NOVEL NEXT Chapter 31
Chapter 31: Adventurers, Challenge the Labyrinth
“I imagined the labyrinth to be in a more remote location… but unexpectedly, it’s quite lively.”
“Exactly the opposite, right? Why would you think a place with a labyrinth is in the countryside?”
“Adventurers gather here from all over the kingdom. I only know Garland, but it seems that any city with a labyrinth is like this.”
Labyrinth City Garland is one of the satellite cities forming the vast Angila territory, similar to Maika. It was created to manage the Chaotic Labyrinth. The sturdy walls surrounding the city aren’t for defending against outside enemies but to contain monsters that might spill out from the labyrinth within the city. Though not particularly large in area, the vibrant atmosphere of the city is on par with the capital. Careful observation reveals that most of the people walking around are adventurers. Various stores line the main street: taverns, inns, weapon shops, magical equipment stores – all are frequented by adventurers. Street vendors display mostly labyrinth-related merchandise.
“Was the labyrinth in Nihon unpopular?”
“It was somewhat popular for a while, but it’s no place one would call a resort. Only a few enthusiastic fans or eccentrics come from faraway towns.”
“Still, why attempt a labyrinth without monsters?”
“I’ve never entered one myself… but the reason is likely the same as in this country’s labyrinths. I’ve heard completing one earns a prize.”
On the carriage heading to Garland, Cross mentioned his country also had labyrinths, where they existed more as play areas for non-adventurer civilians, primarily children and young people.
For us, the concept of playing in a labyrinth is hard to grasp. However, it’s a land full of warrior-fighters like Cross; surely the population must be predominantly robust.
“Oh, there’s a beginner’s labyrinth set! It includes cooking utensils, bedding, and a map.”
“A map… in a labyrinth?”
“Oops, we should’ve prepared here, shouldn’t we?”
Initially prepared for mine exploration, the equipment available at Garland’s street stalls seems far superior. We now regret spending a whole day inspecting various shops for survey-related requests.
“Hmph, look carefully. These prices are almost double what they’d be in Angila. It’s clearly a rip-off targeting beginners.”
“Ugh, seriously. We might’ve fallen for it too if we hadn’t known. Well, we only need to get a map now, right? Let’s go.”
There are various types and ways to obtain labyrinth maps.
We plan to buy the officially approved version from the Guild, which includes basic information on the routes of explored floors, monster listings, and campsite pointers. On the other hand, maps can also be bought from street vendors or individuals known as “map merchants” near the labyrinth entrance. These are rumored to contain more detailed information like hidden passages, trap locations, and areas where special monsters have previously appeared. Nevertheless, it’s advised that beginners avoid such maps if they don’t know a trustworthy vendor due to questionable accuracy and varying prices.
A map is essential inside the labyrinth. The consequences of blindly following a misguiding map—especially if it leads to a dead end—could be irreversible.
“Is that building the Guild? There’s a huge crowd.”
“This is since the current Lord abolished the entrance fee. It used to be much quieter.”
Garland’s Guild branch is built in such a way that blocks the labyrinth entrance, meaning one must pass through the building to enter. Conversely, this means everyone attempting the labyrinth gathers here, hence the congestion.
“Mauri, hold Pamela’s hand so we don’t get separated.”
“I’m older than you, damn it! Do you still not trust me?!”
“Mauri, please.”
“What the hell is this?! I don’t need it, idiot!”
After pushing through the crowd to purchase a map at the goods counter, we lined up at the labyrinth-specific window, which didn’t exist in Angila’s Guild.
We joined the lineup of sturdy adventurers waiting to go through the entrance procedures, and I started to feel something akin to the excitement of reading my first hero’s tale.
Finally. After seven years of hardship since leaving my family to become an adventurer, I’ve finally made it here.
Overcome with emotions, I felt tears welling up. Feeling ashamed of being seen crying by my companions, Franz discreetly wiped his face with his palm.
“E Rank Party, correct? Then the fifth floor would be the appropriate level for you. Please enter through the main gate. Please take care on your first try.”
“Thank you.”
Regardless of the type, all labyrinths have a “main gate” and “direct gate.” The main gate is the conventional entrance from the ground to the first floor. The direct gate provides a shortcut to the deeper levels. Its principle is unclear, but it seems a new direct gate appears on the surface every time someone completes the tenth floor.
Currently, there are four direct gates in the Chaotic Labyrinth. During the entrance procedure, adventurers receive a permit for a gate appropriate to their rank: G～E: Main Gate, D: Tenth Floor Direct Gate, C: Twentieth Floor Direct Gate, B: Thirtieth Floor Direct Gate, A～S: Fortieth Floor Direct Gate.
Adventurers of lower ranks who manage to penetrate deep levels are occasionally granted access to the direct gates. Since monster types correspond to specific floors, successfully slaying a deep-level monster and presenting the proof will be recorded on the adventurer’s license.
After receiving the main gate permit at the reception, we proceeded down the long corridor decorated with famous deep-dive explorer portraits toward the labyrinth entrance.
Exiting to the back of the building, there was a heavily fortified gate guarded by countless armed employees who rigorously checked permits despite having just completed our registration.
“There’s quite a strict security setup here.”
“In the past, there were incidents of civilians sneaking in secretly to seek fortune.”
“Also, if monsters were to overflow, this would become a defensive line.”
Since monsters are born continuously within the labyrinth, there are rare instances when displaced creatures emerge en masse onto the surface. Although rare now due to frequent adventurer exploration, such incidents once occurred several times a year.
After a seemingly endless wait, we finally stood together in front of the main gate. It was about 10 meters high, made of steel, and flanked by similar gates, though progressively smaller toward the ends. They were probably the direct gates.
“Alright, let’s go.”
Following in the footsteps of numerous adventurers, our boots hit the first step leading downwards. The walls themselves seemed faintly luminescent, casting enough light that lanterns weren’t necessary despite the relative dimness.
Though I know that monsters won’t appear here yet, I feel drawn into the strange atmosphere. The faces of adventurers around me are tense, and everyone has fallen silent.
Just as I’m mentally preparing myself by slapping my cheeks, Cross unexpectedly asked, shattering the tense ambiance.
“Oi, where are we heading? Why are we going underground?”
“What are you talking about now? It’s the labyrinth.”
“………Is there a bamboo grove down there?”
“「「「「「Huh?」」」」」
Cross’s absurd question not only baffled Franz and his companions but also drew baffled responses from other adventurers nearby who had overheard.
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