Chapter 15
Chapter 15
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 15
Chapter Title: Preparation
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"You're gonna buy this piece of junk?"
"Pardon? Piece of junk? Can't you see this shimmering glow?"
I couldn't help but be taken aback by the weapon shop owner's words.
Sure, the craftsmanship was a bit rough around the edges.
But with this badass design and that mysterious iridescent light pouring off it—what else could it be but one of those hidden or rare items straight out of a novel?
"What glow? Oh, come on. I'm no dwarf, but I've been in the weapon trade for over five years now. You think I can't tell? This is just your run-of-the-mill helmet. No, worse than that."
The shop owner furrowed his brow and stated it flatly. Was I really seeing things wrong?
I rubbed my eyes and looked again, but the helmet still held that blue sheen.
Maybe because of what he said, but the glow seemed a tad dimmer than before...
...No. I'm not imagining it. There's something special here.
Even if it turned out to be a plain old helmet, it still looked in way better shape than the ragged one I had on now.
"Three silver coins. No more, no less."
"Two silver. Honestly, this is practically me doing you a favor by clearing out your bad stock. Isn't that a bit greedy?"
"Even bad stock has customers like you. Two silver and eighty copper."
"Two and a half silver. That's my limit."
"Hmph... Deal."
Filthy fly of an owner. Even when I haggled him down further, he didn't bat an eye.
Still, I scored a badass, sturdy-looking helmet. I ducked into a shadowy corner and swapped it out right away.
The field of view was more restricted than my old helmet, and breathing felt a touch harder.
This thing really felt like a tin can with just eye and breathing holes punched in it.
"...?"
But then, a strange sensation washed over me.
How to put it? Like my eyes were open even when closed? Some animalistic hyper-awareness?
It felt like the sensitivity I'd honed at Diana's tavern for sensing my surroundings had kicked up another notch.
It wasn't just my imagination. Even with the narrower vision, I could clearly sense the movements of the countless people passing by on the street.
...This thing's awesome. Is it some enchanted relic? Or an artifact?
Relics. That's what they called the ultra-rare gear you could snag from the Labyrinth. Artifacts were the man-made knockoffs.
Either way, I figured I could now handle any sucker punch or backstab coming my way.
"Oh. Balkan... you're back? ...New helmet?"
"Yeah. Pretty cool, right?"
"Mhm. It is... But where'd you get it? How? You didn't, like, run into any weirdos stripping down or chasing you with crazy hair or anything, did you? You're not hurt? What the heck happened?!"
I showed up at the inn with the new helmet on, and Diana's reaction was anything but normal.
She peppered me with worried questions about my well-being, then started grilling me on where I got the helmet.
I'd spent a month at the inn and thought I'd gotten a read on her.
But this was a side of her I'd never seen.
Diana had never reacted this intensely before. It was odd.
"Diana, I'm fine. Nothing happened."
"...Really? No creepy people or anything?"
"Nope. Just bought the helmet at a weapon shop. Got it for two and a half silver. Pretty good value, if I do say so."
"Well, that's a relief, but..."
"It's true. Hey, Diana."
"Yeah?"
"...Mind giving me some space?"
"...Oh."
Only then did Diana realize how close she'd gotten, her face flushing red as she jumped back.
"...S-sorry..."
I watched her bow apologetically, unsure what to do, and that's when it hit me—the Great Helm's fatal flaw.
'The iron plate in the center blocks the view of Diana's cleavage... Note to self...'
I decided to stick with the old helmet for everyday use.
"Zirnier... what scheme is that witch up to...?"
Time flew by, and soon it was the day the Labyrinth portal opened.
The one day a week it happened. The explorer district turned into a madhouse.
Drrrrrrr—
Sounds of dragging loads. Carriages rumbling. Voices chattering.
I woke to the racket and peered out the window. A line of at least a hundred people stretched out, all hauling gear toward the Labyrinth bright and early.
After watching it for over a month, the sight was starting to feel familiar.
A strange thrill bubbled up.
Excitement? Fear? Fifty-fifty. Right down the middle.
I couldn't even say exactly why I felt this way.
One thing was certain: this time, I'd be in that line.
This was Labyrinth week, so Diana let me skip tavern duty to rest up. My stamina was fully recovered.
I slept in, stretched as usual to loosen up, and splashed my face with water from the bucket.
"Dagger secured. Axe sharpened. Preserved rations in pack—check. Potions, antidotes—check. First-floor map—check."
