Chapter 28: Rift (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 28: Rift (2)
Daria Whitember di Tersia.
An adventurer with five years under her belt, she was currently wandering around the first floor of the crystal cave. She had her younger sister, whom she still saw as a little kid, with her.
"Erwen, you used an elemental again."
"Ah, it's too hard with just the dagger..."
"I told you. You need to be able to protect yourself without a bow or an elemental."
"No, I know that, but—"
"Stop. If you keep practicing, you'll get better."
Tersia was taking Erwen around the first floor and training her mercilessly. It was all for her younger sister's sake, and her sister was not ignorant of that fact. But as the training dragged on, it was clear that she was getting tired.
"M-Mr. Barbarian said that it is better to specialize in what you are good at..."
"...What?"
"To trust your team and do your best to fulfill your role. That—that is the key to being an adventurer..."
Tersia, who had been impassively hearing her out, was speechless. The statement itself was... reasonable. Wouldn't it be great if the world were that nice a place?
"Erwen, team members are just team members. Don't place too much value on them."
Tersia had been a part of many parties. From the adventuring team on the sixth floor that she had belonged to until just a while ago, to the hunting team that had only hunted particularly profitable monsters, to the speedrunning team that had aimed to open portals.
After working with a lot of different people, she had gotten to experience many different things. Among them were things that she didn't want to tell Erwen about.
Party members could not be trusted unless they were related by blood.
"All right..."
Erwen didn't fight back after noticing the hardened look on Tersia's face.
Time passed, and it was soon the fourth day. Erwen had traveled the first floor in a clockwise direction and was now able to defeat any monster they came across with her dagger alone. In the process, she had naturally leveled up.
"Um, Tersia? I've leveled up. Can't we go to the second floor now? Mr. Barbarian must be making so much money up there right now..."
Tersia laughed at how cute her sister was. What was the big deal about catching a few more monsters on the second floor?
"Erwen, the rift is going to open soon."
The rift: a place that even mid-level adventurers who had been in the business for several years weren't able to enter without the right amount of luck.
Erwen cocked her head. "How do you know that?"
"Because the last rift on the first floor opened eight months ago."
Tersia kindly explained it step-by-step like she was talking to a young child. Today was their fourth day in the labyrinth, so she used statistics to explain why she believed the rift would have to open in the next three days.
"I see... Mr. Barbarian didn't mention that."
Well, of course, Tersia thought.
Erwen had been continuously singing the barbarian's praises for the past month, but he was still only a newbie. Recklessly advancing to the next floor and suffering through all kinds of trials and errors in the process was the epitome of inefficiency to an experienced adventurer.
"Erwen, don't be impatient and trust me. Within a year, there will be a huge gap between you and that barbarian in terms of level."
Sometimes the slow way was the fastest way.
"Mm... then when that time comes, I can help him!"
"Yes, you can do that," Tersia allowed, nodding her head. She wasn't sure whether the barbarian would still be alive or not by then, and even if he was, Tersia would come up with a way to dissuade her sister when the time came.
She wanted to preserve her sister's innocence as much as possible.
Just as she was thinking this, the labyrinth began to shake like there was an earthquake. This was a phenomenon that occurred whenever a rift opened.
"Erwen!"
Tersia grabbed Erwen's hand and ran down the tunnel at full speed. Soon after, she found a portal that was vibrating unsteadily.
It was a rift.
There would be thousands of portals just like this all over the first floor by now, and every minute was now a critical race against the clock.
Whooom—!
Tersia and Erwen flung themselves into the portal. But at that moment...
Whoom—
...the portal disappeared.
Thud.
Tersia, who had jumped through the air and landed on the ground, clicked her tongue in disappointment.
"...One step too late."
If they hadn't attempted to enter at the same time and she had pushed her sister in before her instead, they might have successfully made it. But...
"...There will be another opportunity later."
It couldn't be helped. After all, what if her younger sister had ended up entering the rift alone and had died in there?
