The vampire seemed just as awkward as I felt when he said thank you.
Changing the subject like that.
"Anyway, that's the end of my story. Though, I don't think I properly explained the world of that time. You seemed more interested in that side of things."
He was right.
But as the story went on, I was too absorbed listening to his tale to pay attention to anything else.
"If you have any questions, even now, ask away. I'll tell you everything I know without holding back."
So finally, question time began.
His story was interesting, but what I was most curious about was the worldview of that era.
"Duke, do you know who the witches really are?"
"I don't know much. I only know they're women… everything else is shrouded in mystery. But the pilgrims who follow the witches believe that someday, after death, they will go to the Land of Dawn."
"…The Land of Dawn?"
"A place without worries, pain, or discrimination, where all are equal and free. A land where you can go anywhere you wish."
"…"
"The pilgrims say that. Before hearing your story, I hoped this place might be that land. I thought maybe my prayers had been answered before I died."
"Is that so…"
I didn't mention that the 8th floor of the Labyrinth is called the 'Land of Dawn.'
It's just the same name for a completely different place.
"Anyway, back to the original story… The Empire cried out that if the witches weren't destroyed, the world would perish… but I didn't believe it."
"Why didn't you believe that?"
"The Empire has a history like that. You probably don't know, but in ancient times, there were five gods. Two religions were erased from the world by the Empire for political reasons. I've heard a lot of blood was shed then."
From my perspective, hearing an ancient person talk about ancient history.
But since he didn't seem to know much about the five gods, I moved on.
"What kind of place is the Empire?"
"That's a hard question to answer."
"Anything is fine. Just tell me whatever you remember."
Then I learned about the ancient Empire's influence, culture, and nature.
It controlled one-third of the continent's land and influenced another third directly or indirectly.
That's probably enough to know for now…
"Do you know of Lapdonia Castle or its territories?"
"Lapdonia? You mean the city where you live? Sadly, it's the first time I've heard that name from you."
So he didn't know that.
A bit disappointing, but I kept my composure and moved on.
"Did monsters exist in your era?"
"Of course. Goblins, Yetis, Ogres… many monsters lived across the continent. Though they differed somewhat from the ones you told me about."
"Differed…?"
"For starters, neither the 'essence' nor the 'magic stones' you mentioned existed then. And most had intelligence. Goblins and kobolds formed villages in forests or mountains and sometimes interacted with humans."
Apparently, orcs were considered a whole faction back then…
"What about elves and dwarves? And the dragonkin? What status did they have on this continent?"
Curious, I asked, but he looked puzzled as if I said something absurd.
"Elves and dwarves? Aren't those creatures only in stories and myths?"
"…Huh?"
What was that?
My mind went blank for a moment, but there was no trace of jest in his expression or voice.
"Duke… what kind of race do you think I am?"
I cautiously asked, and through his answer, I realized something.
In the ancient era before the world's destruction,
monsters did exist.
But…
"…Obviously, humans."
There were no other races.
Humans, beastmen, elves, dwarves, dragonkin, barbarians.
The six races making up the last fortress Lapdonia.
But the duke said now,
"There were only humans in those days…?"
Barbarians lived in the northern and southern wildlands fighting monsters.
Dwarves built underground cities and had their own states.
The forests where elves lived were safe thanks to guardian trees protecting them from monsters.
Beastmen lived mixed with humans from that era.
Records about dragonkin were scarce and hard to find.
Those other races, just before the world's end, fled to Lapdonia, the last bastion.
The lord, needing their strength, gave them respect and recognized their own domains — the holy lands.
'…It doesn't make sense.'
The holy lands still preserve culture and tradition from that era.
Barbarians still follow communal child-rearing, using the mother's name as surname for daughters and the father's name for sons.
The 'Spirit Imprint' is said to be an ancient secret technique passed down from then.
But no barbarians existed in the ancient times?
'Maybe our world and that world were different?'
The thought crossed my mind — like parallel worlds you see in movies or comics.
Maybe that's the case.
Nothing is certain, though.
"I was a bit surprised by your size. Are you not human?"
"…By our world's classification, no."
I went on to explain the six races, then discussed the mystery with the duke.
Unfortunately, no significant breakthroughs were made.
So I kept asking, trying to gather as much ancient information as possible.
I would have liked to talk all day, but as always, everything has an end.
"…It was enjoyable after a long time, but I think we should end the story here."
"…?"
"Actually… my madness has flared up again."
Only then did I notice his eyes were unusual.
The whites were bloodshot, and veins bulged on his forehead and neck.
In that state, the duke calmly said to me,
"This is the end."
"…"
"While I still am myself."
"…"
I exhaled deeply, calming my breath.
My heart felt heavy.
Not because I couldn't get more information.
But for a different reason.
'It would have been easier if he'd lost his mind and attacked…'
Of course, I had no intention of refusing his request.
I raised my hammer.
"Just so you know, I don't know how to kill nicely."
"You don't have to. I can tell."
He chuckled softly and quietly closed his eyes.
Then, as if he suddenly remembered something,
"Ah, one last thing I want to tell you."
"Go ahead."
"Since you told me about meeting me in the Labyrinth, some faint memories have come back. It's not only your memory."
His closed eyes opened again.
"I don't know well… but there, I was always losing control and fighting. Probably with the explorers you mentioned…"
His bloodshot eyes gazed into empty space, as if seeing something invisible.
"This is only a guess… but maybe I've been here all that time, summoned whenever there was a fight with them…"
"That's… quite plausible."
"How about it? Is it helpful?"
Without hesitation, I answered,
"Definitely."
What he told me included information about the guardian statue hidden on basement level one and the secrets of the cracks.
That will help in the journey ahead.
"Good…"
As if he had nothing more to say, he closed his eyes again and quietly muttered,
"Am I real or fake…"
A murmur as if talking to himself.
"When this heart stops, where do I go?"
I did not answer.
Only thought to myself.
The place he goes after death is neither the afterlife described by the Tri-God Church nor the Land of Dawn spoken of by the pilgrims.
He will be reborn again, forget today's memories, and repeat the same things over endless ages.
But…
"Enough. Wherever it is doesn't matter."
"…"
"If I can at least lessen my sins a little."
Then, in a voice so calm it was eerie, he said,
"This is the end."
The moment he announced his readiness, I brought down the hammer.
Though crude, I poured all my strength into ensuring no pain.
Fwoooosh!
The hammer struck the heart I had barely reached before with the [Exploding Flesh] spell several hundred times.
Crash!
The eerie sound echoed through the empty chamber, scattering beams of light.
A rainbow-colored essence rose as well.
I had seen this countless times as an explorer, but could only watch silently.
Whooaaaahhh!
Until the light beams woven in the air vanished.
When I came out through the portal, the outside was complete chaos.
After all, the vampire had taken so long that everyone was worried sick.
"Mister…!"
"Yandel…! What happened inside? No, whatever happened doesn't matter. You're now excluded from the raid…"
"Are you hurt? Are you hurt anywhere?"
Even Amelia spoke strangely about excluding me from the raid…
But the lucky thing was no one reacted like I was some dead person returned.
They confirmed survival by seeing the portal wouldn't open again?
"3 hours 21 minutes…"
Of course, even in that chaos, the record mage was diligently recording.
"Everyone, move aside. Enough worrying. It wasn't dangerous from the start."
"Then why were you so late coming out?"
Raven, in charge of the guardian special training, approached with a sharp tone.
I was about to explain before she pushed.
"There was a guardian inside with intelligence. So I had a long conversation trying to understand it."
"…A guardian with intelligence?"
"Yes. Though he went mad at the end, that was how it was at first."
I didn't go into details but openly told everyone about talking with the vampire.
I couldn't keep that secret and conduct experiments.
"In that sense, I have a request for those who enter next…"
I instructed the newcomers to try talking as much as possible.
But…
"Yandel, none of that happened to me."
"Same here. The moment I entered, murderous intent rose and they attacked."
"I, I didn't get to talk…!"
Amelia, Elwen, Misha.
