Chapter 82: Very Peacefully
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 82: Very Peacefully
"Straps are nice and secure."
A sturdy harness—an X-bando—rested over my shoulders, ensuring the belt at my waist wouldn't sag. Since I was wearing a thick gambeson, hanging a mace that was slightly lighter than a K2 rifle didn't feel particularly heavy on my shoulders.
I balanced the weight by hanging a canteen and a pouch on the opposite side of the mace, then securely hooked my shield onto the cross-section of the harness on my back.
After draping a long, knee-length cape over everything and topping it off with an arming cap and a "tin can" helmet, I was set.
"The look of a mass-produced explorer."
I packed a few grain cubes for carbohydrates and some pieces of jerky. I still had plenty of the Wild Boar carcass left, but portable food that could be eaten easily on the move was a necessity. I couldn't exactly set up a grill and start roasting Wild Boar while the rest of the party was eating on the walk.
I had asked the tanner to strip the tattered leather from my shield and replace it with a fresh, tough hide. While he was at it, the dwarf blacksmith removed the old iron frame and fitted a thicker, sturdier one. That part was the dwarf’s handiwork.
But at this point, wasn't this the Ship of Theseus? The wooden base was still there, but if I replaced that too, nothing of the original shield would remain. Was this still the shield I’d been stuck with from Rubica’s leftovers, or was it a brand-new one?
"Quite the philosophical dilemma."
The added metal made it heavier, which might cause issues with portability for some, but I had the strength to spare. A little extra weight didn't even register.
Unlike using a sword, I didn't need to worry about a scabbard or carrying oil for maintenance, which was a huge plus. There was a reason so many explorers used maces.
the moment you shear through a monster and slide a blood-stained blade back into its sheath, that sword is on borrowed time. It might be different if it were made of some rust-proof rare metal, but otherwise, it's a hassle.
Of course, a mace isn't exactly immune to rust, but it's in much better shape than a sword that dies the moment it gets a bit of corrosion. This is the kind of thing you need to remember if you ever find yourself suddenly dropped into another world.
I’d also made sure to oil my leather gloves well to prevent them from cracking due to dryness. I hadn't used them much lately, so I’d neglected them, but if a pair of gloves becomes unusable after just a few weeks of neglect, they’re trash anyway.
Even if there were some scuffs on the back of the hand, it didn't matter much since that part would be covered by metal gauntlets. Though, if I used them too violently, the scuffs might turn into full-blown tears.
I didn't really need one, but I packed a lantern just in case. If I didn't use the solid whale oil now—which was starting to smell a bit funky from sitting around—when would I? The others would need the light, anyway.
And regardless of being able to see in the dark, the cozy orange glow of a flame had its own uses. It could help protect my mental health in the absolute shithole that was the 2nd Stratum.
After finishing my preparations on the second floor and heading down, I found Tresha on the first floor.
"Brother Aven? You're carrying a lot of gear today."
"An explorer shouldn't say things like that. It's all necessary equipment."
"Ehehe, I guess so."
She was with Walter—who knows when he got back—and man, this guy. When did he get so big?
"Whoa. A little more and he'll be able to pick you up and fly, Tresha."
"D-do you think so...? What if he drops me while we're flying...?"
"Then Walter gets a hearty meal."
"Hey! Stop that!"
* * *
Current time: 9:30 AM.
It hadn't been the case recently, but in the past, this was the time I usually entered the Labyrinth. It was just the right time of day. As the weather warmed up in mid-May, the number of explorers heading into the Labyrinth increased.
Right now, our inn was in a bit of a two-week off-season. In the winter, the nights are cold, so explorers tend to spend a bit more money to stay in warm, insulated inns.
But once the weather clears and the nights get less chilly, they move to cheaper rooms to save money. Consequently, quality establishments like the Mounted Goat Inn see a slight dip in guests. However, after about two weeks, the ones who realize they still can't stand the cold usually come crawling back.
Plus, the number of explorers returning from their hometowns via caravans to make a fortune in Calax was surging. By the end of May, the place would be bustling again.
"Crowded."
The overall number of explorers was steadily rising. New recruits had been pouring in since spring, bringing a sense of vitality to Calax.
"Dahlia, you look busy."
"Ahaha... Aven... Could you maybe... take up some of my time?"
"Shall I?"
Even the diligent Dahlia looked exhausted this morning. It couldn't be helped with the influx of new explorers. It meant there were more idiots who didn't realize that annoying a Guild receptionist was a bad idea.
Of course, most of those people were weeded out before long.
—CRASH!!
"Guh...!"
"Next."
Katrina, the specialist in crushing bullshit, was currently pummeling a rookie explorer who was making unreasonable demands. Usually, it was someone claiming they should start at Brass Grade because they used to be a mercenary or a hunter.
Katrina might spend most of her time sitting around, stealing Guild-sponsored raid rations or snacking on pies for sale, but there was a reason she never got fired.
"Can I see the recent Labyrinth anomalies?"
"Ah, that... Just a moment, please."
I hadn't paid much attention to this before, but listening to this information was always helpful for Labyrinth exploration. I needed to learn from Isolde’s diligence. Speaking of which, I wondered if Lis and Isolde were still partying together.
"You want information on the 2nd Stratum, right? There have been multiple reports of Skeleton Mages descending to the lower floors recently. The Academy hasn't released an official cause yet... but the prevailing opinion is that it won't be a major issue."
