Chapter 2597 - SB 103

After about three meters, the passage opened into a room resembling a control center.

Rectangular glass panels covered the walls, showing real-time status of every location inside the building.

Also…

'There are a lot of controls.'

There were so many buttons and levers it looked like an airplane cockpit.

"Yandel."

Turning at Amelia's call, I saw through one screen the room where our trapped exploration team members were held.

'No wonder I couldn't find it no matter how much I searched.'

The room had no door.

Instead, dozens of rails connected in and out, meaning movement was possible only via rails…

'Now I roughly understand how we were supposed to get to that room.'

You had to board the correct rails and move in the precise order, like solving a puzzle mini-game.

'…There was something similar on the 10th floor's final part.'

That part was truly malicious.

You had to try repeatedly, and failure meant the entire party's destruction.

Honestly, I'd accept that on floors three or four, but on the 10th floor? That's just cruel.

"Luckily, those who were taken out earlier seem to have returned unharmed."

"Huh?"

"The ones dragged out before me. The ones suspected to have turned into magic stones in the underground space. Now they all appear unharmed inside."

"Ah!"

Only then did I carefully look inside the screen and saw that, along with Amelia, all the missing members were standing safely in that room.

"So what now?"

Amelia asked, and I paused to consider.

Countless buttons and levers.

If we operated these well, we might rescue our comrades from here…

"Don't press anything randomly; just stay still."

Since we didn't know what these buttons did, it was risky to try blindly. What if one released poison gas and killed everyone?

"You think I'm that stupid?"

"Just in case I said so. Let's try the one farthest away first."

"…You said don't press randomly?"

"But if we don't try, we won't learn anything, right?"

Amelia and I then carefully examined the control room step-by-step.

We pressed buttons sequentially from the screen showing the comrades' room and the farthest buttons, learning one fact:

Buttons below the screen affect the camera position of that screen.

Realizing this, we became bolder pressing multiple buttons and levers, soon understanding most of their functions.

'Pressing red stops the rails; green restarts them; pulling the left lever reverses the rails…'

Pulling the right lever changed the screen view to control another area. Each button and lever had various uses.

However, the problem was three buttons and levers remained unknown…

'What the hell are those?'

Unlike others attached below the screens, these were alone in the room center, so we couldn't check them lightly.

They looked suspicious.

Judging by my guess, those devices probably affected the entire building…

"If we want to get to that room, the fastest way is to let someone turn into a magic stone and follow it."

Amelia advised, and I chuckled.

Who doesn't know that?

"Absolutely no. It seems life-threatening, and who knows what side effects there might be."

"Then we just keep waiting like now."

Not a bad choice.

The downside is waiting forever for them to come out one by one, but if we stick to this method, everyone can be saved.

Assuming the current state holds.

"Or we can try finding it ourselves."

"Finding it ourselves?"

"Yes."

Checking the underground factory on the screen, over twenty people had gathered there.

If we stopped all rails and had everyone enter the rails to search, this might be faster.

"Besides, we need to find that room first to search it. Something might be hidden there."

"True… We came to explore after all."

"Right, we haven't learned anything yet."

Escaping this temple is easy.

Just exit where I came in.

But what's our purpose here?

We want to escape this miserable basement and return to the city. Yet we have no way to leave Rainbow Island.

"I see, that makes sense."

With agreement, no need to hesitate.

Amelia and I began stopping all rails throughout the building.

Then we went underground, joined the main force, shared discoveries and plans.

One day, two days, three days, four days…

Under Amelia's command, we steadily mapped the tangled rails like an anthill.

"Everyone, take a copy of the map! Updated as of yesterday!"

"We confirmed this route leads back out here, so today we'll check elsewhere."

Everyone worked together, moving cheerfully toward a shared goal.

And now I watched them on the top-floor control room screens.

I came to check after reports of moving rails during exploration…

'What? I thought I turned that off?'

Finding and stopping the problematic rail again wasn't hard.

But then…

Crackle, crackle—

Just as I was about to go back down, all screens suddenly went completely black.

And then…

[May I have a moment to talk?]

A strange voice began from beyond the screens.

An ancient language requesting conversation.

At the same time, a rainbow-colored cluster of light appeared on the central screen.

[Do not worry. I mean no harm.]

With every word, the light cluster stretched and bounced like a rubber ball.

Not an AI or anything.

How should I take this mysterious presence trying to talk beyond the screen?

[Marx, it's been a while. I'm glad to see you're doing well.]

While pondering, the mysterious entity greeted someone # Nоvеlight # directly.

"Marx?"

[Could it be… you mean me?]

I tilted my head just as Hamsik cautiously looked at the screen.

[Ah, now I realize you don't know who you are or why you're here. That was your wish.]

[What are you talking about? You know me?]

[Of course.]

At the positive reply, Hamsik grabbed my hair tightly.

He seemed as stunned as I was.

So it was time for a friend to step in.

"I'm glad to meet you, but how about introducing yourself? Who are you?"

[Director of the lab. Call me that if you need a name.]

"Director is too long; just 'Director' is fine."

[Suit yourself.]

I threw a casual remark to feel out the tone, but the reaction was surprisingly mild.

Whoever this was, they truly didn't care about titles.

"Well then, Director, tell us. If you appeared before us, you must have a reason."

Before finding out who the Director was, I asked the purpose. It's what I value most when meeting strangers.

What is this guy's goal?

Sadly, the Director answered evasively.

[Captain Baekin, is he doing well?]

"...Captain Baekin?"

[Even stuck here, I can sense things. You met that friend recently, didn't you?]

Intuitively, I understood who 'Captain Baekin' referred to.

The one who defeated the fearsome Lord Dreadfear and whom we met in a mysterious place.

"...Who exactly are you?"

[A pitiable being blessed and cursed at once. Marx, same as that friend.]

"So you won't tell me anything."

[Don't be impatient. You'll reach the truth someday.]

Oddly, the phrase resembled what Captain Baekin said.

