Chapter 103
Chapter 103
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 103
Chapter Title: Sorcery Unseen
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Hwan-in headed straight to a weapon shop and armor shop in the general district.
It was to pick up the mid-iron greatsword he'd commissioned while Isilite was receiving maid training, along with the armor for the labyrinth.
Ssa had tipped him off that both places offered good quality for the price. The armor shop in particular made and sold leather armor from beast hides, so he could get decent gear on the cheap.
The weapon was similar in shape to the greatsword Isilite had used.
But the length was completely different.
Her previous one had been a 1.8-meter broadsword-style greatsword. This new one had a hilt alone that was 50 cm long, and with the blade added, it measured 2.3 meters total. The blade was 20 cm wide and 5 cm thick—a mid-iron heavy greatsword designed for strength-focused swordmasters.
The armor was a bestseller: a leather set with chain mail padding inside to boost defense, made from rank-3 beast hide for even higher protection.
"That's 5 ten-silver bars."
Nearly 50 million won. The mid-iron greatsword had also cost 5 ten-silver bars, so just Isilite's gear had run her a full gold coin.
"I'll treasure it. Thank you, Master."
Isilite bowed deeply, cradling the greatsword that was even bigger than she was.
"No need to baby it. I'll buy you something better once your skills improve, so don't skip training."
"Yes, sir."
After that, they bought supplies for the labyrinth.
A blanket, lantern, oil, canteen, and hardtack. They'd already gotten gear maintenance tools, so those were skipped. Clean bandages, hemostatic agents, sewing kits, and so on.
Normally they'd need bags for gathered byproducts too, but this was the young lady's labyrinth expedition without porters, so they skipped those.
Next, Hwan-in visited the temple. He made a small donation and bought 4 each of low- and mid-grade universal antidotes, disease cures, and healing potions.
"Would you like a potion case too?"
"I'll take one."
And even a potion case that perfectly protected contents from rock-shattering impacts.
"Antidotes, curatives, and healers are the most expensive..."
"They're spare lives, basically."
He'd spent 3 silver on high-quality labyrinth essentials overall. Just the 4 each of thumb-sized antidotes, curatives, and healers had cost 1 gold and 32 silver. The potion case alone was 5 ten-silver bars.
Healing potions came in four grades: low, mid, high, and top.
Low-grade cost 1 silver, mid-grade 10 silver, high-grade 1 gold, top-grade 30 gold.
A low-grade healed broken bones to a mere fracture over a few hours.
It could even mend gashes deep enough to expose bone—to the point where surgical stitching was feasible—if combined with external procedures.
Mid-grade reduced broken bones to a somewhat serious bruise in 10-30 minutes. High-grade did the same in about a minute, down to a light bruise.
Top-grade instantly healed severed limbs or guts-spilling wounds, leaving only scars. It was as good as carrying a spare life.
But top-grade were incredibly hard to make and produced in tiny quantities, so tiger tribes snapped them up as soon as they hit the market.
"Looks like the only way is to recruit a holy arts user as a companion. Master, what if we look for a freshly awakened one?"
"Hm."
Once awakened as a holy arts user, a life of comfort was all but guaranteed. No reason to risk the labyrinth.
Still, high-rank labyrinths pretty much required one.
Temples could dispatch them, but even low-grade holy arts users charged gold per labyrinth run.
Plus, whether a party had one—and how skilled they were—determined if they could challenge rank-5 or higher. It was make-or-break for a party's survival.
Thinking long-term, parties had to secure someone who could heal wounds, diseases, and poisons somehow.
Or go all-in on potions.
But potions lost effect with overuse, and potion addiction brought withdrawal symptoms.
Either way, it was life on the line.
"I learned in vocational basics that rank-5+ parties scout and raise them into full members."
"Practically indentured servitude."
Tying down clueless fledgling holy arts users with shady contracts. Of course, their rarity meant no outright slave terms.
'Tempting offer, though.'
Tempting, but given his situation, he couldn't afford to make enemies.
Isilite's innocent face screamed she was debating whether to press it, so Hwan-in cut her off.
"No."
"B-but I didn't say anything!"
"Forgot? Your face shows every thought."
"Urk."
"I'm not recruiting companions through shady half-illegal means. Drop it."
"Yes... Ah, anyway, that's 3 gold spent. Not much money left now, so I'll work hard!"
"I'll handle your living expenses as your master. Focus on your duties, not money."
