Chapter 25

The moment we reached the surface, Alti spoke. “My patience has its limits, so make sure you’re looking. I’ll be sure to reward you. See ya.” With that, she vanished. Her destination was apparently the Ertrallue Academy where Franleure was.

I thought that being at an academy full of students would naturally lead to her wish being fulfilled, but she made sure to emphasize her request one last time before parting.

“Phew…”

I let out a sigh as I watched Alti go.

The air on the surface tasted wonderful.

With the danger of the Labyrinth gone, a sense of security wrapped around me comfortably.

However, just as the sun began to dip below the horizon, my spirits sank right along with it.

“Ahh…”

I had intended today’s Labyrinth run to be a test of my solo play capabilities while checking on Dia’s arm, but nothing but the unexpected had happened.

Sorting through the day’s events in my head, I began walking toward the hospital where Dia was likely staying. Regardless of the chaos, I had managed to explore up to the 5th floor solo, so I planned to report that at the very least.

I arrived at the top hospital in Wald.

Walking straight to the ward, I entered the room where Dia should have been resting.

The room was filled with magical light.

Pale bubbles of light, just like the ones I had seen during the battle with Teida, filled the sickroom.

“…? Dia, what are you doing…?”

“What’s it look like? Rehab.”

Dia was sitting cross-legged on the bed, continuously emitting light from both arms.

“Listen. Didn’t the doctor tell you to stay still and rest?”

“They did. But I want to get back to my peak as soon as possible. This week is basically meant for rehabilitation anyway…”

“Just take it easy, alright?”

As I spoke, I placed my palm on Dia’s head.

Dia stared at my arm for a moment, then gave a submissive nod.

“Got it. If Christ says so, I’ll do it.”

“Good. It’ll be a problem if your hospital stay gets extended for no reason, right?”

“Haha, true.”

Dia laughed happily—then, after letting the magical light dissipate, began checking in with me about how my day had gone.

“So, Christ. Did you head into the Labyrinth after all?”

“Yeah, I made it to the 5th floor alone without any issues. Honestly, I feel like I could go deeper.”

I didn’t plan on telling him everything.

I especially wanted to keep quiet about Alti. Part of it was not wanting to worry Dia while he wasn’t at full strength, but I also felt that I could handle that Guardian on my own.

Whether I ended up granting her wish or defeating her, I could finish it alone.

No, I had to finish it alone. That was what I thought.

“Haha, see? Christ, you’re fine on your own. You don’t even need me. You should have more confidence.”

“Thanks. It was just like you said, Dia. But, having you there is—”

I understood that there were plenty of things I could do by myself.

But at the same time, it was certain that having someone else around provided a sense of security. Just as I was about to say that I felt more at ease when Dia was there, he cut me off.

“—No, the way I am now isn’t good enough. Christ, wait for me. I’ll return soon as someone worthy of being by your side.”

“…Y-yeah. I understand.”

I had let my guard down thinking it was the usual Dia, but I was suddenly overwhelmed by the pressure in his eyes, which held a firm conviction.

“My discharge is, uh… about six days away? I’m pretty sure that day is the Holy Birth Festival. It’ll be right in the middle of the celebrations.”

“A festival?”

Dia spoke as if suddenly remembering something.

Apparently, there was going to be a festival across the Allied Nations right around the time he was due to leave the hospital.

“Yeah. Centered around Huzya, there’s a Holy Birth Festival for the heroes who founded the Allied Nations. For the few days leading up to it, the whole country celebrates, and on the day of the festival itself, there’s a grand ceremony at the Great Cathedral.”

Dia explained it to me, since I looked like I had never heard the word “festival” before.

“I see. I’m from a distant country, so I didn’t know. But that’s perfect. When you’re discharged, let’s join in to celebrate your recovery.”

“That sounds great. Alright! For that, I’m gonna get better fast.”

As we talked about the festival, the atmosphere in the room turned bright and cheerful.

