the boss room.'
With our current strength, the boss battle shouldn't be a problem, so I'm not too worried.
But the only thing that bothers me is that if we're unlucky, we might not be able to reach the boss room within the time limit.
'If we had just one more week, we could have taken everything and left…'
Just as I'm clicking my tongue in regret…
…I sense a presence and turn my head to see Dwarkey getting out of his sleeping bag.
"Um, Bjorn…"
"Even if you can't sleep, just lie down. Tomorrow—"
"It's not that I can't sleep."
Huh?
Before I can say anything, Dwarkey gets up and approaches me.
And he lowers his voice so as not to wake the others.
"I have something to tell you."
Rotmiller came to me like this yesterday, and now it's his turn.
"…Go ahead."
"Do you remember what I said about Misha's preferences the other day?"
"I remember."
I don't forget the lies I tell.
So that there won't be any inconsistencies later.
Well, it's meaningless in this situation, though.
"So what do you want to say?"
Dwarkey speaks with a determined look as I stare at him.
"I was going to ask if what you said was true. But now that I think about it, it doesn't matter whether it's true or not."
Dwarkey's voice is different from usual.
There's no tremor, and his gaze, looking up at me, is firm.
"Her preferences don't matter. It would be cowardly to expect her true feelings without showing her my true self."
"…What do you mean?"
"Don't you already know? That I've been secretly admiring her."
At least he could have waited until we returned to the city—
"If we survive this time and return to the ci—"
"Stop."
I hurriedly cut Dwarkey off.
Because thinking about it and actually saying it are two different things.
However, he seems to have misunderstood my sincere concern.
"As expected, Bjorn, you also…"
Dwarkey bites his lip and then shakes his head as if to clear his thoughts. And he continues in a voice that's more determined than ever.
"But nothing changes."
"Stop talking. I understand what you're misunderstanding—"
"I'll confess my feelings when we return to the city."
No, that's a flag.
'Damn it.'
I start to feel as uneasy as when I met Hans.
_________________
"That's all I wanted to say. I'll be going now."
After that, Dwarkey runs away and buries himself in his sleeping bag.
And soon, he starts snoring softly.
I was worried that he might stay up all night because of this, wasting precious rest time, but it seems like today's journey was tiring.
'…But he's not going to propose, so it should be fine, right?'
I also try to dismiss my worries and focus on keeping watch.
Two hours pass, and I wake the dwarf up for our shift change and lie down.
And when I open my eyes again…
[05:07]
…it's time to depart.
We decided to only keep watch for four hours tonight, and just the dwarf and I would take turns.
"You two must be tired, good work."
"Haha, it can't be helped. We don't have much time left."
"It's my turn and Rotmiller's tomorrow, so work a little harder today and get some rest later."
We quickly pack up the campsite and resume our journey.
For reference, today's goal is clear.
"As Bjorn said, it seems like we've reached the outer edge of the labyrinth, so from now on, let's follow this wall and go in one direction."
The corner of the square-shaped Larkaze's Labyrinth.
We'll defeat the mid-boss here and obtain the hidden reward.
For reference, I don't know which of the four mid-bosses will appear.
Even in the game, it was random.
'Actually, with our current strength, we can easily defeat any of them except for that one. The rest all have clear weaknesses.'
[Meeek—!!!]
We continue to defeat countless Vykuntus, which we've already killed hundreds of times, and accelerate our journey.
Although there's still no sign of an essence dropping…
…we've accumulated a lot of magic stones instead.
"Hahaha! This is going to be quite profitable just from the magic stones alone, huh?"
Actually, this is the second reward of the labyrinth.
There's no place, even on the 5th floor, where 6th-grade monsters appear in single-species groups like this. If it were the 4th floor, it would be difficult to encounter even twenty of them in a day.
"…A dead end?"
After about 12 hours of traveling, we reach our destination.
The corner of the labyrinth.
"I can't believe there's nothing here."
"It might be in a different direction. Or in a completely different location."
"Haha, there's no way there's no exit, right?"
"That wouldn't be possible. This is still a labyrinth."
While the party members are each saying something after reaching the dead end, Rotmiller carefully examines the wall and mutters,
"…Wait a moment, something seems strange."
Honestly, I'm a bit surprised.
Is it because of the Sixth Sense from the Mimic's essence?
Or just this man's observation skills?
Click, rumble.
He touches something, and the wall slides open, revealing a hidden space.
"Wow, a door opened!"
"Everyone, step back! It could be dangerous!"
The dwarf jumps forward and raises his shield, and I quickly join him.
Of course, no monster jumps out.
"…Nothing's coming out?"
Because it's not that kind of place.
The space inside the wall is shrouded in darkness, so it's impossible to see with the naked eye.
Actually, it doesn't mean anything to me.
"I'll take the lead."
"Bjorn! It could be dangerous!"
"It's fine. That's my role."
I enter, saying something tank-like to reassure the dwarf, who's hesitant, and the torches on the wall light up one by one, illuminating the space.
I quickly check the surroundings.
"This is…"
It's a stone chamber about 30 square meters in size.
A magic circle with geometric patterns is drawn on the floor.
And a pole with a goat's head impaled on it is decorating the center.
"It's… a bit creepy."
"There's no portal, can't we just leave?"
I secretly smile as I see Misha and Dwarkey muttering uneasily.
Well, they wouldn't know.
That this is nothing compared to the other rooms.
'Anyway, since we found this place, finding the boss room will be a piece of cake. As for how to use it… I think I can just subtly give Rotmiller a hint…'
Thanks to this, I feel relieved.
Although the boss battle will be a bit more difficult, we could have ended the expedition without even seeing the boss if we were unlucky.
'But how do I summon it? It will be suspicious if I just do it.'
Just as I'm having that pleasant dilemma…
"Huh?"
"…Don't tell me, you too?"
Everyone, including me, flinches at the same time.
As expected, I wasn't the only one who felt the change.
"What is this? My mana has increased significantly."
"I, I'm the same. What's happening to my body?"
The pressure of the heavy armor, which was a bit burdensome because of my decreased strength stat, has disappeared. It feels like I'm wearing a cosplay foam armor.
Why is this happening?
As soon as I realize the truth, curses escape my lips.
'This, son of a…'
Vitality surges through my body.
It's a change I wouldn't have felt even with [Gigantification].
I already know the reason for this change.
"Rotmiller."
"…It seems like you had the same thought as me."
The 4th-floor hidden field, Larkaze's Labyrinth.
Another explorer has entered.
'The number of people is at least one, and at most five.'
Logically, a 5-person team is the most likely scenario, but it's too early to be certain.
All possibilities are open.
But…
…at least one thing is clear.
That guy…
…or those guys…
「Field effect – Guardian of Balance is updated.」
「The stats of all entrants are adjusted equally.」
…are overwhelmingly strong.
-x-X-x-
The Guardian of Balance.
We had already reached a conclusion about this field effect.
That the stats of those who entered the labyrinth are evenly distributed.
My companions all agreed with Rotmiller's guess after receiving several hints from me.
Therefore, no further explanation was necessary.
"It's possible that other explorers entered this labyrinth."
"Other explorers? But you can't meet other explorers in the Tower of Heaven."
Although the dwarf muttered as if he didn't understand…
"Murad, you know too, right? That the situation we're in is not normal."
The 4th floor Tower of Heaven is an independent space.
Unless several teams entered at the same time, you can't encounter another team no matter how much you wander around.
But this is a place that's unknown to the outside world.
"Anything could happen here."
The unknown.
A word that signifies things yet to be known.
It means that all possibilities are contained within.
Therefore…
"I understand what you mean. But what if our guess is wrong? Maybe a different rule is applied when you enter this space—"
I cut off the other possibility that the dwarf brought up and say firmly,
"That seems like a stretch."
Because this place is not unknown to me.
It's more rational to quickly wrap things up and move on to the next topic instead of wasting time.