The difference: Baekin spoke uncertainly, but the Director sounded confident.

[But I can give you a clue. Conveniently, Marx, that friend is right beside you.]

"A clue?"

[Before starting, I'll ask first. Marx, do you want to know your past? Remember, you lost your memory by your own request.]

At the Director's question, Hamsik trembled.

But the time was short.

[Yes, I want to know.]

At Hamsik's reply, the light cluster on the screen began moving.

[You are currently in a research facility named Panthelion. It was a secret underground institution operated by the Empire.]

Though Hamsik said he had been here before, I wondered why this story was starting now.

Still, I listened carefully without cutting off.

[The Empire established this lab for one purpose: to create loyal and powerful biological weapons stronger than any soldier.]

[Many mages, scholars, and alchemists gathered to study all knowledge and conduct experiments. Yet, results were always insufficient.]

[This changed when witches appeared. An unprecedented war broke out, and the Empire was under threat.]

[All talent was gathered to the lab, and unprecedented support was given. Most importantly, new test subjects increased.]

[Thousands of monsters, including those created by witches, were brought in daily. Panthelion's research made tremendous progress in a short time.]

The light cluster flickered wildly as if opening eyes.

[One of those test subjects was you, Marx.]

[I… was a test subject…?]

[Yes. You were captured here and underwent harsh experiments until a witch who once favored you attacked with her army.]

[…So I was freed thanks to the witch?]

[No, you weren't freed. You died during the process.]

[You died? Then why am I here?]

[Your death was significant to the witch. It was engraved so deeply it couldn't be erased.]

"No, I don't understand! What does that have to do with me?"

At Hamsik's outburst, the Director replied mechanically.

[You died in the witch's arms, saying that if there were a Land of Dawn, you wished to live there peacefully without memories, reading books.]

That was the entire story the Director told about Hamsik.

Then the Director continued.

[I was in a similar situation. Though I made many mistakes as human, I got a chance to atone with the witch.]

The tone was still flat, but…

[But time changes everything.]

If I wasn't imagining it, the voice seemed different.

[Even you, didn't you finally fail to endure that long time and left there?]

[I only reluctantly did because of this guy—]

Before Hamsik could be overwhelmed, I intervened quickly.

"Enough. So what exactly do you want to say?"

According to my big data, none of these long-winded types were sane.

This guy was the first to appear.

He was probably behind kidnapping my comrades here.

All in all, he was hard to trust…

[I want to propose a deal.]

"A deal…? Go on."

[I will let you leave this place.]

For now, it seemed worth hearing him out.

-x-X-x-

A proposal to let me leave this place.

After being stuck in the basement for months, such words were unbearably sweet.

But…

"What's the price?"

Nothing in this world is free, and the sweeter the offer, the more dangerous the conditions.

Well, this time it was a bit ambiguous.

[You must never return here.]

The demand was completely incomprehensible, so I needed more info.

"What exactly do you mean by 'never return'?"

[Don't you understand? I think there's no room for misunderstanding that phrase.]

Does this guy not understand how conversation flows?

"I mean, why impose that condition on me?"

[It's a proposal with only benefits for you; does the reason matter?]

"How can you be so sure it benefits only me?"

As if needing time to load, the director paused briefly before answering.

[I see. You're wary because you don't know how my offer will affect the future.]

"Well, I don't know anything about you."

[Then would you accept if I tell you about myself?]

"That depends on who you are."

No sooner had I spoken than the director continued.

[In the past, I was the head of the Panthelion lab, committing many atrocities. But in the end, I repented and was forgiven by the witch. After that, I became a completely different person—unable to deceive others, always kind and considerate.]

"..."

[I can't go into detail now, but the proposal to never return is for your sake.]

"…Are you kidding me?"

Showing my disbelief plainly, the director seemed to expect this.

[See? It's pointless to talk.]

"No, you never really intended to tell me—"

[If I told you a more plausible story,]

The director interrupted me.

[Would you have believed it all?]

Overwhelmed by his flat voice, I couldn't answer.

It hit the mark.

[The only way to find truth through others is to trust. So it's a waste of time for me to keep talking.]

"..."

[That's why it's a deal. Who I am is irrelevant. You just decide whether to accept my offer or not. Much more efficient.]

"Huh, this is frustrating…"

I had many things I wanted to say but didn't know how to respond.

Still, I summarized as best I could.

"I asked about you to decide whether to trust you."

[Then that's strange. Earlier, I said you wouldn't believe anything I said.]

"No, but… there's no 100% in this world. I want to listen before judging."

[Then judge now. What I said before is all I have to say. What's your decision?]

Damn… I thought he was at least somewhat reasonable.

I can't punch the guy beyond the screen.

'Why is he so stubborn?'

Maybe it's strategy—to distract and deflect.

[If decision is hard, I'll give one more piece of info. Whether you believe it is up to you.]

"..."

[Will you listen?]

Though I felt reluctant, I couldn't refuse. After all, curiosity won.

Gathering info helps judgment.

"…Tell me."

Like sighing, he revealed the new info.

[If you don't leave within half a year, you'll be in serious trouble. That's when he appears.]

"Who?"

[If you leave before then, you don't need to know. If not, you've refused, so I have no reason to tell.]

What the hell is this guy?

Usually, these types are best avoided or knocked out immediately for sanity.

But no such luck here.

"Fine, tell me. What kind of trouble?"

[You'll survive. But those around you? Maybe a handful will remain.]

"About five people?"

[That's my estimate; there could be small error.]

In modern warfare, losing 30% is considered annihilation. This is truly massive.

Besides, I'm not who I was before.

Back then, protecting just one finger was enough; now five fingers aren't enough.

[So, do you believe me now?]

"Considering it."

[I hope I influenced you positively.]

"..."

[Still hard to decide—]

"Be quiet and let me think."

[...]

Finally, silence.

In a way, the director's words made sense.

When trading with a stranger in an unknown place, who they are matters less.