"Yes, sir!"
"..."
Hwan-in still couldn't get used to Isilite's resolute reply.
Back in their room, she spotted the emergency rations sprawled on the bed and poked at it playfully.
"Emergency Rations~ Long time no see?"
Kue? Kue!
The emergency rations—annoyed at this stranger poking it—pecked at her hand to back off.
"Ow, what? Forgot me already? It's me, me. Isilite."
...Kuek?!
'She's even startling Emergency Rations.'
As it inspected her up and down in genuine shock, Hwan-in narrowed his eyes at Isilite's back.
Before, she'd have sprawled out legs akimbo. Now she knelt primly like a lady, playing with it.
Her neatly tied ponytail swayed, momentarily stealing his gaze. Hwan-in grabbed the contract with Baekryeogang and told her,
"We're meeting the client now. You're in charge of Emergency Rations from here on."
"Yes. Come here, Emergency Rations."
Seeing her take "in charge" as "pet," Hwan-in clarified.
"While you were gone, the Bloodhide Clan's legit front—the Lianarin Merchant Guild—had eyes on Emergency Rations. Might happen again, so keep it safe."
"Ah... Got it!"
"And this is for you."
He handed over the dagger belt and throwing knives, grabbing only his stone axe before leaving the hotel. Isilite quickly belted on the daggers, tucked Emergency Rations in her bosom, and hurried after her.
"Master, what kind of request is it?"
'She's really changed. Before, she'd fixate on my new stone axe.'
She glanced at it occasionally now, but prioritized the request. She knew her place.
"You're clueless about this world, Master. I'm worried you got scammed."
"...You're not the only one who studied at the institute."
"Huh?! You went too?!"
"......I mean I studied basics and daily knowledge outside."
"Oh."
Yeah, that made sense. No one changes completely in 40 days.
To avoid slip-ups with Baekryeogang, he summarized the key points.
"...So, guard that lady for up to 15 days."
"No light reaches the labyrinth, and rank-3s are the strongest there... Easy for you, Master. 10 gold fee, though—she must be loaded."
"Yes. One more thing: no rudeness to the client. She's hiding her status, but she's at least tiger tribe. Don't pry or act out of line."
"Understood."
Even as she marveled, Isilite blinked and asked,
"Why would a tiger tribe lady come here for the labyrinth?"
"Probably has fantasies about it. We're here—watch your mouth."
"Yes, sir."
At Glahels Hotel, they told the lobby staff they were visiting. Soon Resim came down personally to greet Hwan-in.
"Welcome, we've been waiting. Who's the lady?"
"The maid I mentioned."
"Ah, so this is her. Hwan-in told me about you. I'm Resim."
"Isilite."
Resim offered a handshake, but Isilite politely bowed instead.
Resim awkwardly withdrew his hand, inwardly thrilled.
He'd had low expectations for a "maid," but this? A rank-3 warrior aura, and she looked every bit the refined lady from a minor noble house.
More than enough as the lady's dedicated guard.
Inside the room, Baekryeogang waited in the parlor and greeted Hwan-in and Isilite.
Hwan-in was used to her looks by now, but Isilite froze—even from the side—at the sight.
After greetings, Baekryeogang smiled faintly.
"I see why Hwan-in said to wait."
"She's a pro, but still green in spots. Plenty to teach her, so forgive any slips."
"Oh? I figured Isilite had fine martial skills too."
Resim's startled slip drew a quiet headshake from Isilite.
"I'm nowhere near Master's toes. I'll do my utmost to protect the lady without tarnishing his honor."
"N-no, I didn't mean... Sorry. Yes, please take care of us."
Resim apologized awkwardly for the unintended rudeness, but neither Hwan-in nor Isilite minded.
"Isilite? Shall we chat over there a bit?"
"......"
Isilite glanced troubledly at Hwan-in as Baekryeogang took her hand. He nodded permission.
Leaving Isilite with her, Hwan-in went over labyrinth entry prep with Resim.
"This is the daily magic tool kit for the labyrinth. Here's the potion set. These should handle most issues."
Resim showed "daily magic tools": folded paper, small rods, a boxy trunk packed with neatly folded iron bars and plates.
Hwan-in, light on magic tool knowledge, nodded along.
Theirs was ready regardless, and skimping would hurt Baekryeogang—so Resim had prepped carefully.
Hwan-in closely checked the large, sturdy potion case—bigger and tougher than his temple one.
