Master and Disciple
“Mmm.”
At some point, my eyes opened without me realizing it.
I sat up from where I lay and looked around.
Is this… another dream?
Just like when I first met Chaos, I was alone in a pure white space.
“Awake, are you?”
“Hic.”
Cancel that. Hearing a voice behind me meant I wasn’t alone this time.
“Don’t make that blank face and just turn around!”
Following the instruction, I turned to see a small Chaos.
She said she’d let me see, and now her cheeks were plump. She looked absolutely adorable.
“Wh-what are you thinking about…? I know! It’s a funny sight! What am I supposed to do when the connection still feels awkward?”
“Who said anything? Your cheeks look like rice cakes—super cute, if you ask me.”
“Ch-cheeks? Rice cakes?! How dare you say something so idiotic to me, the Chaos Dragon. Take it back!”
She stretched out her arms to grab my cheeks, but it was hopeless.
She was too small to reach.
“Grr. Ngh!”
Thud.
When Chaos tumbled over on her own, I moved the hand that had been pressing on her head and gently stroked it instead.
Pat, pat.
“…”
Stroke, stroke.
“…Hehe.”
This was healing.
She grinned and leaned her head in, then quickly stepped back as if she couldn’t keep this up.
“Th-this isn’t it. Stop it!”
Chaos placed her hands on her hips and sighed.
“Sigh. I was going to praise you since you worked hard, but being with you in this tiny form makes me feel like an idiot.”
“I already feel better than any verbal praise could give me.”
“Ugh, fine. Even if this isn’t my real form, if you like it, then that’s that.”
With an “oh well” attitude, Chaos flopped down on her back.
Until I woke from the dream, I spent the time thoroughly doting on her cuteness.
Chaos says let’s start the day energetically today as well.
“Haha, of course. Thanks to someone, I’m overflowing with energy.”
Chaos puffs out her cheeks and tells you not to tease her.
Smiling, I shook my head and cleared my mind.
First, let’s wash up and eat.
Click.
After a refreshing wash, I opened the door and went downstairs.
“Up already?”
Rotten, who had been sitting at the counter reading something like a newspaper, called out.
“Yes. You’re up early too, Mr. Rotten?”
“They say old folks need less sleep, don’t they? I’m still in good shape, but I’ve got to keep busy.”
Rotten let out a hearty laugh, his wrinkled face creasing further.
I responded in kind, exchanged some casual words, then sat at a table and ordered food.
Are the other two still asleep?
I’d be heading to the knights’ order later to see Ivelin’s face and talk about various things, so I organized what I wanted to say in my head.
According to Berkel, that weapon Master showed last time—she got it after taking down an apostle on the 15th floor, right?
That meant she wasn’t necessarily hostile to every returnee or apostle.
When she mentioned my game name right after I returned, it was probably to check whether I was a servant of an evil god.
Chaos, I’m asking just in case—though I don’t think so—but Seres isn’t an evil god, is she?
Chaos tells you not to worry. The Goddess of Chaos is a neutral deity, so there won’t be any issues.
That was a relief.
“Hwaaam. Did you sleep well last night, Aren?”
“Yeah. Slept soundly for the first time in a while.”
“Hee, same here. It really is different from sleeping inside the Labyrinth. I felt it all over again.”
While I was still sorting through my thoughts, Yeriel came down and spoke to me. She must have slept well.
Was Lumia still asleep? Cats sleep a lot, so maybe it was the same for beastkin.
Thud.
Rotten set the food down on the table.
A steaming stew filled with meat.
Thick sausages scored with cuts, fragrant rye bread, and warm milk to soothe the stomach—my mouth watered.
“Sorry I’m a bit late.”
“Late? You came down at just the right time. Let’s eat first, then talk about what we’re doing today.”
Before long, Lumia came down as well.
The three of us ate together.
Clack.
Everyone finished breakfast.
“Phew, that was good.”
We began discussing our respective destinations.
“I’m planning to head over to the 3rd District and visit the Silver Cross Knights. I have some things to discuss with Master. What about you two?”
Even as a party, everyone had their own tasks and circumstances.
We can’t stay glued together until the next Labyrinth opens, after all.
“Since it’s nearby anyway, I’ll stop by the cathedral first, then go see my sister.”
