C346, 347, 348
Chapter 364: Responsibility (2)
Lihen Schuitz.
Come to think of it, it wouldn’t be so bad to live as him.
With my current specs, I could earn enough money to retire in a few years, even if I hid my true strength.
Of course, I would have to give up on returning…
‘But what’s so bad about that?’
I had already adapted to this world.
It wasn’t as horrible as before, and I often thought it was better than my original life.
There were people I could trust here.
And people who trusted me.
They were connections I didn’t have in Lee Hansu’s life.
But…
‘There’s no guarantee that I can hide my identity forever.’
Just how long could I live as Lihen Schuitz?
Well, no matter how careful I was, it wouldn’t last forever.
You never know what will happen in life…
‘And there are already too many witnesses.’
The story of Lihen Schuitz would eventually spread.
Even if Raven gave a false report, Clown was there.
He would definitely blab about meeting an interesting guy at the Round Table.
And Stag Antlers was also there, so the news would reach the royal family.
‘And I even showed them the Gachabon essence.’
It wasn’t a well-known essence, but if they researched it, they would eventually learn about it and realize that it increased Bone Density. Then they would figure out that my original height was much taller.
Well, there was a more important reason.
‘Auril Gabis.’
I still didn’t know what that old man had done to me when he gave me that useless ‘gift’.
In other words, it didn’t mean I would be safe even if I hid my identity and lived in the shadows.
Therefore, the conclusion was the same as when I told the shaman about my fate.
‘I have to get stronger.’
Strong enough to endure whatever came my way.
______________________
Whoosh!
The crystal ball on the desk started vibrating as we were discussing our future plans in the officer’s cabin.
“It’s the military message stone that’s directly connected to the command center. It seems like we’ll have to continue our conversation later.”
Well, they couldn’t focus on us forever during wartime.
Honestly, I was also starting to feel a bit awkward.
“We’ll wait outside.”
“No, you don’t have to. You’re technically my escorts. Just be quiet when I’m talking.”
“Alright.”
Raven then received a call from the command center and spoke in a professional tone, then summoned the other officers.
And…
“Vice-Captain, but who are they…?”
“Don’t worry about them. They’re my escorts.”
“But… we’re having a meeting…”
“Do you want me to repeat myself?”
“…….”
Wow, she’s a natural-born leader.
How can she be so intimidating with that small stature and that cold voice?
“Then let’s begin. We just received orders from the command center. They said they can’t detect any enemy life signs within the barrier.”
We stayed by Raven’s side and observed the situation.
It seemed like the enemy troops that had been surrounding the lake had suddenly disappeared. It happened two hours after they retreated to their ships.
“It could be a trap. To lure us out of the ships.”
“Well, I think it’s more likely that they retreated.”
“Everyone be quiet. Speculation is meaningless. The command has decided to send out search parties from each unit.”
Raven didn’t hesitate and assigned some of her officers to the search parties.
And after some time…
…we received real-time updates from the search parties.
[We can’t find anything around the lake.]
The lakeshore, which had been swarming with Clown’s undead, was empty.
And…
[The 2nd Search Team found traces of a large-scale magic spell.]
They found traces of magic.
It was a Multiple Teleportation magic circle.
You couldn’t enter the barrier from the outside with teleportation magic once [Wall of Thousand Gold] was activated, but it wasn’t the other way around.
The command concluded that the enemy had retreated.
But…
“We’re on standby again. It might be inconvenient, but we’ll wait on the ships until the [Wall of Thousand Gold] collapses and the main force returns. Maintain the current alert level.”
“Yes, I’ll relay the message to the explorers!”
All troops remained on the ships and didn’t go to the lakeshore.
And time passed…
Swaaaaaaaaaa!
…the [Wall of Thousand Gold] collapsed, its time limit reached, and the main force returned.
We were finally able to go to the lake and start cleaning up the battlefield. The main force waited for about a day, confirmed that it was safe, and then left again after leaving behind some additional troops.
