Chapter 25
Chapter 25
Before talking about Unique items.
Let's talk about items for a moment.
I've said multiple times that this world is a game, so you'll understand.
The concept of items is also taken from games.
The grades follow the rank of treasure chests found in labyrinths and dungeons, divided into 「Magic/Rare/Elite/Epic/Legendary」.
There are also Artifacts, but I think I can talk about those later.
There are no strict criteria for dividing grades.
It's more like, this much is Magic, this much is Rare.
There's one condition. The item must have a 'special power'.
That special power is, in other words, a bonus effect.
The gauntlet I got from catching that knight had a bonus effect like, 'strength increases slightly and it's easier to wear' - that's a typical 'special power'.
And from a game-sense perspective, this is obvious, but.
The types of bonus effects are diverse.
For example, bonus fire magic damage.
From general effects like increased mana.
To effects like Skill Point +1 or Skill Slot +1, which stronger individuals would covet even more.
So, can't I just wear a bunch of good stuff all at once?
You might think that.
But of course, you can't.
Why?
Because the game would be too easy and boring?
That's nonsense.
It's because there are equipping restrictions based on job, race, etc.
Of course, even those without the qualifications can wear restricted items.
But the effects won't activate.
It's unknown how many restricted items have been buried like that.
If this were an actual game, I'd look at the info and think, 'Ah fuck, it's not for humans, toss it', but, well.
This is reality borrowing the framework of a game, so it can't be helped.
Anyway, given this situation, in most cases, items overflowing with effects for one job are completely unusable for another.
For example, an item with Mana Slot +1 can be worn by any mage, but a Barbarian type wearing it just functions as a normal ring.
Priests are overflowing with rings that give Holy Power Slot +1, but Paladins or Crusaders get no effect even if they wear them.
You could say it's a truly pitiful world.
Why is the world like this?
Are you telling me to conquer the labyrinth in this reality?
Either make a society where we can freely wear equipment! (Phew~)
But then, here's the problem.
What are Unique items?
Teacher, aren't the grades Magic/Rare/Elite/Epic/Legendary?
There's no Unique, right? Isn't this guy a scammer?
No.
Unique is a special concept.
Unique items themselves don't have very high performance.
If we're talking absolute terms, about Elite?
That exclusive ring for healers with Holy Power Slot +1 is about Elite level.
But Unique items have no equipping restrictions.
Wait, what does that mean?
You said you balance the game through equipping restrictions?
But if there are no restrictions, what do we do?
What happens if you use a Unique?
To put it extremely, it means a Barbarian could wear a Unique ring with Mana Slot +1, learn magic, and be shooting Magic Missiles around.
What a horrifying and terrifying thought, isn't it??
I've never seen anyone do that, but if such a person existed, they'd undoubtedly be incredibly powerful.
Imagine a Barbarian charging at you, and you think you need to dodge~ but suddenly a Magic Missile comes flying, blocking the Barbarian from being dodged.
This is a shit game.
You'd hear shouts for a fucking nerf.
This is why Uniques have immense value.
Because they're items that allow you to transcend the limits of your job.
But at the end of all this explanation.
What was presented before me?
The ring known throughout the world for allowing slightly more use of divine power (which actually increases Holy Power Slot +1).
It was the Unique version of the 「Healer's Oath」.
"Is this for real?"
I asked again, looking at the drawing of the ring.
I had no choice.
Because for jobs like Paladins and Crusaders, this item was practically a Legendary item.
Of course, I desperately needed it too.
With that, I can use 'Touch of Punishment' three times a day.
It was an item that would cause my combat power to skyrocket.
"Of course it's real. I didn't bring the actual item with me now, but I can swear by Ailath-nim that I will provide you with that ring."
Berto placed a hand on his chest and swore.
Seems like it's real.
But if it's real, that only raises suspicion.
"You mentioned it was a rescue squad, right?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"What kind of rescue squad would give me something this valuable and ask for my help?"
