Surviving The Game as a Barbarian (Novel) Chapter 133, 134, 135

  

C133, 134, 135

Chapter 133: Team Play (3)

The 4th floor, Tower of Heaven, has a stage-based structure.

After completing a trial, a door opens, and you choose one of three staircases to proceed to the next stage.

For reference, there are four types of staircases.

Courage, Wisdom, Patience, and Fate.

We’ve never chosen the Stairs of Fate until now.

First of all, its appearance rate is less than 5% compared to the other staircases…

…and the Stairs of Fate has too many variables.

There was no need to choose it.

Not until all three doors are Fate.

“Hmm, can’t we just enter any of them? Nothing happened when I chose it before. Just monsters appearing and that’s it.”

Of course, Fate isn’t always dangerous.

As Misha just said, even if you choose Fate, you usually go through the trials of Courage, Wisdom, or Patience.

However…

“It seems like Miss Misha was just lucky. I read in a book that the type of trial is random.”

…the problem is that there’s a 20% chance of experiencing a different type of trial instead of the three staircases.

There were a total of 32 types in the game.

Being sent back to the 1st floor, a 5th-grade monster appearing, being suddenly trapped in a sealed room, and so on.

‘They were ridiculously difficult, the rewards were shitty, and some of them were just there to screw you over.’

So unless you were aiming for a specific reward, Fate was a trial that you should always avoid if you were there to hunt.

Well, it’s a bit different now, though.

Just as I’m organizing my thoughts…

“Bjorn, why are you just standing there?”

My companions, who were discussing what to do next, ask for my opinion.

“We’ve agreed that it’s better to just enter any of them. It’s a bit disappointing to just waste the remaining time, isn’t it?”

I nod in agreement.

“That’s true.”

We’re in the later stages of the 4th floor.

At our current hunting speed, we can earn up to 300,000 stones in four days.

That’s per person, not before dividing it into five.

Since we spent most of our time traveling to get here, each day here has a significant impact on our total income.

Right, it’s only natural for them to think that way.

‘They don’t know what this means.’

Three Stairs of Fate never appear at the same time on the 4th floor.

If they do, it means one thing.

That we’ve reached a special stage.

And that we can now enter one of three hidden fields.

‘…The probability is 1 in 3.’

I look at the three doors and contemplate which one to choose.

And then I realize something and chuckle.

“Misha.”

“Huh?”

“Why don’t you choose which one to enter?”

If I choose, things will probably go wrong.
_____________________

Misha looks at the other party members as if asking for their opinion.

However, they just shrug as if to say they’ll trust her choice.

“Ah, this is a lot of pressure…”

In the end, Misha sighs and then glares at me before approaching one of the open doors. It’s the door in the center, based on the stairs we climbed up.

“Just so you know, I’m not responsible if a strange monster suddenly appears.”

The dwarf chuckles as Misha covers her bases.

“Hahaha, what are you talking about? Are you trying to avoid responsibility?”

“…What? You crazy dwarf!”

“Hi, Hikurod, stop it. You’re making Miss Misha uncomfortable…”

It’s the usual bickering of Team Misfits, happening three times a day.

I sigh and look to the side, making awkward eye contact with Rotmiller and smiling.

“Alright, everyone, stop it and let’s just go.”

As Rotmiller mediates the situation and takes the lead, everyone stops talking and gets into formation.

Bang!

The door closes, and darkness envelops us.

It’s a darkness so thick that we can’t see an inch ahead.

Courage, Wisdom, Patience… it’s a different beginning from any of those trials, and everyone is momentarily flustered.

Rotmiller then mutters briefly.

It’s the most important information when you’re in an unfamiliar situation.

“There are no immediate enemies.”

The presence or absence of enemies.

Rotmiller first informs his companions of that and then warns,

“Stay still. There might be traps.”

He’s a good scout, after all.

He must have made that judgment in a split second.

What he needs to do.

Of course, it’s the same for the dwarf.

“Bjorn, I’ll watch the rear, so just focus on the front.”

His voice is serious, devoid of his usual playfulness.

The moment their voices overlap, the surrounding darkness lifts.

Straight passages branching out in all directions like a maze.

Torches are hanging on the walls at regular intervals, creating an eerie atmosphere.

I quickly check my surroundings and come to a conclusion.

「Character has entered Larkaze’s Labyrinth.」

Larkaze’s Labyrinth.

One of the three hidden fields in the Tower of Heaven.

Its characteristic is that even Guides can’t use their abilities in this labyrinth.

And…

「Field effect – Guardian of Balance is applied.」

「The stats of all entrants are adjusted equally.」

…the total stat points of all characters are redistributed based on the number of people.

“Wh, what! What is this! Did I choose the wrong one? Rotmiller!”

Misha, who has checked the surroundings, looks at Rotmiller with an anxious expression.

However, there’s no way he could answer.

