c8 (1/2)

異世界迷宮の最深部を目指そう

Chapter 8 – Tales of Not Wanting to Dive Into the Labyrinth

MTL: uniquegasuki

Editor/ Proofreader: (not proofread)

The next day.

After waking up I was able to move my body.

I had planned on going east to Varuto (ヴァルトへ).

I didn’t hesitate to ask the inn clerk about anything I should know before making the journey.

At first I had prepared myself for a long journey; however, it was still morning when I arrived near the Varuto’s border. The five countries were built for the labyrinth; therefore, the five country are a short distance from the labyrinth.

A simple stone wall separates the five countries’ borders. There doesn’t seem to be any transgression concerning the borderline. I find myself worrying about how they manage the flow of people coming and going through the borders. The stonewall, 『makokusen line (魔石線ライン)』, is made from unknown technology.

Varuto is a short walk from Fuuyaazu (フーズヤーズ). I could immediately see the difference between the two.

I noticed that most of the people here are adventurers. There are many people carrying tools. It is obvious as to which ones have an occupation that involves fighting.

When I arrive in Varuto I reconfirm my objective.

My main goal is to 『return to my world』. If I continue to stay in this mysterious and dangerous world, I will go insane. There is also the matter of the family member that I left behind. It is necessary for me to return.

However, there is no direct method to 『return to my home world』. For now, there is the appeal of challenging the harsh and enormous labyrinth. The legend goes that whoever completes it will have 『their wish granted』. It is a typical alternate game-like world scenario. Although this world has a magic based civilization, from what I have investigated I begin to think that the possibility of being able to 『return』 seemed low. I had looked over most of the books in the library, but I didn’t find any information related to the topic.

To investigate methods to return and to attempt to conquer the labyrinth, I will need money.

I need money to eat and pay from logdings. And, I will need various tools while in the labyrinth. To secure weapons I also need money. (T/N: why did he choose to sell his weapon & equipment again)

In other words; money, money, and money.

And thus, my next action will be――!

◆◆◆

「Yes, understood!」 (Kanami)

I begin my part-time job working at a tavern.

To be honest, I don’t want to enter the labyrinth again and I don’t want to see it ever again.

To earn money from the labyrinth was a premature judgement. Simply put I’m scared. If it were possible, I would put more distance between myself and there.

During my walk in Varuto while I was near the labyrinth’s entrance, I discovered a notice about employment at a tavern. And then, I took the interview for the job. Although it was a challenge to not lie during the interview, I was hired on the first attempt. Of course they performed a background check.

The hiring process in another world is surprisingly “smooth”. It was quite different from my home country that is in a recession.

By the way, I do have experience working part-time in a restaurant. I have confidence in my cooking because I cook everyday. And that is why I took the job without delay. Because the tavern is near the labyrinth, it is a good place to get first-hand information. I don’t regret taking this job.

「Kirisuto-kun (キリスト), clean this up.」 (???)

「Yes!」 (Kanami/ Kirisuto)

Kirisuto.

I felt afraid; thus, I’m using an alias. The primary reason for my fear is the hentai (weird/ abnormal) girl, Lastiara (ラスティアラ). I fear that the name “Kanami” will become known.

Kirisuto・Yuuras.h.i.+a (ユーラシア). This is my alias in this world. (T/N: Christ Eurasia)

Of course, I have a reason for choosing this name. There is a possibility that I’m not the only resident from an alternate world. That’s right; for a chance to encounter a fellow comrade, I need a “major” name that they will take notice of. (T/N: I can’t tell if the Author is trying to be funny or not)

I thought about using the name of a country or the name of a famous chief executive, but “Kirisuto・Yuuras.h.i.+a” was the name that came out of my mouth.

Above all it sounds right. When literally translate it seems like the name of a continent.

Well, anyways that was the best I could do.

「Hu-rr-y, Kirisuto-kun.」 (Riin)

「Sorry.」 (Kanami/ Kirisuto)

The girl, Riin-san (リィン), who has the job of luring customers had stop to criticize me in the bar area.

Right now it is our busiest hour, dinner-time.

I pick-up information as I do ch.o.r.es.

