Chapter 15
Chapter 15
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 15
Chapter Title: Pioneer (2)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
────────────────────────────────────
────────────────────────────────────
Pioneer (2)
Labyrinth, 12th Floor—Flaming Mountains.
After getting the item on the 9th floor, I went straight to the 10th, but I didn't hunt there.
I'd already hit level 20 on the 9th floor.
You can hunt on the 10th floor up to level 20, but the map is too wide and the monsters are scattered, making it inconvenient. Plus, gaining just one more level would stop my EXP gain, so I moved straight to the 11th floor.
Of course, I made sure to buy a Warp Magic Stone from the Labyrinth Shop, which only appears every ten floors.
It was quite expensive at 10 silver, but it means I can start from the 10th floor next time.
They say it can also be used to escape in emergencies, but I don't think I'll ever use it for that.
I haven't really been in any dangerous situations so far.
My items and stats are too overwhelming for my level, and I'm with companions who are even more so.
I gained a level on the 11th floor, the Frigid Mountains, and then came to the 12th. I seriously regretted it.
I should have come up sooner.
The monsters that mainly appeared on the 11th floor's Frigid Mountains were water-attribute monsters that used ice magic, like Yetis and Snowmen.
It wasn't just the monsters; the environment was also a constant, raging blizzard, 24/7.
But thanks to the temperature control function of the Spirit's Form I got on the 9th floor, I didn't feel cold at all.
Plus, with 80% water resistance, hunting on the 11th floor was quite easy, but it couldn't compare to the 12th floor.
As its name, the Flaming Mountains, suggests, the 12th floor is home to mostly fire-attribute monsters.
Summoners tend to avoid fire-attribute monsters because they're strong and ferocious, but for me, it's a total jackpot.
My fire resistance is 80% from the Spirit's Form and 70% from the rare wings, the Form of Fire.
It's not a simple addition, and there's probably a separate mechanism, but if you just add them up, you get the ridiculous figure of 150%.
“Oh, more monsters over there. I'll just take care of them and be right back.”
“Hyeon-ung, aren't you pushing yourself too hard?”
“Pushing myself? I'm fine. I'll be back. There aren't many this time, so you don't need to help.”
It feels like just yesterday that I first entered the labyrinth, but it's already been ten days.
I'll be resting for the next ten days, so I should get as much done as I can while I'm here.
Wielding the Ice Longsword I acquired on the 11th floor, I charged toward the red lizardmen.
Kuruk— Kuruk—
The Red Lizardmen, resembling large lizards, spotted me and charged forward with a shriek.
*Swish— Swish—*
I lightly dodged their axes and long spears, then beheaded them with just two swings of my sword.
[You have defeated a Red Lizardman Warrior.]
[You have defeated a Red Lizardman Warrior.]
Their hides and bones are quite tough, but I haven't just been relying on my items all this time.
The Ice Longsword I'm using now is only a Magic-grade sword, so it's not that great on its own, but I've now perfectly mastered the technique of reinforcing my blade with mana.
Two left.
The two in the back were shamans, chanting a spell.
I tried to close the distance, but they were a step faster.
Two fireballs, each the size of my head, came flying at me, but I ignored them and kept charging.
I didn't even bother deflecting them with my sword.
There was no need.
*Boom—*
One of them missed completely, as if badly aimed, and exploded on the ground next to me.
Flames splashed in my direction, but I felt no heat, not even a hint of warmth.
The other one hit my arm, but it dissipated without a trace the moment it touched me.
Elemental resistance is the best, I thought, as I swiftly beheaded the flustered lizardman shamans.
*Swish— Swish—*
[You have defeated a Red Lizardman Shaman.]
[You have defeated a Red Lizardman Shaman.]
There was no level-up notification as I'd hoped.
I thought it was about time. A bit disappointing, I mused, placing my hand on a corpse.
[You have obtained Red Lizardman Hide x2.]
[You have obtained Lesser Spellbook: Fireball.]
Oh! I thought I'd just get a couple of hides, but a spellbook? Sweet!
I learned that spellbooks have a low drop rate, so even lesser ones sell for a high price.
I immediately stored it in my inventory and placed my hands on the warriors' corpses.
[You have obtained Red Lizardman Hide x2.]
These guys were broke.
Still, I got a spellbook, so all in all, it was a pretty good haul. I returned to where I'd started.
