"Sorry for wasting your time."
I apologized as soon as I returned.
Because they had never met Dwarkey.
I thought it was only natural to apologize since I had taken away from our exploration time for a personal matter.
Of course, my companions were understanding.
"What's there to be sorry about? What do you take us for?"
"Right, Raven is right. You're worrying about strange things. We could also be in his situation someday."
Uh, I don't think it's a good idea to say that…
That's when, as I was thinking that…
…Raven spoke to the bear-like man on my behalf.
"…Mr. Urikfrit, can you please not say that? It's a jinx."
"Raven, you don't even believe in superstitions."
"I'm an explorer now."
"Ah, right."
The bear-like man chuckled, and the slightly heavy atmosphere lightened.
'Was he intentionally joking?'
"What are you looking at?"
'…No way.'
I chuckled at Raven's arrogant gaze. And then I got to the point.
"Alright, we've rested enough, so let's go sightseeing."
It was time to start exploring.
_________________
Starting Island Laimia.
The island you arrive at first, regardless of which path you choose on the 5th floor. But Laimia wasn't called the Starting Island just because of its symbolism.
It had the basic materials needed for 6th-floor exploration.
Well, at least in theory.
"It's already been cleared."
We looked around with disappointed eyes after climbing to the top of the mountain that was located in the center of the island.
Originally, a special type of tree grew here.
It was a tree with a hardness of 3rd-tier metal, and it was light and buoyant.
But…
"Well, no matter how fast trees grow, they can't grow back in just a month."
…all that greeted us when we reached the summit were thousands of stumps. Well, there were some trees that had grown to some extent…
"Most of them are unusable."
"But there are some that are big enough. Let's take these."
…so we took out the axes we brought.
And we carefully selected and cut down the trees that were big enough to be processed into materials, storing them in our subspace pockets.
Did it take about 30 minutes?
"Maybe we can get this much next month too."
"Yes. If there's no one here like this time."
Phew, I wish the 6th floor was also reset every month.
It was a shame.
The 1st to 5th floors were reset every month, no matter what you did, but it wasn't the case from the 6th floor onwards.
Time flowed continuously here.
Just like how the marks on that giant rock over there weren't erased.
"Wow, there's something written on the rock! It looks like letters… what the hell does it say?"
"Weren't you going to the sanctuary every day to learn how to read?"
"Haha, I gave up on that!"
I sighed at Ainar's carefree attitude and then approached the rock and read the letters.
Most of them were just nonsense.
So-and-so was here, please let me earn a lot of money, I really like you, so-and-so, and so on.
'People in this world are also the same when it comes to graffiti.'
I chuckled and looked away.
Towards the vast ocean below.
Although we couldn't get many trees, I could see an island that wasn't visible from below, perhaps because we were on a high ground.
"Oh, so that's Parune Island."
Parune, the second island located north of the Starting Island.
It was also the place we were going to next.
"Avman, just in case, can you sense the portal's location?"
"No, I can only sense the one on this island."
"I see."
Raven spoke up as I nodded, as if to defend the bear-like man.
"Don't be too disappointed. It's only natural since this floor is so vast. He said he would be able to sense it again once we get closer to the portal."
Geez, disappointed my ass.
In the first place, there wasn't much a Guide could do on the 6th floor, unlike the lower floors.
Especially not at this early stage.
"Anyway, we've got everything we need, so let's go down."
I went back down to the shore with my companions after finishing our business at the summit. And I took out the boat I had prepared from my subspace pocket and launched it into the water. It was a boat we bought with the clan funds we collected as soon as we formed the clan.
Although we used most of the funds…
'I wouldn't have been able to get it at this price if it weren't for the current situation.'
The timing was good in many ways.
We could use the trees we would obtain later to upgrade the boat or sell them as lumber and buy a better boat.
"Bjorn… th, this won't sink, right?"
Geez, we even went fishing on a boat in Gnometree.
'…Ah, the boat capsized back then.'
"Don't worry, I already tested it in the city. It will be fine as long as you don't move too much."
"Bu, but… ugh! It's, it's shaking!! Is, is there something wrong with the boat?! It's so different from back then!!"
"That was a lake, and this is the sea."
Actually, the biggest problem was that this boat was twice as small as the one we rode back then.
Anyway, we all got on the boat after the commotion.
And…
"Alright, let's set sail!"
…we diligently rowed and sailed against the waves, just like we practiced on land in the city.
Because our boat didn't have a sail.
We wouldn't have even been able to fit four people if we had bought one with a sail.
And we didn't have enough money to buy a bigger one.
After all, there's a certain charm to being a newbie.
"I, I think the boat is going backwards…"
"It's just your imagination! Row harder!"
"One, two. One, two!"
Although there were some trial and error since it was our first time rowing in real life, we quickly adapted, as expected of explorers who overcome adversity with sheer willpower.
"Oh, the island is getting closer!"
Raven, as if the sailing content stimulated her emotions, reacted unusually even to small things.
But her excitement didn't last long.
'But it's taking much longer than I thought…'
It didn't seem that far when we saw it from the summit, but the boat was moving at a snail's pace.
No, was it just me who felt that way?
I can't believe we're encountering a hurdle this early after entering the 6th floor.
"Ugh."
"Bjo, Bjorn? What's wrong?!"
"Sea… sick…"
Bjorn Yandel wasn't made for the sea.
_____________________
"Sea, seasick? Isn't that something that happens when you ride a carriage?"
Misha asked worriedly, looking at me dying from seasickness.
Although I wanted to ask how she could even ask that question…
…it was only natural from her perspective.
She had spent her entire life inside the walls.
It seemed like even Raven only knew about it from books.
"Seasickness refers to dizziness caused by the discrepancy between your vision and your sense of balance. It doesn't just happen when you ride a carriage."
"Ah, I see…"
Misha nodded, her voice clueless.
"Come to think of it, I've also been feeling a bit nauseous…"
Although Misha was better off, Ainar, a born barbarian warrior, was in a worse state than me.
"Move aside! Ugh!!"
Ainar, forgetting about rowing, grabbed the railing and started vomiting.
"Kyaak!"
"St, stop! Miss Ainar! You can't move like that!"
The boat rocked violently as she vomited fiercely.
I was seriously worried that it might capsize.
"Ugh, ugh…"
"…St, stop!"
We couldn't physically stop her since the boat was so small that there wasn't even enough space to stand properly.
And four of us couldn't swim.
Everyone except for Erwen and Misha.
We were quite far from the island, so even if I used [Gigantification], my feet wouldn't reach the ground like last time.
No, wasn't this a really dangerous situation?
"Raven! Knock her out with magic!"
"Ah, yes!"
I quickly assessed the situation and gave the order, realizing it wasn't something we could just laugh off.
"Seretara Bairon!"
"Ugh, ugh… huh…? Hmm…"
Fortunately, Ainar hadn't invested much in Magic Resistance yet, so she quietly lost consciousness after a single spell.
And…
"Um, mister… I, I think I'm going to die."
"Uh, me too. I need one too."
My companions, unable to endure the storm that was Ainar, fell one by one.
"But Mr. Urikfrit is unexpectedly fine—"
"…Ugh, ueeeeek!!"
"Uh, uh… Mr. Yandel, are you okay—"
No, there's no way.
"Uwaaaaaaaaak!!"
I heard a sigh from behind as I was carefully holding onto the railing and vomiting.
"…Why isn't there a single person who's fine?"
Surprisingly, Raven wasn't seasick.
____________________
The concept of the 6th floor was simple.
To sail the vast ocean, pass through various islands, and reach the 7th floor. And because of that, a 'navigator' was essential from this floor onwards.
A specialized professional who navigated the ship, recorded the course, and even absorbed essences that were helpful for sailing.
'Well, there's no need to rush since there will be many applicants if we just have a proper ship.'