Yeriel shook her head.
“If I go to her first, I’ll be stuck in her office all day. She still thinks I’m a ten-year-old kid.”
She really did dote on her quite a bit.
“I’m not going anywhere. I’ll study magic books on my own. The backyard is big, so I can practice black magic there too.”
Lumia said she’d stay at the inn. I couldn’t blame her, but still…
“Want to come with me? Since Master is the commander, if you stay by my side and I explain that your curse loses effect because of your trait, you might get some uncomfortable looks, but you should be able to stay.”
“No. If I’m inside the building, people will definitely talk. Even if they hold back their complaints, something awkward might happen.”
Looking at Lumia saying that, I realized there was nothing I could do for now.
Damn it. I need to keep getting stronger and building my reputation so that more people know Lumia’s curse disappears when she’s with me.
Or find a way to completely lift the curse.
Or obtain some artifact that hides beastkin features or changes hair color entirely.
One way or another, I wanted to truly free her from the God of Darkness someday.
My heart felt heavy, but I didn’t show it on my face.
“Then let’s each take care of our business and meet again in the evening.”
Seeing them nod, I went upstairs, got ready, and headed to the carriage station.
***
I arrived.
Since everyone in the knights’ order knew I was Ivelin’s disciple, I exchanged nods with the guards at the main gate and went inside.
Huh?
“Commander. Over there…”
“Hm? Oh! My disciple is here. How far did you go in the Labyrinth? Any injuries?”
Before I even reached the office, what I saw while walking was—
Instead of her usual lightly worn armor with the exposed chest, Ivelin was clad in thick armor, looking every bit the noble knight commander.
“Look at that face. Hahaha, surprised by the armor? I had to make a quick trip to the 1st District, and it wasn’t the kind of situation where I could go lightly dressed.”
Ivelin pointed at herself with her thumb.
“How is it? Look different from usual?”
“Commander, your dignity…”
“What does it matter? My dear disciple formed a party and just returned from his first Labyrinth expedition. You and I both had times like that, didn’t we?”
She laughed brightly.
Kane closed his mouth as if this was normal.
Ivelin approached me and pulled me toward the office.
Click.
Once the office door closed and it was just the two of us, I spoke up.
“Master. Before we catch up, there’s something important I need to tell you.”
“Hm? …What? Why are you making such a serious face? What exactly are you trying to say?”
At her words, I unconsciously touched my face.
I’d already thought everything through before coming. I shouldn’t look so tense.
I moved my lips, then spoke in one go.
“Actually, I’m a returnee. I’m not from this world. To be precise, I got caught up in someone else’s return…”
“…Hmm, is that so? That’s not all, is it?”
“Excuse me?”
Her reaction was strange.
Shouldn’t she at least be surprised for a few seconds?
Even when I tested her reaction by mentioning my game name, and after that, I thought I’d been careful… Did she already suspect? Or does she just not care?
Seeing no trace of surprise on her face, I completely forgot what I was supposed to say next.
“From the look on your face, it seems there’s more you need to say. Why don’t you tell me everything you planned to say today?”
Following her words to take a deep breath and speak, I began to open my mouth while racking my now-pale brain.
***
I spent a long time explaining everything from start to finish.
My life turning around on Earth. Then getting caught up in Isaac’s return and encountering a goddess.
Falling naked on the 3rd floor, joining a party, and escaping.
The moment I decided to start fresh, I met my enemy.
Tracking him down and killing him, then subjugating floor guardians afterward, and even meeting the Adventurers’ Guildmaster one-on-one.
“So not only are you a returnee, but you’re also an apostle who inherited a god’s power strongly, like Starlight Stella or Strongheart Daemon? Hmmm.”
Ivelin crossed her arms and made a nasal sound.
“No wonder your traits were so outstanding, separate from your talent.”
She nodded.
“Unless you’re a special returnee, cases like this usually mean the person was born special from the start and received many gifts regardless of origin.”
Or—
“If they weren’t born into the upper echelons of society and received all kinds of support, it’s rare for someone to stand out from the very beginning like you.”
She pointed upward with her index finger.
“For example, nobles, royalty, high elves, or the child of some beastkin alliance’s great chieftain? Those kinds of kids rise up from the start.”
