C208, 209, 210
Chapter 208: Leader (1)
We’re moving forward slowly, cautiously observing our surroundings.
It’s a change that occurred a few minutes ago.
We stopped running towards the 2nd floor and started focusing more on safety.
It was an unavoidable choice.
Because fog had engulfed the entire cave.
“…I’ve heard of this. It’s dark magic. They said dark mages used it during the subjugation.”
My heart beats slowly.
Thump!
Our visibility is only about 5 meters, even though Raven is using wind magic to clear the fog.
It’s difficult to deal with danger in this environment.
This isn’t a game where everything is just HP and MP.
A single mistake can lead to death.
And there’s no ‘retry’ button.
Thump!
I have to stay alert.
To return alive without losing anyone.
“Mr. Yandel…”
We were too weak to protect ourselves.
That’s why we lost a companion.
It was a crisis we couldn’t overcome otherwise.
Then what about this time?
‘Right, we’re much stronger than back then…’
I engrave the positive aspects in my mind to prevent my body from stiffening with tension.
That’s when…
“Mr. Yandel!”
“Don’t shout.”
“Then answer me quickly.”
“So what is it?”
Raven, riding on Ainar’s back, asks cautiously.
“Is going to the 2nd floor the right choice?”
“What do you mean?”
“There are a lot of royal knights who entered. And many large clans too. Wouldn’t it be safer to join them?”
It’s not a completely unreasonable suggestion.
No, if we were near the starting point, I would have definitely chosen that option.
But in the current situation…
…it doesn’t seem like a good choice.
And there’s one thing I need to correct.
“Raven, more than half of the large clans didn’t enter the labyrinth.”
I heard it from Fox at the Round Table.
The large clans that were dissatisfied with the royal family started a large-scale boycott.
Well, some of them backed out after realizing that the royal family was making a list of those clans…
But it wouldn’t be a significant number.
“…At a time like this.”
No, they did it because of this situation.
“Avman, which direction?”
I continue navigating, confirming the portal’s location with the bear-like man. It’s another change that occurred after the fog engulfed the cave.
The compass stopped working.
“…Will it be okay if we just find the portal?”
“It won’t be safe just because it’s the 2nd floor. But we just have to reach the 4th floor.”
The Tower of Heaven is an independent floor.
If we just get there, we’ll be able to return to the city safely, even in the midst of this war.
As expected, that’s our best option—
“No. I meant, what if there’s no defense at the portal?”
“What do you mean?”
“Literally. If I were a Noark tactician, I would first find a way to block the path to the 2nd floor.”
That’s… true.
But what am I supposed to do about it?
We have to at least try.
We’re already in the outermost area thanks to the dimensional instability phenomenon.
“If it’s impossible to go to the 2nd floor… what are you going to do?”
Raven keeps asking me questions, unlike usual. It seems like she’s also feeling uneasy.
Well, she needs someone to rely on.
She’s inexperienced in this area.
“Then we’ll join the people from the city, as you said. In the first place, there’s no other way.”
I try to speak calmly.
Although I don’t know if it’s really the best option, at least someone has to do it.
“If you understand, let’s keep moving.”
“Okay…”
That’s when, as we’re heading towards the 2nd floor as quickly as possible…
“We’re finally meeting someone. Do you guys know what’s going on?”
…we encounter explorers.
A team of three humans and two beastmen.
Their equipment is about the same level as ours, or even better.
Well, they wouldn’t be low-level explorers if they’re here at this time.
Our strength would increase significantly if we joined forces.
But there’s something I need to confirm first.
“Identification tags first.”
Are they trustworthy?
____________________
“They’re real.”
“Then would they be fake?”
We first confirm that we’re all from the city by checking the identification tags engraved on our wrists.
And we naturally start talking.
Normally, we would have gone our separate ways after confirming the identification tags…
…but it’s clearly an emergency situation.
“Do you guys know anything?”
“Not much. Just that Noark is up to something.”
“Noark… as expected.”
I narrow my eyes, looking at the leader of the other team as he nods at my words.
“Don’t you have a mage on your team?”
It’s a well-known fact that there are few mages in Noark.
“As you can see.”
But the leader shrugs confidently.
“We’re a team that aims for achievement points. There’s no need for a mage.”
Damn it, that actually makes sense.
Mages usually don’t participate in speedruns.
They would just be a burden because of their slow movement speed, and mages can’t gain experience points from speedruns anyway.
Therefore, we introduce ourselves.
“I’m Bjorn, son of Yandel.”
I figured that if he had any fame, I might have heard of him, just like how I have the title of Little Balkan.
