Is this for real?
Is this a prank?
I stood there frozen, unable to describe how I felt. My fingertips trembled, and my breathing became ragged.
But I quickly accepted reality.
'Time slip.'
That was the only explanation for all the contradictions I had experienced since waking up on this island.
There was no point in denying it.
Yeah, I could wake up in a barbarian's body after playing a game, so why not time travel?
I finished organizing my thoughts and looked at Amelia.
"You already knew."
"To some extent."
Amelia nodded slightly and said she had become certain after meeting those explorers.
I had only read about them in a book, but they were apparently quite famous back then.
'...No wonder she attacked them first. She's not usually that aggressive.'
It was a kind of time traveler's perk.
To see through those who were hiding their true intentions and crush them before they could do anything.
It would be baffling for those on the receiving end.
"Fa, fa, famous? Wh, wh, what do you mean?!"
What the hell.
There's no time to explain.
And it wouldn't even matter if I did.
"Are there other members of your clan on this island? Just nod if there are."
I quickly moved on to the interrogation.
And after clearing up a few things I was curious about, I took some time to think.
"Twenty years ago..."
The time period was twenty years in the past.
In other words, we had just met explorers who would be exposed for their crimes and executed five years later.
'This is a bit of a problem.'
According to the interrogation, there were over thirty of them on this island.
And Amelia had warned me.
The leader of Clan Elvis was a dangerous explorer.
"...We have to move."
"We do."
I exchanged glances with Amelia and quickly reached an agreement.
We worked well together in this aspect.
There was no need for persuasion.
"Let's take their equipment first."
"Ah, I'll take care of that."
We skillfully stripped them of their equipment and took their backpacks.
And...
Thud.
We killed them all.
How could we let them live?
They would definitely come after us with their companions as soon as they returned to the city.
'And they deserve to die anyway.'
They were from a clan that would be exposed for its crimes five years later.
Their backpacks were filled with evidence of their looting, and I had heard enough during the interrogation to feel no guilt.
"What about the bodies?"
"We should bury them."
"Then we should start digging."
I agreed with Amelia's suggestion without hesitation.
Yeah, it's best to listen to the expert in this kind of situation.
"I'll go erase the traces."
While I dug a hole to bury the bodies, Amelia went back to our campsite and dismantled the campfire and leaf bed I had built.
My short primitive life had come to an end.
Time to return to civilization.
"A dagger? Do you want to use it?"
We took off our 'Blessings of the Tree Spirit' and put on the clothes and equipment we had looted.
It wasn't as good as my original equipment...
'But it's good enough for now.'
It would be greedy to ask for more.
I finished burying the bodies and then ate some jerky and drank water from my canteen. And I checked the direction with my compass.
'Phew, I finally feel like a human again.'
It wasn't even strange anymore.
_______________________
"I know a cave. Let's go there."
The sky was turning blue as dawn approached.
I followed Amelia for about thirty minutes and arrived at a small cave.
It was a place she had found while we were heading towards the center of the island with Misha.
"It's bigger than it looks."
"...You've been here before?"
"I just took note of it while we were passing by. It seemed like a good place to hide."
Wait, you even remember the location?
"You have a good memory."
Amelia frowned at my genuine compliment.
"It's just a habit."
"Well, you're embarrassed by a simple compliment."
"...I'm not embarrassed."
"Oh, I see."
"Barbarian, what does that 'I see' mean?"
It just means I see.
Whatever.
"Let's get to the point. What was that stone?"
I asked the same question again, and this time, I finally got an answer.
"It's called the 'Fragment of Records'. It's a legacy of Archmage Gavrilius, a treasure that has been passed down through the Lords of Noark for generations."
So that was its official name.
It definitely seemed related to this situation.
"Then did we time travel because of that Fragment of Records?"
"Probably."
Amelia nodded and continued.
The 'Fragment of Records' was a legendary item that could supposedly allow you to go back in time and change history.
That's why she had spent her entire life trying to obtain it.
"But why did you use it when you were with me?"
"It wasn't my intention."
"What?"
"I didn't even know how to use it. I was planning to research it properly when I returned to the city."
According to Amelia, even the Lord of Noark didn't know how to use it, so he just kept it safe.
Until the 'Chosen One' appeared, as Auril Gabis had said when he gave it to him.
'Damn it.'
I couldn't help but sigh.
"Then you don't know how to go back either?"
"...That's right."
Amelia looked apologetic, but her eyes were sparkling.
I could understand.
She had finally achieved her lifelong goal. She was probably more interested in changing the past than returning to the present.
'What about the time I came from? Did it just stop?'
My mind was racing.
But I couldn't figure it out by myself.
I decided to satisfy my curiosity first.
"So, what happened?"
"What do you mean?"
"I'm curious about why you wanted to go back in time."
"..."
Amelia didn't answer.
Come on, just tell me you don't want to talk about it.
"..."
"..."
An awkward silence followed.
We both had a lot on our minds.
"The sun is rising."
Time passed, and the sun rose. We stayed in the cave.
It would be troublesome if we went out and ran into those explorers.
Damn it, if those guys had a boat, we could have used it to escape the island.
'They're controlling the entire island?'
I had learned something during the interrogation.
Parune Island was their clan's territory.
They used it as a base to loot explorers on nearby islands.
They had sent five members to search the island for any explorers who might have entered while the clan was away...
'Well, at least we just have to endure for today.'
The labyrinth closes on the 60th day on the 6th floor.
And today was the 60th day.
Even after time traveling, it was still a relief that the labyrinth closed.
'I wonder what happened to my companions... They still have a month left until the labyrinth closes. I hope they're okay without me.'
I was worried about my companions, but I tried not to dwell on it.
Yeah, I should worry about myself first.
I don't even know if I can go back.
'I hope we don't just end up staying in the past...'
I was having those silly thoughts when Amelia called me.
"Barbarian."
"My name is Bjorn, son of Yandel, human."
"..."
"So what did you want to say?"
"Choose an ID card from the backpacks. You should pick one beforehand."
Huh?
'Ah...'
I didn't understand at first, but then it clicked.
We couldn't even pass through the checkpoint if we returned to the city like this.
I rummaged through the backpacks and gathered all the ID cards.
There were at least forty of them.
"...Why did they even collect so many ID cards? It could be used as evidence against them."
"It's common. ID cards are worth money."
Apparently, there were many people who wanted new identities, even those who weren't from Noark.
'Well, they're already looters, so it doesn't matter if they get caught with ID cards. They might as well sell them for profit.'
We then looked through the ID cards and chose ones we could use.
Unlike Amelia, I didn't have many options.
There was only one barbarian ID card.
"Amelia Berrywells? You got a good one."
Amelia chose an ID card with the same name as hers.
It was a human female.
"Twenty-one years old? You have some conscience."
"...I, I didn't choose it because I liked it."
Huh? What's with that reaction?
"Wait a minute, how old are you, Amelia?"
"...Don't pry into my personal life, Bjorn Yandel."
Amelia quickly cut me off.
She was already thinking about the taxes she would have to pay after returning to the past.
'She's choosing the youngest one to pay less taxes.'
'Damn it.'
I sighed inwardly and checked the ID card I had chosen.
'Name: Nibels Enche, Age: Twenty-one, Explorer Rank: 6.'
That was the essential information.
But since I was 6th-grade, my essence information would be registered with the guild, so I shouldn't use [Gigantification] in public.
"Give it to me when you're done."
"Huh?"
"You told me not to call you a barbarian, didn't you? I can't call you 'Yandel' in front of other people."
Ah, right.
I handed Amelia my new ID card.
But then...
"Nibels Enche...?"
Amelia froze, staring at the ID card.
As if she knew the name.
_____________________
"Do you know her?"
Amelia shook her head at my question.
