The double-sized bed, the wardrobe, and the computer desk in Lee Hansu's room.
[Long Live Korean Independence] - 0 members online.
I turn on the computer and enter the chat room.
That guy made a fuss about me being dead because I was a few minutes late last time.
'And we can only be together for an hour…'
I plan to get as much information as possible from Lee Baekho this time, since there's a big incident.
'I'm the first one here today.'
A spacious room furnished with antique furniture.
Before I can even sit down on the sofa, Lee Baekho logs in.
Everything is fine up to this point.
"Hyung!"
But, what's this?
He looks very urgent.
"I'm actually in the middle of a battle right now, so I have to go."
"What?"
"I don't have time to explain."
"But—"
"You heard about the subjugation, right? Don't participate, even later. That's what I came to tell you."
"What do you mean—"
"See you next month!"
That was the entirety of our conversation.
I'm dazed.
But if I calmly organize the situation…
'…He's in the middle of a battle?'
One hour in the community is one second in reality.
But to leave in such a hurry?
It means he's fighting a strong enemy.
Even if he stays here for a minute, only 0.02 seconds will have passed outside.
It's proof that his enemy is someone he can't even spare that much time for.
'What the hell is he fighting?'
I don't know.
The only thing that's certain is…
…that he's closely related to the Noark subjugation.
'Was this bastard in the underground city all along?'
He's fighting an enemy in the middle of the night, not even in the labyrinth. It's hard to think of anything besides the Noark subjugation.
The subjugation force departed yesterday.
The King's army, the explorer alliance, and even the paladins sent by the temple. It was quite a sight seeing them all marching into the sewers.
'His last words… it means he thinks the subjugation will fail, right?'
Telling me not to participate, even later.
It means that the first subjugation will fail, and a second subjugation force will be formed.
'Ah, this is frustrating…'
I return to my room since there's nothing for me here. It's still three hours until Watchers of the Round Table opens.
I start browsing the web since there's nothing else to do.
First, I check the exchange, and then I visit the chat rooms that don't have entry restrictions.
They're all the same.
Everyone is talking about the Noark subjugation.
'…The underground is already in chaos.'
A significant number of players participated in the subjugation.
And from what they're saying…
"I don't know the details since I'm in the rear, but the atmosphere is really bad. I keep hearing explosions from the front, and those commander bastards aren't explaining anything…"
"Why are there so few participants today? Don't tell me they're all dead?"
…it seems like a fierce battle is taking place in the underground right now.
I can't even imagine how intense it is.
This post on the free board makes it even harder to imagine.
[Ask me anything, I'm about to die.]
-Got stabbed in the neck, and when I opened my eyes, I was here.
-I'll be alive for at least 12 seconds, right?
-Damn it.
[EdwardBless77: I hope it's not an eternal dream. I hope you wake up in your home.]
[└OP: I really hope so.]
[godFLEXyou: You've worked hard. Rest now.]
[└OP: Thanks for the comfort.]
[stevencastle: You must have been in the front lines. I heard it's a living hell there. Did you see Orculus?]
[└OP: I don't know. I heard someone shouting that they were there, but I don't remember. Maybe they were mistaken. I couldn't even see a meter ahead because of those dark mage bastards.]
[teckmonkey: What do you want to do the most?]
[└OP: Reproduce.]
[└teckmonkey: Uh, hmm… I'll refrain from commenting.]
[tunaboot: Where are you from?]
[└OP: I don't know what you mean. If you mean Earth, then Canada. If you mean here, then the Aribeten Clan, I was a high-ranking member.]
[└tunaboot: Of course I meant your hometown. But a high-ranking member of the Aribeten Clan? You were a big shot.]
[└1spring: What's the point, he's dying now. Goodbye.]
[└ionboii: Wow, seeing him coming out like this here, it doesn't seem like he's just trolling, right? I sincerely offer my condolences. You've worked hard. And just ignore the bastard who's talking nonsense above.]
Dozens of comments are posted below.
The OP answers each of them as the number of comments increases in real time.
I scroll down, reading them all as if possessed, and then I post a comment.
[Elfnunna: Why are you already giving up? You should log out and try to survive.]
There's a chance if you don't give up.
It might be infinitely close to 0, but it's not 0.
I'm proof of that.
However, after posting it, I feel like it was rude, so I add an explanation.
[└Elfnunna: I've also been stabbed in the neck before. And I even entered a state similar to the countdown in the game. But I could still move my body. I barely survived after killing the enemy and drinking a potion. So why don't you try it too?]
My experiences in the Land of the Dead and the Crimson Fortress.
I hope it gives someone I don't even know hope.
But…
[└OP: I understand what you're saying. But I'm an archer. I can't use your method.]
…the answer is complete resignation.
[└Elfnunna: You can at least try, can't you?]
I post another comment as if possessed.
And an answer is posted immediately.
[└OP: Sorry, if I'm going to die anyway, I want to die as myself. Not in this damn body, but as the person my parents gave birth to.]
My mind goes blank as soon as I see it.
I take my hands off the keyboard.
What can I even say?
That it's not a real body?
That it's just a manifestation of the identity you think you are?
Well, no one can judge the OP's choice.
And they shouldn't.
"...."
I involuntarily look at the wardrobe.
To be precise, I look at the mirror next to it.
I see Lee Hansu.
Click, clack, clack.
I start typing on the keyboard again.
And I write and erase countless words of comfort, like hoping that he rests in peace or that he wakes up in the real world.
But I can't bring myself to press enter.
Click, clack, clack.
Players continue to post comments as I struggle to type.
The OP answers each of them.
[branbran_helmet: This game is trash.]
[└OP; You're right, this game is trash!]
That's the last comment.
I refresh the page.
The OP's nickname, which was at the top, is now blurred out.
"...."
It means he's dead.
_________________
I don't know why.
I don't even know his face, and we've never talked before.
But my heart can't stop pounding.
Thump, thump.
Countless deaths I've witnessed since waking up in this world.
The weight of those deaths feels heavier today.
What's the reason?
Scroll-
As if to find the answer, I scroll up.
And I read through it again from the beginning.
Many people asked about his true self, so I was able to glimpse into his life just from that.
Scroll-
He was from Canada.
He was born into a farming family, and his real name was Mac Davis.
His first kiss was when he was 17.
With his girlfriend's best friend?
Although I think he's a bit of a jerk, he didn't live a life of sin.
Scroll-
His dream was to be a veterinarian.
The trigger was when he had to watch his dog choke to death after vomiting and getting something stuck in its throat.
But he failed because he wasn't good at studying.
In the end, he helped out on his parents' farm and occasionally played games.
Scroll-
Right, he was an ordinary person.
Someone who was decently kind, and sometimes made mistakes and was remembered as a bad person by others…
Just an ordinary person.
Scroll.
I stop scrolling at one point.
There's a new comment on the comment I left.
[└OP: Your words keep coming back to me. I feel like you're a strong person. I hope you can clear this game and return. Of course, it's your choice.]
His words of encouragement, just a few sentences, left for me when I was struggling to write a simple message of comfort.
"...."
I can feel how thoughtful he was just from the single word 'choice'.
Click, clack, clack.
I type on the keyboard, writing a new comment.
Although he'll never be able to see it now…
[└Elfnunna: If I ever go back, I'll definitely send a letter to the address you wrote above.]
[└Elfnunna: You've worked hard.]
I leave a meaningless comment and leave the post.
And I lie down on the bed for a while, lost in thought.
How much time has passed?
[03:07]
Only 3 minutes left until the entry deadline for Watchers of the Round Table.
But what's this?
Creak—
The Round Table room is empty, even though I rushed in.
Crescent Moon, Goblin, Fox, Antler…
And Clown are all gone.
I'm the only one in the Round Table room.
'…Don't tell me, they all participated in the subjugation?'
I can't think of anything else.
3 hours in the community.
It's just 3 seconds outside.
What other reason could they have for not coming here, when they can't even spare 3 seconds?
'I can't believe I got stood up here…'
After Lee Baekho, I've been stood up again.
Before I can even feel the emptiness…
…my vision flashes, and when I come to my senses, I'm back in my original room.
[Minimum number of participants not met.]
[This session's gathering has ended.]
A message appears on the monitor.
Right, so this is what happens when the entry deadline passes without anyone else joining.
The core of the community activity is gone.
'Well, I should at least browse around a bit before leaving.'
In the end, I have no choice but to check the minor news by surfing the web.
Time passes, and it's time to log out.
「Character is being transported to Lafdonia.」
Bjorn's room and Bjorn's body.
But it feels a bit unfamiliar today.
Or am I just tired?
'Let's just sleep.'
I clear my head and lie down on the bed.
Creak.
The bed sinks with a groan, as always.
And so, another day ends.
