Chapter 19
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 19
Chapter Title: The Tower Genius Descends into the Labyrinth
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“...I, Sylbian, swear upon my mana that I will never divulge this to the outside.”
Sylbian made the vow through a magical incantation, just as he had demanded.
Bardun nodded in satisfaction at the sight and began to speak freely.
“I assume you’ve gathered some information already. Even so, what I’m about to tell you is major news.”
“I’m all ears.”
“Very major news!”
Cherentia leaned in with obvious curiosity, and Sylbian gripped her arm tightly once more.
Bardun watched them with a small chuckle before continuing calmly.
“This is something I learned relatively recently. You’re Sylbian, and she’s Cherentia, right? There’s tremendous danger in the depths of the labyrinth.”
“Tremendous danger...”
“The depths themselves. Even seasoned adventurers and mercenaries can’t help but fall into peril there.”
“Could you elaborate a bit more? The greater the danger, the more we need to know.”
Sylbian’s eyes were more serious than ever as he conveyed his intent steadily.
He had heard some information about the Northern Labyrinth back in the previous city.
And he planned to gather more here in Soren before heading to the next city.
Above all, its vast unknown nature...
Meant tremendous danger.
That was why they needed to collect as much information on the labyrinth as possible.
“It’s said that in the labyrinth’s depths, people who died long ago or went missing reappear. And they attack those who enter the labyrinth.”
“...So you’re saying the dead rise as minions of the labyrinth?”
“As expected of a mage—you grasp it immediately. That’s exactly right.”
Bardun paused briefly before continuing.
“It’s not just the labyrinth’s monsters. If you go that deep, you’ll face adventurers and mercenaries of that caliber—knights, even, though rarely.”
Sylbian’s lips pressed into a tight line for a moment. He wasn’t the only one shocked.
“Uncle Bardun, how could something so impossible happen?”
“The dead coming back to life? I can’t believe it!”
Sera, who had been listening silently, blinked in disbelief, as did Cherentia.
Bardun’s tale was just that unreal.
Even if the labyrinth was full of mysteries and events beyond common sense, this went far beyond any expectation.
Bardun fell silent for a moment.
“...”
He carefully studied Sylbian’s eyes.
They held the resolve of someone whose mind was made up—someone no words could sway.
“I can see you’re different from other mages. So, my final piece of advice.”
“I’m listening.”
“Never trust humans.”
If Sylbian still possessed his full mage’s dignity, Bardun wouldn’t worry even if he headed to the depths.
He was known as a genius among the Magic Tower’s great mages, his name recognized across the continent’s four great towers.
But now, with most of his mana sealed by the Stigma, he was heading into the labyrinth.
Bardun could easily guess his purpose.
“Sylbian, even as an exile, prove your worth, and you’ll live prosperously.”
That was why Bardun wanted to dissuade him all the more.
It was heartbreaking to see such a talented young man acting recklessly.
“...Thank you for the advice. But descending into the labyrinth has already become the purpose of my life.”
“To erase the Magic Tower’s Stigma, right?”
Bardun stated it plainly, and Sylbian nodded with a wry smile.
He felt it every time.
Whenever he met someone who knew about the labyrinth, they always warned him not to enter.
That he’d just die in vain.
“Yes, exactly. I’m entering the labyrinth to remove the Stigma.”
So he didn’t deny it.
Hiding it wouldn’t change the fact that it was his unavoidable goal.
“Hmm...”
Bardun let out a deep sigh and fell silent again.
Sylbian’s violet eyes gazed at him, filled with unwavering resolve.
They were the eyes of someone whose mind was set—no words could shake him.
“Guild Master, is there anything else you’d like to add?”
“Heh, I share my secrets, and now you want more? You really are a mage.”
“When will I get another chance like this?”
“I’m an adventurer now too, so I’d love even greater advice from a senior like you.”
As he spoke so smoothly, Bardun’s eyes lit up for a moment.
The mana he sensed from Sylbian was indeed far less than that of other mages.
As a mage branded with the Stigma, it was impressive—but that was it.
Yet every gesture from Sylbian exuded composure and confidence.
That was the key difference from the exiles he’d met in other cities.
‘He truly lives up to the title of Tower Genius.’
A typical mage, cast out, would despair and struggle just to live.
But this young mage before him?
He stood tall, looked ahead, and pursued a clear goal.