It held 100 thumb-sized vials: 10 each of low-, mid-, and high-grade healers, antidotes, and curatives per type. Plus 10 vials of strange blue potion.
"Dimensional force boosters."
"Yes. Just in case."
They relieved occupational mental fatigue. Low-grade ran 1 gold per vial; high-grade, 50. Times 10, plus 30 each of other grades—total 100 vials worth over 200 gold. A treasure chest.
"Since we can't hire a holy arts user."
"Good thinking. Better to have them and not need than vice versa—labyrinths surprise you."
He closed the case and handed it back.
"Now, roles in the labyrinth. Baekryeogang in the center, naturally. I'll take vanguard, Isilite rearguard, Resim guards Baekryeogang. Sound good?"
"Perfect from my side."
Baekryeogang was a rank-3 wind arts user, but as protectee, no frontline for her.
As Isilite and Baekryeogang chatted, the latter chimed in on hearing the formation.
"Shouldn't Resim be ahead of Hwan-in?"
Objectively, it looked off: non-pro upfront, rank-4 swordmaster mid, rank-3 rear.
Pure concern for Hwan-in, but Resim gave a wry smile and shook his head.
"Grateful for your faith, miss, but if Hwan-in gets serious, I couldn't handle him."
"...That strong?"
"No perfect formation—each has pros and cons. This avoids unease between us. Resim's skill lets him support either flank easily."
Logically, Hwan-in mid guarding Baekryeogang while covering both ends was safest.
But handing her guard to another would worry Resim. Hwan-in had accounted for that.
Baekryeogang hid her surprise at realizing it.
Resim: trained relentlessly for labyrinth adventures since childhood, superb teacher, top among peers post-awakening. Late teens, rank-4 talent, skills respected by rank-5 warriors.
For him to say that, plus Hwan-in's refined education traces...
If her thoughts were right, he was...
'...What kind of man is Hwan-in?'
Curiosity stirred in Baekryeogang.
Meanwhile, Hwan-in and Resim neared the end of prep checks.
"Hwan-in, this is the full map of the Lightless Labyrinth."
"More detailed than expected. Reliable?"
"Sold directly by garrison soldiers at the outpost. Checked others—all identical."
"Then our route would be like this..."
"Why not rush to lower floors...?"
"Experience over breakthrough..."
Baekryeogang watched them pore over the 50-million-won map and xenobeast lists, plotting the expedition. She turned to the woman opposite.
Introduced as a maid, Isilite radiated healthy freshness—like a fine house's young lady. Plus an innocence she'd never sensed at salons or gatherings.
Not even an hour together, but Baekryeogang already loved her purity. Softly, careful not to offend,
"First time seeing Resim praise anyone so openly. Just how strong is Hwan-in?"
Isilite pondered her answer.
Master slaying an Urger was public knowledge with a little digging. And this woman was the 10-gold client.
With the party formed, sharing for his honor and trust was fine, right?
She answered honestly.
"Incredibly strong. Miss, heard about the overflow nearby?"
"Yes. Shortly after arriving in Wayford, a rank-6 labyrinth blew... Wait, really?"
"Master took down the Urger that came out—mostly solo."
"My word."
Shocked, but honestly, Baekryeogang didn't believe it.
Couldn't was more accurate.
Beating rank-5 pros in martial arts was one thing; hunting rank-5 mutants, another.
Occupational bodies were tough because they channeled dimensional force outward for offense and defense.
Monsters and xenobeasts did too. But monsters had tougher flesh, so same-rank monsters outranked pros.
Xenobeasts differed from external breeders.
Labyrinths deliberately infused them with dimensional force—unlike normal monsters.
Thus more force, thus stronger than wild counterparts universally.
Consensus: non-pros with normal gear couldn't 1v1 rank-2+ labyrinth monsters.
Heroic weapons changed that, but Urger? Quintessential rank-5. A mutant? Even more force.
Standard: minimum 3 rank-5 pros, casualties expected, to hunt one.
Solo? Anyone knowing xenobeasts and mutants would scoff.
Isilite swelled with pride at Baekryeogang's shock.
Truth was, his greatness went beyond that—but still.
Hwan-in finished the entry, schedule, and route with Resim and stood.
"I have the entry permit, so no worries there. Dawn at 5 AM, west gate."
"Yes. We'll be on time. Please take care."
"We'll guard the lady with our lives. Likewise."