“So the main force’s goal is to find Noark’s base?”
“Yes, to be precise, the entrance. It’s most likely connected to a specific location, like the center of the Crystal Cave. If we can find it and occupy it, we might be able to figure out how they did this.”
Damn, the main force must be having a hard time.
Searching the 7th floor with a large army.
That’s when, as I was thinking that…
…Raven sighed.
“…I’m glad it’s over.”
It wasn’t completely over…
Well, at least no one died.
I also felt like it was finally over after the incident was resolved.
But…
“I hope nothing else happens until we return.”
Ugh, be careful what you wish for.
I felt a sense of unease at Raven’s words, but what could possibly happen?
We had more troops now—
“…Patrol team?”
I noticed something written on one of the documents on the desk.
“Ah, that? The higher-ups are upset about this incident. They couldn’t believe we didn’t even notice them infiltrating, even though it was just a small group.”
“So they’re deploying patrol teams?”
“Yes.”
Raven answered curtly and then focused on her work again.
Damn it, doesn’t she get bored?
I felt restless.
“Mister, are you bored?”
“A bit?”
“Then let’s go for a walk.”
“Who will protect Raven?”
“What, do you think there’s a problem? She’ll be here anyway.”
Amelia was offended by Erwen’s words.
“…Who said I’m staying?”
“You’re so sensitive. You can rest when we get back.”
Ugh, these two are going to fight again.
“Both of you, stop it. I’m not going for a walk.”
I mediated and then sat there, spacing out.
But I couldn’t just sit here doing nothing.
‘By the way, a patrol team…’
It was a bit impulsive, but it seemed better than staying here.
Patrol teams would be going outside.
And they would encounter monsters, so I could naturally gain experience points.
‘Maybe I can even reach level 7 this time.’
I didn’t hesitate.
“Raven, how do I join a patrol team?”
“…You can’t.”
“Huh? Why?”
“They’re already full. And besides, you can’t change your assigned mission. Otherwise, everyone would try to get the easy tasks. It’s a fairness issue.”
Oh, I see.
I nodded and asked again.
“But there must be another way.”
“…You can change your mission with the permission of your unit commander.”
What the hell, she was just teasing me.
How mean.
“You’re the commander. Just change it—”
“That’s why I said you can’t. Because I won’t let you.”
“…Huh?”
“I’m saying I won’t let you. Who knows what kind of trouble you’ll cause while I’m gone?”
Raven drew a line coldly, not even looking at me.
Well, it wasn’t a big deal.
I wasn’t the type to give up.
“Haha! That’s the problem?”
Raven tilted her head as I chuckled, as if it was nothing.
“…?”
What’s with that look?
This is why bookworms are so useless.
Their brains are too stiff.
“You’re saying the problem is that you’re not there?”
“…?”
“Then just come with me!”
Raven narrowed her eyes and scanned me from head to toe as I presented my solution.
And…
“Just out of curiosity, are there barbarians or similar races in your world?”
Ah, uh, hmm…
“…….”
I was caught off guard by her unexpected question.
_____________________
As a result, I was able to join a patrol team.
Raven was a rationalist.
“Do it for me!”
“…….”
“Do it for me! I promise I won’t cause any trouble!”
“…….”
“Do it for me!”
I activated the Barbarian Parrot Mode.
I had used this mode effectively in the Crystal Cave.
I kept repeating the same phrase, and Raven, who had been ignoring me at first, eventually had to react.
“Damn it, you’re so persistent!”
“Then do it for me!”
“…I told you no! And I didn’t even answer for over four hours! You should know when to stop!”
“I don’t know, so do it for me!!”
“Sigh…”
A sigh meant resignation.
I kept pushing, and Raven finally gave in.
She judged that it was better to endure a few days of annoyance than to deal with my constant nagging.
Ah, but it wasn’t just because she gave in to my stubbornness.
“Ah, seriously! Why are you doing this?! You can just stay here for a few days!”
