Chapter 76

Because I had been over-eager on the first day, the guild work was all dried up. This left Snow and me standing before the Labyrinth.

Snow had mentioned something about spending the entire day staring at the sky, so I had practically dragged her here by force. Part of it was because Palinchron had instructed us to act in pairs as much as possible.

“Right. Time for some Labyrinth exploration.”

“…Ugh, what a pain.”

“Snow, apparently this is part of the guild’s work too. Palinchron told us to either extend the ‘Main Path’ or take down some Guardians.”

“…There’s no set deadline, so can’t we just take it easy and coast?”

“I wouldn’t go as far as ‘coasting,’ but I’m not planning to get too intense. We’ll basically just hunt some easy monsters and look for treasure inside.”

“…Monsters that are easy for Kanami might be a pain for me.”

“No, really, Snow—you can just slack off. I plan to handle almost everything myself. You can just watch from behind.”

I managed to talk the lazy girl into it.

To be honest, I didn’t have high expectations for her. However, she possessed at least a minimum sense of responsibility, so she’d likely step in if I ended up in danger. In a way, she was my insurance policy for “just in case.”

“…Mm, just watching? That’s fine. I can do that.”

“Great. Then, let’s go.”

I entered the Labyrinth with Snow.

Passing through the entrance, a damp, dark corridor stretched out before us.

Looking at the raw smell and the path that rhythmically pulsed with a unique luminescence, I felt a sense of nostalgia.

I was back in the Labyrinth.

That simple fact caused a stir in my heart.

For some reason, just by having that “Fire” happen in between, the Labyrinth had transformed into something deeply nostalgic.

“…Kanami, is something wrong?”

Snow called out, wondering why I had suddenly stopped in my tracks.

“No, it’s nothing. Let’s move.”

“…Okay.”

I shook off the intrusive emotions and pressed forward.

Since the “Main Path” extended down to the 23rd floor, the journey should be an easy one.

Previously, I’m sure… right, I have memories of reaching the 24th floor. My last memory was that the exploration on the 24th floor became too difficult, so I went to the 19th floor to grind levels.

However, those final memories were blurred, like old black-and-white photographs.

Key parts were darkened, and I couldn’t dig up the memories properly.

Perhaps due to the shock of the “Fire,” my memories surrounding that period were extremely hazy.

Still, I couldn’t afford to whine.

Chalking it up to the stress of being thrust into another world, I pulled myself together and decided on today’s exploration strategy.

By the way, Snow’s Level was 16.

It was two levels higher than mine, and as far as Stats went, there wasn’t a huge difference between us.

However, in terms of endurance, she was likely several stages above me.

She also had an abundance of magic at her disposal; her depth was unfathomable.

My goal was to resume level-grinding around the 19th floor and set up a “Connection” on the 20th floor.

Because of that fire, all my registered “Connection” points had been cleared.

Thanks to that, I had to start from the 1st floor.

It was a hassle, but it couldn’t be helped. I intended to head to the 20th floor as quickly as possible.

However, it was a different story if I found a Boss Monster through “Dimension.”

To get stronger and to obtain the unique Magic Stones they dropped, there was no way I’d pass them up.

Apparently, bringing rare items back to the guild would benefit the members.

While keeping a casual eye out for bosses, the two of us proceeded deeper into the Labyrinth.

“…Mm?”

Along the way, the “Dimension” I kept active within the limits of my natural MP recovery luckily caught a Boss Monster.

It wasn’t that far away, so I decided to go take its head.

The closer we got to the Boss Monster’s area, the more the corridor gradually transformed.

A foul odor began to fill the hallway, making my eyes and nose sting.

Deciding that this area’s environment was bad for the body, I quickened my pace.

Snow, behind me, seemed unfazed. Snow belonged to the Dragonnewt race, and I’d heard their bodies were many times sturdier than a human’s. It seemed they were a race resistant to such harsh environments.

Deeper into the area, I found a deformed giant with murky green skin.

I immediately used “Focus” to gather information.