“I’m sorry. I don’t have any information about this phenomenon either.”

“I, I’m the same. I’ve never heard of a phenomenon where the Stairs of Fate lead explorers to a place like this.”

“Ugh, it’s not dangerous, right…?”

Everyone keeps their mouths shut at Misha’s question.

It’s ironic, but the thing that explorers fear the most is the unknown.

“…….”

A chilling silence falls.

However, it doesn’t last long.

They start talking hurriedly, as if the silence from a moment ago was a lie.

“…How about we just stay here? There are only 4 days left, so we can just endure.”

“We don’t know anything about this space yet. If it’s a space with a similar structure to a rift…”

“Then we’ll be trapped here forever in four days!!”

All sorts of speculations and anxieties are poured out.

Well, it would be different if it were the 5th floor, where information sharing is almost non-existent…

…but how could they have known that they would end up in a place like this on the 4th floor?

“How about we check our condition first?”

“Huh?”

“Misha, do you feel any different?”

I pretend not to know and lead them to check their condition first.

“Ah, come to think of it… I feel a bit lighter?”

Misha’s reaction is uncertain.

“Hmm, I don’t really feel anything. Isn’t it just your imagination?”

The dwarf, who has average stats among the party members, doesn’t feel any change.

Unlike Rotmiller or Dwarkey.

“It’s not imagination. I can’t not notice this overflowing vitality.”

“I, I’m the same. My mana capacity has increased significantly. At this rate, even 6th-grade magic should be possible, but what the hell is going on…?”

What’s going on?

It’s all because it was converted from my stats.

Even though I only have three essences, they’re all essences with ridiculously high base stats.

Damn communism.

‘Just how much muscle loss is this…?’

I rest my mace on the ground to distribute the weight, feeling heavy.

Misha is the first to notice my action.

“Bjorn? Are you hurt?”

“My body feels strange. I feel weak.”

“What?!”

While Misha approaches me with a worried expression…

…Rotmiller offers a guess.

“There must be a condition. It’s not a space where everyone just becomes stronger.”

“Condition? What kind of condition makes me weaker and you guys stronger? This is unfair!”

I subtly drop a hint while pretending to ask.

As expected, Rotmiller comes up with a plausible hypothesis.

No, is it even right to call it a hypothesis at this point?

“Maybe our stats got mixed up…”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“I’m not sure yet, so I’ll tell you later when things are sorted out.”

Hmm, it seems like he’ll explain it to them without me having to do anything.

So I move on to the next topic.

We don’t have time to keep chatting.

“Then what are we going to do now?”

“Bjorn, what do you think?”

“I think it’s best to explore this place and find a way out.”

“Why?”

I answer without hesitation,

“If it’s a place that others don’t know about, doesn’t that mean the rewards will be greater?”

“That’s a very explorer-like perspective.”

I puff out my chest at Rotmiller’s comment.

No matter what you call it, the ultimate goal of an explorer is money.

And I’m definitely motivated.

“Well, we’ll be trapped here in four days if we just stay put…”

“Hahaha, we’re explorers, aren’t we? It would be good to at least explore the surroundings.”

A spark of enthusiasm appears in the eyes of the three who were anxious and uneasy.

Of course, Dwarkey’s words were the decisive factor.

“Ah, ah! I just thought of this, but maybe this is a part of the last Archmage’s plan!”

“What? You mean Gavrilius’s plan?”

“Indeed… that’s possible. The three Stairs of Fate appearing at the same time, and this strange phenomenon.”

Gavrilius’s plan.

In short, it’s what these people call the ‘hidden pieces’ that I refer to.

The dwarf exclaims with ambition,

“Right! It’s still part of the 4th floor. There’s no way a ridiculous monster will appear!”

Four days left until the labyrinth closes.

And so, the final expedition of Team Misfits begins.
______________________

Larkaze’s Labyrinth.

It’s not the type of hidden field I was hoping for when I let Misha choose.

Although it has the best final reward among the three…

‘…it’s probably impossible to clear within four days.’

It takes a long time because of its maze-like structure.

Finding the boss is one thing, but defeating it with our current strength requires a lot of preparation.

Therefore, I also decide not to push it.

Unlike what these guys are worried about, it’s not a place where you get trapped if you don’t clear it within the time limit…

…and there are some pretty attractive rewards scattered throughout the labyrinth.

“Then let’s go.”

We get into formation as planned and step into the labyrinth.

“It seems like it’s okay to keep going.”

I take the lead, and Rotmiller follows closely behind, checking for traps.

Ah, and the dwarf is at the very back.

Because monsters don’t just appear from the front here.

“Miss Misha, don’t worry. I’ll protect you.”

“What are you talking about? I should be the one protecting you.”

“Huhu, then let’s protect each other.”

“…What are you talking about?”

Anyway, because of that, our two main damage dealers are positioned in the center.