"Erwen, let's go to the second floor."
Again, sometimes, the slow path was the fastest.
***
The Law of Equivalent Exchange. I really liked that theory. But, sadly, the world did not run on it.
Just consider the time we ran into that psychopathic bitch. We had barely survived and hadn't gained anything from the experience.
No, rather, we got kicked out of the Land of the Dead and ended up wasting time.
But this time it was different. This time, I had made the choice, so I would reap the appropriate rewards.
Mm, probably.
Boom.
I looked at the woman and the human man who were our last two team members, keeping my guard up. The man, who had landed with a heavy thud, didn't seem to be anything special, but...
The woman was different.
Tap.
As if in defiance of the laws of gravity, the woman descended to the ground slowly and landed gently. Even the talkative dwarf could not hide his surprise at the sight, his mouth falling open.
I was in the same boat.
"Didn't expect to see a wizard here."
Wizard—the best class you could choose in Dungeon and Stone, and the only class that was worthy of the title. Wizards were treated with respect wherever they went, just for their status alone.
"Erwen, don't be impatient and trust me. Within a year, there will be a huge gap between you and that barbarian in terms of level."
Sometimes the slow way was the fastest way.
"Mm... then when that time comes, I can help him!"
"Yes, you can do that," Tersia allowed, nodding her head. She wasn't sure whether the barbarian would still be alive or not by then, and even if he was, Tersia would come up with a way to dissuade her sister when the time came.
She wanted to preserve her sister's innocence as much as possible.
Just as she was thinking this, the labyrinth began to shake like there was an earthquake. This was a phenomenon that occurred whenever a rift opened.
"Erwen!"
Tersia grabbed Erwen's hand and ran down the tunnel at full speed. Soon after, she found a portal that was vibrating unsteadily.
It was a rift.
There would be thousands of portals just like this all over the first floor by now, and every minute was now a critical race against the clock.
Whooom—!
Tersia and Erwen flung themselves into the portal. But at that moment...
Whoom—
...the portal disappeared.
Thud.
Tersia, who had jumped through the air and landed on the ground, clicked her tongue in disappointment.
"...One step too late."
If they hadn't attempted to enter at the same time and she had pushed her sister in before her instead, they might have successfully made it. But...
"...There will be another opportunity later."
It couldn't be helped. After all, what if her younger sister had ended up entering the rift alone and had died in there?
"Erwen, let's go to the second floor."
Again, sometimes, the slow path was the fastest.
***
The Law of Equivalent Exchange. I really liked that theory. But, sadly, the world did not run on it.
Just consider the time we ran into that psychopathic bitch. We had barely survived and hadn't gained anything from the experience.
No, rather, we got kicked out of the Land of the Dead and ended up wasting time.
But this time it was different. This time, I had made the choice, so I would reap the appropriate rewards.
Mm, probably.
Boom.
I looked at the woman and the human man who were our last two team members, keeping my guard up. The man, who had landed with a heavy thud, didn't seem to be anything special, but...
The woman was different.
Tap.
As if in defiance of the laws of gravity, the woman descended to the ground slowly and landed gently. Even the talkative dwarf could not hide his surprise at the sight, his mouth falling open.
I was in the same boat.
"Didn't expect to see a wizard here."
Wizard—the best class you could choose in Dungeon and Stone, and the only class that was worthy of the title. Wizards were treated with respect wherever they went, just for their status alone.
"Bjorn, are wizards that impressive? That librarian was a wizard, too!"
At Ainar's question, the wizard woman frowned as if displeased. Before we could get on the wizard's bad side, however, I opened my mouth.
"The librarian is a rank-nine wizard."
"Is that different?"
It was different. Very different.
While librarians were upper-class workers who worked in guilds, public institutions, or workrooms, this woman was a real wizard. The fact that she had come into the labyrinth was proof of that. Wizards were an important resource in Rafdonia, so if they didn't prove themselves capable, they weren't allowed to enter the labyrinth at all.
