C49, 50, 51
Chapter 49: Companions (3)
A shiny appearance and beautiful blonde hair.
A height of around 165 centimeters and a skinny physique.
An 8th-grade mage who can handle daily life and administrative magic, a few curse-type spells, and ice magic.
Liol Wobu Dwarkey.
The more I talk to him, the more he reeks of being a fraud.
‘Damn, is he not even a real mage?’
I suddenly have that suspicion and check a few things, but surprisingly, he really is a mage.
And come to think of it, he didn’t lie either.
He only said that his uncle-in-law is the third younger brother of the baroness, he didn’t say he was a noble.
Well, he knows where the line is.
Impersonating a noble is a serious crime that warrants immediate execution without any excuses.
“So how is it? Did I pass?”
After much deliberation, I decide to add him to the team.
“…You’re our companion from now on.”
“Haha! That’s great, since it’s my first time, I wanted to join a team with as many warriors as possible.”
His personality is full of bravado and boasting.
And he has no experience with labyrinth exploration yet.
These two aspects are downsides, but…
He’s still a mage, isn’t he?
He doesn’t ask for a bigger share of the loot, and he says he’ll follow orders in the labyrinth, so I think I can control him well enough.
‘There’s always a reason why cheap things are cheap.’
Besides, once it becomes known that there’s a mage in the team, the specs of the applicants will surely improve even further.
After all, the application forms don’t reveal things like the mage’s personality, right?
“I’ll contact you again once we find the rest of our companions.”
“Alright, see you then.”
After Dwarkey leaves, the dwarf, who had been frozen stiff throughout the conversation, lets out a long sigh.
“Isn’t he amazing? To be so humble even though he’s a mage, and a noble at that…”
I answer with sincerity,
“Hikurod, the one who’s truly amazing is you.”
It’s 100% sincere.
_____________________________________
My daily routine in the city afterwards is simple.
Except for visiting Raven’s research lab once a week, I wake up at 7:00 AM, grab a quick bite, and head straight to the library.
“Parsityev.”
“Then good luck.”
“…….”
It’s been almost two months since I started coming here every day, but I still haven’t had a proper conversation with this librarian.
Grrrumble!
I usually eat every 4 hours while reading, and by then, it’s closing time.
But today, I have an appointment, so I’ll pass.
Just as I’m about to leave a little earlier than closing time, the librarian unexpectedly speaks to me first.
“I have a question.”
“…What is it?”
“Why do you always wear armor when you come to the library?”
Ah, that’s what she was curious about.
I answer honestly.
“What if someone steals it while I leave it at the inn?”
“…If that’s the reason, then alright.”
As soon as I finish answering, the librarian closes her eyes as if our business is concluded.
“I thought she was completely indifferent to other people, but that doesn’t seem to be the case?”
When I add that, feeling a bit defeated, the librarian shows a faint hint of displeasure on her face.
“I’ve been receiving complaints from other users. They say they can’t focus on reading because of you.”
“…Is, is that so?”
“Yes. If you’re done here, would you please leave without causing any further disturbance?”
Disturbance?
It’s not like she’s not going to immediately fall asleep as soon as I leave.
I want to say something, but I don’t want to cause trouble and get banned from the library.
I leave the library as if fleeing and head to the meeting place.
It’s a little past 9:00 PM.
“Here! Bjorn! Why are you so late today!”
“Sorry, I couldn’t find you because you’re so small.”
“Hahaha! Your jokes have improved! Come sit down!”
I’ve been meeting the dwarf in the evenings for drinks more often.
About three or four times a week.
Of course, it’s not just for socializing, we always discuss the team when we meet.
“So how was the person you met this time?”
“He seems like a serious and reliable guy.”
No, not that.
I’m asking about his skills.
“Ah! Contrary to my worries, he wasn’t bad. He has a long history as an explorer, and I think he can definitely pull his weight in any situation.”
“I see.”
“…So, what do you think?”
I contemplate for a moment and nod, and the dwarf’s expression brightens up.
“Whew, that’s a relief. I was worried you might say no again. We don’t have much time left.”
I can feel the hardship of the dwarf, who has practically been a figurehead leader, in that sigh.
Well, he’s the one who’s been working the hardest.
Let’s praise him, praise him.
It doesn’t cost anything, right?
“You’ve worked hard, Hikurod. You’re a great leader. I made the right choice choosing you.”
“Hahaha! Is that so?”
“Of course. Where else can you find a leader who respects his team members’ opinions like you? Don’t lose your beginner’s spirit and keep doing what you’re doing. Then, unlike that idiot who kicked you out, you’ll become a great leader.”
“Haha! This friend, you’re really good at flattery? I was worried because it’s my first time in this role, but I’m glad you’re here!”
Suddenly, I feel my chest swell with emotion.
This dwarf once complained about my frequent interference. But he’s become such a great leader?
