Chapter 111
Chapter 111
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 111
Chapter Title: The Martial Arts Tournament (2)
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The Martial Arts Tournament (2)
“You must be tired. I've kept you for too long, especially since you just returned from the labyrinth.”
“Not at all, sir.”
It was so shocking, I'd completely forgotten about being tired.
“Come by tomorrow morning. You said you have three companions?”
“Ah, yes. Thank you. I’ll take my leave now.”
“Thank you, Hyeon-ung. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I gave a final wave to Alice, whom he had summoned earlier, and left the blue stone-coated room.
After leaving the lord's castle, I was about to head straight back to Kabisa when something still bothered me, and I turned my steps in the opposite direction.
The alleys grew narrower until I entered a street bathed in red and orange light.
It was still early evening, but the place was teeming with people, likely because it was the day the labyrinth closed.
“Hey, handsome. Come have some fun.”
“Sir, we've got some new girls today… My apologies.”
Passing the touts, I arrived at my destination.
The largest gambling house in Kramis.
[Ufteli]
“Today’s reservations are already… Ah.”
Fortunately, one of the guards seemed to recognize my face.
“I’m not here to gamble.”
“Yes, I understand. I will guide you.”
Once inside, I noticed the interior design had changed slightly.
The flashy gold had been replaced with dim purple lighting.
Of course, it was still packed with people, and a thick white smoke hung in the air.
I averted my gaze and went down the stairs to the basement.
Among the employees sorting money and chips, I spotted a familiar face.
“Hye… Hyeon-ung?”
It was Apeid, the figurehead president.
“I’m here to see Misha. Is she in?”
“Ah, yes. This way, please.”
He opened another door, and inside, I saw Misha at her desk, handling paperwork.
“Ah, just a moment. I’m a bit busy, so could you wait for about three minutes?”
I nodded and sat on the sofa. After a short wait, Misha put down her pen and came to sit across from me.
“What brings you here today?”
“What are you thinking?”
“Pardon? That’s a rather sudden question…”
“I heard you’re the winner of the martial arts tournament preliminaries?”
I was truly stunned when the lord told me Misha was the winner.
The result, however, made sense.
She might look delicate, but she was skilled enough to have reached the 81st floor.
She might even be stronger than me. There was no way Chil-seong, no matter how good he was, could have stood a chance.
What I didn't understand was her motive.
“Ah, so that’s why you’re here. I was just finishing up some paperwork since I’ll have to be away for a while starting tomorrow.”
She said it so casually it was infuriating.
Misha’s goal was the destruction of the Crystal Tablet.
What possessed this girl, who had been hiding behind Apeid and biding her time to strike at the Crystal Tablet, to suddenly participate in a martial arts tournament?
My curiosity overcame my desire to see my companions.
“What’s your objective?”
“I was curious what the capital looks like…”
“Bullshit. Are you planning to commit some act of terror in the capital?”
Misha smiled and shook her head.
“You’re the one who told me, Hyeon-ung.”
She smiled brightly, and I was just dumbfounded.
“Are you saying I encouraged you to commit terrorism?”
“Not that. You said that while the lord is connected to the angels, he doesn't necessarily like them, right?”
Yes, I had certainly said that.
It was because Misha was under the impression that the lord was a complete subordinate of the angels.
“What does that have to do with participating in the tournament…”
“The best way to have a proper conversation is to talk face-to-face, right? Since he's always cooped up in his castle, I had to come up with my own method.”
It wasn't that I didn't understand, but for her to change her stance so drastically because of a single comment I made…
My unease hadn't completely vanished.
“The angels can influence the real world, not just the labyrinth. There could be true minions in the capital, maybe even an angel…”
“Well, that’s information I was more or less expecting. You don’t have to worry, I have no intention of causing any trouble.”
She answered confidently, but people who cause trouble never announce it beforehand.
“You have so little trust in people.”
“Have you ever done anything to earn my trust?”
“The Crystal Tablet is in the lord’s hands anyway.”
“You could still cause trouble, even if it means dying.”
“If I was going to do that, I would have caused trouble and died a long time ago. Don't worry so much. Ah, or are you worried you won’t be able to win the tournament?”
Look at her. Is she trying to provoke me?
“Not really. I’m more worried it’ll be too boring.”
“So confident. What floor are you on now?”
“Floor 66.”
“Oh, the True Demon Realm. Your pace is incredible. It’s a pretty good place, isn’t it? Want a tip?”
A tip?
“What is it?”
“Besides the Demon King’s trial, you can get a lot of good items from hunting high-ranking demons. Counts and above will drop at least Unique-grade items. There's no better hunting ground before the 70th floor.”