And three days later…
"Bjorn! Co, come out here! The subjugation force that went underground has returned!"
The army that headed towards Noark has returned.
Only about one-third of them survived.
"...."
"...."
The army marches past silently, their shoulders slumped.
The result is obvious just from that.
'They really failed.'
Things have gotten troublesome.
-x-X-x-
Red bobbed hair that reaches her shoulders.
A tattoo under her eye.
A lean, muscular physique, a little over 170 centimeters tall.
"...."
Amelia, standing in front of the mirror, tucks her hair behind her ear, revealing a scar on her half-severed ear.
It's a scar that would be considered a flaw if she wanted to live as a woman.
Back then, she didn't have the money to buy a potion, so she had no choice but to leave it.
Of course, healing it completely wouldn't be impossible for her now…
…but she doesn't bother.
"We're almost there."
This scar always reminds her.
Who her enemies are.
"Amelia Rainwales, the Lord summons you."
She slings the bag she prepared beforehand over her shoulder and heads outside.
An unexpected person is waiting for her.
"I didn't expect you to come."
A member of Orculus.
A notorious criminal known throughout both the surface and the underground as the 'Corpse Collector'.
"The situation is urgent."
"How bad is it?"
"The royal family made a drastic move. I never imagined they would release that madman from prison."
"…So he's out?"
Even Amelia, who usually has an expressionless face, can't hide her surprise this time.
If the 'Corpse Collector' is an evil spirit known to the public…
…that man is the opposite.
Very few people know his name…
…but to those who know even a little about his identity…
…he's a being that's more terrifying than anyone else.
"Yeah, that bastard is here. Thanks to him, things have gotten a bit complicated. A lot of our people are dying."
The man wearing glasses smiles and pats Amelia on the back.
"So let's go. Everyone's already gathered, and we're just waiting for you."
"…Alright. Let's go."
Amelia then follows the man.
Only the sound of their quick footsteps echoes through the silent hallway.
"Did the Dragonslayer also participate in the battle?"
"Huh? Ah, that guy… his arm is crippled, what can he do? He's probably still resting in his room."
"…I see."
Amelia cautiously asks another question.
"Any leads?"
"What do you mean?"
The man turns around, stopping in his tracks.
He's known for being intelligent, so he might be connecting the incident where the Dragonslayer's equipment was found on the black market with her.
'I made a mistake.'
Although she belatedly realizes that she was being careless, Amelia answers calmly,
"I was going to kill him once he became useless."
"…Huh? Do you have a grudge against him?"
"I don't like his eyes."
A brief silence follows Amelia's answer.
It doesn't last long.
The man bursts into laughter as if he's heard something amusing.
"Ahahaha! Well, those snake eyes are a bit annoying. Especially since he doesn't even know his place."
The man starts walking again.
"But bear with it. It seems like his body will heal in six months to a year."
"What about Dragonslayer? He's useless without it, isn't he?"
"Ah, that. We'll find it. That alchemist geezer said there's a way to restore memories."
"…I see."
A way to restore memories…
She wants to ask what it is, but she holds back.
She's not usually interested in other people's affairs.
This perceptive guy would definitely notice something was off.
'I'll have to look into it later.'
After walking down the hallway for about 3 minutes, they reach a giant door.
A white door that leads to the Lord's audience chamber.
They enter, and the Lord is sitting on his throne.
"It's been a while."
"You've come. Amelia Rainwales."
Amelia gives a brief salute and then looks at the other four people in the chamber. She knows three of them, and one is a stranger.
"He's an explorer from Orculus. But we don't have time, so let's save the introductions for later and get to the point."
She also dismisses her curiosity and listens to the Lord's words.
"As you can see from the fact that I called you here, the situation isn't good."
"Hehe, I heard! That crazy mister came down here?"
"That's right, Miss Carmilla. The Captain is currently facing him, but he says it's difficult to hold out for long."
The Lord smiles bitterly and continues.
That they've decided to close off the city.
And that no one will be able to enter or leave for the next two years.
"We'll activate the sealing magic circle as soon as you leave through the secret passage. Any questions?"
"No."
"See you in two years! Handsome Lord!"
"Carmilla, what kind of way is that to talk to the Lord?"
"Whatever, smelly old man."
After a brief conversation, Amelia and her four companions head towards a secret passage on the floor.
They soon reach a spot with a red flag planted.
[You've arrived.]
[Good luck.]
A powerful magical energy erupts from the direction of the city as soon as she contacts them through a message stone.
"Wow, that's amazing. We really can't cross it?"
A giant barrier made of blue mana.
'I never thought I would leave this city like this.'
Amelia suppresses her strange feelings and recalls her mission.
"Sister, you said that guy is the commander, right? What should we do now?"
The mission is simple.
To gather information in Lafdonia.
That's the main mission, and if possible…
'I've finally made it here.'
…to kill one explorer.
A smile spreads across her lips as she recalls the second mission the Lord gave her.
___________________
There were all sorts of rumors circulating in the city.
From conspiracy theories claiming that the subjugation's failure was intentional on the part of the royal family…
…to doomsday prophecies that the city would be destroyed by the war with Noark.
'This world is no different in this aspect.'
I've been visiting bars for the past few days, listening to those absurd rumors.
It's a boring and stressful task.
But it's an unavoidable choice.
I'm just a ground-dwelling barbarian.
What else can I do?
I have to do it myself.
"Bjorn, are you going out to drink again today?"
"Yeah, I'll be late, so go to sleep first."
Less than a week left until we enter the labyrinth.
As soon as the sun sets, I head out to the streets and drink alone.
Even if I just sit here, information comes to me.
"I heard the death compensation payments will be postponed until next month."
"Well, the royal family wouldn't be able to handle it if that many people died."
"Haha, it's the opposite. They have enough money, but it's taking time to calculate because there are too many casualties."
It's similar to when I first came here.
Well, back then, I couldn't afford to go to bars because I didn't have money, so I just listened while eating.
'Nothing special today either.'
The royal family hasn't made any official statements since the subjugation failed, so the rumors are spreading like wildfire.
But to summarize the things that are closest to the truth…
1. Noark also suffered significant damage and barely survived by closing its doors as a last resort.
This is certain since there are many witnesses.
No matter how much they try to keep it quiet, how can it be hidden when so many people participated?
2. There's an incredibly strong explorer unknown to the royal family.
I heard this directly from a drunk survivor.
Derbes, the guy I met at the gathering, somehow managed to return alive.
He said that explorer fought on par with the captain of Orculus?
Well, it wouldn't be strange for someone like that to exist, considering they're the royal family.
Anyway, next…
3. Three of the Top Ten Clans disbanded because of this subjugation.
Actually, it's not disbandment, but annihilation.
Less than 10% of them survived, making it impossible to recover.
And not just the Top Ten Clans, but more than half of the small and medium-sized clans that operate on the 5th and 6th floors have also disbanded.
'Well, thanks to that, there will be less control over hunting grounds.'
It's the only positive factor in the current situation.
But the negative consequences are too severe to be happy about.
'If this becomes a long-term war, the final battle will inevitably take place in the labyrinth.'
It's something I've been worried about since I saw the signs of war.
Honestly, I can't help but laugh when I think about it.
'Unlimited PK content…'
It's content that didn't even exist in the original game.
If the labyrinth becomes a battlefield, I, who has to earn money and grow there, will inevitably be caught up in it.
'And if the magic stone supply decreases, inflation will definitely start.'
Unfortunately, it's hard to even hear about these concerns in a cheap bar.
Well, if there were any explorer who was already worried about inflation, I would suspect them of being an evil spirit.
'I need to make a decision now.'
It's time for me to decide.
Whether to stop exploring until things calm down, or to just enter the labyrinth as usual.
Actually, the answer is already decided.
'…It's better to enter the labyrinth.'
There's no telling when this chaos will end.
Just resting is a bad move.
The karmic connection with that Dragonslayer bastard isn't over.
I need to become stronger as soon as possible before the vine ring breaks.
That's the only way to survive.
'And if we're forcibly conscripted later, we'll have to participate in the war anyway.'
And most importantly, Noark suffered significant damage in this battle.
In other words, they'll also need time to recover.
And even if they don't, we're in a better situation than other explorers.
After all, we can use a bug to skip the 1st floor.
The 4th floor is an independent dimension, so it's irrelevant, and even on the 5th floor, we're free from PK once we enter the mirror.
'The problem is how to persuade those two…'
Raven, the mage, and the bear-like man with 10 years of experience.
I'm not sure if they'll agree to enter the labyrinth.
'I have no choice but to confront them directly.'
I empty my glass and leave the bar as soon as I make my decision.
Barbarians have their own way of doing things.
"Sorry, we're closed… Oh, Mr. Yandel. What brings you here at this hour? Because of my husband?"
"Is Avman here?"