"I see!"
Once I was done leveling with Ainar and explaining the situation as clearly as possible, the wizard calmly joined the conversation.
"Yes, that's right. You are knowledgeable for a barbarian."
Seeing the smug smile on her lips, I could immediately tell what kind of character she was.
"Hello. My name is Arua Raven, a rank-six wizard. And this is the professional porter I hired... What was your name again?"
"It's Tarzine, Lady Raven."
So they were a duo. That wasn't too bad. She seemed to have a tendency to look down on others, but she wasn't that bad compared to other wizards. In the game, there had been scumbags a lot worse than this.
"May I ask for an introduction from all of you as well?"
"Hikurod Murad. It'll be a short adventure, but I hope we do good work together, Miss Raven."
"How experienced are you, Mr. Murad?"
"I've been an adventurer for three years."
A third-year adventurer... No wonder his equipment looked so high-quality.
"Bjorn, son of Yandel." After providing that brief introduction, I decided to just bluntly ask the question that was on my mind. "I don't see why someone like you is on the first floor. Why did you enter the rift?"
Most of the adventurers who were active on the first floor were those who didn't even have proper equipment. And so, I had expected that clearing the rift would be a tough job. But with a third-year veteran and a rank-six wizard?
I couldn't just accept this stroke of luck. Writing it off as a happy coincidence would be a foolish decision, too.
"I can't get into details, but I heard that the rift would be opening during this cycle."
"As did I."
Is this what people meant by 'gatekeeping'? Raven and the dwarf both remained tight-lipped about how exactly they got here.
Of course, it didn't really matter to me. I now had a guess as to how they had inferred when the rift would be opening.
"Ainar, second daughter of Fenelin."
As soon as everyone's introductions were done, Raven took charge of the conversation.
"The loot will be divided according to the number of people, minus Mr. Tarzine here. In exchange, will you all follow my lead?"
"I have no objections. Following a wizard's orders is the most logical thing to do in a labyrinth."
"Thank you for saying that."
When the dwarf expressed his consent, Raven's gaze turned to the two of us. I didn't have to think for long. With a wizard in the team, it wouldn't be good to stand out. After all, wizards were the ones who had first noticed the existence of evil spirits and persuaded the royal family to declare them targets of annihilation.
"Bjorn, are wizards that impressive? That librarian was a wizard, too!"
At Ainar's question, the wizard woman frowned as if displeased. Before we could get on the wizard's bad side, however, I opened my mouth.
"The librarian is a rank-nine wizard."
"Is that different?"
It was different. Very different.
While librarians were upper-class workers who worked in guilds, public institutions, or workrooms, this woman was a real wizard. The fact that she had come into the labyrinth was proof of that. Wizards were an important resource in Rafdonia, so if they didn't prove themselves capable, they weren't allowed to enter the labyrinth at all.
"I see!"
Once I was done leveling with Ainar and explaining the situation as clearly as possible, the wizard calmly joined the conversation.
"Yes, that's right. You are knowledgeable for a barbarian."
Seeing the smug smile on her lips, I could immediately tell what kind of character she was.
"Hello. My name is Arua Raven, a rank-six wizard. And this is the professional porter I hired... What was your name again?"
"It's Tarzine, Lady Raven."
So they were a duo. That wasn't too bad. She seemed to have a tendency to look down on others, but she wasn't that bad compared to other wizards. In the game, there had been scumbags a lot worse than this.
"May I ask for an introduction from all of you as well?"
"Hikurod Murad. It'll be a short adventure, but I hope we do good work together, Miss Raven."
"How experienced are you, Mr. Murad?"
"I've been an adventurer for three years."
A third-year adventurer... No wonder his equipment looked so high-quality.
"Bjorn, son of Yandel." After providing that brief introduction, I decided to just bluntly ask the question that was on my mind. "I don't see why someone like you is on the first floor. Why did you enter the rift?"
