Chapter 108
Chapter 108
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 108
Chapter Title: Instinct Against Reason
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"It's small. Probably Grade 2."
"How much would something like this go for?"
While Reshim gave Isilite a simple answer of "Around 13 silver coins," Hwan-in stared intently at the Aura Stone in her hand.
'Bloodstone... It's definitely the same material as that pearl-colored stone.'
Hwan-in was aware of Aura Stones.
Aura Stones.
They were a type of material with a certain level of hardness found inside monsters' bodies, serving as an energy source used across a vast array of fields, much like electricity on Earth.
Source material and energy supplements for magic tools and artifacts; when processed and attached to weapons or armor, they could trigger special effects.
They were also used in potions and pharmaceuticals, and if ground up with special techniques and scattered like fertilizer, they could boost productivity in the area.
This was knowledge he'd picked up from Ssa's explanations and basic common sense lessons in Wayford, though he hadn't paid it much mind back then. Learning general knowledge had taken priority over specialized topics like Aura Stones.
So this was the first time Hwan-in had seen one in person. And its form matched the pearl-colored and blood-colored stones he possessed.
"......"
Hwan-in took the Aura Stone from Isilite, narrowing her eyes as he examined the vivid green crystal. Then he removed his glove and gripped the blue one bare-handed.
Zzt— A tingling sensation spread across his skin, as if the warmth inside his body had been stimulated, accompanied by a slightly slick feeling.
A bizarre sensation, like having applied body oil.
He clenched and unclenched his fist, touched his skin—nothing slippery. Just normal skin. Yet the slipperiness, as if coating his skin, persisted.
He couldn't tell what effect this green Aura Stone had, but Hwan-in was now certain that his pearl-colored and blood-colored stones were Aura Stones.
'Egg-sized Aura Stones range from dozens to hundreds of gold coins depending on the effect.'
The land seal that had given him the pearl-colored stone. The Bartul that had dropped the bloodstone.
Having realized that a creature's strength wasn't tied to its Aura Stone's grade, Hwan-in muttered softly.
"It's like a sarira of sorts."
"Pardon?"
Hwan-in met the gaze of Isilite, who had turned to look at her.
Before fighting the Urger, he'd tried to show the bloodstone to Ssa, but Isilite had shaken her head vigorously with a fake cough, telling her not to.
As he handed the Aura Stone back to her and gave her a meaningful look, Isilite blinked and tilted her head slightly.
She glanced at the Aura Stone, then back at him, but seemed not to get it, merely blinking in confusion.
"......"
Insight had nothing to do with knowledge. It was a stat honed solely through experience, so Hwan-in understood her reaction.
And as the party began moving, he pulled Isilite aside and quietly asked.
"You knew what it was back then, didn't you?"
As he spoke while touching the bloodstone hidden inside his gray leather armor, her eyes widened in realization, and she nodded.
"Yes. I knew you trusted Ssa, Master, but I thought it best to keep it hidden anyway."
Then she leaned in and whispered in his ear.
"Blood Aura Stones have effects mostly related to life force, so they're incredibly expensive. Something that size would be outrageously pricey, so keep it well hidden and don't show it to anyone."
"......Got it."
Sending Isilite back to the group, Hwan-in watched her retreating figure with renewed appreciation.
"Incredibly expensive" meant at least gold coin territory.
Now that his eyes were opened to this world's values to some extent, Hwan-in could grasp it.
The bloodstone, which he'd thought only granted minor fatigue relief and natural recovery boosts, was something any wealthy person would covet.
And Isilite, with her thief background, had likely spotted its value back at the Rehil Village inn.
That day in the room, alone with her, he'd been lightly dressed enough for the bloodstone to peek out from his clothes.
'Indeed. Her attitude changed starting that day.'
"Isilite. Raising a rare green Kue to use as a pack carrier for labyrinth exploration seems a bit... unproductive, doesn't it?"
"It might sound presumptuous, but you'll become a great adventurer or explorer, Master. Someone like that wouldn't look out of place with a green Kue as a carrier."