"I think Rotmiller's guess is correct. Dwarkey, what about you?"
"…I also think that's more plausible."
"So you agree. Misha, what about you?"
"Uh… I'll just stay quiet."
Misha abstains.
But since we already have three votes for the majority, I don't force her to choose.
"Alright, then it's decided. Let's move under the assumption that Rotmiller's words are true. If you have any objections, speak now."
"…None."
After the figurehead leader, the dwarf, nods dejectedly, I quickly summarize the situation.
Another explorer entered the labyrinth.
And they're stronger than us.
My stats have at least doubled, so they must be an explorer who operates on at least the 6th floor or higher.
And a team, not a clan.
Then what should we do?
As I throw out the question, my companions each offer their opinions, and I take the opportunity to fulfill the condition for summoning the mid-boss.
「The demon of the labyrinth senses blood.」
Okay, this should happen if we just wait a bit longer.
"Hmm, it's not a big deal, right? It would be better if we joined forces and found a way out…"
"We don't even know what kind of people they are, how about we just stay here? There's no guarantee that we'll be trapped if the labyrinth closes."
"Haha! What are you so worried about? Even if they're stronger than us, it's a special situation, isn't it? Even if we encounter them, they won't be able to do anything to us easily, so just keep moving as usual."
"Hmm, still, it would be better to avoid them as much as possible and find a way out, just in case."
I smile bitterly.
I listened attentively, hoping there might be something useful, but…
As expected, collective intelligence wasn't very helpful.
Rotmiller was a bit better, but he was more focused on preparing for the unexpected rather than considering the worst-case scenario.
"Bjorn, what do you think?"
Their gazes turn to me at his question.
I organize my thoughts one last time and then speak.
"I don't think it's a coincidence."
"If it's not a coincidence?"
"An explorer with that level of strength was on the 4th floor at this time? It's more reasonable to assume that they were wandering around with a purpose."
"So you're saying that their goal might have been this place from the beginning."
"Yes. And if that's the case, they must have also noticed our presence by now."
Dwarkey expresses his disagreement at my words.
"Eh, there's no way. To know about this place beforehand."
And the dwarf laughs it off.
"Haha, even if that's the case, you're talking as if they're already marauders."
Rotmiller asks again seriously,
"So what do you think we should do?"
I answer.
They're unknown entities.
Therefore, they possess all possibilities.
This variable could be a blessing, or it could lead me to death.
So, even if my actions seem strange to my companions…
"We need to get out of here quickly."
…I have to assume the worst.
Thump!
Not ignoring the unease in my heart…
…that's the secret to my survival.
________________________
「Killed Baphomet. EXP +5」
「Higher Variant Kill Bonus. EXP +1」
________________________
We're running through the labyrinth.
Not wandering around, but heading straight for our destination.
"This way!"
Rotmiller, who's following closely behind me, is holding a map in his hand.
It's not the map he meticulously created, but a map that details all the paths in this labyrinth.
The location of the boss room is also marked on it.
It's loot we obtained after defeating the mid-boss, Baphomet.
'I didn't expect to defeat him that easily.'
We summoned Baphomet as soon as I finished speaking.
The battle with the guy, which would have normally required us to target his weaknesses and barely manage to win…
…didn't even take a minute.
We were able to just overpower him with damage.
It's a good thing, but the situation is a bit…
'Just how strong are these guys originally?'
The unidentified intruders.
For reference, I've long since dismissed the thought that it might be just one person.
There's a limit to how strong an individual can be.
Tadatadat!
I clear my thoughts and increase our speed.
It should be fine since everyone seems to be keeping up.
I subtly glance back, and even the dwarf, who lacks stamina, is running just fine while carrying Dwarkey on his back.
So I stop worrying about that part.
[Meeek—!!!]
I smash the head of a Vykuntus that appeared from the front with my mace.
Although it staggers greatly, it doesn't die in one shot.
But I don't slow down and just pass by the staggering creature.
Misha is in charge of taking care of the trash mobs.
Slash-!
I hear the sound of flesh being torn and then see a scattering of light particles.
However, I don't hear the sound of a magic stone falling.
Misha must have caught it in mid-air again.
"Turn left!"
I follow Rotmiller's instructions and change direction.
Then I see four Vykuntus in the distance.
Actually, we could defeat them with just Misha, Rotmiller, and me now…
…but it's better to save every second.
"Dwarkey!"
Dwarkey, who got off the dwarf's back at my shout, casts a spell.
Swaaaaaaaaa!
[Blizzard].
It's a 7th-grade attack spell with low single-target damage but a wide area of effect. It's a spell we usually used against groups of 8th or 9th-grade trash mobs or to combo with Misha.
[Mee… huh?]
A blizzard, reminiscent of hail, is shot towards the other side of the passage, and the four Vykuntus freeze.
The 6th-grade monsters are completely frozen, not just frostbitten, from a single spell.
However, since that state will wear off in a few seconds…
Kwaaang!
…I quickly smash them with my mace and resume moving.
And when I feel like we need a break, we briefly collapse on the passage and catch our breath.
That's when, during our third break…
"Phew, phew… Bjorn, aren't you being too hasty? I don't think there's a need to rush this much…"
The dwarf cautiously expresses his pent-up frustration.
It's something I expected to some extent.
[I keep getting this ominous feeling. So, please, just trust me this once.]
It was the first request I made.
They all agreed to go along with my nonsense.
But…
[…Well, you have good intuition.]
[I, I don't mind. And Bjorn, don't think I'm repaying my debt with this. I'll repay you properly later.]
As time passed, they must have started to have doubts.
"I, I also think this is enough. In the first place, it seems like a stretch to assume that they knew about this place beforehand…"
Isn't it more likely that they entered this place by chance, just like us?
No, even if that's the case…
"If you're worried about the marks we left behind, it's fine to slow down now. Even if they're marauders, they won't be able to find us in a place like this."
Are they really marauders?
To go so far as to find and kill us… isn't that closer to delusion?
"Honestly, I don't even understand why you're so sure that there's a way out if we go this way."
And above all, is there any guarantee that there's a way out in the boss room… no, that place that wasn't even marked as a boss room?
"Hmm, I don't have any complaints. You know? I'm serious? Okay?"
They're all valid questions.
It's because they haven't had the same experiences as me.
Hidden pieces aren't that special.
Just look at Jensia, whom we met in the 'Glacier Cave' a while ago.
She used hidden pieces to open the rift.
And information about hidden pieces is spread through Ghostbusters as players exchange information every month.
"Bjorn, you're not acting like yourself today. Even if everything you said is true, can't we just fight them?"
The dwarf tries to persuade me, but that's the biggest problem.
The Guardian of Balance is active?
It doesn't change anything.
A situation where we would get completely destroyed just becomes a situation where we get destroyed normally.
That's about it.
Even if our stats are the same, there's a difference in the grade and number of essence skills.
And if we add equipment to the equation, the gap widens even further.
'If we fight, we'll definitely lose.'
That's the source of my anxiety.
Thump!
A lion can be carefree in front of a rabbit.
But what about the rabbit?
"We don't have time. Let's move if you're done resting."
If you encounter a lion, you have to run.
________________
A stone chamber with paths leading in four directions.
A man standing in the center mutters,
"Larkaze's Labyrinth…"
The man removes the hood that was covering his face and approaches the wall.
And he gently runs his hand along the wall.
"I finally made it."
The corners of his mouth twist upwards, and the skin with burn scars is distorted.
But anyone could tell.
"Oh God, why would you give wings to such an evil man…!"
…that the old man in black priestly robes is lamenting.
Sighing and asking a meaningless question to the void…
…is the only thing the old man can do.
"Old man, should I rip out your tongue?"
"Why would I be afraid? Physical pain is noth—"
"Ah, of course, I meant your grandson's tongue."
"...."
As the old man clenches his mouth shut, the man chuckles and looks down at the floor.
At the end of his gaze is a middle-aged scout, collapsed in a shrimp-like position.