Most of the adventurers who were active on the first floor were those who didn't even have proper equipment. And so, I had expected that clearing the rift would be a tough job. But with a third-year veteran and a rank-six wizard?
I couldn't just accept this stroke of luck. Writing it off as a happy coincidence would be a foolish decision, too.
"I can't get into details, but I heard that the rift would be opening during this cycle."
"As did I."
Is this what people meant by 'gatekeeping'? Raven and the dwarf both remained tight-lipped about how exactly they got here.
Of course, it didn't really matter to me. I now had a guess as to how they had inferred when the rift would be opening.
"Ainar, second daughter of Fenelin."
As soon as everyone's introductions were done, Raven took charge of the conversation.
"The loot will be divided according to the number of people, minus Mr. Tarzine here. In exchange, will you all follow my lead?"
"I have no objections. Following a wizard's orders is the most logical thing to do in a labyrinth."
"Thank you for saying that."
When the dwarf expressed his consent, Raven's gaze turned to the two of us. I didn't have to think for long. With a wizard in the team, it wouldn't be good to stand out. After all, wizards were the ones who had first noticed the existence of evil spirits and persuaded the royal family to declare them targets of annihilation.
Shit...
Clearing the rift was no longer my main goal.
"I agree as well."
Just play nice. She may have complimented me earlier for being a knowledgeable barbarian, but that could turn into suspicion at any moment.
"I refuse."
Huh?
Everyone's eyes turned to Ainar at her headstrong declaration.
"I don't know what's so great about a wizard. I want Bjorn to lead us."
But even I already agreed! What are you doing?!
I wanted to shut her mouth right now, but if I did that, it would only look more suspicious.
"Bjorn... is this barbarian, right?" the wizard asked slowly.
"That's right. Bjorn is no ordinary barbarian!"
"What do you mean 'no ordinary barbarian?'"
"Bjorn is a wiser warrior than anyone else. He reads books in the library for six hours a day every day."
"Hmm, that's definitely unusual."
"It's not unusual, it's great! I've never seen a barbarian as smart as Bjorn!"
Shit... Please, stop...
***
Everyone gave me strange looks thanks to Ainar's praise, but the situation was thankfully brushed over as just a minor blip. They seemed to write it off as a barbarian's naiveté.
For now, at least.
"Still, it's a majority vote, so it can't be helped. Hahaha!" the dwarf laughed.
"What is a majority vote? What do you mean it can't be helped?!" Ainar demanded.
"Um..."
Sensing the atmosphere growing tense again, I calmed Ainar down. I didn't know what was making her so upset, but she was huffing and clearly dissatisfied.
"But Bjorn, you are better than that wizard!"
Could it be that the words "for a barbarian" had offended her?
I was not sure, but I was glad I had made her swear an oath in advance. Otherwise, our use of the dimensional instability phenomenon and the fact that I was the one who had opened the rift might've been revealed.
"It's a blessing to have a wife who holds you in such high regard. I envy you, barbarian! Hahaha!"
"W-Wife! I'm not a wife!"
"Hahaha. There is no need to be embarrassed!"
"Gahhh! I-I am not embarrassed!"
Anyway, thanks to the talkative dwarf, Ainar's ire was drawn elsewhere. Relieved, I took the time to study Raven's face. Despite my fears, she didn't look particularly interested in me.
"Hmm, a barrier that prevents you from going outside. Interesting. It seems to separate the dimensions, but how can we see the other side with our naked eyes?"
Should I chalk the way she was acting up to a mage's passion for knowledge? As I watched her muttering to herself while recording something in her notebook, I noticed that she seemed to be curious about the qualities of the barrier that prevented us from leaving the map. I hoped that intense curiosity would not end up fixating on me while we were working together.
"Why don't we stop all this chit-chat and start moving? I have a lot of research to do in order to retrieve the sample I need."
At Raven's words, the dwarf cocked his head. "Start moving? We still only know each other's names."