“In that sense, you’re buying the drinks today!”
“…Again? Didn’t I buy them last time?!”
“I repeat, a great leader shouldn’t be stingy in these matters!”
“Th, this isn’t about me being stingy…!”
It’s exactly one week until the labyrinth opens.
“Fine, I’ll buy them today! We finally have all our team members, what’s the big deal about some drinks?”
The team is finally complete.
___________________________________
The game and reality are different.
Just because the team is complete doesn’t mean we can just enter the labyrinth. There are separate things we need to take care of.
First, all the team members gather to get to know each other.
And like explorers who are obsessed with money, we have a round of debate about which floor we should go to, where the best hunting grounds are, and whether the loot distribution is fair.
And even after that, if there are no problems, we register as an official team with the guild, and finally, we practice our coordination every day and finalize our exploration plan.
‘It went by so quickly.’
The busiest week since I woke up in Bjorn Yandel’s body has passed.
And the long-awaited moment has arrived.
「Entered 1st Floor Crystal Cave.」
The 1st-floor Crystal Cave of the labyrinth, enveloped in a soft light of brilliant colors.
“Oh! So this is the labyrinth!”
Unlike the past when I was alone or with only one other person, there are now five people around me, including myself.
They are the new teammates who will be joining me on this journey.
Let me introduce them one by one…
“Rieit!”
“Ack! Fuck! My eyes!”
This blonde weakling who cast a blinding spell before my eyes could even adjust is Liol Wobu Dwarkey.
Dwarkey, for short.
“This bastard is crazy—”
Just as I’m about to say something in annoyance, the dwarf intervenes.
“Dwarkey, please conserve your mana.”
“Hmm, but it’s so dark?”
“This is considered quite bright for the labyrinth. If it’s too dark, just light a torch.”
“If that’s the case, then alright.”
It’s a change that has occurred over time.
The dwarf has also realized that Dwarkey is not a noble and has started to treat him casually.
And for some reason, they’ve become quite close.
Although the dwarf pretends otherwise, he tsunderely takes care of Dwarkey whenever he does something stupid.
“Why did you bring so much stuff when coming to the labyrinth? As expected of a newbie, give it to me, I’ll put it in my bag.”
“I won’t refuse your kind consideration.”
As the dwarf takes care of Dwarkey as usual, checking various things…
I hear a cheerful voice in a high-pitched tone.
“Leader, shouldn’t we get moving soon?”
Misha Kaltstein.
As you can see from the triangular ears on top of her head, she’s a beastman explorer.
She’s 25 years old, and this is her 5th year as an explorer.
With a height of around 170 centimeters, a slim and tall build, and a haughty expression, she gives off a cold aura, but…
“Stop messing around and let’s go. I want to smash some monster heads soon.”
She has a strange habit of slurring the endings of her words when she speaks.
She claims it’s a pronunciation issue that can’t be helped due to the beastman’s physical structure, but this is the first time I’ve seen someone with such poor pronunciation.
Ah, and there’s one more thing to mention about her.
“Haha! How can I refuse the princess’s orders!”
“Eek! I told you not to call me princess!”
“But you’re the daughter of the Red Cat tribe chieftain, how can I—”
“I’ll kill you! Dwarf!”
Misha Kaltstein is the princess of the Red Cat tribe, one of the five major tribes.
Was she the thirteenth or fifteenth child?
I don’t remember the exact order she was born in.
Anyway, there’s no need to give her special treatment or anything.
In the first place, she’s only a princess in comparison to human society, she’s not a real princess.
There’s someone else we should be more careful of.
“Murad, stop it. Even if it’s a joke, she clearly doesn’t like it.”
Braun Rotmiller.
He’s a human, 34 years old.
Although he’s 7th grade, he has a whopping 8 years of experience.
Even in the explorer industry where strength reigns supreme, he’s the most experienced among us.
That’s probably why the dwarf always backs down when he speaks.
“Ahem, I was a bit harsh, wasn’t I? I’ll be more careful from now on.”
“Serves you right, dwarf—”
“Miss Kaltstein, the same goes for you. No matter how angry you are, is it appropriate to call the leader names and threaten to kill him?”
“…I was wrong.”
Personally, I like him the most among the team members.
He’s practically the only normal one on this team.
Well, the downside is that it’s hard to treat him carelessly, unlike the other members.
“Murad, shall we set off before it gets any later?”
“Ah, please do.”
“From now on, everyone follow me closely.”
Just as we’re about to depart, Dwarkey speaks up.
“Wait, wouldn’t it be better for Bjorn or Hikurod to take the lead? They’re warriors, after all…”
“We’ll need their help from the 3rd floor onwards, but I’m fine on my own until then.”
Honestly, I don’t understand what he’s worried about.
Rotmiller is a professional scout.
And he has survived in the labyrinth for 8 years.
‘Although his explorer rank is low considering his experience…’
I actually value that aspect more.