"I agree, but... what if you lose it in the labyrinth? That would break my heart."
"They say life and death are separated by a single sheet of paper, right? Who knows when death might come, so rather than keeping it far away and cherishing it from afar, better to keep it close, make more memories... Of course, the decision is yours, Master."
Watching Isilite whisper with Baekryeogang up ahead, a wry smile bubbled up inside her.
At least back on Earth, he hadn't trusted people. He'd believed humans would betray you the moment big gains appeared.
Better not to waste emotions on betrayal from those you trusted; easier to trust no one.
'It's been about half a year since I fell into this world.'
If he were the Earth version of himself, the moment Isilite blocked her path as a thief, her potential as a connection would have dropped to zero.
Without Ssa, conflict would have erupted, and like those human scraps on the third floor today, he'd have slaughtered her and the rest.
But coincidences piled up, leading their relationship here.
'I've changed a lot too.'
Pfft. He laughed out loud.
'Might as well trust Isilite from now on. At least until she betrays me.'
The party pressed on through the labyrinth without issue.
Descending to the seventh floor, they surveyed the vast cave—stadium-sized—and hunted the heteromorphs, monster centipedes, monster spiders, shriekers, and gelatin cubes they encountered, while marveling at the labyrinth-exclusive environments unseen outside, fully enjoying the thrill of exploration.
Of course, that was just Reshim, Baekryeogang, and Isilite; Hwan-in focused more on the heteromorphs.
'To taste the thrill of battle, I'll need at least a Grade 5 labyrinth.'
If Urgers came in groups of three or four...
Just thinking about it sent shivers of excitement.
"We should start looking for a campsite soon."
While exploring the seventh floor, avoiding faintly lit areas to prevent disputes, Reshim noted the dimming light rod.
"Does the light weaken as the energy runs low?"
"Yes. This brand lasts about 17 hours per charge, starting to fade gradually after three hours remain. We've been in for 14 hours, so it's night outside by now."
Consulting the map, they found a suitably enclosed passage and began setting up camp.
"Baekryeogang and Reshim take first watch, I'll take middle, Isilite last."
"Are you sure that's alright?"
Reshim, knowing Hwan-in was the only non-jobholder, voiced slight concern.
Jobholders had the edge in stamina, after all.
"I have military service experience, so night watches are familiar."
"Ah, I see. Understood. Tomorrow, I'll take middle, the ladies last, and you first watch."
With the watch rotation settled simply, Reshim pulled tools from his subspatial pouch and set them on the ground.
One was a magic tool that slightly accelerated fatigue recovery for people and animals within a 7-meter radius.
'That one's over 50 gold coins.'
Another went under the sleeping bag, emitting cozy warmth for comfortable sleep.
'High-end with temperature control too. Around 7 gold each, I think.'
The last neutralized odors—a deodorizing magic tool.
'Remember that being 12 gold.'
"I brought a tent, but it doesn't suit an underground labyrinth, so no need. Is that alright, miss?"
"Yes, this sleeping bag is plenty."
Hwan-in recognized that sleeping bag too, from the Enchantment Association's direct magic shop. Top-grade camping gear with fatigue recovery, temperature regulation, moisturizing, and insulation.
Priced horrendously high at around 38 gold due to the recovery effect.
Looking at Reshim and Baekryeogang, who made no effort to hide their wealth, Hwan-in smirked inwardly.
If he'd brought any other jobholder, problems would have arisen for sure.
Baekryeogang, stunning enough to turn heads on the street multiple times. And camping magic tools totaling hundreds of gold.
"Wow, the smell's really gone."
Turning at Isilite's exclamation, Hwan-in saw her cooking on three hot plates: one pot, two pans.
"You'll smell it up close."
"Mm. Home-use magic tool modded for labyrinth delving? Must be pricey."
"W-well? I grabbed it from the family warehouse, so... I don't know the price."
"At least 10 gold each, I'd bet. Be careful, Reshim."
"Pardon? What about?"