“I’m Hansen Kelders.”
“Hansen?”
“Oh, do you know me? Maybe we know each other through someone—”
“I don’t think so.”
I shake my head.
Although I flinched because the name sounded ominous, I’ve never heard of it.
Then what should I do?
Just as I’m contemplating, Hansen whispers something to his companions.
“Little Balkan? Ah! The barbarian from the Floor Master incident!”
It seems like one of them knew my title.
Hansen’s gaze becomes a bit more favorable.
“Now that I see it, you’re a famous guy, huh? How about we move together? It doesn’t seem like either of us is in a situation to be exploring leisurely.”
Hansen’s team proposes to join forces.
“Can you give me some time?”
“A few minutes, if that’s all. I’m not comfortable staying in one place for too long.”
I ask for Hansen’s understanding and then have a discussion with my companions.
There’s a saying, ‘two heads are better than one’, right?
Maybe they noticed something strange that I missed.
“I don’t know. It seems like it would be safer with more people… but I think it’s better to do whatever Bjorn wants.”
“I’m the same as Misha!”
The melee damage dealer duo expresses their intention to follow my decision.
The bear-like man is against it.
“Something’s strange. If they’re at that level, they should be famous, but I’ve never even heard of that name? Even if they’re not from the underground city, they might be marauders.”
This is a bit concerning.
The bear-like man has the widest connections among us.
“Raven, what do you think?”
“I, I don’t think there’s anything strange. So wouldn’t it be better to just join forces? Their identification tags were fine.”
Hmm, right, that’s true.
I was secretly relying on Raven the most, but it seems like I need to change my thinking.
Is it because this is her first time experiencing something like this?
She’s not as sharp as usual.
“Forget about the identification tags and just look at the people.”
“Yes? What do you mean… ah!”
Raven’s eyes widen as she realizes the meaning of my words.
Considering the current situation, it’s foolish to just trust identification tags.
There’s a chance they’ve created counterfeits.
There are two possibilities.
They couldn’t create counterfeits and are acting out of desperation.
Or they succeeded in creating counterfeits and are boldly making a move, trusting in them.
I don’t know which one it is yet.
Therefore, I have to trust my gut and make a decision. Just like when I played [Dungeon and Stone], where you get a game over if you die once.
“I, I don’t know. Mr. Yandel, please decide.”
Raven leaves everything to me, as if she’s confused.
What the hell happened to her mental state?
“Raven, get a grip. You were fine even when there was a hidden assassin next to us in the Tower of Heaven.”
“Th, that was different. If I make a mistake now, other people will be harmed.”
Ah, so that was it.
I learned something new about Raven.
I can’t believe she can’t make a decision when she has to take responsibility for others.
Someone might die because of my judgment.
It’s not an easy burden to bear and make a decision.
This isn’t a game.
It’s not just a matter of a character dying.
‘Damn it.’
In the end, the decision is up to me.
It’s nothing new, but…
‘This is troublesome.’
I sigh and look at Hansen’s party, who are standing a distance away.
If they had a mage…
Or if they were explorers I’ve heard of, or a team from a famous clan…
Then I would have trusted them more easily.
‘But they’re neither.’
Unfortunately, time is short.
“Have you made a decision?”
“Yes.”
I finally make up my mind.
“Sorry for making you wait, but I’m refusing your offer.”
My final decision is to not gamble unnecessarily.
“Really? That’s a shame.”
Unexpectedly, Hansen nods without any sign of displeasure. It seems like he already understands my reasoning.
“The cautious ones survive longer. I hope we’ll see each other again.”
“What about you guys?”
“We’re going to the 2nd floor. I’m not sure if it’s safe there either, but it’s better than here.”
“I see. Let’s meet in the city if we have the chance.”
“What are you doing? Let’s move.”
The short conversation ends, and Hansen’s party leaves first, disappearing into the fog.
Did I make the right choice?
Smirk.
I force a smile as if to erase my doubts and anxiety.
When did I ever make a choice knowing the outcome?
“Let’s go too.”
We have no choice but to trust and move forward.
_________________
About 5 minutes after parting ways with Hansen’s party, we find five corpses.
They’re not from Hansen’s party.
Although they’re naked, as if their equipment was looted, it’s not a problem to confirm their identities.
“It’s a knight.”
“…A knight?”
“Yes. The tattoo on the back of his neck. It’s the emblem of Viscount Terten’s family.”
“To engrave their family emblem… it’s like a brand.”
To be precise, it’s like they’re not even people, but objects.
Is that why?
I feel a bitter taste in my mouth.
