Bug (1)
Raven quietly asked me when I said we were entering the labyrinth.
“So you believe that rumor, Mr. Yandel?”
Believe or not, I know it’s true.
The outside world is fine, and the Noark forces have all left for that place.
But…
“I don’t completely believe it, but I think it’s a possibility.”
I couldn’t act too certain since the source of the information was an evil spirit community.
Therefore, I said…
…that I felt a sense of dissonance when I saw the guards looking inwards at the walls when I went to Bifron.“I felt like something was strange back then, and if that rumor is true, it makes sense.”
“Hmm, actually, I also had some doubts about that. For example, the Magic Tower doesn’t have any windows.”
The Magic Tower was a skyscraper that was even taller than the city walls.
And the royal family demanded that no windows be built in exchange for granting permission for its construction. The superficial reason was that they couldn’t let the Magic Tower overlook the royal palace.
“What? Wait… so the outside world really is fine?”
“It’s just a possibility for now.”
Raven firmly drew a line at the bear-like man’s outburst and then looked at me.
Although she didn’t say anything, it was easy to understand what she meant.
She was asking if we were really going to enter the labyrinth based on just a possibility.
I said what I had prepared.
“Honestly, I don’t care whether the rumor is true or not.”
“Why?”
“It seems certain that the royal family occupied Noark’s fortress.”
Whether they were outside or still hiding underground, what did it matter? The army was already occupying Noark’s fortress, where the portals were.
It meant we didn’t have to worry about encountering Noark inside.
“You think similarly to me. Okay. I agree.”
Raven also cast her vote in agreement, as if she was just curious about my opinion and actually saw this as an opportunity.
And so, the voting time naturally began.
“Well, if you two say so, then it must be true. I’ll follow you.”
“Ooh, so we’re finally entering the labyrinth again!”
Misha and Erwen also agreed to this labyrinth expedition, as well as the bear-like man and Ainar, who were just excited.
Then it was time to move on to the next topic.
“So what are we going to do about the number of people? There are six of us now, including Erwen.”
“We’ll split into two groups of three and meet on the 2nd floor.”
“Hmm, then it will take quite a bit of time on the 4th floor?”
Erwen quickly apologized, turning pale at Raven’s question.
“I, I’m sorry. I’m causing trouble…”
“Th, that’s not what I meant. Really.”
“But…”
But my ass.
I intervened before it got any more awkward.
“It won’t take as long as you think. Erwen is a proper guide, unlike me. Maybe the overall time will be similar.”
“Oh, then there’s no problem.”
And so, the topic about Erwen ended.
We then talked about our future exploration plans, and it was unanimously decided.
“Well, it seems like we’re not ready yet, but…”
“We’ve become much stronger.”
“Huhu, it’s time to prepare. It’s been a while since we went there.”
Our goal was the 6th floor.
____________________
Even after the clan meeting ended, my daily life was quite busy.
It was time to spend the money I had been saving.
“Everyone, buy any equipment or items you want now. Ainar, talk to me before you buy anything.”
“Wow… I heard about it, but I didn’t know it was this bad. 700,000 stones for Laetium equipment…”
The prices of food and other necessities had skyrocketed, while the prices of exploration-related items and consumables had plummeted.
It was because 70% of the customers had disappeared.
The items that were left in the city became dead stock as most of the explorers died.
‘But this is probably the lowest point.’
The money I had saved, as well as the money I received from the royal family…
…I had been hoarding it because its value would increase even if I just left it alone, but it was time to spend it.
The prices would gradually recover once the labyrinth was stabilized.
“Here are the recent transaction records you requested, Viscount.”
“Ah, thank you. I’ll return it soon.”
Indeed, the recent prices on the central exchange weren’t fluctuating much. It had been plummeting just a few days ago.
It meant that people like me were starting to spend their money.
And the sellers’ expectations that the prices would recover soon also played a part.
‘If this situation lasted for a few more months, I would have been able to graduate from exchange items.’
I dismissed my slight regret and went to the exchange every day with my teammates, repeating my rational shopping spree.
And I bought three items.
「Character has equipped Adamantium Large Battle Shield.」
「Total item level increased by +1,750.」
First, the shield that was destroyed in the last battle.
I bought a new one made of 5th-tier material since I was buying one anyway.
The price was unbelievably low.
It was even cheaper than the 4th-tier Moonstone shield, perhaps because it wasn’t custom-made.
「Character has equipped No. 8,820 Iron Wall.」
「Total item level increased by +310.」
The second item was steel boots.
It was an item that doubled Physical Resistance and Magic Resistance for 3 seconds when used, and it synergized well with my Shield Barbarian build.
Ah, of course, it wasn’t a graduation item.
There were much better boots among the higher-grade Numbered Items.
‘These boots should be enough until the later stages.’
The last item I bought was a material.
It was called ‘Soul of the Dead’.
It was a material used to receive the 7th stage of the Spirit Engraving, and it was the most expensive item I bought.
It was also used as an alchemy and magic material.
Although its price had also plummeted, the decrease was relatively small.
But…
‘I don’t know when I’ll be able to get it again.’
These kinds of materials were harder to obtain than equipment, not because of the price…
…but because there were few sellers.
So I decided to buy it as soon as I saw it.
‘Damn right, it’s a hundred times better to just buy it than to get it myself.’
‘Soul of the Dead’ was an item that dropped from the 4th-grade monster, Lich, with a certain probability when you hunted it while using ‘Distortion’.
It meant I didn’t know how long it would take to get it myself.
I could do more with that time.
“Bjorn, then I’ll be going to the training center!!”
Ainar ran towards the training center as soon as it was time to leave the exchange.
It seemed like she really liked the two Numbered Items she bought this time.
“Misha, what about you?”