I got off the bow and dragged the boat to the shore with my hands. And I put it in my subspace pocket so that I wouldn't lose it.
It was a method I could only use while sailing a small boat.
After all, we would need a bigger boat to cross the Windless Zone, the Frozen Sea, and other treacherous seas.
'And in the first place, that's why clans are recommended from the 6th floor onwards.'
Since boats were so expensive, it was a burden for teams to explore the 6th floor.
"Phew, it's land! Land!!"
We arrived at Parune Island, looking half-dead, as the sun began to set in the distance.
We had a simple meal and then immediately started preparing for camp.
"So the sunset can look like that…"
"Really. I thought for the first time today that it was a good thing I became an explorer."
My companions, who had only ever seen the sun disappear beyond the walls, felt a sense of awe as they watched the sunset over the horizon.
Actually, I felt the same way.
It really felt like we were on an island on Earth, just by being on this sandy beach.
Well, I had never actually been to an island like this.
'Why didn't I come sooner…'
I regretted my past self, who was always cooped up in his room, playing games. Back then, I was living in a much wider world without walls.
"Ainar, you go to sleep first. I'll wake you up last."
"Is, is that okay?"
"You suffered the most…"
"Thank you, Misha!"
We decided that Ainar, who had suffered from seasickness, would be the last one to keep watch, and then we decided on the order for the rest of us.
"We don't have to do it in pairs. I heard only monsters below 8th grade appear on this island."
"Yeah, okay. Let's take turns, and wake each other up if something happens."
"Um, but if we're doing that, wouldn't it have been better to sleep on the previous island? It seemed like there were no monsters there."
"We didn't know we would arrive this late."
"That's… true."
We just spread out our sleeping bags on the sand and lay down since the weather was nice. Although we brought tents since it rained sometimes from here onwards…
"It's pretty."
"Yes, it is."
…we unanimously decided to sleep under the stars after seeing the Milky Way spread out across the sky.
"…My wife would have liked this."
"No, you're talking like she's dead. Are you going to tell her that?"
"…Wh, what are you talking about? I, I meant it's a shame that she quit being an explorer! That's what I meant!"
"Stop chattering and go to sleep. We'll explore the island as soon as the sun rises tomorrow."
Could it be because it was our first night on the 6th floor?
My companions fell asleep after a long time, as if they were feeling sentimental.
And the next morning…
"We're going to walk along the coastline and look around before entering the island."
…we woke up early, packed up our campsite, and walked around the island.
There wasn't any particular reason.
I just wanted to see it with my own eyes.
How much the size differed between the game and reality.
'The island is much bigger than I expected.'
That's when, as we were halfway around the island…
"Oh, Bjorn! There's a boat!"
…we found a boat anchored at the shore.
Although it wasn't a large galleon, it was at least three times bigger than ours, and it had everything.
"This is enough to cross the Windless Zone and even the Frozen Sea. Ah, of course, it's bound to its owner."
"Uh, so we can't take it?"
Ainar tilted her head with an innocent look at Raven's explanation.
And at that moment…
"Hey, barbarian. What are you doing in front of our boat?"
…the boat's owner appeared from inside the island.
"Wait, aren't you that barbarian from before?"
"It's been a while."
It was a familiar face.
-x-X-x-
He laughed at my words.
"I can't believe you remember me."
It seemed like he was surprised that I recognized him.
Well, it was a brief encounter.
We didn't even properly introduce ourselves, and we were both too out of it to have a proper conversation.
But…
"Those kinds of memories are hard to forget."
Of course, how could I forget?
That time when I crawled through the dark cave on three legs, my mangled foot bleeding profusely.
[Partslan. Give him a potion.]
[It's for when we can't use divine power.]
[You have plenty anyway. I'll pay you back later.]
[Tsk.]
This guy, who was the swordsman of the team that saved me, threw a potion at me with a disgruntled expression at his leader's words.
It was a rare experience.
How often do you feel humiliation and gratitude at the same time?
"As expected of a barbarian, this part is good. A warrior's code is to never forget a debt, right?"
He smiled in satisfaction, interpreting my words as he wanted.
I didn't bother correcting him.
Well, it was true that I felt grateful.
"But it's a bit strange. I didn't expect you to still remember me."
"There aren't many people who can crawl that far with a body like that."
He said so and then looked me up and down.
"I can't believe you're really Bjorn Yandel."
It seemed like he had already deduced my identity from my appearance without even needing an introduction.
Tsk, I don't know if I should call this an advantage or a disadvantage.
That's when, as I was chuckling…
…Raven approached me from behind.
"It's been a while, Mr. Partslan."
"Who…? Ah, Miss Raven?"
I was as surprised as the swordsman.
What, they knew each other?
"Right… that's right. I heard you joined that team."
"It's a clan now, not a team. By the way, wow! I didn't know you and Mr. Yandel knew each other, is this fate?"
"Fate my ass, we don't even know each other's names."
The swordsman chuckled and revealed his name as I interjected.
"I'm Malmaln Partslan."
"That's a strange name."
"It's one of the few families that still use the central region naming convention. Just call me Partslan. Everyone does."
"Family? Are you a noble?"
"Noble, my ass. Maybe thousands of years ago."
I immediately understood what he meant.
There were a few cases like this.
Those who were nobles or royalty before the world ended…
…but became commoners after entering this city.
Although they didn't have titles, they still maintained their legitimacy by choosing a head of the family.
"So what were you doing in front of our boat?"
Partslan then got to the point after the introductions were over.
I answered honestly since we weren't really doing anything.
"We were just looking around the island."
"I see."
Partslan, who knew Raven and was aware of my fame, didn't doubt us and readily agreed.
And…
"Nervio Fertia."
…he activated the magic circle engraved on the boat and unsummoned it, storing it in his subspace pocket.
Although it was a trivial action, I was quite concerned.
"But where's the team you were with?"
"They're exploring the island."
"It seems like they're looking for something."
"Well, I don't think we're close enough to talk about that."
Geez, he's already being prickly.
Although he drew a clear line, I could roughly guess the situation.
'They left the boat on the shore and then sent one person to retrieve it…'
They must have been looking for something.
After all, most summoning engravings had a cooldown.
They were probably planning to leave on the boat as soon as they judged that there was nothing to find.
'The fact that he unsummoned it means they found what they were looking for.'
Then what were they looking for?
I had a hunch.
After all, I had also come to the 6th floor for that reason.
'If that's the case, my plan will be disrupted…'
I subtly controlled my expression to hide my frustration.
But could it be that it was the same for him?
"Yandel, how long are you guys staying on this island?"
Partslan asked me subtly, his voice nonchalant.
That bastard, he's testing me.
"I think we'll be staying here."
"Staying here? There's nothing much here."
"It's our first time here."
"Hmm, but it wouldn't be bad to at least visit the next island… well, whatever. It's up to you."
Partslan, who was speaking with a hint of hope, quickly corrected himself, as if realizing he had crossed a line.
Right, who are you to decide where we go?
"Anyway, if you're staying on this island, we might see each other again. Then I'll see you later, Yandel."
Partslan then ended the conversation.
His intentions were obvious.
He wanted to tell his companions about us and discuss the situation.
"Wait."
Partslan turned around as I spoke briefly.
He seemed curious as to why I suddenly called him.
I couldn't just let him go.
Actually, this was something that had been bothering me since earlier…
"It's not just Yandel, it's Viscount."
"…What?"
I repeated myself as he tilted his head as if he misheard.
"I said Bjorn, son of Yandel, Viscount."
Don't try to act friendly with me.
Did he still think I was that ground-dwelling barbarian?
___________________
"Then I'll be going. Ahem! Vi, Viscount Yandel…"
Raven sighed as Partslan hurriedly ran away.
"…Mr. Yandel, did you really have to do that?"