Naturally, I had to ask this question.
No matter how few combat-oriented personnel the Ailath Cult has.
They could just sell it.
This isn't the kind of item you'd just hand over for a job like this.
Priest Berto paused for a moment at my question.
He seemed to be choosing what to say.
The silence didn't last long.
"First, let me tell you... it is indeed a difficult request."
"That's to be expected."
"The 1st and 2nd Realms have been evacuated to some extent, but it's not the same from the 3rd Realm onwards."
"Is that so?"
Seems like they've been gradually escaping from the lower layers.
A lot of people died too, but well.
"Therefore, the plan is to investigate all five layers, from the 11th floor to the 15th floor of the labyrinth, and rescue any explorers there."
"Pardon?"
"So, your role in the rescue squad will be to assist and guide the squad, which is unfamiliar with the labyrinth. To help the rescue squad leader."
What the hell is that supposed to mean?
That's a really novel idea.
How many people do you think are there?
And we're not the leaders, just support?
Hera next to me looked incredulous.
"Hey, Priest-nim."
At least she's using honorifics to the priest.
"Go ahead."
"First of all, you know this is nonsense, right? More than anything, how are you planning to get them out?"
She's right.
You can 'witness' people being alive.
But how are you going to get them out of there?
With that small number of people?
I thought it was impossible, but Priest Berto went even further.
"I believe it's possible."
"No, I'm asking how you're going to do it. Even if twenty people go, they'd be lucky to bring back four or five."
"The Sebron Kingdom has dispatched a detachment of the Iron Ash Knights. Five knights are leading elite soldiers. They will be the main force of the rescue squad."
"...What?"
Hera froze for a moment, unable to comprehend the priest's words.
I was the same, but I quickly threw out a question.
"So you're saying you're going to throw an army into the labyrinth?"
"Yes. Approximately 150 people, including support staff, will be deployed."
"150 people?"
Hera's voice cracked slightly, almost like a scream.
That kind of idea had never occurred to us.
All 150 people entering a single labyrinth?
When you think about the burden that would place...
"What nonsense—!"
"No, it's not entirely nonsense."
I whispered quietly to Hera.
As the number of people increases, the burden ratio actually decreases arithmetically.
If one person becomes two, it's a 100% increase, but if 150 becomes 151... how much is that? Anyway, it would be small.
If you deploy about 150 people, even if you rescue 150 people, it wouldn't be noticeable.
Furthermore, even if the burden were applied equally, the burden would actually fall more on the larger group.
With about 150 people, the numbers are overwhelmingly large, so naturally all the burden would be drawn to them.
In terms of reducing the burden on other explorers, it was a good method.
Of course, all of this is predicated on being able to withstand the burden for 150 people.
Can they withstand it?
Recalling my experience on the 17th floor.
With 150 ordinary explorers, it would be absolutely impossible.
But if they're elite soldiers including knights.
If they include squires, direct infantry, and all that stuff.
Difficult... but it seemed possible.
Especially since it's not just anywhere, but the 3rd Realm.
That section of the labyrinth most friendly to explorers.
But there's one problem.
Why the hell are they doing this?
"I understand the method, but it's hard to understand 'why' such a rescue squad is going."
"I believe rescuing people in danger is something that must be done. Ailath-nim always says so..."
"Just for that reason?"
"Yes."
I stared intently at Berto's face, and he looked troubled.
But that's nonsense, isn't it?
Then why don't they offer free healing right now?
There are so many people in danger.
I averted my eyes from the priest's face and thought.
Come to think of it, he said support came from the Sebron Kingdom...
The Ailath Cult organized the rescue squad.
Could it be... that side?
"Come to think of it, I believe the Katabas mayoral election isn't far off."
A very small flinch.
I saw Priest Berto react.
Didn't expect such a direct jab?
"Is that so? I wasn't aware."
"I just remembered. Anyway, I understand what you mean, but..."