It’s a stark reminder that even knights are treated as consumables in this world.
“…Not all noble families are like this.”
I organize my thoughts, ignoring Raven, who’s speaking defensively.
The corpse of a knight and four soldiers.
And the surroundings, devoid of any signs of battle.
It means one thing.
“There’s a monster out there.”
“Yes. Judging by the wounds, they were all killed in one blow. And the wounds are identical, so it doesn’t seem like they were attacked by multiple people.”
Knights, who use Aura, are the strongest in PvP, the swords that protect the privileged in this world where magic and abilities exist.
But to think they died without being able to do anything…
It makes me realize that we’ve entered the eye of the storm.
A knight who probably spent his entire life wielding a sword and enjoying immense authority died like an extra.
No, they’re probably still dying.
Just like during the Noark subjugation that took place in the underground a few months ago.
“Time of death?”
“About 20 minutes ago.”
Right, so it’s not like he’s right next to us.
It’s a positive clue, but it’s too early to relax.
Anything could happen from now on.
“Are those bastards… really planning to start a war?”
The bear-like man frowned and muttered.
It seemed like he finally realized the gravity of the situation after seeing the knight’s corpse.
Well, we haven’t fought anyone yet.
I said firmly,
“They’re not planning to, Avman.”
“…….”
“The war has already begun.”
We’re lucky to be in the outermost area.
So we haven’t experienced the aftermath directly yet.
Well, it’s just a matter of time.
“What are you going to do?”
I sighed at Raven’s question.
I’ve lost count of how many times she’s asked me this since we came down to the 1st floor.
We’re at a crossroads again.
“There’s nothing but a portal in this direction.”
“You don’t have to explain. You’re saying that bastard who killed this knight went that way.”
The only escape route I judged to be possible, the 2nd-floor portal.
A monster is lurking there.
But even if we turn back, the situation is grim. The battle that started in the center will soon engulf the entire 1st floor.
‘Damn it, we shouldn’t have come down to the 1st floor, even if it meant going through the Beast’s Lair.’
I can’t help but regret it.
I can’t believe that trivial choice put me in this shitty situation.
It’s like the cruel world is testing me.
Do whatever you want.
But you’re responsible for the consequences.
I involuntarily look at my companions.
“…….”
Misha, Ainar, Raven, the bear-like man.
They’re also looking at me.
As if to say the choice is mine.
“…Let’s go back.”
I finally make a decision.
I don’t know who’s ahead of us.
It might even be a member of Orculus.
There can’t be many people at that level even in Noark.
Just as I’m about to turn back…
“Ha, are you really just going back?!”
…I hear a voice from beyond the fog.
Thud.
Footsteps follow.
Swaaa!
Raven immediately dispels the fog with a gust of wind.
A man is revealed.
A man wearing a simple black outfit, with no visible equipment.
He’s wearing a skull mask.
“What kind of barbarian is so timid? Huh?”
My body freezes at his voice.
It’s a voice I’ve never heard before.
That much is certain.
But…
“Pfft.”
…it’s familiar.
---------------------------------
Chapter 209: Leader (2)
It’s a coincidence.
His laughter just sounds similar.
The world is vast, there’s no way there isn’t anyone else with similar habits, right?
I didn’t even consider that thought.
I accepted reality the moment I felt the sense of déjà vu.
‘Clown.’
One of the members of Watchers of the Round Table, and the one who seemed to know the most and be the most skilled.
That’s the man’s identity.
‘I suspected he was from Noark, but I didn’t expect to meet him like this…’
The encounter with Clown, whom I’ve been curious about.
But I don’t feel any sense of welcome.
No, actually…
‘I’m screwed.’
What should I do?
He looks strong.
Would he let us go if I reveal that I’m Lion?
‘No way.’
I dismissed the weak thought that briefly crossed my mind.
It would be the same as coming out as an evil spirit…
And Clown respects Lion.
Not a weak barbarian like me.
The moment my identity is revealed, he’ll lose interest and be enraged.
Therefore, I shouted,
“Battle stations!”
Head-on confrontation.
It could be the best solution if I can just overcome my fear.
“Now you’re finally acting like a barbarian!”
He looks at me with an amused expression.
But did that make her snap out of it?
Raven immediately starts chanting.
“Derba Timunes.”
It’s the team voice spell.
It seems like she thought of activating this as soon as she heard the battle cry since our opponent is a human, not a monster.
“Tsk, how boring.”
Clown seemed displeased, as if he had lost something to enjoy.
It’s not something I should be concerned about.
“Everyone, get behind me!”
I quickly give the order and activate [Gigantification], blocking the passage.