None of them, nor anyone else who entered later, experienced anything like I did.
So the question grew bigger.
'What was different?'
Why could Duke Cambermier keep his sanity in front {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} of me?
And why did the other guardians behave the same?
Like his final guess.
[Maybe I've been here all that time, summoned whenever there was a fight with them.]
If these are the originals, and the space we found on basement level one is some sort of storage, why don't similar phenomena happen with the other guardians?
I had no answers.
The more I thought, the more questions grew.
So I decided to collect more samples.
"Yandel, are you going to catch that thing now?"
"I need to confirm something."
"…You can do it later."
Amelia worried when I said I'd clear the unknown statues that might be guardians of some crack, but I didn't change my mind.
"Don't worry. After all, they're just Grade 5 monsters. It won't be dangerous."
With that, I reached out to the troll statue.
I felt strange somehow.
'Guardian troll, huh…'
I would have been curious to see the rainbow-colored troll essence before.
But now I wondered about something else first.
What story did this guy have?
What would happen to him when I reach the Abyssal Gate?
Would he find rest then?
"…"
I couldn't help but keep thinking.
-x-X-x-
The space I entered through the portal next to the troll statue didn't take long to identify.
The cold seeping through my shoe soles.
Walls of ice reflecting a white light like transparent glass.
'…It's the glacier cave.'
The place where I met Bear Uncle and killed Xensia, the player from Noir Ark.
But there was no nostalgia—those feelings had already come rushing when I entered to hunt the Tyrant Tarunbas earlier.
'Anyway, this must be the first floor crack…'
Thanks to that, the sample size increased.
Just as the hidden boss Cambermier Duke appeared with an extremely rare chance in the Blood-Red Fortress crack,
some cracks might have hidden bosses.
The guardian troll I'm about to face now is likely one of those cases.
"Let's see its face first, then think."
After stopping quietly at the start point to gather my thoughts, I moved forward through the passage.
Soon, the narrow path opened into a huge cavern.
No troll in sight yet.
'As expected… the boss rooms are a bit different.'
Before the boss appears, I quickly scanned the surrounding terrain with my eyes.
Like how the Blood-Red Fortress had a coffin instead of a death knight where Cambermier appeared.
There were changes here, too.
Three ice orc brothers trapped in ice pillars.
The lack of these appetizer-like foes before the boss was also true for the Tyrant Tarunbas…
'What happened here?'
The frozen cavern was filled with corpses.
Bodies torn apart, crushed beyond recognition, stacked like mountains.
But it wasn't hard to tell they were Empire soldiers.
Thanks to the emblem on bloodstained, discolored flags.
The same emblem I saw in the doppelganger's forest and the cave where I fought Captain Dreadpier.
'The Empire army gets everywhere.'
Like England on Earth, maybe?
Besides Empire corpses, there were monster bodies.
Ice orcs, frost wolves, yetis, and more.
Monsters native to the glacier cave, and some unrelated specimens scattered about…
'Isn't that Tarunbas…?'
I found a corpse suspected to be Tyrant Tarunbas, original guardian of the glacier cave.
His usual club was missing.
Creak, creak.
What's that sound?
After briefly looking around at the unnatural noise breaking the silence, I soon found the source.
Creak, creak.
A particularly large corpse pile at the cavern's center was shaking.
Listening carefully, I heard noises from within.
gulp—
This time, a swallowing sound.
Curious, I approached.
[Aaaaaaargh—!]
Something buried beneath the corpse pile screamed and rose.
Over five meters tall.
Fierce, protruding fangs.
Aside from being much bigger than a normal troll, it had all the troll traits.
'Well, the skin's black, though…'
I'm a K-Barbarian who lived in modern times where saying anything about skin color can get you labeled racist.
So I focused more on other things.
'It's holding a club, too.'
With one hand, it was crunching on a human arm like a snack.
In the other hand was a club.
Originally carried by Tyrant Tarunbas.
Oh, and it has an official name.
No. 9712 'Snowfield Club.'
As a rather low-tier item, it's a blunt weapon with a simple effect: adding cold damage to normal attacks.
Kuuung—!
After gulping down its "snack," the creature took a threatening step toward me.
Still, I calmly tried to talk.
"I am Bjorn, son of Yandel."
Kuuung—!
When I spoke to show no hostile intent, it stopped.
It looked down at me, tilting its head.
[Grrr…?]
Could it be that this time it understands?
That hope was shattered within a second.
[Aaaaaaargh—!]
Just naming myself made the troll roar and charge.
The bigger the hope, ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) the bigger the disappointment.
"Hah…"
So it really doesn't understand.
I had suspected that after seeing it gnaw on human limbs…
Well, it's too early to give up.
Whooosh—!
Dodging its swinging club nimbly, I tried to talk again.
Just in case, this time in the ancient tongue.
[Calm down. I don't want to fight you.]
[…]
[My name is Bjorn, son of Yandel—.]
[Aaaaaaargh—!]
Damn.
That didn't work either?
At this point, there weren't many options left…
"Aaaaaaargh—!"
I even tried speaking in its language, but still no communication.
So I pulled out my last resort.
Since Lapdonia and the ancient tongue didn't work, nor its own language,
I had no choice but to attempt a physical conversation.
Bam—!
I hammered the jaw of the charging beast with my hammer.
People with anger control issues are easy to find in modern times, after all.
Like them, I hoped that showing a clear power difference would calm it down.
But…
'Not exactly a petitioner.'
I didn't use [Swing] fearing a one-shot kill, but it only got angrier and charged again.
Just like ordinary monsters showing aggression until their life flame extinguishes.
'Okay, then I'll give up on talking.'
Judging the main goal impossible, I focused on a sub-goal.
Gathering information about this guy…
Whooosh—!
The club sliced through the air with a tearing sound.
No flashy effects like glowing weapons or lightning bursts.
But precisely because of that, I recognized instantly.
'…[Swing]?'
The troll used [Swing].
Surprising, but my mind calmly deduced the cause.
'A high-level mutant…'
Glacier cave trolls are high-level mutants.
They use essence from other creatures.
Just like Vampire Cambermier used Nightfla's [Pain Sharing],
this guy can use Ogre skills.
But that's not the important part.
'…Wow, it really exists.'
A curiosity I'd had for a long time.
What would a monster with both an ogre's power and a troll's regeneration be like?
Now that imagined monster was real.
But…
'It's underwhelming.'
If the ogre possessed troll essence, that'd be different.
This opposite case was surprisingly bland.
Well, maybe I've just gotten too strong?
If I had met this guy instead of Cambermier on the first crack, Bjorn Yandel's journey would have ended that day.
'Now, let's test things out.'
I slowly dealt damage while studying its combat style.
Collecting as much info as possible would make it easier for those who challenge later.
Still, the fight ended quickly.
About 30 minutes, maybe?
Except the cave darkened at the end and the troll's cooldown disappeared, there were no particular dangers.
[Corrupted Beast Kirdyu has been defeated.]
[High-level mutant defeat bonus. EXP +1]
[Guardian defeat bonus. EXP +3]
Finally, when I smashed the troll's head with my hammer, the portal opened.
As always, I ignored the rainbow essence and went out.
After defeating the troll, I cleared all unidentified guardians of Grade 5 but found nothing special.
The only one who could talk was Duke Cambermier.
'There must be… some reason…'
No matter how much I thought, no plausible theory came.
Why could that guy talk?
What made him different from the other guardians?
Just luck?
I had no idea.
So I ended the secret digging and resumed the raid.
I cleared the third-floor crack, the White Temple.
[…]
Strangely, the Knight of the End who appeared in the White Temple didn't even utter his usual in-game lines and just charged me.
The same was true for the fourth-floor crack I challenged using borrowed gear.
"You… Hyedo… came to kill me…?"
The doppelganger who should have said such a line started the boss fight without a word.
Oh, by the way, the boss fight setup was different from the original.
We had to fight inside and outside simultaneously, and I wondered how it would work solo when the doppelganger turned into a teammate.