“…Because there are monsters outside.”
“…?”
“Didn’t I tell you? I have to get stronger.”
“Ugh… what am I supposed to do…?”
I got the OK sign.
Ah, of course, it wasn’t on the condition that she came with me.
I wanted her to, but she said the command center wouldn’t allow it.
“I’m the only mage here who can use [Wall of Thousand Gold]. I have to stay here just in case.”
Right, she was a valuable asset.
“Then I’ll leave Emily or Erwen behind.”
“You don’t have to do that. I was fine even when he… no, Schuitz, wasn’t here.”
Hmm, I’m still worried…
“I’m really fine, so just go and don’t cause any trouble. Especially don’t use [Gigantification]. And don’t neglect your patrol duties just because you’re hunting monsters. And also…”
I listened to her instructions, like an elementary school student going on a field trip, and then Raven finally contacted her superiors and changed my assignment.
And I was able to leave the tent.
There was a patrol team that was just leaving.
“You’re the new member. It’s an honor to meet you, Tersia.”
The squad leader greeted us and then checked our specs.
“The Blood Spirit Marquis is an archer and a spirit user, so you’ll be in the center… Are you two melee?”
“That’s right.”
The squad leader then asked for more specific information about our roles, and Amelia, who was an agility-based damage dealer, was assigned to the left flank.
And I…
“Judging by your heavy armor and shield, you must be a tank—”
Hey, where’s he going to hit me with this small body?
I quickly cut him off before I was labeled as a tank.
“I’m a smasher.”
“…Huh? Then what about your shield…?”
“It’s for show.”
I put my shield away and grabbed Kraul’s Demon Crusher with both hands.
“I’ll be on the right flank.”
I wouldn’t be able to use [Gigantification] anyway.
It wouldn’t hurt to play as a melee attacker for once.
---------------------------------------------
Chapter 365: Responsibility (3)
‘Ghostly Canyon’, the entrance to the 7th floor of the labyrinth, the Dark Continent.
Once you passed through this canyon, you would reach the lake where the royal forces were currently stationed. And from there, there were three different paths.
The first was the River of Souls, which flowed into the lake.
It was the fastest route to the Dragon’s Mountain Range, the heart of the Dark Continent…
‘That’s where Bellarios appears.’
…and the place where I could obtain the essence that would be responsible for my Magic Resistance in the late game.
Well, I wouldn’t be going there this time since I was on patrol duty.
Anyway.
The second path was a vast jungle east of the River of Souls, called the Great Forest.
It was so large that it was further divided into several sub-fields, but that was its official name.
And…
The third path was the Pantelion Ruins, located west of the River of Souls.
It was the destination of the 4th Patrol Team, which I was currently a member of.
“Forward march!”
The patrol team reorganized its formation at the entrance of the ruins, which were practically abandoned, and entered the field.
Of course, the purpose of the patrol team was active defense, so we wouldn’t be going deep into the ruins.
But…
“Front line, forward!”
“Shield wall!”
…this place was teeming with monsters.
[Grrrr…!]
Starting with modified beasts with metallic bodies, like golems…
Kaboom! Kaboom!
…giant magic engineering golems…
Whiiiiiish!
…and mechanical flying monsters that zipped around like drones.
The monsters that had been slumbering in the ruins emerged, sensing the intruders.
But they couldn’t reach us.
Kwaaang!
The monsters were blocked by a wall of humans.
It was a strange sight.
I never thought I would be looking at someone’s back from this angle.
‘So this is what they usually see.’
I was lost in thought for a moment, and then I smashed the monsters that were trying to escape to the sides with my hammer as soon as the order to attack was given.
「Character has cast [Swing].」
「Gigawolf defeated. EXP +4」
The monsters at the entrance of the Pantelion Ruins weren’t that high-level, even on the 7th floor, so none of them could withstand a single blow.
The impact felt different since they were mechanically modified.
Clank, crack, thud!
‘This is so easy, I just have to swing my hammer.’