It’s the advantage of the 1st-floor Crystal Cave.
Although the passages vary in size…
Clank.
…most of them are narrow.
Narrow enough for a giant barbarian to block.
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”
I shout the ancestor god’s name to shake off my fear.
And I raise my shield just enough so that it doesn’t block my vision, and focus all my senses on his movements.
Thump!
My warrior’s heart starts beating at just the right speed.
Warm blood circulates rapidly, energizing my body.
It feels like I won’t die easily.
“Mr. Yandel, we can’t attack like this!”
I firmly dismiss the mage’s concern.
“Don’t.”
“Yes?”
“We don’t know his identity. We need to figure out what abilities he has first. Don’t attack until then.”
Information is the most important thing in PvP.
What kind of character build he has, how he combined his five essences and items to create his class concept.
It’s difficult to respond properly without knowing that.
“But… he’s the monster who killed the knight. You’re saying you’ll figure it out alone?”
Then what am I supposed to do?
“This is the most efficient method.”
I’m a tank.
So I can endure even if I get hit by an unknown attack.
But they can’t.
There’s a much higher chance of them getting a game over if they’re hit by an unexpected attack.
“This is no fun since I don’t know what you’re saying.”
Clown speaks in a cold voice and extends his hand to the side before we can even discuss our strategy further.
A weapon is in his hand.
‘Mithril.’
A stiletto emitting a bluish light.
“Just die.”
His figure disappears before my eyes as soon as his low voice rings out.
The time I miss him is short.
After all, it’s just a straight passage.
‘Trying to play with my vision…’
I slightly lower my shield, and I see Clown moving in my blind spot. I quickly identify his attack point, honed by countless battles.
‘The thigh…’
Everything in battle becomes information.
We’re long past the level where we just swing our weapons mindlessly, and every movement has a reason and intention behind it.
Then why did he aim for the thigh?
‘As expected, is he an assassin type?’
He probably judged that it would be difficult to pierce my shield. After all, the first thing I upgraded with the money I earned after paying off my debt six months ago was my shield.
‘He would have known if he had a brain.’
A large shield made of 4th-tier Moonstone.
It’s durable enough to withstand even an Akro sword a few times.
In other words…
Clang!
…it’s impossible to pierce with a 5th-tier mithril weapon.
Clang!
I don’t just block it with my shield, I put strength into my arm.
“…!”
His body is pushed back without much resistance.
I add another piece of information to my mind.
Well, it’s obvious, but…
‘His Strength is lower than mine.’
I’m starting to think that this might be manageable.
It would have been different six months ago.
I’ve grown in many aspects, starting with my equipment.
It seems like he’s not at the Dragonslayer’s level.
‘Well, he probably hasn’t shown us everything yet.’
I don’t let my guard down and stare at Clown, who has retreated.
Although I blocked his first attack, it would be dangerous if I let him hit me even once.
After all, he confidently said, ‘Just die’.
That’s not something you say while aiming for the thigh.
‘Then is it poison?’
There’s a high chance that his weapon is poisoned.
Or his ability might be poison-related.
However, I keep all possibilities open since nothing has been confirmed yet.
‘It’s about time.’
We’ve only exchanged a few blows.
And since this has been blocked, it’s time to use skills.
“Ah, seriously! I wanted to conserve MP…”
I can’t help but chuckle.
Regardless of his exaggerated tone…
“…Mr. Yandel! He’s an evil spirit!”
…MP?
This crazy bastard isn’t even trying to hide the fact that he’s a player.
‘Are they all like this in Noark?’
Well, there’s no reason for him to hide it since he’s already made an enemy of the royal family…
“Wait, if he’s an evil spirit, don’t tell me…”
My body involuntarily flinches at her words.
Because I know what Raven is thinking.
From Noark.
Strong enough to kill a knight alone.
And the most infamous player in this city.
“The Corpse Collector…?”
That’s when, as Raven mutters the name blankly…
“Kyaak!”
…I quickly turn my head and check behind me.
「Abet Nekrapetto has cast [Puppet].」
The corpses of the knight and soldiers, which were lying on the ground, are getting up and attacking Raven.
‘Damn it, it’s really him.’
There’s no point in denying it anymore.
The Corpse Collector’s character concept is famous.
It’s a good class that I’ve also played a few times.
Specialized in curses and summons, and with a high Agility stat to compensate for his weak close combat…
‘Agility Poison Necromancer.’
That’s the class of the enemy I have to fight now.
___________________
I thought he was an assassin because he was aiming for vital points with a stiletto-like weapon…
‘A Necromancer…’
…but I was clearly mistaken.