'Did they really make this to be beaten?'
It fought disguised as me and used [Self Replication] to gain numbers.
But it wasn't hopeless.
The doppelganger couldn't copy the Numbers items.
Aegis Barrier.
Crowl's Demon Crusher.
Two core items, plus 'Wilderness Outlaw'—a counter to humanoid monsters.
And many other borrowed gears outside.
Using all that to the extreme, I defeated the doppelganger.
About seven hours later.
[Doppelganger defeated.]
[Guardian defeat bonus. EXP +3]
The doppelganger's seal that had to be broken was lifted earlier, and I saw the [Crystallize] pattern 13 times in that state.
No matter how many multiplied, my full build prevented damage from ever landing.
'Damn… I thought I was done for.'
I shared the battle details with everyone outside; they were speechless after hearing I fought for seven hours.
No one dared try the challenge, only gaped in awe.
"The essence of the doppelganger… tempting, but I must give up."
"This is the kind of monster no one can solo."
"I'm amazed you could solo a guardian from floor 4 or higher."
"But… Baron, it seems you didn't take the essence this time?"
That last question was something I pondered too.
Doppelganger essence is highly valuable.
Useful for almost any class.
But…
'I don't have enough slots.'
How much stronger could I get with two bodies?
Plus, the clones don't copy Numbers items.
Also, [Self Replication] only synergizes if the clone has essence like Amelia's [Dual Rule], so I gave up.
'I need to keep a slot free for whatever's coming next.'
Anyway, after the fierce fight with the doppelganger, I just relaxed and spent a day resting.
The expedition team's atmosphere was unusual.
"Oh! You're back! Good to see you!"
"Priest! Please look at this wound!"
The explorers chosen for the challenge went in and out of portals day and night, showing passion.
Knights, priests, and mages stepped back to their tasks, killing time.
They didn't need experience or essence.
Only mages with scholarly zeal seemed interested in the current situation.
"The Baron will challenge the Golden Ruins tomorrow, right?"
"Yes, that's planned."
"I'm curious… what will the Golden Ruins be like? And what lies beyond that closed door?"
Those mages only waited for my actions and paid no attention to the already cleared statues.
The next day after rest.
[Golden Fang Calphion defeated. EXP +6.]
[Guardian defeat bonus. EXP +3.]
After breakfast, I challenged the 4th floor crack, the Golden Ruins, and cleared it in about three hours.
But unlike the doppelganger, it wasn't as intense.
Just the tank's fate.
'Ah… I need some attack skills.'
[Swing] and Demon Crusher.
Thanks to these two, I managed to finish it.
Peeling Calphion's shell off one by one inevitably took time.
It wasn't a humanoid monster, so I couldn't boost damage with Wilderness Outlaw.
'…But I got it because I'm a tank.'
That's common in RPGs.
A well-grown tank can solo bosses others can't, if the matchup is right.
Assuming no time limit.
'So if I exclude unidentified guardians, only the 5th floor remains…'
When I looked toward the 5th floor guardians, attention gathered.
Mostly curious looks, but members of Anabada looked somewhat tense.
"Surely… two portals opened starting from the 5th floor crack?"
"That's right. Everyone's curious who Baron Yandel will enter with."
I looked around.
"…"
Expressionless Amelia and expectant Elwen.
'Does she think this is a picnic or something?'
Misha looked tense, and Ainard avoided my gaze as soon as we made eye contact.
He seemed more unmotivated than usual.
Well, the person I'd bring was already decided.
Step by step, I passed by the group and stopped before one person.
"Arua Raven."
"…Yes?"
She was completely surprised at being chosen, but no lengthy explanation was needed.
"I need you."
Of course, the essence of a 5th floor guardian.
It had to be collected in a vial.
-x-X-x-
To an explorer, knowledge is a precious asset.
That's why they never share their experiences or gathered information with others for free.
Ah, of course, that doesn't mean they're stingy.
It's just that this attitude is widely accepted as normal in the explorer industry…
Great navigators like Pikma.
Abyss Scavenger Rimenin, and others.
The reason why such figures, called great men, are respected by all is largely because of this. They didn't just achieve great feats; they lived lives of generously giving and sharing what they had for the public good.
Anyway, in that sense…
"Alright, now that we're inside, let's briefly cover the guardian we need to take down this time—"
I cut off Raven's triumphant words the moment we passed through the portal.
"No need to explain."
"Eh? But you said you needed me earlier?"
Raven looked flustered by my words.
Did he really think I meant I needed knowledge?
No wonder his skinny, anchovy-like shoulders rose all the way up as soon as he heard me.
"Raven, the reason I need you is different."
"…What is it?"
His voice sounded somewhat sulky.
Since we'd been companions for a long time, I immediately recognized that he was pretending to be annoyed because he was embarrassed.
Well, later on he really seemed angry.
"Isn't this a chance to get the essence of the 5th floor guardian? Of course, we have to bring it back in the test tube."
"…What?"
His cold voice echoed after a long pause.
I quickly added, trying to excuse myself.
"And among the mages I know, you're the most trustworthy. Raven."
"…What are you saying? But isn't Versil Gowlund also someone you get along well with? I °• N v l i g h t •° heard he acts almost like the vice-captain."
"But trusting someone and being able to rely on them are different matters."
"Hmm… really?"
Fortunately, Raven's expression softened again.
It was curious.
Other people can be serious, but why does this guy give me chills down my spine? And he's the shortest too.
While pondering that, Raven muttered in a logical tone.
"Well, I guess that makes sense. Mr. Gowlund wouldn't know your true identity. So, it would be hard for Mr. Yandel to act freely."
Well, one thing's certain: if he took an MBTI test, he'd definitely get a T—.
"Unlike me, that is."
"…Huh?"
"No, I just meant that. Don't get weird ideas. It's just… the truth, isn't it?"
"Hmm… That's not exactly wrong."
In fact, Versil doesn't know that I'm a player.
Besides, Versil is from the modern world, so unlike pureblood mages, he's terrible at research and sees things and thinks differently.
That was why I chose Raven.
One player's mindset is enough — I needed a local's perspective.
"Anyway, can we get to the point now?"
"Alright."
After that, Raven and I stayed at the start point talking about the upcoming boss battle.
Mostly, I would explain something, and Raven would question it with doubts, then accept or admire after hearing my answers.
"To think there was such a method… Is that knowledge from your world?"
Strictly speaking, it wasn't really from this world but knowledge I gained through my twenties.
"…Something like that."
"Kind of a half-hearted answer, isn't it?"
"What are you talking about? I'm always sincere."
"That's a relief. Anyway… since we have plenty of time, tell me more about your world."
Just as I was about to start moving, he made the request.
I had received a lot from Raven before, so it was hard to refuse outright.
"Talking isn't hard… but suddenly?"
"Not suddenly, I've been curious for a while. But until now, we never had a chance to be alone…"
I suppose talking about such things outside could be a little awkward. So even if curious, he wouldn't have asked by coming separately.
"…For only 30 minutes. People will be waiting outside too."
"Okay. Fine. Then just 30 minutes."
"So, what are you curious about?"
When I smiled as if to say 'say anything,' Raven immediately asked.
"Internal combustion engines."
"…Huh?"
A word I never expected from him.
"They say these engines move huge iron carriages without words or mana? I'm curious about the exact principle."
"…"
"Don't you know? I heard for sure such things exist…?"
Is it because he's a mage?
When I told Amelia about the modern world, I spoke about giant flying machines in the sky and how the people directly elect their king — such romantic stories.
"I-I don't not know."
"Oh, really? Then tell me, exactly how do internal combustion engines work?"
"Well… they use steam? Heat energy? Something like that to turn wheels."
"…Is that all?"
Raven's eyes grew cold after my answer. Somehow I felt ashamed, but the more so, I shamelessly continued.
"That's it. Such details are classified state secrets. People like us couldn't easily know."
If Hyunbyeol had been here, she'd have sneered and laughed contemptuously.
But what does that matter?
Hyunbyeol isn't here.