It was inevitable that those who had more would find it easier to become strong.
The starting line was completely different, after all.
After finishing her words, Ivelin fell silent for a moment, as if deep in thought.
Why is she quiet? This is making me nervous.
Suddenly, a cold and sharp aura spread from her, beginning to dominate the office.
“Let me ask you one thing.”
“Yes. Ask me anything.”
“You said you’re the apostle of the Goddess of Chaos, a neutral god.”
I nodded.
“Then, what if some group learns you’re an apostle and invites you into their fold?”
Invites me?
“In exchange for making you stronger in a short time through their Labyrinth know-how and full support, you’d have to cut all ties you’ve made so far and live under the new identity they provide. Would you do it?”
I answered immediately.
“No. That won’t happen.”
“Even though you could become much stronger than now? If they make you strong, you’d quickly get your hands on the wealth you’ve missed out on too.”
She made a gesture as if grabbing something.
“That would fulfill everything you wanted after falling here, wouldn’t it? Right? Besides, compared to other returnees, your knowledge of this place is significantly lacking. It’s an opportunity to walk an easy path.”
“…Why are you testing me? Even if that were the case, my answer wouldn’t change.”
Was she talking about one of the groups mentioned in the book left by the apostle of the Goddess of Wisdom, Nefty, in the library?
After hearing everything, did she think I was the type to fall for sweet temptations?
“I am someone who, when abandoned by others or when abandoning others, gets blinded by it.”
I looked Ivelin straight in the eyes.
“Joining someone’s group would make me stronger and wealthier? I’m confident I can become a strong and wealthy adventurer on my own power someday, without doing anything like that.”
Cut all ties and live under a new identity someone else decided? What, become their hunting dog?
“Because I’m from another world and missed my chance at a life reversal there, do I look like someone thirstier for success, so you’re testing me?”
If not that—
“Or because other people are game veterans who know the Great Labyrinth and the city inside out… while I know nothing, so you think I’d want valuable information or something?”
I let out a deep sigh.
“I’ve already promised to move forward with the two of them. Once I’ve made that vow, it won’t break even if I die.”
Damn it. My mouth tasted bitter.
“I know. It’s only been less than a month since you started watching over me and formed a connection. There must be a reason you’re asking like this. …I understand, but it still feels bitter.”
“No! It’s not because I don’t trust you.”
Ivelin firmly shook her head and began speaking urgently.
“In reality, that unpleasant woman in the 1st District has used her subordinates to secretly recruit promising returnees and turn them into blades she can use. It’s happened several times.”
Unpleasant woman?
“Returnees eventually show signs no matter how much they hide it while exploring the Labyrinth. She secretly contacts those who look like they’ll grow strong and makes them big offers.”
She smacked her forehead.
“If they accept the offer? First, she makes them personally kill their own party members as a test. Then she erases their records, gives them a new identity, and starts raising them.”
A returnee who used to be a modern person—
Made to personally kill every member of the party they belonged to?
There were bastards who did that. Not even psychopaths.
…Fuck. Someone like Isaac would’ve done it without hesitation.
“There was a chance Yeriel could get caught up and die, so I had no choice but to make sure.”
The book left in the library as some kind of arrangement hadn’t described it this explicitly. This was driving me crazy.
“It was a matter involving your one remaining family member, so I interrogated you like a threat. I’m truly sorry. I shouldn’t have done that as your master… Can you understand?”
Whew.
“I trust Ivelin. You must have had your reasons. It’s fine, so please lift your head. If someone sees this, I’ll get stabbed with a sword.”
The fact that Ivelin, a deep-floor adventurer, was bowing her head to me was already a huge concession, wasn’t it?
After experiencing the Labyrinth properly, I couldn’t even imagine how strong Ivelin actually was.
“Not drawing your sword and just talking is already something. So, from now on, the two of us are a tight master-disciple pair?”
“…Yeah. No matter what anyone says, regardless of Yeriel, you’re my disciple!”
She smiled brightly and pointed at me.
“Aren, take out the greatsword you got from the Guildmaster! I’ll train you so you can use it on your next Labyrinth expedition!”
…?
“Hurry! It’s been a while since I’ve had a proper conversation with my body!”
Was this the right flow?
For now, I took out the greatsword.