He was just trying to hit me with a normal attack because he underestimated me.
His real specialty was something else.
‘He didn’t just happen to be nearby, he came looking for us.’
Now that I know his identity, my surroundings start to look different.
He probably intentionally left the corpses behind.
The reason is simple.
He can use them like CCTV.
Well, it doesn’t really matter now.
‘There’s no need for reconnaissance.’
I decide to focus on the positive aspects.
I gathered information about Orculus after the battle with the Dragonslayer, so I know quite a bit about the ‘Corpse Collector’.
‘There are 6 known essences.’
Of course, there would be at least 3 unknown essences, and considering his notoriety, they would be a disaster for us.
But at least his class has been confirmed.
“Everyone, don’t fight and just retreat!”
I quickly give the order.
In a battle against an ordinary summoner, the standard strategy is to defeat the summons first…
“Don’t fight?”
“We need to create distance first!”
…but Poison Necromancers are different. Each of their summons is practically a suicide bomber.
In other words, creating distance is the foundation of the strategy.
“Aruru, come here!”
“Okay!”
That’s when, as Ainar takes Raven and prepares to retreat…
Flash!
…a gray light erupts from the slits of his mask.
「Abet Nekrapetto has cast [Stone Curse].」
My senses start to go numb from my feet.
I know what skill it is as soon as I’m hit.
The 4th-grade monster, Medusa’s essence.
Tadat.
He charges towards me with his stiletto, as if he’s going to kill me first.
It’s definitely an OP skill.
‘The reason why there were no signs of battle around the corpses must be because of this skill.’
Even knights would have a hard time enduring a 4th-grade essence.
The average level of an ordinary knight is 5.
It’s only natural that it’s difficult for them to invest in Magic Resistance.
‘Well, not me.’
The Manticore’s passive skill, [Inheritance].
I filled all 200 stat points of this passive with Magic Resistance. Normally, other stats also increase, but there’s a loophole for Magic Resistance.
Anyway, as a result…
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”
…my battle cry has evolved to the point where it can replace the ‘Indomitable’ skill.
「Character’s Magic Resistance is over 400.」
+20 from the 2nd stage of the Undying Engraving.
+80 from the Ogre essence.
+200 from the Manticore’s passive skill [Inheritance].
And about 40 from the Magic Resistance increase from [Gigantification] and [Wild Release]. Add the 20% increase from the Earth Dragon’s Blessing…
「Character is granted Suppression Immunity.」
…and my Magic Resistance temporarily exceeds 400, granting me immunity to suppression-type skills!
「Status effect [Stone Curse] has been removed.」
I charge forward with my shield as soon as the numbness in my feet disappears.
He also seems flustered.
Well, to be precise, he’s dumbfounded.
“Ha! Suppression Immunity? Just how much did you invest in Magic Resistance?!”
Geez, he’s praising me.
In the first place, the reason I absorbed the expensive Manticore essence was all for Magic Resistance.
Leaving aside the stat bonus after removing it…
…Magic Resistance +200 alone is enough to be worth it until the later stages of the game.
‘But he’s really fast.’
Although I pushed forward like a tank, he easily created distance, as expected of an Agility Poison Necromancer.
That’s what makes these guys tricky.
Summoners are usually weak in close combat, but it’s really hard to catch these guys.
Well, it’s a good thing he’s not an assassin.
“Raven!! Freeze the corpses!”
“Yes? Yes!!”
“And Avman, shoot something big when I give you the signal! To create an opening for us to escape!”
“…Escape? Do you think that’s possible?”
Well, it’s 50/50.
But we have to try.
It’s a much higher chance of success than fighting him.
“I have to put everything into one shot. Okay!”
Fortunately, the bear-like man follows my order.
He must have sensed it as soon as he heard the name ‘Corpse Collector’.
That the probability of winning in a fight is slim, and that even if we do win, there will be casualties.
‘Of all people, the Corpse Collector.’
He’s one of the top members of Orculus.
He’s definitely stronger than the Dragonslayer.
But…
‘There’s a chance now.’
Necromancers, due to their class characteristics, aren’t very good at chasing. And he’s also trying to conserve his resources.
‘He wants to minimize any waste since he’ll have to fight until the labyrinth closes.’
That’s when, as I’m quickly backpedaling with that thought…
Swaaa!
…I feel a chill from behind.
It seems like she used an ice spell to freeze the corpses.
“They’re frozen!”
Okay, confirmed.
“Avman!”
“Ah, just say the word!”
It seems like the bear-like man is ready.