He must have experienced almost everything in 8 years, and he’s still alive and well.
He did it not with brute strength, but by using his other strengths.
‘His serious and inflexible personality must be a result of that.’
Afterwards, under Rotmiller’s guidance, we smash the occasional monsters that appear and finally reach our destination.
The outermost part of the 1st floor, commonly known as the dark zone.
Despite running at full speed without getting lost, the portal has already been opened by another explorer.
“As expected, there was someone here first.”
“Don’t blame yourself. You did your best.”
“Murad, that’s no reason not to try harder. If you can’t feel frustration at your own shortcomings, then your life as an explorer is over.”
“Is, is that so?”
For reference, it took about 10 hours to get here.
Although I couldn’t say it in front of the enthusiastic Rotmiller, this is a very decent record for a regular exploration team. We’re not a running team that focuses on portal opening experience points.
Honestly, even I didn’t expect him to find the portal this easily.
‘His pathfinding is this good even though he’s not a guide…’
While I’m starting to think that it’s worth looking forward to his other abilities that I haven’t seen yet…
There’s also a slight feeling of regret.
‘If it were Ainar or Erwen, we could have gotten the opening experience points.’
The dimensional instability phenomenon.
The method that I called a ‘bug’ in short. It allows you to reliably gain experience points from opening portals.
However, it’s a method that can only be used if secrecy can be ensured through ‘promises’ or ‘oaths’.
‘Let’s save it for later… until I can form a truly reliable team. It’s not like I’m desperate for experience points right now.’
As I take a deep breath and shake off the remaining regret…
The dwarf shouts in a booming voice,
“Alright, then let’s go in!”
The dwarf steps into the portal first, and I follow right behind him.
‘I hope nothing happens this time…’
As expected, that’s too much to ask for, isn’t it?
「Entered 2nd Floor Beast’s Lair.」
The real journey begins.
---------------------------------
Chapter 50: Companions (4)
When looking for companions, skill is very important.
But there’s a virtue that’s just as important.
Trust.
In other words, can you trust them?
Of course, when things are going smoothly, it’s not a big issue. You can just laugh and be happy together.
But when things aren’t going well?
Whether you can trust them and have their back in the worst-case scenario is a completely different matter.
‘Maybe it’s not about trust, but about their true nature.’
This is something you can’t know just by looking at a few application forms and having a few conversations.
A person’s true nature is usually hidden deep inside.
I hope there won’t be any situations where we have to reveal our true selves to each other.
It’s better for everyone that way.
“I can never get used to the smell of this place! Hahaha! Dwarkey, are you alright?”
“…Please don’t talk to me, urgh!”
I look away from Dwarkey, who is retching, and scan my surroundings.
I’m currently in the 2nd-floor area accessible through the portal in the eastern part of the 1st floor, where blade wolves live.
Beast’s Lair.
As the name suggests, beast-type monsters mainly appear here.
And perhaps because of that, the stench is terrible.
Very much so.
“Rotmiller, are you okay? I heard you have an essence related to smell.”
“Thanks for your concern, but I’m fine. It’s not my first time here.”
“I see.”
Is this the experience of an 8-year veteran?
Just looking at this man makes me feel reassured.
I’ll have to observe him more, though.
“Anyway, when is our mage going to come to his senses? We need to go make some money…”
Misha Kaltstein.
She shows no empathy for her companion’s suffering and only cares about her own interests.
Just as I’m about to add a line to my mental evaluation of her…
I hesitate.
Hmm, isn’t this the same for me?
“Dwarkey, get a grip. How long are you going to waste our time?”
“Right, right. If you’re like this just because of this, you can’t be an explorer. Mage! Grow up!”
When I say something harsh, Misha immediately agrees in a sarcastic tone.
However, Dwarkey’s reaction is unexpected.
“You’re right. I need to grow up now.”
Uh, was he always this kind of person?
Honestly, I expected him to make some bullshit excuse. Or get angry in return.
“Let’s go.”
“Bu, but are you sure you’re okay?”
“Of course it’s hard. But to become a burden to my companions just because it’s my first time and I’m a mage… how pathetic would that be?”
“I, I didn’t say you were a burden…”
While Misha is flustered by the unexpected apology…
Dwarkey, who has gotten noticeably thinner, struggles to get up and mutters with a determined look,
“I can’t tarnish the honor of the Martoan barony.”
“…Eek! You’re pretending to be a noble again!! I’m not falling for it anymore!”
“Hahaha! Let’s go. I’m really okay now!”
Misha looks frustrated, as if she’s been tricked again, as she watches him suddenly become cheerful. And with that, we slowly start moving.
“Everyone follow me closely from here on. It might look like flat land, but there are many pits.”
“Pits? I don’t see any…”
“They’re usually filled with sewage, so it’s hard to tell. You might fall in if you’re not careful.”