「Hehe, today we earned a lot.」 (unknown adventurer A)

「Well, I’m not sure as to whether we were lucky or unlucky to encounter that swarm. But, if things got dangerous, we would’ve runway.」 (unknown adventurer C)

「Anyways, it was worth not fleeing.」 (unknown adventurer D)

In the bar area there are numerous conversations about the labyrinth going on. From where I’m working, I try to listen for anything significant.

I observe the adventurers as I wipe a dirty table.

「Hey, newcomer-kun. Did the other guy who worked here quit?」 (friendly man)

By the way, very few people address me by my name.

Compared to my home world the restaurant in this world have a different kind of “friendly”. (T/N: the world building in this is mind numbing, cough)

「Yes, I’m Kirisuto. I started today. The previous person who worked here already quit.」 (Kanami/ Kirisuto)

「I see. This place is crazy-s.h.i.+t busy for the meager salary.」 (friendly man)

The man who I had talked to laughed in good humor.

From the kitchen the manager shouts, 「what did you say, meager pay!」. The friendly man continues to laugh.

At this resturant the “power-balance” is unique. It seems that the manager had once made a name for himself exploring the labyrinth. The manager doesn’t back-down even against rowdy customers. I often heard him swear at the customers.

I’m not concerned that this place is setup near the labyrinth.

For example; when the female employee, Riin-san, is hara.s.sed the manager quickly “follows-up”.

Although we had recently met, I feel that I can rely on the manager.

However, I am worried about how this tavern is managed because they hired a complete stranger.

「Boy, I wonder how long you’ll last here. There are plenty of annoying customers, that includes myself.」 (friendly man)

「Ohh, then there is no problem. You’re different from the previous guy, you have a way with words.」 (friendly man)

「Well, but, being to formal won’t do. Lighten-up.」 (Kurou/friendly man)

「Hey, Kurou (クロウ)! Stop hogging all of the newcomer’s time! Or, I’ll knock you out!」 (manager)

From the kitchen a loud voice can be heard.

It seems that the manager and this man, Kurou, are acquaintances. The manager spoke in a rather harsh tone.

「I have to go there are dishes waiting to be washed.」 (Kanami/ Kirisuto)

「Hehe, perhaps the boss won’t beat me down.」 (Kurou)

Kurou-san raises one hand and nods.

I turn around and make my way to the kitchen.

And thus, I go back to making dirty dishes clean again.

At first I let the dishes hang to dry because it was efficient.

I worked from evening to late in the night.

While working, I improve on my 『dimension』 magic, because it might be useful someday.

And, this is how my first job in another world went.

◆◆◆

「Well, there sure were many customers, I think you already know my response.」 (Kanami/ Kirisuto)

The last customer has left for the day. I was in the process of tidying up the place when the manager came to chat with me.

「You’re a cheeky fellow. I a.s.sume I will be able to count on you tomorrow also.」 (manager)

「Hmph. That isn’t it. You have a polite manner of speaking that it comes off as cheeky.」 (manager)

「Certainly, today I may have been to formal……」 (Kanami/ Kirisuto)

In this world I might be suffering from a “culture gap”. I wasn’t trying to make the people who talk with me feel uncomfortable. But, it seems that my manner of speak may not be popular in this world. (T/N: words cannot describe how I feel about this)

I should take the thought into consideration.

A guest had mentioned there was something about the way I talked. I look towards the other employee who is quite “frank”.

「Don’t take it so seriously. You will get use to things a little bit at a time. Your job is to work in the kitchen and it isn’t so much to wait on customers.」 (manager)

「Eh, Kirisuto, do you not want to work in the kitchen?」 (Riin)

Upon hearing the words “kitchen”, Riin-san draws closer to me; her long and brown braids sways about.

「Ah, I think Kirisuto is suited for kitchen work. He has demonstrated his ability to handle a kitchen knife. His fingers are nimble and he has experience cooking.」 (Riin)

「I get the feeling that he will be able to serve customers that are pointlessly polite. There doesn’t seem to be any reason for him to change.」 (Riin)

Nevertheless, even without a reason this place is amusing to work at.

I couldn’t put it into words, but I felt a heart wrenching feel from the depths of my heart.

