Chapter 110
Chapter 110
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 110
Chapter Title: What the Labyrinth Hides
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‘The first time this little guy evolved... was it when we ran into that mountain turtle?’
About three months had passed since then.
They said it took roughly one and a half to two years for a Kue hatchling to mature into an adult Kue, but Emergency Ration's growth was noticeably faster than that.
Already at stage three out of four or five growth phases. With just one or two stages left, it could become an adult green Kue in a matter of months if things went quickly.
The light that had been enveloping Emergency Ration, steadily increasing in size, suddenly burst outward in all directions.
=Whoa.=
=Oh my.=
=Hmm.=
And the form that Emergency Ration revealed from within the light drew involuntary gasps of admiration from the group.
An adult Kue was about the size of a racehorse, or perhaps a bit larger. Unlike a horse, though, a Kue's two legs were exceptionally sturdy, making it look thicker and more solid.
The grown Emergency Ration was slightly smaller than a full adult Kue.
Its back reached the height of Hwan-in's shoulders, and its head loomed over him when it looked down.
Kuet? Ku-woo.
=So cute!=
=Oh dear...=
Isilite and Baekryeogang let out soft squeals again at the sight of it tilting its head cutely, blinking its large, beautiful eyes.
Covered in soft-looking green feathers, the Kue gazed at Hwan-in while chirping—that image was the pinnacle of adorableness.
Hwan-in, who had frozen momentarily at the sight of the now-oversized Emergency Ration, scratched its neck as it cocked its head as if asking, 'Why'd you get so small?' and said,
"You've gotten bigger."
Ku-woo? ...Ku-e~.
Only then did Emergency Ration examine itself, flapping its wings joyfully as if saying, 'I've grown up now too!'—before startling in surprise.
A light flap of its wings, and its body floated up effortlessly.
Ku?! Ku-et! Ku-e!
Me?! Flying! Again!
Emergency Ration's body had grown heavy, and it hadn't been able to fly for nearly two months. It had started think it might never fly again, moping around dejectedly. But now it could soar once more—there was no better news.
Letting out cries of delight, Emergency Ration flapped its wings vigorously and took to the air, only to thunk its head into the ceiling and crash back down. But the joy outweighed the pain.
Ku-eeng! Ku-et, ku-woo~!
Hwan-in barely managed to calm the wriggling bundle of joy clinging to him, heaving a silent sigh inwardly.
'Clinging to me with that bigger body makes it hard to even pat it soothingly.'
At this size, it could probably fight low-grade monsters already.
Hwan-in shook his head lightly, a phantom whisper in his ear suggesting he rename it "Combat Ration." He excused himself to the group.
"We'll rest here a bit. Emergency Ration grew suddenly, so I have some things to teach it."
It wasn't anything major.
What Emergency Ration should do inside the labyrinth, what it should do outside, how to act during combat, and so on.
"From now on, you'll have to carry luggage too. Whether inside the labyrinth or out."
Ku-et? Ku-woo. Ku-woot!
"Starting now? Your build is superior to other Kue at a glance, but you're not fully grown yet. No."
Kkhun. Ku-et!
"...Fine, then. We'll start light and add a little at a time."
Ku-e~.
"Good?"
Noticing the conversation wrapping up, Lesim asked Isilite with a slightly flustered expression.
=Can Master Hwan-in talk to Emergency Ration too?=
=Lady said he couldn't... but Lesim, doesn't it look like Master Hwan-in is talking to it?=
=Yes. Doesn't Lady think so too?=
=......=
=...Lady?=
=Y-yes? What is it?=
=No... I was just asking if it doesn't look like Master Hwan-in is conversing with Emergency Ration.=
=Oh. Maybe it's because their hearts are connected? I hear Kue riders bond with their mounts so deeply that words aren't needed—they share feelings.=
Lesim, who had doubted Baekryeogang's smiling response, read the emotions in her eyes and couldn't help feeling pity.
That gaze fixed on Hwan-in after speaking. The way her hands clasped together unconsciously.
'Unrequited feelings hurt less if you never let them take root in the first place...'
He had realized it quickly and sorted his heart out early, leaving only fond childhood memories. But for Baekryeogang now, it was a deadly poison with no antidote.
'What to do. How should I handle this?'
Logically, he should discourage her. Baekryeogang's status was incomparable to Hwan-in's.
But even as a decade-long friend who dropped formalities in private, they had a clear superior-subordinate relationship. And they were a man and a woman. There were things he could advise on—and things he couldn't meddle in.
'If only Reni were here...'
While Lesim agonized, Emergency Ration—now loaded with bulky but lightweight gear—began scampering excitedly around Hwan-in.
Kue loved carrying things on their backs.
Not only did they raise their young by carrying them, but they even chose mates based on how much heavy, large loads they could bear.
That instinct was starting to emerge; Emergency Ration seemed quite pleased with the luggage on its back.