"I see."
Hadn't I seen this before? I remembered seeing a Skeleton Mage down on the 12th Floor. I’d even eaten it.
"Other than that, there are reports that the stench from Filth Slimes has become more severe, things like that."
Most of this information came from reports filed by explorers after they returned. Once enough cases were documented, it became official data.
"Understood. Good luck, Dahlia."
"Yes, you too, Aven. Though, if possible, I’d love to see your face without that helmet just once."
"Ah."
I scanned the surroundings with my Evil Eye and didn't see anyone who looked like trouble. I lifted the tin can on my head and met Dahlia’s eyes; she responded with a radiant smile.
"I'm off."
Leaving the nodding Dahlia behind, I scanned the crowded lobby to see if anyone had arrived as early as I had. I was about thirty minutes early, so I didn't expect anyone to be there, but...
"Wait, isn't that Rubia?"
I noticed a spot where a crowd had gathered. At the center of the throng was Rubia, perched atop her magnificent hammer with a look of supreme confidence.
"Uh-huh, that's right! I'm a Platinum-grade explorer. Have you heard of us? The Mayerbridge Union?"
The surrounding rookies were hanging on her every word, and she was chirping away happily. Man, she really was like a total brat. Sitting a bit further away and listening, I realized her self-praise was endless.
"Yeah, exactly. And I'm not just some low-ranking explorer; I'm part of an incredibly strong party called the Night Order."
"Oh, really? You entered the Labyrinth for the first time yesterday? Brass Grade? You'd better work hard! Keep me as your goal and give it your all!"
"Me? Well, I'm Platinum Grade... but I'm growing fast, you know? It's only been two weeks since I hit Platinum! Ultimately, I'll probably be... Titanium Grade?"
"R-right? If you keep going into the Labyrinth, someday..."
I wondered why she’d come so early, but it seemed she just had a desperate itch to brag. Maybe that was why she only recruited explorers Gold Grade and below. Whatever the reason, it was good that she was here early.
But what was with her gear?
She's going to fight in those clothes? Is she out of her mind?
She was dressed in a crisp white uniform—top and bottom—that looked more like a cosplay outfit than gear for a Labyrinth dive. From the officer-style cap to the dangling epaulettes on her shoulders, it was a lot.
They say people transcend humanity as they reach the higher grades, but isn't wearing proper gear just common sense? Or did Rubia have some high-performance defensive skill that made her clothing irrelevant?
"Rubia."
"Ah, who was it again? Aven? Right! Your helmet is so plain I almost didn't recognize you!"
"Why are you dressed like that? Can you even fight?"
"Hmph? Hmm-mm?"
Rubia’s expression shifted at my question. She leaned in, wearing an infuriating smirk as if to say, 'You don't even know that?' and let out a little chuckle.
"You don't know what this is? It's Battle Attire!"
"Battle Attire?"
Commonly known as 'Battle Attire,' these were combat outfits made from special fibers with high magic affinity or high defensive power, often engraved with high-grade combat support spells. They were incredibly expensive.
A single set of Battle Attire could cost anywhere from dozens to hundreds of gold coins.
A high-grade explorer wasn't just someone who was strong. From a clan's perspective, they were billboards to attract new recruits and objects of admiration for others.
In other words, Battle Attire was a powerful piece of combat equipment that effectively aided in battle, but it was also a means of branding the explorer.
Because of this, most Battle Attire was designed to be stylish or beautiful—extravagant pieces tailored to the wearer's vibe or title.
Humans are creatures heavily influenced by what they see. Strong but ugly or plain explorers aren't popular, while people prefer explorers who are beautiful or cool, even if they're slightly less powerful.
In reality, for things like ceremonial events or escort missions, it wasn't always the strongest person who got paid the most.
"I see."
I thought she’d completely lost it, but I guess that wasn't the case.
"Ehehe, you don't have your own custom Battle Attire, do you?"
"No... I don't."
"The Mayerbridge Union makes all of this for us!"
So the Mayerbridge Union provided it.
"You see, I was personally scouted by the Vice-Commander of the 5th Party! That's why I get this ultra-high-class, ultra-luxurious, ultra-special treatment. Isn't it cool?!"
"Umm... yes."
"Your reaction is so lukewarm!"
"It's cool. Very cool."
The 5th Party... wait, am I getting confused? Did that mean Delbaheim’s 2nd Party was the second from the bottom? I couldn't quite remember.
Regardless, Rubia’s bragging showed no signs of stopping. Explorers from the Mayerbridge Union usually used the Northeast Lobby, so I could see exactly why she’d come to the Southwest, where there were plenty of beginners.
"Phew. Aven, listen. What are you going to do later when I become Titanium Grade? You'll be reminiscing about the day you partied with the great Rubia for the rest of your life!"
"Right."
"Aven! Rubia! You're both here already!"
"You must have arrived early. We're ten minutes early ourselves."
And so, as time passed and it neared 9:50 AM, the siblings Belinda and Benjamin entered the Guild lobby.
The party was all here.
After that, Rubia spent about five minutes bragging about her Battle Attire to the siblings. Then Belinda handed out papers she’d organized in neat handwriting and spent another five minutes giving a lecture about the party.
Only when it struck 10:00 AM did we move through the crowd of explorers.
"Alright, then! Rubia Party, move out!"
"Oh! Let's go!"
Very peacefully, the Labyrinth exploration began.