There's only an innocent local mage.
"Simply put, it's like magic from your world? Then I understand. Even ordinary people don't know the principles behind the basic devices of magic engineering."
Raven accepted this seriously, and after that asked various questions while I continued talking about the modern world.
I had suspected since he asked about internal combustion engines, but Raven knew surprisingly much.
"I was pretty interested in the subject."
"Really?"
"Yes… I studied it later on."
"Studied?"
"After we met again, I got somewhat interested. Being in the army, it was easier to get related information…"
Certainly, before he was wary of evil spirits and avoided modern stories, but now his curiosity seemed bigger.
That's probably why he started this talk when we were alone.
"Well… time's almost up."
"Already?"
Raven looked regretful but didn't insist on continuing.
The essence of the 5th floor Rift Guardian is highly valuable.
Because there are twelve types of rifts, it's harder to get a specific essence…
In fact, essences of 5th floor or higher guardians never appear at auction. No one wants to sell them, and even if they did, the royal family secretly takes them first.
"Have you been here before, Mr. Yandel?"
"No, it's my first time. At least in this body."
"Ah…"
"Didn't I say the story isn't over? Focus."
Leaving the start point, we soon reached the boss room.
Flare—!
A small flame flickering in the middle of a charred forest. This area was the boss room of the 5th floor Rift called 'Burning Forest.'
Normally, it's a place you reach only after extinguishing all fires across the east, west, south, and north zones over several chapters…
Here, all that tedious process is skipped.
'Experience points are basically copied here.'
Moreover, the guardians here drop essences guaranteed. Well, that's not such a meaningful advantage if you think about it.
'At least you can enter the 5th floor rift with two people. That's a relief.'
Lower rifts only allow solo entry.
Simply put, you need to have the specs to take down the boss alone to get the essence.
But usually, those people don't need guardian essences since they can solo hunt anyway.
Like the essences I've left untouched until now.
'Theoretically, if a mage solos, they could bring the essence back in a test tube to sell.'
Of course, only theoretically. It's not very realistic.
There might be mages who can fight a boss one-on-one, but to do that, the job characteristics require a huge gap in strength between them and the boss.
It wouldn't be worth the labor cost.
Plus, the cost of test tubes consumed.
"What are you thinking about stopping suddenly?"
"Oh. I was just distracted for a moment. I'm going to summon it now, so you go over there. Cast the requested spell right away."
"Yes."
Ending my thoughts, I approached the crimson flame floating in midair and reached out my hand.
Flare—!
The moment my hand touched it, the flame flickered and emitted waves.
「Fire Lord Pianil cast [Mark of Ash].」
「Characters taking damage from skill use suffer fire damage.」
The 5th floor Rift Guardian woke, and a gray mark was etched on the back of my hand.
And then…
Blazing—!
The flame grew wildly, forming a shape.
The Burning Forest guardian, Fire Lord Pianil.
A grade 4 monster officially named Lavarod.
'No lines here either.'
I watched it without attacking first, wondering if there'd be any difference.
Flare—!
A body made of flames.
Wearing a mask that exposes the lower jaw; upper body is roughly human-shaped.
The lower body resembles a genie from a magic lamp, with flames flickering where legs should be.
'Appearance hasn't changed…'
As always after meeting Duke Cambormiier, I tried talking, but again no response.
So I started the strategy immediately.
Among the 5th floor rifts, it's mid-level difficulty, but if the plan goes smoothly, it won't be too hard.
I'm not alone now.
I just have to fulfill my duty as a tank.
Like this.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaa!!"
Using [Gigantism] and [Wild Surge], inflating threat levels.
「Character's threat level is over 500.」
「All monsters within radius prioritize attacking the character.」
Activating Aegis Barrier, I firmly pull aggro of this Rift Guardian with strict threat management.
And then…
「Fire Lord Pianil cast [Bell of Embers].」
Whether it uses summoning or attack skills, or changes phases to release unique gimmicks,
I simply hold the line.
Raven buffs me and uses [Swing], which could damage it…
'But why bother?'
Damage is already enough.
Just like Bjorn Yandel during his desperate battles at the Blood Fortress grew strong, Raven has also achieved much growth.
「Forest's Wrath empowers Fire Lord Pianil.」
Steadily pouring in damage, we reached the final phase.
"I told you before, the last part takes a while."
"Take your time. It's warm and nice."
Bellarios essences counter magic damage.
「Character's magic resistance is over 500.」
「All magic damage received is reduced by 50%.」
Halving damage, and then further reduced by the fire orb, it feels like a sauna.
Oh, the perceived temperature is 120 degrees Celsius.
"…You've really become a monster, Mr. Yandel."
Actually, I was having trouble breathing since a while ago, but hearing such praise from a companion makes a barbarian dance.
Holding the boss firmly, Raven's magic was ready before long.
「Arua Raven cast grade 3 ice magic [Blooming Snowflake].」
The little mage who barely managed to use grade 6 solar magic at the Blood Fortress was no longer there.
Only the 'Golden Mage' who had risen to the vice-captain of the 3rd Magic Corps recognized by the royal family remained.
'High-level magic names sure have poetic naming conventions.'
Since I'd never seen this magic before, I focused intently.
Swaa-!
First, cold air spread around Raven's feet freezing the ground.
Then…
Hwoong-!
A translucent something shot like an arrow at the boss, seeming to have no physical force, but penetrated deeply into its body.
"…"
It stopped moving.
The hot heat vanished completely, and a chilly silence settled in the forest as Raven spoke.
"Mr. Yandel, do you know why this magic is called 'Blooming Snowflake'?"
A quiet but relaxed question.
But Raven didn't even give me time to answer and continued.
"Because it literally blooms."
"…?"
"From within."
Almost as if rehearsed, the magic triggered at the perfect moment.
Jjijjik-!
From inside the body, the magic began.
Dozens of ice spikes pierced through the skin and protruded outward.
"But."
"…?"
"There's a reason it's called a snowflake, not spikes."
Right as he finished speaking, the boss entered the final phase and instantly transformed into a cluster of light.
Watching that, Raven smiled.
"How is it? Doesn't it look like snow is falling?"
What nonsense.
He obviously researched his lines alone.
I pondered how to respond, recalling the boss's last form struck by the magic.
And thought what name I would have given it.
Since the magic made spikes all over its body…
'Transformed sea urchin.'
Hmm, that sounds kind of off.
'Transformed pufferfish.'
Yeah, that's better.
After collecting Fire Lord Pianil's essence in a test tube, Raven and I continued challenging 5th floor guardians.
This formed a routine.
After reviewing the strategy at the start point, we always chatted for about 30 minutes.
Ah, of course, it was Raven's request.
"I'm helping you, Mr. Yandel. So stop acting annoyed."
"Oh… helping? Such an unpleasant thing between us—"
"What kind of relationship do we have? I'm not even a member of your clan."
I had no good reply.
So I just chatted away diligently.
At first, Raven was curious about modern civilization, but over time, he started asking more questions about me.
"So… what's your name there?"
"Ah, didn't I tell you?"
"…You didn't."
"Lee Hansu. It's Lee Hansu. Never Hans. Watch your pronunciation."
"Lee Han… Su…"
"Well, that's decent enough."
"What does 'decent' mean?"
Starting from my real name, we talked about whether family and friends were waiting, my job, and other topics.
Some of it was a bit heavy.
After this basic background check, the main topic shifted to [Dungeon & Stone].
"…So Mr. Yandel, you've opened the Abyssal Gate at least once?"
"In the game, yes. Besides, I was dragged here the moment I opened the Abyssal Gate, so I don't even know what's beyond."
"…Wait. If you opened the Abyssal Gate and came here, what happens if someone opens it from this side?"
"…?"
"Then, does opening the Abyssal Gate mean returning? Going back to the original world?"
"Well… maybe."
"Ah, uh… I see…"
"That's the story. Let's move on."
We then entered the boss room and fought.
Raven almost caused a big crisis with a mistake, but luckily I carried him and we got through safely.