"He's probably passed out drunk. Wait a moment, I'll wake him up and bring him to you."
Is it because he received a proper financial incentive this time?
The bear-like man's wife seems much friendlier than before.
I sit at a table that hasn't been cleared yet and wait, and soon the bear-like man is dragged out, rubbing his eyes.
"Yandel, what's going on in the middle of the night?"
"I have something important to talk about."
"Hmm, really? Let me sober up first. Honey?"
The lady brings honey water as if she's been waiting for his call.
"Drink this."
Judging by her attentiveness, it seems like he's regained his authority as the head of the household.
"Keuh, that's the stuff. So what did you want to talk about?"
"I'll ask directly. Are you participating in this expedition?"
"Hmm, judging by your tone, you've already made up your mind?"
"I'm going."
The bear-like man chuckles as I nod without beating around the bush.
"Really? Then I'll join you."
"You made your decision quickly. Do you know something?"
"Not really, but we're a team, aren't we? I should trust and follow the leader's decision."
It's a type of answer I didn't expect at all.
I can't believe he respects the leader's authority!
This man, he's actually conservative in this aspect.
"Then that's settled."
"How about a drink while you're here?"
"No thanks. Your wife needs to rest too. You should help her clean up and then go to sleep."
I leave the bar after quickly ending the conversation.
I must have earned some points with that last line, as the lady's gaze has softened considerably.
[03:24]
It's past 3:00 AM, but I head to the Magic Tower without hesitation.
It's practically daytime for them right now.
And indeed, Raven is also in her lab, conducting experiments.
"Huh? Mr. Yandel? Why at this hour?"
"I came to ask you something."
"Really? I'll be done soon. Just sit anywhere and wait for a bit."
I thought she might scold me for being rude, visiting at such a late hour, but she doesn't say anything.
Is it because we're companions now?
At least she's not treating me like a stranger anymore.
"So? What did you want to ask?"
I wait for a while, and Raven organizes her things and sits in front of me. And I just say it bluntly,
"Are you entering the labyrinth?"
"Ah, that… well, I guess we should talk about that. What about the others?"
Her tone implies that I came to ask her last.
Although I feel a bit offended…
…I have nothing to say since it's true.
"Everyone else agreed to enter."
"Really? Then I'll go too."
"You made your decision quickly. Do you know something?"
I repeat the same question I asked the bear-like man, and I get a different answer.
"Yes."
"…What is it?"
"It's nothing special, but the royal family didn't send a notice to the Magic Tower this time."
"Notice?"
"They usually inform the Magic Tower first if there's something dangerous. Like telling us not to enter or something."
I'm momentarily stunned, but I understand.
It's a kind of VIP treatment.
Since mages are considered high-level personnel, the royal family personally looks after their safety.
"So don't worry too much. The royal family led the subjugation, and there's still no notice? It practically means that they judged it to be safe."
"…I see. Tell me beforehand if there's something like that."
"If that's what the leader wants."
I leave the Magic Tower after her teasing smile and return home.
And I wake up Misha and Ainar, who are sleeping.
"Ah, what? I was sleeping."
"Ugh, the smell of alcohol!! Did you go drinking without me again?!"
"Enough, eat this."
I give them each a chicken leg I bought and inform them of the result.
"We're entering the labyrinth."
Ainar reacts as if it's obvious, and Misha sighs deeply.
"…Ugh, I knew it. You reckless barbarian."
Phew, I wish all my teammates were like them.
"So that's it?"
"Yeah, that's it. Go back to sleep."
"Ah, seriously, you could have just told us tomorrow…"
Misha grumbles and goes back to her room, and Ainar does the same.
"Sleep well, Bjorn!"
I also take out my key and insert it into the keyhole.
But just as I'm about to turn it and unlock the door…
Click, clack.
…I hear footsteps coming up the stairs.
It's just ordinary white noise, considering it's an inn.
But for some reason, the sound is particularly noticeable today.
Click.
I involuntarily turn around and check the stairs, and my eyes meet the person who's coming up.
I thought I was mistaken because she's wearing a skirt…
But there's no way.
'Why is she here?'
The 8th-floor explorer from the underground city who made me realize what a wall is, twice. Once in the Land of the Dead, and once in the sewers.
The so-called psychopath bitch.
Gulp.
I involuntarily gulp as soon as I see that face engraved in my mind.
But could it be that she's also flustered?
"I never expected to meet someone who knows me here."
"...."
"This is… a bit troublesome."
The woman frowns as she looks at me and then takes a stance, pulling one foot back.
It seems like she's already come up with a solution.
"Well, I can just beat you up and erase your memory like last time."
Damn it.
-x-X-x-
Think before you act.
It was the advice I gave Ainar on the first day I arrived in this world.
And I didn't just say it for the sake of saying it.
This motto has actually saved my life countless times in the midst of adversity.
So, in that sense...
'Damn it.'
I end my brief lament and focus on the current situation.
[I never expected to meet someone who knows me here.]
First, one piece of information I can glean from her first line:
She didn't come here looking for me.
[This is... a bit troublesome.]
Information number two:
She's also finding this situation as troublesome as I am.
However, the nuance is quite different from before.
It feels like there's another reason why she can't reveal her identity.
'They said Noark is under lockdown… Could she be a spy? Someone they smuggled out before the lockdown?'
Well, it's hard to be sure yet.
There might be a hidden reason.
The only thing that's certain right now is this:
[Well, I can just beat you up and erase your memory like last time.]
She still has no intention of killing me.
In other words, I can relax about that part.
'As long as I don't accidentally step on a landmine.'
The fact that the memory-erasing pill doesn't work on me.
I just have to be careful not to let her find out about that.
Then it won't go to the worst-case scenario.
Therefore, my basic stance is also decided. I have no intention of obediently swallowing the pill and becoming incapacitated, but…
It doesn't hurt to have insurance.
'What did I say in the sewers?'
It happened a few months ago, but I remember it quickly.
When we reunited by chance in the sewers, I definitely asked this question first.
"…Why do you want to kill me now? I kept my promise."
It's the question I have to ask if her last memory is from the Land of the Dead.
"You're saying the same thing as back then."
"…Back then?"
The woman shakes her head and continues as I look at her with a puzzled expression.
"But your expression is much more relaxed."
I can't help but chuckle.
'Relaxed…'
I can't believe it was that noticeable.
I ask directly,
"The oath is still valid. Are you not going to just pretend you didn't see me and leave?"
"Then swallow this."
The woman takes out a pill from her pocket and throws it at me.
It's a dark, moist pill.
"It's a memory-erasing pill. If you just swallow it, today's events will be as if they never happened."
I briefly have the thought that swallowing the pill might be the cleanest way to resolve this situation.
But…
"How can I trust you?"
…that's the last resort.
I'll lose consciousness if I swallow the pill.
What if she gets greedy for my equipment?
What if she opens my subspace ring out of curiosity and finds Dragonslayer?
In the end, that's also a landmine.
"You don't have any other choice, do you?"
"Why do you say I don't have a choice?"
I'm hundreds of times stronger than when we met in the Land of the Dead.
Even compared to when we met in the sewers, I'm several times stronger.
And most importantly, this isn't a dark underground place where there's no one to help me.
It's a city on the surface where law and society function.
"If I shout, my companions will wake up. You can't handle all of us alone."
There's no reason for me to back down in front of this woman.
"…So it wasn't confidence, but arrogance."
"Try me."
The woman remains silent at my bold words.
Although she called me arrogant, she knows it too, right?
That the situation is completely different from before.
"...."
An unusual heavy silence falls upon the empty hallway in the middle of the night.
She's the first to speak.
"Barbarian."
She calls out to me, taking a step forward.
I turn my back on her instead of answering.
And as expected…
Tadat!
…I see her clone.
The Doppelganger's ability, [Self-Replication].
「Amelia Rainwales has cast [Sura Kick].」
The clone, which appeared silently behind me, leaps and swings her leg with her body weight behind it.
It's the same one that completely blew off my head last time.
I immediately raise my arms to protect my face.
Kwaaang!
A tingling shock is transmitted through my wrist.
But that's all.
'Just how high is my Physical Resistance stat right now?'
Well, it seems like there's a hairline fracture in the bone…
But honestly, I can't even tell. I don't even feel pain because of Pain Resistance.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
I shout the name of the ancestor god and punch the clone in the face with my fist the size of a watermelon.
Boom!
The clone disappears in a puff of smoke as soon as it takes the hit.
I quickly turn towards the original, preparing for a follow-up attack…
…but she's just standing there.
"How did you know?"
Ah, she didn't expect me to block it.
I answer honestly,
"Sound."
All sounds have disappeared since some time ago.
It's a clearly unusual phenomenon, even though it's the middle of the night.
Ainar's snoring can easily pass through a wooden door.