"All the magic tools you've pulled out look insanely expensive. A normal person might get greedy."
"Ah."
Reshim let out a dazed sound, finally realizing.
"Of course, our Master isn't like that, so no worries. But with others, better keep them hidden."
"Haha......"
Dinner was Isilite showing off her skills (ingredients and spices from Baekryeogang's pouch): well-grilled mushroomman skewers, potage with white bread chunks, stir-fried meat and veggies. Baekryeogang, Reshim, and even Hwan-in enjoyed it thoroughly.
After a brief rest, before proper sleep, Reshim spoke seriously.
"The deodorizing tool will keep scent-attracted heteromorphs away, but wanderers like roamers might stumble close by chance, so wake the whole party at any anomaly."
Hwan-in had spent dozens of nights in forest labyrinths but played along without showing it.
Thus, they passed their first night in the labyrinth without incident, packed up camp.
"Waking up to pitch black messes with my body clock."
"Feels mentally draining."
"Hot soup for breakfast will perk you up."
Breakfast: clear soup with veggie stock, topped with thread-thin mushroomman shreds, and fluffy wheat bread from Baekryeogang's pouch.
"Hot soup really wakes the mind. Thanks, Isilite."
"Thank you, Isilite. Great breakfast thanks to you. But..."
Amazed as Hwan-in polished off two bowls of soup, three breads, and jerky, Baekryeogang turned to Isilite, eyes widening.
Isilite was gnawing a huge jerky chunk too.
"H-Hwan-in. May I have a bit too...?"
Reshim eyed Baekryeogang while asking Hwan-in for jerky.
Eating like that for breakfast shocked and worried pure Baekryeogang, so she voiced concern watching them.
"Eating breakfast that heavy might..."
"Mm. Warriors need hearty meals for strength, miss."
"I-is that so?"
"Yes."
Even so, it seemed too much, but since they seemed fine, she held her tongue, not wanting to overstep.
Descending to the eighth floor—village-sized—they scoured it, mining points for "Lightless Labyrinth" specialties like shadow crystals, gathering tiny labyrinth moss from corners, peeking at small labyrinth fish in wall-pooled drips.
Time spent fighting intermittent heteromorphs meant a full day traversing the village-sized cave.
Day three began on the ninth floor.
No real difference from seven or eight, barring scarce Grade 1 heteromorphs, but Reshim, Baekryeogang, and Isilite were hooked on exploration, unconcerned.
To internet-knowing Hwan-in, the Lightless Labyrinth lacked thrills, boring. But for Reshim, Baekryeogang, and Isilite, raised in a world withoutstimulating entertainment, it was pure adventure.
Hwan-in felt bored inside but escorted perfectly outside.
10 gold for days of labyrinth escort? Boredom bought off by coin.
While guarding Reshim and Baekryeogang exploring every nook of the ninth, the party faced over 40 large, medium, small monster centipedes in a 40m-wide clearing.
"Uh......"
"The floor's weird."
The others mistook the black floor for writhing life at first. So when the light-excited centipede swarm charged, they froze.
"......!?"
"Hah...!"
Those who know know how fast centipedes are.
At 60cm, 1.9m, 4.7m, they outpace normals. Dozens writhing with thousands of legs and glossy bodies—grotesque enough for massive revulsion.
Hwan-in instantly assessed the party.
Baekryeogang, needed for AoE, froze from feminine delicacy.
Reshim, trained, grimaced and raised shield but faltered from numbers and surprise, movements stiff.
Only Isilite prepped sweeping greatsword swing...
'No good.'
Reshim's frontline position suboptimal; Hwan-in saw she'd lack full power.
He tapped Isilite's shoulder, passing her.
"Isilite. Fall back with Baekryeogang and protect her."
"Yes!"
Isilite wrapped an arm around Baekryeogang's waist, hugging and leaping back as Hwan-in advanced spear-ready.
Shooooosh...
"Come on, you bastards! Here!!"
Clang clang clang!
A beat late but recovered, Reshim banged his sword hilt on shield, drawing centipede eyes.