“…Rotmiller, I trust only you.”
The Beast’s Lair can be described as a canyon terrain.
There are narrow paths with towering cliffs on both sides, and explorers passing through here have to wander through the maze-like gaps between the cliffs to find their way.
‘Although there are no traps, the role of a scout is even more important here than in the Goblin Forest.’
For reference, the monsters that appear here are Blade Wolves, Wall Moles, Sabertooth Tigers, Werewolves, Bulkar, etc., and most of them live in caves carved into the cliffs.
Explorers whose main purpose is hunting usually fight by entering the caves and wiping out monster groups.
However, since our goal is to reach the 3rd floor, we’ll pass.
「Killed Giant Blade Wolf. EXP +1」
「Killed Sabertooth Tiger. EXP +2」
「Killed Werewolf. EXP +2」
「Killed Wall Mole. EXP +1」
As we quickly move, occasionally killing the monsters that roam outside the caves, it’s time to take a break.
It’s three hours until Day 2 begins.
[20:58]
We spent the entire day just traveling.
However, if it weren’t for Rotmiller, the scout, it would have taken twice as long to get here.
“With a narrow entrance, this seems like a good place for a campsite.”
We clear out a Wall Mole nest and start preparing for camp, using it as our base.
The dwarf, Rotmiller, and Misha.
With three experienced explorers, setting up camp is a breeze.
Even the mage, who had been useless except for creating drinking water, shines at this moment.
“With the alarm spell, one person on watch should be enough.”
“Why do we need a watch?”
“Dwarkey, don’t think anything strange, it’s not that we don’t trust you. As you know, it’s not just monsters that we need to be wary of in the labyrinth.”
To become a proper explorer, you need to be just as wary of fellow explorers as you are of monsters.
“Rotmiller, who worked the hardest today, will take the first watch, and then we’ll rotate in order.”
“Wait, I don’t have to do it?”
“Leave this to us and get some rest.”
The mage is excluded from the watch rotation.
It’s not because we’re considering his weak stamina, it’s just the custom.
Explorers, who are sensitive to meritocratic rewards, acknowledge that casting the alarm spell is enough for one person’s share of the work.
‘Well, in reality, it’s probably a custom that naturally arose from trying to appease mages.’
Anyway, with each person taking turns keeping watch for two hours, it’s unbelievably comfortable.
To be able to sleep for 6 hours a day?
Compared to when we were traveling in pairs, it’s practically heaven.
Of course, the downside is that there are more people to share the loot with, but we can just kill more and stronger monsters together.
“I, am the great mage Liol…”
“Stop mumbling in your sleep and wake up, mage!”
“…Slurp, is it already morning?”
“I don’t know about morning, but it’s definitely time to wake up.”
Day 2, 5:00 AM.
The first night, which I was secretly worried about, passed without incident.
We woke up together four times due to monsters being detected by the alarm spell, and once because a group of explorers approached our campsite during the dwarf’s turn…
But that’s just everyday life.
“Now that Dwarkey has adjusted, we’ll increase our speed a bit.”
“Hmm, there’s no need to rush, is there?”
“We need to arrive at the 3rd floor a bit earlier so it’s easier to set up camp.”
From Day 2 onwards, we minimize chatter and focus on moving. Of course, monsters block our path every few minutes and try to hinder us, but…
I welcome it.
「Killed Half-Moon Rock Bear. EXP +1」
「Killed Wall Mole Queen. EXP +1」
「Killed Bloodstained Blade Wolf. EXP +1」
So now I’ve caught all the 9th-grade monsters in the Beast’s Lair?
Since it’s my first time on this floor, experience points accumulate quite quickly. Of course, there’s no separate experience bar, but…
‘If I calculate the monsters I’ve killed so far…’
It’s exactly 40.
If the higher variant kill bonus and guardian kill bonus were applied properly, it should be 44.
‘It’s still a long way to go before I reach level 4.’
The required cumulative experience points increase exponentially as you level up.
Level 1 is 6, level 2 is 30, level 3 is 150.
Of course, it doesn’t keep increasing by 5 times, but the perceived difficulty is no less than that.
Monsters only give +1 experience point even if their rank increases by one, and even that becomes impossible to obtain if there are no more monsters of that rank to hunt.
‘…Tsk, well, it’s not like I’m desperate for a level up right now.’
My current level is 3.
I can absorb up to 3 essences.
In other words, I still have one more slot available.
Of course, I don’t expect an essence to drop before I reach level 4.
[Dungeon and Stone] isn’t that kind of a nice game.
‘Why did I have to play this kind of game…’
I have belated regrets, but what can I do?
Back then, I was a hardcore masochist who enjoyed games with insane difficulty.
“Everyone, be on your guard from here on. Only higher species appear in this area, and the number of individuals also increases significantly.”
That’s when, after about half a day of following Rotmiller’s lead…
The terrain, or rather, the color of the cliffs, changes.