“Front line, step aside!”
The commander of the patrol team shouted, and the tanks moved in unison, opening a path in the center.
The monsters rushed through the gap…
“Liona Er Efpura!”
…but a joint magic spell had already been completed in the rear.
Whoosh!
A beam of light shot forward from the center of the formation, piercing through fifteen large monsters and breaking their formation. We were then able to quickly clean up the remaining monsters.
‘…Hunting is definitely easier in a raid group. And the tanks are much safer with a priest.’
Although their average level was low, there were over a hundred monsters, but it took less than ten minutes to clear them all.
Well, we had over thirty people on our side.
Even if we killed a hundred monsters, the individual reward wouldn’t be that significant.
“No essences dropped, so gather the magic stones and let’s move on!”
The patrol team continued to… well, patrol, following the predetermined route.
And…
‘Wow, I’ll get over 100 experience points today.’
I had already killed over 20 new types of monsters during this patrol.
Although their levels were low, there were many unique species that only appeared in this field.
“Good work, everyone.”
After about ten hours of patrol, we handed over the reins to the next shift and returned to the base.
And we each received a token from the administrative staff.
It was a token that proved our share of the loot from today’s patrol.
We could submit it to the Achievement Office in the city and receive our payment…
“Hey, buddy.”
I turned around as someone called out to me.
I couldn’t help but tilt my head.
“…Who are you?”
I didn’t remember having a friend like him, and besides…
“What’s with that ‘I’ve never seen you before’ look? We were right next to each other during the battle.”
Uh, were we?
Now that I think about it, maybe we were…
It’s best to brush it off and change the subject in situations like this.
“Ah, so what do you want?”
The man patted my shoulder as if he was my superior.
“You were a beast in that fight.”
Hmm, was he trying to be friendly?
I decided to be humble.
“You must have low standards.”
“What?”
He frowned.
It wasn’t my concern.
I brushed his hand off my shoulder.
Thud.
It had been bothering me.
If he wanted to be friends, he should at least look me in the eye.
“So what do you want?”
The man also wiped the fake smile off his face.
And…
“I just wanted to give you some advice.”
…he said something unexpected.
“…Advice?”
“It seems like you just blindly focused on strength. You’ll be in danger someday if you keep absorbing essences like that.”
He then drew a dagger and cut his arm.
“See? It doesn’t cut easily, even if I use all my strength. An explorer shouldn’t just focus on strength, you need balance, like me—”
“What the hell, you’re just an idiot.”
“…?”
“Ah, sorry. I was thinking out loud.”
He glared at me, offended, even though I apologized.
Damn it, he looks like he would die if I flicked him.
How dare he brag about his measly Physical Resistance in front of me?
“By the way, what’s your name?”
But I asked for his name, just in case.
“Melivor Eltein.”
What, it’s not even Hans?
“I see. See you around.”
“Mister, what are you doing?”
“My companions are here.”
I left, trying to forget his name.
___________________
So, his name was Melivor…
‘What was it again?’
I couldn’t remember, but unfortunately, I never saw him again.
I continued to be assigned to patrol teams, but I was always in a different one…
The reason was simple.
Each patrol team was assigned to a specific area.
Well, it was a rational decision from the command center’s perspective.
If a patrol team was always in the same area, they would become familiar with the terrain and their teamwork would improve.
It wouldn’t have been possible to switch teams so often…
…unless you had connections in the military’s upper echelon.
[Raven, I heard the 11th Patrol Team is going on a deep patrol this time…]
[Okay, I’ll write you a recommendation letter.]
[Thank you.]
Thanks to Raven’s help, I was able to visit the River of Souls and the Great Forest, as well as the Pantelion Ruins.
Of course, we only patrolled the outskirts of each area, so there were still many monsters I hadn’t encountered.
But I gained experience points every time I switched teams.
And time flew by, and now…
「Character level has increased.」
「Soul Power +30.」
「Maximum number of absorbable essences increased by +1.」
…I finally reached level 7, and I had another essence slot.