What matters is what they can give you and what you must give in return.

If these match, the deal stands.

Trust is better, but not required…

'Judging by his talk, he won't reveal much about himself.'

I could refuse and test him again, but that's last resort.

"About the item."

Breaking the long silence, I said,

"I don't care about your story; tell me about the item."

[…Item?]

"How will it help us leave?"

[Ah, that.]

"You don't have to say everything; just enough so I can decide."

[A fair request.]

The director answered without hesitation.

[You've probably found the door by now, so I won't say more. If you accept, I'll grant you the qualification to open it.]

"Qualification? Seems like you can get it another way?"

[Not wrong. If someone proves the qualification, I must grant it.]

"So you're saying I can leave without dealing with you?"

[Theoretically, yes. You can prove the qualification. But…]

He added,

[It'll take a long time. And time isn't on your side.]

Back to that vague threat.

I felt frustrated but kept talking.

"But is it okay to grant qualification so easily? You said it must be proven."

[Granting it is my authority. And I must grant it when proven. No contradiction.]

Strange logic, but who am I to argue.

[Enough info to decide now?]

"One last thing."

[Go ahead.]

Hesitating briefly, I spoke.

"Don't you worry?"

[Who do you mean?]

"About me breaking the promise. I'm a barbarian who values promises above all. Really, you can trust me."

Trying not to be misunderstood, I added that, but he showed no concern.

Just said,

[Ah, I forgot.]

"…What?"

[Once you promise and get qualification, you can never return here. Literally. If you don't promise, then not forced.]

Unexpected.

'No wonder…'

Honestly, I wondered why 'promise' was a condition at all.

Maybe it's just a pretext and the real goal is granting qualification itself.

'My head hurts.'

Everything is sudden.

I just came to stop rails, but suddenly a strange guy appears on screen with a weird proposal…

I need time to think.

I don't even know what to trust.

"I want a few days to think and answer, is that okay?"

[Fine. I'll be here.]

Surprisingly cool.

So the deal was on hold.

I was about to leave control room.

[One more thing.]

The light cluster on screen flickered like a grin.

[Even if you accept, I don't recommend leaving immediately.]

"…Why now say this?"

[Not a trick, but for your own good. You should know what this place is.]

I guessed what he meant.

[If you leave within half a year, you'll be safe. Get as much as you can; then you'll never come back.]

"..."

[Choose carefully.]

Not reaching basement alone was huge loss.

"Since we're at it, one more thing. Where are my kidnapped comrades?"

[You must find out yourself. If you want qualification, that's first step. But don't worry; you'll find them soon.]

Seems like I gained nothing.

After talking with the director, I went back down to the underground factory.

First, I quietly called Amelia and Raven aside to share what happened.

I didn't distrust Misha, Elwen, or Ainard, but honestly, they weren't much help in this.

'Versil still doesn't know I'm a player.'

Their reactions were roughly similar but for different reasons.

"Absolutely no. That director hides something. We don't know what he might do to you."

"I disagree. Even if his offer is true, there's still much to explore. And if we leave, we can't return. Others will take credit for ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) our discoveries!"

Actually, both were things I'd thought alone.

Still, the director's words lingered.

[You'll survive. But those beside you…]

Whether true or not, the warning pressed on me.

An ominous feeling grew.

Maybe that's why I explained despite opposing opinions.

"Emily, if he's right, it could be worse. Raven, once outside, we probably can't return. The royal family blocks explorers from entering."

Raven thought it was temporary, but I doubted.

My gut said the royal family wouldn't allow entry.

There's a greater secret in the basement.

That's why it's hard to decide.

"Thanks for discussing. I'll think more."

"Call anytime."

"Same here. You always try to do everything alone. Though today, you're better."

Anyway, first meeting ended.

We resumed rail searches and experiments.

Best if we can prove qualification ourselves…

The director said it too.

[Get as much as you can.]

The basement was a land of opportunity.

Library Island, Stone Gate Island, and all islands scattered with magic stones after the rainy season were jackpots.

This lab was no different.

Precisely—

Snap!

In the underground factory center stood a device that created monsters with traits of three magic stones when the stones were inserted.

'This machine is the jackpot.'

Monsters created this way were treated as new types, gave no experience.

But…

"It's essence…!"

Defeating these monsters drops essence—rarely, but much more than usual monsters.

Simply put—

"Wait, this essence really contains all three monsters' traits?"

Custom essence creation was possible.

-x-X-x-

A synthetic monster created by inserting magic stones into a device.

And the customized essences obtained by defeating those synthetic monsters.

We discovered one key feature of these essences.

For device A, the magic stones correspond to the stat portion.

Device B corresponds to the passive abilities.

Device C is responsible for the active skills.

Ah, by the way, this information was only uncovered through research done by feeding these essences directly to expedition members who had descended to the underground first floor and had their minimum levels raised by one.

Unlike fixed base stats or passives, it was uncertain which active skill would be selected.

Perhaps because of that, the essence's color changed depending on the active skill.

"So… this has goblin stats combined with troll's bodily power ability. And since it's blue, it must contain the Steel Hill Chaser's [Terrain Eruption]."

Raven, who had been observing and recording every summoning, immediately briefed detailed info as soon as the essence dropped.

Without even asking my permission, she placed the essence in a test tube and labeled it.

Well, aside from the research value of the essence, no member of our expedition was willing to consume it.

In the first place, there weren't many awakened members yet, and those who were already conducting experiments had used up their essence slots.

Those guys probably have to go out and clear essences first.

"Alright, then, resume the search!"

Though we summoned monsters here and there for research, this was the last of it.

We focused on finding comrades trapped somewhere in the rail labyrinth.

Customized essences were tempting enough to make any explorer's eyes light up, but to properly farm these essences, finding our comrades came first.

There were several reasons beyond just worrying about them.

'It's difficult with the current members.'

The hunting difficulty for these synthetic monsters was quite high.

No wonder — they weren't just carrying stats equal to the essence you get from hunting them.