It’s the safest place, and they also need to be able to support both the front and the rear depending on the situation.

[Meeek, meeek, meeek!]

About 3 minutes after we start exploring…

…a monster appears from a fork in the path.

It’s the first reward of Larkaze’s Labyrinth.

“It’s a monster I’ve never seen before. Bjorn, be careful.”

A monster we’re encountering for the first time.

That alone is like a godsend to us.

[Dungeon and Stone] is a game where you can’t even reach level 5 even if you kill all the monsters up to the 4th floor.

Isn’t that ironic?

You need to absorb at least five 6th or 7th-grade essences to hunt safely on the 5th floor, but you can’t reach level 5 without going to the 5th floor.

‘This is why there are no newbies.’

Ah, wait, if you reach the 5th floor, you’re not a newbie anymore, are you?

I dismiss the unnecessary question and grip my shield with both hands.

It feels a bit awkward without the mace…

…but it’s too heavy to swing with one hand at my current strength, so I put it in my backpack.

I judged that it’s better to just leave the damage dealing to the damage dealers.

[Meeek!!!]

The monster, which was hesitating in the distance, roars and charges towards me.

And at the same time, Dwarkey shouts,

“Ah, I saw this in a book! It’s a Vykuntus!”

6th-grade monster, Vykuntus.

It’s easy to imagine if you think of a bipedal goat.

Its height, including its majestic horns, is about 2.5 meters.

For reference, its weapon is a giant halberd that it holds in both hands.

Kwaaang!

The halberd strikes my shield, and I feel its heavy weight throughout my body.

I’m glad I decided to leave the mace behind.

It would have been difficult to hold out in this state if I were using one hand.

‘Damn it.’

Is it because I shared my precious physical stats with my companions?

It feels like I’m fighting a 5th-grade monster, not a 6th-grade.

Well, the battle itself isn’t difficult.

「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 8th-grade support spell [Freezing Enhancement].」

「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 8th-grade attack spell [Ice Spear].」

While I’m blocking the goat’s attacks, Dwarkey completes his single-target attack spell.

“Bjorn!”

Dwarkey calls out to me, and I immediately dodge to the side as we practiced.

This is something that always happens.

But what is this?

Whoosh!

The size of the ‘Ice Spear’ that grazes past me is different.

The wind pressure alone makes my skin cold.

And naturally, the result is also different from usual.

Kwaaang!!

It’s an impact sound that wouldn’t be out of place if a ‘Fireball’ had hit it.

“Huh?”

Misha, who was waiting for the right moment to follow up, lets out a gasp.

It’s understandable.

The Vykuntus, a 6th-grade monster, is already disappearing into light.

「Killed Vykuntus. EXP +4」

Geez, my physical stats decreased so much…

…it’s all because it was converted into his mana.

“Is this… my magic…?”

I look at Dwarkey, who is muttering to himself, and realize…

…that he’s no longer a half-assed mage in this place.

That means…

‘This changes things.’

It wouldn’t be bad to aim for clearing this place.

-----------------------------------

Chapter 134: Team Play (4)

We’re wandering through the labyrinth.

We don’t have any thread or biscuits, but it’s fine.

Because we have Rotmiller.

“Wait, I’ll leave another mark here just in case.”

I used to think, ‘what’s the point of a scout in a place where even Guides can’t find their way?’, but…

It was all just my arrogance.

Rotmiller, who climbed his way up from the bottom, is a truly versatile man.

“Can I see the map?”

“Here.”

He creates a map based on the path we’ve taken.

And it’s not just a rough sketch, but a detailed map reminiscent of a minimap.

He creates it just by stopping every 10 minutes or so and scribbling for a bit.

“Alright, I’m done, give it back. I need to update the map.”

“Uh, here.”

Although it’s fascinating to see Rotmiller confidently drawing on the map, I don’t ask how he does it.

Because I already asked earlier.

[It’s not that complicated, so I can just memorize it by walking. As for distance measurement, I just count my steps and write it down accordingly.]

He said mapmaking and observation are his specialties since he’s been doing it for years in the 1st-floor Crystal Cave?

I never knew this man had such talent.

I feel a bit sorry for him.

It’s not really talent, but rather the result of his hard work because he lacks talent.

“Sorry for taking up your time. Let’s go.”

We stop for about 30 seconds…

…and then continue walking through the dark labyrinth.

Rotmiller is following closely behind.

For reference, he’s holding a longsword in his hand, not a crossbow.

It’s a change that happened after a few battles.

[This should be enough to hold off at least one of them.]

Rotmiller, whose stats have increased, starts actively participating in battles.

Just like experienced scouts usually do.

He’s trying to pull his weight even outside of navigation.

“It’s your turn this time.”

Four Vykuntus appear from the front, following Rotmiller’s warning, whose sense of smell is well-developed.