From reddish-brown to black.
‘So we’ve entered the latter half.’
From here on, 9th-grade monsters don’t appear at all.
However, no one, including myself, is particularly nervous.
“Even higher species on the 2nd floor are only 8th-grade!”
Our team’s average rank is 7th grade.
They’re people who have been on at least the 3rd floor, judging by the teams they were previously on.
Well, I’m a first-timer, but…
I’m an exception because I’ve been here countless times in the game.
“Come to think of it, Bjorn, you said you haven’t been to the 3rd floor yet?”
“I did, but why?”
Just as I answer in a slightly defensive tone, wondering if she’s trying to pick a fight, Misha expresses genuine admiration.
“That’s amazing. It took me a year just to get to the 3rd floor!”
Geez, she’s making me feel embarrassed.
“…I was just lucky.”
I try to brush it off briefly since it’s not a topic I want to dwell on, and the dwarf joins the conversation.
“A year to the 3rd floor? Then how long did it take to get to the 4th floor?”
“Hmm, 2 years? I think it took about that long.”
“Similar to me.”
“Eek! I suddenly feel a bit wronged! The leader is younger than me but is already 6th grade!”
“But Miss Kaltstein, you were born into a good family!”
“Eek! I told you not to talk about my family!”
As the conversation gets longer and they seem about to start bickering again, Rotmiller, who was pathfinding, intervenes and stops them.
“Both of you, stop it.”
His voice, tone, and expression are the same as before.
But why does he seem more annoyed than before?
‘Well, it would be frustrating to be working hard alone while those two are messing around behind him, right?’
I just let it go.
_________________________________
「Entered 3rd Floor Pilgrim’s Path.」
_________________________________
Day 2, a little past noon.
Under Rotmiller’s accurate guidance, we enter the 3rd floor.
It’s a bit disappointing that we couldn’t catch a few of the 8th-grade monsters that can be hunted in the Beast’s Lair…
But it’s not like they only appear on the 2nd floor.
‘There will be other opportunities to catch them someday.’
I shake off the lingering regret and focus on the present situation.
“Rotmiller! Fall back!”
I’m currently in the ‘Pilgrim’s Path’ on the 3rd floor.
Specifically, we’re at ‘Steelrock Hill’, the starting point when you take the Beast’s Lair route.
And we encountered two 7th-grade monsters as soon as we arrived.
“Dwarkey! Use corrosion magic!”
Their name is ‘Iron Ant’.
Think of them as wild boars with steel tusks.
They’re about five times the size of a wild boar from Jirisan.
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 8th-grade curse spell [Corrosion].」
While Rotmiller, who entered the portal first, retreats to avoid the monsters…
Dwarkey immediately casts a spell.
And at the same time, the dwarf and I dash forward, each taking on one monster with our shields.
Kwaaang!
I feel a heavy impact from the front.
If it were my old shield, it would have been dented all over the place the moment it blocked the charge.
Just like the dwarf’s shield over there.
「Hikurod Murad has cast [Emergency Restoration].」
“Bjorn, why are you suddenly looking at me?”
“I’m not envious.”
It’s true.
If you use a sturdy shield, you don’t have to go through the trouble of repairing it every time, right?
“What are you talking about all of a sudden? Anyway, Bjorn! Don’t try to push them back, just block their path!”
“I know that without you telling me!”
The Iron Ant’s active skill is ‘Counterweight’.
It has the effect of knockback immunity.
It’s also the essence that the dwarf absorbed.
「Hikurod Murad has cast [Counterweight].」
Do these guys have any sense of shame?
A wild boar bastard whose main skill is charging has this kind of skill, and the dwarf is even shouting at me not to get pushed back.
The anger inherent in a barbarian’s body wells up.
Is that why?
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!”
Instead of waiting for the attacks of other team members, I swing my mace and strike the Iron Ant’s mouth.
Clang!
At that moment, as the steel tusks that were under the effect of [Corrosion] shatter…
“Essence, come to me!”
Misha, stepping on my back without permission and leaping high, plunges her dagger into the Iron Ant’s head.
「Killed Iron Ant. EXP +3」
We’ve taken down one of them.
I’m about to finish off the other one as well, but I stop moving and observe for a moment.
Dwarkey is casting a spell.
It’s one of the few attack spells he has.
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 8th-grade attack spell [Ice Spear].」
An ice spear flies through the air and pierces the Iron Ant’s abdomen.
If he had aimed for the head or heart, he could have finished it off cleanly with one shot, but…
Let’s give him detailed feedback later.
Thump!
Rotmiller approaches the fallen and struggling Iron Ant, places his crossbow on its forehead, and fires an arrow, finishing the battle.
Of course, no essence drops.
Well, that’s not what’s important right now.
‘There were monsters right in front of the portal…’
It seems like there’s a bastard nearby.