They had base stats like the combined stats of three monsters.

The passives of all three monsters.

All the active skills the three monsters possessed…

A synthetic monster made by combining three grade 9 monsters was obviously much stronger than an ordinary grade 9 monster.

There could be variations depending on synergy combinations.

'Generally, average grade plus 2.'

Depending on synergy, it could be plus 3, or even plus 4.

Well, since it's a synergy combination, the essences you get from such cases would have much higher value.

'…That's a real shame.'

I was briefly obsessed with the absurd discovery of customized essences to the point that I stopped searching and focused on research, but thanks to these penalties, I calmed down a bit.

It's amazing, but it's not like you can freeload through the rest of your life.

'Three grade 1 monsters might be specs high enough to open the Abyss Gate, but even that seems difficult.'

From what I see, even if the entire expedition gathered, it would be hard to defeat a grade 2 synthetic monster.

Grade 3 might be doable though…

'It'd still come with some damage.'

Ultimately, to obtain these customized essences, you have to be spec-wise much stronger than the essence's grade.

Therefore…

'Though it's a core essence, you can upgrade lower-grade essences or combine them to save essence slots.'

That's basically the real role of this device.

Well, you could also use high-grade essences mixed properly with lower monsters.

'The problem is the synthetic monsters…'

Most monsters in the factory are lower grade.

That itself isn't a big problem.

This factory is a place where dismantling, combining, and disassembling are all possible.

If we put the magic stones we have into the device, monsters appear on the rails, so we can confirm which magic stone belongs to whom.

Also, those spawned monsters won't leave the rails unless attacked first, so if we just wait, they'll complete one lap and return to the device, turning back into magic stones.

'But letting the rails keep spinning makes searching difficult.'

Anyway, waking our comrades is the first priority…

One day, two days, three days, four days…

Time passed quickly and finally, the awaited news arrived.

"W-we found them!"

A hidden room was discovered.

The waiting room that could only be checked via CCTV in the control room.

After running the rails backward and searching everywhere, we finally found where our comrades were trapped.

"Uh… here…?"

"W-we survived…!!"

As they woke up one by one using the crown of agony, the atmosphere grew busy.

"What is this headpiece? I think I've never seen something like this…"

"…It's a magical tool Mr. Yandel had. I don't know the details either. Ask him yourself."

Sometimes mages asked about the crown, but I just brushed it off roughly.

Because no one was nearby when we got it, pulling it out and using it like this raised no suspicion.

What can they do if we say it was ours originally?

"Sir…"

"Bjorn!"

Anyway, finding the room meant finally reuniting with our separated comrades.

"How's your body? Are you okay? Any pain or abnormalities?"

"No. Nothing. Don't worry. How about you?"

Though unconscious for a long time, fortunately, none of the Clan Anabada members suffered any physical problems.

But not everyone was like that.

"…One essence is malfunctioning."

"Huh? Me too! Same here!"

Some expedition members complained of abnormal symptoms, and they shared one common factor.

They had previously been dragged to the factory, transformed once into magic stones, and then returned.

However, there was a strange point here as well…

"I-I'm perfectly fine though."

Even though they turned into magic stones the same way, some showed no abnormalities.

So the mages gathered to inspect their bodies…

"The rank of their souls dropped by one. That's why their most recently acquired essence is malfunctioning."

"What about the others?"

"It's assumed that their merit points were reduced. Those who dropped rank had the commonality of recently being promoted."

Those who didn't receive level-down penalties had been promoted quite a long time ago.

'Experience reduction penalty…'

A precise causal investigation estimated the reduced amount to be about 1,000 EXP.

"Wait, then what will happen to me? I've collected merit for all monsters below grade 3 anyway…"

"Then from now on, you should aim for monsters grade 3 or higher."

"Damn! Losing one essence and still having to say that!"

"…There's no ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) other way."

Those who aimed for max level looked utterly frustrated.

Looking at them, I wasn't planning to say this, but…

'That's a relief.'

I felt deep relief.

Because among those dragged away was Amelia too.

If she hadn't woken up midway and escaped on her own, our plans would have been seriously disrupted.

Our goal wasn't to settle for making money on floors 7 or 8.

"Vice Commander, take the remaining members and move to the underground below. Raven will tell you what to do."

Once the chaos calmed down somewhat, I immediately gave orders.

"Emily, go to the control room, reactivate the rails, and then come back here."

"Got it. I'll be quick."

"Expedition Leader, you will stay here and investigate this room with the search team. If my instincts are correct, something hidden should be here as well."

"…Understood."

Okay, that's all the immediate orders.

"Sven Parab."

I caught the guy trying to slip away underground among the main group.

"Yes?"

"How's your body?"

"Ah, yes… No problems at all."

"Good to hear. Come with me for a moment. I have something to discuss privately."

Since it wasn't a conversation to have with others around, I took him to a secluded place.

And…

"This is something only a few know about, so be especially careful with your words. Understand?"

I started by intimidating him, but ironically, it backfired and he looked awkward.

"Uh… then maybe I shouldn't listen…"

Trying to dodge from the start.

Avoidance was his bad habit.

"This is something I must hear your opinion on, so listen carefully. It's an order."

"…Yes. I'll listen carefully."

Only after activating my barbarian commander mode did he change his expression and prepare to talk.

I glanced around quietly and lowered my voice to tell him what the 'Lab Director' said in the control room.

Of course, no need to explain about the hamster or every detail we talked about then.

The gist was all that mattered.

"He warned that if we don't leave here within half a year, we'll face great trouble…"

"Yeah. He said something would appear by then. Five of us might not survive."

"I-I see…"

Anyway, with the situation explained, it was time to get to the main point.

"So, how do you feel?"

"Yes?"

"How do you feel after hearing all this?"

At my repeated question, he seemed dazed for a moment but then opened his mouth as if realizing something.

"Ah… because of that, you…"

He was gradually catching on to why I called him.

Well, this kind of situation had repeated several times already.