=With the bulk of the gear reduced, I can move more freely now.=
=Then how about trying a two-person front line beside me?=
=What about guarding Lady?=
=Master Hwan-in is in the rear, isn't he?=
=Ah. True.=
They had suffered a few rear attacks descending to the 12th floor.
But each time, Hwan-in had sensed it in advance and slaughtered them all in a single breath, no matter the number. Lesim had absolute trust in him, like steel.
Even if a group charged, Hwan-in would dispatch them in an instant.
'I wonder if I could even last one exchange against him at full strength...'
=Then, Lady, I'll head up front?=
=Yes. Do your best, Isilite.=
Two in front, one person and one beast in the middle, one in the rear.
In this formation, they exited the cavern where they'd eaten lunch and advanced through the tunnel toward the next floor, relying on the glow of the light rod.
Thud, thud, thud.
The footsteps of four people and one creature echoed in the gray darkness, amid Lesim's faint voice instructing Isilite on precautions from the lead.
With Isilite moving forward to guard her, Baekryeogang—left alone in the middle—glanced back at Hwan-in, then subtly slowed her pace.
The distance to the front grew, while closing to the rear.
"Lady. The formation is breaking."
=Oh... It's lonely alone. Master Hwan-in, may you walk beside me?=
Did she not see Emergency Ration walking next to her? Misinterpreting Hwan-in's gaze, Baekryeogang murmured in a slightly dejected tone.
=I-I'll just go ahead...=
"It shouldn't be a problem. Lesim, shift to two-row formation."
=Yes.=
As Hwan-in quickened to close the gap with the front, Baekryeogang brightened subtly and stuck to his side.
Instead of fully shifting three rows to two, he adjusted the distance ahead to 4m from 3m to match Black Spear's range. Baekryeogang in the center, Hwan-in and Emergency Ration flanking.
Thus, ears open forvariant species signs, heading to the 13th floor stairs—Hwan-in noticed Emergency Ration acting strange.
It craned its neck high, staring intently to the right.
That direction: toward the 12th floor central passage per the map.
Sensing an enemy, Hwan-in warned the front.
"Be cautious around the left corner. Emergency Ration has picked up on something."
=Yes.=
=Got it.=
Conversation ceased, footsteps hushed. Entering a passage about 12m wide...
=Bagwil!=
They spotted five grotesque creatures hanging upside-down from the ceiling, grinning vilely at them.
=Lady!=
=...Whirling blades of howling wind!=
At Hwan-in's warning, Baekryeogang—prepared—unleashed her blade wind spell.
Whiiing—shraaaak!
Kya-aaak!
Ku-aaah!!
Twovariant species Bagwil—with huge bat-like wings instead of ears on human heads—were shredded by the wind blades and plummeted.
The remaining three dropped from the ceiling, flapping their wings. Seeing their ugly faces twist and mouths gape, Hwan-in drew stone axe and dagger from his belt.
'Their cries have a paralyzing effect.'
Simultaneous throws: axe embedded in one skull, dagger tore another's wing.
The last was bisected by Isilite's greatsword downswing. The fallen one Lesim pierced with lightning thrust.
Isilite surveyed the five Bagwil sprawled with brains leaking from split skulls.
=Even grosser up close.=
=Lucky they didn't mix with others. Their cries have a mild paralyze effect.=
=From layer 3, dangerousvariant species start appearing one by one. Imagine getting paralyzed by their cries mid-fight with giant centipedes... Ugh.=
Hwan-in watched Isilite split skulls for phase stones, then sidled to Baekryeogang, praising her judgment.
Not from goodwill or ulterior motive, but as an escort managing the client's morale.
"Good call."
=Thank you. I think I'm starting to understand a shaman's role.=
"A spellcaster can turn the tide with one big attack. From the safer rear, reading the battle and timing spells to tilt it favorably—that makes a true spellcaster."
=Sounds tough just hearing it.=
"Nothing lofty comes easy. The realm doesn't open to the slothful."
=......=
Did she need that much effort to find happiness?
His every word sparked myriad thoughts.
"Well done. Keep sensing presences like that."
Ku-e~.
Stroking the pet's head with a smile, Hwan-in's image made Baekryeogang purse her lips.
'What. That praise feels more sincere than what he said to me.'
Back in position, Hwan-in scanned surroundings with drowsy-seeming eyes. Baekryeogang side-eyed him, suddenly curious about this man's goal.
Lesim said he'd initially refused the escort, then accepted for the 10 gold fee.
'Doesn't seem money-driven. There's a reason.'
Unable to hold back, she asked cautiously—what was his goal?
"This journey's end? Returning to my homeland."
=Isn't that hard?=
Hwan-in glanced at her, surprised by the unexpected curse.
Payback for his lunchtime nagging? But her face said she truly thought it difficult.
The thought passed; then suspicion hit belatedly at her casual remark.
Hard? Knows where my homeland is?
Haien Jod's advice flashed: =Power even city leaders can't trifle with. Until then... stay out of tribal alliance politics.=
Face unchanged, Hwan-in replied calmly.
"So Lady knew my race."