Although it’s a group of four 6th-grade monsters, a scale we haven’t even encountered on the 4th floor…

…no one is particularly nervous.

Because we have Dwarkey.

Whoosh!

‘Enhanced Ice Spear’ is shot as soon as the monsters appear.

However, it’s different from before.

It’s not just one ice spear with several times the power, but two of them.

‘I can’t believe he can double cast…’

I feel a bit of self-deprecation when I learn this fact.

I’ve been with them for months, but I didn’t know them at all.

‘Damn it.’

His mana stat is abnormally low…

…but Dwarkey’s talent for magic is remarkable.

He can even cast support magic after double casting.

「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 8th-grade support spell [Trajectory Control].」

The ice spears, instead of flying towards us directly, fly over our heads like cannonballs, without us having to move aside to create space.

Kwaaang!

Two of the 6th-grade monsters disappear into light before the battle even begins.

Therefore…

“Let’s finish them off quickly and move on. I’ll take one of them with Miss Kaltstein.”

While I’m focusing on one…

…Misha and Rotmiller team up to deal with the other one.

And by the time Misha defeats one…

Whoosh!

…Dwarkey’s Ice Spear, after another round of chanting, smashes the head of the Vykuntus I was fighting.

It took about 4 minutes.

“Bjorn, what are you doing? Let’s go.”

The last change in our Team Misfits.

“Huhuhu, don’t worry about what appears. I, Liol Wobu Dwarkey, will take care of everything.”

Dwarkey has become annoying again.
__________________

Guardian of Balance.

Originally, mages benefit the most from this field effect.

Because mages can’t absorb essences.

It’s a structure where their main stat, mana, is inevitably boosted.

But…

‘There’s a limit to everything‘
‘Even Dwarkey’s case is a bit extreme.’
However, if you consider it carefully, it’s an understandable change.

The mages I used to bring along in the game were all talented, so their magic-related stats were high.

Unlike Dwarkey, the former half-assed mage.

“It’s a truly mystical feeling. It’s like all my shackles have been released.”

Dwarkey is human.

And he has a body that’s far from athletic.

And on top of that, his mana stat is below average…

‘Just looking at his stats, there must have been almost a threefold difference between him and us.’

It would be different if everyone on the team were human…

But me, Misha, and the dwarf…

…there are three other races with naturally high base stats on the team.

Rotmiller?

Although he’s on the receiving end of the benefits, it’s nothing compared to Dwarkey.

He’s a veteran who has already absorbed four essences.

‘…So somehow, the mage ended up with all the stats?’

I finished analyzing the team’s strength after observing them for a day.

Although I’m the one who suffered the biggest loss…

‘How can things go this well?’

The team as a whole has become at least twice as strong.

[Dungeon and Stone] is a team-based combat game.

The highest efficiency is achieved not when one person is exceptional, but when everyone can pull their weight.

Although it’s a bit bitter…

…that’s why I was planning to leave Team Misfits.

‘Is this the first and last time we’ll be doing proper team play?’

Rotmiller and Dwarkey.

Today, I was able to see a side of them that I hadn’t seen before.

But nothing changes.

If they put in a lot of effort and luck is on their side, they might be able to reach today’s level.

However…

‘It would take years.’

It takes a long time.

And besides, that would be the limit of their growth.

Their weaknesses are too clear.

Rotmiller?

His combat power can be improved by absorbing essences.

But for the kind of play I want, I need a scout with the ‘Guide’ ability from the 5th floor onwards.

Dwarkey?

Double casting or whatever, in the end, the most important quality for a mage is their mana stat.

That’s why the Magic Tower didn’t accept him either.

It’s a harsh thing to say, but…

Dwarkey’s talent isn’t anything special compared to the Magic Tower’s standards.

Just as that thought crosses my mind, my chest suddenly feels cold.

Not just a feeling, but literally.

「Character has taken cold damage.」

A chill that pierces through my skin and reaches my bones.

I come to my senses and see Misha fuming.

“Hey, Bjorn!! How long are you going to ignore me?!”

“Ah, what did you say?”

“What did I say?! Everyone else is going to sleep, so keep watch properly!”

She punches me in the chest and then asks in a gentle voice as if she’s belatedly worried,

“But… are you okay?”

“I’m fine. It’s still cold, but it doesn’t hurt.”

I tilt my head genuinely.

“Me?”

“Yeah. It’s hard to explain… ah! If I had to compare it, it was similar to the expression you made when I told you to eat carrots.”

Uh, I don’t understand.

“Enough, go to sleep. I’ll keep watch properly, so don’t worry.”

“Hmm, alright.”

Misha then returns to her spot and gets into her sleeping bag.

And she chats with the other companions.

“Ugh, I’m so tired today.”

“Haha, that’s understandable. We were dragged to a strange place and defeated so many 6th-grade monsters.”