I knew what she meant.
That I was being too harsh.
But I puffed out my chest confidently.
"You weren't expecting me to use honorifics, were you?"
I didn't even make him call me 'Viscount Yandel-nim', and I even let him use informal language.
But she's asking if I really had to do that?
"Raven, I don't understand you. What kind of noble is this lenient?"
"Uh, well, you're not wrong… but this has never happened before. What the hell happened between you two…"
Although Raven seemed to think it was a personal vendetta, it wasn't.
In the first place, I was more grateful than anything for him saving my life.
But that was one thing, and this was another.
"Raven, there's a big difference between me telling someone to speak informally and them speaking informally without me telling them to."
My companions and acquaintances didn't change their way of speaking even after I became a noble.
Because I told them not to.
But what about Partslan?
Although it wasn't something a barbarian should say…
…he spoke informally as soon as he saw me.
"Ugh, so you did that to show off your noble authority? You've really become a noble now."
What is she talking about?
"I'm not a noble, I'm a clan master."
"…Yes?"
"It means I represent you guys wherever we go. But you're saying I should have just smiled and let it slide because he's someone you know? Even though I barely know him?"
"That's…"
And most importantly, we would probably encounter that team again since our goals seemed to overlap.
That's why I activated Noble Barbarian Mode.
I judged that it wasn't good to be underestimated from the beginning.
"…I'm sorry for being sarcastic. I was short-sighted this time."
Raven apologized, hanging her head low.
It was one of her strengths.
To admit her mistakes and apologize sincerely.
"That's enough. I've forgotten about it."
I magnanimously let it slide, as expected of a barbarian, and then asked what I was curious about.
"But I didn't know, Raven, do you dislike nobles?"
"No? Not at all."
Hmm, really?
She was being quite sarcastic earlier.
Ah, could it be that they were close?
So she was angry because I was bullying him?
I asked again, thinking it was a plausible guess, but Raven shook her head again.
"Uh, that's definitely not it. In the first place, I've only met Mr. Partslan a few times at banquets…"
"Hmm, then why were you so angry?"
"I wasn't angry…"
"But you were different from usual."
Raven couldn't answer my question easily.
It wasn't because she was uncomfortable talking about it…
…but rather because she didn't seem to know the reason herself.
"I was just… a bit. I don't want you to be like that, especially… no, what am I saying? Ah, I don't know either."
Raven looked confused.
I chuckled.
Because I think I understood what she wanted to say.
I would also feel strange if Ainar suddenly changed and acted arrogantly. Damn right, a barbarian's charm lies in their innocent heart.
"Ah, both of you, stop it! What's with that weird atmosphere?!"
Misha, as if she didn't like the awkward air, intervened, and the topic naturally changed.
"So what are we going to do now? There's still a lot left to see on the island."
"Ah, I'm done sightseeing."
We had roughly finished measuring the island's size…
…and we had also confirmed that there were other people here.
Competitors who might have come to this island for the same reason.
"Then what are we going to do?"
I answered Raven's question briefly.
"We're going inside the island."
We couldn't just back down because there were competitors.
___________________
Parune Island.
It was a popular hunting ground, located closest to the Starting Island.
Although all the monsters were below 8th grade…
…it had a significant financial advantage because of the large number of insect-type monsters that appeared.
Well, if you only looked at the profits.
"Erwen, fire! Fire! Fire! Quickly!!"
"Ye, yes!"
"Tsk, tsk, tsk! Ugh! I think I swallowed one!!"
"Miss Ainar! A magic stone just came out of your mouth! Did you crush it with your teeth?!"
The 8th-grade insect-type monster, 'Krungbi', whose body was bigger than a human face.
And the swarm of bugs it summoned.
Whoosh!
Although magic stones poured out whenever Erwen, who handled fire spirits, or Raven unleashed their AoE spells, no one was happy.
It was the same for me.
'It's more disgusting than I thought.'
It was hard, even though I thought I had a strong stomach.
The sticky fluid that covered my entire body.
The sickening smell of burning bugs.
Phew, I didn't want to know that this kind of smell existed in the world.
"I didn't know there were this many monsters… it's because there are no other people around… Kyaak!"
"Don't talk! It went into my mo— Ugh!"
Although my companions were experiencing the worst moments of their lives in real time, they didn't say they wanted to go back.
The reason was simple.
"It seems like Bjorn was right."
"Yes. There's definitely something on this island. Otherwise, those people with a good boat wouldn't have come here."
Of course, we weren't going to stalk them and find out what it was.
I already knew what it was…
…and in the first place, there was no one in our clan who was so immoral that they would agree to such a plan.
Therefore, we decided to search for it ourselves.
Assuming that something was hidden on this island.
'Thanks to that, it won't seem strange even if we find it later…'
The problem was Partslan's team.
The hidden piece on this island was an event that involved the entire island.
'A total of 11 people if there's no one else besides us.'
Although it wasn't over the 15-person limit for the highest difficulty, 11 people was still a burdensome number.
'That's probably why he tried to kick us out. It would be much easier for them to progress through the event without us.'
I was a bit curious.
How did he even know about this hidden piece?
Was there a player among his team members?
Or was he a player himself?
'I'll get a sense of it when I meet him—'
That's when, as I was thinking…
"Mister."
…Erwen stopped us.
"Someone is fighting over there."
She pointed towards the center of the forest.
She had much better hearing than us, so she couldn't have misheard.
"It seems like Mr. Partslan's team is hunting. Hmm, if we encounter them here, they might misunderstand and think we followed them—"
"No. They're not hunting."
"Yes? What do you mean they're not hunting—"
Erwen's eyes sharpened as she said,
"It's the sound of people fighting each other."
It meant that PK was taking place.
-x-X-x-
People are fighting each other.
Those words jolted me awake.
Perhaps I had become a bit complacent without realizing it.
Thump!
There were no Noark explorers.
No, there were barely any explorers in the first place.
But even so, anything could happen in the labyrinth.
So I had to confirm the information first.
"How many are there?"
"At least eight."
Erwen answered immediately, without a moment's hesitation, as I asked in a low voice.
"So at least two teams are fighting."
"Presumably."
"Anything else I should know?"
"…No."
Hmm, her tone didn't sound like it.
It wasn't good to just ignore this.
It's like in movies, right?
"Anything else I should know?"
I asked again, more forcefully, and Erwen answered cautiously.
"…I have a bad feeling."
Right, so that's how it is.
"I'm sorry. For saying something unnecessary…"
I chuckled, looking at Erwen, who trailed off.
"It's fine."
Because I felt the same way.
An ominous premonition started to creep up on me as soon as I heard that explorers were fighting each other.
That's when, as I was contemplating what to do…
"Yandel, what are we going to do?"
"Are we going to save them again…?"
I tilted my head.
"Save them again?"
"You did that on the 1st floor, and when the Imperial City was on fire."
What is she talking about?
The situation was completely different from back then.
I had the means to help in the Imperial City, and I had also promised to help if I had the strength.
And on the 1st floor…
"I think I know what you're misunderstanding, but I'll make it clear now."
I had ended up being treated like a hero after leading thousands of explorers and opening a path.
Honestly, I was a bit excited.
But…
"The ones I really wanted to save back then were you guys."
My priorities hadn't changed.
I was a selfish person who wasn't worthy of being called a hero.
It was already hard enough to protect myself and my people.
"That means…"
"There's no need to get involved when I even have a bad feeling. We're leaving this island."
"But is that okay? We don't even know what's going on, they might need our help."
The bear-like man spoke with a troubled expression.
It wasn't like his usual character.
It seemed like he was still drunk on the hero hype he experienced on the 1st floor.
"They're also explorers. They must have accepted the risks when they chose this job."
I said firmly, with the authority of a leader, and the bear-like man readily agreed without a word.
