In a gathering crowded with many people, silence always has a reason.
Everyone is either focused on something.
Or it's the somber atmosphere of mourning for a tragic event.
Or else, they are so shocked that no words come out.
"...!"
"...!"
In this case, the silence was the latter.
All the commanders present were visibly flustered by my actions and words.
Yet, none of them spoke rashly, all their gazes fixed on one place.
f.(r)eew ebnov\ll.com
"...."
Jillen Evost.
The legitimate deputy commander who takes over command in the absence of the expedition leader.
Honestly, I hold this man in high regard.
Even though Count Jerome Saintred's body was possessed by some strange monster, this expedition force still functioned well.
He was the lubricant and engine driving this expedition.
'He was probably planning to officially announce his succession as soon as my speech ended at this meeting.'
Surely, that plan would have proceeded smoothly without any resistance.
If only I hadn't suddenly interrupted.
"...."
Everyone was waiting for his response, but the deputy commander remained silent.
He seemed to be calmly organizing his thoughts…
'No need to give him too much time.'
I looked at the deputy commander and spoke again.
"Surely you don't still not understand what this means?"
When I spoke with a slightly provocative tone, the deputy commander finally replied.
"That is not the case. I fully understand why the baron sat there, and I was thinking about how to convince everyone with words."
"Convince, huh… Sounds like you're saying you don't accept me sitting here?"
At this more provocative question, all the commanders' eyes went wide.
'Is that even ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) a thing to say, you barbarian?'
I wanted to shout that, but none dared because of my title and reputation.
Unfortunately, even my comrades were the same.
"...."
Even Amelia, who I considered my right hand, gave me a look as if saying 'Is this guy really crazy?' and kept her distance—
"Of course."
Then the deputy commander answered my question.
"The baron does not have the qualification to be the commander of this expedition."
"Why not?"
"Because you are the leader of the temporary 4th squad."
Not even officially recognized as a squad leader, only leader of a temporary 4th squad.
"According to the military law established by the royal family, if the highest-ranking officer dies or cannot perform their duties properly, the next highest-ranking officer assumes the duties."
He invoked military law, backing it up with the royal family's authority.
Did I not know that before sitting down?
"So there's no problem then? After the count, the next highest rank is the baron, which is me."
Among all the elites gathered in this expedition, only the count and I had titles.
Why would titled nobles come down to the labyrinth, especially to the still unexplored first basement floor?
Even the original Count Saintred was dragged in because they needed someone to act as general commander.
"...Baron, you should first understand the difference between rank and title."
The deputy commander sighed at me.
His reaction was surprisingly mild.
If it were me, I would have picked up a hammer saying I won't entertain nonsense.
"Rank or title, they're both status, aren't they? Among these, I am the second highest in status after the count."
I argued once more, and the deputy commander calmly explained the difference between rank and title, talked about mercenary rules, and political problems my obstinacy could cause, giving a long lecture on military law.
But…
"So?"
"...Yes?"
"So why can't I be the commander?"
No matter how wise, if you preach to a stubborn fool, it's natural to feel frustrated.
"...."
After a long attempt to persuade, the deputy commander finally shut his mouth. He realized no words could convince me.
"Jillen Evost."
I spoke, watching for the right timing.
It's a bit funny for a newly risen baron from the barbarian clan to say this.
"I won't take orders from someone without a title."
I was done assessing him.
This approach would work better with him.
"And besides."
I said,
NovelFire
"Can you really give me orders?"
"...."
"Really, can you treat me like any other subordinate?"
The deputy commander said nothing.
His stubborn honesty, not even a hollow lie, was somewhat impressive, but not fitting for someone trying to be a commander.
Maybe for an aide, but not a commander.
"...."
"...."
The deputy commander's silence continued.
Only then did I take my eyes off him and look around.
Surprisingly, none of them showed anxiety or worry.
They just held their breath, curious how this would end.
'They don't care who sits in the commander's seat.'
From the deputy commander's viewpoint, it was a forced justification, but from their perspective, it probably didn't feel forced.
A baron's title officially recognized by the royal family.
That fact carried enormous weight in the city of Rafdonia.
Well, though there was another real reason for their reactions.
"Everyone listen."
Feeling the moment was right, I dropped the playful tone and spoke to everyone.
"We are standing at a crossroads."
The crossroads was not about who to choose as commander.
"We can either carry out the royal mission and return to the city in style, or be trapped here forever, never escaping."
The longer we stayed here, everyone had thought about this silently.
I made sure everyone recognized this, then continued.
"But if you trust and follow me—"
No need for long speeches.
"I will definitely get you all home."
I had already shown it through actions.
In the crystal caves where the Abyssal Lord appeared, in the goblin forest, in the Isrock expedition.
Also in this basement first floor.
I was the one who fought hardest against the grade 1 monsters on the library island.
I was the one who broke through all the guardian statues and opened the cracks, entering them myself.
What did the deputy commander do during that?
He refined the expedition's internal affairs, but that was all.
Therefore,
'How long must we remain trapped here?'
For those who began to feel such unease, it was clear who they would see as a 'trustworthy commander.'
"The baron is a smart man. We all know that, including me. What do you want? What must we do to be convinced?"
The deputy commander asked bluntly, and I smiled.
"Gather all the soldiers and vote."
Democratic procedures are always right.
A vote.
A democratic process never fits well in a military hierarchy.
Surprisingly, the deputy commander agreed easily.
'He must have thought there was no other way to stop my obstinacy.'
Of course, he must have had confidence in himself.
Though he had no title, he was still from a noble family and respected by knights.
'Fifty-fifty then…'
His subordinates would all vote for him.
Meanwhile, all the temporary 4th squad members would vote for me.
Both sides would have similar numbers, so it was impossible to clearly decide superiority.
Thus, the overall sentiment of the expedition members was crucial…
"The results are in."
The vote results for the entire expedition came out.
"Close call."
I won by a slim majority.
Apparently, everyone secretly thought a strong leader was needed to escape this place…
It was fortunate for both me and the deputy commander.
No need to prepare plan B for losing.
"Well, now that results are out…"
I naturally sat in the commander's chair and gave my first order.
"Jillen Evost, you are deputy commander. Your duties remain the same. Can you handle it?"
"Yes."
A formal order to show rank to everyone.
Then I smoothly took charge of the meeting.
"Finally, we can talk about the cracks."
I spoke of what had happened inside the cracks.
I didn't go into details, focusing mainly on the 'archbishop's' final fate, which everyone was curious about.
"He… really became Karui's priest…?"
"Wait, so the count died because of the archbishop…?"
The religious members attending the leadership meeting couldn't hide their agitation.
The archbishop's death was grave, but more so because he was the beast who killed the commander.
But…
"Don't worry. We won't blame the Trinitarian Church for this. It was a natural disaster. A dangerous mission, and the archbishop simply died during it."
I relieved their fears about getting blamed.
"Besides, if Count Saintred really died, maybe it would be different, but that's not the case. There won't be any disadvantages for us when we return."
"Then that's a relief…"
These weren't ordinary clergy.
All held prominent positions within the Trinitarian Church.
So they were surprisingly shrewd for religious people.
"Anyway, now let's start the actual meeting. Deputy commander, has the investigation of the room beyond the stone gate finished?"
"Not yet, regarding the statues."
"I hear you've found out about the portal."
"We still need to investigate more, but most opinions say it's a portal that leads outside."
"I see."
"However, it seems wise to postpone using the portal."
"Why?"
"Because it's probably raining heavily outside."
I hadn't calculated the time, but it seemed another rainy season had arrived outside.
"Then we'll stay here and investigate until the rainy season ends."
That ended today's meeting.
"If you're hungry, everyone get out."
At that moment, I said a line I'd wanted to say once in my life, and like a receding tide, everyone left the barracks.