His forehead is covered in cold sweat, and his parted lips tremble as he lets out a pained groan.
"Keugh, heugh, keuh…"
"Geez, stop whining over just one arm."
The man chuckles as he looks at the scout's severed shoulder.
Who would have known?
That there was a way to enter this place, which he couldn't find for a year, so easily.
"To readily reveal the way just for sacrificing one arm of a 5th-grade scout, that evil god is quite funny."
"He… wasn't he your companion?"
"Companion my ass. I just brought him along because he was useful. Hey, get up now. We don't have time since we entered late."
The old man's forehead wrinkles deeply as the man puts his foot on the scout's waist and shakes him.
"Stop it. He offered a part of his body to the evil god. That pain is beyond imagination—"
"Old man, enough."
The old man flinches at the man's cold voice.
He clenches his fist in frustration, but that's all he can do.
He feels disgusted by his own cowardice, unable to do anything but watch the evil deeds.
But the old man has something to protect.
And the scout probably feels the same way.
"I'm fi, fine… High Priest."
The scout struggles to get up, holding his empty shoulder.
The man nods in satisfaction.
But as if he realized something belatedly, he frowns and clenches and unclenches his hand.
Clench-
He knows about the 'Guardian of Balance'.
But even considering that, the change in his body is inexplicable.
"Old man, anything different? Your divine power or whatever."
"…It's decreased slightly."
"Decreased? Not increased? Are you sure?"
"I'm sure."
The man turns his head and looks at the scout.
"Scout, what about you?"
"My overall physical strength, including So, ul Power, has decreased…"
"I see."
The man smiles wickedly and looks towards the passage.
The old man, a former High Priest, is understandable, but for even a 5th-grade scout's strength to decrease…
"Some rats have already entered."
His eyes, illuminated by the flickering torchlight, are gleaming coldly.
-x-X-x-
Emotions are contagious.
If you see someone close to you crying, you feel sad, and if they're laughing, you feel happy.
The same goes for fear.
You might think, 'Eh, there's no way that would happen', but if you see someone next to you constantly anxious, you can't help but feel a sense of unease.
That's how humans are wired.
"You're making me feel like something bad is really going to happen."
"St, still, it wouldn't hurt to be careful..."
My companions start to realize the gravity of the situation as they see my serious expression.
It's a situation I can't help but welcome.
Of course, Rotmiller's words were the decisive factor.
"I still can't logically understand it. But somehow, I have a feeling that something very ominous will happen if we don't follow your lead."
Rotmiller, who absorbed the Mimic's essence, has the 'Sixth Sense' stat. And our Team Misfits has received a lot of help from that stat.
But for him to suddenly say something like this?
The weight of his words is different.
"Bjo, Bjorn, let's just move. Okay?"
"Ha, haha! Right! That would be better! We just have to endure for one more day!"
It's a bit absurd.
They were saying it was just my imagination, but they're completely convinced by Rotmiller's single sentence.
'Well, even I'm getting more anxious because of what this man said...'
Sixth Sense is just a feeling.
But our stats have increased significantly due to the intruder's arrival.
'Phew, I really need to prepare myself mentally.'
It feels like the veil of unease has been lifted, revealing its true form. Even while assuming the worst, I was hoping that it would all turn out to be just my imagination, but...
As expected, that's not going to happen.
Thump!
My heart clenches even tighter.
But nothing changes.
I just do what I can right now.
"Let's move again."
We end our brief rest and resume our journey.
Even though we've increased our speed compared to before, my companions all follow without a word of complaint.
That's when, as we're running through the labyrinth in heavy silence...
"Now that I think about it, maybe you're similar to me, Bjorn."
Rotmiller suddenly speaks to me.
"Similar? What do you mean?"
"I acquired this ability through an essence, but maybe you're naturally intuitive."
Uh, I've never thought about that before.
It's not entirely impossible.
In [Dungeon and Stone], when you choose a character, their base stats are randomly set within a certain range.
'The base value for Sixth Sense was 0 to 50, I think?'
Considering that the Sixth Sense stat from the Mimic's essence is only 50, it's a stat with a very high maximum base value.
Since it's not a main stat like Strength, I never bothered creating a new character just to increase Sixth Sense, but...
"I've always thought this, but you've always had a sharp side to you."
"That's right! You even took care of that Elisa bitch. Everyone was flustered because she was a priestess."
Hmm, is that so?
Hearing them say this, I'm starting to think that it might be true.
Like I said before, that's how humans are.
There's a possibility that Bjorn's Sixth Sense stat was naturally high.
But that's not what I should be worried about right now.
"Enough, just follow me closely."
I decide to think about it later and focus on clearing the path.
Everything has a priority.
Therefore…
Thwack-!
…I swing my mace.
Whoosh!
…Ice Spears are shot.
Slash!
We continue to move forward, defeating Vykuntus with their necks severed.
[05:13]
Day 21 has already begun, and this much time has passed.
It means we've been running almost nonstop for 12 hours after defeating Baphomet.
"Phew, phew, phew..."
The breath coming out of my nose and mouth is hot.
And it's probably the same for them.
I check my companions' faces one last time.
They all look tired and exhausted.
Well, it's only natural since they haven't slept properly for two days, even though their stats have increased.
But the end is in sight.
"If we turn this way, we're there!"
After running through a long, straight passage, we reach our destination.
It's a huge stone chamber, not a cramped maze-like passage.
Clank!
As soon as we enter, iron bars come down on the three entrances to the chamber.
"Eek! We're trapped!"
"Everyone, get a grip! We don't know what's going to appear!"
Although they're flustered by the unexpected situation, everyone gets into formation and prepares for battle.
And their gazes naturally turn to one place.
Because that's the only place where something could appear.
"…A 4th-grade monster won't suddenly appear, right?"
An intimidating stone door is located on one side of the chamber.
「The master of the labyrinth senses challengers.」
The geometric patterns engraved on it start to glow, and the door begins to open.
And…
Rumble, rumble.
…a giant, about 4 meters tall.
A massive body to match its height.
Menacing horns protruding from its head.
Short brown fur that reveals the contours of its blood vessels and muscles, and hooves on its legs that support its thick thighs.
Thud!
A monster appears through the fully opened stone door, letting out a characteristic roar.
[MooOOOOOOO—!!]
The final boss of Larkaze's Labyrinth.
"Minotaur! It's a Minotaur!"
It's a monster that's famous enough for Misha to recognize at a glance.
A level 5 monster, the Minotaur.
______________________
Although it's not a level 4 monster like Misha was worried about…
'If I had to be precise, it's probably around level 4.5.'
This guy is different from regular Minotaurs.
It's a named monster with the unique name Larkaze.
In other words, it's a higher variant that possesses other monsters' skills.
Thud!
Everyone notices it as soon as the bastard takes its first step towards us.
How could they not?
It's clearly not a skill that a Minotaur would use.
[Moo!]
The moment it lets out a short shout and raises its arm…
「Larkaze, the master of the labyrinth, has cast [Burning Hide].」
…a giant flame engulfs its body.
Whoosh!
A scorching heat that can be felt even from 30 meters away.
Everyone is speechless.
"Uh, did it know how to use fire?"
"Th, there's no way. There was nothing about that in the books."
"Then it must be a higher variant. Like the Baphomet we encountered in that hidden room."
Dwarkey, with a look of realization, quickly shares information.
"Ifrit! It must be the Ifrit's ability!"
He's right.
It seems like he's been diligently reading books about the labyrinth for months, as he's finally showing his mage-like side.
Well, there's no time to praise him.
[MooOOOOOOO—!!]
The bastard, who was observing us with an expression that seemed to say, 'what the hell are these guys?', charges towards us.
With heavy footsteps.
Thud! Thud!
The sight of the 4-meter-tall monster approaching with its entire body on fire is beyond grotesque.
However, it's still nothing compared to Riakis.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
I even let out a battle cry and dash forward.
Tadat.