I realized she was going to ambush me as soon as the sounds disappeared, and I even figured out her method when I saw her take a step forward.
[Self-Replication], which I've already experienced once.
'The summoning range for the clone is 5 meters.'
She must have been a bit short to summon it behind me. Since I've fought her twice, I was able to counter it like this.
"My offer from earlier is still valid. Just pretend you didn't see me and go do whatever you were doing."
I repeat what I said before.
And as expected, I get a different answer this time.
"…How can I trust you?"
I grin and give her the same answer.
"Do you have any other choice?"
It seems like the duration of whatever she used is short, as I start to hear Ainar's snoring again.
Now, if I just shout, my companions will come out—
Creak.
That's when the door opens.
"Bjorn? Who are you talking to…?"
Misha appears through the gap in the door, rubbing her sleepy eyes.
"I'll explain later, go back inside."
"Ack!"
I reach out and close the door before it can fully open.
"Hey! You crazy bastard!!"
Although Misha is furious after hitting her head, it can't be helped.
That's not what's important right now.
"Hey! Open up! Open the door! There's a woman outside! Erwen? Don't tell me she came again!!"
I block the door with my body and silently look at the woman.
The message in my eyes is simple.
'So, what are you going to do?'
The answer comes after a brief pause.
"If I say I'll leave, will you believe me?"
In short, she's asking if I'm worried about retaliation.
I answer without hesitation,
"I believe you."
After all, she's the woman who spared my life trusting in a single oath before.
And I didn't report her.
I even blocked Misha with my body just now.
"You should know by now. I don't care what you do. I just don't want to get involved with you."
"…Right."
The woman mutters in a slightly bitter voice.
But it's not the answer I wanted.
"So what's your answer?"
"I'll leave."
"I'd like you to promise not to come looking for me again."
"I didn't come looking for you. But… if you want, I'll promise that too."
I relax a bit at her words.
Although it's a world where you can't place much meaning on a mere promise, that's not the case for everyone.
[If possible, I don't want to kill barbarians with my own hands.]
[Because that was the promise.]
She's the woman who spared my life because of someone's promise in the Land of the Dead.
Her promises must hold a different weight.
'I called her a psychopath back then, but she wasn't actually that bad…'
"Then go, human woman."
"...."
The woman silently nods at my words.
And she turns around and starts walking down the stairs.
Click, clack.
I feel a sense of relief as her footsteps fade away.
I'm truly glad it ended without a fight.
My build isn't complete enough to withstand Aura yet.
If she had really wanted to finish me off, I would have been the one bleeding, regardless of the city or my companions.
"Whew…"
I head towards the stairs, thinking that I won't be able to sleep properly until I see her leave.
Click.
She's already reached the 1st floor, stepping on the last step.
But did she sense my presence?
"…You're not a human woman."
She turns around and looks at me.
And…
"Amelia Rainwales."
…she disappears like smoke after leaving those words.
I'm momentarily stunned.
"No, what the…"
This makes it seem like we'll meet again later.
Knock, knock.
I knock on Ainar's door.
I only hear snoring, and the door doesn't open.
Unlike Misha's door, which opens as soon as I knock.
"Hey! Who was that woman outside?!"
"A salesperson."
"What?"
"Enough, let's sleep. I'm tired."
"Huh? Uh, uh…? Uh? Sleep? Here? Why?"
I put a pillow on the floor and lie down.
Although I really don't want to do this…
"Th, that's right. If you're ti, tired… Co, come up here and sleep. Don't sleep there…"
"But that's a bit… I'll just sleep here."
"Huh? Then why did you co, come here?"
Uh…
Because I'm scared to sleep alone tonight.
______________________
Time passes, and the day to enter the labyrinth arrives.
[10:30]
1 hour and 30 minutes left until the portal opens.
Raven arrives as soon as the appointed time comes.
Now everyone is gathered in one place.
"Fortunately, no one is late this time."
We cast the Bonding spell and then move together.
For reference, the starting point is the bear-like man's bar.
I judged that it's better to just pick him up here than to wait for almost an hour.
"…It's unusually empty."
The streets leading to the Dimensional Plaza are eerily quiet.
It's understandable.
Considering the situation, everyone is probably taking a break and observing.
'…But what's this?'
I freeze as soon as we arrive at the Dimensional Plaza.
A completely different situation is unfolding compared to the empty streets.
"Everyone, please line up!"
There are dozens of times more officials than usual.
And I see the army.
Hundreds of units, each consisting of one knight and four soldiers, are stationed everywhere.
'…Don't tell me they're trying to restrict entry to the labyrinth?'
That thought briefly crosses my mind, but fortunately, that's not the case.
"Here you go."
An official quickly approaches us as we reach the end of the long line and hands us two items.
One is a video recording device, and the other…
Hmm, honestly, I have no idea.
"What's this necklace?"
"It's an identification tag that signifies you're an explorer from our side."
"Identification tag…?"
"Yes."
The official explains a few precautions along with the warning that we should never lose it.
Although his explanation is long-winded, as expected of a government official…
…the interpretation is simple.
'We're fucked if we lose it.'
We'll become targets for extermination if we don't have this identification tag.
And conversely, there won't be any punishment for killing someone without an identification tag.
'So they were planning this while things were quiet.'
It seems like they maintained strict secrecy, judging by how they're only telling us right before entering the labyrinth.
It's not bad for me, a resident of Lafdonia.
"Bjo, Bjorn… are we okay?"
"Why wouldn't we be okay? It means the army will protect us in the labyrinth."
"Ah, is that so?"
"At least one thing is clear now. That the rumor about a portal in the underground city is true."
We chat while waiting, and after about 5 minutes, the portal opens.
The army enters first, and then it's the explorers' turn.
"…We might not be able to enter at this rate."
"Eh, come on, Mr. Urikfrit. There's no way that would happen."
Although Raven says it's impossible, her expression hardens as time passes.
The portal shrinks as the line gets shorter.
I'm actually happy about this situation.
'Hmm, then I don't have to say anything.'
I was originally planning to confess about the incident the other day and use the experience point duplication bug.
The bear-like man, whom I've observed for a month, values trust, and Raven is reliable in a different sense.
The incident with the special appraiser was the key factor.
[If we told him, he would have made several times more profit than the money he gave us with this. I can't accept that.]
She never does anything that benefits others for free.
So I was going to share this method and start accumulating free experience points from this entry onwards.
But…
"What are you doing! Get in quickly!"
"Move aside if you're not going in!"
It seems like I can naturally create that situation now.
Even I think it's a close call.
And there are quite a few explorers who are blocking the path and hesitating, as if scared by the sight of the army.
"This is the end! Everyone, please step back!"
"What! Wh, what do you mean! I've been waiting for over an hour!"
Entry is closed when there are about 10 people left in line.
"Ar, are we really going home like this?!"
"Huh, I didn't expect we wouldn't be able to enter."
"It's because Mr. Urikfrit said something strange."
"…You're blaming me for this?"
"Phew, whatever. Then let's all go back."
Everyone seems resigned to reality.
Geez, how embarrassing for a barbarian to hear this.
Giving up just because of this?
"Bjorn, what are you doing? You keep looking ahead."
"Now."
The portal starts to fade.
It's the time when shouts of 'The gate is about to close!' would normally erupt from everywhere.
"Everyone, get on my back."
"Huh?"
I don't have time to explain, so I activate [Gigantification] first.
My body grows in an instant.
"Wh, what are you doing! It's illegal to use abilities in an undesignated area—!"
I'll just pay the fine.
It's not that much.
About 300,000 stones as long as I didn't injure anyone.
'I can just deduct it from the team funds.'
I quickly scoop up the four of them in my arms.
And I start running forward.
"Hey! What are you doing?!"
"Stop!!"
I ignore the officials' shouts.
It's just a small fine anyway.
Why wouldn't I enter?
We can earn so much just from hunting on the 5th floor for one day!
"Kyaak!"
"You, don't tell me! You're just going to enter like that?"
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!"
Did my shout answer her question?
Ainar, who's in my left arm, giggles.
"Hahaha! As expected of Bjorn!!! A great warrior!!"
Right, that's more like a barbarian.
Thud! Thud!
I sprint across the empty plaza with a smug smile.
Swaaa!
The light of the portal, which has shrunk to the size of a person, flickers precariously.
And then it flashes and envelops us.
「Entered 1st Floor Crystal Cave.」
Safe.
______________________
「Character's fame has increased by +1.」
「Character's fame has increased by +1.」
「Character's fame has increased by +1.」
「Character's fame has increased by +1....」
「....」
-x-X-x-
Pitch-black darkness.
Raven cast the light orb spell.
"Liate."
I instinctively closed my eyes before being blinded.
Raven asked me,
"Mr. Yandel, what are you doing?"