Ah, except one person.
"Deputy commander, do you have anything to say to me?"
More precisely, it was a way to say 'If you have complaints, say them now.'
But when the deputy commander heard that, he chuckled.
"Baron, I am one of those who truly think it's fortunate that you became commander."
"…What?"
It didn't sound like flattery to leech off a new ruler.
"Actually… I voted for you as well."
"Why?"
"Because I know my place. A position responsible for hundreds is not suited for me."
"But weren't you the biggest opponent?"
"Well, I had to come up with an excuse, if we are not to be socially ostracized when we return."
Then the deputy commander respectfully saluted me.
"So please take good care of us from now on. The better you lead the expedition, the fewer responsibilities I will have."
After saying all he wanted, he left a pouch of dried meat before me and exited.
"You said you were hungry."
Though I felt like I'd been played somehow, I popped the dried meat into my mouth and chewed.
'Tastes good.'
This expedition is mine now.
The (true) barbarian corps commander mode was very comfortable.
To be honest, issuing orders through a powerless chief was always annoying.
Now that process was completely gone.
No, not only that.
"Are you going to reorganize the structure…?"
"Yes. Dividing into just four squads with squad leaders doing whatever they want is inefficient."
I could now freely give bold orders that the chief who pretended to be Count Saintred never dared.
"Inefficient… indeed."
"Ah, you should know I'll also be touching the members participating in the leadership meeting."
"Yes…"
Still, the deputy commander was a very useful asset.
No matter what orders I gave, he thought about how to carry them out without complaints.
Though, in a way, that was a flaw.
He never spoke harshly to superiors.
"Really… you've taken the commander's seat."
"Are you sad you can't be deputy commander?"
"I wouldn't even take it if offered."
I wish Amelia would say something sweeter sometimes.
"Be careful. There might be trouble from the royal family later when we return to the city over this."
She always starts with criticism no matter what I say.
Well, that's a good thing.
"Is there anything you want? I can give anything by commander's order—"
"I'll be off then."
"Ah, on your way out, find Raven and call him here!"
"..."
Amelia left the barracks without a word.
But not long after, Raven entered.
"You called for me, commander?"
"Commander? Sit down."
Raven looked at the commander's seat with disbelief, then quickly came and sat beside me.
"So what did you call me for? About the investigation?"
"No, that's a curiosity too… but this time I have a favor to ask."
"Can I just go back like this?"
"No way. It's a commander's order."
"Ugh… I should've written Sir Evost's name and put it in a box."
Too late to regret now.
This expedition was mine already.
"Tell me. What's the favor?"
Looking at the resigned Raven, I secretly took out an item I'd been holding.
"A crown…? What is this?"
"I don't know either. But this appeared when the chief killed the archbishop."
"Not something from a monster?"
"No. That's why it's suspicious and special."
Raven picked up the crown with curious eyes, turning it over and examining it.
"It's not a Numbers item… I've never heard of such a crown. Can I take this? You called me to investigate it anyway."
"Yeah, but don't tell anyone about the crown. Keep the research to yourself."
"Why?"
"It's a secret study only you know about. You're the only one who knows."
I trusted you enough to tell you that.
I deliberately gave off the nuance that Raven was specially trusted.
But…
"Only me…?"
Unfortunately, Raven was smart and quick-witted.
"This is… embezzlement!!"
Panicking and quickly pulling his hand off the crown, fearing being framed as an accomplice.
Of course, there was no real problem.
"Embezzlement? It's the commander's call."
"Ridiculous!"
"So will you do it or not? A mysterious treasure gained from the basement first floor cracks?"
"…I didn't say I won't."
Raven looked around quickly and at lightning speed shoved the crown into the pocket dimension.
-x-X-x-
A legion commander is always busy.
Because a legion commander has no room for excuses.
If people die, if plans go awry, if something goes wrong—it's all the commander's responsibility.
That's why…
'Raven will be able to investigate the crown when he returns…'
After entrusting Raven with the crown's investigation, I immediately began reorganizing the structure.
Click, click—
The current expedition's composition was simple.
Split into four large squads and that was it.
Clerics, mages, knights—all mixed appropriately in each squad, so the combat power was balanced and the roles each could perform weren't very different.
To exaggerate a bit, it was more like dividing roughly into four parts and telling them to manage themselves.
Ah, of course, this setup had some advantages.
In emergencies, a single squad could be operated separately, and if one squad was wiped out, the main force could still function without problems…
'But it's way too military-style.'
We are in a labyrinth.
Sacrifices can't be avoided, but we don't need to assign personnel assuming sacrifice.
However, the problem was…
'There's not enough time to meddle with this much.'
I wanted to merge the four squads into one and assign each member individually, but that would mean changing too many things.
People would need time to get used to it.
Mistakes would happen repeatedly until they got skilled.
'…Let's just properly set the rank system as originally planned.'
The most efficient way to manage subordinates is to place suitable supervisors above and to push them hard.
The so-called downward pressure method passed down since ancient armies.
So, I deleted all existing leadership meeting members from the records and rebuilt the structure from scratch.
Mages, clerics, ranged, melee, knights, tanks, support, non-combatants.
Separating all personnel by class regardless of squad, then selecting one responsible leader per class and assigning appropriate titles.
'Court Mage, Saintess, Holy Archer, Great Warrior, Knight Commander…'
I just made up titles as I went.
The names themselves didn't really matter.
'Phew… now I've chosen all the people to sit here.'
After deciding the chief leaders by class, I created subordinate positions under them.
For example, among mages: research, investigation, combat.
Among knights: combat, administration, each with a team leader…
'I wonder which Raven prefers between investigation and research?'
Hmm, I'll ask him later and decide then—
"Bjorn? Busy?"
"Misha? What brings you here?"
"Just… you always seem busy lately. I brought you some fruit tea you like…"
Oh, my sugar must have been running low.
Gulp.
I swallowed about half in one bite, then looked at Misha who was watching me expectantly.
Well, taking bribes and then staying silent isn't very nice.
"Thanks. Misha, I'll reward you with a title."
"…Huh? I don't need that—"
"From now on, you're the secretary general. Your mission is anything to improve the commander's work efficiency, and for that you have free judgment."
"Uh…? So you want me to bring it again next time, right?"
Well, that's one way to interpret it.
When I nodded, Misha, who was about to refuse the title, smiled faintly.
"Well, if it's like that, I'll gladly accept…"
I got a cat secretary.
After finishing the rank system reorganization, I held a meeting with the officers.
There wasn't an important agenda; it was to get used to the changed faces.
I was also curious if this system would run well.
Ah, of course, it wasn't that there was no topic at all.
"How far has the investigation of the statues and portal progressed?"
While I was holed up in the barracks reorganizing the structure, the mages continued investigating the stone chamber.
Today was the report meeting.
"Ah, I'll report on that."
As soon as I spoke, Gahwin Vesillus, the chief of the mage division, stood up.
"Are you feeling better?"
"I rested a few days, so I'm fine now."
Certainly… until a few days ago, he was still limping, but today he walked well.
"That's good to hear. Anyway, tell me. Court Mage, how far along is the stone chamber investigation?"
"Before reporting, one thing."
Gahwin Vesillus asked me bluntly.
"Why exactly am I the court mage?"
Ah, that.
"This isn't the royal palace anyway."
"It's just a title, don't worry. You have to have a name to be called by."
"No, I mean why that name…"
Gahwin muttered in dissatisfaction, but I had no intention to change it.
I don't even know why he hates it so much.
Court Mage.
Sounds pretty cool even if you say it backwards.
Thinking so, I shot Gahwin a look telling him to stop complaining and start reporting.
A white-robed, white-haired old man spoke politely.
