53. This City is not easy at all
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Translator: JayM
Chapter: 53
Chapter Title: This City is not easy at all
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Jeong Yoo-shin’s nerves remained on edge until dawn broke.
‘What was that killing intent?’
He wondered.
Beyond the walls of Labyrinth City, the sun began to rise.
He looked around.
Most of the other guards were packing up their belongings, their faces haggard.
In the distance, the City Guards approached.
A mole beast-person emerged from the guard post and addressed the relieved guards.
“No problems tonight. Good work.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Alright, come to the guard post to collect your pay.”
Jeong Yoo-shin hesitated for a moment, then approached the mole beast-person.
“I have something to report.”
“What is it?”
The mole beast-person wore what looked like sunglasses, as if shielding his eyes from the rising sun.
Jeong Yoo-shin explained about the killing intent he had felt that night.
The mole beast-person listened, and then asked, “I heard that there was a brief altercation during the night. Surely it wasn’t because of that?”
“No, sir. The killing intent I felt was unrelated to the altercation.”
“Just to be sure, do you have any imprints that affect the mind?”
“No, sir.”
“Do you, perhaps, experience heart palpitations at night, or… a certain part of your body becoming… aroused?”
“No! Absolutely not, sir.”
‘What kind of sexual harassment is this all of a sudden?’
Jeong Yoo-shin thought, bewildered.
“Alright then. If it happens again, report back to me.”
The mole beast-person yawned and walked away, seemingly dismissing his report.
“As if I’d get anything out of this.”
Jeong Yoo-shin muttered under his breath.
The night watch guards flocked to the guard post to collect their wages.
Jeong Yoo-shin followed after them.
Clink.
Twenty copper coins.
The payment for one night of guard duty.
He shoved the coins into his pocket and left.
As he exited the guard post, he saw Stonefist the half-ogre and Croak the frog beast-person waving to him in the distance.
He waved back.
“See you later.”
The iron-masked man said while approaching him.
“Yes, you too.”
Jeong Yoo-shin replied.
He parted ways with the night watch party and returned to the inn.
Tarman and Anne were inside.
“Good work.”
Tarman said with a smile.
“Thanks. Good work to you both. I’m going to get some sleep. The lunch box was delicious.”
“I’m glad you liked it.”
Anne replied.
Jeong Yoo-shin went up to his room on the second floor, removed his equipment, and collapsed onto his bed.
Birds were singing outside, and people were starting to move about in the streets, but sleep tugged at his eyelids.
It had been a while since he had pulled an all-nighter.
Before he was transported to this world, he used to stay up all night playing games sometimes.
Thinking about his past life brought on a strange feeling within him.
His thoughts wandered, weaving through fantasies and predictions until they landed on one particular point: the killing intent that had targeted him that night.
What was it?
Slap!
He slapped himself hard across the face.
“Just go to sleep.”
He mumbled.
He closed his eyes, then abruptly opened them again.
He sat up and peered under the bed.
Nothing.
He laid back down and closed his eyes.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The following evening, Jeong Yoo-shin headed towards the labyrinth again.
He stopped by the guard post, checked in with the guard captain, and, following the Mole beast-person's instructions, took his position near the magic circle’s exit.
Around the torches were the same party members as before:
Croak, the frog beast-person.
Iron Mask, the great sword wielder.
Stonefist, the half-ogre.
They exchanged nods of greeting, then Jeong Yoo-shin unfolded his portable wooden chair and sat down. It was the chair he had asked Tarman to pack for him.
‘This is really comfortable.’
He’d only worked two days, but he could already smell it— the sweet scent of an easy job. Except for the chilling murderous aura, it was a piece of cake; just sit on a chair and monitor the magic circle.
Jeong Yoo-shin crossed his legs and stared blankly at the magic circle.
The lukewarm night air brushed against his cheeks.
The exit magic circle remained quiet, without any noticeable changes.
He overheard a conversation nearby.
“…Is it true that Ingrid-nim is coming this month?”
“That’s what I heard. Or maybe she’s already here.”
“A feast for the eyes.”
“You idiot, she’s not someone you can talk about so casually.”
“We can still talk about her privately. That cold, expressionless face gives me the chills every time I see it.”
The bull beast-person chuckled.
Jeong Yoo-shin fell into deep thought. What did Karin’s mother look like?