“…I, I don’t know if I should say this, but I actually enjoyed it a bit. It felt like I was exploring for the first time, I guess? Honestly, until now, it was different from the exploration I imagined.”

“Ah, I think I understand.”

“Haha, it felt like we were explorers from a story.”

A few words of chatter before ending the day, lying down.

Of course, it doesn’t last long since it’s time to rest.

“Ah, right. Dwarkey, you were amazing today.”

“Th, that’s not because I’m talented or anything. To not have to calculate the spell structure to conserve mana and just shoot it out? It’s something any ma, mage could do.”

“Uh… is that so? I don’t really understand even if you say that. Anyway, good work today, and sleep well.”

“Mi, Miss Misha, you too.”

The sporadic conversation ends, and silence falls.

[01:04]

Day 20 has begun, and an hour has already passed.

I keep watch while also reviewing my plan.

‘We should be able to obtain that item in a few hours, so now I just need to find the boss room.’

With our current strength, the boss battle shouldn’t be a problem, so I’m not too worried.

But the only thing that bothers me is that if we’re unlucky, we might not be able to reach the boss room within the time limit.

‘If we had just one more week, we could have taken everything and left…’

Just as I’m clicking my tongue in regret…

…I sense a presence and turn my head to see Dwarkey getting out of his sleeping bag.

“Um, Bjorn…”

“Even if you can’t sleep, just lie down. Tomorrow—”

“It’s not that I can’t sleep.”

Huh?

Before I can say anything, Dwarkey gets up and approaches me.

And he lowers his voice so as not to wake the others.

“I have something to tell you.”

Rotmiller came to me like this yesterday, and now it’s his turn.

“…Go ahead.”

“Do you remember what I said about Misha’s preferences the other day?”

“I remember.”

I don’t forget the lies I tell.

So that there won’t be any inconsistencies later.

Well, it’s meaningless in this situation, though.

“So what do you want to say?”

Dwarkey speaks with a determined look as I stare at him.

“I was going to ask if what you said was true. But now that I think about it, it doesn’t matter whether it’s true or not.”

Dwarkey’s voice is different from usual.

There’s no tremor, and his gaze, looking up at me, is firm.

“Her preferences don’t matter. It would be cowardly to expect her true feelings without showing her my true self.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Don’t you already know? That I’ve been secretly admiring her.”

At least he could have waited until we returned to the city—

“If we survive this time and return to the ci—”

“Stop.”

I hurriedly cut Dwarkey off.

Because thinking about it and actually saying it are two different things.

However, he seems to have misunderstood my sincere concern.

“As expected, Bjorn, you also…”

Dwarkey bites his lip and then shakes his head as if to clear his thoughts. And he continues in a voice that’s more determined than ever.

“But nothing changes.”

“Stop talking. I understand what you’re misunderstanding—”

“I’ll confess my feelings when we return to the city.”

No, that’s a flag.

‘Damn it.’

I start to feel as uneasy as when I met Hans.
_________________

“That’s all I wanted to say. I’ll be going now.”

After that, Dwarkey runs away and buries himself in his sleeping bag.

And soon, he starts snoring softly.

I was worried that he might stay up all night because of this, wasting precious rest time, but it seems like today’s journey was tiring.

‘…But he’s not going to propose, so it should be fine, right?’

I also try to dismiss my worries and focus on keeping watch.

Two hours pass, and I wake the dwarf up for our shift change and lie down.

And when I open my eyes again…

[05:07]

…it’s time to depart.

We decided to only keep watch for four hours tonight, and just the dwarf and I would take turns.

“You two must be tired, good work.”

“Haha, it can’t be helped. We don’t have much time left.”

“It’s my turn and Rotmiller’s tomorrow, so work a little harder today and get some rest later.”

We quickly pack up the campsite and resume our journey.

For reference, today’s goal is clear.

“As Bjorn said, it seems like we’ve reached the outer edge of the labyrinth, so from now on, let’s follow this wall and go in one direction.”

The corner of the square-shaped Larkaze’s Labyrinth.

We’ll defeat the mid-boss here and obtain the hidden reward.

For reference, I don’t know which of the four mid-bosses will appear.

Even in the game, it was random.

‘Actually, with our current strength, we can easily defeat any of them except for that one. The rest all have clear weaknesses.’

[Meeek—!!!]

We continue to defeat countless Vykuntus, which we’ve already killed hundreds of times, and accelerate our journey.

Although there’s still no sign of an essence dropping…

…we’ve accumulated a lot of magic stones instead.

“Hahaha! This is going to be quite profitable just from the magic stones alone, huh?”

Actually, this is the second reward of the labyrinth.

There’s no place, even on the 5th floor, where 6th-grade monsters appear in single-species groups like this. If it were the 4th floor, it would be difficult to encounter even twenty of them in a day.

“…A dead end?”

After about 12 hours of traveling, we reach our destination.

The corner of the labyrinth.