-----------------------------------
Chapter 51: Team of Misfits (1)
"Rotmiller, is there anyone nearby?"
I wonder if he had the same suspicion as me.
Rotmiller wordlessly closes and opens his eyes. And with his pupils contracted into ovals, he scans the surroundings.
「Braun Rotmiller has activated [Thermal Detection].」
'Thermal Detection', the ability of the Lizardman Scout.
Its function is similar to a modern thermal imaging camera.
For reference, it was a fairly useful skill even in the game. Whether they used stealth or whatever, as long as they were living beings, this ability could detect them all.
"There's no one nearby."
Rotmiller deactivates the ability and gives a short answer.
"But judging by the smell, it seems like someone was here until recently."
Since it's the judgment of someone who possesses two essences that enhance the sense of smell, the possibility of him being wrong is low.
I ask him a few more questions.
"By recently, how recent are we talking?"
"There's a margin of error, but with this much scent, it would be within 2 minutes at most, even if we're being generous."
"In other words, it's highly likely that they left after seeing us hunt?"
"...That's right."
As Rotmiller nods with a bitter expression, the dwarf, who had been listening silently, interjects in shock.
"Wait, you mean someone deliberately targeted us?"
"I don't think they were specifically targeting us. They were probably just waiting for anyone to come along."
Rotmiller doesn't deny it.
And he explains that luring monsters in front of portals is also a common tactic used by marauders.
It's considered a low-risk looting method among them.
'They're damn clever.'
Using monsters for a surprise attack.
And targeting the moment when explorers are most vulnerable, right after they come through the portal.
It's best if they wipe out the party, it's good if one or two get injured, and if they manage to survive unscathed, they just retreat and wait for the next prey.
"Rotmiller! Shouldn't we catch and punish those bastards? Don't marauders bring in money if you kill them!"
"Even if they do, it will be difficult to find them. We can't just camp here forever, and... most importantly, we don't have any evidence. If we're not careful, we might end up being falsely accused."
"Eek, dead men tell no tales!"
Misha, who has learned the whole story, hisses with a frustrated expression, but the dwarf makes a calm judgment as the leader.
"For the sake of ethics, we'll go down to the 2nd floor for a moment and just leave a warning sign about marauders in front of the portal before leaving."
"That's the right decision."
Afterwards, we fulfill our minimum duty as explorers and then leave the vicinity of the portal.
Naturally, our conversation continues on the topic of marauders.
However, the more I listen, the more strange things become.
"Rotmiller is amazing. I didn't even know such a method existed."
"I've only heard about it, this is my first time encountering it."
"Well, encountering marauders isn't a common occurrence!"
Uh, what the hell are these guys talking about?
I feel a sense of dissonance at their explorer talk, which I can't relate to at all, and ask a few questions.
And I realize something shocking.
"Me? I've encountered them about eight times in 5 years? One time it was a teammate, and the rest were all insignificant guys!"
Only 8 times in 5 years?
Damn, weren't marauders supposed to be something explorers encounter on a daily basis?
"It's true… I heard there was a time like that about 150 years ago!"
Misha says that after the death of the first king, also known as the Immortal King, the number of marauders decreased significantly due to various policies.
But I can't accept that.
There must be some kind of mistake.
Otherwise, it doesn't make sense.
'Once in the Crystal Cave, once in the Goblin Forest, and twice in a row in the Land of the Dead...'
Including today, I've encountered marauders 5 times in the past 3 months.
Then what the hell am I?
When I share this story to get their opinions, everyone, including Rotmiller, looks at me with a strange gaze.
"How many sins did you commit in your past life?"
"Hahaha! Maybe we encountered a marauder today because you're here!"
"......"
I have nothing to say.
What kind of life have I been living?
I have no energy to argue, so I just walk silently. Rotmiller sighs and speaks up.
"Everyone, stop teasing him. You all know that Miss Kaltstein is just particularly lucky, right?"
"Ah! So that's what it was—!"
"I also encounter marauders about once every 3 months. So don't worry too much about it."
Ah, uh, hmm...
I appreciate the consolation, but...
So five times in 3 months is not normal.
___________________________________
「Killed Wormstone. EXP +2」
「Killed Iron Falcon. EXP +2」
「Killed Steel Hill Guardian. EXP +2」
___________________________________
The 3rd floor, 'Pilgrim's Path'.
It's the floor that all explorers eventually reach, regardless of which route they take – Land of the Dead, Goblin Forest, or Beast's Lair.
Since the starting point is different for each route, to meet explorers from other routes, you have to follow the path to the central area where the 4th-floor portal is located.
'They say it takes about three to four days on average to reach the central area...'
For reference, that's the time it takes if you only focus on moving. The 3rd floor is incomparably larger than the previous floors.
Therefore, in addition to the floor name 'Pilgrim's Path', each area also has its own name based on the monsters that inhabit it, and one of them is 'Steelrock Hill', where I am now.