The distance closes quickly.
As soon as I enter his attack range, a giant double-edged axe swings down from above.
Kwaaang!
Hmm, this is it, huh.
I grin as I feel the weight through my shield.
It seems like there's no need to use [Gigantification].
As expected, [Burning Hide] is also manageable.
Whoosh!
Although the crimson flames are flickering right in front of me, there's no significant damage.
It just feels a bit hot.
It's all thanks to the Fire Resistance from the 3rd stage of the Undying Engraving.
Of course, it would be different if it continued.
「Character has taken fire damage.」
「Damage increases over time.」
Fire damage becomes stronger the more it stacks.
It's a similar principle to how meat will eventually cook if you leave it in hot water for a few days.
However, the solution is simple.
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 8th-grade imbuement spell [Cold Blood].」
「Character's Fire Resistance is greatly increased.」
Dwarkey's mana flows into my body, and my heated body cools down.
I'm a bit surprised.
'I can't believe he cast the spell before I even gave the order.'
As expected, do people learn through experience?
It feels like just yesterday he was struggling to even land a single 'Ice Spear'.
"I'll help too!"
"Oh, it's not hot at all now!"
After a brief moment of hesitation at the sight of the blazing flames, the dwarf and Misha, who have received the buff, join the front lines.
And…
「Hikurod Murad has cast [Lightning].」
「Misha Kaltstein has cast [Poison Infliction].」
…they easily toy with the bastard, who is supposed to be the final boss, by electrocuting him, stabbing his thick hide with their swords and inflicting poison, and so on.
[MooOOOOOOO—!!]
Of course, he also rampages, swinging his fists, legs, and axe.
And he also uses his unique skills without hesitation.
But nothing changes.
He's still too slow to catch Misha, and he doesn't have enough strength to overpower the dwarf and me.
And in the meantime, magical support continues.
「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's magical support, which would have normally knocked him out just from casting 'Cold Blood' due to his lack of mana…
Rotmiller is guarding Dwarkey's side just in case, but…
…that situation doesn't arise.
He can't even break through one tank, how could he possibly reach that far?
Kwaaang!
It doesn't take long.
Misha severs the bastard's Achilles tendon, and his massive body collapses to the ground. And the battle ends as she plunges her sword deep into his brain.
「Killed Minotaur. EXP +5」
The bastard's body turns into particles of light and scatters.
I first check the time.
[05:21]
Less than 10 minutes have passed since I last checked.
I feel a strange sense of disappointment at that fact.
'It would be great if they were always like this outside too.'
If there were an ultimate form of Team Misfits, it would probably look like this.
A stable 2-tank composition.
A melee damage dealer who moves aggressively and consistently deals damage based on that stability.
A mage with high AoE and single-target damage, and even support capabilities.
And a scout who's not a burden in battle.
'…What am I thinking?'
Such unnecessary sentimentality is unlike me.
Especially when the real problem hasn't been resolved.
I shake my head as if to clear my thoughts.
And I think.
What do I need to do right now to save time?
'Quickly take what we need and leave.'
Just as I'm reaffirming my goal…
Swaaa!
…the scattering light particles completely disappear, and everyone lets out a sigh of disappointment.
"Ah…"
"It didn't drop again."
The Minotaur didn't drop an essence.
Well, it's not a rift boss, even though it's a higher variant, so this is actually more realistic.
Tsk.
If a yellow essence had dropped, it would have been quite useful until the later stages of the game.
'…But the real reward is something else.'
I push aside my regret and check the surroundings.
Clank!
As if to signal the end of the boss battle, the iron bars on the passage rise back up.
"The portal? Why didn't the portal open?"
"Could it be… that it's different from a rift?"
"Uh, maybe there's another monster besides the Minotaur."
While the three of them are making various guesses, unable to hide their confusion…
…Rotmiller speaks first.
"I have a feeling there's something inside. How about we check it out?"
As expected of this man, he's a scout to the core.
"Ah, right! There was that place, wasn't there?"
"Let's go. Maybe the portal is open there."
We then enter the room where the Minotaur appeared. Of course, there's no way the portal that opened at the starting point would be here…
But even if we're in a hurry, we have to take this.
It's an item that you can't even buy with money.
"It… looks very suspicious."
It's a cave located inside the room.
Just like the mid-boss room, there's a summoning magic circle drawn on the floor.
"I can sense a powerful magic emanating from this object."
"Then we should take it with us."
As soon as Dwarkey finishes speaking, I put the jewel embedded in the center of the magic circle into my backpack.
And I turn around and head outside without hesitation.
I dismiss Dwarkey's suggestion to investigate further as ominous.
Because this is the only reward here.
"Phew, this is troublesome. I can't believe there's no portal here either."
"I know, right?"
"Rotmiller, I think there was a blue dot marked in the center of that map, is there a chance that the portal opened there?"
"Actually, I was thinking that might be the case. I have a strong feeling about it."
Is this what a Sixth Sense-type scout is like?
Just as I'm having that thought, leaving the cave where the Minotaur was trapped…
"See, I told you."
The final boss room is generated at a random location within the labyrinth.
And we rushed here as soon as we obtained the map and defeated the final boss in less than 10 minutes.
But…
'It doesn't matter how they found this place so quickly.'
It's already happened.
There's no way they found it by chance, they must have some kind of ability.
'Even though the 'Guide' characteristic is useless here, essences, items, and other abilities still work.'
But I'll leave the question of what that ability is for later.
"Hey, barbarian. Shouldn't you be thanking me? You were able to defeat him easily thanks to me."
A man whose face and even the slightly exposed part of his wrist are covered in burns.
One person.
"I beg of you. Please take what you want and let them go."
An old man in black priestly robes pleading to the man.
Two people.
"...."
And a middle-aged man who's following them blankly, both of his arms severed.
A total of three people.
'Damn it.'
I discard all the plans I made in case we encountered them.
From Plan A to Plan D.
"Hey, why isn't anyone saying anything?"
My instincts, honed from encountering countless bastards, are telling me…
…that those plans won't work on this guy.
-x-X-x-
I feel a chill run down my spine.
"Hey, why isn't anyone saying anything?"
At that single sentence.
Even though we haven't even properly clashed yet…
…a sense of urgency echoes in my ears.
Thump, thump, thump, thump!
My warrior's heart, sensing a natural enemy, pumps relentlessly, sending oxygen throughout my body.
It's already preparing.
For the worst-case scenario that could happen.
Swoosh.
I move only my gaze to check on my companions amidst the suffocating silence.
They're all frozen in place, mid-stride.
They must be feeling it too, right?
The ominous aura that he's emanating.
"Hello?"
He frowns and speaks again.
Thanks to that, my mind calms down a bit.
Golden time.
It's not the time to waste precious seconds that will become even more valuable from now on.
Therefore…
"Are you all really just going to stand there?"
I open my ears and stare at him with my eyes.
And in that state, I quickly combine the information I might have missed.
[Hey, barbarian. Shouldn't you be thanking me? You were able to defeat him easily thanks to me.]
He knew about this space.
So as soon as he sensed our presence, he rushed towards the boss room.
But…
'Even so, he's too fast.'
To arrive almost at the same time as us, who obtained the map?
It's impossible unless he found the way without getting lost.
How is this possible?
Or to be precise…
'What skill is it?'
I need to find that out.
My plan will change depending on it.
Thinking back, there's an answer in our previous conversation.
[If I hadn't sacrificed one more arm, we might have missed you.]
He sacrificed an arm.
Whose arm is obvious. It must be the poor man behind him.
'…A priest of Karui.'
There's a priest of Karui among them.
It's a blessing in disguise.
If he had just found his way using the scout's ability, it would be hopeless…
[I beg of you. Please take what you want and let them go.]
…and the old man, who seems to be a priest of the evil god, doesn't seem to be in a cooperative relationship with that man either.
'Could it be that he kidnapped a priest and forcefully converted him? And that man who sacrificed his arm is in a similar situation?'