—Time passed as Dia continued to teach me what the Holy Birth Festival was all about.

During that time, there was only one thing I wanted to ask Dia.

It was a nagging feeling in my heart.

The events on the 9th floor.

The way that slave was treated back then.

I was curious to know what kind of answer Dia would give…

However, I didn’t want to break this cheerful atmosphere.

There was also the fear that Dia might feel the same way as Franleure, so in the end, I couldn’t bring myself to ask.

And so, with my emotions still swirling in my chest, I concluded my visit to Dia.

I walked through the town alone.

With Labyrinth exploration and my visit to Dia over, I found myself with nothing particular to do.

I considered diving back into the Labyrinth, but since I had left under the pretense of being out of MP, I wanted to avoid any actions that Alti might find suspicious.

As I walked, I began to put a plan together.

Thanks to the money from selling that magic stone from Teida, my options were limitless.

However, I already had all the daily necessities, and I was fully equipped with everything I needed for the Labyrinth.

The things I had bought at the tool shop just as the shopkeeper suggested before my first challenge with Dia were still sitting in my Inventory. Items like files, awls, needles, thread, pots, and leather bags remained untouched.

Thinking back, maybe these weren’t necessary.

Thanks to the “Inventory” system, I could bring in as many tools as I wanted.

Therefore, I could ignore the typical problems of an explorer, such as repairing weapons and armor or finding ways to procure water and food. I could bring dozens of swords, and enough water and food to last years if I wanted to.

In other words, an explorer named Kanami Aikawa shouldn’t be buying the same things as the explorers of this world.

Since I had “Map,” I didn’t need a physical map.

Since I had “Inventory,” I didn’t need bags.

Instead of repair kits, the correct answer was to bring in a massive supply of spare equipment.

I mused while pulling a bag of gold coins out of my Inventory.

I jingled the bag and remembered the time I had acquired this fortune.

A single magic stone from Teida was worth 40 gold coins.

The value was such that I’d still have change left over after buying a house, which showed just how precious a Guardian’s magic stone really was.

Since the amount was so astronomical, I had wondered if it was a rare item or an event item I might regret selling later… but with the issue of Dia’s hospital bills, I didn’t have much of a choice.

Of course, the high-ranking officials of the country had questioned me relentlessly about where I had obtained that stone. I was told that this single stone could advance “Mana Lines” and “Magic Stone Technology” by years, and I was held for a long time.

Ultimately, I stayed vague about the source, only telling them I had defeated a powerful-looking boss.

They asked for details, but I told them I was so frantic I didn’t remember much, and finally forced my way out by saying my partner was in critical condition.

Looking back, I had acted quite suspiciously.

I had no choice because I was in a hurry, but this might come back to haunt me later…

Continuing my walk while deep in thought, I reached a residential area away from the Labyrinth.

Rows of rugged wooden houses stood there, a poor match for the jewel-encrusted streets. All around, people who sensed the sun was setting were heading back to their homes.

Children, exhausted from playing, were walking by.

I saw an elderly woman carrying heavy luggage, looking exhausted.

A swordsman, likely returning from the Labyrinth, was dragging his leg.

A woman, who must have been doing housework, was pulling laundry inside.

Up until now, my life had revolved entirely around the immediate vicinity of the Labyrinth, so this was the first time I had witnessed such scenes.

That was when the idea struck me.

“I’m pretty sure… it was worth enough to buy a house, right?”

I tightened my grip on the bag of gold coins.

Since I was currently borrowing a corner of the tavern, I wasn’t struggling for a place to stay. However, I couldn’t rely on that kindness forever. Under normal circumstances, an explorer should secure their own lodging with their own income.

In my hands, I held gold coins—the very symbol of that income.

And it wasn’t just enough for a room; it was enough to acquire an entire house.

I started walking.

I wasn’t wandering aimlessly anymore. I walked with a clear purpose.

—And so, a few hours later.

I found myself in a wooden house that was far too spacious for a single person.