"Speak. Your thoughts… no, how do you feel? Do you think we need to get out of here as he said?"

He closed his eyes for a moment, seemingly concentrating, then answered with a remorseful voice.

"…It feels so far into the future that I have no feelings about it yet."

"You said during the Ice Rock expedition you didn't want to go into the city?"

"Yes… that's true, but…"

He trailed off at my question and added an explanation about his intuition.

Generally, that ability works at the final crossroads or moments when you can make choices.

"Then we just have to do what we have to and wait."

"Sorry."

"No need to apologize. Anyway, if you feel something strange later, drop everything and come find me. Got it?"

"Yes, I will definitely tell you."

Time passed quickly again.

After the conversation with the goblins, I set a guideline.

[If we can't leave here within half a year, we'll be in serious trouble.]

Even if the lab director's words were true, I decided to proceed my way.

After all, didn't the director say?

[It's not a wrong guess. If someone qualified appears, it's my duty to grant the qualification.]

If we can qualify on our own before then, the director's warning becomes irrelevant.

No reason to make shady deals then.

So what I did afterward was simple.

"Commander! We found this in the room where we were kidnapped!"

We continued investigating the lab.

Following clues found in the hidden room, we entered a new space, and after searching there, found something else.

During that process, we raided the mechanical wolf we found when first entering the lab.

When the clues ran out and progress stalled, we even went outside the temple and searched externally to gather information about Rainbow Island.

Also at the same time.

"Hey! You just made a mistake. That monster transformed into a magic stone just now isn't a normal drake, but a red drake."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes. Please make sure to label the magic stones properly so no problems occur later. If you're even a bit unsure, ask me right away."

While the expedition was doing its work, we also assigned a fair number of personnel to the underground factory.

It was a sort of insurance.

It's good to focus on one thing, but sometimes having plan B can prevent total ruin.

If that guy the director warned about really shows up and we have to run away from here, at least if we have gathered the necessary essences beforehand, the losses would be minimized.

'It's not like it takes much manpower.'

For now, we were just rotating rails and labeling magic stones, planning to hunt monsters with all members at once when the time was right.

One day, two days, three days.

After spending busy days without rest, a month, two months, three months passed.

'…Exploration has basically stopped. Maybe it's time to start.'

We stopped exploring Rainbow Island and returned to the lab.

Then gathered all members in the underground factory and inserted the magic stones into the devices.

Clatter.

Into the first device, I put the magic stone of Arbet, a grade 3 monster with weak skills but insanely high raw stats, to set the base.

Clatter.

Into the second device, I put the magic stone of Woomdal, a grade 4 monster with good passives but weak otherwise, unsuitable for shield warrior training, as seasoning.

And…

Clatter.

Into the third device, I put the magic stone of an Orc Hero with [Giant Form] for the active slot, finishing neatly.

"Mr. Yandel, as I said earlier, this combination can be used twenty-one times total."

"I know."

Come on out already.

-x-X-x-

It's actually foolish to have high expectations.

Twenty-one total chances.

The probability that an essence will drop within that is extremely low, and on top of that, the color must be green, which has only a one-third chance.

But…

'If it comes out, then I won't need to find Hiphramagent's essence separately.'

I still don't know Hiphramagent's stats or passives.

But whatever they are, I don't think they'll be better than this combination.

Arbet's raw stats rival a grade 2 monster and come with special stats perfectly suited for a tank.

Woomdal's passives are similar.

'Yeah, this combo is definitely way better than most grade 2 essence combos.'

Maybe because I clearly recognize that in my head.

Thump-thump!

My heart starts pounding hard.

Even trying not to expect much, I couldn't help but feel a spark of hope…

Flash!

The device activated and a synthetic monster was generated right at the center, and the first trial began immediately.

"Behel—raaaaaaaah!!"

Perhaps because the battle started surrounded by dealers finishing their casting?

The fight itself wasn't that difficult.

Not that it was easy either.

'Anyway, the first trial was a bust.'

The battle lasted about 15 minutes.

Since I held the main tank role firmly, there were no injuries.

'Oof, my shoulder's sore.'

I managed to endure by using skills, equipment, the priest's healing, and various buffs well, but it wasn't an easy enemy by any means.

'A synthetic monster mixing grade 4, 3, and 5 monsters like this… if we raised the grade just a bit more, it'd be insanely hard.'

I'll have to be careful not to exceed an average grade of 3 in future synthetic monster combinations.

Well, that's not the important thing right now.

Flash!

Second attempt.

Flash!

Third, fourth, fifth.

Flash!

By the sixth attempt, I had kept going nonstop without rest, but unfortunately, no essence dropped.

And…

'Please!'

After the seventh failed attempt, I stopped the raid.

It was my gut as a gamer.

Now is not the time.

As the saying goes, nothing comes for free.

This world runs on the law of equivalent exchange.

And I haven't sacrificed anything yet.

Yeah, so…

"Put this guy on hold for now. Let's do the others first."

"What? Suddenly stopping here? Everyone was just getting used to the fights."

"Not my problem if you don't understand. It's a commander's order."

"No, why are you acting like it's someone else! The commander is Mr. Yandel!"

Damn, unnecessarily sharp-tongued.

I brushed off Raven's criticism with a barbarian-style laugh and headed to where we stored the magic stones.

Thousands upon thousands of magic stones with name tags attached over the past few months.

'Let's try Ainard's first.'

Looking over the magic stones, I came back carrying three buckets full of stones.

"Bjorn! Can I put them in this time?"

"Ainard, you want to do it?"

"I think the rolling sound when inserting them looks fun!"

I wondered how that could be fun, but I told him to go ahead.

After all, this combination was for him.

"…Huh? Mine?"

"Yeah, so put them in carefully. If an essence drops, put it in a test tube and feed it to you immediately."

By the way, the essence combos I prepared for Ainard were three in total, more than any other expedition member.

That's because he changed class to spearman.