"Reshim, make space."
Hearing Hwan-in, he pulled ~13 aggroed centipedes aside.
Alerted by Reshim's sharp noise, Baekryeogang raised staff—but gaped at the scene ahead.
"My god."
Each Black Spear swing cleaved 2-3 monster centipedes.
As if they charged to be sliced by Hwan-in's spear.
Moth-to-flame suicidal rushes shocking, but Hwan-in's calm motions more so—like a stroll.
Baekryeogang, who'd seen family spear warriors train, knew their vigorous power.
But him? Casual. I could do that.
Kishishish!
Suddenly, 5m mega-centipede reared to strike; startled, she flinched, blinked—and.
'...When did he move there?'
In one blink, Hwan-in five steps right; mega-centipede segments severed midair, spilling.
Battle didn't last.
Over 30 big/small centipedes failed to breach Hwan-in-wall, all diced; he stood spear vertical, watching Reshim vs. his ~13.
Casual, un-battled look.
Baekryeogang finally got why Reshim hired him for 10 gold, spoke deferentially.
And believed Isilite's words somewhat.
The truly strong don't look it; extraordinary seem ordinary.
"Miss!"
Centipede-fluid-drenched Reshim rushed, checked Baekryeogang.
"You alright? Hurt?"
"Hwan-in blocked them all, Isilite protected me. I'm fine."
Relieved sigh; turning to Hwan-in, Reshim's eyes widened.
Dozens of centipedes dead near a neat line, like drawn.
Hmm, Reshim grunted inwardly, thanking Hwan-in.
"Without you, disaster. Never thought ~40 centipedes clustered."
Large centipede monsters: Grade 3 heteromorphs. Four interspersed. Over ten Grade 2 mediums.
Normal party? Wipe.
"Just doing my escort job."
Hwan-in downplayed, but Baekryeogang and Reshim knew better.
"S-sorry... I was inept, couldn't help."
"I should have drawn eyes frontline but froze, missing prime time. Sorry..."
"That's why I'm here—for such situations. Won't happen twice if you're careful, but awareness slowing hands isn't good. Chin up."
"Yes......"
"Understood."
Topic winding down, Isilite chimed in.
"Master. Monster room, right?"
"Likely. 44 clustered; definite."
"Wow. Large Grade 3s, four on ninth. Other parties? Casualties even if survived."
"Depends on comp. From eighth, few other parties. Expect more monster... heteromorph rooms ahead. Scout carefully."
"Noted."
"Yes."
Isilite gloved up, prodded centipede corpses with dagger and stick.
"Ah, emergency rations! Gooey, gooey!"
Kuet? Ku~!
"It's fine. Smart enough to know edible from not."
"But..."
"Upset stomach? Treatable. One scolding, won't touch junk again."
"Mm. If you say so, Master."
"More importantly, see this? Here, and here—centipede weak points."
"Weak points? Centipedes have those?"
"Arthropods like these survive headless awhile, unlike mammals. Nerves act like sub-brains, bundled here..."
"Ah! Those spots you pointed!"
"Yes. Stab or slash? Instantly crippled."
From sixth to ninth, he'd seen Reshim/Baekryeogang fight centipedes 10+ times.
Plus Isilite dismantling 27. Hwan-in had long analyzed weak points/patterns.
Now sharing experience-based knowledge with Isilite; Reshim/Baekryeogang listened behind.
Lecture end.
"Urp."
"Miss? No need..."
"N-no. I'm party too, can't leave dirty work to just Isilite...!"
"Urgh......"
Baekryeogang/Reshim grabbed dismantling tools, rummaged centipedes for Aura Stones.
Couldn't just spectate shamefully.
"Pile guts here. Like this—avoids spill, easier stone hunt."
Splurch, splat!
"......!"
Centipede innards slop paled already-pale Baekryeogang further.
"Reshim, search there not here. Master, light rod this way?"
"Y-yes."
"Sure."
Two more hands sped cleanup; party netted two thumbnail Aura Stones extra.