Chapter 20 (1/2)

Preparations

Being an explorer is an occupation.

They dive into the labyrinth, get treasures, defeat monsters, and get magic stones.

They don’t have to think about anything else as they travel through the labyrinth. It’s the dream that all hero candidates have. Or for those who don’t have the ability to cling to others, it’s their last hope.

This is the labyrinth of immortality. Even if you are caught by the jaws of death, you will revive. And lose your stuff.

That’s why there’s an excuse. Dying is foolish.

Drawing the line before reaching your limit just speaks of how wise you are.

No pride nor obstinacy. There’s no resolution either.

Because that’s the way it is for Labyrinth City’s explorers.

However, sometimes they appear.

At a level people can’t reach, the world can’t reach, strong people that walk calmly.

It’s not a question of whether or not they can complete the labyrinth. People are satisfied with their small world, and when they realize it, it’s painful..

So they bark. Like a weak dog.

Even though the other person is much younger than themselves, smaller, and looks weak.

Opening the door and entering, was a little cat beastkin.

She was already an acquaintance of the guild. Though she used to be a party’s slave scout, it was already known that her party messed up and were annihilated.

Having come here, she was probably bought again. Since she even had new equipment, her treatment had definitely been improved.

“Maal, I was worried. I thought you’d come back in a day since it was the first return.”

“Yeah, though I also thought that, Ria-chan…”

Watching the next person enter, every explorer was captivated.

Though she still had some traces of childhood, her beauty was radiant. Waving black hair, reflecting dim light.

In black garments, it was simple leather armor. Two katanas were hung at her waist.

“So? Was there any results?”

The talk between the receptionist and the cat beastkin acquaintance continued.

“Yeah, it was incredible. Ria-chan broke the labyrinth’s wall and–”

That was a beginner’s mistake. But surviving was lucky.

“She punched the h.e.l.lhound bare-handed and treated her like a pet and–”

It was unbelievable.

“After defeating the devil, we temporarily returned~”

No way something like that happened.

“Oi oi, even if you’re just exaggerating, cut it out!”

Towards Maal, who was speaking happily, a voice from a male explorer came.

If it was before, they probably would have been silent here.

“It’s true! We seriously got a magic crystal!”

At that moment, Carlos put the Devil’s magic crystal on to the a.s.sessment counter.

“Let’s see, this is a minotaur’s, a golem’s, a skeletal warrior’s, a h.e.l.lhound’s…”

The magic stones were placed down with a coa.r.s.e sound. Though the magic stones were so-so, the amount was amazing.

“U-umm, what did you do to get so many magic stones?”

The Identify clerk’s face had a cramp.

Even if an ordinary medium-sized party went into the labyrinth for a few days, they might have one tenth this amount.

“Our Ojou broke the labyrinth walls. When we hunted the demons that gathered, it became like this.”

Carlos explained it in a tired voice. When thinking that the same thing might happen when he goes back into the labyrinth, it’s no wonder he felt worn out.

“… I understand. Did you get anything else in the labyrinth?”

“Mainly furs and fangs… should I take it all out for now?”

Besides the insect carapaces and the bladed pieces, both weapons and gear used by the demons was left behind since it wasn’t good quality. Several of the unnecessary golem cores as well. As for the things that seemed like magic potions, they all looked useful so they held on to it.

“This is… since immediate a.s.sessment isn’t possible… could you wait until tomorrow?”

That was natural. Carlos nodded.

At that time, all eyes in the guild gathered towards the counter. The explorers whispered in low voices.

The rumor was pa.s.sed around. That sometimes they appear, people that could easily pa.s.s through walls. No, those people don’t even think they are obstacles. Those people should be legends.

But people won’t meekly recognize that, of course.

“Oi oi. What kind of trick did you use? Tell us.”

Wearing armor, it was a warrior with a crude atmosphere. With a vulgar smile on his face, he looked down at Maal.