There was a lot to remake starting from the bottom…

'It's unlikely all three combos will drop, but it'd be nice if any did. That way he'll be fine.'

I set the passives and actives to suit a spearman, while slightly sacrificing stats to focus on those with strong fighting spirit.

"Alright, let's do it!"

After reorganizing formation, Ainard enthusiastically put the magic stones into the device.

Clatter.

The first device responsible for stats had a grade 3 monster with fighting spirit and combat stats.

Clatter.

The second device setting passives included a grade 4 combat support skill [War Machine].

Clatter.

The third device, active skill slot, aimed for grade 4 combat buffs [Indomitable Spirit] and [Nerve Stimulation], completing the first combo.

"Come on! Give me an essence!"

Ainard cheered from afar, motivated by the idea of an essence being his.

The first battle took about 25 minutes.

'Raising the average grade by 0.6 made it much harder.'

By the way, there were injuries during the fight, and nearby machines got damaged, so we had to wait for drones to come repair them.

But what on earth was this?

"Oh! Essence! Essence!"

An essence dropped on the first try.

And the color was blue, representing the top priority [Indomitable Spirit].

'It just came out on the first try…?'

I was dumbfounded watching it.

At the same time, I felt a bit bitter.

'…Maybe I should have stubbornly kept going with mine first.'

If I'd continued, maybe mine would've dropped at this timing.

That thought kept coming back.

"…Then shall we collect it?"

Raven approached and put the essence in a test tube, finishing the first combo.

Then we waited while drones repaired the machine before starting the second combo.

Clatter.

Since there was room thanks to the essence on the first try, I put that stone back into the stats device.

Clatter.

For the passive slot, I put the grade 4 defensive essence [Endurance], which maximizes the efficiency of [Crouch].

Clatter.

For the active slot, I put the grade 5 core skill for spear barbarians, [Focused Fire], like shield barbarian's [Giant Form].

"It's, it's here!"

Since the synthetic monster was mixed from three large monsters, it looked very powerful.

Though maybe because the average grade dropped a bit?

The fight itself was much easier than before, and we quickly used up the remaining tries.

One, two, three, four…

At the fifteenth try…

"Hey, essence!!"

An essence dropped, but unfortunately the color didn't match, so it was just put in a test tube.

'Phew… well, that's normal.'

Tsk, still, since it's a core skill, I really hoped for that essence…

Should I go sacrifice more offerings now?

I thought that, but suddenly changing tactics here would ruin my prestige as commander.

'Well, it's just probability after all.'

So I kept burning through the remaining tries.

Sixteen, seventeen, eighteen…

The chances quickly dwindled, and with only three tries left before finishing, at that moment—

"…Oh! Bjornnnnn! Essence! Essence! The yellow one you mentioned!!"

…What is this guy, seriously?

Ainard got two essences in a flash.

At least the heavens have some conscience — the third combo's essence didn't drop.

'Phew, since the first two came out well, I reworked the combos and made the best one.'

Though catching three essences while killing fewer than a hundred monsters was absurd.

'He… is going to become a monster when he goes back.'

With the Fresh Growth, Hiphramagent, and the grade 3 Speardiver, plus two customized essences.

Even just swapping essences at the shrine would make Ainard insanely strong.

"So now, will you go back to fighting the one we were fighting earlier?"

"No, I'll do the others first…"

Not having the courage to keep grinding my essence combo right after such ridiculous luck, I summoned other synthetic monsters for quite a while.

Amelia, Misha, Elwen…

Even if not combos prepared specifically for these three, there were many combos to summon.

The expedition members also suggested combos they wanted, and the vice commander requested some too.

For example, essences needed to present to the royal family?

Most combos were suitable for knights.

'…If I hadn't used the magitech propulsion, I could have tried way more times.'

Looking back now, I regret spending so many magic stones.

Of course, most stones inserted into the propulsion were grade 6 or lower…

But I did use some higher-grade stones as well.

Luckily, we gathered many high-grade stones on Library Island, and the ones brought from the royal family were mostly high-grade too.

One day, two days, three days, four days…

The raids continued day and night, and through them, I realized one thing.

'Drop rates… seem higher than outside.'

During tests with lower-grade monsters earlier, nothing dropped and I thought the rates were abysmal.

But that must have been a particularly unlucky period.

That's why Ainard got two essences from those offerings.

"Already twenty days have passed."

Twenty days since starting the factory raids.

To summarize mid-point:

Amelia, Elwen, and Misha each got an essence, and Muul Armin, who received my essence combo recommendation, also got one.

Additionally, other expedition members collected eleven essences with leftover magic stones, and seven essences were collected for the royal family.

"Why hasn't mine come out again?"

"How many tries has it been now?"

Surprisingly, that record held for three days.

"We've probably killed thousands of monsters by now. Strange. Is the device broken?"

Even the members who'd been raiding together for three days started to voice concerns.

'Now.'

Feeling the optimal moment sharply, I stopped the raid. Then hastily grabbed my combo stones.

"Ainard."

"…Yes?"

I called out to Ainard, who was leisurely resting while chewing jerky.

"You put the stones in."

"Oh? Sure."

Without ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) asking why, Ainard agreed immediately.

A bit worried, I carefully explained and checked which stones went into which devices.

'Yeah, at this point, even he won't mess up.'

Indeed, Ainard inserted the stones into the correct devices perfectly without a single mistake.

But…

Eight times, nine times, ten times…

Putting the stones in correctly didn't guarantee an essence drop.

Eleven, twelve, thirteen…

As the attempts continued, my heartbeat quickened a little.

Fourteen, fifteen, sixteen.

They say little drops of rain soak your clothes without you realizing it — that was exactly how I felt.

Soon only five tries remained.

Perhaps because blood rushed to my head, even ideas I'd never normally consider flashed through my mind.

'Goblin.'

Yeah, I'd use Sven Parab's intuition.

It seemed like an ability that activated only when misfortune was about to strike.