I felt the same. Every team should know what each member was capable of. No matter how quickly the team was formed, providing your teammates with a basic gist of who you were was fundamental.
However, Raven deemed that nonessential.
"Is that necessary? All the monsters from the Bloody Citadel are rank seven or lower."
Her voice was full of total confidence. The dwarf looked slightly uncomfortable at this, but he did not say anything.
...Until she added one more thing.
"Oh, I forgot to mention. I'll be taking the loot from the guardian. I need it for my independent research."
What kind of selfish bastard...
No wonder she had seemed so normal for a wizard.
God damn it.
Just as expected, things were about to get shitty again.
Shit...
Clearing the rift was no longer my main goal.
"I agree as well."
Just play nice. She may have complimented me earlier for being a knowledgeable barbarian, but that could turn into suspicion at any moment.
"I refuse."
Huh?
Everyone's eyes turned to Ainar at her headstrong declaration.
"I don't know what's so great about a wizard. I want Bjorn to lead us."
But even I already agreed! What are you doing?!
I wanted to shut her mouth right now, but if I did that, it would only look more suspicious.
"Bjorn... is this barbarian, right?" the wizard asked slowly.
"That's right. Bjorn is no ordinary barbarian!"
"What do you mean 'no ordinary barbarian?'"
"Bjorn is a wiser warrior than anyone else. He reads books in the library for six hours a day every day."
"Hmm, that's definitely unusual."
"It's not unusual, it's great! I've never seen a barbarian as smart as Bjorn!"
Shit... Please, stop...
***
Everyone gave me strange looks thanks to Ainar's praise, but the situation was thankfully brushed over as just a minor blip. They seemed to write it off as a barbarian's naiveté.
For now, at least.
"Still, it's a majority vote, so it can't be helped. Hahaha!" the dwarf laughed.
"What is a majority vote? What do you mean it can't be helped?!" Ainar demanded.
"Um..."
Sensing the atmosphere growing tense again, I calmed Ainar down. I didn't know what was making her so upset, but she was huffing and clearly dissatisfied.
"But Bjorn, you are better than that wizard!"
Could it be that the words "for a barbarian" had offended her?
I was not sure, but I was glad I had made her swear an oath in advance. Otherwise, our use of the dimensional instability phenomenon and the fact that I was the one who had opened the rift might've been revealed.
"It's a blessing to have a wife who holds you in such high regard. I envy you, barbarian! Hahaha!"
"W-Wife! I'm not a wife!"
"Hahaha. There is no need to be embarrassed!"
"Gahhh! I-I am not embarrassed!"
Anyway, thanks to the talkative dwarf, Ainar's ire was drawn elsewhere. Relieved, I took the time to study Raven's face. Despite my fears, she didn't look particularly interested in me.
"Hmm, a barrier that prevents you from going outside. Interesting. It seems to separate the dimensions, but how can we see the other side with our naked eyes?"
Should I chalk the way she was acting up to a mage's passion for knowledge? As I watched her muttering to herself while recording something in her notebook, I noticed that she seemed to be curious about the qualities of the barrier that prevented us from leaving the map. I hoped that intense curiosity would not end up fixating on me while we were working together.
"Why don't we stop all this chit-chat and start moving? I have a lot of research to do in order to retrieve the sample I need."
At Raven's words, the dwarf cocked his head. "Start moving? We still only know each other's names."
I felt the same. Every team should know what each member was capable of. No matter how quickly the team was formed, providing your teammates with a basic gist of who you were was fundamental.
However, Raven deemed that nonessential.
"Is that necessary? All the monsters from the Bloody Citadel are rank seven or lower."
Her voice was full of total confidence. The dwarf looked slightly uncomfortable at this, but he did not say anything.
...Until she added one more thing.
"Oh, I forgot to mention. I'll be taking the loot from the guardian. I need it for my independent research."
What kind of selfish bastard...
No wonder she had seemed so normal for a wizard.
God damn it.
Just as expected, things were about to get shitty again.