I have about three breaths' worth of time.
After calmly analyzing the situation, I open my mouth.
Because there's no time now.
"Well, whatever. Just give me everyth—"
"I never expected to meet explorers in a place like this."
"So you're not mute?"
He looks at me with an amused expression as I break the silence.
Okay, I've bought some time.
"Do you happen to know how to get out of here?"
I ask about something I already know, pretending to be clueless.
The more I seem like a pushover, the more he'll let his guard down—
"You… what are you?"
A cold voice suddenly rings out.
What? What did I do wrong?
"Not even green, but yellow? Because of these pathetic bastards?"
His gaze is filled with wariness rather than interest or curiosity.
My eyes involuntarily move towards the ring on his finger.
It's similar to a Numbered Item I know.
It's the one I call the Traffic Light Ring, with green, red, and yellow jewels embedded in it.
No. 6111 Fate Tracker.
Green means a positive event is nearby.
Red means a negative event is nearby.
And yellow means a mixed event is nearby.
The yellow light on that item is shining brightly.
'Damn it.'
Is this what they mean by mixed feelings?
The fact that the yellow light came on means that there was a chance for me to exploit his arrogance.
That's good news for me.
The bad news is that he also knows it.
'I'm screwed.'
My only advantage as a weakling, to exploit the strong when they're careless…
…has disappeared.
Because of that damn ring.
"You seem to know what this is."
To make matters worse, he even notices my brief reaction and reveals his true colors openly.
Swoosh!
A blue blade is drawn from his waist.
The former aspiring blacksmith's mouth reacts first to the dazzling light.
"Th, that's a sword made of Akro…"
Akro.
It's a 6th-tier metal, practically the final stage in this world, that can easily cut through most Numbered Items.
That's why I was hoping that there would be more enemies.
The higher the level of the explorer, the greater the difference in not just the grade and number of essences, but also in equipment.
'At least 9th floor.'
However, I don't avoid reality and accept the cruel truth as it is.
It's not a clan with dozens of members.
Assuming his skills match his equipment, he's a strong individual who can easily operate on the 9th floor with a 5-man team.
He must have at least eight essences.
And all of them 5th-grade or higher.
"Barbarian."
At this point, stats or whatever are meaningless.
"Hand over the item you obtained inside."
He's at a level where he can easily wipe out all five of us without the help of a priest.
"If you don't want to die."
But I've made a judgment.
What I need to do to survive.
Therefore…
"Ah, are you talking about this?"
I take out the jewel I obtained from the boss room and hold it in my hand.
It was originally Plan D.
To give him everything he wants and beg for my life.
"You had it after all. Now, hand it over. Then I'll let you live."
"...."
I stare at him silently.
As the silence drags on, my companions start speaking up one by one.
"…We're fine. Just give it to him. We don't even know what it's for anyway."
"I agree. It's better to avoid fighting if possible."
They're not even worth listening to.
This jewel is the only reason we're still alive. To make a deal with a lunatic who kidnapped a priest and converted him?
Say something that makes sense.
"My stomach…"
All eyes turn to me as I cautiously speak.
He's also watching me silently.
I see a wicked smile on his lips.
An arrogant smile as if he already knows what choice I'll make.
Therefore, I also grin.
"Oh, no! My stomach hurts!!"
"...What?"
The moment he's flustered by my sudden shout…
…I shove the jewel into my mouth without hesitation.
And…
Gulp!
…I force myself to swallow it.
My esophagus stings as I force down a jewel the size of a tangerine, but whatever.
It'll heal in a few seconds.
"Burp-"
I burp as I hold back the urge to vomit.
Only then does everyone come to their senses.
"What the hell did you just do?"
He asks with eyes gleaming with killing intent.
"I just felt like it!"
I answer.
A brief silence follows.
"...."
"...."
He looks at me as if I'm a complete idiot.
Hmm, my teammates aren't much different, are they?
Anyway, it doesn't matter.
To silently do what needs to be done, regardless of what others think…
…that's the barbarian way.
"Barbarian, don't think you'll die easily."
He pushes off the ground and lunges at me.
It's a speed that's hard to believe even with equal stats.
Swoosh!
As expected of an expensive item, his sword pierces my shield without any resistance.
His thoughts are obvious.
He's planning to kill me, cut open my stomach, and take the jewel.
But…
'So what? What's he going to do about it?'
I punch my stomach with my fist the size of a watermelon.
Thwack! Thwack!
His eyes flinch every time I swing my hand.
I can see the fear on his face, worried that the item in my stomach might crack.
"Ah, my stomach is just feeling a bit bloated."
"…You're insane."
It's a welcome sound.
No one walks on fallen leaves in autumn to avoid stepping on them.
But what about filth?
You might accidentally step on it, but no one would intentionally do so.
Therefore…
Thwack!
…I stop punching my stomach.
The key to Plan E is to push the boundaries without actually crossing them.
It seems like the warning has been delivered sufficiently.
"What do you want?"
He tries to initiate a conversation.
He's even sheathed his sword, as if he doesn't want to provoke me.
'Right, this item is that important to you.'
Although I want to tease him and mess with him…
…I move towards the opposite passage with my companions and get to the point.
"One day. Just give me one day."
"You're not asking for your life?"
He looks at me as if I'm strange.
It's understandable.
Everyone who was in a similar situation must have begged him for their lives.
But…
"I don't beg for my life like that."
To be precise, I don't do meaningless things.
"Just give me one day."
A one-day reprieve.
I judged that this is the maximum he would allow.
"Then I won't resort to these cowardly tactics."
"How can I trust you?"
He asks briefly at my final offer, and I take out the card I prepared without a moment's hesitation.
"I swear on my honor as a warrior. We haven't slept properly for days and are exhausted. But if you just wait one day, I'll fight you fair and square."
As if that's what I wanted to do from the beginning.
As if I didn't want to resort to these cowardly tactics. He looks uncertain, but then asks quietly,
"Do you really think you can win?"
I chuckle.
Can I win?
Well, I still think the chances are slim.
But so what?
"Is that a reason to give up?"
I speak my mind without any acting.
He stares intently at my face.
And after a moment of silence, he finally answers,
"Twelve hours."
His voice is firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
"I'll give you twelve hours."
It's his bottom line.
"Just so you know, don't think the same trick will work then."
His eyes and expression clearly show that he won't let us go, even if it means giving up the item.
Therefore, I let out the breath I've been holding back.
[05:40]
I obtained the thing I needed most…
…time.
___________________
We're running through the labyrinth.
The formation is a bit different from usual.
Rotmiller and the dwarf are at the front, and I'm following them from the rear.
The reason is simple.
"It doesn't seem like he's following us."
Although Rotmiller said that…
…who knows how long he'll keep his promise?
I have to protect my own back.
"So what are we going to do now?"
Rotmiller asks as he leads the way.
No, it's not just him.
"Bjorn… are you really going to fight?"
"It do, doesn't seem like a good choice. You saw it too, didn't you? How your shield was sliced through like mud."
The pent-up questions and concerns are directed towards me.
They initially entrusted everything to me, but they're starting to worry belatedly.
But democracy is over for today.
There's no time to gather everyone's opinions and persuade them.
"Hikurod, Misha, Rotmiller, Dwarkey."
I call out their names.
And I ask,
"I might say or do things you don't understand in the future. But can you trust me and follow me one last time?"
"Of course."
The other three, except for Misha, don't answer immediately.
But I wait silently, trusting in the image I've shown them over the past few months.
The dwarf is the first to speak.
"If it weren't for you in the Crimson Fortress, I would be dead. I trust your judgment."
The second is Dwarkey.
"I, I'm the same. Bjorn, I'll trust in your hero's destiny."
Hero's destiny.
It's the speculation that was added as seasoning when my title, Little Balkan, spread throughout the city, and it's also what the shaman told me.
It's a bit strange coming from him, considering that he's not just some random person…
Well, it's a good thing in this situation.