I cautiously opened my eyes and saw a light orb emitting a faint, soft glow, unlike usual.
Wow, you can even adjust the brightness.
"It's nothing."
Raven chided me as I brushed it off awkwardly,
"By the way, please tell me beforehand if you're going to do something like that. I was startled."
"That's right. What if we had been caught by the guards outside?"
"I would have just paid the fine."
"Don't tell me, you're thinking of paying it with the team funds—"
"It was for the team."
Raven sighed deeply as I cut her off. But she didn't say anything more.
It's not like I was wrong.
And that wasn't the important thing right now.
"Isn't this strange? Starting in the dark zone?"
"It's not just a dark zone. Do you see that?"
Raven pointed to a stele on one of the walls at the bear-like man's muttering.
It was time to get to the main topic.
"It's a Floor Stele. Do you know what's going on?"
"I think it's a dimensional instability phenomenon."
"...What's that?"
"Portals are also a type of dimensional magic, right? I heard this happens sometimes. There's an error in the starting coordinates input."
"...So it's just a coincidence?"
"Well, there are observation records that show the probability of a dimensional instability phenomenon increases when a portal is about to disappear."
Uh, I think I read about that in a book too.
My mouth itches to say something, but I keep quiet.
She'll explain it anyway, so there's no need for me to step in and raise suspicion.
"Bjorn, this is that time..."
Misha shut her mouth at my look.
And she moved next to Ainar to prevent any accidental slips of the tongue.
Okay, then that's settled.
"Hmm, so you're saying it's because we barely made it in?"
The corners of the bear-like man's mouth curl up slightly.
As expected of an explorer, he realized the OP nature of the experience point duplication bug.
However, Raven shook her head.
"That's... a bit ambiguous."
Huh? What's ambiguous?
I couldn't hold back and joined the conversation.
"Ambiguous? What do you mean?"
"No matter how many errors occur in the coordinate input, you wouldn't end up in the outermost area like this. If that were the case, everyone would just enter late, why would they rush?"
Hmm, that's true.
Actually, I was also wondering about this.
Many people know about the dimensional instability phenomenon. But why isn't anyone using this awesome bug?
"The dimensional instability phenomenon became widely known 130 years ago. There was a big problem with the dimensional magic circle at the time, and the frequency increased exponentially."
"So?"
"The Magic Tower received a request from the royal family and repaired the dimensional magic circle. After the stabilization work was completed, the instability phenomenon rarely occurred again."
In short, it means that for a hundred years, you couldn't use the experience point duplication bug even if you entered late.
"Then what's going on now?"
"...Maybe it's time to repair it again?"
Raven, who offered a plausible guess, cautiously added a suggestion.
"So, let's keep this a secret."
"Explain in more detail."
"It seems like no one knows that there's a problem with the dimensional magic circle right now. But if we wait a bit longer and the phenomenon worsens, other explorers will also experience it."
The bear-like man, who was listening quietly, nodded.
"So you're saying let's keep it to ourselves until then."
"Yes. We can shorten the exploration time and accumulate achievement points, how great is that?"
I interjected.
"Wait, achievement points don't mean anything to mages, do they?"
Mages can't absorb essences. So experience points are useless to them.
Then why is she so enthusiastic?
Raven chuckled and answered,
"I'm personally interested. The untouched Floor Stele, and all. In that sense, can I open it?"
"Do as you please."
As soon as I gave her permission, Raven touched the stele.
Whoosh!
A portal opened, emitting multicolored light.
Raven closed her eyes as if focusing on the sensation in her fingertips and the flow of mana in the air.
And she muttered briefly,
"It's a very strange feeling."
It's a sensation that I, a barbarian with zero magic talent, will never be able to understand.
However, even I could clearly feel one thing.
「Opened a portal for the first time. EXP +2」
Yeah, this is it.
The feeling of getting something for nothing.
___________________
「Entered 2nd Floor Beast's Lair.」
「Entered 1st Floor Crystal Cave.」
___________________
We went up to the 2nd floor and then immediately came back down.
Because the Beast's Lair is impossible for us.
There are so many forks in the road that it would just waste time unless we had a scout like Rotmiller.
'Even Rotmiller said it's better to just give up on the Beast's Lair.'
We won't get completely lost since we have a Guide.
But there's no reason to go through this place when there are faster routes.
"Then let's get moving."
I took out the compass and started navigating.
We first left the dark zone and then headed northwest.
We didn't get lost that often.
After all, I learned how to navigate on the 1st floor from Rotmiller.
Of course, I'm still inexperienced...
"Avman, where's the portal?"
"That way."
"Then we can just head north from now on."
Thanks to having a Guide on the team, we can take the optimal route even with just a compass.
We're making up for our lack of skill with a cheat code.
That's when, about 3 hours after entering the labyrinth...
"Halt."
...we encounter people for the first time on our path from one outer area to another.
A group consisting of a knight with the royal emblem on his chest and four soldiers.
"Do you have identification tags?"
The knight who stopped us asks curtly.
They've already been through several battles, as their weapons and armor are stained with blood.
It's not monster blood.
There are no monsters on the 1st floor that bleed red blood.
"Last time asking. Identification tags?"
"Ah, here. You guys should take yours out too."
We hesitate for a moment at the knight's intimidating aura and then take out the identification tags we received in the city.
The knight then makes way for us.
And he even gives us some advice.
"Be careful not to lose them. It seems like some quick-witted people are already targeting identification tags."
Right, that's how it is.
They're not idiots, they must have realized that's their only way to survive.
I ask a question as we pass by,
"Is there a way to tell if an identification tag has been stolen?"
"No."
"Then why didn't you suspect us?"
Did he find my question annoying?
The knight frowns slightly but still answers,
"Blood."
"...?"
"If it were stolen, there would be human blood on it. And besides, I know your face."
Huh?
"I'm a knight of Count Perdehilt."
Ah, he saw me at the banquet.
By the way, I don't know what that Count is up to.
He said he would call me separately when I was ready, but I haven't heard from him yet.
Well, no news is good news, I guess.
"Hmm, it's convenient to travel with a celebrity, huh?"
"Stop teasing me."
"Yes? I'm not teasing you."
Phew, does she really think I'm a barbarian?
"Put your lips down when you say that."
"...You're so perceptive."
"Anyway, let's pick up the pace. Tell me if you're tired."
"What are you going to do if I tell you?"
"Ainar will carry you on her back."
"Eek? Me?"
Although both Ainar and Raven seem reluctant, it can't be helped. We have to move quickly to avoid encountering people.
"...Miss Ainar, please carry me."
After increasing our speed and walking for about 30 minutes...
...Raven, the mage who usually stays cooped up in her room, abandons her pride and chooses to be carried.
Thanks to that, our speed increases significantly.
Raven starts massaging Ainar's body as if she's bored from just being carried.
"Do, don't touch me!"
"Wow, Miss Ainar, your body is softer than I expected?"
"...Are you making fun of me! Get off if you're going to do that!"
Ainar shivers and expresses her displeasure.
Just as I'm about to warn Raven...
...I stop as I see something blocking our path.
"Bjorn, why did you stop?"
"Corpses."
There are five corpses in total.
Four men and one woman.
They're practically naked, as if their equipment was looted, and judging by the bleeding, it seems like some time has passed.
"Miss Ainar, can you put me down?"
Raven also gets off her mount and examines the corpses.
"It doesn't seem like they were killed by knights."
"What's your basis?"
"The wounds. One was killed by a blunt weapon, one by an arrow, and the rest were burned. It doesn't seem like magic, so it must be an ability."
Knights use swords.
Because it's the best weapon for utilizing Aura.
But there are no sword wounds...
"Could they have been explorers from Noark? Other explorers probably killed them after seeing that they didn't have identification tags."
Raven smiles bitterly at Misha's words.
"Maybe it was the other way around."
"Other way around?"
The bear-like man answers,
"The knight we met earlier said it too, didn't he? That there's a possibility of explorers targeting other explorers for their identification tags."
"Ah..."
"And besides, their faces are unrecognizable. There's usually no need to do that."
Of course, we can't know the truth.
But these corpses serve as a warning to all of us. After all, they're explorers who reached the outer area of the 1st floor at this early hour.
They must have been skilled enough to speedrun.
But they died on the 1st floor before even a few hours had passed since the labyrinth opened.
"...We really need to be careful."
"Yandel, it seems like they were also heading towards the Goblin Forest, how about we go somewhere else?"
"It won't be any different."
"Phew, that's true."
In the end, we continue towards the Goblin Forest without any changes to our schedule.
And after some time...
...we reach the portal to the 2nd floor.
[06:47]
It's an incomparably faster time compared to the previous expedition. It's only 30 minutes slower than when we did the time attack with Rotmiller.
"Mr. Yandel, you could become a professional scout at this rate."