"Then let's camp here today and move on to the next area starting tomorrow."
It's the border where one area ends.
We start preparing for camp in this awkward location. It's because there are relatively few monsters roaming around since the territories of different monster groups overlap.
"By the way, Dwarkey, are you alright? Your expression hasn't been good since earlier."
The dwarf, who has finished laying out his sleeping bag on the ground, speaks to Dwarkey.
At this, I, Rotmiller, and Misha all pretend not to be interested but listen closely.
Because we're curious.
Why this talkative guy has been making a constipated expression.
"...Did I look like that?"
"It might be my imagination, but that's how I saw it."
"I see..."
Dwarkey smiles bitterly and nods.
And after hesitating for a moment, he finally opens up.
"I know how my words will sound. From your perspective, I probably seem naive and immature. But... honestly, it was a shock."
"Shock?"
"No, it's more accurate to say that my illusions were shattered. I've always heard stories about explorers since I was young, but... I never heard anything like this."
Explorers killing explorers.
And in turn, making money by killing those explorers.
It's definitely not a reality filled with dreams and innocence.
"Eek, wh, what I said earlier was a jo, joke!"
"It's the same whether it was a joke or not. If I keep working as an explorer, won't I eventually kill someone too?"
Everyone falls silent at his words.
"......"
"......"
Any consolation here would be a lie.
The dwarf, Misha, Rotmiller, and I all have experience killing people.
And as Dwarkey continues in this line of work, the day will inevitably come when he has that experience too.
"So I made up my mind. While we were coming here, I kept thinking..."
Seeing his unexpectedly resolute mumbling, I ask one thing.
"So what was the result? Did you make up your mind that you can do it?"
"I did. But... I'm not sure if I can actually do it when the time comes."
Dwarkey's resolve is filled with confusion.
He lacks confidence in himself, and he's filled with fear of the situation.
But...
"That's enough."
I think this is actually better.
Compared to idiots who make promises they can't keep and then whine when they can't do it.
Rotmiller, who was listening to the conversation, seems to have the same thought as me and says,
"It's important not to overestimate yourself. To my ears, it sounds much more reassuring than saying you can do it."
"Is, is that so?"
Rotmiller smiles warmly as he looks at Dwarkey, who makes an awkward expression.
As if looking at a young man walking the same path as him.
"You know what you have to do, and you've made up your mind to do it. If that's the case, I'm sure you'll be able to do it when the time comes."
"I hope so..."
"Hahaha! Cheer up, my friend!"
The conversation ends as the dwarf slaps Dwarkey on the back.
However, just as we're about to decide on the watch order and lie down...
"Wait a moment, could you all spare some time?"
Rotmiller suddenly calls us together.
"I know it would be better for the team to get some more rest, but there's something I want to show you."
"What is it?"
At my question, Rotmiller says, looking at Dwarkey,
"That there are not only hardships and horrors in this line of work."
Rotmiller checks his watch and then moves towards the edge of the cliff near the campsite.
We follow him, not knowing what he's up to.
All we can see is the usual darkness.
The darkness of the labyrinth, which devours even light, always obstructs explorers' vision.
"You said you had something to show us?"
"Just wait, it will be just a moment."
Seeing Rotmiller's response while looking at his watch, I suddenly have a hunch and take out my watch.
[23:59]
It's one minute before Day 3 begins, when the number of monsters reaches its peak.
The second hand ticks.
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5...
I close the watch and look towards the darkness beyond the cliff. Soon, I see silver orbs of light in the distance.
There are countless of them, all rising from the ground like dandelion seeds and floating towards the sky.
The darkness of the labyrinth gradually brightens.
Only then do I realize why this place is called Steelrock 'Hill'.
"It's a sight that only explorers who arrive early can see. It's quite a spectacle, isn't it?"
Hill.
In other words, this place is a highland within the labyrinth.
It was hard to realize because it was so dark, but with the numerous lights dispelling the darkness, the entire expanse of the 3rd floor comes into view.
Mountains and fields, and a river flowing between them.
A dense forest and a tall spire in the center, rising all the way to the ceiling.
It's a sight that I would never have seen if I had lived my whole life within the walls of Lafdonia.
Dwarkey, staring blankly, mutters,
"...I think I finally understand what explorers mean when they say the world is vast."
I raise my head and look at the sky.
Even though it's just a closed ceiling, at this moment, it feels like the real sky.
A vast night sky with the Milky Way spread across it.
Of course, that moment is truly fleeting.
The orbs of light that started from the ground reach the ceiling and disappear one by one, taking only about a minute.
"No one knows why this phenomenon only occurs on the 3rd floor."
There are many hypotheses.
That it's a release of magical energy when the labyrinth dimension becomes oversaturated on Day 3.
That it's a blessing from God.
Everyone interprets it as they want to believe.