"I could only tremble in fear when I encountered him. I couldn't do anything."
The last one is Rotmiller.
"I'll trust and follow you no matter what you say."
I can feel his deep trust in his brief words.
However, before I can even dwell on it, Rotmiller continues,
"But I have something to tell you, regardless of that."
"What is it?"
"If my guess is correct, he's a very dangerous person."
"Do you have information?"
I ask back, my eyes widening, and Rotmiller answers,
"A long time ago, I heard about an explorer who used a sword made of Akro. According to rumors, he was cursed by a dragon and his entire body is covered in burns."
No, so who is he?
Unlike me, who's only more confused, it seems like the three of them already have a guess.
"Dragon's curse? Don't tell me…"
"Dragonslayer! Rotmiller, are you talking about the Dragonslayer?"
"Th, th, then that means he's a member of Orculus…?"
I frown as I listen to their urgent cries.
I still don't know who this Dragonslayer bastard is.
But…
'Orculus.'
It's an ancient word in this world that means 'Witch's Eye'.
I've already learned about the group that uses this name from books.
'A gathering of lunatics who openly claim that their goal is to kill the King.'
However, they can't just be dismissed as lunatics.
The fact that they've been around for decades despite doing such crazy things…
…proves the strength of each individual member.
They say that only seven of them have been killed so far, despite the huge bounty offered by the royal family?
'I've gotten involved with someone much more troublesome than I thought.'
As I click my tongue in dismay, one thought becomes clearer.
Running away is not the best solution.
There's a famous saying, isn't there?
"So, what should we do?"
I take the map from Rotmiller and designate our destination.
"We're going here."
There's no paradise where you run away to.
At least not this time.
-x-X-x-
Dragonslayer, Regal Vagos.
A Dragonkin who killed his clan's ancestral dragon and was cursed by a dragon.
He disappeared after the incident, but about 10 years ago, he reappeared by single-handedly terrorizing the Fairy sanctuary and began operating as a member of Orculus.
His main weapon is an Akro longsword nicknamed Dragonslayer, and he's said to have six confirmed essences so far...
'Three 5th-grade, two 4th-grade, and one 3rd-grade.'
Judging by the known essences alone, he's a typical stat-heavy swordsman.
It's a class with no real weaknesses as long as the equipment is good, since all his skills are self-buffing.
Well, it's 10 years old information, so it might have changed...
...but that's unlikely.
How could a criminal remove essences?
'That's why he came all the way here for this item.'
For reference, the Dragon Speech, the unique skill possessed by Dragonkin, is said to be sealed due to the 'Dragon's Curse'.
That's good news.
Honestly, I was scared shitless when I found out he was a Dragonkin.
"That's all I know."
"I see, thanks. It was a big help."
I calmly organize my thoughts after learning about the enemy through Rotmiller.
Ah, of course, while running towards our destination.
Tadatadat-!
First of all, Dragonslayer, Regal Vagos.
He's an unexpected big shot.
If it weren't for the 'Guardian of Balance', we would have been beheaded before we even realized what the jewel was.
Tadatadat-!
I check the time, feeling a strange chill.
[08:57]
It's been about three hours since we encountered him.
In other words, the hide-and-seek game will begin in 9 hours.
Of course, that's assuming he keeps his promise.
'Twelve hours...'
It's a bit disappointing.
My confident attitude along with the warrior's oath.
He agreed to the deal because of that, thinking there might be a chance, or maybe just because he had nothing to lose.
But...
'If it weren't for that damn ring, he might have waited for a day.'
24 hours and 12 hours are vastly different.
It's enough time to prepare everything and even get some rest.
'Phew, nothing ever goes smoothly.'
I sigh, but I gather my resolve.
Goblin traps, the psychopath bitch, Crimson Fortress, Witch's Forest, Floor Master, and so on.
I clear my mind by recalling the despairing past...
...and engrave one goal in my mind.
Survival.
If possible, all of us together.
Without fail.
"Bjorn, we're here."
Just as that thought crosses my mind, Rotmiller stops walking.
There's a dead end in front of us.
It's the corner at the 11 o'clock direction, the closest to where the boss room was.
In other words, it's the location of the second mid-boss.
Click, rumble.
Rotmiller operates a mechanism, and the wall slides open, revealing a hidden space.
Whoosh.
Torches light up as we step inside, illuminating the stone chamber.
The only difference from the 7 o'clock corner where 'Baphomet' appeared is...
"Ugh, I think that place was better."
...a mountain of corpses with their eyes gouged out, instead of a goat's head.
I ignore the stench and drop a drop of blood onto the magic circle.
「The demon of the labyrinth senses blood.」
Okay, one down.
_____________________
「Killed Argos. EXP +5」
「Higher Variant Kill Bonus. EXP +1」
_____________________
In Larkaze's Labyrinth, there are many hidden spaces besides the mid-boss rooms.
The rewards vary.
There might be one-time consumables, or rare monsters might appear.
Well, I need something else.
'Another dud, huh.'
We focus on searching the surroundings and finding hidden rooms after defeating 'Argos'.
We don't have enough time to go after another mid-boss…
…and I need to find 'that room' for my plan.
'Phew, we're finding them quite well, though.'
Since we're actively looking for hidden rooms with Rotmiller in the lead, we find one about every two hours.
It's thanks to the increased Sixth Sense stat from the Dragonslayer's party entering the labyrinth. Rotmiller is able to find things that we would have missed before.
The problem is that the room I want hasn't appeared yet.
[05:30]
That's when, as time passes and it's almost the end of the 12 hours we promised him…
"Wait, stop for a moment. I have a strange feeling."
Rotmiller stops the party and searches the surrounding walls, finding a hidden room.
Swoosh.
It's a small stone chamber, about 3 or 4 square meters in size, with no monsters or hidden treasures.
I close the door after checking the interior.
'Found it.'
I've finally gathered all the materials for the first step of my plan.
Therefore, I stop the party and have them rest.
"Everyone, rest for a while. I'll keep watch."
"Rest? What is this room…"
"I'll explain everything when we get out alive. So just follow my lead for now."
"…Alright."
The dwarf dismisses his questions at my firm voice.
No, it's more accurate to say that he's decided to trust me and not ask for now.
"Phew…"
As soon as my exhausted companions fall asleep, I let out a long sigh.
Leaving aside the others…
…just thinking about making excuses to Rotmiller gives me a headache.
From dropping blood on the magic circle to summon the mid-boss to this very moment… there are too many parts that he wouldn't be able to accept as something I learned from books.
'Anyway, let's think about that later…'
I take another deep breath and dismiss my worries about the future.
I'll figure out the excuses somehow.
Yeah, as long as we can get out alive.
I focus on this moment and organize my thoughts one last time.
[You said there might be a portal in the center? Aren't we going there?]
The reason we're not heading towards the portal is simple.
Because that bastard will be there for 12 hours.
If he thinks we're trying to run away, the 12 hours we earned will be wasted.
I judged that it's better to use that time to prepare.
But…
'He must have also started looking for us by now.'
The 12 hours we promised have ended.
Fortunately, the first stage of preparations is complete, and thanks to that, we were able to get some rest before he arrives.
However, the situation is still grim.
'The success rate is less than 10%.'
That's the probability I coldly calculated.
After all, only six of the essences he possesses are known. Two or three unknown essences remain as variables, and the biggest obstacle, the High Priest of Karui, is still there.
Therefore…
Clench.
…I take out the brilliant red jewel and hold it in my hand.
Although I swallowed it to use it as a hostage, it's the item I threw up using [Gigantification] as soon as its safety was confirmed.
It's the final reward of Larkaze's Labyrinth, the item that the worst criminal with the title of Dragonslayer desperately sought after.
'Tempered Wish.'
If possible, I didn't want to use it now.
This item is most effective when used with a 4th-grade guardian essence.
But it's an item that will be useless if I die.