You want to get involved in that, huh.
It makes sense.
The Katabas mayoral election isn't a direct one.
The council votes.
But the council members can't ignore public sentiment.
The council members are the Explorer Guild Master, the Armory Master, various guild masters... they're powerful figures, but they're also heavily influenced by explorers.
And what's the current situation like?
Explorers are facing life-threatening danger.
It doesn't seem like the labyrinth lockdown will be lifted anytime soon.
Those inside are suffering from monsters, those outside are crushed by the flow of money.
And all the city hall is doing in this situation is sending investigation teams.
But in this situation, if they send their own rescue squad to the 3rd Realm, where there are the most people, and rescue explorers?
Of course, public sentiment would skyrocket.
A wave of pro-Ailath, pro-Sebron sentiment would wash over the city.
So, this is probably a joint venture between Sebron, who wants to get magic stones cheaply, and Ailath, who has its eyes on the Labyrinth City.
Once I've figured this much, it's time to back out...
But that ring is too tempting.
It's hard to get, and it's so useful for me.
Hera probably knows that too, so she's not saying much.
"It's certainly a difficult job. But wouldn't this ring be enough to compensate for Rian-nim's trouble?"
Thinking he's been found out.
Berto pushed the offer a little more overtly.
He's right.
Something like that is definitely worth it.
That's probably why he specifically came to me.
But showing that reaction ruins the negotiation.
And I'm not the good negotiator here.
The person next to me is.
I lightly tapped Hera's shoulder and gave her a look.
She nodded, then leaned back casually.
"That won't do."
"... What? Won't do?"
"That's right. It won't do. At least like this, it's impossible. Coming with a paper drawing, not even the real item, and saying 'I'll give you this if you do this' - who would take that job?"
Well done!
"What Hera-nim is saying is, so..."
"First, the Unique ring is non-negotiable upfront payment. That's the bare minimum condition. If you can't agree to that, we're done."
A negotiation expert.
A woman who would raise the hourly rate from 4 dollars to 8 dollars.
Hera looked at the priest with arrogant eyes.
The priest's mouth opened and closed before he spoke.
"That's difficult."
"Then we can end this here. Have a good day. Let's go."
Hera stood up abruptly.
I also obediently stood up to follow her.
The priest, who had been sitting there thinking 'they won't actually leave', hurriedly came out after us when we actually headed outside and stopped us.
"No, wait, think about it."
"What's there to think about? That's the minimum condition."
"Let's at least go back inside. Please."
The priest grabbed us and led us back inside.
The café owner, who had been furious thinking we were dine-and-dashers, relaxed when he saw us coming back in.
"I don't have the discretion to decide on that part. I am..."
"Then bring someone who can decide."
Hera sat down arrogantly and crossed her legs.
That was proof she had the psychological upper hand.
While Priest Berto was fuming, Hera added one more thing.
"And I said upfront payment is the minimum condition. There's one more condition."
"There's another one?"
The priest's voice rose, almost like a scream.
But Hera didn't pay any attention to his reaction.
"We're two people, but there's only one item. Bring one for me too. It doesn't have to be Unique, but it needs to be good."
"... What?"
"Right, she has a point. Don't you need one too?"
"Right? Of course, that's also upfront payment. If this doesn't work, we're done. Either bring it, or deal with it yourself."
Priest Berto's face turned pale.
I was the one who needed the item.
But it was probably the other side that needed time.
The later they go, the fewer people they can rescue.
No matter how self-sustaining the environment inside the 3rd Realm is, it's only to an extent.
You can't just stay trapped in there for a month or two.
Contact came the very next morning.
The person who came looking for me at dawn wasn't the priest.
It was a high-ranking member of the Ailath Cult, someone I'd occasionally seen passing by at the Pantheon.
We met on the balcony.
Unlike Berto's priestly robes, which had a slightly expensive air, the other's clothes were made of linen, simple and humble.