「Yeah, I didn’t have to instruct him much.」 (Riin)

「Yes.」 (Riin)

As the manager has said, he goes to the back to tidy up the kitchen.

「Good for you Kirisuto-kun. You needed money didn’t you?」 (Riin)

「Yup, it is helpful. However, this place is fairly different from my rural hometown. I didn’t know what to expect at first.」 (Kanami/Kirisuto)

I had prepared an explanation beforehand.

「Ah, from a far away country, errr……」 (Riin)

「I see, Fania. I never heard of Fania. You sure must’ve come from far away.」 (Riin)

「Well as you can see now, it was a pitiful and fleeting dream.」 (Kanami/Kirisuto)

After telling her about my dream, I showed her the burn scars on both my arms.

In other words, my story is “a young boy who dreamt of – traveling to and challenging the labyrinth – but was defeated by the labyrinth on the first day.”

「Ugh, it looks painful. But, thank goodness you didn’t lose an arm or an eye. You couldn’t work here if you’re dead. 」 (Riin)

I’m quite frightened by the words Riin spoke.

Their viewpoint on the world is also different. After working at this tavern, I’ve seen various types of people – who are adventurers – that regularly venture into the labyrinth. (T/N: tried to make the meaning clearer)

「If you work here, you won’t have to worry about your next meal.」 (Riin)

「Uh-huh, I’ll definitely want to work here. Plus, onee-san is here to help me. You’re much better than that other person, you are courteous, and I won’t forget you.」 (Kanami/Kirisuto)

It seems I have made a good impression on Riin-san. The level of training in etiquette between this world and my, varies. 『Dimension』 is very helpful in remembering information. This magic makes me feel dishonest. (T/N: don’t know)

「Keep at it. Now then, help me tidy up these tables.」 (Riin)

「Yes, here let me!」 (Kanami/Kirisuto)

We finished tidying up the place. The manager, goes over my contract and informs me about the details. Although, some may say I’m getting preferential treatment but that isn’t so. Because, this is only a part-time job for me, and thus I could refuse their terms as I’m still in the middle of trying various jobs.

However, I don’t think the people who work here would be okay with that.

「Phew, it’s over Kirisuto-kun. Lastly, this place needs to be locked.」 (Riin)

「Understood.」 (Kanami/Kirisuto)

Now this is the last part of the job, it’s our duty to lockup the tavern.

And then, I suddenly noticed it.

Something was being picked up by 『dimension』.

There is a person outside the shop. I use my remaining MP to confirm the person’s ident.i.ty.

「Status―― ……uh, impossible. 『dimension・multiple expansive multiply』」 (Kanami/Kirisuto)

I use up my MP to gather more information about the current state of affairs.

By the way, the magic 『dimension・multiple expansive multiply』 has a different effect from the one I used in the dungeon. I had applied more MP to 『dimension』 and this is the effect that I occurs.

The skill’s name is long, but it makes it more exhilarating to use.

There is a big wooden signboard outside the tavern. A child wearing a hood who is about the same age as me is crouching behind the signboard.

I exit the tavern while feeling uneasy.

A small white object falls to the ground. Although there were a few of them, it was a beautiful spectacle.

Those aren’t ice crystals from this world’s winter. However, when enough maryoku is collected it does crystallize and rain from the sky. I read about it at the library; although, I don’t know the details. (T/N: maybe it’s tear)

The child wearing the hood is crouching down to gather up the tiaarei.

I greet the person.

「Umm, can you get up?」 (Kanami/Kirisuto)

「――ah!」 (???)

The hooded child raises their head and looks towards my direction.

The sight of their wide eyes startled me. I adjust my gaze.

When she had raised her head, her golden colored hair spilled out from her hood. Her long hair gave off the impression of warm sunlight. She has impressive big blue eyes and an androgynous face.

When she saw me, she stood up. We appear to be about the same age, but she is 2 halves of a head shorter. She has a pet.i.te physique.

I talk to her as an employee of this tavern.

「Will you please get up, this place is already closed……」 (Kanami/Kirisuto)

「……why, can I not stand here?」 (???)

The girl gave a blunt response.