“I know.”
I had already killed about twenty of them.
“I don’t know if you’re bluffing, but I’ll take your word for it. Then here’s another tip: don’t overdo it and kill too many of them. If the Demon King takes notice of you, you’re done for.”
The Demon King?
Arpeus is anyway… Ah!
Come to think of it, Arpeus was probably the Demon King back when she was in the labyrinth.
“Do you know something about the Demon King?”
Even though we were on the same side for now, any information would be helpful.
“For free?”
She was relentless.
“What do you want? I’m obviously refusing to destroy the Crystal Tablet.”
“I’m not completely shameless. Hmm, tomorrow, when we travel, could you arrange for me to have a chance to speak with the lord?”
“Arrange it?”
“You said you’re close, right? I don’t mind if you join the conversation, just help set a good mood.”
It wasn't a very difficult request, so I nodded.
“Alright. Now then, where should I start… Ah! On the 65th floor, did you by any chance meet the emperor?”
“I did.”
Though he was dead now.
“Then this will be quick. The Demon King is a being similar to the emperor.”
It seemed Arpeus really was the Demon King back when Misha was a summoner.
“I know that too.”
“Hmm, are you sure you know? What I mean is, he's not a creature made for summoners to hunt. The Demon King is even more powerful than the 80th-floor boss.”
This was a bit of a shock.
“Judging by your expression, you didn’t know that, did you?”
I was so surprised I couldn't control my face.
I’d never even been to the 80th floor, how would I know?
Of course, I knew he was strong, as the shockwaves from his fights could be felt thousands of kilometers away, but the 80th floor was more than ten floors higher.
Either Arpeus was exceptionally powerful, or the difficulty didn't increase much after the 66th floor.
“So, is that all?”
“Of course not. The Demon King has a completely different personality from the emperor on the 65th floor. He's sly and loves to backstab. The largest number of summoners were killed by the Demon King.”
…?
I couldn't rule out the possibility that everything Arpeus told me was a lie.
That he came to pass his power to his brother, that he wanted revenge on the angels…
Of course, I couldn't completely trust Misha's words either…
This was giving me a lot to think about.
“So what’s the bottom line?”
“It's important not to get involved with the Demon King and to move on to the 68th floor quickly.”
“Don’t you have to pass the Demon King’s trial to move on?”
I thought the system was that you met him after completing the trial.
“Once you complete the trial, you meet the Demon King. In that meeting, no matter what he says or asks, it’s best to refuse and move on to the next floor.”
According to her explanation, out of ten summoners who accepted the Demon King’s request, not a single one was ever seen again.
“Then how did you know that high-ranking demons drop good items?”
If she had just completed the trial and moved on as she said, she wouldn't have known that.
“It’s fine for summoners who have left the 66th floor to come back. As long as you don’t kill too many high-ranking demons at once, the Demon King won’t intervene.”
“And if you kill too many?”
“You’re asking the obvious. The Demon King will retaliate. The summoners who mainly hunted on the 66th floor because of the good equipment drops also disappeared not long after.”
This was pretty good information.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
If the battle was already over, I should just get the transit pass and move on immediately.
“Don’t forget your promise for tomorrow.”
“Right. I’ll cooperate.”
After our conversation, I left Ufteli and returned to Kabisa.
I gave a brief greeting to Luke, who welcomed me warmly, and went straight up to my room to summon my companions.
“Hyeon-ung, what took you so long?”
“We waited for a long time.”
“Still, thank you for not forgetting to call us.”
“Sorry. I had a lot to take care of.”
I briefly explained the situation to my companions.
“So, are we going to the capital together tomorrow?”
“You don’t want to? You could stay here, I suppose…”
Unlike in the labyrinth, my summoned companions had no strength or mana in the outside world.
Ah, of course, that didn't apply to Elaine…
“No, I’d like that.”
“Me too. I’m curious what the capital of the Cartea Empire is like.”
“I wish to stay by your side, Hyeon-ung.”
“We won’t be there for long, so let’s go out and have lots of fun when we get back.”
“Okay!”
“Hyeon-ung, I want some coke.”
“I want ramen!”
None of them had their memories, but they had seen the video recording crystal.
“Alright.”
I pointed them to where their clothes were and started making ramen for each of them.
Coke with ice was, of course, ready to go.
“Ahh! The fizziness is so good.”
“I want more.”
“This is a bit too strong for my taste.”
Only Milli was grimacing; she never really liked coke before either.
“Um, Hyeon-ung, by the way, where’s Ha-young?”