But could it be that he was worried about something else?
"Raven, are you okay? It seemed like you knew that guy."
"Mr. Partslan? Hmm, if they're fighting, then it's highly likely that he's involved…"
Raven trailed off at the bear-like man's concern.
And she looked at us with a determined gaze and drew a line.
"But I don't care."
"You don't care?"
"We're not that close. What if something happens to us if we go to help them?"
It was a selfish answer, typical of an explorer.
But we were all speechless at her following words.
"…My team is more important to me."
Geez, she's saying that without even blinking.
She's become shameless after getting a year older.
She still looked like a kid.
"Then it's decided."
We turned around and ran towards the shore as soon as the decision was made.
Our estimated arrival time was about an hour.
It wasn't a big island, so there wouldn't be any problems if we just left quickly.
'It's a shame to leave the hidden piece…'
Well, we could just leave the island and come back later depending on the situation.
'Right, it's best to run away when you're uneasy.'
I discarded my last shred of regret.
After some time…
"It's the sea!"
…we reached the shore and quickly took out our boat, launching it into the water. And we got on board one by one, rowing away from the island.
That's when, as I was starting to feel relieved…
"Bjo, Bjorn!"
…Ainar, the valiant barbarian warrior, shouted, her voice filled with fear.
"Wh, what's going on! The, the sea…! The sea is rising!!"
The calm sea suddenly turned violent, rocking the boat.
「The offering of Parune Island has been destroyed.」
「The wrath of the sea engulfs the island.」
Damn it.
___________________
The hidden piece on Parune Island was simple.
When you destroyed the 'offering' hidden in the center of the island, you could trigger the 'Wrath of the Sea' event.
It was a kind of defense event.
Sea monsters would swarm towards the island from the shore, and we had to block them from inland.
And what I was aiming for was the event boss's essence.
The 4th-grade monster, Elprott.
It was an essence that Misha or Erwen could use until the late game.
Well, whether it dropped was a different matter.
Anyway, it wasn't something I should be thinking about right now.
'At least 8 people on that side, and 6 people here…'
The event had started at the highest difficulty.
It meant that our top priority was to escape this island, regardless of the hidden piece.
"Wh, what's going on?"
"I've never heard of the waves suddenly getting this high…"
"Row! Row harder!!"
We hurriedly started rowing after a brief moment of panic at the violent waves that were pushing us back, as if no one could escape this island.
After all, we were almost out of the island's vicinity.
'We can get out if we just go a little further.'
Indeed, even in the game, escaping the island after the event was triggered wasn't blocked by the system.
It was just that most boats would sink before they could get far enough.
"One, two. One, two!!"
We chanted and rowed, overcoming the waves.
But…
'I should have spent a bit more money and bought a better boat.'
It didn't feel like we were moving forward.
It felt like we were being pushed back towards the island, even though we were rowing with all our might.
And it wasn't just a feeling.
"Bjo, Bjorn! The, the island is getting closer!"
The boat was being pushed back even though we were trying to sail against the waves.
I felt a bitter taste in my mouth.
If we had just installed a magic engineering propulsion device on the boat, we might have been able to break through.
"Bjorn! The boat is taking on water…!!"
"Wh, what should we do? Is there a hole somewhere?"
Panic spread among the members as the boat started taking on water.
It was time to make a decision.
"We're giving up on escaping the island."
I quickly gave the order after a brief moment of contemplation.
"Everyone, turn around and sit down! We'll ride the waves and head towards the island!"
It was the advantage of a small boat with a capacity of six people.
Although there was a front and back, it didn't really matter. Especially not in this situation where the waves were pushing us back so violently.
"Put all your heavy equipment in your subspace pockets!"
I had them take off their equipment to reduce the boat's weight and prepare for a capsizing.
Okay, then we were done with the preparations.
"Right!!"
I only used the oars to keep the boat from capsizing, not to move it.
That's when, after about 3 minutes, as the island that was far away started to get closer…
"Lo, look…!"
…the boat, which had been bouncing and moving forward, was swept away by a large wave.
And…
"Kyaaaaaak!!"
…it completely capsized.
"Gasp!"
My body was submerged in water in an instant.
I somehow grabbed onto the overturned boat and held on.
"Is everyone okay?!"
"Uh, for now!"
"I'm okay!"
Everyone except for one person reported that they were alive at my shout.
"Where's Raven?"
What happened?
Don't tell me she was swept away?
"Gasp, here! I'm here!"
Phew, that startled me.
We quickly discussed as we clung to the overturned boat and bobbed on the water.
"So what should we do now?"
"Can't we just stay like this?"
"Uh, it seems like we're moving in the right direction…"
It wasn't a bad method.
The boat, made of special buoyant wood, wouldn't sink even if it was overturned.
'It actually feels more stable than when we were on board…'
The waves were pushing us towards the island, so the boat would reach the shore even if we didn't steer it.
"Hold on tight!"
We then endured, holding onto the boat's handles tightly to avoid being swept away by the waves.
That's when, after about a minute…
'Oh, I didn't think about this…'
…we faced a new crisis.
"Look, rocks! Rocks…!"
A towering reef started to approach the boat as we got closer to the shore.
It was impossible to change course now.
"If we get separated, meet at the center of the island!!"
I hurriedly shouted, assuming the worst.
And at that moment…
Kwaaang!
…the boat crashed into the reef.
______________________
Swaaa!
I opened my eyes to the sound of crashing waves.
My vision was blurry, as if something was stuck in my eyes, and I could taste the salt of the sea in my mouth.
And for some reason…
Crack, crack, crack.
…I heard a crunching sound.
From my feet.
"...?"
I barely managed to lift my head and check my lower body, and then I froze.
A giant lobster monster the size of a large dog was struggling to eat my feet.
"What the hell."
No, do you think that would work?
Just how high is my Physical Resistance?
Thwack!
I first kicked the Sterleb away with my free foot. And I quickly got up and smashed its head with the plank I was holding.
「Killed Sterleb. EXP +1」
As expected of a 9th-grade monster, it disappeared into light with a single hit.
'But what is this plank…?'
I then realized that I had been clutching a plank since I opened my eyes.
Where did it come from?
I didn't have to think hard, the memory I had forgotten came back to me.
'Ah, the boat was destroyed…'
The boat shattered when it hit the reef.
And I grabbed the biggest plank and hugged it tightly. I judged that even my barbarian body wouldn't sink if I held onto this.
'So I survived because of this…'
I quickly looked around after realizing that. There was no one on the empty sandy beach.
'I wonder if the others are okay…'
Raven would be fine.
Although she couldn't swim, I saw her floating in the air using Levitation magic at the last moment. And Misha and Erwen could swim, so I was less worried about them.
The problem was Ainar and the bear-like man, who couldn't swim.
'Phew, I hope they were safely washed ashore.'
Although I tried to reassure myself, I couldn't help but worry.
But my hands moved busily, taking out the equipment I had stored in my subspace pocket and putting it on.
Because a horde of monsters would soon swarm the island.
Judging by how only Sterlebs were roaming around, it seemed like it hadn't been long since the event started…
…but I had to be prepared.
'They said explorers were fighting each other, but what kind of situation led to this event being triggered?'
Although I had several questions, they were things I couldn't answer right now.
Ha, I should have just helped them.
Then I would have known what was going on—
Thud.
I stopped as I was about to enter the forest from the shore.
I heard a presence from beyond the bushes.
Tadat, tadat, tadat.
The sound of someone running.
'It's not a monster.'
All the monsters on Parune Island were flying insects.
It meant it wasn't the sound of a monster running.
And it was also unlikely to be one of my scattered companions.
We had agreed to meet inside the forest.
There was no reason for them to be running in the opposite direction.
'Then is it one of the explorers who were fighting?'