"As Baron Vesillus said, it's just a name. The essence is what matters."
"..."
"And isn't court mage better than saintess? Heh heh."
It was the archbishop of the Tobera Church, who held the saintess position in the expedition.
Seeing the saintess calmly accept the comment, the court mage stopped whining, and the report began.
"I report: no additional items have been found inside the stone chamber. Just three statues and one portal."
"And?"
"The portal is as reported before."
"Likely connected to the original location, but it's too soon to be sure?"
"Yes. Even after analyzing the portal's nature, we can't determine the coordinates beyond. However, we have learned quite a bit about the statues instead."
"Tell me."
Gahwin placed three statues, about the size of large figures, on the table.
One statue was stained black.
"What happened?"
"During research, one statue was used once."
"Used?"
"To summarize, the statue has a nature similar to the guardian statues here. When used, it can open a crack."
"You mean the partial crack where only guardians appear?"
"Yes. See this groove? When a crack stone is placed inside, the statue activates and opens a portal for about 30 minutes."
"Have you gone inside?"
"Unfortunately not. The portal disappeared after 30 minutes while investigating."
Huh… so one statue was lost?
I felt a sharp pang of regret but was reassured by Gahwin's explanation.
"It doesn't seem like a one-time use item. See the black stain? Over time, the color is returning from below."
Oh, so it has a cooldown like an item?
"Also, though the portal hasn't been entered, we learned several things outside. This is an unconfirmed hypothesis but…"
What followed was an explanation filled with difficult terms.
"After such research, it was found that the portal's nature opened by the statue is very similar to the coordinate wavelength of the 'Blood Fortress'…"
To summarize the long and difficult explanation:
"The crack stone used to activate the statue was a grade 9 crack stone obtained from the first floor crack. We are considering the possibility this is no coincidence."
Simply put, the guardian's grade is determined by the grade of crack stone offered to the statue.
Well, this is still speculation.
"Deputy commander, do we have more crack stones among our supplies?"
We checked our crack stones, but unfortunately, only a few below grade 6 remained.
Correct content is on
Understandable, how often do you bring crack stones into a labyrinth?
Actually, having even that many proved how meticulous the royal family was.
'A kind of downgraded crack generator…'
By the way, among the Numbers items, there is one similar to this statue.
No.18 Crack Generator.
This item can open cracks by inserting crack stones.
It requires about ten grade 9 stones and opens random cracks on the corresponding floor.
Though you have to be at that floor, it can open cracks without high-grade stones if you have enough quantity. And it actually enters the real cracks, so it's an upper-level item.
'Well, this statue might open a portal to a real crack too…'
But judging by its statue form, it's likely it will spawn only a single boss like previous guardian statues.
"I see. Good work. I'll keep the statues safe."
After that, I pocketed the statues and checked other reports.
"The essence of the Soul Eater?"
"No progress yet. Since essence can't be studied unless absorbed by someone, there's not much to research…"
"To research it, someone must consume it. Got it. I'll think about that."
"Understood."
"My stomach is getting hungry. Everyone except the research chief may go out and rest."
I ended the meeting and dismissed everyone except the research chief.
"Yandel-san left only me here because—"
"Not Yandel-san, but commander."
Still an official place, but the research chief ignored that and continued.
"You must be curious how much I've learned about that item."
"Yeah. Learned anything?"
The expedition's research chief, Raven, activated voice control magic.
"Actually, quite a lot."
"Oh, really?"
"First, this crown is a Numbers item."
"Numbers item?"
For someone like me who memorized all from 1 to 9,999, that was hard to accept.
There is no such crown among Numbers items.
And Raven would know that too…
"Explain in detail."
"Since this is the first floor we've entered, the expedition has pretty good research equipment."
"So?"
"Analysis shows this crown has the unique properties of a Numbers item. So I defined it as a Numbers item."
"But it lacks the most important number."
"That's right. So I gave it a suitable name…"
"Why be shy? Just say it."
"Secret Numbers… how about that?"
Compared to making up a name, it was pretty tame.
"I thought we might find more Numbers items without known numbers while exploring the basement first floor."
"Sounds good."
"Then it can be the official name?"
"Yes."
When I nodded, Raven's face lit up.
He was probably imagining the future where 'Secret Numbers' would be widely used.
Well, what does the name matter?
"Enough about the name. Tell me what this item does."
I worried he might have come only to talk about the name, but fortunately, Raven's curiosity was genuine as well as his pride.
"I'll speak only about what has been verified. Keep in mind there might be unknown abilities."
"Alright, hurry up."
"First, this crown grants immunity to all harmful mental effects when worn."
"Oh…"
Better performance than I expected.
A helmet that grants immunity to mental effects?
Since high-level raids often require mental resist stats or equipment, this would be useful going forward.
'Can I wear it…?'
Imagining a giant barbarian wearing a crown looks odd, but gamers always prioritize function over looks…
"Oh, and one more thing."
The next explanation made me lose interest in the crown.
"When worn, it grants immunity to holy power. It won't be harmed by holy spells but can't benefit from healing spells either. Other beneficial blessing spells are obviously useless too."
"Ah…"
I figured there had to be a drawback.
'I can't use it.'
As a tank who needs periodic healing, this helmet isn't for me.
"That's all we've discovered. No active skill has been found yet. Though it's more likely there isn't one."
"Good work."
"I'll take it and research further. Is that alright?"
"Of course. You should even name it officially. Numbers items need names."
"…Really, I can name it?"
"Of course."
Motivating subordinates is also part of a superior's role.
"Oh, right, Yandel-san."
"Commander, please."
"About those three statues from the stone chamber. You said they activate with crack stones and open cracks corresponding to the stone's grade?"
"Yes?"
Raven took out a crack stone.
I don't know the grade, but it looked pretty large.
"This was obtained after defeating the vampire guardian in the mutated crack we first encountered."
"Oh, that one?"
"Yes. It's hard to sell, so we've kept it."
"So?"
Raven asked me with genuine curiosity.
"What kind of crack opens if we put this in the statue?"
Uh… I wonder.
"…Should we try?"
I'm pretty curious too.
-x-X-x-
A brief silence followed my suggestion to give it a try.
During that time, Raven, who had been staring at me with a serious gaze, reluctantly shook his head.
"Eh, but it's still a bit too soon to just experiment immediately, right?"
NovelFire
"In the labyrinth, you won't know until you try."
"That may be true, but this is a precious item… I'd hate to lose it uselessly."
When the original owner of the crack stone says that, I have nothing to say.
Even if some hidden effect activates, it could be problematic.
I plan to continue exploration as soon as the rainy season ends, and wasting time would disrupt the schedule.
'Everyone's already on edge being trapped here…'
So for now, the plan to activate the statues with Cambormier's crack stones was put on hold.
"Well, I'll be going!"
Raven left, saying he'd think of a name for the crown, and I was left alone in the barracks.
My mind was full of thoughts—not about the statues or crack stones.
'What a coincidence.'
The abilities Raven told me about the crown kept lingering in my head.
Killing the archbishop who became Karui's priest, and the item obtained grants mental immunity?
'Seems like an item meant to be used in that chapter…'
I was still bothered by the red portal I couldn't enter last time.
What was beyond it?
With this crown, maybe next time we challenge it, we could see beyond with our own eyes.
Though, of course, a retry isn't possible right now.
'Definitely not an immediate retry.'
For now, the crack was considered cleared.
The guardian statues on floors five and below, which were conditions to open cracks, no longer open portals when touched.
So for now, besides using the portal in the stone chamber to get outside, we have no options.
'I wonder how long the cooldown is…'
I won't know until I try going out.
After leaving and re-entering, there might be a chance to retry immediately, or I might have to wait until cooldown ends.
Considering the basement first floor is covered with unknowns, if this is a one-time crack, we might never be able to enter again.