“I can’t believe there’s nothing here.”

“It might be in a different direction. Or in a completely different location.”

“Haha, there’s no way there’s no exit, right?”

“That wouldn’t be possible. This is still a labyrinth.”

While the party members are each saying something after reaching the dead end, Rotmiller carefully examines the wall and mutters,

“…Wait a moment, something seems strange.”

Honestly, I’m a bit surprised.

Is it because of the Sixth Sense from the Mimic’s essence?

Or just this man’s observation skills?

Click, rumble.

He touches something, and the wall slides open, revealing a hidden space.

“Wow, a door opened!”

“Everyone, step back! It could be dangerous!”

The dwarf jumps forward and raises his shield, and I quickly join him.

Of course, no monster jumps out.

“…Nothing’s coming out?”

Because it’s not that kind of place.

The space inside the wall is shrouded in darkness, so it’s impossible to see with the naked eye.

Actually, it doesn’t mean anything to me.

“I’ll take the lead.”

“Bjorn! It could be dangerous!”

“It’s fine. That’s my role.”

I enter, saying something tank-like to reassure the dwarf, who’s hesitant, and the torches on the wall light up one by one, illuminating the space.

I quickly check the surroundings.

“This is…”

It’s a stone chamber about 30 square meters in size.

A magic circle with geometric patterns is drawn on the floor.

And a pole with a goat’s head impaled on it is decorating the center.

“It’s… a bit creepy.”

“There’s no portal, can’t we just leave?”

I secretly smile as I see Misha and Dwarkey muttering uneasily.

Well, they wouldn’t know.

That this is nothing compared to the other rooms.

‘Anyway, since we found this place, finding the boss room will be a piece of cake. As for how to use it… I think I can just subtly give Rotmiller a hint…’

Thanks to this, I feel relieved.

Although the boss battle will be a bit more difficult, we could have ended the expedition without even seeing the boss if we were unlucky.

‘But how do I summon it? It will be suspicious if I just do it.’

Just as I’m having that pleasant dilemma…

“Huh?”

“…Don’t tell me, you too?”

Everyone, including me, flinches at the same time.

As expected, I wasn’t the only one who felt the change.

“What is this? My mana has increased significantly.”

“I, I’m the same. What’s happening to my body?”

The pressure of the heavy armor, which was a bit burdensome because of my decreased strength stat, has disappeared. It feels like I’m wearing a cosplay foam armor.

Why is this happening?

As soon as I realize the truth, curses escape my lips.

‘This, son of a…’

Vitality surges through my body.

It’s a change I wouldn’t have felt even with [Gigantification].

I already know the reason for this change.

“Rotmiller.”

“…It seems like you had the same thought as me.”

The 4th-floor hidden field, Larkaze’s Labyrinth.

Another explorer has entered.

‘The number of people is at least one, and at most five.’

Logically, a 5-person team is the most likely scenario, but it’s too early to be certain.

All possibilities are open.

But…

…at least one thing is clear.

That guy…

…or those guys…

「Field effect – Guardian of Balance is updated.」

「The stats of all entrants are adjusted equally.」

…are overwhelmingly strong.

------------------------------

Chapter 135: Orculus (1)

The Guardian of Balance.

We had already reached a conclusion about this field effect.

That the stats of those who entered the labyrinth are evenly distributed.

My companions all agreed with Rotmiller's guess after receiving several hints from me.

Therefore, no further explanation was necessary.

“It’s possible that other explorers entered this labyrinth.”

“Other explorers? But you can’t meet other explorers in the Tower of Heaven.”

Although the dwarf muttered as if he didn’t understand…

“Murad, you know too, right? That the situation we’re in is not normal.”

The 4th floor Tower of Heaven is an independent space.

Unless several teams entered at the same time, you can’t encounter another team no matter how much you wander around.

But this is a place that’s unknown to the outside world.

“Anything could happen here.”

The unknown.

A word that signifies things yet to be known.

It means that all possibilities are contained within.

Therefore…

“I understand what you mean. But what if our guess is wrong? Maybe a different rule is applied when you enter this space—”

I cut off the other possibility that the dwarf brought up and say firmly,

“That seems like a stretch.”

Because this place is not unknown to me.

It’s more rational to quickly wrap things up and move on to the next topic instead of wasting time.

“I think Rotmiller’s guess is correct. Dwarkey, what about you?”

“…I also think that’s more plausible.”

“So you agree. Misha, what about you?”

“Uh… I’ll just stay quiet.”

Misha abstains.

But since we already have three votes for the majority, I don’t force her to choose.

“Alright, then it’s decided. Let’s move under the assumption that Rotmiller’s words are true. If you have any objections, speak now.”

“…None.”

After the figurehead leader, the dwarf, nods dejectedly, I quickly summarize the situation.

Another explorer entered the labyrinth.

And they’re stronger than us.