'I guess there's no choice but to use it.'
I make a decision.
Even I don't know how the situation will unfold.
And I can't use this item later.
"...."
This moment of calm before the storm…
…will soon come to an end.
It's better to be prepared.
Because I won't have time to do it when the time comes.
'It's a bit of a waste…'
I put strength into my hand.
Crack!
The jewel shatters, emitting a brilliant red light.
And when I come to my senses…
「Character has used 'Tempered Wish'.」
「Character is being transported to the Chamber of Balance.」
…I'm standing in an unfamiliar space.
_____________________
Whoosh!
A flame appears, illuminating the space.
I take a step forward and look around.
Thud.
It's a stone chamber reminiscent of the Tower of Heaven.
A bluish flame is flickering in the air, illuminating the three stone doors at the edges.
'This is interesting.'
So this is what it's like in real life.
In the game, you just choose what to pick using the keyboard.
「Choose the essence you want to replace.」
I carefully examine the murals painted on each stone door. Although they're not colored, it's not difficult to recognize them.
Thud.
A horrifying monster made of rotten arms and legs, moving together.
'This must be the Corpse Golem.'
Something in the shape of a human with sharp fangs and claws, its red eyes depicted with a red jewel.
'This is the Vampire.'
A muscular warrior shouting with a giant banner in the background.
'This must be the Orc Hero.'
Each door represents the three essences I've absorbed so far. Although there are no instructions, what I need to do is clear.
I just have to open the door I want, and the corresponding essence will be replaced.
That's what 'Tempered Wish' is.
It's a gacha-type item that allows you to exchange an essence below 4th grade for a random essence of the same grade.
Thud.
I walk towards one of the doors without hesitation.
Because I've already decided what to choose.
'Orc Hero.'
Of course, not this one.
Although it's 5th-grade, it's a core essence in my final build.
'Corpse Golem.'
Pain Resistance was unexpectedly useful, but honestly, it doesn't help me much in terms of ability.
So I was saving it to remove later when all my essence slots were filled.
But I'll pass on this one too.
Why would I waste 'Tempered Wish' on a 7th-grade essence?
'Vampire.'
I stand in front of the stone door with the monster's figure painted on it and reach out.
It's a rare essence with all three skills because it was obtained from a rift guardian, and it has a skill set and stats that suit a tank.
'Tempered Wish' also has a hidden element.
「You have chosen the Vampire's essence.」
「It is a guardian's essence.」
「The grade of selectable essences has increased.」
When you offer a guardian's essence as a sacrifice, the grade of essences you can choose from increases.
In short, if you offer a 4th-grade guardian's essence, you can obtain a 3rd-grade essence.
'That guy must have done this. Seeing how he came all the way here for this item.'
I also did this when I played the game.
When I absorbed a guardian's essence that was high-grade but didn't suit my character, I went to Larkaze's Labyrinth and tried my luck with the gacha.
But to think I would use this item on a 5th-grade guardian essence, and one that's useful to me at that…
"Whew…"
I push aside my lingering thoughts and walk through the open door.
The straight passage ends before I can even take a few steps, and three more stone doors appear as the flame flickers.
Whoosh!
As befitting an item with 'balance' as its concept, each of the three doors has a mural of a monster representing Physical, Mental, or Ability type.
Up to this point, it's no different from usual.
But what is this?
「It's an essence that no one currently possesses.」
「The Guardian of Balance acknowledges its rarity and presents a new option befitting its value.」
I freeze as I examine the murals.
The first option is this:
A skeletal mage holding a staff in one hand and a box containing a red jewel in the other.
The 4th-grade monster, Lich.
It's a typical 'Ability-type' monster with a passive skill called [Soul Vessel] and several destructive active skills.
There's no problem with this.
It's just that the jewel embedded above the door is inexplicable.
'…Rainbow colored?'
The Corpse Golem's door had a black jewel, and the Orc Hero's door had a green jewel. So I thought it represented the color of the essence.
But rainbow colored?
It's the same color as the jewel on the Vampire's door, which was a guardian essence.
'So a real guardian essence appeared?'
I quickly check the other doors.
The 4th-grade monster, Soul Colossus.
It's an incorporeal monster with no Strength or Agility, but all its stats are focused on Mental.
The color of the jewel also signifies a guardian.
Of course, I could have dismissed it as 'luck' up to this point.
Very rarely, guardian essences did appear as options.
But…
'This can't be a coincidence.'
My last option.
I acknowledge it after confirming the Physical-type monster.
This isn't 'luck' at all. It's just that there are still elements in this game that I don't know about.
Whoosh!
The jewel illuminated by the flickering flame is red.
In other words, it's not a guardian's essence.
But what does that matter in this situation?
Thud.
I walk towards the door as if possessed.
I can't believe it, but the mural on the door represents only one thing.
Thud.
A level 3 monster.
And a boss-level monster that operates alone.
In other words, it's a monster that requires a raid of 3rd or 4th-grade explorers to defeat.
The monster that boasts the highest physical stats among terrestrial monsters.
'Ogre.'
I open the door without hesitation.
Hallelujah. (praise God)
-x-X-x-
「The essence of [Ogre] seeps into the character's soul.」
「Strength increased by +140.」
「Magic Resistance increased by +80.」
「Physical Resistance increased by +40.」
「All Resistances increased by +10.」
「Natural Regeneration decreased by -40.」
「Perception decreased by -20.」
As soon as I open my eyes, I check the clock.
Fortunately, not much time has passed.
Tsk, I hurriedly finished it and came out…
"...."
I stare at my sleeping companions for a moment and then take out a knife.
And I drag it across the back of my hand as if sawing.
Scrape, scrape, scrape.
After about ten back-and-forth motions with force, a single drop of blood oozes out.
Seeing the wound that isn't regenerating, I finally realize it.
My character's concept has completely changed in an instant.
Clench.
I clench my fist in the air.
Although I can clearly sense the change in my body, it's not as drastic as when I absorbed the Orc Hero's essence.
It's understandable.
The Vampire essence is gone, and the 'Guardian of Balance' is still active.
'I'll be able to fully grasp how much my Strength has increased once we're outside.'
I take a moment to calculate the gains and losses, keeping an eye on the passage illuminated by the torchlight.
'Ogre…'
Ogre.
It's a level 3 monster with stats and skills that any tank would drool over. However, this guy's essence wasn't part of my final build.
It's not because it's unsuitable, but rather because of practical reasons.
It's already a difficult level 3 monster to catch…
…and on top of that, to have to wait for the desired color to drop out of seven active skills?
The acquisition difficulty is too high…
'…and there's the 4th-grade monster 'Steel Giant' which is more efficient in terms of 'defense' alone.'
'But the Steel Giant has the downside of not being able to use weapons.'
In the end, it comes down to preference.
Whether to focus on damage as well, or to focus solely on tanking.
The difference in performance between the two essences is minimal, so I usually chose the extreme tank build in most playthroughs.
I judged that it's more rational to invest the effort of obtaining the Ogre essence into raising a damage dealer instead.
And that judgment was correct.
As a result, I was able to open the 'Gate of the Abyss' in the original version that no one else could reach.
But…
'Strictly speaking, the Ogre is a bit better.'
The fun of this game is to change your build flexibly, and that's also where the player's skill lies.
In the first place, it wasn't like the final build was set in stone.
Except for the core essences, everything else was a blank slate.
I had three or four candidates with similar performance for each role, and I absorbed whichever one dropped first and then moved on to the next.
Because my goal wasn't just to clear the game, but to complete multiple characters.
'It's a bit disappointing that it's not a yellow essence, but it's not enough to change the entire build…'
I'm a bit bewildered.
I was expecting the 'Steel Giant' as the best-case scenario and sacrificed the Vampire essence, but I got an even better result.
'What the hell are the conditions? If it's a Vampire guardian essence, does it guarantee a guardian essence and a 2-level upgrade?'
It's a pure question.