Swoosh.
While sitting alone in the empty barracks, organizing my thoughts, I pulled out a backpack from the pocket dimension.
The backpack the chief gave me before entering the crack.
He said he had placed a notebook inside, containing all the answers to my questions.
So as soon as I finished my business, I read it all.
But…
'Did he catch some deadly disease that makes him not want to say everything clearly?'
The more I read, the deeper the mystery grew.
[If you feel something nearby in the Library Island, go out for a day and come back. The messy bookshelves will be all arranged.]
That must be Hamshik talking.
[If you discover another dimensional stele, never pay attention to it. Again, the only exit you seek is the one from our village.]
That seems to be about the dimensional stele on Giant Island.
Everything below that was cryptic.
[If a huge shadow suddenly falls on the ground while exploring Giant Island, never look up. Wait a moment and the shadow will disappear, then you can continue your journey.]
[There's nothing at the top of the tree island you call. If you see or hear something, wear a blindfold and earplugs and hold your breath. Then you'll pass safely.]
[If waves start rolling during the rainy season, immediately stop and find a hiding place. Every island has at least one. But don't go to the rocky island where you first opened your eyes. It's the only one without a hiding place.]
[The golden book won't particularly help you achieve your goals.]
[If you see a horse running in the sky outside the rainy season, don't act rashly. If you don't attack or get close first, nothing will happen.]
By now it felt more like spreading rumors than giving information. Still, the last item was easy enough to understand.
[If a dimensional collapse starts and the entire layer begins to crumble, head to the island where our village was. A portal to the surface will be open.]
If dimensional collapse happens, we can escape the basement first floor.
From this, one conclusion can be drawn.
'The chief doesn't seem to know any escape method besides this.'
He's just waiting for the collapse.
That explains why he left alone using the [Heretical Altar] instead of trying to escape with us.
He doesn't know when I'll escape.
If I hold on until the collapse happens, it's unknown how long that will take…
'No mention of the Rainbow Island.'
I reread the notebook several times and searched the chief's backpack thoroughly, but there was no mention of Rainbow Island.
I think Rainbow Island is the key to escape.
'Did he leave it out knowingly? Or just not know?'
I have no way to check now.
I can't grab the chief by the collar and ask since he must have already woken up in the city long ago.
'I'll just have to go see for myself.'
In the end, I have no choice but to continue exploring.
Like an explorer should.
As soon as the rainy season ended, we took the portal and went outside.
A towering stone gate in the middle of the sea.
The small boat we arrived in was nowhere to be seen, and as soon as we stepped out, a misfortune happened—we plunged into the silvery sea.
But…
'Ugh, what a hassle.'
After many bothersome procedures, all our expedition members safely boarded the summoned ship.
And during this process, I learned one thing.
The stone gate wasn't always open.
"The gate is sinking underwater!"
The moment the last member jumped out of the portal, the giant stone gate closed and began to sink.
'…So no immediate retry.'
A little disappointing, but we resolved to try next time.
Eventually, the gate will rise back to the surface once cooldown ends.
If this isn't a one-time content.
"Baron, preparations for departure are complete."
Watching the stone gate sink from the bow, I glanced around.
Three warships floated around, escorting my ship.
"Raise the departure flag!"
As I gave the order, the ship started moving and the flag rose atop the watchtower.
Shwaaahhh—!
Our ship cut through the silver waves, followed by three warships.
Life is full of ups and downs, huh?
When we arrived, we were following behind those warships.
"Bjorn, aren't you hungry?"
"Ah, thanks."
While chewing snacks Misha prepared, Amelia approached and spoke.
"…What's that?"
"This? A snack from the secretary."
"…How long are you going to keep playing that ridiculous secretary role?"
Uh…
Even I would feel a little hurt hearing that.
"Do you dislike being search squad leader that much?"
For reference, the search squad leader manages talented scouts assigned to reconnaissance.
Since I'm considered a founding figure, I made a new position and gave it to her…
"Haah…"
Amelia just shook her head at my question and disappeared to do her work.
'Nothing to do…'
I patrolled for a while longer but had nothing to intervene in, so I ended up resting in my room or chatting with comrades.
And some time later.
"I'm going out alone for a bit."
When we finally arrived at Library Island, I got off alone and headed down the island.
The books we messed up were already all arranged, and even the sound of my footsteps echoed several times.
'Quiet.'
No sign of Hamshik yet.
Is he sleeping at home?
"Hamshik—!!"
Calling out loudly, a fluffy creature cautiously peeked from the bookshelf.
"Oh, hey. You were there? Why aren't you home?"
[…Are you really asking that?!!]
Ah, right. We smashed this place before leaving.
"…Sorry."
[Ha! So what are you doing here? Alone too.]
"I came to see you. The others are waiting above, so come here."
[… ]
Maybe my visit was sudden?
Hamshik glanced around warily before emerging.
[You… came to see me?]
"Yes."
[Why?]
The reason was simple.
Because I saw him at the crack we recently visited.
[My name is not Hamshik—!]
The other Hamshik I met in the cave who didn't even know his own name.
After meeting the second Hamshik, I thought:
Hamshik must be hiding some big secret.
Even if he doesn't know it himself.
"Don't be so stingy! Do you need a reason to visit a friend?"
But hiding my true intentions, I laughed heartily as I approached, yet Hamshik became even more wary.
[Don't lie!]
"…?"
[You didn't just come for nothing! You have a purpose!]
Huh, he's already tamed this much.
I preferred when Hamshik was innocent.
I smiled and spoke honestly.
"Yes, I have a purpose."
[Hmph! I knew it—]
"Hamshik, let's leave here together."
[…What?]
Hamshik looked surprised but confused.
I'd prepared some oiling and bright words for this.
[Leave together… what do you mean?]
"Exactly that. Staying here means endlessly organizing books. Without us, there's nothing to organize anyway."
[… ]
This must have been his Achilles' heel.
Hamshik looked displeased.
But to change life, shock is always necessary.
"You've been here long enough. So now come with me."
[…What would change if I leave?]
"A lot."
Hamshik seemed unconvinced.
So I elaborated.
"First, you'll see with your own eyes what's outside. After all, you've been here so long but don't even know what's out there."
[I'm not really curious.]
"Oh? Not curious at all about the vast silver sea or the unknown islands?"
[Not curious.]
Unexpected reaction.
He really seemed sincere, not just making excuses…
"Then how about this? You lost your memories, right? You don't know who you are. Maybe if you wander outside, you can regain them."
[…How can you be so sure?]
Oh, a slow answer. Maybe this interests him?
To his reasonable objection, I confidently answered.
"How can you be sure it's impossible?"
Hamshik was momentarily speechless but finally answered after a while.
[…That's a stretch.]
Not wrong.
But I could say confidently,
"But nothing will change if you stay here forever."
It's my life philosophy.
Like the saying "starting is half the task."
Zero and one are different.
They might look similar at first, but over time the gap becomes enormous.
Yet Hamshik still hesitated to step forward.
'Huh, I think I just need to push him a little…'
[Just one thing.]
"…?"
[Just answer one thing. Why do you want to take me with you?]
Ugh, persistent.
I sighed inwardly and looked at empty space, not Hamshik.
"…Why are you just staring?"
[…?]
"A friend stuck at home miserably."
That was another reason I wanted to take Hamshik with me.
I must have grown fond of him, because I kept worrying about him.
Hamshik answered only after a long time.
[I'll go. Follow you outside.]
It seems my persuasion that if he changed his mind, I would take him out anytime worked.
"Good decision."
[…But if I'm nearby, there will be problems. Others… see me terribly.]
"You can hide your appearance anyway. Just stay hidden in your cabin."
[Then what's the difference?]
"Hiding place?"