I slowly raised my mace and waited for the owner of the presence to appear.
The reason I waited was simple.
I only heard one set of footsteps.
I was confident that I could at least escape if it was a one-on-one battle.
So gathering information was the priority.
'Now.'
I timed it based on the sound of their footsteps and then suddenly reached out.
"Huff, huff. Kyaa, ug—"
My prey was caught and lifted into the air, struggling.
"Stay still. I won't hurt you."
My original plan was to swing my mace and subdue her completely, but I decided to put it on hold.
Because she was someone I knew.
Well, it seemed like she didn't remember me.
"I'll let you go, so be quiet."
"Wh, who are you…?"
"I told you to be quiet."
The priestess in a white robe trembled as I spoke in a menacing voice.
Phew, this makes me feel like a bad guy.
"I'm Bjorn Yandel, Viscount."
"Ah…!"
The priestess's face brightened as soon as I revealed my name.
She didn't seem to doubt my identity.
It seemed like Partslan had told her about me.
"So calm down, Ersina. I'm not your enemy."
"Ho, how do you know my name…?"
How would I know?
Because I met her once before.
I repeat, it was a memory that was hard to forget.
[Priest Ersina. Can you heal him?]
[I refuse.]
I felt like the world was ending when she refused to treat me.
Tsk, whatever. That wasn't important now.
"Let's talk about that later. Explain what happened in the forest."
Gathering information was the priority.
-x-X-x-
"We were exploring the center of the island when an unknown team suddenly attacked us."
There was an ambush.
It was a team of five.
Each of them was a powerful explorer, at least 7th-floor level, and they were on the verge of being wiped out before they could even fight properly.
The biggest factor was that they started the battle without a mage.
Well, it seemed like they fought hard despite the disadvantage…
"The situation kept getting worse, and eventually, Mr. Drowus made a decision."
…but one of the team members finally made a decision.
To sacrifice himself and save his companions.
However, it felt different from Dwarkey's case.
"…So you ran away while your companion was buying time?"
The priestess blushed and made an excuse as I asked incredulously.
"I was against it. I told them several times that we couldn't leave him alone—"
What is she talking about?
If she was truly against it, she wouldn't be here with me.
"Enough. I understood the explanation, just tell me the important part. What happened next?"
"…I don't know what happened to Mr. Drowus, but we were soon chased. And I got separated from the others."
No wonder she was running alone.
Now I roughly understood the situation.
It was time to focus on the details.
Right, first…
"But who's Drowus?"
"Guardweaver Drowus. The blond swordsman who saved you and gave you a potion that day."
Ah, so his name was Drowus.
It was the blond's name that I learned after over a year, but there was no time to reminisce.
"What kind of people were those who attacked you? Tell me in detail."
I then asked about the unidentified 5-person team, and the priestess told me everything she remembered.
The abilities they used during the battle, their appearances, and even the names they called each other.
That's when, as I was listening intently, thinking that this information might save my life…
…I froze.
"Wait, a woman with red hair?"
One of their descriptions resembled someone I knew.
"Yes. She seemed to be the leader of the group. Is there something wrong…?"
Damn it, of course there's a problem.
How many human women with red hair who used Aura and wielded daggers were there in this city?
And I even asked for details, and the location of her tattoo and the fact that her right ear was half-severed matched.
There was no possibility that it was just someone who looked similar.
'…Amelia Rainwales, her again?'
I felt a sense of dread.
After all, Amelia was from Noark.
And the other four people she was with were also likely from Noark.
In other words…
'This wasn't just a simple robbery.'
Tsk, it seemed like I was caught up in something really troublesome.
The priestess looked at me cautiously and asked,
"…Do you know her?"
"Maybe."
I brushed it off with a lie and then asked a few more questions.
"Let's forget about that and continue. Ersina, was there anything unusual about them?"
"Unusual…?"
"Anything strange. Do you have any guesses as to why they ambushed you?"
"That's…"
The priestess trailed off and then spoke after a moment of contemplation.
"I didn't think much about it back then because I was flustered, but now that I think about it, there was something strange."
"Just get to the point."
"What Mr. Drowus said when he volunteered to buy time. He said it was his responsibility and that we shouldn't be involved and should just leave. Back then, I thought he was just saying that as a leader, but…"
"It's definitely strange."
"Yes. And besides, it seemed like he knew the people who ambushed us. They said something about him being a traitor and to hand something over…"
What?
"Why are you only telling me this now?"
Wasn't that obviously the reason they were attacked?
The priestess's voice became as quiet as a whisper as I looked at her incredulously.
"I, I was too flustered back then…"
Anyway, regardless of the priestess's frustrating side…
…I could roughly picture the situation now.
[Noark sent a few people to the surface right before the lockdown. Their goal is to kill one explorer! Surprising, right?]
According to what Clown said at the Round Table, the infiltrators, including Amelia, were given assassination missions.
Of course, I didn't know who the target was until now.
But…
'Maybe it was him.'
Then what the hell was that Drowus guy?
That's when, as I was thinking about it…
"But Viscount Yandel…"
"It's Viscount."
"Ah, yes… Anyway, Viscount Yandel, why were you alone here?"
The priestess, who had only been answering questions, finally asked me one.
It seemed like she was finally curious about my situation.
"My boat sank while we were leaving the island, and I got separated from my companions."
"Yes?"
What do you mean 'yes'?
It means we have to work together for now.
_____________________
"Let's talk while we're moving."
"Yes? What do you mean…? Don't tell me you're going inside?"
"I promised to meet my companions in the center if we got separated."
"I, I see. But there's…"
The priestess looked at me with a reluctant gaze.
I knew what she was thinking.
It must feel like she's entering a tiger's den.
But she was also separated from her companions.
'Geez, this priest is only worried about herself.'
"Don't come if you don't want to. I'll go alone."
I spoke firmly instead of trying to persuade her politely, and the priestess reluctantly followed my decision.
After all, what could she do alone?
She didn't have a boat, and even if she did, the sea was in that state.
"…But do you know why the wind is blowing like this? It's like a storm suddenly started."
Well, I wanted to ask that.
"I don't know, but monsters are gathering from the shore."
"…I see."
It was as much of a mystery to me as what that Drowus bastard was up to.
I understood that there was an ambush.
But who triggered the island's event, and why?
If they knew the activation condition, they would have also known how dangerous it was.
'Well, I'll find out eventually.'
Whether I liked it or not, I was trapped on this island.
I would eventually meet Amelia or her companions.
'Let's just focus on reuniting with my companions for now.'
I dismissed my negative thoughts and moved towards the island with the priestess.
At first, I was leading the way, and she was following behind…
"It will take hours at this rate. Come here."
…but I started carrying her midway because she was too slow.
The monsters we encountered along the way weren't a problem.
I would have been fine even if I passed through with my bare body…
…and the priestess had this skill.
「Lyrine Ersina has cast [Invulnerability].」
It was a buff-type divine spell that prevented monsters below 7th grade from attacking first.
It was a bit funny.
The Tovera Church, one of the three churches in Lafdonia, had a unique rule.
That they weren't allowed to use divine power on barbarians.
'Geez, how petty.'
A barbarian had peed on a statue of Tovera after getting drunk thousands of years ago?
I heard that was the reason why the rule was established.
That must have been why she didn't treat me back then when I was crawling through the cave on three legs.
"So even the Sun God allows you to break the rules in times like this?"
"I understand your feelings, Viscount Yandel, but please don't insult Him."
The priestess retorted in a slightly sharp tone as I teased her.
"…It's my problem that I broke the rules. Please blame me if you need to blame someone."
Geez, she's so serious.
"You misunderstood. I wasn't planning to blame anyone."
Damn right, you have to use it to survive.
No matter how much you like God, you wouldn't want to meet him this early, right?