"Nyaha, a barbarian scout? No one would believe it!"
"Bjorn is the hope of barbarians!"
Everyone checks the time and showers me with compliments, but it's not really my achievement.
This expedition started differently.
We were moving from one outer area to another, so it's only natural that we saved a lot of time.
"...Enough, let's just go up."
I brush it off and stand in front of the portal.
"You're embarrassed."
"Yeah, yeah."
What are they talking about?
____________________
「Entered 2nd Floor Goblin Forest.」
「Entered 3rd Floor Pilgrim's Path.」
「Entered 4th Floor Tower of Heaven.」
The morning of Day 7.
____________________
It's even a day earlier than when Rotmiller was with us.
We reached the 4th floor.
'At this rate, we're among the top explorers, right?'
It's the result of my improved navigation skills combined with the Guide's ability.
We barely even encountered any explorers during the expedition. Two large clans and about ten 5-person teams?
We all pointed our weapons at each other, confirmed our identification tags from afar, and parted ways.
Phew, the atmosphere in the labyrinth has really become hostile.
"Raven, any results?"
"Nothing."
As soon as we cleared the first stage, we used detection magic continuously for about an hour, mindful of the masked man incident.
'Damn those bastards, what the hell are we doing because of them?'
Although my anger rises every time I think about it, what can I do?
Considering the current situation, we just have to be careful.
「Chose the Stairs of Wisdom.」
We naturally chose the Gate of Wisdom first.
A maze filled with traps and monsters.
Since I received the most training from Rotmiller in this area, our clear time has decreased by about 40 minutes.
"Raven, how long did it take?"
"1 hour and 58 minutes."
It's an unbelievably fast time compared to the 5 hours it took at first.
「Chose the Stairs of Wisdom.」
「Chose the Stairs of Wisdom.」
「Chose the Stairs of Wisdom.」
「Chose the Stairs of Courage.」
「Chose the Stairs of Wisdom.」
「Chose the Stairs of Courage.」
We continue to clear trials and climb the floors.
And as Day 7 is coming to an end...
'Stage 27 on the first day...'
We've practically cleared a quarter of the tower in one day. It's a speed that wouldn't have been possible if the Stairs of Wisdom hadn't appeared consecutively.
"It's a bit early, but let's rest early today."
Since we have to wait 4 hours before we can open the next door after clearing the Stairs of Courage, we prepare to camp.
"What about the watch rotation?"
"I don't think there's a need."
We don't keep watch.
We used detection magic periodically throughout today's exploration, but no other explorers were detected.
"Well, even if someone was hiding, keeping watch wouldn't be meaningful. The detection spell doesn't work, so what would change?"
"That's exactly what I was thinking."
"Then let's eat before we sleep."
"Alright."
We gather and have a simple meal, then each go to our respective spots and lie down.
It's a comfortable bed that you can only experience on the 4th floor.
Hmm, that should have been the case...
'Damn it.'
I can't fall asleep easily because of the masked man incident.
In the end, I toss and turn for a long time before finally falling asleep.
But even that doesn't last long.
Rumble, rumble!
The ground I'm lying on vibrates.
The entire tower is shaking slightly.
I quickly get up.
There's only one reason for this phenomenon to occur in the labyrinth.
"Mr. Yandel, this phenomenon... don't tell me..."
"Yeah, it's as you think."
A rift opened on the 4th floor.
-x-X-x-
A rift.
An instant dungeon that exists on each floor, like the Crimson Fortress and the Glacier Cave.
The two biggest characteristics of a rift are:
The essence drop rate increases exponentially.
And a special monster called a guardian drops special rewards that can't be obtained in normal fields.
"Avman, where's the rift?"
The bear-like man closes his eyes for a moment, as if focusing on his senses, and then opens them.
"That way. It doesn't seem far."
Right, so that's how it is.
I grin.
The probability of us successfully entering has increased.
After all, we've already reached stage 27 thanks to five Stairs of Wisdom appearing on the first day.
[23:45]
Day 7 hasn't even ended yet.
It's safe to say that there aren't many competitors.
The rifts on the 4th floor only appear from stage 25 onwards.
And it just happened to appear nearby?
"Mr. Yandel, you're going to check it out, right?"
"Of course."
Rifts are the flower of the labyrinth.
It's an opportunity that no explorer should miss.
We quickly pack up our campsite and head towards the door in the direction Avman pointed.
Whoosh!
After waiting for a few minutes, the symbol engraved on the stone door lights up. It means the 4-hour waiting time is over, and we can now open the door.
"Ugh, I don't like this…"
"Please, anything but illusions."
Misha and the bear-like man, who have experience with this trial, groan in unison. On the other hand, Raven and Ainar seem confused.
"I actually prefer illusions. I heard they don't have much effect on people with strong mental strength."
"Hahaha! Then I'll be fine!!"
Come to think of it, this is their first time.
I'm also a bit curious.
The mage armed with logic and rationality, and the fearless barbarian warrior.
How will they react?
If I know that, I might be able to figure out whether my case is unique or not.
「Chose the Stairs of Patience.」
A long corridor, about 100 meters long.
As soon as we step inside, the figures of my companions disappear, and a new background appears.
The pediatric ward where I spent most of my childhood.
The sky beyond the window is clear, and the face of the child lying in bed is also bright.
'It's an illusion type.'
The surroundings change as I take a step towards the child.
The sun is setting beyond the window.
A young college student is sitting in a chair in front of the bed.
He was someone I used to trust and follow more than my parents.
'Ha, it's starting with this again?'
I chuckle and take another step forward.
Then the conversation between the child and the college student begins.
The child, who was playing games with him, asks if he can stay a little longer, and the college student refuses.
It might have ended there.
But the child was young.
He kept whining, and the college student's expression hardened. And he suddenly exploded, getting up and shouting insults.
Words that hurt more than any hospital treatment back then.
Thud.
I take another step forward, ignoring it.
I'm an adult now.
I don't get hurt by those words anymore.
I don't even blame myself, thinking that something bad must have happened to him that day.
It was something that could happen.
It could be someone's fault, but it could also be no one's fault.
That's all it is.
Thud.
Inside a car right before an accident.
A burning apartment building.
An empty amusement park.
My studio apartment after becoming an office worker.
Thud.
The surroundings change with every step I take, and the people who appear also change.
Thud.
My mother, father, uncle, and ex-girlfriend.
A new person appears in each place and throws words at me that left deep scars.
But so what?
'It's still easy.'
These are scenes I can vividly imagine even without illusions.
It's not even new anymore.
I have pain resistance, after all.
'What's this?'
As I'm walking for a while…
…people I haven't seen before appear.
[Ah! Bjorn, you're back!]
[Haha, why are you so late!]
Misha and Dwarkey are smiling happily, their arms crossed. But as I take a step closer, their expressions distort grotesquely.
[Everyone would have been happy… if it weren't for you.]
[Does it feel good… to have survived instead of me?]
It's a pattern I've seen often in cartoons and movies.
Geez, don't they have anything more creative?
'It's not my fault. Complain to God.'
I continue walking, not avoiding their gazes.
[Bjorn, son of Yandel, the great warrior!]
[Give me back my friend's body!!]
After Ainar, who appeared next…
…the people I've met as Bjorn Yandel appear one after another and say strange things to me.
They're all things I don't remember.
But they're not unfamiliar.
Because they're thoughts I've had at least once.
'Well, it doesn't work.'
I continue forward without stopping.
I don't cover my ears or close my eyes.
「Trial completed.」
The illusion soon ends.
I, who was standing in front of the door, have reached the end of the corridor and am now standing in front of a staircase.
It's the same for the other companions.
"Bjo, Bjorn…!"
"If you cry again, I'm really leaving you behind."
"Hmph."
I turn my gaze away from Misha, who's sniffling, and check on the others.
The bear-like man has an indifferent expression.
He's frowning, but that's all.
Ainar is also unexpectedly fine.
"Are you okay?"
"Ah, uh… it was just a bit of an unpleasant experience."
Well, come to think of it, barbarians all have strong mental fortitude.
They're a race that learns how to fight and overcome rather than how to run away.
Then what about the mage?
"...."
Raven, who I checked last, is staring blankly into space. I can even feel her trembling from afar.
What the hell did she see?
Although I'm curious, I don't ask.
It doesn't seem like she'll answer anyway.
"It's over now."
"Ah… yes. That's right…"
Raven comes to her senses as I approach her and pat her on the shoulder.
Cold sweat is beading on her forehead.
"We'll rest for a bit upstairs, so hang in there."
"Okay…"
I gather my companions and climb the stairs.
And we rest for about 10 minutes.
Actually, even in the game, I didn't choose the Stairs of Patience for this reason.
Because it significantly drains your stamina.
Although I didn't know it would be for this reason.
