Chapter 4
Chapter 4
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 4
Chapter Title: Why One-Shot?
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Why one-shot.
"Hello, I'm Hanul, the mage heading into the Cradle this time around."
He was a man with blond hair, glasses, and blue eyes.
Shortly after boarding the carriage, the man who'd introduced himself as the mage Hanul began his self-introduction.
"Since we're all here together, bound by fate and all, how about we share a bit about ourselves?"
"Pfft."
Someone snickered at Hanul's words.
It was none other than Ermé.
'A Hero candidate laughing?'
Before I could even feel puzzled, Ermé made a apologetic gesture with her hand and spoke to Hanul.
"Sorry, just had a funny thought pop into my head."
"...I see. And what's your name, miss?"
"It's Meryl. Call me that."
Ermé gave a fake name, then shot me a sidelong glance.
'...Why the hell is she interested in me?'
What had I even done?
Nothing at all.
If anything, I'd pulled my robe's hood low to avoid drawing attention.
"And what about you over there? What's your name?"
Ermé grinned mischievously as she looked at me and asked.
She seemed in an incredibly good mood for some reason.
"Yuseong."
"Yuseong, huh. Nice name."
I couldn't tell if she was genuinely pleased I'd given my real name or just happy to tease me, but she sat back down with a satisfied expression.
And so, we had a friendly little round of introductions.
'Nobody worth remembering.'
Hanul was a mage, but the others bragged about being farmers or how they'd joined to escape their boring villages.
No one stood out.
After introductions wrapped up, there were a few people worth getting friendly with.
Some were even starting to form cliques.
'...This is boring. Might as well check my rewards.'
I really didn't want Ermé's attention.
But what was done was done, so no helping it. At least I'd get some compensation.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ You've imprinted your existence on the Sword Hero Ermé beyond expectations. You have acquired a skill! You have acquired Hidden Space (B). You have acquired Blood-Soaked Dagger (B). 'Oh...'
I let out a sigh as I checked the skill.
⚔ SKILL ⚔ Hidden Space (B) Your space is an absolute domain undetectable by anyone. ◇ You can store and retrieve items at will. Thinking about Hidden Space (B), three small slots appeared in my mind.
'...What the hell? Why is it so cramped?'
It was a bit disappointing.
I'd expected a proper sub-space to be more spacious.
Still, it wasn't without its perks.
⚔ ITEM ⚔ Blood-Soaked Dagger (B) A dagger that grows stronger the more blood it drinks. ◇ Unlock abilities every 100 living beings slain. 'This is good too.'
I felt a twinge of aversion at the idea of killing living beings.
But slaughtering monsters in the Labyrinth would unlock its powers eventually.
Curious to test it out, I activated Hidden Space.
Just to be safe, I slipped my hand into my robe as if rummaging for something.
As the skill activated, I felt my hand grasp something.
'Similar to Plunder, but different.'
Anyway, I pulled out the Blood-Soaked Dagger and then stored it back in the space.
"...?"
My eyes met those of the orange-haired girl, Ermé, who was staring at me.
She was beaming at me.
Her eyes sparkled like she'd stumbled upon a hidden treasure chest.
'...Did she see that?'
I'd hidden it in my robe?
Nah, no way.
*
Hanul the mage had led the others away.
Ermé and I, the ones who'd been left behind, were warming ourselves by the campfire.
'Now this really feels like a fantasy world.'
Crackle, crackle.
Maybe it was the fire, but a strange sentimentality washed over me.
"Yuseong, right?"
That sentiment shattered in an instant.
The Sword Hero Ermé had sneaked up and plopped down beside me, grinning brightly.
I barely managed to suppress a grimace and schooled my face into neutrality. Composure, composure.
"You look like a Rogue type. Wanna party up with me?"
No.
Absolutely not.
The Sword Hero's future was set in stone.
She looked strong, like she could carry me no problem.
'But she's way too suspicious.'
Everything about her screamed it.
'Above all...'
Her class was too flashy.
The moment I joined her party, I'd stick out like a sore thumb.
And naturally, I'd get tangled up with the Villainess Lucia, the first one I'd seen.
'I could even end up obsessed over by her.'
No, I was certain of it.
It was ridiculous enough that I'd stolen the Villainess's Obsession in this damn game.
So, best to turn down her offer.
I shook my head, rejecting her.
"You're so stingy."
Yeah, I am stingy.
So please, stop paying attention to me.
It'd be great if she lost interest completely.
Ermé, rejected, moved to sit across from me.
A moment later, she started muttering to herself.