"If you were hurt by what happened back then… I apologize. But the reason I insisted on following the rules that day was because it was a situation that could be resolved with a potion. I really wasn't trying to ignore you."
Hmm, it seemed like she was sincere.
"It's fine, I understand your situation."
I briefly answered and dismissed any lingering resentment.
What could an individual do about a rule set by a group?
"Anyway, let's stop talking about this. It's not important right now."
"Yes."
We stopped chatting and focused on moving.
And after some time…
"Th, this is it. This is where those marauders…"
"…Be quiet."
…we finally reached the center of the island.
There was nothing around us.
Just traces of a battle that had taken place a while ago.
"…I guess you can deactivate the divine power now."
I first had the priestess deactivate her divine spell.
And I slowly searched the surroundings.
It seemed like I was the first to arrive, as none of my companions were there.
"There's really no one here…"
There was no sign of Drowus, the team leader who sacrificed himself, nor the mage who was said to have been killed when the ambush started.
What the hell happened here?
"Then what are we going to do now?"
I answered the priestess's question without hesitation.
"Wait. Until someone comes here, whether it's an enemy or a companion."
"Yes, I see. Okay."
Contrary to my expectations, the priestess didn't object and readily agreed. I asked her why, and she answered,
"I also have to meet up with my companions."
"What do you mean?"
"It's impossible to leave the island now, isn't it? If my companions who escaped encountered yours on the shore, there's a high chance they're heading here now."
Right, so she followed me after thinking that far.
"Ersina, aren't you afraid that your companions are all dead?"
I asked involuntarily, and the priestess answered,
"Of course, I'm afraid. But the more that's the case, the more I have to believe."
Ah, right, she's a priest.
I briefly regretted asking such a question…
"That's all we can do."
…but she wasn't wrong.
'I hope they're all safe…'
That was all I could do right now.
______________________
Swaaa!
The sound of crashing waves filled my ears.
"Ugh, ueeeeek…"
Misha Kaltstein opened her eyes, vomiting seawater.
And she quickly checked her surroundings.
"Ai, Ainar!"
Her heart sank.
After all, Ainar was the one who was next to her until the very end after the boat capsized.
She had desperately tried to hold onto Ainar in that violent storm, thinking she had to be responsible for her since she couldn't swim…
"I lost her."
Anxious thoughts started to fill her mind.
Was Ainar okay?
What would she say to Bjorn when she saw him?
No, in the first place, Bjorn…
Slap!
Misha slapped herself on both cheeks.
She came to her senses.
"Good thoughts, good thoughts…"
She had also woken up safely on the shore, even though she had been unconscious.
Everyone would be fine.
Right, so…
[If we get separated, meet at the center of the island!!]
…Misha recalled Bjorn's last shout and brushed off the dirt on her hands and face.
And she slowly walked towards the forest.
That's when…
Thud.
…she heard a presence next to her.
"…Ainar? Ainar?"
Misha ran towards the sound, calling out her name, and she soon encountered a stranger.
"You."
"Uh, uh…?"
"You're Bjorn Yandel's companion."
It was a human woman with red hair and a scar where half of her right ear was missing.
-x-X-x-
A woman stared at one spot with a cold gaze.
At the end of her gaze was a man's corpse.
Guardweaver Drowus.
The trash who tried to escape from his past sins with a new name and live a second life.
Right, that must have been the case…
"Sister, what's wrong?"
…but Amelia unconsciously bit her lip.
She didn't feel as refreshed as she thought she would.
"Are you worried because his companions ran away? Hey, don't worry too much. The other two went after them, right? They'll catch them soon."
Even her immature companion, who had been whining throughout the journey, was being considerate of her, but Amelia didn't have the time to care.
[It's my responsibility. You shouldn't be involved. So go!]
The image of him sacrificing himself for his companions kept flashing before her eyes.
At first, she was dumbfounded.
What the hell was he talking about?
After betraying them?
And for people who didn't even know what kind of person he was?
Crack.
She gritted her teeth.
If he could do that, why didn't he do it for them?
"But we recovered the item, right? Even if they escape alive, our mission is a success."
Amelia then dismissed her thoughts and looked at the jewel in her hand.
The legacy of Archmage Gavrilius, a treasure that had been passed down through the Lords of Noark for a long time.
Come to think of it, this was also a bit unsettling.
To be precise, the words she heard while taking it from him kept coming back to her.
[Amelia, you can't change anything with this.]
To say that when he knew what this item meant to her.
"...."
Amelia used the poison she had to melt the corpse away. And she put the jewel in her subspace pocket.
After all, the leaders of Noark had all left for the outside world, and communication was difficult.
She would be keeping it for a while.
She planned to find a way to use this jewel later when she returned, there was no need to rush.
'I finally got it.'
She had finally achieved her long-cherished goal. Amelia shook off her unsettling feeling with that thought.
That's when…
"But sister."
…Carmilla, the team's summoner and the one with the means to travel on the 6th floor, subtly approached her.
Her eyes were filled with curiosity.
"Is this really that item?"
It wasn't a sentiment she couldn't understand.
After all, this was an item that was only spoken of in legends within Noark, an item that was considered even more fictional than the 'Stone of Resurrection' in some ways.
Therefore, Amelia didn't give her any room for interpretation.
"I don't know."
Of course, she knew.
That the stories about this item weren't just made up, and that the item she had just put in her subspace pocket was definitely the real deal.
But there was a saying, 'opportunity makes a thief', right?
It would be foolish to create a variable by talking about it.
"Come on, sis. You were close to that guy, right? You must know whether it's real or not."
"I'm telling you, I don't know. And it doesn't matter to us whether it's real or not. Our mission is just to retrieve what he had and return."
Amelia drew a line once again.
And just as she was about to turn around…
"What, judging by your reaction, it must be real."
…Carmilla chuckled.
"Wow, I can't believe this actually exists."
It sounded like a childish joke.
But Amelia, who had seen all sorts of things in her life, instinctively reached for her dagger.
That's when…
Thump!
…she felt a burning sensation in her back.
"I apologize, Lady Rainwales."
She had only been wary of Carmilla.
When she came to her senses, a warrior's sword was piercing her stomach.
But so what?
Amelia made a judgment in the time it took to regret her mistake.
"Mister, good job!"
The blade was below her ribs.
"When are you going to call me brother?"
Although her organs were damaged, it wasn't a fatal wound.
Therefore…
"What, you're only half… ugh!"
…she quickly pulled out her dagger and thrust it forward.
Her target was Carmilla.
The woman she had wanted to kill countless times.
Whoosh!
Unfortunately, it was a bit short.
But it didn't matter.
She had a trick she learned while fighting the barbarian.
Whoosh!
The missing distance was covered as soon as she imbued the tip of her dagger with Aura.
Thump!
"Aak!!"
The tip of the dagger pierced Carmilla's eye.
"That's a shame."
She could have pierced her brain if it had gone in just a bit deeper.
Whoosh!
The sword that was embedded in her stomach was pulled out.
Her body staggered from the recoil.
But there was no time to rest.
"Damn it!"
The warrior's sword swung towards her vital points.
Amelia extended her arm, judging that it would be difficult to dodge.
Because her arm wasn't a vital point.
Slash!
The sharp sword severed her arm.
Although she saved her life, it was a huge loss in battle.
But it wasn't a big problem.
If her body was damaged, she could just use a clone to fight.
Tadat.
Amelia used the Doppelganger's [Self-Replication] to create a clone right behind the warrior.
And she immediately swung her leg towards his head.
It was a combo that most enemies couldn't even react to.
"Be, behind you!"
An explosion occurred as the clone's foot landed on the warrior.
Kwaaang!
It wasn't the sound of his head being crushed, which was her target.
"Ugh!"
Her foot landed on his shoulder.
He had twisted his body to the side just in time after the warning.
Thump!