I could add another synergy to my current build.
‘The money problem is practically solved, so I don’t have to participate in the war anymore. I should farm essences next time.’
Ah, but I would need a boat first, right?
That’s when, as I was lost in thought…
…I realized that my surroundings were quiet.
“Raven.”
“What?”
“Where did Erwen and Emily go?”
“That woman said she was going to take a nap in the tent, and Erwen… well, she followed her soon after.”
“Hmm, I see.”
“So that’s all you wanted to ask?”
Raven was already reading another document, not even looking at me.
Geez, at least give me time to answer.
‘Come to think of it… it’s just the two of us.’
I stepped back, trying not to disturb her work, and I felt a strange sense of unfamiliarity.
Whenever I met Raven after our reunion, Amelia or Erwen was always with us.
‘Maybe I should ask her about something I’ve been curious about.’
“Raven.”
“What is it now?”
“What was that… ‘incident’ you mentioned before?”
Raven’s hand, which was writing something, flinched as I cautiously asked.
And she glanced at me.
“What incident?”
Don’t play dumb.
“You said it before, in front of the cage. That something happened after you entered the Magic Tower…”
“…I don’t want to talk about it. It’s not important.”
“…Is that so? Then I can’t force you.”
I gave up on my curiosity, even though I was usually shameless, especially since it seemed like a sensitive topic.
And…
“Then how’s your mother doing? Is she well?”
…I decided to just chat with her.
It was also a slightly sensitive topic, but I was involved this time.
“Did you… know something…?”
“Huh?”
I tilted my head at her strange reaction, and Raven quickly tried to change the subject.
“It’s nothing. But… why are you suddenly asking about my mother? I don’t think you should be curious about that.”
“Why not? I’m the one who persuaded your mother to send you to the Magic Tower.”
Raven flinched at my casual remark.
“…………Wh, what did you say?”
“I don’t know if you remember, but you came to the library after your mom beat you up. You were crying and asked me to help you—”
“That… never happened!!”
“Huh? You said you barely remembered what happened back then?”
“Even so, I… I believe it never happened.”
“Oh, really?”
“Don’t tease me, and just tell me. Is that true? You persuaded my mother…?”
“Yes.”
I then told her what had happened in the past.
I had glossed over it back then because we didn’t have time.
I wanted to have this kind of conversation.
To be precise, I wanted to know how much of a positive impact I had on causality.
After all, I might have to use the ‘Fragment of Records’ again someday.
‘Ah, but I shouldn’t tell her about that part.’
But I omitted part of my conversation with her mother.
There was a simple reason.
[She’ll abandon me.]
[She’ll look down on me after becoming successful. And then she’ll leave for her own world. Just like he did… because she’s his blood…]
[Isn’t this wrong? Why is her life so easy? She’s my daughter, but I’ve never met anyone who helped me like that. But… but why is she…]
How could I tell her that?
Especially not in front of her.
“Let’s forget about what happened at the library. Just tell me what you talked about with your mother that day.”
“Nothing special. I just persuaded her to send you to the Magic Tower and said I would pay for everything, and she refused.”
“Refused…?”
“Ah, to be precise, she refused the money. She said the Magic Tower had already sent someone a few days ago. You caught their eye because you were using magic on everyone at such a young age.”
“I see… so that’s why she suddenly changed her mind…”
“Ahem, it’s a bit awkward to say this myself, but in a way, I’m your benefactor…”
Raven ignored my subtle attempt to appeal to her.
“….”
How rude.
“So… how’s your mother doing? Are you two getting along now?”
Raven answered coldly as I changed the subject.
“I wish we could.”
“…Huh?”
“She’s dead.”
“…….”
“Ah, uh… I, I see. I’m sorry. I didn’t know she was sick or anything…”
I was so flustered that I stuttered, desperately trying to salvage the situation, but it was too late.
“It wasn’t a health issue. It wasn’t an accident either. And she didn’t die of old age.”