=Why else the hooded cloak?=
Half-expecting, Baekryeogang assumed correct.
This man really came from another world.
Hwan-in's mind accelerated fiercely, like his first drop into the 6th-grade forest labyrinth.
Recalling reactions from Yukam to now, his cold eyes fixed on her.
'Low-status folk don't know I'm otherworldly. It's whispers among Ho Tribe level and up.'
Secret summoning ritual? As expected, summon otherworlders, treat as aliens to boost culture/tech?
Explains familiar food, goods, gear quality, culture. And Haien Jod's warning.
'Kill her?'
Ku-woo?
A faint killing intent only Emergency Ration noticed, turning with a small chirp—undetectable by Baekryeogang beside or Lesim/Isilite ahead.
If she returned revealing him, it'd dwarf trouble from Bloodhide Clan or Lianarin Guild.
No contract breach killing her.
Current clause 1: 'In labyrinth, unless life threatened,Party B(Hwan-in) faithfully guardsParty A(Baekryeogang) from harm.' Not violated.
But killing here impossible. Lesim's blunders left too many traces.
Her disappearance? Ho Tribe spots labyrinth murder, launches net. Identity exposed eventually.
Thoughts sorted swiftly undetected; Hwan-in smiled faintly.
"I wear the hood to avoid hassles. Only high Ho Tribe like you or top 7th-rankers would guess."
Tilting her head—Really?—Baekryeogang paled at his follow-up.
"So, Lady, do you want my life?"
=W-why would I?! Absolutely not!=
"Someone warned me my identity endangers my life. Your questions match that... "
Hiding race with hood? Reveal it, risk death.
Baekryeogang grabbed his hand desperately, near tears.
=I don't know the warning, but I never thought dangerously. Believe me...!=
The minor commotion made Isilite/Lesim dismantling Bagwil turn; Lesim saw her clutching Hwan-in's hand like embracing, averted eyes with odd misconception, sighing.
"Then why ask?"
=...Ah.=
Baekryeogang puzzled herself.
Normal her wouldn't pry uncomfortably. Yet she'd envied Isilite, threatened her somehow...
'...Mental interference!'
Realizing, she gripped staff two-handed, focusing mind. Hwan-in nearly beheaded her with Black Spear.
Mistook staff for attack; superhuman reflexes triggered counter.
Without hundreds of souls attuning emotions, steady meditation/conditioning boosting mental fortitude—her head would be rolling now.
Lesim oblivious, but Isilite—battle-tested with her—noticed.
She subtly stepped behind Lesim, reversing dagger grip. Ready to slit his throat on Hwan-in's signal.
Hwan-in signaled no, sighing softly unseen by Lesim.
He read: not attacking him, but something on her head.
Calling Lesim, whose puppy-dog eyes pleaded:
"Lesim. What is Lady doing?"
=Looks like a mind-protection spell.=
"...Sounds mighty useful in labyrinths."
Implying Why now? Lesim scratched head.
=Mind shields aren't easy or sustainable. Need constant chant or special reagents.=
Lesim flustered too—Lady fine till now, suddenly shielding.
Taking time, she pressed staff gem to forehead, lips moving. Green glow spread over her pale brow.
Perfect timing, thought Hwan-in, explaining lunchtime to Lesim.
=Ugh. Embarrassingly, didn't suspect. My failure.=
"This and weakened mind resistance—regrettable, but best to head back."
=Understood. I'll follow Master Hwan-in's advice.=
Lesim regretted missing forest layers from 16th and large transfer magic device, but nodded. Plenty more runs; no risking Lady for his wants.
Meanwhile, Hwan-in's mind whirled complexly.
Six days' labyrinth confirmed Lesim/Baekryeogang as good as Ssa. But finale threatened to shatter bonds.
Her spell delayed answer. Her response to last question decides fate.
"......"
Choices: kill them? Worst outcomes only.
Elites react allergically to authority challenges.
Their kids murdered by underlings?
Unforgivable. Hunt relentlessly—1/4 world enemies.
Nearly whole world; no reason four tribes ignore Luke/high Ho warrants.
'Then join Evil Faction only option?'
Hollow laugh imagining.
Forced summon, then kill? Fight to survive.
Can achieve Buddhahood via words/deeds. Thus mix souls into vengeful spirits too, Hwan-in thought.
'Endlessly spawn millions till death—could upend world.'
Demon King then?
Sounded fun.
Enemy-filled world. Revel in blood/slaughter till end.
Then south, sole 13th stair: torchlight and footsteps approached.
Exiting passage, right turn: gray dark, group with torches nearing. 150m, 8 total.
All aura-clad professionals. Uniform attire—not adventurers/explorers.
Party: 1 warrior, 1 thrower, 3 archers, 3 shamans. Ill-suited for exploration.
Path/expressions scanning him/Emergency Ration. Leather armor colors ID'd them.
'Bloodhide Clan.'
Like slapping a crying face.
Hwan-in sneered, gripping waist dagger.