The area was swarming with smaller monsters that appeared to be its kin, but I didn’t care and approached the Goblin Lord in a straight line.

The smaller goblins lunged at me.

However, all of them had their heads taken before they could even touch me.

To the eyes of 1st-floor monsters, they probably couldn’t even perceive that I was swinging a sword.

I intercepted the kin while closing in on the Goblin Lord.

The battle was over in an instant. The moment the Goblin Lord tried to swing the club in its hand down at me, its head and torso were already separated.

I picked up the Magic Stone dropped by the Goblin Lord as it vanished into light. Having finished my business, Snow and I left the area. Along the way, Snow was also attacked by goblins, but I was relieved to see her intercept them with ease using her bare hands.

As expected, as long as I dragged her out here, she’d take care of herself.

She was lazy, but she didn’t have a death wish.

I returned to a safe zone and analyzed the results of the previous battle.

I found it strange that I hadn’t acquired a “Title.”

When you defeat a boss, the acquisition of a “Title” usually appears on the “Display.”

Yet, I hadn’t gained one from that fight. I tried to remember if I had defeated a Goblin Lord before—and a sharp pain throbbed in my head.

I’m sure that on the day I first decided to hunt bosses, I had hunted a total of three.

I felt like… a giant goblin was among them.

I felt like it.

It was a sensation as if a fog had settled over my brain.

Lately, my memory had been frustratingly hazy.

I assumed the tension of being in another world was the cause, but it still made me uneasy.

Maybe I should consult someone like Palinchron when I get back.

Realizing the boss I’d killed was a duplicate, I let out a sigh and aimed for the 2nd floor. On the way, I used “Focus” on the Magic Stone dropped by the Goblin Lord.

It was a simple description, but I could infer it was a unique drop obtainable only from that monster.

The “Title” was a disappointment, but my mood lightened at the thought of having a souvenir for the guild.

The guild’s blacksmiths and artisans were always eager for these kinds of Magic Stones.

They would surely be pleased.

Thinking that defeating duplicate Boss Monsters wasn’t so bad if it was for the guild’s sake, I walked toward the 2nd floor.

And, before reaching the 3rd floor, I found another boss.

Apparently, with my current level of “Dimension,” I could find bosses at will, even while doing other things.

After checking with Snow, I went to hunt the boss again.

However, I couldn’t just recklessly hunt every boss I found.

I also needed to consider the positions of other explorers.

Once a boss is defeated, it takes time before it reappears.

If I, as a high-level explorer, were to hunt everything in sight and cause trouble for others, it would lead to a bad reputation for the guild.

I had to make a conscious effort to only take down bosses that other explorers weren’t already targeting.

Of course, the fights themselves weren’t a struggle. With my current strength, I shouldn’t have any issues up to the 20th floor boss.

I defeated a giant fish boss with the ease of harvesting wheat.

It looks like this wasn’t a duplicate.

I confirmed the acquisition of the Title on my Display. I couldn’t see my own Status, but the text “bonus of +0.05 to Vitality” made my expression soften.

I took a casual look at Snow’s Status.

She didn’t have the bonus. However, since we were in a party, the experience points were properly distributed.

The “Titles” might be a benefit granted only to me as a person from another world.

Feeling a bit sorry for her, I continued further into the depths of the Labyrinth.

Because I was stopping to kill bosses, our pace was slow. However, since opportunities to pass through these shallow floors would likely decrease from now on, I wanted to take down as many bosses as I could.

While repeating this process through the 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors, I spotted a party of explorers via “Dimension.”

It was a mixed-gender party of three. However, all three were moving slowly, and their expressions were grim.

For a brief moment, I switched to “Dimension: Multiple” to pick up detailed information and used “Focus” on them.

All three were Level 5. I could also tell it was a well-balanced party suited for the 5th floor.

However, their condition was poor. All of them were poisoned, and their HP was in the danger zone. With no other explorers around, this could easily turn into a worst-case scenario.

I quickly dashed toward the party of three. Behind me, Snow looked puzzled but followed along in silence.

—I didn’t intend to just abandon them.