Even knowing how arduous and dangerous the path was, his spirit didn’t break.
He even called himself an adventurer, humbling himself.
It was a mindset greater than any mage Bardun had ever seen.
“I can see you’re definitely different from other mages. So, one more word.”
“I’m listening.”
“Never trust humans.”
His voice was ice-cold. Sylbian, Cherentia, and even Sera stared at him in confusion.
“I’m not saying to trust other races instead. Even so, be wary of fellow adventurers and mercenaries. Especially the deeper you go in the labyrinth.”
“...I’ll take it to heart.”
“Good. As a mage, you’re wise enough. I’ll spare my words.”
Sylbian’s eyes widened slightly without thinking.
It seemed like simple advice, easy to heed.
Nothing was stupider in life than trusting people easily.
Yet it felt strangely familiar.
‘The adventurer Jelen in the previous city said the same thing.’
Seasoned adventurers entering the labyrinth.
Even the guild master managing the adventurers’ guild echoed it.
—Never trust humans.
The weight of those words hit much harder now.
He had been thinking deeply about his companions lately and trying to help others.
But this felt like a warning of great harm ahead, leaving him uneasy.
Sylbian and the group soon left the adventurers’ guild and strolled through the city.
The setting sun dyed the entire city red.
It was a sign that it was time to part ways.
Sylbian glanced gently at Sera, walking beside him.
“...”
They had no more business with each other now.
She had sought to understand the monster subjugation and gain certainty through magic.
He had connected with a high-ranking guild figure to learn about the labyrinth.
They had both gotten what they wanted.
So there was no reason to stay together.
Yet she was still walking with him.
‘Does she have something to say?’
As he thought that, their eyes met.
“Ah.”
“If you have something to say, just say it.”
Unlike the startled Sera, Sylbian spoke calmly.
Now that their business was done, they should each go their own way.
“...Yes, I do. I should have spoken up first, but I couldn’t muster the courage.”
“Speak freely!”
Cherentia beamed at her encouragingly, and Sera hesitated with her lips before looking at them both with resolve.
Whoosh...!
A timely breeze sent her red bob fluttering dramatically, creating a strange atmosphere.
As passersby stared, captivated by her beauty...
“If you’ve decided, don’t hesitate—just say it.”
Sylbian met her gaze steadily, unfazed.
“Yes. Meeting you two first like this is a huge connection for me.”
With a faint smile, she continued.
“That’s why my unsettled heart is finally steady, and I feel like I can face reality and move forward.”
“That’s fortunate.”
Sylbian let a tiny emotion slip through his brief reply.
He hadn’t been sure he could help her.
But seeing her steel herself and convey her intent so purely, he didn’t feel bad at all.
No, honestly, he felt a bit glad.
“The important thing is to move forward! You thought it through perfectly, Sera!”
As Cherentia spoke approvingly, Sera took in their faces intently.
With deep eyes that seemed to etch them into memory forever, she continued.
“Sylbian. And Cherentia. I hope we can talk together like this again someday. Then, I’d like to help you both.”
“No need. I’ve already received plenty in return.”
“Exactly! That feast was the most satisfying meal of my life!”
“Heh...”
Their similarly phrased yet distinct replies made Sera chuckle softly and nod.
“Next time, I’ll have skills to match yours. Look forward to it then.”
“Skills?”
As Sylbian raised a puzzled brow, Sera met his eyes steadily.
“I’m going back to my family now. And I’ll train with the sword again. I realized half-baked skills get you nowhere in the world.”
“Oh! What a great family you must have!”
“I left on my own for freedom... but I’ve learned freedom without strength is just recklessness and bravado.”
Through their exchange, Sylbian quietly observed Sera.
Her poised demeanor and refined speech no longer felt like that of an adventurer.
‘She’s quite the unusual woman.’
Leaving a noble house to become an adventurer.
And the Gracia Family wasn’t just any noble house, it seemed.
“Alright, then let’s look forward to our next meeting.”
“Yes, Sylbian. One more thing... that was truly amazing magic. I’m truly grateful you showed it to me.”
She offered her hand with a radiant smile, and Sylbian hesitated for a moment.
“...Sure.”
As he gently took it, an odd feeling washed over him.
Having spent ten years in the Magic Tower around high nobles and elegant royals, he had considerable resistance to women.
Yet...
Sera’s smile was even more beautiful than he’d imagined, enough to shake him briefly.