“Good work. Your sword movements are looking cleaner. Would you like some water?”
“Thanks.”
I took the water bottle Hanna offered and downed it in one go.
“Ah, that's refreshing. Thanks for the compliment.”
It was magically chilled, and maybe because a beautiful woman gave it to me, it tasted exceptionally good.
“Mister, just like she said, your swordsmanship is starting to look decent now.”
Heh, our Rina was so prickly at first, but she's softened up a lot lately.
It seems the ring I gave her from the Emperor Mimic's secret dungeon had a big impact.
“Heh, to get a compliment from our Rina... I'm tearing up...”
“Tearing up? Anyone would think I never compliment you...”
Seeing Rina shyly twirl her hair with her finger, I was reminded once again of the power of gifts.
“I didn't say I was actually crying. And what do you know, you don't even use a sword... Ouch!”
Ow, my side.
That girl Rina quickly came over and pinched my side.
“Hmph! Mister, you're always asking for it right when things are going well!”
How could I not tease her when she reacts so well?
It was probably for this kind of fun that my fans used to donate while teasing me during my streams, saying things like, 'You're ugly,' 'Your hairstyle sucks today,' or 'What's with that outfit? Did you pull it out of a clothing donation bin?'
“Still, you could've pinched a little gentler. That's going to bruise.”
“I'm a priest. If you get a bruise, I can just heal it, can't I?”
A priest who gives the disease and the cure.
While I was bickering with Rina, Hanna approached.
“Hyeon-ung, could you please check how much time is left before the labyrinth closes?”
“Oh? Right. Check Labyrinth closing time.”
This was another thing they didn't teach in basic training; I learned it from Su-hyeok.
[13 minutes and 27 seconds remaining until Labyrinth closure.]
In 13 minutes, my first labyrinth expedition will finally be over.
It would be a lie to say I'm not tired of it after being in the labyrinth for a full ten days.
But if you asked me if I regret coming, I could say with certainty that I don't.
At first, it was to protect what I have, and that hasn't changed, but now there's another reason.
“Hyeon-ung?”
“Mister, what are you spacing out for?”
“Just thinking. We have 13 minutes left.”
It's no exaggeration to say I've been with these two almost constantly for the past ten days in the labyrinth.
I'll be able to rest easy once I leave, but the thought of not seeing them for the next ten days makes me a little sad.
“Not much time left...”
It seems our Hanna is thinking the same thing.
“Yeah.”
“Mister, you're not going to cry because you miss me, are you?”
I don't think that's likely...
Still, Rina seems just as sad about parting ways, her expression a little lonely.
“I won't cry, but I will miss our Rina... Ugh!”
I didn't even do anything wrong this time, but I still got pinched.
“Ah... Mister, how can you say such embarrassing things so casually!”
She's the one who said I would cry because I'd miss her...
“Hyeon-ung, it's not like we're parting forever. It's only for ten days. I can wait.”
Is it because she's a knight?
Hanna is so brave.
“Right. I'll definitely call you two next time. Ah, Hanna, we don't have much time, but should I call Bio again?”
“What? Oh... no, it's okay.”
This girl, Hanna, was practically begging me to summon Bio, but when I actually did, she couldn't say a word and just stared at him from a distance.
Rina, on the other hand, talked to him without any hesitation.
“Seeing him in person made me too nervous...”
“Then you should see him more often to get used to it.”
“It's... it's fine.”
Watching Hanna, I learned for the first time that you can act like that when you like someone that much.
Sadly, Bio didn't seem to have much interest in Hanna.
“Mister! What are you going to do when you get out?”
“Huh? Oh. I'll probably rest a bit and then do a few things.”
First, I plan to pay off my debt to the Guild Alliance and then go to the tax office to pay my taxes.
I actually had the money before entering the labyrinth, but people might find it strange if I paid taxes before ever setting foot inside one.
I also need to visit the Summoner's Shop.
As for guilds... I still have no intention of joining one.
Instead of a guild, I'm thinking of looking for a house.
I didn't think much of it at the time, but after spending ten days in the labyrinth, the rent I paid in advance feels like a huge waste.
Maybe I can ask nicely for an extension?
From talking to summoners I've met in the labyrinth, I've learned that even those in guilds usually buy a house once they have the money.