[… ]
"You lost your home anyway. The cabin has a bed. A very soft one."
[… ]
"What are you hesitating for? Decision's made. Let's go! We don't have time!"
Worried he might change his mind, I hurriedly took Hamshik and left the island.
And…
"Tell everyone to stay inside for now."
After clearing the deck, without anyone's gaze, I let Hamshik into my cabin.
"How is it? Not bad, right? There's a window so you can see the sea well."
[Hmph. So what? I've seen it a few times already.]
"Oh, so you've come up alone a few times? Didn't seem interested in the outside world."
[… ]
"Well, I'll come back later. The others should be told it's okay to come out, and we have to set sail."
[… Do as you please.]
After hiding Hamshik in my room, I restored the personnel arrangement.
And…
"Set sail!!"
We resumed the journey.
The destination was the unknown Rainbow Island about a month away from here.
Shwaaahhhh!
Four ships sliced through the waves, steadily moving forward.
Then suddenly—
"…Horse?"
"How is it? Doesn't it really look like a horse?"
…A horse?
I quickly looked up and saw the figure of a white, shining horse flying in the sky.
I hurriedly took out the chief's rumor notebook.
[If you see a horse running in the sky outside the rainy season, don't act rashly. If you don't attack or approach it first, nothing will happen.]
I didn't expect to see it so soon.
-x-X-x-
A horse galloping across the sky outside of the rainy season.
Although the village chief's notebook made no mention of a horse that shines like that, anyway.
Since this was a sudden encounter, a quick decision had to be made.
Of course, the notebook did advise that if we neither attacked nor approached it, no problems would arise…
"But that doesn't mean we just let it go, right?"
To be honest, just seeing it made my mouth water.
It felt like witnessing a legendary monster.
"What should I do?"
Since the chief himself gave a warning, it must be quite dangerous.
But because it was such a creature, if we succeeded in hunting it, the return would surely be great.
That's the law of Dungeon and Stone.
Great risk always comes with great reward.
"Hey! It's moving away!"
"Shouldn't we do something? It must be a new species of monster…!"
"Everyone, stay in your positions and wait for the commander's orders!"
In the end, I made a decision.
There was a chance that this creature held a clue to escape even the chief didn't know about…
"But for now, let's just let it go."
Today's timing and place were bad.
We were not on land, and our strength was divided across four ships.
Since we still didn't know the creature's true danger, it made more sense to prepare fully in a better location before attempting a raid.
Therefore…
Chiiik— chiiik.
Gripping the message stone like a radio, I spoke.
"Do not attack the monster seen overhead under any circumstances. This is a commander's order."
The Barbarian commander's order was immediately relayed to the leadership on every ship.
Naturally, no one disobeyed or acted rashly.
Thuk.
I stopped at the bow, watching the silhouette of the horse fade into the distance, licking my lips.
"Tch."
Still, we'll meet again someday.
A thrifty little fact about Raphdonia.
99.9% of the currency in this world is released into circulation through the Dimension Plaza checkpoint.
That's why the unit is called 'Stone.'
A 100 Stone coin holds exactly that much mana stone value.
And to put it another way—
Swooooooosh!
Right now, we're consuming about 500,000 Stones per hour. That's because we're running the magitech propulsion devices «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» at maximum output throughout the voyage.
Oh, and that consumption is per ship.
"Pouring in money like this sure makes us fast."
Even the occasional sea monsters we meet dare not invade the ship thanks to the speed.
"Auyen, how long until we reach the destination at this rate?"
"The estimated time will be cut in half, Commander."
The one-month journey was shortened to two weeks.
Well, if we hadn't come back from the library island where the stone gate was, we wouldn't need to hurry so much…
"What's the point in regretting now?"
Still, thanks to running the engines at full power, we cut down wasted travel time to just a few days.
Though that did consume an enormous amount of mana stones.
"Wahaha! Did you see that? Already over a million Stones burned! Ah, with four ships, that's 3.78 million Stones!"
"…It's 4 million Stones, Fnelin."
"…Hahaha! Still, this is pretty fun!"
Ainard, in charge of navigation assistance, happily stuffed mana stones into the magitech propulsion every time Auyen ordered.
Looks like he found spending mana stones like water to be enjoyable.
Of course, there were some who saw the mana stones as precious.
"The destination is two weeks away…"
"How much is that with four ships?"
"Probably enough to buy a decent mansion in the city."
"Ugh…"
Honestly, I felt the same.
Though we used the mana stones brought in when the expedition force entered the first underground floor, just watching it hurt.
But it was an unavoidable choice.
The less time it took to reach Rainbow Island, the better.
"So it's because of the rainy season? That's why we're rushing."
"Looks like it. If we arrive after a month, the rainy season will be starting again."
The destination, Rainbow Island, was veiled in mystery.
Therefore, we needed to secure as much exploration time outside the rainy season as possible.
"That makes me even more curious. What exactly did you do alone down there? From the looks of it, Yandel, you seemed to think that was more important than saving time."
"Oh, that…"
I hesitated briefly, then explained to Raven about Hamsik, whom she did not know, and that I had brought him out.
"A monster appeared in the crack? So you thought maybe we could get some help from that monster?"
"…If you want to put it that way, yes."
"Hmmm…"
Raven only made a strange face and remained silent for a while.
"Oh, right. Since we're talking secrets."
"Secrets?"
"That crown. I finally decided on a name."
Ah, so it was finally decided.
She hadn't come to tell me for days, so I thought she was keeping it to herself.
"What is it?"
"…The Crown of Agony."
Raven shyly announced the name, even explaining why she named it that without me asking.
She said the crown has an effect of mental immunity, but due to severe restrictions, one needs to think carefully before wearing it.
"…What do you think?"
Well, I don't really know.
If the name meant the creator agonized over naming it, that would make sense.
"Sounds good."
"Heh, right? So, as promised, when this item is revealed outside, you have to use this name and say I named it. Oh, and that I'm the researcher, of course."
"Understood."
After I gave my confirmation, Raven seemed satisfied and left, and since then the voyage continued without incident.
Most of the time was spent chatting with companions; the rest on patrol or experimenting with Hamsik in my cabin.
"Hamsik, how've you been?"
[…Send me back.]
"Today's experiment is the lantern flash. It's said that people recall forgotten memories when facing death—."
[No! I won't do it. Never!]
Geez, so sensitive.
At first, he had been eager for various experiments.
"Hmm, maybe repeated failures have made him completely discouraged."
I muttered analyzingly, and Hamsik had a fit.
[Beeee—!!!]
When Hamsik is genuinely angry, he lets out a cute howling.
Of course, to others, it sounds dreadful.
In fact, when I brought Raven into the room recently, his face went pale and he ran away immediately.
"Don't be mad. The lantern flash experiment is just a joke. Oh, and today I brought some things you'll like."
I pulled out several books Raven had given me, and Hamsik's sulky face immediately brightened.
'Ugh, feels like raising a kid.'
Ancient language books that even Hamsik, who only speaks the ancient tongue, could read.
They weren't even storybooks.
Still, Hamsik concentrated as if there was nothing better to enjoy, and I lay on the bed beside him to rest.
And…
One day, two days, three days, four days…
How many days passed like that?
Ainar came to my cabin where I was resting.
"Biyoorn!"
"Not Bjorn, Commander—."
"Auyen says we'll arrive in an hour, come out!"
Phew, finally.
It was time to tighten the loosened tension once again.
Heading to the helm, I saw Auyen gripping the wheel, examining the map with a serious gaze.
"Ah, Commander. You're here."
Among the Anavada clan members, he was the only one who always called me Commander.
"Ainard said we're arriving soon?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Are you sure? Yesterday you said we'd arrive this afternoon."
"The wind started blowing after a certain point, so I had to recalculate."