The representative of the Beast-person Alliance and a member of the Labyrinth City Council.
The head of the Red Wolf Tribe and a widow.
Just then, a light flashed from the magic circle.
The circle activated, and a blue portal appeared.
People scrambled to their feet, weapons raised and ready.
Jeong Yoo-shin also grabbed his sword and stood up.
Five people emerged from the blue portal: two humans, two beast-people, and one dwarf.
The man, who appeared to be the leader, collapsed to the ground as soon as he stepped out. His scruffy beard and haggard eyes suggested a long stay in the labyrinth.
Several guards approached them, spears in hand, accompanied by a cleric standing behind them.
Jeong Yoo-shin could hear their voices from a distance as they spoke with the party members.
The guards nodded and returned to their positions.
"Nothing to worry about. Relax."
Only then did the others sit back down or resume their interrupted conversations.
A few hours later, another group of adventurers emerged from the exit magic circle.
The same procedure repeated: the guards and the cleric approached the party, questioned them, and returned.
Jeong Yoo-shin spoke.
"It seems that not many people obtain imprints."
"That's normal. Putting aside whether an imprint is good or bad, obtaining one isn't easy."
Croak, the frog beast-person, replied.
"Is that so?"
‘I seemed to get one every time I went in though.’
Jeong Yoo-shin tilted his head as he thought that. Was he just lucky?
With nothing else to do, he took out his lunchbox.
Tonight's snack was chicken baked with butter and various spices. He felt a pang of guilt when the guard captain’s face had hardened considerably upon seeing it earlier.
The three men’s gazes focused on his food.
"Let's eat together."
"Thanks."
"It doesn't seem like enough."
The party members gathered around and began tearing into the chicken.
"Oh! This is really delicious. Ribbit."
The frog beast-person exclaimed.
"It's a shame there's not more of it."
"Iron Mask, have some too."
"I'm fine."
The man in the iron mask shook his head. Jeong Yoo-shin didn't force him.
At that moment, they heard rustling from the bushes behind them, and something darted out.
A plump, white rat.
Jeong Yoo-shin's eyes widened. Was it the same one from under his bed?
The rat weaved between the people and charged towards the chicken dish, a bold dash with seemingly nothing but the roasted chicken in its sights.
Thwack!
Jeong Yoo-shin snatched the rat by the scruff of its neck.
"Squeak! Squeak!"
The white rat, suspended in mid-air, wriggled its plump rump and struggled.
"What's that? A snack?"
Stonefist, the half-ogre, asked.
"It's someone I have a connection with. I thought it was a person with a rat imprint, but it wasn't."
Jeong Yoo-shin poked the rat's belly with his finger.
"Squeak!"
The rat squirmed.
"It looks like a familiar."
Croak said.
"...Is there a way to identify its owner?"
"There is, but my memory is a bit hazy. Wait a moment."
"Alright."
While waiting, Jeong Yoo-shin played with the rat. He stroked its back and gently kneaded its body as if giving it a massage.
"Squeak. Squeak! Squeak!"
The rat seemed to enjoy Jeong Yoo-shin's massage, rolling over and exposing its belly.
"You like this spot, huh? Yah yah."
"Squeak. Squeak."
He gently stroked its belly and poked it.
"Squeeeeeak!!!"
The rat shuddered and went limp.
Stonefist shook his head at the sight.
"Barbarian, why are you tormenting the poor rat? We still don't know who its owner is."
"It got under my bed the last time. This is a small price to pay."
"Now that I think about it, you're right."
Jeong Yoo-shin glared at the half-ogre for a moment.
"Found it. Getting old makes it hard to remember things."
"Let's do it."
Croak began chanting.
"[Find Owner]"
A blue light briefly flashed from the frog beast-person's staff. The blue light surged forth and enveloped the white rat.
"Keuk!"
Suddenly, the frog beast-person dropped his staff and clutched his head.
“Are you alright?”
Jeong Yoo-shin asked.
“…I’m fine. A familiar’s magic repelled my spell.”
The frog beast-person replied.
“Then…?”
“Judging by the amount of magic, their master is more powerful than me. The familiar’s eyes are clear, so their master must not be a bad person. Just let it go.”
“Understood.”
Jeong Yoo-shin gently stroked the white rat and released it.
The rat stood up and glanced at Jeong Yoo-shin. It then snatched a chicken leg and darted away.