“I’m going home. I have to prepare dinner.”
“Then you can take Avman home.”
“Huh? Aren’t you going home?”
“I’m going to stop by the sanctuary for a bit. I might not be back tonight.”
Misha flinched at my words and then stared at me.
“The sanctuary…?”
Ah, it was because of that keyword.
I quickly added an explanation.
“I bought the material, didn’t I? I’m going to get the Spirit Engraving.”
“Ah, okay. Right, I see…”
There were awkward moments like this sometimes since that day. We agreed to pretend it never happened, but was that easy?
“Th, then go safely. I’ll take care of the kids.”
“Right… I’ll leave it to you.”
I then parted ways with Misha and got on a carriage heading towards the sanctuary. I saw Misha sitting on a bench, waiting for her carriage.
“…….”
“…….”
Misha quickly averted her gaze as our eyes met, and then she looked back at me and waved awkwardly.
‘Ah, this is so uncomfortable.’
I awkwardly nodded and closed the carriage curtains. I felt a sense of self-deprecation, belatedly realizing how pathetic it was…
…but it was still much better than before.
There’s a saying, ‘time heals all wounds’, right?
If I just kept pretending to be fine, maybe I would really become fine someday.
“Then we’ll depart.”
The carriage started moving and left the platform, and I dozed off.
And before I knew it, we arrived at our destination.
The platform in the outer area of the 7th district, closest to the sanctuary.
I passed through the gate and walked along the forest path, and the barbarian campsite soon appeared.
“It’s been a while. Are you here for a spar?”
I first opened the chieftain’s tent and greeted him.
‘Phew, fortunately, he hasn’t heard about the oracle yet.’
I was a bit worried since Goblin mentioned the oracle at the Round Table…
…but it seemed like it hadn’t reached the chieftain’s ears yet.
Well, it was just a matter of time.
“I’m here to see the shaman.”
“The shaman? Then the timing isn’t good. You can’t see him now.”
“Why?”
“He’s currently undergoing the ‘Soul Purification’ ritual.”
“Soul Purification…?”
It was a term I had never heard of, even in the game.
“Don’t tell me you don’t know?”
The chieftain’s eyes narrowed as I tilted my head.
It wasn’t a big deal.
If it were before, I would have flinched, thinking, ‘It’s common sense, how can I not know?’
“I forgot.”
I naturally realized as I lived as a barbarian…
…that it wasn’t strange for a barbarian to not know common sense.
“I see.”
As expected, the chieftain easily understood and briefly explained what ‘Soul Purification’ was.
“It’s a ritual that shamans have to perform every few years to use their magic.”
“Then how long do I have to wait?”
“He started the ritual at the beginning of the month, so you should be able to see him next month.”
Hmm, next month…
“Okay, I’ll come back then.”
I dismissed my regret and turned back.
_____________________
Late evening, when drunkards started appearing on the streets.
We gathered at the bear-like man’s bar.
Ah, for reference, there was a ‘Closed’ sign on the door, so we were the only ones inside.
Although the bear-like man’s wife was healthy enough to work at the bar even while pregnant…
…her due date was really approaching now.
“Are you sure it’s okay? For you to not be there?”
“Don’t worry, it’s just one day, what could happen? I have to work harder now that the baby is coming. My wife also agreed, so don’t mind me.”
“If that’s the case…”
I didn’t say anything more since it was half-hearted.
Honestly, we would be the ones in trouble if he suddenly left now.
“Then I’ll bind you first.”
Raven divided us into two groups of three and cast the Bonding spell after we finished our meal at the bear-like man’s bar.
The team distribution was simple.
Me, the bear-like man, and Raven were Team A.
Erwen, Misha, and Ainar were Team B.
It didn’t really matter since we were only moving separately on the 1st floor and meeting on the 2nd floor.
“It’s about time, let’s go.”
“Ah, wait a minute.”
Raven stopped us as we were about to head towards the Dimensional Plaza.
And she took out a few small items from her subspace pocket with a shy expression.
“That… we’re a clan now, right? I had some time, so I tried making an emblem.”
It was an emblem.
You know, the thing explorers with clans always wear on their armor.
“I looked into it while making it, and they said symbolism is the most important thing for clan emblems. So I used your title, Giant, but…”
“But this looks more like an ogre than a giant.”
“Ah, then give it back!”
“I didn’t say I didn’t like it. We’ll officially register it as our clan emblem at the guild when we get back tomorrow.”
Raven’s expression brightened as I said we would register it as our clan emblem, even though I was just teasing her.
She must have been looking forward to it.
“Everyone, come here. I’ll attach it for you.”
Raven then personally attached the emblems to our equipment with magic.
It actually looked pretty good.
It felt like we had become real explorers.
“Thank you, Raven. For taking care of this even though I didn’t ask.”
“…It’s my clan too.”
“That’s why I’m thanking you.”
“Whatever. Let’s just go. We’ll be late.”
Geez, she’s so shy.
We then hurriedly headed towards the Dimensional Plaza after attaching the emblems. There were quite a few people who came to watch.
They were standing far away from the plaza, looking at us.
“Hey, Bjorn Yandel is there too.”
“He’s entering again after that incident?”
“He formed a clan, but there are only six of them.”
“But what’s that emblem? Is it an ogre?”
“Probably, one of Bjorn Yandel’s essences is an ogre.”
Although the area around the plaza was crowded…
…there weren’t many people waiting to enter.
Only about three or four hundred?
And most of them were low-level explorers who had come out because they were desperate for money.
‘If the other plazas are also like this, the upper floors must be practically empty.’
I spent the remaining time reviewing our exploration plan, and soon a light erupted from the center of the plaza, and the portal opened.
「Entered 1st Floor Crystal Cave.」
We had a lot to do in the labyrinth this time.
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