In my world’s terms, it would be a 4LDK.¹

Inside that house, in one of the meticulously cleaned rooms, a woman and I sat facing each other.

“Very well. Then, shall we proceed with a one-year lease for this property?”

“Please.”

Since I had memorized most of the shops in Wald, I had reached a real estate office shortly after making my decision. Once I presented my funds, I was welcomed with open arms, and the negotiations proceeded at a breakneck pace.

However, since buying both the land and the house would have been quite expensive, we settled on a rental agreement. Besides, I didn’t plan on staying in this other world forever. Living with the hope of returning home in a year, I chose a contract for exactly that duration.

“I will bring the formal paperwork at a later date, so you are welcome to begin using the premises immediately.”

The agent replied with a smile.

It was a flawless sales smile without a single opening. As someone in the service industry myself, it was something I wanted to emulate.

“Wait, is that okay…?”

“The payment is settled. The main contract is signed. There are no issues at all. All that remains are the minor optional agreements.”

“I see. That makes sense.”

“Then, I shall take my leave.”

With those words, the agent left the house.

Left alone, I inspected the house once more.

Among single-family properties, this was a top-tier residence that one wouldn’t normally be able to rent. It was a home that generously utilized the magical architectural techniques unique to this world, boasting superior earthquake and heat resistance.

Furthermore, “Mana Lines” were drawn into the house, and it came equipped with magical tools that could handle flushing toilets, boiling water, and ignition, all powered by the mana shared by the nation of Wald. Each item was high-quality, custom-ordered from Huzya.

In a kitchen more luxurious than the tavern where I worked, I tested the magical tools.

I channeled a bit of mana into a craft item adorned with jewels, and a flame flickered to life.

Next was the lock.

To check the high-end lock made of magic stones and iron, I stepped outside. As a person from the modern era, I was sensitive about securing doors, so I was particularly concerned with its craftsmanship.

I opened and closed it several times with the jewel-encrusted key.

The lock itself was large and old-fashioned in appearance, but it secured the house firmly.

It had been worth making all those unreasonable demands at the shop.

I had managed to obtain something close to a home from my original world.

The initial payment was 10 gold coins.

This didn’t even include maintenance or wear-and-tear fees. Considering that any damage would result in further charges, it was a significant expense.

Still, I had piled request upon request to make this private space as close to my original world as possible.

I believed that, in the long run, this would alleviate stress and provide higher-quality rest. Above all, the fact that it would help stabilize my mental state was crucial.

“Haha… Ahahaha!”

It had been fun.

The time spent examining various properties.

The time spent thinking about what I needed.

The time spent explaining my demands.

Every moment of it had given me pleasure.

The act of splurging was incredibly entertaining.

“Hahaha… ha… ha… sigh.”

After laughing my fill, I let out a heavy sigh.

An overwhelming sense of lethargy took hold of me, and all of it transformed into the emotion of regret.

To put it simply, I had overdone it.

I had gotten carried away.

I realized that I was far more abnormal than I had thought.

The cause was likely the mental strain of trying to avoid using my skills all day, especially after having “???” go berserk so many times during the Teida fight.

It felt as though sludge-like emotions had been clinging to every part of my body.

This was the result of constantly bottling up the negative feelings that had been poured into me.

Without my realizing it, my stress had exceeded its capacity, and my body had tried to relieve it on its own.

“I went too far… I would have been fine as long as I had a roof over my head to sleep… I should have saved the money for Labyrinth exploration…”

I could have just kept eating at the tavern.

Cooking at home was pointless.

I didn’t need water heaters, either.

If I wanted a bath, it would be more efficient to go to a specialized facility only on those days.

The lock was the worst part.

What was I even protecting in this house? I could put everything in my “Inventory,” so there was nothing to leave here. Besides, it was a wooden house; if the door itself was smashed, anyone could break in.

I slowly relocked the door and looked in the direction the agent had gone.

“That person was amazing… They talked me into buying things I didn’t even need.”