"Weird. You don't seem like the type to get jumped by goblins and die."
"...?"
Goblins out of nowhere?
But I kept a straight face, pretending I hadn't heard.
A short while later.
The mage who'd introduced himself as Hanul approached us with two bowls, smiling.
"Here's dinner. I grabbed portions for both of you."
"Thanks."
"Appreciate it."
Ermé and I took the bowls from Hanul.
Then Ermé whipped her head around to glare at me.
"You're rude to me but sweet to him, huh."
"Haha, no malice toward Yuseong there."
"What? You saying I'm rude?"
Hanul and Ermé smiled sweetly as they bantered.
The content was pretty vicious, though.
"No way. I'd never. Go on, eat before it gets cold. Won't taste as good."
"Hmm, yeah. With all these people eyeing our Yuseong."
"'Our Yuseong'? When did you see that? Well, I get it. Quiet and skilled guys like him are prime party material anywhere."
"So that's why you're pulling these stunts?"
They gazed at each other, grinning, as they chatted.
Vicious content, but still.
More importantly...
'What the hell is with this high regard?'
Had they seen me do something?
Were my Gifts exposed?
'Nah, doesn't seem like it.'
My gut said if they'd really figured it out, they'd be way more aggressive.
Guess that old saying about half going to the quiet one holds true.
The downside? It's boring as hell when you're just sitting there doing nothing.
But I had a question.
"So, what's a party?"
"...First time in the Labyrinth?"
"Yeah. Heard the word, but not the details."
"Hmm, must've been holed up training in some mountain. Makes sense—no way someone with your skills flies under the radar."
"Right, right."
Ermé chimed in agreement with Hanul.
What was behind this evaluation?
'I'm curious about my skills even I don't know.'
She smirked at my look.
"I'll explain special for our Yuseong. Everyone's got their own traits—heaven-sent Gifts, we call 'em."
"Oh?"
"You know Gifts, so skipping that. Think of the Labyrinth as the best tool to max out your Gift."
"Haha, interesting take. Confident in your skills, huh?"
Hanul bristled subtly at calling the Labyrinth a tool.
Was that hostility?
'Eyes gleaming with inferiority.'
Her words had struck a nerve.
"A party lets you climb the Labyrinth fastest."
"Simply put, you want me on your team."
"Of course. Doesn't click? disband anytime. Not that you'd complain with a girl like me."
Her orange eyes sparkled as she spoke.
"We have a party too. As an Elementalist with top-tier offense, I could back you up."
"Elementalists doing well these days? In those cramped Labyrinth floors, Support Enchanters are the hot ticket, no?"
"Old news. Supports shine low floors—higher up, raw firepower like mine rules."
"Talk big for someone who looked kinda weak... Oops, my bad."
"You bitch."
"Oh? Dropping the mask already? Fine by me."
They traded barbs viciously.
Might actually come to blows soon.
"Well, wouldn't wanna fight in front of our Yuseong."
Ermé smiled brightly at me.
"True... Looking at you, I get the feeling the second I make you an enemy, you'd hit my fatal spot."
Hanul nodded at her reluctance to fight me.
But more than that...
'Fatal spot?'
Ermé's words brought Fatal Constitution (A) to mind.
'Hold up.'
Cold sweat beaded on my skin.
◇ Instinctively sense your opponent's fatal weakness.
One effect of Fatal Constitution.
Was that why they suspected I was skilled?
And why Ermé was interested?
"...?"
I really hated this.
"Anyway, to the point: parties are bound by magic."
"Magic's just flair—it's really the system."
"Party kills Labyrinth monsters, levels up easier there than outside."
"Means it's dangerous too. Basically, level up like that to become an adventurer."
"Empire and kingdoms aim to make [Heroes] this way to stop the Demon King's army."
"Outdated thinking. Scared of some Demon King? We've got tons of strong adventurers. Unless you snag a deep-floor boss."
"...?"
"...?"
They glared at each other after that.
What was this?
'Looks like they're competing over me.'
But they didn't know about Rogue Mastery (S) or Plunder (S).
Competing over just Fatal Constitution?
'Then...'
How insanely good were Rogue Mastery (S) and Plunder (S)?
'Stealing conceptual stuff like Villainess's Obsession? Had to be broken from the start.'
Why steal something that nonsensical, though? Still a mystery.
"Anyway. Labyrinth has great leveling spots. Kill monsters, get magic stones."
"Plenty reason for big shots to build cities there. Risks, sure, but EXP and stones boost human power."
"Legendary items pop up sometimes too."