And she said it was just a coincidence and didn't elaborate.
Damn it, this woman is really frustrating.
'She could have just kept quiet.'
Anyway, we waited in the cave until the labyrinth closed.
We chatted occasionally, and one conversation was particularly memorable.
"I'll find a way for us to return, so try not to do anything that will draw attention. You might do something irreversible."
"Irreversible?"
"I heard this from a mage. If time travel is possible, even a small change could lead to the destruction of a nation."
He was talking about the butterfly effect.
You know, the one where a butterfly flapping its wings could cause a hurricane on the other side of the world.
'...Wait a minute, what happens if Bjorn from this time period dies?'
A sudden thought crossed my mind.
It's twenty years in the past, so Bjorn would still be alive.
He would be a baby, just starting to drink from a bottle.
But what would happen to me if that baby died?
'...I might be in danger.'
I should listen to Amelia's advice and lay low for a while after returning to the city.
"Alright, I won't cause any trouble, so don't worry."
"...I'll believe you."
Amelia said so with a distrustful look and then fell into deep thought.
Time passed.
A few explorers from the clan that was searching for us passed by, but Amelia had disguised the entrance well, so we weren't caught.
And finally...
[00:00]
The clock struck midnight.
It was time for the labyrinth to close.
Swaaaaaaaaaa!
A white light enveloped me.
My vision blurred, and then colors slowly returned. I looked up at the sky and chuckled.
'It was gloomy even twenty years ago.'
The familiar gray sky of Lafdonia.
"Hey, you're not going straight to your place, are you?"
"Of course not. Let's get a drink first."
The Dimensional Plaza was bustling with explorers.
Yeah, this was how it usually was.
I've been through so much lately that this peaceful scene felt strange.
It was finally sinking in.
'...This really is twenty years ago.'
I would have to live here for a while.
-x-X-x-
The sea was rough, waves crashing against the shore.
"Where's Bjorn? Is he back yet?"
"Not yet. He should be here soon..."
Arrua Raven clutched the 'Coordinate Transmitter' tightly, staring at the horizon. Everyone on the boat was feeling a sense of unease.
Bjorn Yandel.
Their leader, the barbarian who had stayed behind to buy them time, facing a 3rd-grade monster alone.
"Something must have happened. We have to go back and save him!"
"No! Didn't you hear what he said? We're not supposed to go near him."
"He always says that and then does whatever he wants! I'm going to do what I want this time!"
"But how are we going to get there? He's fighting underwater!"
"That's..."
Misha trailed off.
Raven, who had been shouting emotionally, also calmed down a bit and spoke.
"Just wait. He'll be fine. He'll come back."
"Sorry for shouting."
"It's okay. I feel the same way."
"You feel the same way?"
Raven hesitated for a moment at Misha's question and then answered,
"...He's our companion."
"Ah, yeah... That's right."
An awkward silence followed.
Everyone's gaze was fixed on the spot where they had left Bjorn.
About five minutes later...
The boat, which had been anchored at sea, suddenly rocked violently.
"The water! The water is receding!"
The sea level, which had risen like a flood, was rapidly decreasing.
"Wh, what's going on? Bjorn's not back yet! Did he... fail?"
"That's impossible! If Stormgush was still alive, there would be another storm!"
"Th, then..."
"Yes! Bjorn defeated Stormgush!"
Raven shouted joyfully, and Misha couldn't hide her relief either.
"That crazy barbarian! He said he would just hold out, but what the hell was he doing down there?!"
Despite her words, Misha's face was filled with relief.
"Partslan, turn the boat around!"
"A, alright!"
Raven quickly steered the boat back towards the island.
That's when...
Flash!
A white light flashed from beneath the surface, like a bolt of lightning.
"Wh, what was that?"
"I, is something wrong...?"
Everyone looked at Raven, including the priestess.
...But a mage doesn't know everything.
"I, I don't know..."
The labyrinth was full of mysteries.
She had never even seen Stormgush before.
"..."
Time passed, and the water level continued to recede, revealing the center of the island.
But Bjorn was nowhere to be seen.
"Where the hell is he?! What are these equipment doing here?"
The only things left in the center of the island were Amelia and Bjorn's equipment.
"There's a nail here. And a rope tied to it. He must have been here..."
"He probably tried to tie himself down so he wouldn't be swept away. But where did he go...?"
"Then what about his equipment? Why would he take off his equipment...?"
The scene was full of contradictions.
"...Let's search the area. If he was swept away, he wouldn't have gone far."
Raven, confused, tried to stay calm and gave an order.
Bjorn had told her that she had to be the leader when he wasn't around.
"There's more equipment here! It's the necklace Bjorn was wearing!"
"Th, there's underwear here! It's his!"
The others spread out and searched the island.
The water level continued to recede, and the island returned to its original state.
But...
"Why... why isn't he anywhere...?"
They couldn't find Bjorn, even after searching the entire island.
What the hell had happened here?
No one knew, but Raven spoke firmly.
"Maybe Bjorn..."
"Don't say anything stupid. He'll be fine."
A leader should always be positive.
That's what Bjorn had taught them.
So...
"It's clear that he defeated Stormgush. He even had the presence of mind to tie himself down. I don't know why he took off his equipment, but maybe he was swept away to another island. Let's go look for him."
Raven then boarded Partslan's boat and searched the nearby islands.
There were many guesses and arguments.
But they didn't give up hope.
Time passed...
"...We'll see him in the city."
They couldn't find Bjorn, and it was time for the labyrinth to close.
Swaaaaaaaaaa!
The light of the labyrinth enveloped them.
Raven returned to the city and looked for Bjorn in the deserted Dimensional Plaza.
But he wasn't there.
She went to the checkpoint, but he wasn't there either.
"Where's Bjorn? Was he at the plaza? The employee said he wasn't among the explorers who passed through earlier."
"...We couldn't find him."
Raven and her companions waited anxiously.
But even after all the explorers had left and the plaza was empty...
"..."
Bjorn didn't appear.
He should have been here, no matter where he was in the labyrinth, if he was still alive.
"Um... It's almost closing time..."
The employee started to look at them nervously.
It meant only one thing.
But no one could say it out loud.
"..."
A heavy silence fell.
And then Ainar, the only barbarian, spoke.
"Yeah, Bjorn is dead."
It was time to face reality.
______________________
They say that even mountains change in ten years.
But not this city.
Enough time had passed for mountains to change twice, but this city was still the same.
Like the street in front of the checkpoint I was standing in.
"Dad! Over here! Over here!"
"Ramirion, you're back safe and sound. Let's go home. I made your favorite food."
The street was filled with families and friends of explorers.
Even the buildings looked the same.
The only difference was the signs on the first floor.
'There used to be a bar there, not a general store.'
I was finding the differences between the past and present fascinating when...
A woman stood next to me.
It was Amelia.
"Ah, you're here."
"You're late. Did you have any problems at the checkpoint?"
"No, just like you said, I handed them the ID card and exchanged the magic stones."
"Really? That's good. Then let's go."
"Where to?"
"A clothing store first."
After meeting Amelia, we went to a nearby clothing store and bought some clothes. And then we got a room at an inn in the 7th district, my usual territory.
"Come to my room after you wash up. We need to talk."
I took a bath, changed into my new clothes, and went to Amelia's room.
She had already finished washing up and opened the door.
"What did you want to talk about?"
I sat down on the bed and asked, and Amelia dried her hair and sat down at the table across from me.
"I have something to confirm."
"Go ahead."
"Are you... going back?"
What the hell is she asking?
"Of course. I'm going back no matter what."
"Hmm, I see."
"Did you think I would want to stay here?"
"I thought it was a possibility. You must be starting to feel like you've returned to the past."
"What does that have to do with anything?"
"...It's twenty years in the past. You might not know this, but you could live a much more comfortable life here if you use this time difference to your advantage."