'I'd tie it up somewhere and threaten to smash its head if this essence doesn't drop this time.'

Then maybe I could perfectly time the drop.

It sounded absurd, but it seemed worth a try.

Just then, I glanced at the goblin.

'What's up with it now?'

The goblin, a little way off, was staring at me.

Like someone desperately needing to go to the bathroom.

Seeing its fidgeting, I wondered if it was reacting to the thought I just had.

But then…

"Commander, may I speak with you for a moment?"

The goblin who called me aside said something completely different.

"…I have a feeling we need to leave here soon."

The goblin's intuition activated.

"Stronger than ever before."

-x-X-x-

The activation of Parab's Golden Goblin Statue meant only one thing.

'A branching point.'

A very dangerous event was about to unfold soon, and now was the only branching point to avoid that misfortune.

And in that sense…

'…Could it be that the lab director's warning was true?'

About a month remained until the half-year mark the director warned about.

Considering the travel time to Chonjang Island, now was the absolute deadline.

And the crucial point here was…

"Baron… wouldn't it be best to leave immediately? No, we must leave!"

"Calm down and return to your seat. I will make the right decision about this matter."

"Yes? Ah… yes! But quickly! As soon as possible!"

The intensity of that instinct was so strong that even this subordinate, who usually kept a good mindset, spoke like this.

According to him, it wasn't this severe even when they were taken to Ice Rock.

'…Worse than the Ice Rock expedition.'

I found myself growing anxious too.

After all, how many fell and vanished in that freezing place?

I never wanted to experience that again.

"Vice Commander, I will briefly go upstairs."

"…So suddenly?"

"I might need to leave here urgently. I'll explain in detail when I return, but for now, command this place in my stead."

I then ordered the vice commander to run raids without me and to prepare for departure if possible.

Quickly, I moved toward the control room at the top.

'Is this the right choice?'

Doubts continued even as I went.

If I agreed to the director's deal, got the qualification, and left the island to set sail, I could reach Chonjang Island within the warned time.

No one would get hurt then.

I had no objection to that being the safest path.

'But it feels such a waste not to come back down here again.'

Not knowing why the director tried to prevent me from coming down made it hard to decide.

But…

'The goblin spoke so strongly, I can't just ignore it…'

A proper dilemma.

My mind was a mess.

But the more complicated it got, the simpler I tried to think.

Priorities.

Every decision starts with what to prioritize.

I reflected as I headed to the control room.

That lightened my heart, and I could decide.

'…I'll agree to the deal.'

There might be more hidden treasures on underground first floor, but I'd gotten enough already.

The underground first floor had felt like a bonus stage I didn't even know existed.

More importantly…

'There's nothing more we can do here for now.'

If we want to find more hidden treasures, our current specs aren't enough.

The giant on Giant Island too.

Too many unstable factors remain.

Just as many died hunting grade 1 monsters on Library Island, continuing the conquest would require sacrifice.

Yeah, so…

[You're here.]

"Yeah, I'm here."

I slowly entered the control room I hadn't visited for almost a month.

[Looks like you finally made your decision.]

The director, appearing on screen as if waiting, seemed to know why I came back.

'A strange guy in many ways.'

Surprisingly, since the first deal proposal, the director had waited all this time.

Even after months passed, he didn't push me, as if knowing the result wouldn't change.

[Well, tell me. What's your decision?]

I didn't like that it seemed like his plan had succeeded.

But once a decision is made, emotions must be put aside.

My decision wasn't just about me.

"Give me that qualification or whatever it is. I won't show my face here again."

[A wise decision.]

"Enough, just give it to me. Do I have to sign a contract or something?"

[No need.]

A shimmering light on the monitor stretched out to the side.

[The contract is already complete.]

…What's that supposed to mean?

Already done?

'I don't see anything changed.'

At that moment,

「Achievement unlocked」

Condition: Progress 15% in the Seventh Archive.

Reward: Permanent access granted to Underground First Floor, Record Archive.

Whoooosh—

A golden book-shaped mark appeared above the back of my right hand, shining and then fading as if absorbed into my skin.

At the same time,

「Dimensional pact established.」

「Character's access to Underground First Floor, Record Archive is permanently restricted.」

A sensation I'd never felt before.

Nothing visible or flashy.

A sudden, slight grip around my heart.

But it was brief, gone in an instant, leaving me wondering if I had imagined it.

"…What did you just do to me?"

[Nothing. Just a pact was formed.]

"…A pact?"

[Think of it as a somewhat special pact. A new rule was created inside the labyrinth, applied only between you and me, with mutual consent.]

Anyway, the director tried to end the conversation abruptly, as if he had nothing more to say to me after the deal.

[Then our business is done. I'm busy, so get going. Good news will be waiting when you come down.]

"Good news…?"

[You'll see when you get there.]

That guy was mysterious to the end.

Even till the last moment, he left me feeling like I'd been tricked somehow.

[Marx, take care. It was good to see you again, even briefly. I mean that sincerely.]

He then greeted Hamshik, who muttered shortly,

[…No.]

[No? What do you mean?]

Hamshik, resting on my shoulder, after a pause said clearly,

[It's Hamshik, not Marx.]

[…I told you before, that name was given by a witch. Before you lost your memories, it meant a lot to you—]

[That was before I lost my memories.]

At that bold statement, the director fell silent, unable to respond, and after a long pause, his voice leaked out,

[Yes, even in this world, nothing lasts forever… You changed, and so did I.]

His voice was still mechanical, but I sensed fragments of emotion.

It felt like memories, or regrets.

[If that's your choice, understood. I wish you luck.]

After this, the director said nothing more.

I left the control room carrying Hamshik.

"Hey, are you okay?"

As soon as we stepped outside, Hamshik asked worriedly.

"Is that pact really okay?"

"How should I know? For now, nothing seems wrong."

"You know I used to go to the control room every day to talk to him when you weren't around? Be careful. He looks suspicious no matter how I see it."

"Thanks for worrying."