'…We've already killed six.'
I was secretly worried about the 5th floor guardians, but progress was surprisingly smooth.
Of course, there were a few more dangerous moments than before.
But maybe because of all we've been through,
This didn't even feel like a crisis.
"Mr. Yandel, if you're okay, why don't we enter the next portal?"
"…Huh?"
"I still have energy. We finished sharing all the information."
Well, that's true…
'Weird.'
For a moment, I was suspicious of Raven's urging.
I lightly tapped his shoulder.
"Raven, from now on, I'll be going in with someone else."
"…What?"
"You've done well so far. Take a rest."
Simply put, the carrying duo of the Blood Fortress ends here.
But Raven's face was cold, not pleased.
"Rest? What do you mean? You're abandoning me now?"
"Abandoning? What nonsense."
I just don't need a mage anymore.
Besides, where I'm going now, there's no need to collect essences in test tubes.
"That was careless talk. So… if not me, who are you going in with?"
I answered his question with a smirk and headed toward one person.
"Emily."
"…?"
"Let's go get the essence."
She's due for an essence now too.
-x-X-x-
Amelia Rainwales.
An elite talent capable of using Aura and even possessing the 'Guide' aptitude.
Her class is…
'Probably something like a Clone Rogue.'
Anyway, her current level is 8, and she has one empty essence slot. Originally it was full, but she removed one just before descending to the basement first floor.
[Affinity]
An essence of the grade 5 monster Caprabara, granting a passive that prevents monsters from attacking first.
It was quite useful when she moved alone, but now that she travels with us, it was an unnecessary essence.
Well, there was another essence with a similar effect.
"Emily, when we return to the city, remove the Essence of Esgen as well."
"Essence of Esgen…?"
"Why the surprised look? Like I said before, the days of going solo are over."
"…I'll think about it."
Thinking about it…
With the [Source of Immortality], even if you bring a priest, you won't get a proper heal.
'Why is she so reluctant to remove it?'
If you have companions, the Essence of Esgen can easily be substituted with potions or other things.
But why is she so fixated on this essence?
'…Maybe she still doesn't fully trust us?'
Hmm, that might be the case.
She must have overcome several near-death situations using that skill while alone.
She probably needs more time to adapt.
"…Fine, think about it. After all, we haven't really accepted a priest into our clan yet."
We decided to persuade her ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) gradually and ended the conversation.
Just as we were about to shift the topic to the boss…
"So… it seems things were resolved well?"
Amelia suddenly said.
When I gave her a questioning look, she cleared her throat and spoke quietly.
"About Misha Kalstein."
Ah, that was what she meant.
Well, since I hadn't explained properly afterwards, she must have been curious about my situation.
"Thanks to that, it was resolved well. We confirmed there's nothing left to hide—"
"…A confession."
"…Huh?"
"There's talk she confessed to Kalstein."
Uh…
I couldn't help but be genuinely flustered.
"Judging by your expression, it must be true."
"True or not, how do you even know about that?"
"I heard it from Tersia."
"From Elwen…?"
"She overheard the conversation when she was looking for you that day."
"Ah…"
I was dumbfounded, mouth agape, when Amelia cautiously asked.
"So… what did you say in reply?"
Was it right to talk about that without Misha's permission? Despite such doubts, I honestly recounted the events of that day.
Besides, Amelia had helped me with this matter.
"We're friends…"
"Yeah, it was wrapped up neatly like that. So you don't need to worry—"
"It'll turn into a mud fight."
"…Huh?"
"Nothing, just talking to myself."
Her words were so meaningful that when I asked what she meant, she wouldn't answer.
Avoiding the topic, Amelia changed the subject.
"Yandel, I'm asking just in case."
Her voice became serious, and I already felt uneasy about what she was going to say—
"Do you like men by any chance?"
"…What?"
"Don't worry. I have no prejudice. I've met people like that several times in Noark—"
What is she saying now?
"Watch your words, Amelia Rainwales."
I barely restrained the boiling sensation in my dantian and spoke.
"I like women. Very much."
"…Oh, I see? Though I didn't realize it was that much—"
"So never say that in front of me again. It was more humiliating than when you mistakenly called me 'Hans.'"
"…Sorry. I'll be careful. It won't happen again. I swear on my older sister."
Amelia's prompt and sincere apology made me sigh and calm down.
"Hoo…"
It's strange.
I'm not particularly against homosexuality, so why am I this angry?
I don't know, but Amelia, glancing at me nervously, continued.
"Anyway… that's a relief."
"Relief?"
"You're a noble in this world, right?"
"Huh?"
When I tilted my head, Amelia averted her gaze for some reason.
"Well… no matter what your original world is like… it means it's okay here."
"…"
"Even if you like women very much."
How on earth did the conversation come to this?
I couldn't understand, but I gathered my voice from the dantian.
Even for dear companions, it had to be said.
You must scold when it's necessary.
The spirit of Hongik Ingan and Confucianism.
A person who inherits both.
Also, a pureblood Korean born into the Joseon royal family's Lee clan.
Korea, Korea, and nothing but Korea.
In other words, a KKK-Barbarian.
"That's—!!!!"
This is something unacceptable.
"That—…?"
It was probably the first Confucian shout Amelia had ever heard.
I hastened to explain the meaning of the cry, which is a duty to widely benefit mankind.
"It's what we say when scolding someone."
"…So, I said something worthy of being scolded?"
Haha, still not realizing it?
I could have yelled a threefold curse, but since she's a companion, I spoke calmly.
"Of course. Our royal family doesn't have such decadent culture."
Amelia feigned surprise at my words.
"Our royal family…?"
"I didn't tell you to avoid burdening you, but my surname 'Lee' means I'm descended from the Joseon royal family."
"You're saying you're royalty?"
"…Yes, a collateral branch."
I felt guilty but it wasn't a lie.
There's room to interpret it that way in documents.
Due to single-ethnicity traits, some blood mixing is highly likely.
"…Royalty. That's surprising."
Surprisingly, Amelia accepted it readily.
But maybe she had one question.
"Didn't you say your country was Korea?"
"Joseon is already a fallen ancient kingdom."
"Indeed… So you're a descendant of a fallen ancient kingdom."
Uh…
"Yes."
That's another way to interpret it.
A status that looks somewhat cooler than a commoner A named Lee.
"Now it makes sense why you were so obsessed with survival… It must have been the only way since childhood. You must have had a sense of duty."
"…"
I chose to stay silent.
But maybe revealing my status sparked her curiosity.
Amelia started asking various questions.
"Joseon was a peculiar country. Even royalty couldn't have multiple wives?"
Again, I had no reply.
Actually, Joseon had polygamy.
Not just wives but concubines too.
…Many of them.
'Polygamy might actually be a deeply rooted social system?'
I suddenly thought so but shook my head.
No, that's impossible.
The current royal family and K-government, inheriting Confucianism, practice monogamy.
'…But this world is different?'
Thinking about it, even murder is a capital crime in K-government-ruled Korea.
And I am a murderer who killed hundreds.
'But is there any reason to be bound by that?'
Suddenly, the demon in my left arm whispered, but I covered my ears and closed my eyes.
No need to make excuses about Confucianism or social systems. I simply grew up in such a world, so I naturally have physiological aversion to such topics.
Did she notice that expression?
"…It must be a sensitive topic for you. Sorry."
Amelia apologized again, and since I reacted somewhat sharply, I accepted her apology.
Of course, accepting the apology and doubting were separate things.
"It's fine. But why bring it up suddenly?"
When I asked, Amelia said she just thought I needed advice, then muttered quietly.
"I didn't expect it wouldn't turn into a mud fight."
Her voice sounded solemn.
"In the end… blood will be spilled."
"…What are you saying repeatedly?"
"Ah, just talking to myself. Don't mind."
No, I do mind even if you say so.
After the conversation with Amelia that made me ponder what truly fits the KKK spirit, we finally discussed the boss strategy.
And…
"Can we really just jump down?"