“…Then?”
“She hanged herself.”
“…….”
“It was about a month after I entered the Magic Tower. I went home for a week because of an assignment my master gave me…”
Raven spoke in a flat voice, as if reading from an old diary.
“There was a rotten smell coming from her bedroom. That was the last time I saw her.”
“…….”
“Don’t make that expression. It’s all in the past. It’s not like it’s a big deal for someone to die.”
Raven tried to comfort me, but I was speechless.
Her words only made me remember more vividly…
[Isn’t it strange? I’ve spent my entire life working for just this one room in this shithole.]
…our last conversation.
And after our conversation ended…
[What was the point of my life?]
…the way she staggered towards the back alley, her spirit broken.
-----------------------------------------
Chapter 366: Responsibility (4)
Raven spoke to break the awkward silence.
“Why are you making that face? It’s not your fault.”
Although she didn’t know the whole story, she wasn’t wrong.
Of course, it was a bit ambiguous to say it was entirely my fault.
But I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was the one who had pushed her over the edge.
If I hadn’t gone to see her…
Maybe she wouldn’t have made that choice.
No, wait…
Dwarkey.
Yandel Jarku, Bjorn’s biological father.
Thinking about them, I had to accept the possibility.
That my presence had changed the future.
“Sigh… I shouldn’t have said anything.”
Raven spoke, as if regretting it.
It was as if I had reopened an old wound.
But…
“…….”
…I also had a thought.
Was it okay for me to reopen her wounds?
Just because I didn’t want to avoid responsibility?
As I was struggling to speak…
“What’s with the mood? Did we interrupt something?”
“It’s nothing. What are you talking about? …But mister, what were you two… doing…?”
I turned my head towards the entrance, and Amelia and Erwen were entering the tent.
“…….”
I looked back at Raven, and she was looking at her documents again.
Well, it wasn’t a conversation to be had in this atmosphere.
“…….”
I couldn’t say anything that day.
____________________
「The labyrinth is closed.」
「Character is being transferred to Lafdonia.」
____________________
Day 75 of the expedition.
It was time to return to the city as the 7th floor closed.
‘Wow, it feels like it’s been a while.’
The city felt unfamiliar after spending over two months in the labyrinth.
I could understand why some of the high-ranking clans took a month or two off after an expedition.
“Are you going straight home?”
“For now. Let’s rest. And then eat something delicious.”
“Okay!”
We left the exchange and headed straight for the mansion after exchanging our magic stones.
Ah, for reference, we didn’t have many magic stones.
All the loot we obtained after arriving on the 6th floor had been exchanged for vouchers with the royal family’s seal.
They would be exchanged for money at the Achievement Office, but it would probably be crowded for a few days, so we decided to wait.
“Phew, finally home.”
The detached house with a small garden and boarded-up windows.
I never thought I would feel this happy to be back.
Anyway, we would eat the food we bought on the way back after washing up…
“So who’s going to wash up first?”
Amelia spoke to me as we were deciding the order.
“Schuitz, you can use the bathroom on the second floor.”
“Huh? Thanks, but is it okay for me to go first?”
“The bathroom on the first floor is bigger. We can use it together.”
I didn’t understand.
“…What? Together?”
I couldn’t imagine them doing that.
“When… did you two get so close?”
I asked, unable to hide my surprise, and Erwen waved her hands frantically.
“Cl, close?! We’re not! Say something! Why would I shower with her?!”
“It’s more efficient. Well, if you really don’t want to, I’ll go first.”
“What? Why are you deciding that—”
“Then I’ll go first.”
“…Wait, stop!”
Amelia headed towards the bathroom, and Erwen followed her, shouting.
‘These two are never quiet.’
I dismissed them and went to the bathroom on the second floor.
I was a bit curious about whether they would wash up separately or together…
But what did it matter?
They wouldn’t draw their weapons and fight, at least.
“Ah, that feels good.”
The hot water washed away the fatigue that had accumulated in my body.