"I see."
"...It's not just 'I see'. Barbarian, don't you realize what kind of opportunity you have...?"
I cut her off before she could continue.
"That's enough."
I understood what she was trying to say, but it didn't appeal to me.
There's no Bitcoin here.
If I stayed, I would lose everything. My equipment, my noble title, and my precious companions.
It wasn't worth it.
"I'll go back as soon as I find a way. So stop talking about it. I wouldn't even be here if it weren't for you."
"...I'm sorry about that."
Well, her apology was a bit late.
"So is that why you called me?"
"No, I have something else to ask. I wouldn't have told you if you were planning to stay."
She was testing me, wasn't she?
"Stop beating around the bush and tell me."
"I need your help while we're stuck in the past."
Damn it, she wouldn't answer my questions, and now she wants my help?
Does she think I'm an idiot?
"What do I get in return?"
"I'll help you find a way to go back."
"You don't even know how to go back, how can you help me?"
"...There's one thing we could try."
"Tell me."
I was ready to leave if she said I had to make a decision first, but...
"We could use the Fragment of Records again."
Amelia told me her plan.
But I didn't understand.
"The Fragment of Records? It disappeared when we time traveled..."
I stopped mid-sentence.
"Ah..."
It didn't disappear completely.
This was twenty years in the past.
"Yeah, the one I used is gone, but there's still one left. It should be with the Lord of Noark."
I suddenly thought of the Genesis Artifact.
If this theory was correct, then the 'Genesis Artifact', the key to the final floor that had been stolen, would also exist in this time period.
'What happens if I take it back to the future? Will I be able to clear the game?'
I was curious, but I quickly dismissed the thought.
I should focus on returning to my original time first.
'And it probably wouldn't work anyway.'
Amelia and I had been stripped of our equipment when we time traveled.
It meant we couldn't take anything back to the future.
"..."
Ah, I got sidetracked again.
Amelia was staring at me.
Damn it, I'm a barbarian, I can't focus for that long.
"Ahem, continue."
"...I'll tell you after I hear your answer."
Damn it, she's playing hard to get.
I sighed, but I didn't have a choice.
The Fragment of Records was the only plausible way to return.
And...
'I can't do it alone.'
I needed Amelia's help to obtain it.
I didn't even know where the Lord of Noark kept it.
"Alright, tell me. How can I help you?"
Amelia had a strange expression when I agreed.
She didn't seem happy.
No, she looked annoyed.
"Is there a problem?"
"...No. It can't be true."
"What can't be true?"
Amelia didn't answer.
She just composed herself and started talking.
It was a long story, and when it was over, I finally understood.
What Amelia Rainwales had wanted to change.
_____________________
The next day...
"I'll be busy for a while. I can't stop you from doing whatever you want, but try to stay out of trouble. You might do something irreversible."
Amelia moved out and left.
She was going to meet with those shady scouts who tried to recruit criminals for Noark.
We both had to enter Noark to achieve our goals.
'Damn it, I never thought I would have to go to Noark.'
Amelia said she would be back in about three weeks.
She would come back occasionally to update me on the situation.
'Then what should I do now?'
I felt restless, being alone in the room.
Maybe it was a gamer's instinct.
I was in a world twenty years in the past.
'Should I go explore?'
I quickly got dressed and left the inn. Amelia had told me to lay low...
'But I can't just stay here.'
What could possibly happen?
-x-X-x-
There was no specific destination for this outing.
I just wandered around, following my feet.
'Oh, that skewer shop was there twenty years ago too.'
Although I didn't particularly enjoy walking, this time it was quite fun.
It was like playing a game of spot the difference.
Whenever I saw shops that were still open twenty years later, I felt a strange sense of familiarity, even though I had only been there a few times.
As I was wandering around aimlessly,
"...Huh?"
When did I get here?
Habits are truly scary.
I blankly looked up at the beautiful building in front of me.
[Central Record Repository of the Southern Ravigion.]
A place commonly known as the 'library', and the place I had visited the most in this world.
'This place hasn't changed at all in twenty years.'
Since I didn't have any urgent tasks, I entered the library without hesitation.
And...
"Welcome. We're happy to have you here."
As soon as I entered, I was greeted by the staff.
Honestly, I was quite flustered.
'What the... this isn't how it usually is.'
The counters, which were always empty when Ragna was there, were all filled with staff. When I first came here, there was only one sleepy librarian.
One of the many librarians approached me.
"Is this your first visit?"
A female librarian who looked to be in her early teens.
She looked very young, so she must be a part-timer.
But why does she look so familiar?
"...Is this your first visit?"
"Ah, um... yes."
"Then I'll briefly explain the rules and how to use the library."
As I listened to the staff member's explanation, I realized that the number of librarians wasn't the only thing that had changed.
There was only one administrative mage among all these staff.
He would use magic to retrieve the records of the books based on the keywords provided by the users, and then the other librarians would guide them to the location.
"...Why are you using such a cumbersome method?"
"Excuse me...?"
"Wouldn't it be easier to just cast a spell on the users and let them find the books themselves?"
The librarian looked at me with a 'What the hell is this barbarian talking about?' expression and then answered with a bright smile.
"Haha, you might think that, but I heard that casting spells on other people consumes much more mana."
"Ah, so the problem is that there aren't enough mages."
"Yes. I've never even heard of such a spell."
Huh? What is she talking about?
There's no such spell?
I tilted my head in confusion, and the librarian muttered with a self-deprecating voice.
"The noble mages of the Magic Tower wouldn't create a spell for lowly librarians like us."
"...Oh, is that so? I'm sorry. I'll come back later."
"No, please feel free to ask if you need help finding a book or a specific genre."
The librarian returned to her seat after our conversation ended. As she did, I noticed her name tag, which I hadn't been able to see before because of the angle.
[Apprentice Librarian - Shabin Emure]
Ah, that's why she looked so familiar.
She must have worked here before getting a job at the Administrative Office.
'This is quite fascinating.'
I suddenly had a thought.
If I wanted to, I could see Misha's younger self.
'Ah, but she still has a lisp now.'
Anyway, that wasn't important.
'Dwarkey... he would be alive here.'
Liol Wobu Dwarkey.
The mage who would probably be one of my lifelong regrets.
'If I could change the future...'
Could I prevent Dwarkey's death if I did something here?
That thought made my body tingle.
Literally.
Buzz.
What the...
Who electrocuted me?
I looked down and saw a kid glaring at me with a disrespectful look.
I spoke gently, like a mature barbarian.
"What the hell are you doing?"
The kid answered my question.
"I'm a mage."
That was ridiculous.
Yeah, so you're a mage, so what?
Did he think I would be intimidated and bow down to him?
"You're too young to understand this, but even mages die if their necks are broken."
It would be ridiculous to seriously argue with a seven-year-old mage, so I just gave him some sincere advice.
But did he not like it?
"Whatever, just move. You're blocking the way."
The kid glared at me with a defiant look.
Now I understood why he electrocuted me.
'He electrocuted me because I was blocking the way?'
What a rude kid.
But I endured, remembering Amelia's words about not causing trouble.
"Fine, go ahead, kid."
"You're old, but you can't even use magic."
"What? Do you want to see a neck-breaking spell?"
As I stepped aside, the kid scoffed and left.
"...How barbaric."
Yeah, it doesn't affect a barbarian.
'Tsk, tsk, are all kids like this twenty years ago? We weren't like this... What's happening to the world?'
I then looked around the library.
And I sat down at an empty table without taking out any books.
I had something to think about.
'It would be a waste to just leave.'
Twenty years of time difference.
As Amelia said, it was a huge opportunity.
'I only have three weeks before I have to return to the surface, but...'
I organized the things I could do during that time.
A few things came to mind.