We finally arrived at the boss room…
Or rather, the entrance to the boss room.
Swaaaaaah-!
A cliff blowing cold air.
Below was only darkness like a bottomless abyss.
"Don't be afraid. There's no fall damage."
"Fall damage…?"
I kindly explained.
Still, Amelia didn't quite understand and seemed a bit reluctant about falling.
So I just picked Amelia up and jumped down.
"…!"
A normal person would scream, but Amelia was different. Though she tugged at my hair in resistance, she didn't utter a single groan.
Boom-!
A heavy impact echoed as we landed at the cliff bottom.
After a moment, Amelia got off my shoulder and sighed while glaring at me.
"You could be more delicate, why are you always…"
"What did you say?"
"…"
"Enough, barbarian. So where's the enemy?"
Since she called me barbarian instead of Yandel, she seemed a bit miffed, but that's a problem for later.
"It'll come out soon."
As I raised my shield to warn, the whole space trembled.
And it appeared.
Boom-!
A body bigger than most ogres.
Three horns growing on its forehead and a cyclopean eye.
Its chest was torn open as if rotten, ribs fully exposed…
Slurp.
A grotesque tongue flicked out from between.
Like it was eyeing prey.
Ah, such details didn't really matter.
'…It doesn't speak either.'
Originally, it had been running away throughout the rift, but now that we'd successfully lured it, it got cocky.
"Get ready, Amelia."
"You're calling me—"
"There are only two of us here anyway."
"Yandel, mistakes always happen that way."
She said so much.
It's been a while since she used my real name.
"This is all for your sake—"
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaaaa!!!"
I activated [Gigantism] before her nagging got longer and charged forward.
When I collided and held the enemy, Amelia stopped talking and began her job.
"Amelia Rainwales cast [Self Replication]."
True to a clone rogue, she first summoned clones, then attacked from both sides as if to make up for the lacking numbers.
Like twin swordsmen who have perfected their technique over many years, smoothly and naturally.
"Amelia Rainwales cast [Asura Form]."
She kicked the much larger monster's head.
"Amelia Rainwales cast [Abyssal Power]."
Using Aura, she slashed through the tough skin.
Compared to when I came with the mage Raven, the difference was striking.
While the mage took a long time to land a big shot, Amelia output continuous high DPS like a melee.
And…
'Because her value is high, her damage expectations are also high.'
Even calculated by time, Amelia could put in much more damage than Raven.
Well, that's assuming full DPS output during that time.
'The biggest problem is resources…'
Amelia's burst damage is second only to Elwen.
However, the duration of her damage output is overwhelmingly short. Due to essence combinations, MP runs out quickly…
'Having to deal damage alone like now makes this flaw even more apparent.'
[Self Replication] consumes an enormous amount of MP.
Because when clones use skills, the cost increases fivefold.
Until now, she had survived with the MP boosted by [Abyssal Power]…
'This is a problem that should have been solved long ago.'
The only reason this flaw hasn't surfaced is purely Amelia's physical prowess.
Look at this.
"Amelia Rainwales cast [Switch]."
The clones only distract, and she hits with the main body.
She carefully targets vital points and maintains her own pace to keep MP above a certain level.
So she only briefly uses costly Aura when needed.
Like this.
Swoosh-!
After a long fight, Amelia's Aura cut the enemy's neck.
If she looked exhausted, I would actively intervene.
'To think such a half-developed character can perform like this…'
I couldn't help but grin.
"Defeated Hell Giant Herja. EXP +6"
"Guardian defeat bonus. EXP +3"
-x-X-x-
The essence of a guardian has two key features.
The base stats are 1.5 times higher than those of normal creatures, and they enable the use of all active skills that the normal creature possesses.
However, among the 5th floor rifts, the Rift of Light,
the essence held by the guardian Hell Giant Herja slightly deviates from the usual category.
"Alright, Emily… now that you've rested, try using it once."
According to the original rule, she should be able to use all three active skills of the grade 4 monster 'Cyclops'…
But Herja's essence has only one active skill.
Moreover, that active skill is not even one that a normal 'Cyclops' has.
It's this.
「Amelia Rainwales cast [Wave Link].」
When the skill is used, a faint line connects between Amelia and me. Only those targeted by the skill can see this connection line.
The effect is simple.
「Amelia Rainwales cast [Abyssal Power].」
Those connected can share skills with each other.
Like the black cluster blossoming on my hammer right now.
'I really researched this essence a lot too.'
At first glance, it seems like an overpowered skill, but upon research, you learn
it's not exactly an overpowered skill.
Well, except in a few cases.
Hwoong-!
The black cluster covering my hammer scatters into the air.
Amelia deactivated the skill…
"…The soul consumption is extreme."
"How bad?"
"Not even lasting a minute at its best condition."
In a way, it's similar to [Self Replication] in penalty.
The MP consumption is monstrous.
"Then now will you try using it differently?"
As if to move on, Amelia closed her eyes and concentrated.
There are three ways to use [Wave Link].
The first is like just now—manifesting your skill through a companion.
You could call this a support type.
The second is…
'A boss pattern.'
Attaching the link to an enemy and aggressively using it as a dealer type.
The Hell Giant we just defeated had a pattern of linking to me, sacrificing a handicap for powerful area attacks.
Well, since no one was nearby and every time it used the link I immediately targeted its eye, it wasn't too difficult.
'Anyway, skip this.'
Amelia has neither self-destruct skills nor AoEs, so this way doesn't apply at all.
Thus, the last remaining way.
「Amelia Rainwales cast [Self Replication].」
「Amelia Rainwales cast [Wave Link].」
A utility type that strengthens summoned units.
This is practically the orthodox use of [Wave Link].
Using it as an attack transfers the handicap to the enemy and lets you use skills at the enemy's location, which is a big advantage…
But that's a method suitable only for monsters with huge MP pools.
[Wave Link] shines when used like this.
"Really… the soul consumption equalized. What kind of harmony is this?"
Well, as a gamer I don't know the principle.
A mage would spout unknown theories about matching mental waves or frequencies.
I only know the result after countless experiments.
When used on a 'summoned unit,' MP consumption does not increase.
Ah, and clones are obviously considered summoned units too.
"With this… more diverse battles will be possible."
Amelia, who has a knack for combat, seemed to instantly recognize the value of this new ability…
"By the way, about embodiment abilities… the passive skills you call in your world, I haven't heard about those yet…"
"Oh, don't you know about the Cyclops?"
"They're not commonly seen… it's strange for someone like you who knows all creature traits."
Embarrassed by lack of knowledge, Amelia painted me as a strange person.
"Here, put this on. Then you'll know what embodiment abilities are."
I smirked and took out the item I had painstakingly obtained before she came in.
At the same time, a question appeared in Amelia's eyes.
"This is…"
A monocle.
So-called the Gungye monocle.
「[One-Eyed] activated.」
「Character's torso vision increases by +200.」
「You can see the invisible.」
After the duo raid with Amelia ended,
we kept swapping members and challenged the rifts.
While a tank can always fulfill their role, a dealer cannot.
The core of [Dungeon & Stone] is 'affinities.'
If the affinity doesn't match, there are enemies you absolutely cannot beat, but conversely, matching affinities makes the strategy much easier.
And…
'It'd be a waste to let this talent pool rot.'
The royal family's elite exploration force included all the talents I needed.
When a priest was needed, an archbishop-level priest went with us and obeyed my orders; if a grade 2 fire mage was needed, there was at least one capable mage.
'Now I understand why there's no limit on members.'
The maze is mainly designed for solo or duo rift clearing.
But it doesn't seem designed for two people only.
Hundreds of people must enter, be divided appropriately, and steadily progress.
'Still, it's a bit disappointing. We're discarding too many essences even after killing 5th floor guardians.'
When mages enter, they can take essences in test tubes, but otherwise, all must be discarded.
'The cheapest ones would sell for hundreds of millions of stones at auction…'
Of course, the biggest regret was Ainard.
Not a graduation-level essence, but among the 5th floor guardians was an essence suitable for a spearman.