It finally felt like the expedition was over.
‘Well… it ended smoothly, considering everything that happened.’
There hadn’t been any major incidents after the first attack.
I had continued to join patrol teams and gain experience points until I reached level 7, and the peace had continued.
But there was something going on with the main force. They had requested reinforcements from us and taken some of our troops.
Of course, it didn’t have much to do with me.
Raven had to stay in the rear because of her strategic role, and so did we, who were part of her unit.
‘I should sell the equipment first, exchange the vouchers for money, and then split the earnings…’
I felt a strange sense of accomplishment as I organized my thoughts.
“Level 7, huh…”
I could proudly say that I had reached the mid-to-late game.
And considering the number of 3rd-grade essences I had, it was practically the early stages of the late game.
It felt like just yesterday when I was crawling around after stepping on a goblin trap.
‘…I’ve gotten stronger.’
I could feel my own growth.
After all, why do you think I was able to call this expedition ‘smooth’?
I had fought four members of Orculus.
The Corpse Collector, the Wailing Witch, the Lighthouse Keeper, and the Blood Knight.
If it were the old me, someone would have died, and I would have had to risk my life.
But even so…
‘I have to get stronger.’
I felt a sense of inadequacy rather than satisfaction.
I was still far…
…from being able to guarantee my and my companions’ safety against monsters like the royal family, Auril Gabis, and Lee Baekho.
‘I have to reach level 9 somehow. And I have to take care of the Spirit Engraving issue as soon as possible…’
That’s when, as my thoughts reached that point…
“Mister, are you almost done? I’m going to reheat the food…”
“Ah, I’ll be out soon.”
I realized I had been in the bathroom for much longer than I thought and quickly finished washing up. I ate the reheated food with the others, and then Amelia spoke.
“Schuitz, what are you going to do about the guild?”
“Guild?”
“Raven said we should take care of your guild records if we want to avoid the royal family’s attention.”
“Ah…”
5th-grade explorer, Lihen Schuitz.
His last labyrinth expedition was about five years ago.
But if the royal family accessed the guild’s records, my identity would be revealed.
His former team, the essences he had absorbed, and other information would all be there.
“Even if you just ask your former companions a few questions, they’ll notice something’s off. And if they see you in person, it’s game over.”
I had to either erase Lihen Schuitz’s records or modify them so that they couldn’t be traced back to me.
And only an insider could do that.
“Is there anyone who can help?”
“Well, I’ve never been close to the guild.”
But one person came to mind.
Julian Urbanes.
The guild master’s daughter, whom I had taken hostage to clear my name.
‘Hmm, is she really a ‘daughter’?’
She was a strange woman.
She wanted her father to be ruined because she didn’t want to live as a puppet.
I wondered how she was doing now.
Would she help me if I asked her?
_____________________
The next day,
Amelia went out to sell the Lighthouse Keeper’s equipment, and Erwen left for the sanctuary.
And…
“Then I’ll be going too.”
…I also got dressed and left the house.
We had concluded that it would be fine.
Even Raven, my former companion, didn’t recognize me.
It was practically impossible for anyone to connect this face to Bjorn Yandel. And it would be strange for me to just stay cooped up at home.
‘I should have met that Dragonkin kid with this face.’
Even that Dragonkin priestess, who had called me ugly at our first meeting, wouldn’t be able to lie after seeing this face.
Damn it, what’s so good about this weak-looking face?
‘Anyway, I should go there first…’
It was my first real outing since returning to this time period. I walked through the city, enjoying the sights, just like when I went to the past, and soon arrived at my destination.
[Carsia Lomne.]
A blacksmith with a fancy name in the ancient language, unfitting for its profession.
It meant ‘Magic Flame’, if I remember correctly.
It was the blacksmith Hikurod Murad, the dwarf, had built after leaving Team Misfits.
‘…So the rumors about him doing well were true.’
I had heard about it from Raven, but I didn’t expect it to be this successful.