But Rotmiller says firmly,
"Whatever the reason, one thing is clear. Once you see this sight with your own eyes, you stop caring about the reason."
"That's right! I've only heard about it, this is my first time seeing it! Normally, I would have been sleeping soundly in my sleeping bag!"
"Hahaha! I have a feeling that friend won't be able to sleep tonight?"
After the light completely disappears and the usual darkness returns to the labyrinth, all the team members except for me, who has the first watch, get into their sleeping bags and fall asleep.
However...
"......"
It takes a long time before I hear the sound of breathing from Dwarkey's sleeping bag.
________________________________________
Day breaks.
Not that the surroundings actually get brighter.
It's just that it's morning in terms of time.
[08:10]
We pack up our campsite and walk down a long downhill path, leaving Steelrock Hill behind.
And we reach our first destination.
"Alright, this is where the Orc Encampment begins."
Orc Encampment.
It's the area on the 3rd floor with the highest number of monsters. Its characteristic is that only monsters of 8th grade or higher appear.
'If we're not going straight to the 4th floor, there's no better hunting ground than this.'
It's the second most difficult area on the 3rd floor.
But if my prediction is correct, there won't be much danger for us.
Our party composition is practically capable of operating on the 4th floor.
We have a mage, and even the other three members besides me are explorers who used to operate on the 4th floor.
"Then let's practice our coordination here for a while and decide what to do based on the results."
We first rearrange our formation and then step into the vast forest.
Well, the rearrangement is just moving Rotmiller to the back and replacing him with me and the dwarf.
"Murad, there's a group of orcs coming from the 1 o'clock direction."
As expected of a popular hunting ground with a high monster density, we encounter a group of orcs after walking for a while, even though we're still in the outer area.
"Kriiik—!"
It's a basic group of four orc warriors, one archer, and one shaman.
"Let's do it just like we practiced!"
We take formation as we practiced beforehand.
It's called Formation A.
The dwarf and I firmly hold the front line, and Misha, the melee damage dealer, freely moves between the shield wall, prioritizing and defeating nearby enemies.
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 8th-grade attack spell [Ice Spear].」
Since curse-type magic isn't particularly effective against orcs, Dwarkey focuses on his role as a damage dealer.
And the same goes for Rotmiller.
He also focuses on rear support using his crossbow when battle breaks out.
However, he has one more role.
「Orc Shaman has cast [Frenzy].」
「Orc Warrior’s physical resistance increases by 3 times for 10 seconds.」
It’s to protect Dwarkey, the most vulnerable among us, in case a monster ignores the shield wall and heads towards the back.
“Frenzy spell! Be careful!”
“Dwarkey! Get behind me.”
“Alright!”
When one of the orc warriors under the [Frenzy] effect ignores us and charges towards Dwarkey, Rotmiller takes out his shield and blocks it.
Of course, he doesn’t have the physical strength to defeat an orc warrior in a one-on-one fight as a scout…
“Whew, that was close!”
…but he just needs to buy some time using his main weapon, crossbow, buckler, dagger, and Molotov cocktails.
Then Misha can provide support, or Dwarkey can use magic to attack.
「Killed Orc Warrior. EXP +2」
「Killed Orc Archer. EXP +2」
「Killed Orc Shaman. EXP +2」
And so, the first battle with the orcs ends without any problems. It took about 8 minutes in total, and although there were no injuries, the battle took longer than expected.
‘We’re definitely lacking in damage.’
We have a scout, and two shield warriors.
And orcs have relatively high physical resistance even among 8th-grade monsters.
Of course, we have a mage in the team, who is the undisputed top-tier damage dealer in this world, but…
Dwarkey is not from the Magic Tower.
The only 8th-grade attack spell he has is [Ice Spear], which only deals damage to a single monster.
‘Well, we brought him here for his curse magic rather than his attack magic anyway.’
The value of a mage isn’t just in their high-powered attack spells.
There’s compatibility between explorers and monsters.
However, if you have a mage in the team, you can actively fight against monsters with various compatibilities.
‘Although our speed is slow, our stability is high…’
There are some downsides, but all in all, this is a pretty decent team.
“Then let’s go deeper.”
Afterwards, we head towards the center of the Orc Encampment, engaging in battles along the way.
The number of orcs appearing in each group increases as we go deeper. We even encountered a group that included a 7th-grade ‘Orc Great Warrior’, but…
「Killed Orc Great Warrior. EXP +3」
…we were able to hunt it down without any problems.
However, shitty things always happen when everything seems to be going smoothly.
Just as we were settling in and hunting orc groups…
“Ihenruo Teuntain.”
Suddenly, we hear a low chanting sound from beyond the bushes in the distance.
And—
Kwaaang!
A flaming meteor falls from the sky and explodes the orc group we were about to hunt.
“…What the fuck?”
What the hell is this bullshit?