Unfortunately, he wasn't easy enough to carry alone, so I gave up bringing him.
Still, thanks to this expedition, I fed Amelia a hard-to-get essence, so I was satisfied.
'For a clone rogue, it's basically a graduation essence, so no need to feed a substitute…'
Once again, the first basement floor is absurd.
It's totally different from other parts of the maze.
There are so many first encounters and huge gains it's hard to even estimate.
"…"
What exactly is this place?
After meeting the vampire gentleman, when I stay still alone, that thought fills my mind.
Silver sea, rainy season, dimensional collapse, chief, Hamshik…
I recall those things carefully to not forget and review whether I missed anything.
'Sigh, what's the use of thinking.'
Feeling stifled as always, I ended my thoughts.
And to clear my head, I finished resting and stood up.
"No matter what you say, the 4th floor is a no-go. It's too dangerous."
In front of the statue of Calphion, the 4th floor Rift Guardian, I saw an explorer pleading to Raven.
'The name…'
What was it?
Everyone just called him 'Big Hammer,' so I didn't know.
Anyway, he was a famous grade 3 explorer in the city.
"Can you reconsider? I really need this essence."
He didn't look like someone chasing experience points or obsessed with time attacks.
But he probably really needed that essence.
"No matter what you say…"
"Pardon me, but don't the Golden Mage not really know my skills?"
"Are you saying my judgment was wrong?"
"Haha… not that… I just wanted him to be tested. To see if he's qualified."
Even as Raven spoke seriously, the man didn't back down, and Raven sighed, seeming annoyed.
So I stepped in.
After all, I was the one who assigned this troublesome task.
"If you want to be tested, I'll help."
"Baron Yandel…?"
When I joined the conversation, the man looked surprised, then nodded as if relieved.
"Then I ask you, please."
He raised his 'Big Hammer' with a hostile gaze right after.
'I never even said how you'll be tested.'
Not surprising.
Explorers have been macho for ages.
I actually prefer this way.
"Um… Mr. Yandel? You don't have to waste strength because of me…"
What is she saying now?
"I'm not wasting strength."
"…Huh?"
"I'm saving time."
I activated [Gigantism] and looked down at him.
Then…
"You're small."
With that brief word, the sparring began.
But fittingly for someone nicknamed 'Big Hammer,' his body was quite solid, so the sparring dragged on.
About fifteen minutes passed.
"I lost…"
While he couldn't damage me at all, he accepted defeat after I repeatedly smashed his jaw with the hammer.
"I guess I was greedy. It's a shame, but I'll give up on the 4th floor."
His neat attitude was in stark contrast to how he pleaded with Raven.
It might seem strange, but macho types usually accept the laws of strength without complaint.
"Whaaaaaa!"
"The Baron's victory!"
Crowds cheered, but I felt no particular excitement.
'At this point, damage definitely isn't landing.'
A recent frequent frustration of a tank.
With Bellarios essence and Aegis Barrier, I was several times stronger than before, but the damage was the same as before—
"Mr. Yandel, can I talk to you?"
"Ha ha ha, if it's to say thanks, that's fine—"
"Ah, you wasted 15 minutes on something that could've taken 5?"
"Uh…"
My mind blanked for a moment.
Raven chuckled like it was a joke when he saw me like that.
"Enough, follow me. I have something to tell you."
We moved a few steps, Raven activated a voice control spell, and I changed my expression to serious.
"Is this a secret?"
"No? Not really… I don't know. It's better you judge."
"Go ahead."
I bowed to match his small stature, ready to listen, and Raven slowly began.
"As you know, I act as a kind of examiner, so I've had many chances to hear what happened inside. And I learned…"
Before he could say more, Raven summarized the key point.
"Duke Cambormiier isn't saying anything anymore."
"Not saying anything?"
Wasn't that always the case?
I was about to say that when—
"No, literally no words. No rising murderous intent or anything."
"Ah…"
"Now, he just rushes with bloodshot eyes as soon as you enter… I find it weird. Right after you appeared, he at least 'spoke,' didn't he?"
My hand, lost in deep thought, naturally moved to my chin.
"Indeed…"
It's suspicious.
It felt odd that a perfectly fine man suddenly went mad.
He was sane for three hours, wasn't he?
"There's no change without a cause."
Raven said with a mage's tone, looking up at me.
"Then why did the Duke suddenly change?"
As a barbarian, no matter how much I think, I can't answer.
But as a gamer, it's different.
Actually, the first hypothesis I had upon hearing that was—
[Actually… the madness has returned since a while ago.]
If the gentleman talking normally is an 'error' from the maze's perspective…
'Hotfix…'
It might be a real-time patch of an error.
By someone ruling the maze.
There are 27 types of Rift Guardians from 1st to 5th floor.
And 14 unidentified guardians in the same category as Duke Cambormiier.
A total of 41.
At first, the boss run felt overwhelming, but after steady progress, the end is near.
'One left…'
Now only one statue remains.
For reference, that statue appears in a 'unique rift' that opens very rarely, and it doesn't match well with me.
That's why I saved it for last.
"Haa…"
I sighed while looking at the motionless stone gate despite dozens of lights already lit.
'Looks like something will happen only after clearing that last one…'
It means I have no choice but to kill that one too.
'At least two people can enter, so it might be doable…'
I thought about skipping this run, but there was no suitable alternative.
A tank is essential for boss fights, but there's no one reliable enough to fill my place.
Well, there might be someone if I searched…
'But I don't trust them.'
In that case, better I go.
So now I have to decide who to bring.
'Erwen again?'
It's a safe choice.
She's basically a cheat key.
Erwen was the one who hunted guardians most with me, second only to Raven.
For easy rifts, we brought a mage and collected essences; for difficult rifts, except some exceptions, I took Erwen along…
'…No.'
I shook my head.
The current target isn't a foe you can defeat by brute force alone.
How about Amelia?
'She's not bad either…'
But Ainard seems better.
Though his fighting spirit has ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) dropped and presence faded, his luck remains undeniable.
However…
Thunk.
If you're hoping for luck, there's a better option.
Right here, right before me.
"Get ready. We're entering the rift."
As soon as I said that, he blinked in surprise and asked again.
"Me? Why… why me?"
He was Sven Parab, a paladin of the Reatlas faith.
-x-X-x-
As soon as we passed through the portal, Sven Parab asked.
"That… why me?"
It was a somewhat strange question.
Not the content, but the timing.
"You're only asking that now, after crossing the portal?"
"…I thought it might be a question hard to say in front of others."
Hmm, so that really was the reason.
The more I see him, the more I realize he's quite a meticulous guy.
Seems to have some loyalty too.
"Anyway, why me? If you needed a paladin, there must have been others as well…"
He asked again, and I answered honestly.
"I didn't pick you because you're a paladin."
"…Huh?"
"I picked you because you are you."
Sven Parab's eyes went wide.
I had expected that reaction.
This wasn't just a casual line.
Every time I say it, without fail, it's a moving, heartfelt line—
I waved my hand.
Yeah, that should've been it.
But for some reason, Sven Parab stepped back, his face pale.
As if trying to put distance between himself and something.
"…Why?"
As I expressed my confusion and stepped closer, he retreated equally, modestly covering his upper body with his arms.
Receiving his wary gaze, I couldn't help but let out a dry laugh.
I think I know what this crazy guy was thinking.
There had been a similar incident recently, after all.
"Don't misunderstand. Before I break your head."
"Then… does that mean the rumors aren't true?"
"Rumors?"
"That… the baron enjoys… men—"
"Stop."
It was too hard to listen to, so I cut him off.
Then I repeated what I had said recently to clarify.
"I like women. A lot."
"…I see?"
Maybe my sincerity got through, because the caution in his eyes softened a little.
Though he still seemed puzzled by one thing.
"Then what did you mean earlier…?"
I didn't choose you because you were a paladin, but because you were Sven Parab.
The meaning is simple.
Literally what it sounds like.
What was needed to catch the guardian was not a paladin, but this guy.