I give him a brief signal and then ask Raven for one thing.
“Raven, deactivate the Voice Control spell.”
“Yes?”
“Quickly.”
“It’s off.”
As soon as the team voice magic is deactivated, I look at him and say,
“Hey.”
“Hoo?”
He looks at me with a questioning gaze.
This is why foreigners are…
As expected, he doesn’t know.
“Do you know the two ways to piss someone off?”
“Well? I’ve never heard of it.”
This is why foreigners are…
I knew he wouldn’t know.
“The first is to stop talking in the middle of a sentence.”
“I see. What’s the other one?”
Clown nods in understanding.
“That is…”
I trail off and deactivate [Gigantification].
And at that moment…
「Avman Urikfrit has cast [Enhancement].」
「Avman Urikfrit has cast [Dangerous Substance]….」
…an arrow imbued with all the bear-like man’s skills is shot, piercing through the widened passage.
Kwaaang!
The cave shakes as if there’s an earthquake.
Whoosh!
I shout with more enthusiasm than ever, looking at the other side of the passage, which is blocked by flames,
“What are you doing! Run!”
-------------------------------------
Chapter 210: Leader (3)
Thick bones instantly cover his entire body.
「Abet Nekrapetto has cast [Bone Armor].」
The man chuckled and looked straight ahead.
The flames that had caught onto the bones were quickly extinguished, but the remaining flames in the passage formed a wall, blocking the path.
“Hmm, I didn’t expect you to run away.”
Should I chase after them?
The man contemplated, looking at the other side of the blazing flames, and then decided to give up.
Although he wasn’t curious about the second way to piss someone off…
[…Captain, it’s the knight’s corpse.]
[As expected, he set a trap here too. Everyone, be on guard. There must be enemies nearby.]
Explorers appeared from another passage connected to the 2nd-floor portal just in time.
There were about 20 of them.
They seemed to be a small clan, judging by the identical emblem on their chests…
“Tsk.”
The man clicked his tongue in displeasure and moved on.
His mission in this operation was to block anyone trying to escape through the 2nd-floor portal.
It was originally the Dragonslayer’s mission.
“That snake-eyed bastard is useless. Useless.”
If he had just recovered in time, he would have been able to join the main force in the center and focus on his specialty, mass slaughter.
“Well, I’m sure they’ll take care of the ones who ran away.”
There’s no need for him to chase after them and kill them.
Just thinking about it was already annoying.
I just have to do my job.
That’s when, as he was heading towards the 2nd-floor portal…
Buzz.
…the message stone in his pocket vibrated.
[Nekrapetto, what’s the situation on your end? Did you reach the target location?]
“Oh, Vice-leader! Don’t worry. I arrived a long time ago, and I’ve blocked it off so that not even a single rat can escape. Pfft!”
Although he answered confidently, the reply came after a long pause.
To be precise, it wasn’t even an answer.
[…What’s with that tone? And that strange laughter?]
“Strange laughter?”
The man tilted his head in confusion at first, but then he chuckled as he realized what it meant.
“Ah, it’s just a habit, Vice-leader, don’t worry about it.”
[Habit?]
“Yeah, a habit that comes out when I’m wearing a mask.”
[…I don’t understand what you’re saying. Anyway, contact me immediately if something happens.]
The call ended there.
The man tapped the skull mask he received as a supply with his index finger.
He suddenly thought of the Round Table members.
‘Fox and Goblin definitely entered.’
He wondered how many of them would be alive and attend the next gathering.
He was already looking forward to it.
__________________
We’re running with all our might.
Anxiously, in case he’s chasing after us.
“Huff, huff.”
That’s when, after over 10 minutes of sprinting through the passage…
“Did we lose him…?”
…the bear-like man muttered.
I felt a surge of anxiety at his jinx-like line, but I didn’t say anything.
I had a similar thought.
‘To be precise, it’s not that we lost him, but that he’s not chasing us.’
But it’s a fact that we can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
“Let’s slow down from now on.”
“…Aren’t we running away anymore?”
“He’s not the only one we have to be wary of.”
We’re currently in the Crystal Cave, shrouded in fog.
If we move too quickly, it will be difficult to react to unexpected dangers in time.
It’s safe to say that the entire 1st floor is a minefield—
“Bjorn, shouldn’t we have fought?”
Huh?
“What do you mean, Ainar?”
“The Corpse Collector? It was a chance to spread your name even further! But you ran away!”
Right, no wonder she was so quiet.
This is what she was unhappy about.
She tends to admire me as if I’m some ancient barbarian hero.
A chance to gain fame, my ass.