“Why did you release the familiar like that?”
“Who knows? How many things that happen in Labyrinth City are truly understandable?”
Jeong Yoo-shin replied.
He was right.
Jeong Yoo-shin stopped paying attention to the white rat. Since a priest of the Water Spirit God had vouched for its safety, he deemed it safe.
If the familiar’s master had business with him, they would meet soon enough.
He decided to wait.
He rested his chin in his hand and watched the people emerging from the labyrinth.
Some had dark eyes.
Some were grinning.
Others had grim expressions.
Jeong Yoo-shin passed the time observing their faces.
Then…
He felt a killing intent again.
Jeong Yoo-shin grabbed his long sword, stood up, and looked around.
“That barbarian is really in heat. Guess you can’t hide the blood, even if you’re a half-breed, huh? His mother must have had a hard time.”
The bull beast-person sneered.
Jeong Yoo-shin’s body stiffened.
He had tried to ignore it, but the insult had crossed the line.
Jeong Yoo-shin strode towards the bull beast-person.
The bull beast-person sat on a sturdy iron chair while smirking at him.
Because of the intense killing intent he had felt earlier, his nerves were on edge.
Jeong Yoo-shin spoke.
“I can tolerate it once, but not twice.”
“What the hell…!”
Bam!
Jeong Yoo-shin’s boot slammed onto the bull beast-person’s chest.
Crash!
The large bull beast-person toppled over, chair and all.
He lay on the floor gasping for breath and writhing.
“Hey, you crazy bastard!!!”
“Are you insane?!”
The bull beast-person’s lackeys angrily jumped to their feet.
“Stop!”
Just then, a mole beast-person rushed in.
“Barbarian! Go to the back of the relief center immediately. That’s an order.”
“They started it.”
Jeong Yoo-shin said.
“…I understand, but still, go to the back of the relief center.”
“Ugh. Fine.”
Jeong Yoo-shin glared at the bull beast-person.
“Say one more word and I’ll rip your mouth apart. You’ve been getting on my nerves since yesterday.”
“Barbarian!”
The mole beast-person shouted.
“Yeah, yeah. I’m going.”
Jeong Yoo-shin walked to the back of the relief center building.
A small courtyard.
Someone was standing there, looking at the moon.
Red hair.
A long, slowly swaying tail and wolf ears.
A massive great sword that was planted beside her.
The tall red wolf beast-person turned her head and looked at Jeong Yoo-shin.
A cold beauty with an expressionless face.
Similar to Karin, but different.
Like Karin’s older sister, perhaps?
Unlike Karin’s boisterous demeanor, this one had a calm and quiet presence.
The aura of an overwhelming powerhouse.
He knew instinctively.
Ingrid Redtail.
Representative of the Beast-person Alliance and head of the Red Wolf Tribe.
A member of the Labyrinth City Council.
Her face was like winter. Somehow, it suited her long coat with red fur trim at the neck. She was a MILF.
He had only heard stories. Seeing her in person was overwhelming.
H-cup breasts, wide hips, and buttocks that protruded even through her tight leather pants.
He could definitely see where Karin got her figure.
“Half-breed barbarian Skar, are you the one?”
Ingrid asked, her voice calm and icy.
“I am Skar. Are you Ingrid-nim?”
Jeong Yoo-shin replied.
“Right. Let me ask you again. Are you the bastard who seduced Karin?”
“Seduced? What are you talking about?”
Ingrid approached him. Her red hair shimmered in the moonlight.
Jeong Yoo-shin and Ingrid’s eyes met.
Ingrid’s emotionless, indifferent eyes carefully observed him.
Sniff sniff.
Ingrid’s nose twitched.
Suddenly smelling him?
Jeong Yoo-shin took a step back.
“What are you doing?”
“I was curious, so I smelled you. Don't approach Karin again if you don't want to die.”
Ingrid turned her head, seemingly losing interest, and looked at the moon.
“Is Karin doing well?”
“None of your business. Get lost.”
‘Shit.’
Jeong Yoo-shin turned around and left the shelter’s courtyard.
“I sent the assassins. Go back and stay put.”
Ingrid said from behind him.
“Why did you send them?”
Jeong Yoo-shin asked.
“That’s also none of your business.”
Jeong Yoo-shin sighed deeply and turned to leave the courtyard.