Wind, huh…
Well, my hair did get wildly blown the moment I stepped onto the deck.
I went to the railing and looked down, noticing the water currents had become rougher than before.
[If waves start surging during the rainy season, stop immediately and find shelter.]
I recalled the contents of the folklore notebook but thought this wasn't what it meant.
It wasn't rainy season now.
The water was a bit rough, but not to the point of waves surging violently.
"So, are you confident in the calculation?"
"Yes. I checked several times considering the changed speed."
"If you say so, then that's that. Good work."
After Auyen's report, I used the message stone to order all ships to prepare for arrival and respond to any situation.
"Elwen! Still nothing?"
"Yes! Still can't see anything!"
With the destination near, Elwen's view from the watchtower still spotted nothing.
"…"
As we gradually slowed down, the wind stopped completely, and a calm zone appeared.
At the same time, the ships stopped.
Though magitech propulsion keeps ships moving without wind, there was a simple reason the ships halted.
"We have arrived, Commander."
We had reached the destination.
"Are you sure this is it?"
"I can't confirm if this is where the pillar of light was that day, but it definitely matches the location on the map."
"Hmm…"
I had no doubts about Auyen or his skills.
Though we had rescued him from marauders, he was skilled enough to impress even the naval navigators in the expedition.
If he was this confident, his words must be true.
Indeed, as soon as we arrived, the strange wind stopped and the calm zone appeared.
Time to think differently.
We arrived at the right place.
But still, the reason we see nothing must be something else.
For example…
"Then there are only two possibilities."
"…What?"
"Either it's under the sea, or it's floating above."
"Ah…"
No one reacted as if that were nonsense.
There are islands like this on the 6th floor of the labyrinth.
The island where deep-sea giants appeared, Jijeo Island, and the yet unexplored Meokgurum Island, which has lower priority for exploration.
"Let's check under the sea first."
If anything's hidden, it's probably underwater.
After all, the first underground floor map is basically the sea.
With that thought, I ordered the anchors dropped for depth checks.
But…
"Commander! Even after letting out all the line, the anchor doesn't touch bottom!"
How deep is it if the anchor won't reach?
More suspicious.
"…We'll have to go down ourselves."
I selected some with outstanding personal abilities and formed a special mission unit.
One by one, I equipped them with oxygen tanks (mages) and sent them diving underwater.
Though I wanted to go myself…
"Absolutely not!"
The first time the deputy commander sharply stopped me, I had no choice but to give up.
She said it was absurd for the commander to do something so dangerous and asked me to trust the talents gathered by the royal family who could respond in any situation.
"But didn't the count enter the crack just fine?"
"Yes. And we lost our commander temporarily that day."
"Ah…"
I had no words after hearing that.
Maybe because of the confession that he didn't want a position of responsibility?
I slightly suspected the real reason they stopped me.
'It's disappointing not to explore personally, but at least I'm comfortable.'
I just sat on the ship waiting, and the first deep-sea exploration ended.
The result was failure.
There were neither monsters swarming underwater nor other obstacles…
"No matter how far down they went, they couldn't reach the bottom."
The mages with oxygen tanks dove as far as allowed but never reached the end.
Ah, after that, no second exploration was attempted.
I judged no different result would come from trying more.
"Then let's check above."
So naturally, the story ended with exploring the sky first.
"Go, Expedition Leader!"
As soon as the mages who did the deep-sea exploration rested, we used levitation magic to send them flying.
"Good thing we picked research then."
Raven came beside me, exhaling deeply.
"By the way, why is it that the research team has a 'research chief' and the expedition has an 'expedition leader'?"
"Curious about strange things."
"Didn't you just name them without thinking?"
Not exactly, but I didn't agonize over names as much as she did.
"Enough. Look up there. If anything falls, you'll have to catch it."
"Got it."
Watching above, how much time passed, I don't know.
Contrary to worries, the expedition leader safely led the mages flying and landed on the ship.
"From about 200 meters above, the wind gusts were too strong to ascend further."
The first aerial exploration failed as well.
But unlike the deep sea, it wasn't a complete failure.
"One of the members said they might have seen something just before descending from up there."
If the member wasn't mistaken, there's something in the sky.
"The problem is how to get up there…"
Time to use a gamer's imagination.
-x-X-x-
According to the expedition leader, starting from about 200 meters above, the gusts of wind were too strong to ascend using levitation magic.
They even tried casting illumination magic to try and reveal the view, but the wind was so fierce that the magic dispersed quickly.
However, when the illumination magic briefly flared, one member of the expedition said they saw something.
"There was definitely something looking down at me from the darkness."
That expedition member couldn't clearly describe the appearance, shape, or size of the thing, but was strongly certain they had seen something.
"The wind was so strong that it was hard to see properly ahead. We have to consider the possibility that they were mistaken…"
The expedition leader seemed skeptical of the member's account, but I was different.
Of course, I don't fully believe it either…
"Then let's check again."
"Check again… you mean…?"
"Yes. Go back up and use the illumination magic properly this time. Then we should be able to see something clearly."
"…The members are quite exhausted. Can we let them rest sufficiently today and continue the investigation from tomorrow?"
From tomorrow, huh…
If I were honest, I wouldn't want to waste any time, but I'm a barbarian commander who inherited the spirit of a great leader.
"Of course."
Giving the permission coolly, the expedition leader's face, which looked like it might collapse, began to regain color.
'…I hope he wasn't deliberately hiding his face with magic to rest.'
Suddenly, I had such a suspicion, but trusting my subordinates with a broad heart is also part of being a commander.
In the end, the investigation resumed only after the entire expedition team rested fully until the next day.
And then…
"I saw it too…! Something was looking down at me!"
Another similar eyewitness account emerged within the expedition, and this time, the form of it was faintly captured in a video recording orb.
Opinions among those who checked the orb were divided, though.
"It's hard to distinguish clearly because it's so dark around it."
"Could it be caused by refraction of the light orb magic…?"
"I disagree. Do you see here? This is the eye, this is the nose… if you look thinking like this, the outline emerges…"
"Eek! Really! That's not a human figure!"
"…Creepy."
Hearing this, it felt less like experts tackling a new floor and more like a ghost club exploring a haunted house.
'…The recording orb is ambiguous.'
I checked the video myself, but it was difficult to say much based on that alone.
However…
'Still, there's now more than one eyewitness.'
Not one, but two.
That is statistically significant.
At this point, the claim that there is something inside gains credibility.
Something is hidden within those gusts.
Even if it's not what they call a "person."
"Hmm…"
I pondered deeply.
Because now what I have to do next became clear.
"How do I get up there?"
A way to break through the gusts and reach the unknown something.
From now on, I must come up with that method.
"Expedition leader. From now on, you have full authority to investigate that place at your discretion. You may deploy others as needed."
The expedition switched to automatic investigation mode.
I told them to try anything that came to mind, even if it seemed foolish, but to report every result to me without fail.
'Though I doubt that old man will come up with a creative investigation method.'
Still, maybe they'll bring back something.
Afterward, I said I would take a moment to organize my thoughts and returned to my cabin.
[Seems like things aren't going well?]
"Ah, want to hear about it?"
I sat Hamsik up from reading a book and shared the current situation as a kind of complaint.
I had hoped for some advice, but sadly, Hamsik only has listening skills, no advice function.
[Yeah, that's tough.]
"Is that all?"
[Then what do you want me to do?]
Lately, maybe because he reads books often, he's gotten a lot more prickly.
He used to be much gentler.
'Is he going through puberty?'
Hamsik turned his attention back to his book, and I lay down on the bed to sort my thoughts.
How could I break through the obstacles and ascend?
Moving a team of over a hundred through the gusts up several hundred meters wasn't easy to imagine.