‘I’m just grateful that no one got hurt.’
A Necromancer’s true strength is revealed when they start pulling corpses out of their subspace pocket.
And the Corpse Collector even has a Numbered Item that gave him his fame.
It’s his signature item, similar to the Dragonslayer’s Dragonslayer.
If he had taken that out, some of us would have definitely died or been seriously injured.
But…
“Ainar, don’t be ridiculous.”
Misha coldly rebukes her before I can even say anything, and Ainar shrinks back.
“I, I’m okay…! I can understand since you’re an adult. But ho, how can I explain this to the young warriors…!”
Ah, so that’s the real problem.
Ainar tells the young warriors at the sanctuary about our expeditions.
It’s so embarrassing that I want to crawl into a hole, but I’ve been letting her do it since I thought it would increase my support within the tribe.
“Just make something up.”
“That’s not right! Warriors don’t lie!”
“Tsk! Are you going to talk back?!”
Ainar shuts her mouth as Misha scolds her firmly.
Her slumped shoulders make me feel bad.
A barbarian’s charm lies in their confidence.
I hesitate for a moment and then speak.
“Ainar, we didn’t run away.”
“Huh?”
“He ran away after seeing us.”
It’s the typical barbarian mental victory.
“Wh, what do you mean? Don’t tease me… I, I also thought that!”
Hmm, I didn’t know that.
I repeat myself with a serious expression.
“I’m not teasing you. Ainar, a wise warrior also knows how to choose the battlefield. We retreated to fight on favorable ground, and he ran away because he knew that.”
Ainar furrows her brows as if in deep thought and then asks cautiously,
“Is that… really true?”
I was secretly worried, but it seems like it worked. Ainar returns to her usual cheerful self as I nod firmly.
“Mr. Yandel is…”
“What? Do you have something to say?”
“No. I was just thinking… that this is the kind of person who should be a leader.”
Raven shakes her head, looking at me with a strange gaze.
It seems like she was impressed by me comforting Ainar, who was disheartened.
“Then let’s keep moving.”
We end the small talk and continue cautiously, observing our surroundings.
Our destination is the center of the 1st floor.
The place where I judged a bloodbath would be taking place.
“Wouldn’t it be better to open another portal?”
“It won’t be much different.”
I’ve completely given up on the option of heading towards the 2nd floor.
The Corpse Collector was standing guard at the path leading to the Goblin Forest.
‘He’s probably trying to block the portal.’
If my prediction is correct, there’s a high chance that someone of a similar level is waiting at the other portal.
“If that’s the case, I’ll follow your judgment. Yandel, you have good intuition in these aspects.”
We continue forward, pushing through the fog.
After some time…
Clank, clank.
…we encounter a group of about 10 people at a crossroads.
We’re already within each other’s line of sight when we sense their presence.
Fortunately, they don’t seem to be enemies.
“…Knights.”
They’re all wearing knight armor, and each armor has their family emblem engraved on it.
Well, it’s not impossible to disguise themselves if they’re determined…
“Explorer, raise your wrist so I can see your identification tag.”
…but judging by their arrogant tone, it seems like they’re the real deal.
Therefore, I follow their instructions and show them my identification tag, then ask,
“Is the identification tag important?”
It’s the information I’m most curious about.
The knight answers briefly,
“To some extent.”
“I’d like to hear more details.”
“There was someone who ambushed us using our identification tags. We suffered quite a bit of damage because of that.”
“I see.”
“Now that your curiosity is satisfied, lower your weapon and stand against the wall. Until we pass.”
The knight then speaks authoritatively, and I obediently follow his instructions.
The atmosphere is truly hostile.
All the knights are drenched in blood, as if they’ve been through countless battles.
But I still have to ask what I need to ask.
“Can you tell me what’s going on?”
“…That’s a suspicious question.”
“We headed straight to the 2nd floor as soon as we entered, so we don’t have any information about the inside.”
“Hmm.”
The knight, who was walking, stops and stares at me.
It’s a gaze that’s trying to determine whether I’m telling the truth.
That’s when, as I start to regret asking…
“Hello. I’m Arrua Raven, a mage from the Artemion school.”
…Raven steps forward and reveals her identity.
“If you’re suspicious of our identities, we can prove it with magic—”
“Stop, don’t come any closer. If you don’t want to die.”
“No, but I—”
“Do you think there are no mages in Noark?”
Raven shuts her mouth, speechless at the knight’s menacing voice.
“…….”
“…….”
A heavy silence falls upon us.
“Sir Garfizel, there’s no way they’re from Noark, so you don’t have to worry about that.”