"Avman, where should we go from here?"
"That way."
We resume exploration after the break.
The rift is our top priority for now.
We chose the Stairs of Wisdom next and cleared the maze in 2 hours.
And the next stage that appears…
"It's the portal!!"
…is a stone chamber with an open rift.
For reference, the color of the violently shimmering portal is green.
'Doppelganger Forest…'
It's the name of the third rift I'll be exploring, after the Crimson Fortress and the Glacier Cave.
______________________
「Character has entered the 4th Floor Rift.」
______________________
There are two types of rifts on the 4th floor.
The Golden Ruins, where money pours out, and the Doppelganger Forest.
'…It's not the Golden Ruins.'
I suppress my disappointment and call for the mage.
"Raven."
"Liate."
As soon as the light orb floats in the air, our new surroundings come into view.
We're trapped inside a giant cage.
The outside, beyond the bars, is shrouded in the darkness of the labyrinth and invisible.
"Bjorn! What's going on?!"
Hmm, should I explain?
As I'm contemplating, Raven speaks,
"Don't worry. It will open when the time comes."
"Huh? What do you mean? Explain in more detail!"
"It's because the maximum number of entrants hasn't been reached yet. Up to three teams can enter this place."
It's a difference from the 1st-floor rifts.
Up to 15 people can enter the Doppelganger Forest through a total of three portals. If it was cooperation between individuals before, this is cooperation between teams.
"Was this also in that book?"
"Yes. We're lucky. I don't know much about the Golden Ruins."
Hmm, since she read the Compendium of Rifts, I can just tell her to take care of the hidden pieces.
No, should I just leave the entire strategy to her?
My contemplation is short-lived.
"That's good. Then you give the orders this time. I'll follow them."
"You're telling me to be the leader?"
"There's a saying, 'follow the mage's words in a place like this', isn't there?"
"Huhu, okay. Leave it to me this time."
Raven puffs out her chest and declares that she'll take care of everything as I subtly flatter her.
She's so easy to handle.
'I'll step in if there's a problem later.'
I need to be careful and hide my extraordinary abilities, following Rotmiller's advice.
If I act like I did before, Raven and the bear-like man will definitely sense that something is strange.
"Then I'll tell you what to be careful of. First of all, most of the monsters we'll encounter here are Doppelgangers…"
Raven's briefing follows.
Everyone except for Ainar listens attentively.
Although I know everything, I listen carefully in case there are any corrections or things I don't know about.
After some time…
"…That should be enough."
"Yes? But I haven't even talked about the herbs that appear here…"
"We can do that while we're exploring. Resting comes first."
I cut off Raven's endless explanation and have everyone rest.
We went through the Trial of Patience, and we couldn't sleep properly because of the rift opening.
We need to conserve our stamina for the main game.
Snore!
Ainar starts snoring as if she's been waiting, and Misha and the bear-like man sit down, leaning against the bars.
And Raven…
"It's strange. To get a mirror on our first expedition, and a rift on our second…"
…is next to me, chattering.
It seems like she can't calm down after entering the rift.
"Looking at this, I think I'm quite lucky. I even entered the Crimson Fortress before, right?"
Uh, is that how it works?
"Yeah, you're right."
"…You're making fun of me, aren't you?"
"No way."
"Put your lips down when you say that."
She's unnecessarily perceptive.
"Enough, I'm going to rest, so you should too."
I end the conversation here and close my eyes.
And so, time passes, and it's the morning of Day 8.
[07:11]
In other words, it's been about 5 hours since we entered the rift.
Clank!
The tightly closed bars rise.
It means the maximum number of entrants has been reached.
"Alright, let's go."
The real exploration begins as I step out of the cage first.
"Liate."
Raven increases the number of light orbs to three for better visibility. And the shape of the cave, which was hidden in the darkness, is revealed.
Ainar tilts her head.
"Huh? Didn't you say it was a forest?"
"I think I explained it earlier."
"Ah, sorry. I didn't hear anything."
It's an overly honest answer.
Raven can't even get angry.
"…The forest appears after we leave this cave. In other words, after all the teams that entered gather in one place."
"I see!"
"...."
Raven just clenches her fists and trembles.
I can't help but empathize with her…
But I'm currently in Normal Barbarian Mode, just following orders.
Right, there should be days like this too.
"Mr. Yandel, what kind of life have you been living?"
"…Let's just go."
"Ah, right. Let's go. We don't have time."
We follow Raven's instructions and move along the path at a somewhat fast pace.
The reason for hurrying is simple.
The first chapter of the Doppelganger Forest is the Shadow Cave.
It's a format where you start at different locations and meet up with the other teams in the center.
"We have to reach the center as quickly as possible. That way, we can get the rewards from the other routes. If we're late, it will be the opposite."
Although we'll end up fighting the final boss together, it's practically a competition until then.
Who can get more loot?
It's up to us.
"There's something ahead!"
The bear-like man senses a presence and stops the party as we're running down a straight passage.
We wait for a moment, and a figure emerges from the darkness.
Thud.
Messy brown hair.
A scruffy beard.
A muscular body over 2 meters tall, wearing a Laetium breastplate.
And a giant shield and mace.
"It's Bjorn!!!"
Ainar looks back and forth between the two of me and then becomes confused.
Raven can't help but shout at the sight,
"I told you it's a Doppelganger!!!"
"Do, Doppelganger?!"
"Ah, seriously! Whatever, battle stations!!"
I think this is the first time she's shouted like this.
As expected, there's no one who can defeat a barbarian with words.
Just as I'm chuckling with that thought…
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
…the Doppelganger dares to shout the name of the ancestor god.
And its body inflates like a balloon.
I need to be a bit careful.
「Doppelganger has cast [Gigantification].」
「Doppelganger has cast [Wild Release].」
I'm quite strong, you know?
-x-X-x-
Thud! Thud! Thud!
The Doppelganger, letting out a battle cry, charges towards me, stomping the ground.
I understood how that apprentice knight felt when he ran out of the arena, abandoning his pride.
So that's what I look like...
'It's only natural for him to run away.'
Just looking at him sends shivers down my spine because of the increased threat level from [Wild Release].
An overwhelming sense of pressure, almost violent, combined with his giant physique.
I need to match his size first.
「Character has cast [Gigantification].」
「Character has cast [Wild Release].」
Our eyes are level in an instant.
I put all my strength into my dantian and shout with all my might,
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
The original battle cry that no mere Doppelganger can imitate.
I dash forward, covering my upper body with my shield.
For reference, the Doppelganger does the same.
Our shields collide, and a deafening roar erupts, as if two dump trucks crashed into each other.
Kwaaang!
As expected of a Doppelganger, there's no difference in strength.
Our next actions are also identical.
「Character has cast [Swing].」
「Doppelganger has cast [Swing].」
Our maces cross like mirror images.
Kwaaang!
Another explosion, and the ground trembles.
It's not like we're giant monsters fighting...
If we keep fighting like this, there won't be a winner even after a day, but there's a decisive difference between this guy and me.
Companions.
'Even in games, team luck is a skill.'
Magical support follows without me even having to give orders.
Mostly curses with short casting times.
Another me, with decreased Strength, Agility, Physical Resistance, and other stats in just a few seconds.
The flustered Doppelganger stammers and says to me,
"Yo, ur mo... ther!!"
Uh, he's using a parental insult here?
My mind goes blank for a moment at the unexpected line.
Kwaaang!
When I come to my senses, the Doppelganger's mace is hitting my shield.
If I had been even a little slower, it would have smashed my head.
"You crazy Doppelganger bastard!"
I quickly regain my composure and fight back.
It seems like he also inherited the habit of becoming more vicious when he's at a disadvantage...
As expected, he's an opponent I can't underestimate.
He's me, after all.
Whoosh!
I swing my mace down on his shoulder, using the opportunity created as he blocks the bear-like man's arrow with his shield.
And a fountain of blood erupts from his mouth.
'Did he bite his tongue?'
Geez, how classic.
It was one of the patterns I expected, so I dodge it without any problems.
After all, it's something I would do.
Especially in a disadvantageous situation.
Sizzle.
Acidic blood splatters on the ground and bubbles.
Misha exclaims in admiration at the sight.
"Wow, he even does the same things as you."
What is she talking about?
"Stop watching and help us."
"Got it."
Misha and Ainar then join the front lines.
So I also hug the Doppelganger from behind, holding his mace, to save time.
Now it's just a matter of stabbing his head with a sword.
"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaak—!!!"
The Doppelganger, with my face, lets out a screech that sounds like nails on a chalkboard.
Misha flinches.
It doesn't last long.
But just as she readjusts her posture and is about to stab him with her sword...
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
...a battle cry erupts from behind us.
It's not Ainar's.
No matter how deep her voice is, there's a difference between a real man's voice and hers.