It would be a different story if I didn’t have the resources to help, but that wasn’t the case. If “it was difficult to rescue them due to my own lack of strength” or “if I didn’t have the mental capacity,” I probably wouldn’t go. But right now, “I am luckily one of the highest-classed humans in this world” and “my sister, who is more precious than life itself, is receiving treatment in a safe place.”

I had plenty of energy to spare. Therefore, it was only natural to help those within my reach. Besides, I had a calculated thought that helping people might raise the guild’s reputation.

I reached the party with speed that was top-tier for humanity. I introduced myself immediately upon arrival.

“I’m Kanami from the guild ‘Epic Seeker.’ I mean no harm. I saw from a distance that you didn’t look well, so I took the liberty of approaching.”

The three men and women were clearly wary of my sudden appearance. However, mentioning the guild name seemed to soften their expressions slightly. A swordsman who appeared to be the leader stepped forward to speak.

“Hah… hah… We don’t belong to a guild. I’m the party leader, Kalc. As you can see, we’re in bad shape. Everyone’s been hit by poison. To be honest, we’re looking for help. Of course, once we return to the surface, we’ll be sure to reward you.”

“I see, I understand the situation. But don’t worry. I have plenty of recovery items, so—”

While answering, I pretended to take items from the bag at my waist, pulling several out of my Inventory.

“O-Oh…! You have my thanks…!”

“I have the general antidotes. I also have standard recovery medicine and food. Please calm down and tell me what poisoned you. I’ll apply the appropriate antidote.”

“Understood…”

Recovery would have been easy if Palinchron—who could use Holy Magic—were here, but both Snow and I could only use attack or support magic. For times like this, I used the items I had stockpiled in my Inventory to treat the three of them.

Since my cooperative intent was clear, the party leader was also helpful. In less than a few minutes, all three had recovered from their critical state.

“We’re saved… Thank you, Lord Kanami of ‘Epic Seeker’…”

“No, we’re all in this together when trouble strikes.”

I responded with a cliché. But the three of them, perhaps overwhelmed by the fact that their lives had been saved, repeated their thanks over and over.

“Thank you, Kanami…”

The woman with the sword said, her eyes brimming with tears. I understood the feeling. Being on the verge of death from poison is incredibly draining on the psyche. I congratulated them on their safety with a smile.

“Yes, I’m truly glad…”

“So, Lord Kanami. About the reward… We don’t have much on us right now, so once we get to the surface—”

“I don’t mind that. I didn’t do anything special.”

Since it seemed the conversation was heading toward a reward, I immediately declined. Honestly, getting some money with a little extra added on for the items wouldn’t change much for me.

“No, but… as fellow explorers, we can’t just give nothing in return…”

“I’ll take a reward, then. I’m a member of a guild. If you feel indebted to ‘Epic Seeker’ and could speak well of the guild to others if the opportunity arises, there is no greater reward.”

So, I tried a bit of publicity. For a rookie Guild Master, this kind of steady groundwork is necessary… probably.

“I-I see… Truly, our apologies. To Lord Kanami, and to the guild ‘Epic Seeker,’ you have our deepest gratitude…”

“Yes, that’s more than enough. Our interests are aligned, so I’ll count on you.”

With that, I parted ways with the party of three. They waved toward me until they were out of sight. But honestly, I wish they wouldn’t do that in the Labyrinth. If they got ambushed by a monster because they were looking away, it would be a hassle for me too.

Once they were out of sight, Snow emerged from the shadows and let out a breath.

“…Phew.”

“Snow, why were you hiding?”

“…It looked like a pain.”

“Oh, I see…”

I knew even without asking, but I checked anyway. Confirming my prediction wasn’t wrong, I started moving toward the deeper parts of the Labyrinth. Behind me, a questioning voice rose.

“…Why didn’t you take the reward? You should take what you can get.”

“Even if I called it a reward, it would be a pittance. It’s better to maneuver things so it benefits the guild.”

“But even if it benefits the guild, that doesn’t mean it benefits Kanami.”