"I am Noet, a servant of Ailath."
"May I ask your position?"
"Though unworthy, I hold the position of bishop in Katabas."
He's a council member.
A pretty big shot came.
He looks much younger than Priest Berto, but he's a bishop.
Is he an elf or half-elf?
"Regarding the request you mentioned... must it be done that way? Could we offer a different proposal?"
"A different proposal, like what?"
"For example, depositing gold coins or collateral equivalent to the value. Or fulfilling your wishes in other ways."
"That won't work. It has to be upfront payment."
At Hera's words, the bishop smiled thinly.
His impression was strangely unpleasant.
The bishop looked at us for a moment, then spoke.
"Very well, I understand. We will arrange to provide the Healer's Oath ring first."
"That's it?"
"The item Hera-nim requested is something we also need to source. I would appreciate it if you could yield a little on that point."
So it's not ready yet.
Hera looked thoughtful for a moment, then nodded.
Since you can't conjure something out of thin air, it was also a reasonable choice.
"Then, instead of deferred payment, I'd like you to additionally provide the most useful equipment for the labyrinth from what you can supply right now."
"Additionally, not as a loan?"
"That's right. Isn't it necessary for going in? It would also increase the mission success rate."
"At that level... I understand."
The bishop seemed to grit his teeth slightly, then nodded.
This stepping forward one more step is insane.
While I was thinking I could never do that, the bishop unclasped his cross necklace and spoke.
"Then, I would like both of you to swear an oath to the god you believe in."
"An oath to a god?"
"As we are accommodating your requests, I believe we also have the right to receive something."
Sharp.
In this world, breaking an oath made to a god causes problems not just in the afterlife, but even during your current life.
It's not something to be done lightly.
That's probably why they brought this up.
But before I could place my hand on the cross.
Hera spoke first.
"Sorry, but I'm an atheist."
"... Pardon?"
"I can't make an oath. Anyway, doesn't trust work just as well? We're high-level explorers, we won't run away."
"An atheist, you..."
The bishop was silent for a moment.
I leaned towards Hera and whispered.
"Is this a negotiation strategy?"
"No."
"Then you... hey. What are you trying to do."
She's really an atheist?
No, well... I've never seen her pray in the several years we've been together.
What is an atheist in this world? Wouldn't that be a huge problem?
I don't know, since I'm just going along with it too.
"It's fine, don't worry about that."
"How can I not worry."
"Let's handle the current situation first."
Since she wouldn't lie while invoking a god, it must be true.
The bishop was in thought until then, then spoke.
"Very well. Since having only one person swear would be meaningless, I'll trust you."
"Then..."
"However, there is one condition."
"What is it?"
As I asked back, the bishop looked around and then came closer.
Wondering what he was going to say, I leaned in, and the bishop spoke in a voice barely audible even up close.
"When you go in, if 'something' happens..."
"... Happens?"
"Follow the rescue squad leader's orders no matter what. No matter what anyone says."
The fuck, there's definitely something here.
A dual purpose?
But having heard something like this, I can't say no anymore.
When I nodded, the bishop smiled.
"Then, the rescue squad will depart before sunset today."
"Immediately?"
"Yes. We've already delayed time. We'll bring the requested items when you depart."
With a 'then I'll be going', Bishop Noet disappeared.
I was crossing my arms and thinking when Hera spoke.
"What was that at the end?"
"He said if something happens, follow the rescue squad leader's orders no matter what."
"So something is going to happen?"
"Probably..."
Troublesome.
Getting caught up in schemes isn't for me.
Seems like I need to prepare something more, but there are only a few options available right now.
"Hey."
"What?"
"I'm going to the Pantheon for a bit. Since we're going in together, don't train Erion today, let him rest."
"What if someone contacts from somewhere else?"
"Tell them I'll come before lunch."
Buying a punch is out of the question with my current wallet situation.
But there was definitely something I could do in another direction.