"Bjorn!!! There are three Bjorns now!!!"
No, why is it only my Doppelganger that's appearing?
______________________
The second Doppelganger, already in [Gigantification] state, charges like a beast, covering his upper body with his shield and disrupting our formation.
It's the (True) Shield Charge.
"Don't try to block, just dodge!"
Misha and Ainar, hearing my sincere advice, retreat without a word.
It's a shame that I can't finish this guy off right away...
But what can I do?
It's my karma for becoming a damage-dealing tank after absorbing the Ogre essence.
「Doppelganger has cast [Swing].」
Ainar's body, which blocked the mace with her greatsword, is sent flying.
It's a truly unstoppable force.
I'm troubled, wondering if I should intervene...
"Mr. Yandel, just keep focusing on that guy! We'll handle this side!"
...but I decide to follow Raven's order for now.
There's no way they'll lose in a 1:4 situation, right?
Therefore, I focus solely on the Doppelganger I was originally fighting.
'Ha, this is so annoying. Why is he so tough?'
Although the situation is much more advantageous thanks to the curse magic...
...it's difficult to finish him off quickly and go help the others.
After all, I'm a tank.
It's a similar concept to how a fight between two trolls would never end.
'I guess I'll just watch.'
I also give up and enter spectator mode.
Honestly, it's quite entertaining.
"Damn it, why won't the sword go in!!"
"As expected of Bjorn!! A great warrior!!"
He's overwhelming two melee damage dealers on his own.
The bear-like man's ranged support?
Even the arrow shot with the insane tension of the giant crossbow couldn't pierce his shield.
Raven's magic is also ineffective.
Swaaaaa!
[Flame Baptism] is unleashed while the melee damage dealer duo retreats. The timing is so perfect that the Doppelganger can't dodge and is engulfed in flames.
But...
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
...he charges through the flames and swings his mace.
She chose the wrong spell.
His Fire Resistance is the second highest after Physical Resistance, and he's already completed his magic resistance setup to some extent.
"...I can't believe he's this strong."
The bear-like man lets out a sigh of disbelief.
Although we've been fighting together, it seems like it feels different when you're actually facing him.
Raven feels the same way.
"Why is someone like this still 6th-grade?!"
From 5th grade onwards, you need to accumulate guild achievement points.
Although my companions are struggling, I can't help but feel a sense of pride.
I've really become strong.
"Mr. Yandel, stop just watching and say something. Doesn't he have any weaknesses?"
It's not really a weakness, but there are areas to target.
How to counter Bjorn Yandel, I guess?
I give them the key points while wrestling with the Doppelganger I'm marking.
"Misha, Ainar! Don't try to slash, just stab!"
[Iron Hide] quadruples Physical Resistance against slashing attacks.
It's practically immunity at a similar level.
"Avman, you aim for the legs!"
And his lower body is weaker than his upper body.
He hasn't gotten his lower body equipment yet.
Although his arms are also exposed, he can easily cover his upper body with his shield.
"So you're saying to cripple him first. It really feels like we're hunting a giant monster."
"Yeah. He doesn't have regeneration, so don't try to kill him in one shot, go for a long battle. Raven, use lightning magic instead of fire!"
Cold magic stops bleeding, and wind and earth magic often deal physical damage.
On the other hand, lightning is mostly elemental damage and focuses on penetration and burst damage, making it the most suitable.
'...To be telling my companions how to counter me...'
It's a strange feeling.
But it seems like my advice worked, as the tide slowly turns, and the Doppelganger kneels.
Seven crossbow bolts are embedded in his legs.
"...He's a monster."
"I agree. I never want to fight him again."
My companions shudder as if they're disgusted, even though we've secured victory.
I feel a bit embarrassed just listening to them.
Their reaction is largely due to the fact that the Doppelganger inherited my personality.
He fought like a real madman.
"Look at him. He's still trying to get up. How can a human be like this?"
He sprayed blood when he bled, bit with his teeth when both hands were blocked, instinctively sensed openings and charged in, sacrificing bones to gain flesh, and so on.
He did everything he could to survive, and it was still ongoing.
"Mi... sha..."
The Doppelganger looks at Misha with pleading eyes.
He's trying to use his last resort on someone else since he can't win the fight.
I can't help but chuckle.
Come on, do you think that would work—
"Uh, huh?"
"I... li, like you..."
"Re, really?"
...It works.
A move that viciously exploits Misha's feelings.
I tighten my grip on the Doppelganger's neck and sigh deeply.
"Ha... what are you hesitating for? Just kill him!"
"Wa, wait! I have a question!"
Misha is flustered and waves her hands, then looks at the Doppelganger seriously.
And she asks one thing.
"Wh, wh, but why did you reject me back then...? When you said you liked me."
Misha looks at the ground, embarrassed as she asks the question.
"Oh my, oh my!"
Raven's eyes sparkle at the sudden love triangle.
But did that draw his attention?
The Doppelganger looks at Raven instead of answering.
"Ra, ven..."
"What the, me this time? What do you want to sa—"
"I, li, like you..."
"...?"
Raven's expression distorts grotesquely at the second confession.
"Um, Mr. Yandel...?"
I feel a sense of self-deprecation.
Just how pathetic can I be?
"...Ignore him. He's just saying that because he wants to live."
"So you're saying, Mr. Yandel, that you confess to anyone if you want to live?"
Uh, that's not it...
Or is it?
I just admit it.
"...It seems like that's the case."
I judge that it's better to just admit it to avoid any misunderstandings.
However, even while we're having this conversation, the Doppelganger bastard's gaze is moving.
Towards the bear-like man.
"Ah, Av, man..."
You crazy Doppelganger bastard!
"I, li—"
Fortunately, the sentence is cut short.
Because the bear-like man shot an arrow between his eyes.
Thump!
The final blow that protected my last shred of dignity.
"Let's pretend we didn't hear that... No, I didn't hear anything."
The bear-like man and my friendship will last forever.
__________________
The first Doppelganger battle is over.
We killed one and then ganged up on the other one.
Ah, for reference, Misha was the one who landed the final blow.
[Mi... sha...?]
The cornered Doppelganger bastard tried the same trick again, but Misha's mental barrier, fueled by anger, was strong.
[Die, you damn barbarian!!]
Misha stabs the face of the Doppelganger, who looks exactly like me, with her sword and then makes an expression of relief.
[....]
I just keep my mouth shut.
It's not like I did anything wrong...
But it's always best to stay quiet when things feel strange.
Then at least you won't step on a landmine.
It's one of the survival methods I learned from dating my ex-girlfriend.
[Beefcake!! There's no magic stone!!]
The Doppelganger, who disappeared into light along with his equipment, didn't drop a magic stone.
The only Doppelganger in the Doppelganger Forest that drops magic stones and essences is the final boss.
The guys we just killed are just low-level clones summoned with [Self-Replication].
[Then let's keep moving.]
We continue exploring, hunting Doppelgangers.
Usually, one or two appear at a time.
There was one time when three appeared simultaneously, but it was actually easier than the first time.
Because I wasn't there.
[We finally reached a fork in the road.]
After about half a day of traveling, the straight passage pattern ends.
There are five paths branching out.
It means we've finally reached the central area.
[We might encounter other teams from now on, so be careful.]
To add an explanation, from here onwards, we can encounter not only Doppelgangers disguised as us, but also Doppelgangers disguised as other teams.
It's safe to say that the difficulty level has increased significantly.
There's no one more troublesome than an enemy you don't know anything about.
'...I hope they're at our level.'
With that thought, we proceed through the path Raven chose.
And after some time...
...we couldn't find the hidden piece room we were looking for.
However, we encountered a stranger instead.
A man with a small physique, about 160 centimeters tall.
"Reveal your name. Or we'll consider you as a Doppelganger and attack."
The man removes his hood at Raven's demand.
Although it's difficult to see clearly because of the distance and the darkness, I feel a sense of déjà vu as soon as I see him.
And a strange sense of unease.
'Why?'
As I'm contemplating...
...the man opens his mouth.
"...Kr, i... sen..."
It's the broken speech pattern unique to Doppelgangers.
I had a hunch because he was alone, but now his identity is confirmed.
"Mr. Yandel, please handle this one alone."
"For analysis?"
"Yes. We don't know what kind of people they are, right? We need to figure it out beforehand. I'll help you if it gets dangerous."
I also had a similar thought, so I follow her instructions without a word.
Meanwhile, the Doppelganger is muttering like a broken record.
"I... am no, not... a Dopp, elganger..."
I cover my upper body with my shield and slowly approach him.
"Kr, i... sen."
There are no visible weapons.
He's not a priest, so he must be a support-type abili—
"Ha, ns... Kr, i... sen..."
"...What?"
"Th, at's... my na, me..."
Goosebumps appear all over my body.