"That's why Empire and kingdoms push Labyrinth clears."
"Makes travel easy like this. Guild gathers adventurers."
"All upsides."
Makes sense.
Good info.
I nodded along, then reached for the soup Hanul gave me with the ladle.
A weird unease hit me.
'...?'
The smell tickling my nose was off.
Like poison mixed in.
'Right after eating, full-body paralysis like turning to stone. Suyang grass.'
I didn't know what Suyang grass was, but the knowledge popped into my head.
Probably Rogue Mastery (S) at work.
I stared at Hanul, who smiled rigidly.
'Ermé hasn't eaten either.'
Ladle in hand, but not to her mouth.
Too natural to notice at first.
'They were hiding their true intentions.'
Ermé had caught it.
"Don't stare so obviously."
"...?"
As I looked at Ermé, she blushed and spoke.
"Don't look at me with those deep, soulful eyes. Gonna get the wrong idea."
What wrong idea?
'Soulful eyes?'
I'd just stared without doing anything.
Ridiculous.
I set the soup down with a sigh.
'If the soup's poisoned...'
Everyone else already ate it.
How to escape?
Options: run or fight.
Run opens more choices.
Fight does too.
'Best: kill Hanul.'
Mages are weak to ambushes.
Hence why Rogues are dangerous.
'Worth a shot?'
I gripped the dagger's handle in Hidden Space.
Ready to strike if needed.
"Sigh, what a shame."
"Your schemes all for nothing?"
"Part of it. But calling it schemes? You're the 'Friend Slayer'—not your line."
Some nickname like Friend Slayer?
'Super vicious.'
Definitely steer clear of getting chummy with Ermé.
"Bringing up a lady's past? Unpopular move."
"Not seeking your interest. Become friends, risk getting murdered?"
Hanul shifted into stance.
Presences encircled us.
'About ten.'
Blood scent meant most others were dead.
Then I realized how coldly rational I was being.
'To escape here...'
Kill Hanul first.
"Hmm, didn't expect a Demon King Army moron still kicking."
"Demon King Army? Not me... but you're too big a threat, causing incidents. Can't let seedlings grow."
"Labyrinth faction, huh. Whatever. Trash to clear either way."
"Calling people trash? Harsh."
"Says the one using people like trash."
"Heh, call 'em useful tools."
Ermé stepped behind me.
Back-to-back formation.
"Hear that? Figured you knew already."
I didn't.
Thought Hanul was shady, but not this shady.
"You take him."
Ermé pointed at Hanul.
"I'll handle the rest."
Maybe hearing his nickname made her voice chilling.
'Hanul.'
Didn't look weak.
At least solo meant decent skill.
'But for me...'
Opportunity.
One guy? Manageable.
"Oh? Pairing me with Yuseong?"
"To be my ally, gotta handle this much. Obviously."
Who said I was your ally?
Ridiculous, but first things first: kill Hanul.
First human kill.
Needed to steel myself.
'Can I do it?'
No choice.
I stared at Hanul with emotionless eyes.
Stay rational.
"Here I go."
Kieeeek!
Ermé cleaved a charging enemy in half with a slash.
Blood sprayed everywhere.
I rushed straight at Hanul.
"Fire."
Hanul ignited a massive fireball at his fingertip.
Not a match flame—a house-sized blaze.
'...Run?'
That was scary.
Could I dodge?
Tough. As I thought that...
My body moved faster than expected.
I ducked low and charged.
"Underestimating me?"
Hanul chuckled.
My head throbbed.
But my Gift said it wasn't impossible.
"Too bad. This ends it... Huh?"
As Hanul hurled the house-sized fireball...
'Plunder!'
I instinctively reached out.
"...It."
The fireball vanished.
It flowed into me, instantly boosting my physical stats.
'So this is mana.'
The stolen flame mana surged through me, overflowing with vitality.
"What?!"
Hanul recoiled in horror, drawing his sword.
"As expected, you've got tricks! But I swung a sword in my day too!"
Confident, he swung at me.
I dodged and leaped upward.
'Hidden Space (B).'
Like Plunder, my hand dipped into void.
I drew the Blood-Soaked Dagger.
'Best move here.'
Not swinging a sword.
'Dagger throw.'
Trusting Rogue Mastery (S), I hurled it.
As it neared Hanul's head...
"Heh, predicted that! A magic swordsman going melee means..."
Hanul smirked, a translucent barrier forming over his head.
Pfshk.
The Blood-Soaked Dagger pierced his skull.
"...?"
What? Why'd he drop like that?