Elaine, who was eating her ramen, asked about Ha-young.
“She went home. We don’t live together.”
She must have been mistaken since they were always together in the video.
“If we leave tomorrow, does that mean we won’t see Ha-young?”
“Even though I have no strength, I think I could still help her with her archery practice.”
“Then are you going to stay behind, Milli?”
“No, that’s a bit…”
“Let’s go see her later this evening.”
I should also say goodbye to Tae-soo and try to console Chil-seong, who must be quite disheartened.
After we quickly finished our ramen, I was relaxing on the bed when Elaine approached me.
“Hyeon-ung, what are those boxes over there? They have my name and the others’ names written on them.”
“Ah, those are the clothes we bought last time.”
It was a bit of a hassle to explain to my companions every time, so I had labeled the clothes boxes with their names.
“Oh, okay. Thanks for telling me. Hey everyone, those boxes are the clothes we bought!”
Come to think of it, if we're going on a five-day trip, we might need to buy more clothes.
“Don’t mention it.”
Would it be better to buy them in the capital?
I wondered if I would even have time for shopping when, huh?
“Milli? What’s wrong?”
Her face was deathly pale.
“Um… Hyeon-ung? Is it true that I bought what’s written on this box?”
She held up some clothes. The top, bottoms, socks, and even the underwear were all far too small.
Besides, Milli would never wear something made of see-through black mesh like that…
“Uh… I think it got mixed up with Rina’s. Sorry.”
“Oh, no, it’s alright.”
That Rina… so small, and a priestess at that. I couldn't believe she'd wear something like that…
I’d have to pretend I never saw it.
****
A stuffy feeling woke me up. Elaine and Timi had their feet on my stomach from either side.
It didn't rain or thunder last night, so why were they in my bed…
Even Milli, who I thought was mild-mannered, was next to Elaine, hugging her with her mouth wide open, dead to the world.
I really wanted to capture that with a video recording crystal and show it to her.
I carefully moved their feet and went into the bathroom.
I felt a slight hangover, so I circulated my mana.
Now that feels better.
Tae-soo had insisted I drink too much, saying he wouldn't see me for five days.
On top of that, I got held up trying to console Chil-seong… I think I barely made it back to the inn around midnight.
I circulated my mana to clear the lingering effects of the alcohol, washed up, and ordered breakfast.
“Alright everyone, time to get up.”
“If Prince Hyeon-ung gives Princess Timi a kiss, she might be able to wake up from her slumber… Ack!”
I flicked the lips of the girl spouting such nonsense.
“That’s so mean.”
“Enough with the nonsense. If you’re up, go get washed.”
Thankfully, Milli woke up on her own.
“You’re up early.”
“Good morning. Go wash up, I’ve ordered breakfast.”
“Okay.”
Last was Elaine.
“Sleeeepy. Just five more minutes…”
“Then should we just leave Elaine here by herself?”
“N-No!”
Her eyes shot open the moment I mentioned leaving her alone. I should have done that from the start.
By the time I received the food and set the table, my companions had emerged.
“How long will it take to get to the capital?”
“I’m not sure. About two days?”
I hadn't asked how long it would take, but I had heard that my next trip to the labyrinth wouldn't be affected.
Since the stay in the capital was five days, the journey there probably wouldn't take more than two.
“For an empire, it seems rather small.”
“This city might just be close to the capital.”
After finishing our meal, we checked our luggage one last time and arrived at the lord’s castle.
It was my first time bringing my companions, but the lord must have informed the guards beforehand, as we passed through without any issues.
A soldier led us to a place where a large carriage and six massive, horned horses resembling unicorns were waiting.
They didn't look like ordinary horses; they all looked powerful, but wait, are we all going in one carriage?
It was large enough for ten people, but it would still be a bit cramped if we all rode together.
“Check those wheels properly!”
“Y-Yes, sir!”
There was also a face I'd rather not see.
It was the butler, the one who was always itching to find fault with my every move.
He scowled the moment he saw me and my companions.
“Bringing women along, too. What a life. Does he think this is a vacation?”
It was a clear provocation, but I chose not to react.
As I waited for the lord to appear, a person in a purple robe walked over from the direction I had come.
“You’re early… Who’s this with you?”
It was Misha.
“Ah, you haven’t met? This is Misha. She’s participating in the tournament with me.”
“I’m Elaine.”
“Milli.”
“Hi, I’m Timi. How do you know Hyeon-ung?”
They all greeted her in their own way, but Misha was silent.
“What are you doing? Someone said hello to you…”
“…Are you out of your mind?”