But precisely because of that…
'It probably won't be by just using magic to ascend. Hmm… maybe I have to meet some condition to trigger an event?'
A thoroughly gamer-derived speculation.
But since this is the world of Dungeon and Stone, that perspective helps.
"An event, huh…"
Actually, the first hypothesis that came to mind is this:
The moment the rainy season ended.
A rainbow-colored pillar of light shone so strongly it was visible anywhere on the first underground floor.
The pillar lasted about five minutes before disappearing.
At the time, I thought it was simply a landmark.
But…
'What if I'm at that spot when it happens? Will a new event trigger?'
A pretty plausible hypothesis.
After all, that condition itself was quite hard to meet.
'The nearest island is four weeks away.'
The Stone Gate Island, lined with guardian statues, sank under the sea, so the nearest island is the Library Island.
Using the magitech propulsion device cuts travel time significantly, but it doesn't really matter.
No matter what, the rainy season will end before we arrive.
'Simply put, if I want to be at the pillar when it forms, there's no choice but to endure the rainy season head-on…'
Assuming my hypothesis is all correct, thinking inversely, it's meaningful that Rainbow Island is isolated like a remote island.
Well, or maybe not.
'I'll keep investigating until then, and if no method appears, I'll try it once.'
That was the conclusion for now.
One day, two days, three days, four days…
Time passed quickly on the ship anchored in the calm zone.
For some, it was a busy time; for others, it was peacefully boring.
"C-Caught it! Expedition leader!"
"Really?!"
The most active among the busy were the expedition members.
Under my orders, they tried outrageous experiments daily, repeatedly failing.
Oh, today's experiment was drone deployment.
The plan was to tie a video recording orb to an arrow, shoot it, track its location, and review the footage — a pretty reasonable plan, actually…
"Play it! Hurry!"
"…"
"Why are you just staring blankly—?"
"It… won't operate. Seems to be damaged by the impact from the fall."
The expedition leader's face hardened after investing three whole days preparing for this plan.
"Repair?"
"The circuits are not just tangled, they're completely broken. It looks difficult."
"…"
Sigh I felt sorry for them.
I wanted to tell them to just rest already, but since they always came up with pretty decent plans, I just watched.
'No wonder he was recommended for the position…'
The expedition leader was appointed on Gahwin's recommendation and fit the role better than expected.
'I was a bit surprised when they said they'd explore the sea simultaneously.'
By the way, the expedition leader did conduct deep-sea exploration simultaneously, and the most impressive plan was to attach weights to the video orbs and sink them.
The plan was to remove the weights after a timer-triggered magic, form an air layer, and return.
But the problem was the durability of the recording crystal orb.
No matter how many protective magics were layered, it shattered from the high pressure when retrieved.
"…If I return, I will definitely create a recording crystal orb that functions under any environment without breaking."
Hmm, maybe that's how all civilization advancements start.
They say failure leads to success, after all.
'If only that existed, exploration would be much easier.'
Ah, but even without it, things were comfortable.
There were enough talented people around who would be treated like aces anywhere, so I didn't have to step in.
I was the typical figure passing the boring time.
'I'm bored, better go patrol.'
Walking around the closely docked ships, I noticed the number of people on deck was noticeably low.
I understood fewer guards were needed since no sea monsters had appeared…
'But even so, this few?'
I approached a crew member working on something on deck and asked, only to hear an unexpected answer.
"Everyone's hiding inside their rooms. They're afraid of being seen by the expedition leader if they come outside."
"…?"
"Didn't the count give the expedition leader authority? He can pull anyone from anywhere if needed."
"Ah…"
"Ugh… I wasn't even coming out of my cabin because it was stuffy. Just happened to run into him then…"
Seeing an actual victim, I realized it wasn't just a rumor.
Feeling somewhat sorry, I quickly left.
After checking all four ships and returning to our own…
"Biyoorn!!"
"Call me commander—."
"Save me! I want to rest…!"
Ainard threw his spear down on the floor and ran over.
'Geez, how expensive is that spear?'
I almost coughed blood seeing the emerald spear rolling on the floor, but first dodged Ainard's tackle and checked the deck.
"Ugh!"
"Tch."
Amelia clicked her tongue at Ainard, who had just rolled forward. Looks like he was lightly training with her…
Nothing surprising about that.
"Training again today?"
"I can't do anything on my own."
Whether on Chief's Island or during the voyage, Amelia found spare time to train Ainard.
"Just understand it's because of his fighting spirit. When he's back to normal, he'll do well even without orders."
"True. But aside from that, I plan to keep managing him until then. Planning to stop me?"
"No way. Take good care of Ainard."
I was rather grateful to Amelia.
She was taking care of what I should be doing.
'Looks like she's getting attached to the others too.'
It was a good sight in many ways.
Especially since she helped Ainard voluntarily, not because I ordered her to.
"If you want to rest, swing your spear. If you hit me even once, training's over for the day."
"Be-Behel—ra…!"
Ainard started swinging his spear with renewed motivation, and after watching the sparring from a short distance, I left.
About three days left until the rainy season.
We held a leadership meeting after a long time.
And I declared one thing.
"The investigation ends today."
"…What…?"
The expedition leader, upon hearing my words, looked at me with a dumbfounded expression unbefitting a mage.
Honestly, I thought he'd be happy.
"…I'm sorry to disappoint you. After all this time, we didn't find anything—"
No, I wasn't trying to scold him.
Since it seemed like a misunderstanding, I quickly continued.
"I'm not disappointed. From the start, I think you did your best with what you could. Without you, we wouldn't have uncovered this much."
Warm words unlike a brusque barbarian commander.
Normally, I wouldn't have been like this, but I sincerely acknowledged the expedition leader's skill and effort.
Maybe it showed in my eyes?
"…Thank you."
The expedition leader bowed shortly in response, then cautiously asked.
"So the investigation is stopping because of the rainy season?"
"You're half right, but also half wrong."
"Excuse me?"
"We're stopping because of the rainy season, yes, but we're not moving to avoid it. Rather, we need time to prepare, so we're ending the investigation."
I then looked at all the leadership, not just the expedition leader.
"We will spend the rainy season here."
To do that, perfect preparation was necessary.
-x-X-x-
There was no uproar at the announcement that we would spend the rainy season here.
In fact, everyone had probably expected it deep down.
We stayed here until a few days before the rainy season began, conducting investigations. If we wanted to avoid the rainy season, we should have finished the investigation and left long ago.
Perhaps because of the calm atmosphere around?
"I must have asked a foolish question. Lately, I've been so focused on the investigation that my judgment was poor."
The expedition leader apologized with an embarrassed expression.
"That's no reason to apologize. Everyone knows how hard you've worked on the investigation."
I then proceeded with the meeting, checking if there were any objections.
Fortunately, no leaders opposed.
Not because they were crushed by my authority.
Most of the leadership simply did not see the rainy season as a serious threat.
They had already experienced it once.
From Library Island to Chief's Island. The journey began on day three of the rainy season, yet we reached the destination without a single casualty.
"Considering the supplies consumed then, it's best to avoid the rainy season if possible. But if it's unavoidable, there's no reason to flee."
"However, after the rainy season, the mages' strength will be greatly reduced for at least several days. Please take this fully into account."
"Yes. If we have to fight new enemies immediately after the rainy season, the gap left by their weakened state would be huge."
Our discussion had one topic.
Not how to avoid annihilation or flee the rainy season.
But how to minimize damage and get through the rainy season 'well.'
Many opinions and strategies were exchanged on this theme, and Plan A was eventually created.
Still, we were not satisfied with Plan A and continued brainstorming.
Then…
Plan B, Plan C, Plan D…
We kept preparing countermeasures to respond to all possible situations.
It was an advantage of being a group characterized as the king's army.