'First, the Genesis Artifact.'
The Genesis Artifact is stolen twenty years from now.
I couldn't prevent that, and it was practically impossible to steal it beforehand and bury it somewhere.
I didn't even know where they hid it in the sanctuary.
But...
'I could at least warn them.'
That's how the first task was decided.
Write an anonymous letter saying that someone will steal the Genesis Artifact on March 1, 153rd year of the Change Era.
Of course, I didn't know if this would change the future.
But it wouldn't hurt to try, and it wouldn't take much effort.
While I was at it, I decided to write about the Sacred Relic War as well.
It was the primary cause of the barbarian tribe's decline.
'...I wish our tribe was at least as strong as it is in this time period.'
I hadn't spent much time observing the city twenty years ago, but the most noticeable change was the ratio of barbarians.
Barbarians were everywhere.
This must have been normal in the past.
The Sacred Relic War caused a population decline, and the Magic Tower's announcement that barbarian hearts were valuable as magic materials led to the current situation.
'The Magic Tower... how can I stop them?'
Hmm, I'll think about this later.
I didn't have any immediate solutions.
Next.
Prevent Dwarkey's death.
There were two ways to do this.
Intervene in the past and prevent him from becoming an explorer...
'Or kill that Dragonslayer bastard.'
The former had many variables, but the latter was the most certain method.
It would also be more beneficial to the world.
It had many advantages.
But there was one problem.
'I don't even know if he's in Noark.'
According to recorded history, the Dragonslayer first appeared ten years after stealing the Dragonslayer sword.
He single-handedly attacked the fairy sanctuary, which had been destroyed in the Sacred Relic War, marking his debut in Orculus.
Unfortunately, his whereabouts before that were unknown.
'Then I should meet Dwarkey first.'
Therefore, I decided to go with 'prevent Dwarkey from becoming an explorer'.
There were many variables, but it was worth a try.
I even knew where Dwarkey was living in this time period.
'If I go there and tell him how difficult and dirty being an explorer is, he'll probably change his mind.'
Okay, then that's settled.
'Next...'
I was continuing my thoughts when...
Buzz.
I heard an electric buzzing sound.
Fortunately, it wasn't coming from my body.
"Ouch!"
I turned towards the sound and saw a man screaming in pain after being electrocuted.
"Move, you're blocking the way."
The kid was saying the same thing he had said to me to the man.
But the outcome was different this time.
How many people in this world are as kind and forgiving as me?
Slap!
The man slapped the kid across the face.
Although the kid was skinny, he was still a grown man. A seven-year-old kid couldn't withstand that kind of force.
"Virhe Te..."
The kid tried to cast a spell as he got up, but the man didn't give him time.
Thump!
A merciless kick to the kid's small body.
"...Shouldn't we stop him?"
"Let's call a librarian."
People were watching, but no one stepped forward.
Ha, this is why bookworms are so useless.
They're distracting.
"Who made that noise?"
I couldn't just sit there and watch, so I got up and walked towards the commotion. And I tripped the man who was still kicking the kid.
"Be quiet in the library."
Thud!
"Damn it, who the hell are you?!"
The man fell on his butt and got up, cursing.
He glared at me and raised his voice, but then...
"If you don't want to get hurt..."
He trailed off.
"If I don't want to get hurt?"
"..."
The man didn't answer.
Was he trying to use the first method of pissing someone off?
Fortunately, it seemed like that wasn't the case.
"...Just go your own way."
He looked down and tried to act tough.
I was a bit surprised.
He had slapped the kid without hesitation, so I thought he was a barbarian-like equal opportunity bully...
'He's only strong against the weak.'
Well, he was definitely in the wrong this time.
"Just leave. Can't you see people are trying to read?"
"...Tsk."
I gave him an excuse to leave, and he clicked his tongue and disappeared.
He must have been embarrassed after calming down.
"Are you okay?"
"...Leave me alone."
He should have said that when he was kicking the kid.
"Sigh."
I sighed and helped the kid up.
And I asked,
"Don't you have a mother?"
"I do."
Huh? He does?
"You don't."
"...She's at home."
Ah, I see.
He should have said that from the beginning.
"Why are you here alone? You should come with your mother."
"...I can do it myself."
"Is that why you got beaten up?"
I hit him where it hurt, like a true barbarian, and the kid frowned.
"...I could have won."
"I see."
This is why I don't like kids.
They're not rational, and they're stubborn.
"Whatever, do what you want. If you're going to pick fights, go somewhere else."
"...I wasn't picking a fight. He was blocking the way."
What is he talking about?
"You were also wrong to use magic. You should have asked him to move."
"I did. To you, and to that man. But you both ignored me."
Huh? Really? I didn't even hear him...
"So I'm not going to do it anymore."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm not going to thank you."
"Ah, is that so?"
I wasn't expecting it anyway.
"Fine, go away."
I waved my hand, and the kid, looking frustrated, scoffed and left.
A staff member soon rushed over.
Fortunately, I didn't have to explain anything. The staff member had already heard what had happened from the other users and thanked me before leaving.
"...I heard you resolved the situation. Thank you."
That was the end of the incident.
As I sat back down and continued my thoughts...
Thud.
I heard a sound next to me and looked over.
The kid was sitting at the table diagonally across from me, reading a book.
"Hey, what are you doing?"
"Reading a book."
"Why are you reading here?"
"Why can't I read here?"
Ha, this kid...
'I have to endure.'
I exercised my adult patience and moved to another table.
But guess what?
Thud.
A few minutes later, the chair next to me was pulled out.
"Why are you following me?"
"I'm not following you."
"You are."
"I'm not."
Based on my extensive experience in volunteer work, I had unintentionally attracted the kid's attention.
'In this situation, indifference is the best medicine.'
If I ignored him, he would eventually lose interest and leave.
I focused on my thoughts, ignoring the kid.
But this kid didn't know when to stop.
"Why aren't you reading? Are you just going to sit there?"
"..."
"Can't you read?"
"..."
"Do you want me to teach you?"
Ah, this is driving me crazy.
"Hey, kid."
I finally spoke, and the kid frowned.
"I'm not a kid."
"You are a kid—"
"Arrua Raven."
"...Huh?"
I froze.
I couldn't believe my ears, but they weren't wrong.
"My name is Arrua Raven. Say it properly."
...No way.
_________________________
Blue eyes and flowing blonde hair.
A small physique and human race.
Those were the only similarities I could find, but she definitely looked like Arrua Raven.
But it was difficult to be certain, like with Shabin Emure.
There was a huge difference between a seven-year-old and a teenager.
So I asked again, just to be sure.
"Is your name really Arrua? Not Aruna, Aruru, or Aruveros?"
"What are those weird names? My name is Arrua. So say it properly."
Geez, she's sensitive.
She wouldn't even be called 'Arrua' twenty years from now.
"So how old are you?"
"Five."
Wow, she's the same age.
She must have been tall for her age when she was younger.
I was surprised by the sudden encounter, but I started to feel curious.
"What's that book? It looks like a magic book. Are you studying by yourself?"
"Yeah."
"Don't you go to the Magic Tower?"
I knew she would be part of the Magic Tower in the future, so I couldn't help but ask.
But she just clicked her tongue.
"Do you think anyone can just go to the Magic Tower?"
Well, that's true...
"My family is poor, so I can't."
"Is that why you're studying by yourself?"
"Yeah, if I become an administrative mage, I won't have to worry about money."
"...That's... true."
I awkwardly nodded and thought about what I was doing when I was five.
'I was in and out of the hospital, reading books in my room.'
I was also mature for my age, but she was on another level.
At least I wasn't worried about my 'future' back then.
Well, I didn't have time to think about that since I was always on the verge of death.
"I'm going now."
"Huh? Now?"