My curiosity as a gamer is piqued, but I suppress my thoughts.
'With this, is it 30%? No, maybe even 40%?'
I recalculate the survival rate based on the changed situation and meticulously plan a new combat strategy in my head.
To increase the chances even a little.
What I can do right now, at this very moment.
'…It's better to take off the armor. There's no way he'll wait for me to prepare.'
Like a swordsman sharpening his sword the night before a decisive battle…
…I refine my plan and find a better option.
'The Perception decrease isn't as much of a penalty as I thought. With this much Strength, I won't be overpowered.'
The detailed pieces of the plan fall into place, forming a single shape.
But the more that's the case, the faster my heart beats.
Thump!
The future is like shattered glass.
No one can perfectly predict the outcome.
Just like when the Floor Master was summoned.
But that's why…
Thump!
…I wonder if there's anything else I can prepare.
If there's anything I've overlooked.
I contemplate relentlessly, as if facing a test that will determine my life.
How much time has passed?
"Bjorn."
Rotmiller wakes up and calls my name quietly.
It means it's time.
I hurriedly wake up my companions and check the clock.
[09:47]
About 4 hours have passed since we rested.
In other words, about 38 hours left until the labyrinth closes.
"He's faster than I expected. As expected, there must be a way for them to track us."
I ignore Rotmiller's comment.
It's information I already know…
…and it's not the kind of information I need to engrave in my mind right now.
'Right, it takes 4 hours to get from there to here.'
All the prerequisites for the new Plan A have been met.
So…
Thud.
…it's time to roll the dice.
_____________________
Thud, thud.
The sound of footsteps echoing from the darkness at regular intervals.
They're approaching us, slowly and without haste.
Thud-
Soon, he enters our line of sight.
For reference, he's accompanied by that poor man.
It seems like he was also offered as a sacrifice while they were looking for us, as blood is trickling down from one of his eyes, which is crusted shut.
"That's so cruel."
"Why would he do that to his companion…"
Everyone frowns at the grotesque sight, but I let out a silent sigh of relief.
Phew, so he left the old man at the portal.
If he had come with him, it would have been hopeless.
That's when…
Thud-
…he stops walking, keeping a moderate distance.
And a heavy silence falls.
"What the, you're all alive?"
He chuckles and speaks.
It's far from the reaction I expected.
I thought he would just stab us in the stomach without a word.
What is this?
"I suddenly regained my strength, so I thought one of you must have died."
At those words, all the dissonance is resolved.
So that's why.
'No wonder he was so calm.'
He hasn't realized it yet.
That I swallowed 'Tempered Wish'.
Well, now that I think about it, it's understandable that he would think that way.
Until the next sentence.
"Ah, right. You must have absorbed a Vykuntus essence, right?"
He's even offering a new possibility.
I can't help but laugh.
'I didn't know this guy would also jump to conclusions.'
Even if we divide the stats among eight people because of the Guardian of Balance, it's an incomparable increase compared to a measly Vykuntus.
He must have felt it clearly too.
But…
…he's already decided on the answer he wants and is just looking for evidence to support it, so how could he possibly reach the truth?
'Dragonslayer, Regal Vagos.'
I add another line to my mental notes about him.
He's unexpectedly a positive guy.
But did my laughter make him feel uneasy?
"…Barbarian, you kept your oath, right?"
He drops his nonchalant attitude and asks me.
I just stare at him without answering.
It's an expression that means, 'why bother saying it?'
But it seems like that's not enough for him.
"The item, where's the item?"
He asks me again.
This time, there's annoyance in his voice.
He's been trying to deny it because of the sunk cost, but he's slowly realizing it.
The truth that he might have been tricked.
"…Don't tell me, you already used it?"
He asks one last time, and I answer,
"Ah, it wasn't intentional."
"…What?"
"I'm sorry. I was just fiddling with it out of boredom, and it broke."
Despite my sincere apology, he trembles like an aspen leaf.
He's finally accepting the truth.
The warrior's oath.
Something that barbarians, with only their honor, have protected even at the cost of their lives.
That he was fooled by it.
"You had no intention of keeping your oath from the beginning."
I feel a chilling killing intent through my skin.
But I puff out my chest, as befits a K-barbarian from Korea.
"Ah, I told you I'm so—"
"Die."
By the time I hear his voice, I can already see his sword in front of me.
He closed that much distance in that short time.
I was able to react in time because I was observing his every move while provoking him.
Swoosh.
I raise my shield.
But not to block…
Kwaaang!
…but to strike the blade with all my might.
It's the countermeasure I came up with while simulating the battle with him during my spare time.
It's an Akro longsword, after all.
If I block it, it will just pierce through my shield.
"Dwarkey!"
The moment I push him back with my overflowing strength and shout…
…the spell that was briefed beforehand is shot.
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 7th-grade attack spell [Blizzard].」
It seems like he managed to complete the spell while we were buying time with our conversation.
Swaaaaaaaaa!
Sharp ice shards whirl, filling the passage.
Even though I'm pressed against the wall, out of range, I feel a chill.
However, ironically, I feel a strange heat from the other end of the blizzard.
It's obvious what it is without even looking.
「Regal Vagos has cast [Blast Furnace].」
[Blast Furnace].
It's one of the abilities of the 4th-grade monster, Lava Giant.
It's a buff skill that grants immunity to cold and fire damage and greatly increases physical stats.
I was a bit worried since it's 10 years old information…
…but as expected, he still has it.
Rip!
I tear the scroll without hesitation.
It's the item I obtained after defeating 'Argos', one of the mid-bosses, and the one that should have been used to defeat the Minotaur.
「Target designated.」
「Regal Vagos's 'Lava Giant's Essence' is sealed for 48 hours.」
The scroll burns and disappears, and the heat from the other side of the passage also disappears.
Okay, one 4th-grade essence down.
Now, what happened to him?
Swaaa!
The blizzard that froze the entire passage subsides.
He's still standing.
Unharmed, behind a translucent black barrier like a window.
"Is that all you were counting on?"
He smirks at us.
It's understandable if he thought this surprise attack was our trump card.
But what a shame.
'I can't believe things are going this well.'
The skill he just used is [Dark Veil].
And this skill isn't on the list of essences that Rotmiller told me about.
In other words, one of the variables we were wary of has been confirmed.
'There's only one or two unknown essences left.'
Of course, he might have other Numbered Items, so I still need to be careful—
Whoosh!
His figure lunges towards me again before I can even finish organizing my thoughts.
I try to strike his sword with my shield like before, but he's also an intelligent being who learns.
Whoosh!
My shield cuts through the air.
By the time I realize it, I feel a slight pain and a foreign sensation in my shoulder.
Slash!
I check, and his Akro longsword, which was slicing through my Laetium shield like tofu, is embedded in my forearm.
About 3 centimeters deep.
"...?"
Our eyes meet for a fleeting moment.
I see bewilderment in his eyes.
He was planning to sever my entire arm, but why did it only go in this far?
The answer is simple.
'Geez, just how high is my Physical Resistance stat right now?'
The Ogre's passive skill, [Iron Hide].
It's a crazy skill that doubles Physical Resistance and then doubles it again for slashing attacks.
'If our stats are similar because of the 'Guardian of Balance', it's only natural that I can withstand even an Akro longsword.'
But…
'Tsk, I didn't want to reveal it this early.'
I wanted to hide it until the perfect opportunity arrived.
Preferably by blocking his sword with my shield.
But someone of his level would be able to deduce what essence ability this is just from this.
'Head.'
I look at his burn-covered head and make a decision.
It's the Ogre's red essence active skill…
…and my first proper attack skill since I only had offensive skills like [Flesh Explosion].
I don't know why a skill from a guy nicknamed the Tyrant of the Forest has such a lame name…
「Character has cast [Swing].」
「The destructive power of blunt weapons is greatly increased in proportion to Strength.」
…but whatever, as long as the effect is good.
Whoosh!
I swing my mace with all my might.