Her personality was strangely similar to Karin’s.
He could understand her looking down on him, considering she was a person of high standing in the Labyrinth City.
‘Seduced?’
When had he ever seduced Karin?
Slap!
Lost in thought, Jeong Yoo-shin slapped his forehead.
Ah.
The Female Virgin Corruption imprint.
Jeong Yoo-shin clutched his chest.
Just being alive was a miracle.
The realization that he had just had one foot in the grave calmed him down.
As he walked quietly back to his post, he saw the guard captain and the mole beast-person.
The guard captain and the mole beast-person, who had been lounging around inside the guard post just yesterday, were now standing guard diligently.
The bull beast-person, seeing this, was sitting quietly. However, his eyes still darted around and glared at Jeong Yoo-shin from time to time.
As he returned to his seat, Stonefist spoke.
“So you’re a troublemaker.”
“My life has been a bit… eventful.”
“Huh.”
Croak chuckled dryly at Jeong Yoo-shin’s comment.
The man in the iron mask silently stroked his great sword.
Jeong Yoo-shin and Iron Mask briefly made eye contact.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
The man in the iron mask asked.
“It’s nothing.”
“How dull.”
Jeong Yoo-shin crossed his arms and watched the magic circle.
A question came to mind.
Luke and Ingrid.
He had met both of them in front of the labyrinth.
Why were council members at the labyrinth entrance?
Once could be a coincidence, but this was the second time.
Surely they hadn't come here just to see an insignificant mixed-blood barbarian like him.
There had to be something more to it.
‘What could it be?’
Just then, Jeong Yoo-shin’s vision brightened. He couldn't dwell on the question.
Flash!
A blue portal appeared in the magic circle.
Fwoosh!
Stonefist, Croak, and Iron Mask all turned their attention to the portal.
A single person crawled out of the portal.
Jeong Yoo-shin jumped to his feet.
Hans?
It was Hans, the high-ranking explorer.
The human with navy blue hair who had been the leader of the investigation team during his third labyrinth expedition.
He had heard that Hans went through a black portal.
He hadn’t been seen anywhere in the labyrinth since.
He had heard that after a considerable amount of time, Hans had been declared missing.
Had he returned?
The guards began to stand up one by one.
Hans was in a terrible state.
His armor was torn to shreds, and he was covered in blood from head to toe, with one arm and one leg missing.
It was a wonder that he was still alive.
The portal disappeared, and Hans managed to raise his upper body up on the magic circle.
“Hans is back!!!”
The mole beast-person ran towards him with a few guards.
A young acolyte followed.
“Cough… hack…”
Hans coughed up blood.
“Acolyte! Healing magic, quickly!”
The mole beast-person shouted urgently.
“Y-yes!”
As the acolyte approached…
Something happened.
A red light began to flash and leak from Hans' body.
The guard captain shouted.
“An imprint!”
“Get back!”
The guards hurriedly backed away. The young acolyte also stumbled backward.
The light emanating from Hans' body gradually faded.
The young acolyte cautiously approached.
“A-are you alright?”
Hans didn’t respond to the acolyte’s question.
Despite it being a summer night, the atmosphere grew chillingly cold.
There were forty people present, but not even the sound of breathing could be heard.
The strange silence grew heavier and heavier.
Then, Hans raised his head.
“Hi.”
Hans' eyes were completely black.
“Eek!”
The young acolyte shrieked and fell back on his rear.
At the same time.
Hans' skin began to distort and swell, rising and falling repeatedly.
It was as if something trapped inside a balloon was frantically trying to get out.
The people watched the grotesque and horrifying transformation in stunned silence, as if their souls had left their bodies.
Jeong Yoo-shin covered his mouth with a trembling hand, suppressing his rising nausea.
‘What the…’
Slowly.
Leisurely.
The evil slumbering in the labyrinth was now wearing the body of a man.
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T/N - Damn, shit just hit the fan! Also, is the MC lucky or unlucky that these things keep happening while he’s present?
Also, the rat was apparently a familiar all along. Any guesses as to who it’s from?
Lastly, MC and Karin’s mom finally meet face-to-face. I can see where Karin got her temper, but at least Ingrid seems reasonable enough. I mean, she sent assassins after the MC, but at least she hasn’t made them attack him yet. She probably just sent them to scare him.