Thinking back, their persuasion skills were incredible.

The reason they had welcomed me so warmly at the shop was likely because I looked like a child with more money than sense.

I sat down and stared blankly at the road in front of the house.

Since the house sat alone on a hill with a good breeze, it overlooked the residential district.

The location was fantastic. It had great sunlight and was close to the Labyrinth. However, for ordinary people, proximity to the Labyrinth was a negative factor, which was why the property had been available.

It had turned completely dark.

Small lights began to flicker on in the town, and the lively atmosphere was settling down.

“Hahaha… I really messed up…”

As I sat there reflecting alone—

“…Hm?”

I heard the sound of an animal running in the depths of the darkness.

Straining my ears, I could tell it was the sound of something like horse hooves clopping on the road.

“—Magic: Dimension.”

Subconsciously, I tried to grasp the situation with magic.

I sensed a carriage driving along, and I could tell it was similar to the one that had been transporting slaves before.

—Slaves again.

I remembered the slave from the Labyrinth who had been forced to fight monsters and was covered in blood.

That was undoubtedly one of the factors that had driven me to splurge.

Honestly, it was a problem that I personally couldn’t do anything about. As long as it was rooted in the culture of this world, worrying about it was nothing but a waste of time, even if I ended up utilizing the system myself.

My head, cooled down by the spending spree, began to solidify my future approach to slaves.

That’s right.

There was no point in helping.

Even if I saved one slave, it would just be hypocrisy—nothing more than self-satisfaction. If I truly grieved for the existence of slaves, I would have to solve it fundamentally at the level of the nation and its culture.

If you asked if I had that kind of resolve, the answer was an absolute no.

I couldn’t afford to make a mistake.

I didn’t have the luxury to worry about such things.

What I needed to do was, if anything, utilize slaves to clear the Labyrinth.

“Hahaha.”

I recreated the dry laugh I had shown Franleure and the others today.

Then, my logical brain unearthed a certain plan.

It was a plan I had conceptualized a few days ago.

A truly low-down plan: searching for a talented slave.

I could have replaced the word “slave” with “the weak.” Ultimately, it meant looking for someone who would do exactly as I said and turning them into a pawn.

It was a despicable thought, but it was certainly an efficient one.

What was the one thing I excelled at compared to others when it came to spending money? It was the “Display.”

Through the “Display,” I could confirm the details of objects and people. That was a lead that even a veteran merchant couldn’t obtain.

Finding an undiscovered genius would be easy.

Usually, those would be people acting as leaders or those who had gained status and fame. But gaining the cooperation of such people required a high price. Taking the initiative with them was nothing but a pipe dream.

However, if the opponent was someone unable to utilize their talent, taking control would be easy. They have talent, but lack the actual strength to back it up, resulting in no self-confidence. To be blunt, someone like Dia.

Slaves were a group that easily met those conditions.

I checked my remaining funds and refined the plan.

I put the house key into my “Inventory,” stood up with renewed determination, and began walking toward the sound of the carriage that was likely carrying slaves.

I had splurged on the house.

I’d admit that. But I would make sure to use the remaining money for the sake of the Labyrinth. This time, the plan was perfect. I might have blundered with a house—something without a “Display”—but with something that did have a “Display,” I couldn’t go wrong.

Inevitably, I would be heading toward the more dangerous parts of Wald, but that shouldn’t be a problem. My level had increased after the Teida fight, and I had plenty of HP and MP to spare. Even if I got caught up in some rough business, I could handle it.

As I walked, I pulled a large piece of cloth from my “Inventory” and wrapped it around myself like a muffler.

Hiding as much of my face as possible, I followed the carriage.

The town began to be draped in the shroud of night, and as it deepened into the late hours—I reached a place different from the previous slave market.

Even if the location had changed, the format was similar to the previous market. There was no doubt this was also a place where slaves were bought and sold.

Using the information I had gained previously as a guide, I slipped into the slave market.