And…
'Looks like it's going well.'
I thought that plan was already halfway successful.
After all, he entered the portal without hesitation.
"Did you feel anxious or anything when coming in here?"
Just to be sure, I asked again.
He said no, then opened his mouth like someone who just realized something.
"Ah, could it be because of that…?"
I just shrugged and didn't answer.
And with that, the topic ended.
Afterwards, we talked about the boss strategy.
Though it was a cheat mode, the guy who came from playing games already had a general grasp on the boss battle.
He understood unfamiliar things quickly too.
"Um… Baron, how do you know all these things?"
He looked at me with suspicion, but giving a reasonable explanation wasn't difficult.
Well, I'm just a barbarian after all.
"When you become a titled noble, you can easily get information that ordinary people don't know."
"The other nobles don't seem to know much…"
"They're not explorers. They don't care about the labyrinth. Unless there's money to be made."
"Oh… that makes sense."
Sven Parab nodded willingly when I emphasized my noble status and dropped his doubts.
With business talk done, I thought about starting the strategy soon, but decided to continue talking a bit more.
Come to think of it, we hardly ever talked one-on-one.
So I started with a lighter topic.
"Sven Parab, how's temple life?"
"Actually, it's not too bad. After filing for secularization, I am treated like an outsider… but for me, sometimes that's more comfortable."
Secularization is a ritual where a cleric ends temple life and returns to being a layperson.
After the ritual, the religious person is no longer bound by temple commands.
"What exactly does secularization involve?"
As someone distant from religion, I was curious.
I heard you don't have to cut off your pinky finger or anything…
But I doubt the Trinitarian Church would just release their trained paladin without a price.
"It's nothing special. You just remove the blessing the goddess gave you and give up everything received from the temple, then it's done."
"Everything received from the temple…?"
"Ha, it means you become completely empty-handed. Everything I gained was while belonging to the temple. Ah, from next year I'll have to pay taxes too."
In short, you can leave only by giving up all your assets.
In some ways, giving up a pinky finger might seem more humane.
"I'm not too scared though. Miss Gowland promised to support me fully… Wait, you didn't know at all, Baron?"
Sven Parab sensed something strange while talking and flinched.
I chuckled and lightly tapped his shoulder.
"Don't worry. I'll take responsibility for you until the end."
"Phew… you startled me."
"But you're surprisingly calm? Don't paladins stop growing after secularization?"
Paladins are different from normal explorers.
They can't absorb essences like priests or mages, but instead gain new powers as they accumulate merits.
Oh, by the way, there are various ways to build merit.
Killing monsters in the labyrinth, offering donations, completing church missions.
As merit accumulates, the pope visits periodically to pray, and when you wake up the next day, a new skill appears.
That's why the pope's authority is so powerful.
"Well… can't be helped, right? Staying there means certain death someday. Besides, the goddess sometimes bestows new powers after secularization, so I'm hopeful for that."
"I guess I'll have to catch more monsters."
"I think if you stay with the baron, you'll naturally catch a lot…"
Usually he seemed like a lighthearted guy, but talking one-on-one, I realized he was earnest in his own way.
Maybe that's why…
I got curious about this too.
'Would he want to go back if he could?'
When Auril Gavis offered the escape ticket as a prize, he participated but soon gave up and left the round table.
After the Ice Rock expedition, he expressed anger and said he wanted revenge with us.
'But… how should I ask that?'
After thinking a moment, I cautiously asked indirectly.
"Sven Parab, there's something I want to ask."
"Go ahead, Baron."
"Do you… have someone you're seeing?"
"Huh?"
He looked surprised, like he heard a question he didn't want to.
But I was serious.
Because the answer would reveal how he views this world.
"I meant, do you currently have a girlfriend?"
"Well, um… no…"
"Hmm, I see…?"
Then I had no choice but to ask another question.
Just as I was about to speak again—
"But!"
He hurriedly continued.
"I-I do have someone I care about…"
"…?"
"No, I mean, there is a woman I care for!"
For some reason, by then he had stepped a few paces back from me.
Who was the woman who stole Sven Parab's heart?
I asked persistently, but he only bowed his head shyly and never answered.
Such behavior could only come from someone truly sincere toward the woman.
"It's really not Miss Gowland. She feels more like a teacher…"
"So you prefer innocent and fragile women?"
"Th-That's not what I meant!"
"I know, just kidding."
He really has a unique sense of humor.
I patted his shoulder and stood up.
After the private talk, I felt closer to him than before.
I understood better what kind of person he was.
"Well, we've talked enough, so let's go."
"Okay."
I led him out of the start point and down the corridor.
Criiick—!
Without needing to operate anything, the boss room entrance opened as we approached.
As soon as we stepped inside, the door slammed shut with a bang.
Whirr—!
Though the hall was dark, thanks to having pre-activated Barbarian Candle Mode, visibility wasn't a problem.
Three paths appeared: left, right, and straight ahead.
But the Rift Guardian wasn't anywhere to be seen.
That's natural.
The guardian we're about to fight is a unique type unlike any other.
Step, step.
This labyrinth we're walking through—
The whole maze itself is the boss monster we have to face.
This is just the first phase.
"Spirit Guardian Housiel has cast [Defense System]."
The moment we started moving in earnest, a magic cannon suddenly shot out from the perfectly smooth wall without any seams, aiming right at us.
And then…
Pew! Pew!
It didn't really hurt me, but for fragile mages, it would be just enough damage to take them out.
One reason I brought Sven Parab was this.
As a paladin, he can serve as a secondary tank and can self-heal.
"Are you okay?"
"Ah… yes. I was just a little surprised. I'm fine."
He looked like he was.
If he got seriously hurt from that, I wouldn't have brought him along.
"Then let's keep moving."
After that, we wandered through the maze defeating occasional magic cannon fire and monsters jumping out from frames.
Soon, the targeted area appeared.
A square stone chamber.
And at its center was a watermelon-sized magic stone.
Breaking that ends phase one.
Just like this.
Crack!
The moment I struck the magic stone with a hammer, a bizarre howling reminiscent of a banshee's scream echoed throughout the space, and the entire world turned pitch black.
When I opened my eyes, the space around me had changed.
An elegantly decorated mansion hallway.
But like a dream, the hallway endlessly stretched forward in a perfect mirror image.
"You said we need to search the rooms together to find the second magic stone."
"Strictly speaking, not 'together' but you."
"Ah… yes…"
We moved together, searching each room in sequence.
Though calling it a search felt a bit embarrassing.
Anyway.
"Um… I don't really feel dangerous."
After opening a closed door, Parab opened a box placed in the center.
And then…
Pew!
What happened next, I left to luck.
During that process, traps were triggered releasing poison gas, monsters appeared causing a long fight, and we got hit by an annoying curse.
"Um… I think it's better not to open this."
I put it on hold and checked it once more, just in case he felt uneasy.
If we can't find the true magic stone, we can open the others one by one later.
'It definitely takes a long time if he searches alone.'
If we split up ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) now, it would save a lot of time, but that was impossible.
"Spirit Guardian Housiel's [Defense System] grows even stronger."
No matter how much this guy gets stronger the longer the fight lasts—
'How are we supposed to open those when we could all die?'
The boxes had impossibly unfair traps mixed in.
Not a metaphor—about once in ten thousand.
No, more like once in a hundred thousand times when a box is opened, an event triggers—
'I'm not touching them.'
Luck.
Or rather, when facing misfortune, probability is just a numbers game.
At least I know that better than anyone.
'Well, sometimes the opposite happens, a positive event triggers.'
By the way, there's only one of each event, and the chance is nearly equal.
I figured the game designers deliberately put that nasty mechanic in.
So you can't just open all the boxes blindly.
You have to rely entirely on luck.
'Anyway, it's better not to expect much from the golden boxes—'
"Um… Baron…?"
I turned to Parab's stunned voice and froze.
"…Huh?"
An open box like a dead mimic.
Sshhhhhh—!
From inside, a brilliant light was radiating.