"My mom will be home from work soon. If she finds out I was at the library, she'll be mad."
"Yeah, I guess your mom would be worried if you snuck out like this."
"...It's a bit different from that."
Raven then returned the book she was reading and left without looking back.
'It's a bit different from that, what does she mean?'
It was a trivial statement, but the gloomy expression she had when she said it bothered me.
'Is there something wrong with her family?'
Come to think of it, she had never talked about her family in front of us.
I didn't even know she was from a commoner family.
"Hmm..."
This is getting interesting.
-x-X-x-
I thought about following Raven after she left the library to find out where her house was, but I decided against it.
It wouldn't be right to do that to a companion. She hadn't told me about her family situation because she didn't want to. If I was really curious, I could just ask her directly later when we returned to our original time.
'…Then what should I do?'
I tried to continue organizing my plans, but I couldn't focus, so I just left. I ate and then rolled around in bed, and then Amelia returned.
"…You were doing that all day?"
"What about it?"
You told me to stay home.
Amelia shook her head at my gaze and tossed me a heavy pouch.
"Here."
"…Money?"
"I sold the equipment and items we took from the looters. We split it evenly, so go buy some equipment tomorrow."
"Oh, this is quite a lot."
"There aren't many blacksmiths in Noark, so it's difficult to get new equipment. Don't waste it, spend it on things you need."
Geez, the nagging.
"How's your work going?"
"It's still in progress."
Amelia said she would tell me when there was progress and then disappeared.
It seemed like she just stopped by to give me the money.
'I should go eat some grilled meat tomorrow.'
I went out early the next morning and headed towards Commelby, the commercial district also known as the 'free market'. And I placed orders for a few pieces of equipment at the blacksmith I usually went to.
They said it would take about three weeks…
'This place was doing well even twenty years ago.'
Well, it made sense.
There weren't many places in Commelby that offered high-tier equipment at a good price.
'I should look around while I'm here.'
I wandered around and enjoyed myself since I didn't have anything else to do.
I checked the prices at the central exchange, asked other explorers about the best restaurants from twenty years ago, and enjoyed myself until it was almost time for the last carriage.
I returned to the inn, had a drink, and went to bed.
And the next morning, on Day 3…
'Phew, I'm nervous.'
…I visited the sanctuary.
I was worried that someone might talk to me, not recognizing me…
'But maybe because of the large population? The atmosphere in the sanctuary is completely different from twenty years later.'
…but fortunately, that didn't happen.
They were different from my generation, who memorized the names and faces of everyone in their year, even those above and below them.
'Okay, let's just leave the letter and get out of here.'
I sneaked into the chieftain's tent while he was away and left the letter I had written the day before, then left the sanctuary.
And then I visited the Leathlas Church.
Coincidentally, there was a suitable request.
It was a building maintenance job for the church.
The only reward was achievement points, so it was practically volunteer work.
"Your application has been accepted."
The work started in three days, so I just submitted the application form and left.
I went to the library since I had some time left.
As I was sitting there quietly, organizing my thoughts, the chair across from me was pulled out.
Thud.
Yeah, you're here again.
"Hey, Arrua."
"...."
I greeted her, even calling her by name, but Raven frowned.
"Why didn't you come yesterday?"
She's acting like we had an appointment.
She was the one who left without looking back.
"Whatever, did you eat?"
"Yeah."
Raven said she had a piece of bread she brought from home.
Geez, is that a meal?
"Let's go eat some meat."
"…Meat?"
"Don't you like it?"
"I don't know."
"You don't know?"
"I've never had it."
Damn, this kid is breaking my heart.
"Then you can try it today. Come on, get up. You can study later."
"But…"
"Don't worry, we're just going to the restaurant in front of the library."
"I'm not worried."
Raven got up from her chair, annoyed at being treated like a child. And she moved one seat over, creating some distance between us.
"Don't pity me. I can buy meat with my own money later."
It seemed like my offer to buy her food hurt her pride.
Damn it, my bad.
There's a way to approach this type of person.
"Ah, I'm sorry if you thought that way."
Raven got up from her chair again as I apologized sincerely.
And...
"It's my first time seeing an adult apologize. I'll let it slide."
...she sat back down in her original seat.
What the hell, she's like a cat.
"I'm going to read now, so don't bother me."
Raven then said firmly and started reading.
I was a bit dumbfounded.
When did I bother her…?
"...."
"...."
Anyway, time passed quietly as we maintained a comfortable distance.
Thud.
Raven spoke again when she turned the last page of the book she was reading.
"…Are you an explorer?"
It was a question I had been expecting.
Kids love this kind of stuff.
"Yeah, I'm an explorer."
"What rank are you?"
"6th grade."
I corrected myself quickly.
I decided to answer based on 'Nibels Enche', just in case.
"Is that high?"
"It's average. Most of the explorers in the books you read would be at least 4th grade."
"Hmm, I see."
Surprisingly, Raven didn't tease me for having a low rank or ignore me.
She was just curious.
"Can you tell me about it?"
"About the labyrinth?"
"Yeah."
I then told her stories about the labyrinth, about my life as an explorer, exaggerating some parts.
Ah, I tried to avoid the bad stories.
Raven was different from Dwarkey.
Damn, I have to protect children's innocence.
"That's interesting. Are all barbarians like you?"
"My name is Nibels Enche."
"Ah, sorry. I'll call you by your name from now on."
Contrary to my first impression that she was a crazy kid, Raven was surprisingly mature.
She was considerate and tried not to do things that she didn't like to others.
But she had one flaw.
"But why do you pick fights with adults?"
"I wasn't picking a fight."
"A smart kid like you wouldn't not know that there are better ways than electrocuting people."
"…I don't know."
As we talked, I realized that Raven had a strong desire to be acknowledged.
Well, who doesn't?
But it was much stronger in her than in other children her age.
Maybe the reason she electrocuted those people who were blocking the way was because of that. She probably wanted to show off her magic.
Well, she probably never got the reaction she was hoping for.
Based on my experience, there's only one thought that comes to mind when you're suddenly electrocuted.
Is this kid crazy?
"Then I'll be going. See you later."
Raven left the library as if running away from an uncomfortable topic.
So I also returned to the inn.
Three days passed.
________________________
The past, twenty years ago.
Although I had been excitedly exploring the city every day, I quickly lost interest.
After all, what's so special about twenty years ago?
It's still just a place where people live.
So I had spent most of the past three days at the inn, except for chatting with Raven at the library.
'Ah, come to think of it, I didn't tell her I couldn't go today.'
I had become quite close to Raven after meeting her every day for the past few days.
She even started talking about her family.
'…It was unexpected.'
Raven was from a single-parent household.
But it wasn't because her father had died, he had left a year ago.
Ah, for reference, her father was also a mage.
No wonder she was able to learn magic just from reading books at the library. Her father had taught her the basics.
[Anyway, that's why my mom doesn't like me learning magic. She even sold all the books we had at home. It reminds her of him.]
I was surprised by her sudden family story, but Raven said it was nothing special.
But I thought it was also part of her defense mechanism.
If she pretended it didn't bother her, maybe it would really become nothing to her.
'Damn it, this is heartbreaking...'
So I had a new goal now.
To help Raven enter the Magic Tower. Well, she would become a member of the Magic Tower someday, even without my help…
'But the sooner she enters, the better.'
Maybe Raven would be an even greater mage when I returned to the future.
Hmm, but would our first meeting be different then?
'Eh, how much could it change?'
It would probably just make the Vampire fight easier, and even if it wasn't, it didn't matter.
The past had already changed.
I had left a letter at the sanctuary.
And I would be going down to Noark with Amelia in three weeks to save someone who was supposed to die.
'If it's going to change anyway, it's better to guide it in a way that's beneficial to us.'
Right, in that sense...
Thud.