He had even expanded his business, taking over the neighboring buildings.
‘Should I go in?’
I entered the blacksmith out of curiosity.
And as I was looking at the displayed equipment…
“Hahaha! The items on display are just samples for custom orders. Tell me if you’re looking for something else!”
I turned around at the familiar voice, and a familiar face was there.
“Hikurod Murad.”
“Oh, you know my name? Hahaha! It seems like I’ve become famous…”
The dwarf laughed heartily and then looked at me, his smile fading.
“…Huh?”
“What’s wrong?”
“Ah, nothing. Just a strange feeling. You’re a tall and handsome young man.”
I thought he might have recognized me, but it seemed like that wasn’t the case.
Okay, with this face, I could probably walk around freely without anyone recognizing me.
‘But… why am I disappointed?’
I dismissed the strange emotion and talked to him.
“Is it okay for the owner to be out here?”
“Haha, I don’t really work in the forge anymore.”
“Why?”
“Why would I when I have blacksmiths who can do it for me? They’re much better than me.”
“…I see.”
It seemed like he had given up on his dream of being a blacksmith and had become a businessman.
No wonder he was doing so well.
‘Damn, he’s even wearing a Mithril necklace.’
Honestly, I was shocked.
He was completely different from the dwarf I knew.
Well, the final blow was his last words.
“Ugh, damn it… I wasted my time explaining everything because you looked rich.”
He immediately wiped the smile off his face and kicked me out as soon as I said I was just browsing.
“Get out if you’re not buying anything! You’re blocking the other customers!”
I was dumbfounded as I was pushed out.
What the hell happened to him? He was so obsessed with money.
‘…Well, at least he’s doing well.’
I left the blacksmith and headed towards a training center. It was the place where Rotmiller, that old man, taught explorers navigation skills.
‘It’s closed. I wanted to at least see his face.’
It wasn’t open today.
‘Where should I go now?’
I thought about going back home, but I didn’t have anything to do there, so I chose a new destination.
[Central Library of Ravigion.]
There was no better place to go when you had nothing to do.
I entered the library, and I saw the familiar desk.
But…
‘What the…’
The people sitting at the desk were all different.
There was supposed to be only one sleepy librarian at that large desk.
“Welcome. We’re happy to have you here.”
There were over twenty staff members working at the desk.
It was like the library twenty years ago.
“Um… where’s the librarian who used to work here?”
“…Who are you talking about?”
“Ragna Ritanyel Peprok.”
“……?”
The librarian tilted her head, confused, and then went to the desk and asked the other librarians before returning.
“My seniors said she retired before the library renovation.”
“…When did she retire?”
“Right before the renovation, so about two years ago.”
Two years ago…
Well, she didn’t have the specs to be a librarian forever.
She was practically doing the work of dozens of people with her vast mana pool.
“Is there anything else I can help you with?”
“No, thank you. Just cast the detection spell, and I’ll take care of the rest.”
“The book detection spell fee is 3,000 stones!”
Damn it, they even charge a fee now?
I felt the changes that had occurred during my absence, but I paid the fee and found a few books, then sat down at a table.
After some time…
Snore!
Who the hell is snoring?
Snore!
I couldn’t take it anymore and looked up.
“Um… sir, we received a complaint… can you please… wake up…?”
A librarian was shaking a large barbarian who was snoring, practically begging him to wake up.
Snore!
That guy is embarrassing all barbarians…
‘Huh?’
The barbarian sat up, wiping his drool, and I couldn’t help but flinch.
“Ah, sorry! I must have dozed off!”
Blonde hair tied into a messy braid.
Golden eyes that seemed to be filled with stubbornness.
“Ah, y-yes… then please leave the library…”
I couldn’t believe I would meet her here.
I almost didn’t recognize her because of her large frame, but I was certain after seeing her face.
“Haha! There’s no need to kick me out! I apologized! Don’t be so harsh.”
It was Ainar, Frenelin’s second daughter.