My stats have at least doubled, so they must be an explorer who operates on at least the 6th floor or higher.

And a team, not a clan.

Then what should we do?

As I throw out the question, my companions each offer their opinions, and I take the opportunity to fulfill the condition for summoning the mid-boss.

「The demon of the labyrinth senses blood.」

Okay, this should happen if we just wait a bit longer.

“Hmm, it’s not a big deal, right? It would be better if we joined forces and found a way out…”

“We don’t even know what kind of people they are, how about we just stay here? There’s no guarantee that we’ll be trapped if the labyrinth closes.”

“Haha! What are you so worried about? Even if they’re stronger than us, it’s a special situation, isn’t it? Even if we encounter them, they won’t be able to do anything to us easily, so just keep moving as usual.”

“Hmm, still, it would be better to avoid them as much as possible and find a way out, just in case.”

I smile bitterly.

I listened attentively, hoping there might be something useful, but…

As expected, collective intelligence wasn’t very helpful.

Rotmiller was a bit better, but he was more focused on preparing for the unexpected rather than considering the worst-case scenario.

“Bjorn, what do you think?”

Their gazes turn to me at his question.

I organize my thoughts one last time and then speak.

“I don’t think it’s a coincidence.”

“If it’s not a coincidence?”

“An explorer with that level of strength was on the 4th floor at this time? It’s more reasonable to assume that they were wandering around with a purpose.”

“So you’re saying that their goal might have been this place from the beginning.”

“Yes. And if that’s the case, they must have also noticed our presence by now.”

Dwarkey expresses his disagreement at my words.

“Eh, there’s no way. To know about this place beforehand.”

And the dwarf laughs it off.

“Haha, even if that’s the case, you’re talking as if they’re already marauders.”

Rotmiller asks again seriously,

“So what do you think we should do?”

I answer.

They’re unknown entities.

Therefore, they possess all possibilities.

This variable could be a blessing, or it could lead me to death.

So, even if my actions seem strange to my companions…

“We need to get out of here quickly.”

…I have to assume the worst.

Thump!

Not ignoring the unease in my heart…

…that’s the secret to my survival.
________________________

「Killed Baphomet. EXP +5」

「Higher Variant Kill Bonus. EXP +1」
________________________
We’re running through the labyrinth.

Not wandering around, but heading straight for our destination.

“This way!”

Rotmiller, who’s following closely behind me, is holding a map in his hand.

It’s not the map he meticulously created, but a map that details all the paths in this labyrinth.

The location of the boss room is also marked on it.

It’s loot we obtained after defeating the mid-boss, Baphomet.

‘I didn’t expect to defeat him that easily.’

We summoned Baphomet as soon as I finished speaking.

The battle with the guy, which would have normally required us to target his weaknesses and barely manage to win…

…didn’t even take a minute.

We were able to just overpower him with damage.

It’s a good thing, but the situation is a bit…

‘Just how strong are these guys originally?’

The unidentified intruders.

For reference, I’ve long since dismissed the thought that it might be just one person.

There’s a limit to how strong an individual can be.

Tadatadat!

I clear my thoughts and increase our speed.

It should be fine since everyone seems to be keeping up.

I subtly glance back, and even the dwarf, who lacks stamina, is running just fine while carrying Dwarkey on his back.

So I stop worrying about that part.

[Meeek—!!!]

I smash the head of a Vykuntus that appeared from the front with my mace.

Although it staggers greatly, it doesn’t die in one shot.

But I don’t slow down and just pass by the staggering creature.

Misha is in charge of taking care of the trash mobs.

Slash-!

I hear the sound of flesh being torn and then see a scattering of light particles.

However, I don’t hear the sound of a magic stone falling.

Misha must have caught it in mid-air again.

“Turn left!”

I follow Rotmiller’s instructions and change direction.

Then I see four Vykuntus in the distance.

Actually, we could defeat them with just Misha, Rotmiller, and me now…

…but it’s better to save every second.

“Dwarkey!”

Dwarkey, who got off the dwarf’s back at my shout, casts a spell.

Swaaaaaaaaa!

[Blizzard].

It’s a 7th-grade attack spell with low single-target damage but a wide area of effect. It’s a spell we usually used against groups of 8th or 9th-grade trash mobs or to combo with Misha.

[Mee… huh?]

A blizzard, reminiscent of hail, is shot towards the other side of the passage, and the four Vykuntus freeze.

The 6th-grade monsters are completely frozen, not just frostbitten, from a single spell.

However, since that state will wear off in a few seconds…

Kwaaang!

…I quickly smash them with my mace and resume moving.

And when I feel like we need a break, we briefly collapse on the passage and catch our breath.

That’s when, during our third break…

“Phew, phew… Bjorn, aren’t you being too hasty? I don’t think there’s a need to rush this much…”

The dwarf cautiously expresses his pent-up frustration.