The situation is reversed as a knight from the backline intervenes.
“How can you guarantee that?”
“Because he’s a famous explorer.”
“Hmm, this guy?”
The knight who seems to be the leader tilts his head, looking at me, and I do the same.
“…Do you know me?”
“Of course.”
The knight who received my question pushes up the visor of his helmet.
And a familiar face is revealed.
So, his name was…
“Kars Erimore?”
“It’s an honor that you remember. It’s been a while.”
Kars Erimore.
It’s the knight from Baron Martoan’s family whom I met at the Count’s estate.
Although he was an apprentice, he was still a knight.
I can’t believe I’m seeing him again here.
“So who is this?”
“His name is Bjorn Yandel, he’s more famous in the city by the title of Little Balkan.”
The knight’s gaze changes as my identity is confirmed through my connection with Kars.
“Little Balkan… I’ve heard of you. In social circles, you’re called the ‘Knight Crusher’, right?”
His gaze is far from favorable.
But at least he’s no longer suspicious of us as enemies, so it’s much better than before.
“So, can I hear what’s going on now?”
The knight briefly explains the situation.
That explorers from Noark attacked them as soon as they entered the labyrinth.
That there were even some among them who had identification tags, so they suffered significant damage in the beginning.
And that they’re currently gathering their forces and protecting explorers in the dark zone of the center after the fog appeared.
“By dark zone of the center, do you mean the place with the monument?”
“Yes, go there. You’ll be safe if you can reach it.”
It’s good news.
I stop him as he’s about to leave and ask cautiously,
“Are you guys going to the portal?”
“…Why are you curious about that?”
Geez, he’s prickly.
“Because we’re coming from there.”
“Interesting.”
I share the information I know with the knight who’s showing interest.
After all, we can be considered allies.
I can’t just let him die.
“The Corpse Collector is near the portal. So if you see any corpses in the passage, be careful. It means he’s also found you.”
Unexpectedly, the knight listens to my words and then nods without questioning them.
“Every piece of information is valuable in times of war. The Corpse Collector… Thank you for telling me.”
He even expresses his gratitude and hands me a ring.
“If any knight suspects you, show them this and tell them about me. It will vouch for your identity.”
“…I’ll put it to good use.”
“Then I’ll be going. I don’t have time.”
The knight leaves with his party as soon as I receive the ring.
He doesn’t seem as annoying as before.
He’s a guy who knows his duty.
‘It seems like it’s not enchanted with the size adjustment spell.’
I try to put the ring on my pinky finger, but I give up and hand it to Misha.
“Huh? Me? You’re giving it to me?”
“It doesn’t fit my finger.”
“…Th, then I guess I have no choice.”
Misha then holds out her left hand.
What? Does she want me to put it on for her?
“Ahem…”
I turn her hand over so that her palm is facing down and then place the ring on her finger.
“Put it on.”
“Geez, you’re so shy.”
…What is she talking about?
___________________
We increase our speed after meeting the knights. The smell of blood intensifies as we leave the outskirts and approach the center.
“Even here…”
“Stop looking and keep moving.”
Corpses are visible every few minutes, wherever we go.
Most of them are naked.
They’re taking everything even in this situation.
Well, we’re all the same, so I have nothing to say.
“Yandel! Ambush!!”
We’ve also had quite a few battles on the way here.
About nine times now?
Once, they ambushed us after checking our identification tags, and the rest of the time, they attacked as soon as we encountered them, drawing their weapons.
Most of them were around 5th-grade level like us…
…but there haven’t been any major problems so far.
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!”
After all, we’re quite strong on average.
We’ve grown to the point where we’re aiming for the 6th floor, and our combat power is high since we don’t have a professional scout.
“Bjorn, what about the two who ran away?”
“Leave them. We don’t have time, just gather their equipment quickly and let’s move.”
Equipment piles up in my subspace pocket as we travel.
It feels like I’m in a dungeon with an unlimited PK concept.
‘I didn’t expect to feel this kind of thrill on the 1st floor.’
My anxiety gradually grows.
Although we’ve been moving without any major problems so far, how long will this last?
“Bjorn…”
“Don’t worry, we’re almost there.”
I try not to show my anxiety and continue leading the team forward.
And after some time…
“Halt.”
…we encounter a group of unknown explorers at a crossroads.
There are about thirty of them.
They seem to be resting after a tough battle, and they immediately take out their weapons and become wary as soon as they see us.
Thump!
My heart pounds like crazy.
If they’re from Noark, we’re as good as dead—
“Uh…! Mi, mister?!!”
That’s when I hear a familiar voice.