I took a deep breath at the entrance.
'I'm a bit nervous.'
The Leathlas Church orphanage.
The place where Dwarkey spent his childhood.
"Ah, Mr. Nibels Enche?"
"Yes."
"Please wait here for a moment, the foreman will explain what we're doing today. Would you like something to drink?"
"No, it's fine."
I entered the orphanage, said I was there for volunteer work, and waited for a while. A tough-looking man then came and led me and a few other volunteers to the work site.
"As you can see, the building is a bit old, so there are many places that are uncomfortable and dangerous for the children. I've divided you into groups, mixing experienced volunteers with newbies, so let's all work hard today."
My job for the next week was to repair the old building.
It was a bit of a strange feeling.
The last time I was here, I was moving luggage before it was demolished.
"Hey, barbarian! Morning work is over, go take a break!"
I diligently followed his instructions, and then I went to the playground where the children were playing during my break.
It wasn't difficult to find Dwarkey.
He was the only one reading a book under a tree while everyone else was playing.
'...He didn't have any friends even back then.'
I drank water from my canteen and sat down next to him. But the lines I had prepared to become friends with him didn't come to mind.
I could only think of his last moments.
There were many things I wanted to say to him if we ever met again.
"I'll... move. Please rest..."
Dwarkey, as if uncomfortable with my gaze, got up.
I came to my senses.
I had to do what I had to do.
"Sit down."
"Ye, yes!"
"...You can speak informally. I won't bite."
"..."
Dwarkey sat back down, but he kept looking at me nervously.
Damn it, I didn't expect him to be this timid.
"What's your name?"
"Liol."
"Last name?"
"I don't want to tell you."
"My name is Nibels Enche. I'm a 6th-grade explorer."
"I see..."
Damn it, this feels like bullying.
Don't kids usually like it when someone who looks like an explorer approaches them?
Like these kids.
"Wow, a barbarian!"
"Is that a tattoo? Did it hurt?"
The children who were playing came over to me, curious. And when I told them I was an explorer, they begged me to tell them about the labyrinth.
I looked at Dwarkey, who had moved to a corner.
'He could have just left, but he's still here, so he must be curious too.'
Dwarkey was also looking at us from afar, as if he wanted to hear about the labyrinth. So I started talking.
Ah, of course, it was a different version from the dream-like stories I told Raven.
"Goblin! Have you ever fought a goblin?"
"Of course I have. I crushed its eyeballs like this with my hand, and then I smashed its head with my fist. Its skull was pretty hard, so I had to hit it three times."
"Wow..."
"I also remember the time I stepped on a trap. I thought I was going to die. My muscles and tendons were torn, and I couldn't even use one of my legs. I crawled through the darkness for hours, looking for someone to save me."
"Uh oh..."
"Yeah. It was a tough experience. My shin bone was sticking out, so it hurt every time it touched the ground. And then the goblin's paralysis poison wore off, and I thought I was going crazy. I didn't realize it back then, but I lost one of my molars."
"...Huh?"
The children's faces darkened as the story continued.
Well, who would tell them this kind of story?
"Ah, and one more thing. People usually think that monsters turn into magic stones as soon as they die, but that's a misconception. They stare at me for about three seconds, even while their brains are spilling out of their noses and ears. With this kind of look."
"..."
"Is this boring? Then I'll tell you about humans. I once met a looter who wore human ears as a necklace..."
"...Waaaaaaaaah!"
A little girl who was trembling at the front ran away crying.
But I continued my story.
"This isn't good? Then I'll tell you about the first time my arm was torn off."
"..."
"This isn't good either? Then... hmm, I guess I should tell you about the time the guild tried to frame me and kill me."
"Um..."
"Yeah?"
"Is, is that all you have?"
One of the kids asked me, trembling, as I was about to continue.
I nodded without hesitation.
"What do you expect? I don't know what kind of stories you've heard, but these kinds of horrible things happen every day during exploration."
That was the truth.
Although you smiled and said it was a good thing you became an explorer...
It was definitely a horrible experience.
"So... that's why..."
I looked at Dwarkey and said,
"Don't do this. Okay?"
-x-X-x-
The week-long building renovation project passed quickly.
There were no major incidents.
I focused on my work and then talked to the children about how tough being an explorer was during breaks.
But even that stopped after Day 3.
The children stopped approaching me, even when I sat down in the shade to rest.
"...."
"...."
So it became my daily routine to spend my breaks quietly with Dwarkey under the shade of a tree.
Ah, of course, we chatted occasionally.
"Why are you here?"
"…The director said my parents couldn't afford to raise me."
"I see."
"Bu, but it's better than the other kids. My family will come pick me up soon…"
"…Did you say that in front of the other kids?"
"I, I did?"
Ugh, I could see why he didn't have any friends.
Dwarkey started making excuses when I sighed.
"I, I'm fine. I won't be here for long anyway. My, my parents are merchants. They're just struggling right now…"
'Struggling, my ass.'
I felt a bitter taste in my mouth.
Because I knew his situation.
The current Baron had sent Dwarkey to a branch family as soon as he was born, and they irresponsibly left him here.
'His biological mother found out and told the Baron, and then he went to live with her in a separate annex…'
For reference, he had barely even seen his adoptive parents in over ten years. But they provided him with financial support, so he was able to live comfortably and even learn magic.
"You're having a hard time. Here, have some jerky. You have to eat well when you're young to grow tall."
"Ah, thank you…"
Our break soon ended as we sat there, munching on jerky.
"Um… this is your last day, right?"
"Yeah, the repairs are done. The roof won't leak anymore, even if it rains."
"…Thank you."
Well, at least he has manners.
The other kids thought it was natural for volunteers to come and fix their house.
"If you're really grateful, don't ever become an explorer."
"What? What do you mean…?"
"Just answer me."
"An explorer? I, I can't do that… I don't even want to."
Little Dwarkey's expression was sincere.
Well, that's a normal reaction after hearing that story.
Even the other kids were sick of hearing about explorers, so there wouldn't be anyone who would encourage him.
…Honestly, I'm still not reassured.
'But I can't stay here forever, so I have no choice but to leave the rest to fate.'
"Hey, Enche! Come help us with this!"
"Liol, I'll be going now."
"…Okay. Goodbye."
I gave Dwarkey all the jerky and snacks I had in my bag and then returned to the work site.
He refused, but what could he do when a barbarian was determined to give it to him?
"Thanks to you, we finished early again today. Everyone, good work!"
The foreman announced the end of the work after a few more hours.
The end of the week-long project.
"We're having a drink after this, do you want to join us?"
"But I'm an explorer?"
"Haha, everyone knows you're not arrogant like the other explorers, so it's fine."
The foreman asked if I wanted to join their after-work party, and I hesitated for a moment before agreeing.
I didn't have anything else to do anyway.
Raven wouldn't be at the library at this hour.
"The church gave us a generous allowance, so everyone drink without worrying!"
We then went to a nearby bar and drank. But could it be because it was my first time drinking with non-explorers?
'It's a bit awkward.'
I couldn't keep up with the conversation.
We talked about which blacksmith was good, and which clan member was dating whom, but…
"Um…"
…someone next to me spoke as I was feeling left out.
Her name was…
"Wobu Emiren."
Ah, right.
She was impressive, carrying heavy luggage and working hard without complaining, despite her small physique.
"Do you have something to say?"
"That… I heard the stories you told the kids."
Ah, no wonder she was looking at me with a strange gaze whenever I talked.
"About the labyrinth?"
"Yes."
Emiren nodded shyly and then asked cautiously,
"Is it… really that horrible?"
"Not really."
"Yes? But…"
"I told them that because I didn't want them to get any wrong ideas. It's definitely a tough place to endure with a half-hearted attitude."
"Ah…"
I then told her a few stories.