The warrior's sword pierced her stomach again as punishment for her failed attack.
Although it wasn't a deep wound because he had quickly pulled back to avoid her clone…
'He might die.'
It was dangerous.
That's when, as that thought dominated Amelia's mind…
"What are you doing, take my arm!"
…the warrior rolled on the ground and picked up his severed arm.
It was the arm with the subspace bracelet.
Amelia, feeling a sense of despair, chased after the warrior with her clone.
But…
"Yongyong, let's go!"
…she was three steps too late.
[Roar!]
The warrior got on the drake summoned by Carmilla.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
The drake soared into the sky.
She could hear their conversation, buried beneath the sound of its powerful wings.
"…Amelia Rainwales. She's a terrifying woman. I didn't expect her to be so threatening even in that state."
"Enough, give me a potion!"
"Let's talk first. What are we going to do? We didn't kill her properly."
"Damn it, who cares! She'll die anywa—"
That was all she could hear with her enhanced hearing.
They had completely disappeared into the sky.
"Damn it."
Amelia cursed for the first time in a while.
But nothing would change by complaining.
The only way to save herself in a desperate situation was to act.
Thud.
Amelia had her clone carry her real body.
And she quickly left.
She judged that it would be the end if they came back down to confirm her death.
Thud, thud.
Amelia continued moving, not even knowing which direction she was going.
After some time…
…she was still walking, even though her Soul Power was depleted and [Self-Replication] was deactivated.
Thud.
Her body froze at the presence she felt next to her.
She thought she would live if it was her companions who went to chase the others, and that she would die if it wasn't.
It was a life-or-death situation.
But…
"…Ainar? Ainar?"
…surprisingly, Amelia's prediction was wrong.
"You."
"Uh, uh…?"
"You're Bjorn Yandel's companion."
She looked up.
Thud!
It was a cat.
_____________
"Ugh, what the hell?!"
Misha was confused.
Well, it was only natural.
Anyone would be if a woman with a severed arm and a hole in her stomach suddenly appeared and collapsed in front of them.
'Uh, uh… is she one of the explorers who were fighting?'
"Po, potion. Right, potion first…"
Although the woman's identity was unknown, Misha first opened her wet expandable backpack and took out a potion.
Whether this woman was good or bad…
No, in the first place, she didn't even know if there was such a thing as a 'good' side…
[You're Bjorn Yandel's companion.]
…but the woman's last words before collapsing made her decide without hesitation.
Right, she might know Bjorn.
Let's treat her first.
Pop!
Misha opened the potion bottle and hurriedly poured it on the woman's wounds.
But what was this?
Sizzle.
She didn't hear the bubbling sound that was unique to potions.
The potion just flowed into the wounds as if it were cold water.
"Huh? I bought this from an authorized general store."
Although she didn't understand, Misha took out another potion from her bag, remembering the time she bought a fake potion in the early days.
But it was the same this time.
'…Why isn't it working?'
Don't tell me this one was also fake?
Misha then poured a bit of potion on a scratch she got while falling into the water as a test.
Sizzle!
The potion was fine, judging by the intense itching.
But why wasn't it working on this woman?
Although she didn't know, Misha didn't give up.
She learned from Bjorn that a barbarian's spirit was to use their gums if they didn't have teeth.
'It's been a while since I used this…'
Misha took out herbs and bandages.
First aid supplies she had been saving in case there was a situation where she couldn't use potions.
"This might sting a bit… ah, she probably can't hear me."
Misha first cleaned the wounds with disinfectant and then applied herbs and wrapped them with bandages.
And she spread out a blanket on the ground and laid the woman down.
With that, the temporary treatment was over.
She had done everything she could, and the rest was up to this woman's will.
"…She's breathing well."
Misha watched her for a while and then squatted next to the blanket after confirming that her breathing had stabilized.
And she sighed deeply.
"Ugh, I can't just leave her here…"
If she was just unconscious, she would have carried her…
…but that wasn't possible in her current state.
"Bjorn will be waiting…"
Misha made a sullen face.
But she couldn't just leave this woman behind.
That's when, after about 10 minutes…
Screech, screech!
…Misha turned her head at an unpleasant sound.
"Ah, what the hell is that…"
Monsters were crawling out from the shore.
___________________
Thud, thud, thud, thud.
The rhythmic sound of flesh hitting flesh continued.
It was the sound coming from my hands.
I couldn't keep them still.
I kept twitching my fingers.
It was only natural.
'2 hours.'
That's how much time had passed since I arrived at the center.
Even if I arrived early, at least one of my companions should have arrived by now.
'Why isn't anyone here?'
I tried to have faith, but ominous thoughts kept filling my mind.
Misha, Raven, the bear-like man, Ainar, and Erwen…
Were they really okay?
I should have walked along the shore instead of coming to the center…
"Are you planning to stay here?"
The priestess asked cautiously as I was anxiously trembling.
She seemed like a cult member.
No, wait, she was the one who told me to have faith earlier.
"You're a priest, and you're giving up so easily?"
Although I grumbled…
…I knew deep down that her reaction wasn't strange, even considering her profession as a priest.
Screech, screech!
As proof, marine monsters that only appeared during the event were starting to show up here and there.
They had walked all the way here at a pace that was less than half of a human's walking speed.
'This place will be filled with stronger monsters soon. The shore is probably already swarming with them.'
But no one had arrived yet.
"Ersina."
"Yes?"
"We're moving. Waiting isn't my style."
"It seems like you still have faith."
What is she talking about?
She was the one who told me that was all we could do.
"If you were human, Viscount Yandel, you might have become a devout follower."
Geez, a devout follower, my ass.
I felt a strange sensation as a proud modern atheist, but I didn't say anything since her tone was closer to admiration than sarcasm.
"Stop with the nonsense and get up."
"Yes."
I helped the priestess up and got ready.
And just as we were about to leave…
Thud.
…a visitor finally arrived after almost two hours.
Unfortunately, it wasn't one of my teammates.
He was a skinny man covered in minor injuries, as if he had just been through a tough battle.
He had a longbow slung over his shoulder.
And his green hair was covered in dirt.
"…Viscount Yandel."
Enemy or ally?
It wasn't difficult to tell.
He asked, looking at us,
"What did you do to Lady Rainwales?"
What a coincidence.
I also had a question for him.
I asked, ignoring the ringing in my ears,
"Hey, why do you have Raven's subspace ring?"
You better answer properly.
Or you'll die.
-x-X-x-
A rough sea with crashing waves.
Arrua Raven was currently flying above it.
She was shouting at the top of her lungs, something she hadn't done in a while.
"Mr. Urikfrit! Hang in there! We're almost there!"
Below her, Avman was being tossed around on a single plank.
Her heart skipped a beat every time a large wave crashed over him, but there was nothing more she could do.
'I have to take care of Mr. Avman…'
The other companions had all disappeared when the boat capsized, and she had only found Avman after searching the area.
So she had been following him to keep track of his location…
"Huh?"
…but he had disappeared beneath the surface, as if he had lost his grip on the plank.
Raven hurriedly descended.
But she still couldn't see him.
"Mr. Urikfrit! Mr. Urikfrit!!"
She shouted for a while, flying around, but there was no answer.
She shivered as if she had a chill.
"…No, he'll be fine."
Raven then changed her mind and headed towards the shore.
And…
"Found him!"
…she finally found him after searching the area around the shore.
Avman was lying unconscious on the sand, washed ashore by the waves.
"Whew."
He was breathing properly, and his body temperature didn't seem to have dropped much.
She first dried his wet clothes and body with fire magic and then waited for him to wake up.
That's when…
"It's not the one I was looking for…"
"...."
"…but this isn't bad either."
…a man appeared from the forest.
____________________
My head spun.