Mistakes must never happen, so preparing for every eventuality was natural.
Hoo, I wish our clan members would learn this spirit too…
"Alright, that concludes the meeting. Everyone, prepare according to today's discussion."
After several hours, the meeting ended, and everyone busily prepared the plans during the remaining time.
And how much time passed?
Crack!
As if signaling the start of the rainy season, a monster fell from the sky, crashing against the barrier and shattering.
At the same moment…
'Plan C must be scrapped.'
One option was removed from the start.
If Plan A was to erect a barrier on the ship and endure by consuming supplies, Plan C was its complete opposite.
A plan for fleeing when facing overwhelming enemies or trials.
Simply put, it was the escape plan.
Incidentally, Plan C was compatible with Plan D, which involved circling the surrounding waters and arriving here just before the rainy season ended.
Well, whether C or D, it no longer mattered.
Roaaaaar!
With a roaring sound, silver waves surged around the calm zone where we were anchored, connecting the sea and sky.
"What kind of bizarre…"
Even the battle-hardened expedition members were stunned, staring up in awe.
But one by one, they regained composure and realized the seriousness.
"This… now…"
"Isn't this incredibly dangerous?"
The vast sea area where three large warships and one medium ship were anchored and had ample room instantly became a closed space.
No matter how sturdy the warships were, breaking through those surges seemed impossible.
"Calm yourselves and hold your positions! Nothing has changed! As long as you do your role, nothing will go wrong!"
The deputy commander shouted to calm the chaos on my behalf.
'Nothing has changed, huh…'
Likely words spoken to restore order, but even he must know deep down.
It's not that nothing has changed, but that 'not yet.'
Nothing has changed yet.
Only the escape routes have been blocked, but we still have to endure the full seven days of the rainy season.
However…
The surging waves blocking the escape routes.
Is this really the end of the event?
I don't think so.
Though I wasn't overly worried.
During the meeting.
And even now, as the rainy season started.
My goblin intuition did not trigger.
Yeah, so…
"Behel—laaaaaa!!"
I dashed from the commander's seat to the railing and swung my hammer at the monsters climbing onto the ship.
"Count!!"
The deputy commander was shocked to see me join the battlefield but I ignored her. If something special happened, she'd report it.
"Hurry here…! If you go there, Count, who will command?"
Well, I can command from here too.
Commanding amidst the chaos of blood and sweat.
Not an easy task, but something I had always done.
"You can command from here, so just keep reporting the situation!"
Judging it was impossible to stop me, the deputy commander calmed down and did as I wished.
She relayed information without rest:
Casualties.
Supply consumption rates.
Grades and characteristics of appearing monsters, and so forth.
Fortunately, no unusual events had occurred yet.
So I focused more on the battle.
Crack!
As time passed from the start of the rainy season, more monsters climbed the railings.
The grade of monsters increased, and more survived falling from the sky…
"It's shift change, Count!"
As this dragged on, all members, including myself, rotated shifts to conserve stamina.
Mages were the exception.
Though excluded from combat, mages bore the vital task of maintaining the barrier, pouring mana all day.
Most mana was replenished by feeding mana stones into the magic circle, but magic didn't run on stones alone.
One day, two days…
By the third day, two deaths had occurred.
Due to the rainy season's nature, fierce battles were unavoidable early on, so sacrifices were inevitable.
However, none were sidelined due to injury.
If not instant death, our capable healers managed to drag them back from the brink.
'So far… things seem to be going smoothly?'
Contrary to fears of waves surging and abnormal events, the rainy season plan proceeded smoothly.
Two deaths…
Well, unlucky deaths happen even fighting goblins in this line of work.
Though heavy-hearted, as explorers, we had to shake it off and move forward.
'But… is this really the end?'
The peak of the rainy season had passed and was slowly weakening.
Perhaps because of that?
A poison of carelessness began to loosen inside.
We were still wary of unknown variables, but the thought that the rainy season might truly end was growing stronger.
'Surviving the rainy season barehanded outside is an incredibly tough condition…'
Trying to do this with only clan Anavada members without the expedition team would have been madness.
No, even with the same members, without the insanely powerful warships, there would have been countless casualties.
And thinking of that…
'…This difficulty seems about right?'
The more complacent I became, the more vigilant I grew.
Isn't it the same when driving?
Accidents happen more when confidence is moderately high than when a beginner.
But…
Days 3, 4, 5…
Despite passing mid-season, no special event occurred.
That doesn't mean it was easy.
"Casualty in Squad 2."
On day six, one more death occurred.
Compared to the intense early days, things had become much more manageable, but difficulty is always relative.
As the number of monsters decreased, our condition deteriorated.
Due to nonstop fighting in shifts day and night, sleep deprivation pushed fatigue to the max.
"Who's out due to battle exhaustion?"
"Three."
There were even those who could not get up despite healing by the priests because of fatigue.
Maybe that's why…
"Damn it."
Even in our fourth squad, which had no deaths until then, an accident finally happened.
One of the drained mages collapsed, causing the barrier to temporarily fail…
Crack!
Putting aside the serious damage caused by the falling monster…
"Recover the bodies."
One member of the Armin expedition team and two members of the Hext clan died instantly.
"Recall the ships and gather everyone on the first warship."
Eventually, Plan E was invoked.
Monsters wouldn't scatter much, but given the circumstances, there was no choice.
No ship had been destroyed so far anyway.
On days one and two, mana stone consumption was so high that our once abundant supply was running low.
'Enduring the full seven days straight is hell.'
Maybe we underestimated it because there were no casualties previously.
Enduring from day three is different from going nonstop from day one.
But thankfully…
Day seven.
At last, the final day came, and no other event occurred until the hour and minute hands struck exactly.
[00:00]
The rainy season finally ended.
But unlike before, the members did not gather to cheer.
"…"
"…"
Like they had burned themselves out, crew members lay scattered across the monster-bloodstained deck, breathing heavily.
"Is it over…?"
"Even if it's not over, it's fine. I can't move anymore…"
I wanted to say something praising to those who had suffered greatly, but postponed it and looked up at the sky.
'It should be about to start soon.'
Why hadn't anything happened?
That thought surfaced in my mind.
Flash—!
As if to bless those who passed the trials, a brilliant rainbow-colored light covered us.
Beep beep beep— beep beep beep— beep beep beep—!
Mechanical beeping nearby.
Opening my eyes, I saw a flying object gliding in front of the ship's railing.
No, more precisely…
Drrrrrrr—!
A drone hovering in place.
'What now?'
Even in my dazed state, I instinctively gripped my hammer and got up.
Then…
Drrrrrrrrr—!
Perhaps sensing my intent to attack, the drone flew off from the front and disappeared into the jungle.
"Where the hell are we…?"
"Is everyone alright?!"
"Everyone, get into alert formation…!"
Despite extreme exhaustion, the members quickly got up sensing something abnormal.
'Wait, jungle?'
I hurried to the railing and checked around.
We were not at a river mouth.
The warship we were on was set in the midst of a dense jungle with no sound of water.
And then…
"Sir! There's a building! A building over there!"
Elwen, who had climbed the watchtower, pointed somewhere, raising her voice.
"You have to come see this!"
Maybe because the ship was huge?
Though the trees were not small, stepping on the ropes hanging from the sail and climbing up, the view opened wide.
"Over there, over there!"
Looking where Elwen pointed, I saw an artificially constructed building shaped like a diamond pyramid… reminiscent of a temple.
Seeing that immediately reminded me of a place.
One of the fields on the seventh floor of the Dark Continent.
A field where 'machine'-type monsters, rare inside the labyrinth, appeared in abundance.
If I wasn't mistaken.
'Panthelion Ruins.'
The place where we had awakened looked very similar.
-x-X-x-