Guilds provide lodging, but unless you're an executive, you rarely get a private house.
Even executives often just get a single room.
Regular guild members share rooms, from two to a room to as many as ten.
Communal living is bound to have a lot of inconveniences.
A ten-person room, in particular, must feel almost like military barracks.
Anyway, I'll be busy when I get out, too.
“What kind of things?”
“Look for a place to live, pay taxes, gather information, and prepare to come back here.”
“So your rest isn't really a rest.”
“Still, there are no monsters outside. It won't take long...”
I was about to say we'd see each other again soon, so they shouldn't be too sad, but the labyrinth suddenly started to shake.
“Looks like the labyrinth is closing. Hyeon-ung, I'll see you in ten days.”
“See you later, Mister. Don't cry too much because you miss me!”
Who said anything about crying?
Honestly, that Rina... right to the very end...
My vision shifted with a flash of blue light.
I was in the central plaza of the city, the same place I'd entered the labyrinth from ten days ago.
It seemed everyone from the labyrinth had been transported here; the place was so packed with people there was barely room to stand... Huh?
[Hyeon-ung is currently the #1 summoner to have reached the lowest floor of the Kramis Labyrinth among all living summoners. You have acquired the title 'Pioneer'.]
Pioneer?
Wait, why am I number one... Ah! Right, Bio dragged me to the 50th floor at the beginning.
I got stats for reaching the 50th floor and thought that was it, but there's a title too.
I opened my status window and tapped on the newly added 'Pioneer' title in my achievements.
[Pioneer.
A title given to the summoner who has reached the lowest floor of the Kramis Labyrinth.
All Stats +30
30% discount on all purchases and facility usage fees in all Kramis shops (Items traded in shops cannot be transferred to others.)
Right to a private audience with the Lord of Kramis
Random Item Box (Limited to once every 10 days, claimable at the Summoner's Shop)]
[You have obtained a Random Item Box.]
Wow, what kind of broken title is this?
All stats +30, a 30% discount at all facilities and shops, the right to a private audience with the lord, and even a random box.
I don't know who the original owner of this title was, but I almost feel a little sorry for them.
“Hey, move it.”
“Ah, let's get out of here already.”
“I said, move!”
It was too crowded, so I tried to leave the plaza, but then I noticed something.
People in silver armor were blocking the exits from the plaza. Some were stopping people and investigating something, while the rest were preventing anyone from leaving.
As I got closer, I saw that the silver armor was emblazoned with a golden lion.
“Why are those Golden Lion bastards controlling things here too?”
The emblem looked familiar. So they weren't the lord's private soldiers, but the Golden Lion Guild.
Golden Lion.
Along with the Silver Wolf Guild, which was in charge of our batch's training, they are one of the two major guilds that form the pillars of the Guild Alliance.
Their master and executives are all top-ranked, and their benefits are supposedly great, so it's a place everyone wanted to join.
“I'm dead tired.”
They were stopping people, checking something, and then letting them go. It didn't take long for each person, but the crowd was so dense it was hard to even take a single step.
Even in Lineage, which was notorious for its control, they never controlled towns like this. What's going on?
“This is ridiculous.”
“Hey, why is the Golden Lion Guild blocking the exit?”
“How should I know? They're telling people to open their status windows, saying they're looking for someone.”
Open their status windows?
“Excuse me, can you check someone else's status window? How do you do that?”
“You must be new here. They sell Identification Scrolls at the general store for 1 silver.”
“Oh, they sell something like that.”
“Your gear looks pretty good. You never played Elsia?”
“I played a little but quit early. Could you explain in more detail?”
As I spoke, I took 1 silver from my inventory and handed it to him.
“Well now, you're a polite one. You use an Identification Scroll, and if the other person agrees, you can see their status window. But checking this many people must be costing them a fortune. I wonder who they're looking for to be wasting money like this.”
“Th-thank you.”
A sudden wave of anxiety washed over me.
On the last day of basic training, the instructor gave a brief explanation of the guilds belonging to the Alliance.
Most of it was self-praise for his own Silver Wolf Guild, but there was some information about other guilds.
He'd said that among all the guilds in the Guild Alliance, the Golden Lion Guild was the most serious about conquering the labyrinth.
If the previous owner of the Pioneer title was a member of the Golden Lion Guild, then the person they're looking for right now is me.