「Well, as long as you’re not doing anything wrong it should be alright, maybe.」 (Kanami/Kirisuto)

「I see. Then I will stay here. I don’t want to be a bother.」 (???)

After saying so the girl sat down.

Her manly mannerisms are unsuited to her appearance.

「That isn’t what I meant. It’s dangerous for a young girl to be out here by herself this late in the day.」 (Kanami/Kirisuto)

Perhaps I’m meddling, and maybe I’m forcing my opinion on this world’s ethics.

「Do you have a place to stay――」 (Kanami/Kirisuto)

「I don’t have any money. So, I thought I could bathe in the warmth of the tavern.」 (???)

The girl disregards my comment and changes the subject.

If that is the case then I can’t add anything more.

It can’t be helped the tavern is already closed. However, I’m troubled by the fact that a young girl will sleep outdoors.

「W-well then, we’re already closed.」 (Kanami/Kirisuto)

「…………」 (???)

I have never helped out a stranger before. And, it is not like I have enough free s.p.a.ce for the both of us.

I antagonize over the thought of closing the tavern’s door.

「By the way I’m not a girl…… so, don’t worry about it.」 (???)

I heard the girl’s voice as soon as the door was shut.

Well, it does sound like a young boy’s voice. I’m surprised by the truth after having closed the tavern door. It appears that I was pointlessly worrying.

Although, I don’t know if this person is lying or not. However, it became clear that what I had believed before was insignificant.

The manager and the other employee’s are waiting for me in the tavern. I go back inside.

◆◆◆◆◆

Afterwards, the manager decided on various thing in the contract.

Although, compared to my world the contract wasn’t as detailed.

For now during the day I will be trying out various jobs. I am told that the pay everyday will vary. And thus, I receive the pay of 10 copper coins for today’s wage.

Furthermore, I’m allowed to lodge at this tavern.

I’m surprised by the favorable treatment.

Things had turned out differently than I had expected. The manager had overlooked the fact that I’m a suspicious person.

Riin-san, 「perhaps, she had figured me out by my facial expression when the 『makokusen line (魔石線ライン)』 was mentioned. 」. It seems the makokusen line brings together various towns; the guards around here provides defense and protection against crimes. Perhaps that is why these places are crowded. (T/N: don’t know)

And thus, now I have a roof over my head and a warm blanket to wrap myself in.

My position compared to the boy from not to long ago is like heaven and earth.

「Status, Skill――」

――Skill point 2

remaining――

While in the spare room in the corner of the tavern, I examine my 『display』.

Last time when I was a.s.sulted by Lastiara (ラスティアラ), my level rose. And in that process I had received 2 bonus skill points.

Would it be more effect to use the bonus point toward strength or endurance? The skill points when used will cause a skill to acquire・growth.

I spend the bonus points on increasing my HP because I don’t want to die. If this were more like a video game, I would put the points into strength or intelligence. One never knows when that extra HP will be helpful. With 1 point used my HP rose by 10. My total HP is now 151.

I use 1 skill point towards dimension magic to observe the change, and I save the remaining 2 skill points. 『Dimension magic 5.01 + 0.10』.

「Perhaps, I have obtained a new magic……」

While I hope it doesn’t this will no doubt affect my life in relation to the labyrinth. I currently have 2 remaining skill points that can be a.s.signed to magic.

「I work at the tavern in the evenings. Should I go around town and gather information tomorrow morning?」

I calmly make plans.

There is no need to rush, because I have a fixed income. The bewilderment about this world that I felt, and the fear of the skill 『???』 going out of control is almost a blur to me now.

Now that things are in order I can logical take steps towards my goal of 『returning』.

First, I will take a few days to gather up information. I will try to focus on information related to the labyrinth. Also I need information about the 『display』, managing magic, tool shops and equipment shops. And, anything else I may need to challenge the labyrinth.

I tryout things with the 『display』 until I fell asleep.

And thus, my second day in another world when by peacefully.

In the book the name became Jiiku-kun (ジーク). (T/N: Sieg)

Second day end.

Name      Aikawa Kanami      HP 151/151      MP 34/141      No Cla.s.s

Physical Strength 3.03      Endurance 3.16      Ability 4.07

Condition : Confusion 4.29

――Skill Status