Why did this guy have Raven's ring? No matter how hard I tried to think positively, I couldn't imagine a good scenario.
But…
"Hey, why do you have Raven's subspace ring?"
…I asked, holding onto the last shred of hope.
"Explain."
I used superhuman patience, hoping there was some misunderstanding I didn't know about.
But the answer I received was different from what I expected.
"I'll ask the questions first."
So he wasn't going to give me the initiative?
Then he chose the wrong time.
"Really?"
"I'll ask again, what did you do to Lady Rainwale—"
"Then die."
I pushed off the ground and moved forward.
I judged that I could ask questions after establishing the hierarchy.
"...!"
He stepped back as my body, which had leaped high, expanded rapidly with [Gigantification].
But what a shame.
「Character's total weight is over 500 kg.」
「The special terrain effect [Recoil] is additionally applied to the damage radius.」
He couldn't dodge this if he retreated that much.
Kwaaang!
The ground shook and rippled from the landing point.
"Ugh…!"
He was thrown into the air like a spring, as expected of an archer with a slender build.
I immediately dashed towards him, not missing the opportunity.
And I quickly extended my hand, as expected of a barbarian.
That's when…
「Nebarche Greenhope has cast [Emergency Escape].」
…he disappeared right in front of me like a mirage.
There was no reason to panic.
I quickly scanned my surroundings as if moving a 3D game camera, and I saw him 20 meters away.
Right, as expected, it was a blink-type skill.
He couldn't go far.
Tadat.
I adjusted my posture in midair.
He was already shooting an arrow, as expected of a high-ranking archer.
Whoosh!
It seemed like he even used a skill, judging by the white light surrounding the arrowhead…
…but it wasn't a problem.
「Character has cast [Transcendence].」
Bion's ability, which I obtained as a reward from the royal family.
「The next skill used is enhanced.」
After all, I didn't get this essence just to use it with [Gigantification].
「Character has cast [Leap].」
「The inherent ability of the skill is unlocked by the power of the Transcendent.」
Transcendence Leap, for short.
The effect was simple.
「Can be used in midair…」
First, it could be used even while airborne, greatly increasing its utility.
And…
「Travel time is greatly reduced.」
…it became faster.
Much faster.
Flash!
The moment I pushed off the ground with my foot…
…I was already in front of him.
With all the effects of [Leap].
Kwaaang!
His body was thrown into the air again, unable to withstand the recoil.
I quickly reached out and grabbed his neck.
"Keugh!"
He groaned in pain.
I didn't feel any sympathy.
Distance control was an archer's lifeline.
He had to die for failing to do that properly.
"Die."
I put strength into my hand that was holding his neck.
I wasn't too worried about him escaping.
First, most blink-type skills had a long cooldown…
…and even if he escaped with another skill, I could just catch him again.
"Ugh…!"
His struggle intensified.
His neck would probably snap if I applied any more force.
That's when I came to my senses.
"Hey."
It wasn't a good idea to just snap his neck.
I had to at least hear him out.
And if it wasn't the story I was hoping for, snapping his neck wouldn't be enough.
Thud.
I loosened my grip, and his body collapsed to the ground. I stepped on his stomach to prevent him from doing anything stupid and bent down.
And I grabbed his wrist…
Crack!
…and broke it instead of his neck.
The wrist of the hand with Raven's ring.
"...!"
He couldn't even scream from the pain, his eyes rolling back.
It wasn't something I should be concerned about.
He had endured enough.
"Where did you get this ring?"
I asked him the same question again.
Although we had both just asked what we wanted to ask earlier…
…it was different this time.
"Wh, what the hell are you talking about?!"
He answered.
Although it wasn't a proper answer.
"Just answer my question."
"Ugh…!"
"Where did you get this ring?"
I looked at his frail body as I asked. Although I had already broken his wrist, there were still many parts I could break.
And did he realize that?
"Th, the Kerman Magic Workshop in the 7th district!"
He shouted hurriedly.
"I bought it there!"
It was a completely unexpected answer.
"…What?"
I froze, having been prepared to move on to the next stage of interrogation if he gave me an ambiguous answer like he found it by chance or that he took it but didn't kill her.
"You bought it…? You didn't steal it from Raven?"
"I don't even know who Raven is!"
His voice was filled with genuine indignation.
Although it didn't seem like he was lying…
…I couldn't be sure.
Maybe he was a really cunning bastard who came up with this lie.
"Ack, aak!"
I took off the ring after grabbing his dangling hand.
And I opened my subspace pocket and searched inside.
It was full of equipment, consumables, and what seemed to be personal belongings.
I sighed deeply after checking a few things.
'What, it's really not Raven's.'
It wasn't Raven's ring.
The proof was that there were no magic reagents, which should have been there. There was no way he would have thrown away all the expensive magic reagents after stealing the ring.
'Ah, come to think of it, Raven also said she bought it from a magic workshop…'
Right, I trusted her.
Damn right, what kind of woman is she?
There's no way she would be easily tricked.
"So, so you're no longer misunderstanding?"
"Right, it seems like you really bought this ring."
I readily admitted that I was mistaken, as expected of a barbarian whose greatest strength was his honesty. And I took my foot off him, his wrist still broken and wriggling.
"Bu, but why are you putting it in your pocket…?"
Well, that's one thing, and this is another, right?
This ring was mine now.
After all, people from Noark were treasure goblins.
"Do you have a problem with that?"
"...."
He expressed his lack of objection with silence.
In other words, the transfer process was complete.
I took all his equipment and weapons and put them in my subspace pocket, and the preparations for a non-violent conversation were complete.
"Who are you?"
I started asking him about his personal information, starting with his name, and what had happened on this island.
He answered everything readily, as if he didn't want to die yet.
His name was Nebarche Greenhope.
"Your face looks familiar…"
"That's because we've met before."
"What? You and me? When?"
"When there was a fire in Karnon, the Imperial City."
I remembered as soon as he said that.
When I encountered the Ruin Scholar, there was a guy who was following him like a lackey.
'I can't believe it was him.'
Anyway, it didn't matter.
It seemed like he didn't know what the Ruin Scholar and Lee Baekho talked about after they left.
"So, tell me. Everything that happened today."
I then heard the rest of the story from him, the parts I didn't hear from the priestess.
First, they were after the blond guy.
"He was originally from Noark. But he betrayed the Lord, stole a treasure, and ran away."
"Wa, wait a minute. Mr. Drowus was from Noark…?"
"Even his name is fake. It was very difficult to find him because he changed his face and disappeared."
The priestess stared blankly into space, as if she couldn't believe it.
Well, I would be the same.
If I suddenly heard that Misha was an evil spirit.
"So what happened to him?"
"He's dead."
"Are you sure?"
"It was over there. You can even see the traces of Lady Rainwales disposing of the body."
Indeed, there were traces of something melted on the ground where he pointed.
Geez, how brutal.
"So what were you doing until now? Where are your companions?"
"One of us stayed behind to chase those who escaped. And I got separated from the guy I was with."
Hmm, right. So he came back after failing to catch them, and this is the situation now.
'Wait a minute, then who triggered the event?'
I subtly asked him who destroyed the island's offering, but I couldn't get the answer I wanted.
"The sea suddenly changed…? I don't know either. The ground suddenly started shaking while I was chasing them, and then the surroundings darkened."
Huh, he doesn't know either?
This is unsettling.
That's when, as I was standing there silently, organizing my thoughts…
…he cautiously asked me a question.
"So, what happened to Lady Rainwales? There was no one here when I arrived."
It was the same question he asked when we first met.
Hmm, did he answer all my questions honestly because he was curious about this?
Although I couldn't be sure…
Tadat.
…two figures appeared from beyond the bushes just as I was about to answer.
"Erwen! Look! It's Bjorn!!"
"Ah, mister! You're here!"
It was Ainar and Erwen.