It’s something I expected to some extent.

[I keep getting this ominous feeling. So, please, just trust me this once.]

It was the first request I made.

They all agreed to go along with my nonsense.

But…

[…Well, you have good intuition.]

[I, I don’t mind. And Bjorn, don’t think I’m repaying my debt with this. I’ll repay you properly later.]

As time passed, they must have started to have doubts.

“I, I also think this is enough. In the first place, it seems like a stretch to assume that they knew about this place beforehand…”

Isn’t it more likely that they entered this place by chance, just like us?

No, even if that’s the case…

“If you’re worried about the marks we left behind, it’s fine to slow down now. Even if they’re marauders, they won’t be able to find us in a place like this.”

Are they really marauders?

To go so far as to find and kill us… isn’t that closer to delusion?

“Honestly, I don’t even understand why you’re so sure that there’s a way out if we go this way.”

And above all, is there any guarantee that there’s a way out in the boss room… no, that place that wasn’t even marked as a boss room?

“Hmm, I don’t have any complaints. You know? I’m serious? Okay?”

They’re all valid questions.

It’s because they haven’t had the same experiences as me.

Hidden pieces aren’t that special.

Just look at Jensia, whom we met in the ‘Glacier Cave’ a while ago.

She used hidden pieces to open the rift.

And information about hidden pieces is spread through Ghostbusters as players exchange information every month.

“Bjorn, you’re not acting like yourself today. Even if everything you said is true, can’t we just fight them?”

The dwarf tries to persuade me, but that’s the biggest problem.

The Guardian of Balance is active?

It doesn’t change anything.

A situation where we would get completely destroyed just becomes a situation where we get destroyed normally.

That’s about it.

Even if our stats are the same, there’s a difference in the grade and number of essence skills.

And if we add equipment to the equation, the gap widens even further.

‘If we fight, we’ll definitely lose.’

That’s the source of my anxiety.

Thump!

A lion can be carefree in front of a rabbit.

But what about the rabbit?

“We don’t have time. Let’s move if you’re done resting.”

If you encounter a lion, you have to run.
________________

A stone chamber with paths leading in four directions.

A man standing in the center mutters,

“Larkaze’s Labyrinth…”

The man removes the hood that was covering his face and approaches the wall.

And he gently runs his hand along the wall.

“I finally made it.”

The corners of his mouth twist upwards, and the skin with burn scars is distorted.

But anyone could tell.

“Oh God, why would you give wings to such an evil man…!”

…that the old man in black priestly robes is lamenting.

Sighing and asking a meaningless question to the void…

…is the only thing the old man can do.

“Old man, should I rip out your tongue?”

“Why would I be afraid? Physical pain is noth—”

“Ah, of course, I meant your grandson’s tongue.”

“…….”

As the old man clenches his mouth shut, the man chuckles and looks down at the floor.

At the end of his gaze is a middle-aged scout, collapsed in a shrimp-like position.

His forehead is covered in cold sweat, and his parted lips tremble as he lets out a pained groan.

“Keugh, heugh, keuh…”

“Geez, stop whining over just one arm.”

The man chuckles as he looks at the scout’s severed shoulder.

Who would have known?

That there was a way to enter this place, which he couldn’t find for a year, so easily.

“To readily reveal the way just for sacrificing one arm of a 5th-grade scout, that evil god is quite funny.”

“He… wasn’t he your companion?”

“Companion my ass. I just brought him along because he was useful. Hey, get up now. We don’t have time since we entered late.”

The old man’s forehead wrinkles deeply as the man puts his foot on the scout’s waist and shakes him.

“Stop it. He offered a part of his body to the evil god. That pain is beyond imagination—”

“Old man, enough.”

The old man flinches at the man’s cold voice.

He clenches his fist in frustration, but that’s all he can do.

He feels disgusted by his own cowardice, unable to do anything but watch the evil deeds.

But the old man has something to protect.

And the scout probably feels the same way.

“I’m fi, fine… High Priest.”

The scout struggles to get up, holding his empty shoulder.

The man nods in satisfaction.

But as if he realized something belatedly, he frowns and clenches and unclenches his hand.

Clench-

He knows about the ‘Guardian of Balance’.

But even considering that, the change in his body is inexplicable.

“Old man, anything different? Your divine power or whatever.”

“…It’s decreased slightly.”

“Decreased? Not increased? Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.”

The man turns his head and looks at the scout.

“Scout, what about you?”

“My overall physical strength, including So, ul Power, has decreased…”

“I see.”

The man smiles wickedly and looks towards the passage.

The old man, a former High Priest, is understandable, but for even a 5th-grade scout’s strength to decrease…

“Some rats have already entered.”

His eyes, illuminated by the flickering torchlight, are gleaming coldly.


Trial

I like Korean novels (Murim, Dukes, Reincarnation, etc, etc, etc)

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