Starting with the scenery on the 3rd floor that Dwarkey liked, the vast forest, the snowy field I saw in the 'Glacier Cave', and the various mysteries.
I could feel the people around us quieting down as the story continued. Well, adults and children alike love this kind of stuff.
"Snow… I've never seen it, so I can't even imagine it."
"Is it like cold sugar?"
The things that happened in the labyrinth were like stories from another world to them, who had lived their entire lives trapped within the walls.
Just like how their stories were unfamiliar to me, they rarely interacted with explorers.
"It's been a while since I've heard such an interesting story."
"I should tell my son when I get back."
Of course, it wasn't a one-sided conversation.
The topic naturally shifted back to their lives after I finished my story, and I joined in when I could.
'This isn't bad either…'
The party ended as people started leaving one by one, returning to their families, as the sun began to set.
"Um…!"
A woman stopped me as I was leaving the bar.
"Ah, Emiren. What is it?"
"I have a question. Is it okay?"
"Go ahead."
Emiren hesitated for a moment and then spoke in a troubled voice.
"You said earlier that even you get scared sometimes."
"That's right."
"I, I also get scared. There are times when I feel like my heart is going to explode just by thinking about it. How do you overcome it, Mr. Enche?"
It was a difficult question.
Especially since it was from someone I had never met before.
But I decided not to overthink it.
She was already standing in front of me, seeking courage.
"Like I said, barbarians aren't fearless beings."
I was even less so, as an ordinary office worker.
But…
"We just know. That if we don't do what we have to do because we're afraid, the only thing that awaits us is the worst possible outcome."
"The worst possible outcome… right… I see…"
An awkward silence followed.
I gave her some time to think and then asked,
"Is it something you have to do?"
"Yes."
Although her voice was quiet, there was no hesitation.
Therefore, there was only one thing I could say.
"Then do it."
A barbarian's encouragement.
Her answer came after a pause.
"…Thank you for giving me courage. I'll try my best."
"Really? I hope it goes well, whatever it is."
"Yes. And the stories you told us earlier were very interesting."
"I'm glad to hear that."
"Especially about the sea. It sounds like an amazing place, even though I've only heard about it. I'll probably… never be able to go there."
I didn't say anything to her self-deprecating remark.
What could I say?
That she could go if she wanted to?
I knew that would be a lie.
"…I'll be going now."
"Ah, right. Go ahead."
I said goodbye to Emiren one more time and then parted ways.
But for some reason…
'Wobu Emiren…'
…her name kept bothering me on the way back.
_____________________
Amelia was in my room when I returned, reeking of alcohol.
"Where were you? You weren't here this afternoon."
"Ah, I went to do some volunteer work."
"Volunteer…?"
Geez, that frown.
Did I say something wrong?
"You have to learn how to give back to society."
"…I see."
"Anyway, it's good to see you. I'm running low on money, so give me some."
"You already spent it all?"
"Ah, I bought some equipment and stuff, and I don't have anything left."
"…I see."
Amelia rummaged through her pockets and tossed me a pouch.
It was quite heavy.
'I don't have to worry about meat for a while.'
"I'll put it to good use."
I thanked her and then told her about a few of the restaurants I had visited, the ones that were still open twenty years later.
She didn't seem like she would go, judging by her expression.
Phew, she's going to get mad if I don't get to the point soon.
"Ah! But how's your work going? You said you met with that broker or whatever."
"It's still in progress. It's going well, so if there are no other incidents, we should be able to leave next week. Get ready."
"Alright."
Amelia left as soon as the brief conversation was over, saying she had work to do.
'Leaving next week…'
I lay down on the bed after washing up and changing my clothes, organizing my thoughts.
There wasn't much to organize.
'We're leaving next week, so I should wrap things up with Raven.'
I should be able to receive the equipment I ordered next week, and then it would just be Raven.
I should go to the library tomorrow.
'The important part is after we go down to Noark.'
I would have to be careful from then on. Although Amelia and I had made plans,
Nothing ever goes according to plan.
'Phew… I want to go back soon.'
I slowly drifted off to sleep, my mind filled with hopes and worries.
______________________
I was laughing and chatting with my companions in a two-story house I had rented with Misha.
Although I didn't realize it at first, I soon came to my senses.
'It's a dream.'
I was certain when I looked in the mirror.
I saw Lee Hansu in the mirror, not Bjorn.
It was something that couldn't happen in reality.
The background blurred, and the space changed as soon as I realized it.
[Bjorn, what are you doing? Let's go!]
This time, it was the labyrinth.
We were exploring, climbing the floors as usual.
But I was Lee Hansu, not Bjorn. The shield was heavy, and the monsters were all taller than me.
'Why can't you even block that?!'
I kept making mistakes, and my companions were getting hurt.
At first, it was just injuries, but then someone died.
[If it weren't for you…]
It was Dwarkey.
I realized it was a dream again, and the background changed.
It was another familiar place.
A quiet room reminiscent of a medieval noble's office.
"What the hell, it's the Round Table now?"
I chuckled at first, but I soon felt a sense of dissonance.
'It's a bit different…'
The structure and atmosphere of the room were similar.
But the clothes, the accessories, and the masks that should have been on one of the walls were all missing.
Well, maybe it was lacking in detail because it was a dream…
"…But it's too realistic."
I blankly opened and closed my hand.
I could feel the movement of my muscles.
And my thoughts were clear.
Knock, knock.
The sound and texture of knocking on the wall.
Everything was the same as in reality.
Swoosh.
I looked at the full-length mirror in the corner.
Lee Hansu was standing there, not Bjorn.
Then what was going on?
Assuming it wasn't a dream, I came up with a plausible guess.
'Ah… today's the day the community opens.'
I was summoned while I was sleeping.
That explained why I was in this form.
And why the way we communicated in this community was different from the community twenty years in the future.
It made sense considering it was the early days.
Maybe I would see the GM with a surprised expression if I opened that door and went out.
But…
"...."
I suddenly remembered my conversation with Lee Baekho.
[There have been evil spirits in this city for over a hundred years. That's over twenty years ago in Earth time. Then who are they?]
I told him to just tell me, and he said,
[They're from another dimension!]
Evil spirits summoned from another dimension.
They were a minority compared to those from Earth, but they all had unique powers.
One of them created this space, and the GM we know inherited it?
'Don't tell me…'
It was a possibility.
That's when, as that possibility crossed my mind…
Knock, knock.
…someone knocked on the door.
-x-X-x-
There was no second knock.
As if the first knock was just a notification, the door opened without even a word of permission.
Creak.
An old man entered.
He had a full head of white hair, and his skin was wrinkled.
But he didn't give off the usual frail aura of an elderly person. His gait was steady, and his back was straight.
And most importantly…
"Hmm."
…his presence.
His body language and gaze spoke for themselves.
This old man was dangerous.
"Judging by your clothes, you must be from Earth."
The old man scanned me and muttered.
"How did you get in here?"
My mind went blank.
What should I say?
They were definitely otherworldly evil spirits, judging by their clothes.
"...."
I chose to remain silent.
I decided to try and figure out the situation by letting him speak first, instead of rushing to answer.
Well, that was the plan…
"Amazing. You already have three 3rd-grade essences. It's only been a little over a year since you were summoned here."
…but the old man was already reading my information, even though I hadn't said a word.
Damn it, where did he get that ability?
"This is… intriguing. I'm curious. Forget about how you got in here, tell me this first. Who are you?"
"...."
"Are you just going to stare at me?"
He would have been wary of a stranger entering his room uninvited, but the old man urged me on in a friendly voice.
'Phew, what should I say?'
Should I just tell him I'm from the future?
That thought crossed my mind, but I dismissed it.
It wasn't wise to reveal my information when I didn't know anything about him.
So…
"I'll ask the questions first."