I double-checked the supplies I'd prepped last night. All good.
"And finally... the helmet. Check."
I glanced in the room's small mirror and donned the Great Helm. Finally, I felt complete.
With prep done, I opened the door, and a savory aroma hit me.
I headed downstairs naturally, sat at my usual spot—the table right by the kitchen counter—and waited.
Soon, a massive bowl landed on the table.
It was like a rice bowl topped with a mountain of meat. Side dishes of six kinds and soup came standard.
"Whoa, landlady. This right? Same price as always—"
"Hehe..."
"Never mind..."
The guy next to me grumbled, but it got swallowed by Diana's silent smile, her face drawn from the last couple days.
"Even more generous today?"
"The saddest part of the Labyrinth is not getting to eat what you crave. Chew well, and come back safe."
Fair point. The next five days would be preserved rations only. Grim future. I savored Diana's cooking slowly, relishing every bite.
"Thanks for the meal. I'll be back!"
"Wait, Balkan. Hold on."
Diana pulled a small box from under the table and opened it.
"...A watch?"
"An old one I used to rely on. No day or night in the Labyrinth—you need steady habits more than ever."
True enough. Once your body's rhythm breaks, it's hard to reset.
A wrecked rhythm tanks your condition, leading to lapses and mistakes.
I'd been focused on fighting monsters and food, but this was advice I hadn't considered.
Diana gently reached out and fastened the watch on my wrist.
"Thanks for the tip, Diana."
"If you want to repay me, come back in one piece."
I waved to the worried Diana as I left the inn.
The streets felt emptier compared to the morning explorer rush. I headed to the Labyrinth entrance.
"Junior Explorer Balkan. Confirmed. Proceed."
Security at the entrance was tight. With the crowds, guards were on high alert, controlling the area.
It hit me anew how miraculous it was that I'd slipped out before.
"Oh, there you are. Early bird, eh?"
"Yeah. When'd you get here, Adolf?"
"Just now myself. Ah, the rest of the crew's coming."
I greeted the dwarf priest by the portal and turned.
A weary-faced boy and a smooth-faced girl approached from afar.
"Sorry. Couldn't sleep from nerves..."
"She couldn't sleep, so I gave her a round to tire her out, and she passed right out."
"No way!"
"What? It's true, you wimpy little prick."
"..."
Is this how childhood friends talk? Way too advanced for me.
"Don't want distractions in the Labyrinth. You two good?"
"Yes. Won't affect our first run."
"Fine then, but keep it in check inside."
"...Y-yeah."
Adolf scolded Jermi and Anya.
He wasn't wrong. Get careless during watch from fooling around, and the whole party's done.
"Alright. Everyone, hands in. Grip tight. Getting separated in there is bad news."
We lined up single file, hands clasped. Simple reason.
'Solo entry drops you random spots.'
Cross the portal alone, and you land randomly on floor one.
A four-man party entering one by one scatters everywhere.
But linked hands count as one party—teleports together intact.
Me on the left end, then Adolf, Jermi, Anya on the right.
"Everyone ready?"
"Yes!"
"Been ready."
Stuffed with a solid breakfast, energy surged.
Body fresh, mind clear. Peak condition, no ups or downs.
'Still, no room for slacking.'
Even with game-like status windows, I couldn't treat it like a roguelike.
Real life, one life only. No saves or extras.
One mistake could end it all.
Needed overkill prep and vigilance.
Prep maxed out. I reined in my nerves, sharpened my focus.
Now, into the Labyrinth.
We stepped cautiously into the portal.
The first thing that hit was the thick stench of blood.
"Holy shit."
Time crawled for a split second. In that eerie hyper-state, I scanned from inside the helmet.
Okay. Stay calm. My right hand's still gripped tight by Adolf.
I flicked my eyes around, assessing.
We'd ported onto corpses. Fresh ones—explorers who'd just lost a scrap with goblins.
Visible goblins: one left, two right.
Expanding awareness, the helmet-boosted senses picked up tiny footsteps.
From blind spots human eyes couldn't catch, unforgettable pattering.
Two behind left, three behind right.
Total eight. Quite the welcoming party.
Right-side ones were distant, no immediate threat.
Real danger: those two behind left.
Small mercy in this nightmare—they were stunned by our sudden arrival.
Strike now. Window's open.
Battle unchanged as I decided.
Everyone frozen in shock—and the first to move was...
Craaaaaack!
Me, yanking the axe from my belt like lightning.
Blood fountained from the goblin's neck.