“I didn’t do it just for my own sake. It’s for everyone in the guild. And in the long run, it’ll eventually benefit me too.”

“…Hah, soft. You’re soft, after all.”

“I’m not soft. Call it a good investment. You shouldn’t underestimate charitable activities like that.”

“…I doubt those people actually feel indebted. Even if they do, they might forget by tomorrow. Looking only at the realistic numbers, Kanami lost some items and got nothing back. You gained nothing.”

“I’m not a materialist. With what just happened, the possibility of gaining something precious but formless was created. That’s enough for me.”

“‘In the long run,’ ‘formless things,’ ‘possibility.’ All of it is vague.”

She was being unusually persistent. It wasn’t like Snow. Thinking I should take more time to explain, Snow cut the conversation short.

“…But, if Kanami is fine with it, then fine.”

She might have sensed I was about to start a long speech and shut it down. However, through that series of exchanges, I felt like I understood Snow a little better.

“Yeah, I’m fine with it. —We lost some time. Let’s move on.”

And so, we resumed our Labyrinth progress. Along the way, we continued defeating bosses and obtaining Magic Stones just as before. As the floors got deeper, the number of explorers decreased, and there were no events like the one with the party of three. We reached the 10th floor safely. We fought about three bosses along the way, but I defeated them without consuming any HP or MP.

Upon entering the 10th floor, we were surprised by its desolation.

“Huh? There’s nothing here…”

“…A little while ago, it was a sea of flames. Apparently, the rumor that the 10th floor Guardian is dead is true.”

“Is that so? If it’s true, that’s amazing. Defeating a Guardian… isn’t that something a ‘Hero’ would do? I wonder what kind of person killed it…?”

Even with my shallow knowledge, I knew how incredible the beings called Guardians were. They were bosses that even the strongest explorers of the past couldn’t defeat—legendary existences that explorers whispered about.

“…It’s certainly amazing. But I’m thinking it was probably Kanami anyway.”

“Huh? Me?”

“…It’s nothing. Just talking to myself.”

“No, for ‘talking to yourself,’ you said it in a way that was meant for me to hear.”

“…Anything more is a pain. Let’s go.”

“…Hah. Fine, I get it.”

I nodded reluctantly. If Snow said “pain” out loud, the conversation wouldn’t go any further. Having worked with her yesterday, I knew that down to my bones.

So, I didn’t press her. The topic would probably lead to a discussion about my memories of the first day anyway. It wasn’t a story I wanted to hear over and over.

We walked through the empty 10th floor. The once-roaring flames were gone without a trace—and perhaps because of the contrast, the emptiness felt even stronger. Those grand, haughty flames would never return. It was an emptiness sufficient to make one believe that.

Even though it had nothing to do with me… for some reason, it felt very sorrowful…

“—Magic: Connection.”

I set up a magical door in a corner of the room. Then, I draped a camouflage cloth from my Inventory over it to make it inconspicuous.

“…This is Dimension Magic?”

“Yeah. With this, we can go straight to the guild’s office.”

“…But wouldn’t that allow other explorers to use it?”

“Hm, true. Then, let’s do this. —Magic: Ice.”

I gently froze the door with freezing magic. Connection is fragile and breaks easily. Normally, you wouldn’t be able to freeze it. However, as the one who constructed the Connection, I understood its structure perfectly, so I was able to freeze it without breaking it.

Since I wove the magic with a different image than the usual Ice, it might be better to call it a new spell: Ice Lock.

“…You froze it?”

“If you try to force it open, the door will break. The only one who can melt and use this door is the caster—me. —I guess I’ll name it Magic: Ice Lock.”

“…A strange name. But better than doing nothing?”

“Either way, a door on the 10th floor isn’t very practical. Let’s set one up on the 20th floor soon. Average explorers can’t reach that far, so we can set it up with some peace of mind.”

“…Can’t we just call it a day and rest?”

“No. We’re going, Snow.”

“…Muu.”

After convincing the grumbling Snow, we proceeded even deeper into the Labyrinth.