"Hoo, then will you answer my questions?"
"To some extent."
I took the initiative by using his curiosity.
He must be curious about my identity, just like I was confused.
I had to use this to get as much information as possible.
"Go ahead."
I asked my first question as soon as he gave me permission.
"What's your name?"
"Haha, my name…"
The old man chuckled as if it was a boring question, but his name was very important to me.
I had the advantage of coming from twenty years in the future.
Even if it was a name that wasn't known now, it might be different in the future. I might even be able to figure out what kind of life he lived based on his name.
"You're quite polite, wanting to introduce ourselves first."
The old man smiled.
And…
"I'm—"
…he was about to open his mouth when…
"...."
…he frowned and closed it.
But it was only for a moment.
"I apologize. It seems like something came up, so we'll have to continue this conversation later."
The old man, speaking in an elegant tone, then made an unexpected suggestion.
"It would be rude to just leave you here. Hmm, what should I do… Why don't you come with me?"
I hesitated for a moment and then agreed.
What else could I do, being alone in this room?
I might be able to get more information if I followed him.
"Alright, you're quite bold. But you'll attract attention from the other members in that outfit. Here, wear this."
The old man waved his hand, and clothes that suited this era appeared in the air.
But was that not enough?
"Ah, it would be better to cover your face too."
He then created a white mask and handed it to me.
What is that convenient ability?
It must be something he could only use in this spiritual world.
I put on the clothes and the mask.
"Is it uncomfortable?"
"No, it fits perfectly."
"Huhu, I should prepare some masks here. Some people might not want to show their faces."
"...."
"Let's go."
We left the room and followed the old man.
And he gave me some instructions.
"Don't be surprised or act like you know anyone you see. No, if possible, just keep your mouth shut and observe, like you did earlier."
"What if someone talks to me first?"
"That won't happen, and even if it does, I'll take care of it, so don't worry."
Well, if he says so.
I continued to observe my surroundings as I followed him.
The more I looked around, the more I felt a strange sense of déjà vu.
The room I was in earlier was also like that, but this place felt similar to the mansion where the 'Round Table' was.
'There are no windows either.'
Of course, the decorations on the walls, the location of the rooms, and the width of the hallways were all different.
But…
'It's too much of a coincidence.'
I didn't dismiss it as just a feeling and carefully scanned my surroundings.
After some time…
"We're here."
…the old man stopped walking and slowly opened a large door.
'What the…'
There was a round table beyond the door.
_________________________
The room with the round table that I had entered countless times wearing the Lion mask.
There were quite a few differences.
First, there was no jewel on the table that could distinguish between truth and lies, and the room was a bit smaller.
But…
'It's similar.'
Other than that, it was practically identical.
The patterns engraved on the edge of the table, the picture frames on the walls with paintings I couldn't understand…
Most of it was the same as the Round Table twenty years later.
Then how was this possible?
'Don't tell me this old man is the 'Master'?'
Master.
The mysterious figure who created 'Watchers of the Round Table', whom I had only met once.
Maybe the old man in front of me was him. Well, it wasn't impossible that one of the people here had modeled it after that place…
'Anyway, I'll think about it later.'
I was momentarily stunned by the familiar round table, but I quickly came to my senses.
What did this round table matter?
The important thing was the people sitting there.
'Four.'
There were four people in the room.
Three men and one woman.
They looked at us as soon as the door opened.
And…
"Who's that behind you?"
…they were very interested in me, who was even wearing a mask.
It was a bit similar to when I first joined the Round Table.
'Geez, those eyes.'
They felt like thorns.
Every time their gazes landed on me, my skin tingled, and I felt a stabbing sensation.
That's when, as that uncomfortable time continued…
"It's none of your business who he is."
…the old man drew a line, his tone authoritative and strong, unlike when he was talking to me. And he immediately got to the point in the suddenly quiet atmosphere.
"I heard there was a conflict while I was gone."
"...."
"Of course, I believe you're not foolish enough to forget the rules of this place."
"...."
"But I should at least hear you out. What happened?"
The old man spoke as if he was scolding children, and an awkward silence fell over the room.
They all avoided making eye contact as if they were trying to decide who would take the blame.
A middle-aged man with a large build was the first to speak.
"…I'm telling you this beforehand, but we had no intention of fighting amongst ourselves. But this guy keeps instigating us."
The man in black frowned at his accusation.
"Why is it wrong to want to kill the King?"
"Ha, do you think I don't know why you want to kill the King? Don't try to drag us into your personal vendetta."
"Kagureas. Are you still clinging to hope after failing to find a way for decades?"
"Of course. Just like everyone else here. Ah, except for you now."
"That's funny. If you want to return, you should be helping me. The royal family, who holds a great secret, is the end of all questions."
"…It's too dangerous to touch him. And there's no guarantee that the royal family is even hiding the clue to returning."
I could see why they were arguing.
The hardliners who wanted to kill the King and find the clue, and the moderates who thought it was too dangerous and wanted to find another way.
That's when, as I was listening intently to their conversation, finding it fascinating…
…my mind went blank at the middle-aged man's next words.
"Do whatever you want. I don't care if you form a group called Orculus or whatever. It has nothing to do with me."
What? Form Orculus?
'…Don't tell me, he's the 'Captain'?'
The unexpected appearance of a big shot.
I suddenly remembered what the old man said earlier.
To not be surprised no matter who I saw?
It made sense for him to say that if he was the captain of Orculus. After all, he was a famous figure shrouded in mystery.
I can't believe I met him here—
"But Master Ruinjenes is different."
The middle-aged man then looked at the child-like figure and spoke.
My mind went blank again.
'Huh? Ruinjenes…'
Belvev Ruinjenes.
The real name of the 'Ruin Scholar', who was once the leader of a large school but became a criminal after dabbling in forbidden magic.
"I won't stand idly by if you try to persuade him with your pathetic words."
"Do you really believe that he can complete the dimensional magic?"
"I do. It's much more plausible than your ridiculous plan to kill the King."
I clenched my fists, looking at the child who was casually sipping tea.
Slurp.
Seriously, this kid is the Ruin Scholar…?
________________________
The captain of Orculus.
And the Ruin Scholar.
'Damn, what a lineup…'
I naturally became curious about the other two after learning the identities of the two big shots.
But…
'I've never heard of the name 'Kagureas' before.'
I had never heard of the middle-aged man's name.
And I didn't know anything about the woman since she hadn't said a word.
Just who were these two?
"Enough, I understand the situation."
The old man then spoke, silencing the room.
Although he didn't seem charismatic, everyone was intimidated by his single word.
"Everyone, leave. We have more important matters to discuss today, so we'll talk about this later."
"More important matters?"
The woman, who had been silent until now, finally spoke at the old man's words.
"Are you talking about the person behind you?"
"That's right."
Everyone's gaze turned to me as the old man readily agreed.
He's more important than us?
That's what their gazes were saying.
But they all just looked at the old man, holding back their words.
"Who is he? It's your first time bringing someone here. And why is he wearing a meaningless mask?"
The woman asked again, and the old man answered.
It was the same answer as before.
"Mind your own business."
"...."
"Now, can you all leave?"
The people in the room, starting with the woman, got up and left at the old man's order.
And…
"Haha, we're finally alone again."
…the old man smiled kindly, as if he had taken off a mask, as soon as everyone left.
"Then let's continue our conversation. Where were we?"
"…You were about to tell me your name."
"Ah, right."
He laughed like a friendly grandfather, saying I would also become like him when I got older.
And he introduced himself casually.
"You're from Earth, so you might already be familiar with my name."
"...?"
"Nice to meet you. My name is Auril Gabis."
Auril Gabis.
The author of the Compendium of Rifts, and the name of the game developer who created [Dungeon and Stone].
-x-X-x-