[…That's what friends do.]

Hearing the word 'friend' made me close my mouth tightly.

Because I heard that from the director when I used to sneak into the control room daily for info.

Hamshik can't leave underground first floor.

And…

'Now I can't come back down either.'

We both knew but never mentioned it.

As if it never existed.

As soon as I arrived at the underground factory, I knew.

The 'good news' the director mentioned was this.

"Sir! Hurry up! Hurry!"

"Could that… be from him?"

"Yes! Congratulations! You wanted it!"

While I was in the control room, an essence dropped.

And the color was green — just what I wanted.

Walking dumbfounded, my eyes met Raven's, who shrugged.

"I was going to put it in a test tube if it didn't come soon, but luckily it came just in time."

"How long has it been?"

"Ten minutes."

Right, that meant I still had some time.

I took off all the numbered items I was wearing.

That essence required some preparation before consuming.

Step by step.

After preparing, I slowly approached the essence.

Because I was level 8, even after consuming Bellarios essence, I still had an empty essence slot.

If I could eat it without a test tube, eating it right there was best.

But the problem was…

'Will it work?'

In Dungeon & Stone, essence stacking wasn't possible.

Of course, you could consume a normal essence and then a guardian essence.

'In that case, the normal essence simply upgraded into the guardian essence.'

What about this case?

The answer came soon enough.

Swoosh.

When my fingertips touched the essence floating in the air…

'…So in this case, it just won't go in.'

My outstretched hand passed right through the essence.

As if there was no room for it inside my soul.

"Tsk."

Honestly, I had expected otherwise.

If essence stacking was possible, I could have experimented to see if the same skill could stack.

'What a shame.'

If I could 'super-giant form' with Transcendence, then '(true) super-giant form' by using Giant Form again…

'Then this essence I'd just replace the old one and eat it right after leaving…'

After Raven put the essence in a test tube, I cleared my mind of all thoughts about essence.

"Vice Commander, are you ready to leave?"

"Yes, we can depart immediately."

"Good. Let's go home."

It was time to leave.

Leaving the lab and coming outside the temple, we headed through the forest to one spot.

After a few days of travel, we came upon a vast lake we had discovered during previous exploration.

Or rather, a place that was opened up.

Originally it was blocked by a barrier, but we destroyed a huge drone in front of it, making entry possible.

"Everyone board the ship and take your seats!"

By the way, launching a ship on this lake was the escape route from Rainbow Island.

Well, this was the first real time executing it.

But since the director had said so clearly before, it had to ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don't copy, read here) be right.

Tick-tock, tick-tock—

After destroying the huge drone and activating the pocket watch, waiting until the second hand made a full rotation, the lake was covered in a brilliant rainbow-colored light, just like when we first came.

Flash!

When I regained consciousness, we had returned to the windless zone where we had struggled so much, and I headed straight for Library Island to drop off Hamshik.

"Sorry I couldn't keep my promise to help you regain your memories."

[…You're still worried about that? Don't make that face. I've already told you everything from the director.]

"..."

[Goodbye.]

Hamshik only said goodbye and gave no hint of reunion.

So I just said,

[We'll… meet again…?]

"Yeah, you can never tell what life will bring. I'll try to find a way to come back somehow."

[I wonder if that's possible…]

"At least I think so. That's why I accepted the director's offer in the first place."

[…Hmph, come back or don't.]

"Take care till then. If strangers come, don't open the door."

With little time left, after parting from Hamshik, I headed straight to Chonjang Island.

Thanks to pushing the ship's speed to the max, I arrived with three days left until the director's deadline.

"It's an island!"

After disembarking, I ran straight to the village and immediately touched the dimensional stele, just in case.

"Po-portal! The portal opened!"

"Then can we really go back now?!"

"Long live Baron Yandel! Long live!"

Luckily, the dimensional stele that had always been silent actually activated and produced a blue portal, just as promised.

But I didn't enter the portal right away.

Because I was curious.

[If you don't leave here within half a year, you'll be in serious trouble. That's when 'he' appears.]

What was that 'he' the director mentioned?

He never explained fully, leaving me even more curious.

'The portal's working fine… maybe it's best to wait and see before leaving.'

So the main force stayed in the village while I took Sven Parab inland.

"Why… why me?"

"Focus. If you feel danger, you must take the portal immediately."

"If that's the case, I want to go down right now… the rainy season's starting soon anyway!"

"Since you say that, I guess we still have some time."

"…"

Days passed—one, two—and only a couple of hours remained until the day the director warned about.

Whooosh—

A strong wind suddenly blew from behind, as if something was about to start.

"C-can I stop going now?"

"Feeling uneasy?"

"Yes…"

"Just check one thing quickly."

I hurried to the cliff and checked the coast.

The silver sea surged violently, as if a powerful force was pulling it back.

"Uh, maybe we should head back? I'm really getting nervous…!"

Seeing that, it really felt like time was almost up.

I checked the map one last time.

'That's the direction of the rocky island…'

In the direction the wind blew and the waves surged was a rocky island.

[If during sailing, waves start rushing in, stop immediately and find shelter.]

Could it be the one mentioned in the chieftain's folklore notebook?

I didn't know, but at that point, I went down to the village with Sven Parab.

And we sent everyone into the portal one by one.

I was the last.

Since it was my portal, there was concern it might close once I disappeared…

Whoooom-!

Just as I was about to enter, the whole village shook like an earthquake.

'What now?'

As a gamer, curiosity flared, but I decided not to check outside.

If I could come back someday, I might figure it out then.

If not, it wouldn't matter.

「Record Lord Rekardo begins wandering the floors.」

Forget it and get out quickly.

Whooosh-!

I quickly stepped into the portal.

The labyrinth, including the first floor crystal cave, would close with the rainy season…

'But at least the portal opened.'

The portal opened.

Then where would this portal take me?

I expected it to return me to the first floor, but the labyrinth was already closed.

The answer came soon enough.

「Character is moved to Lapdonia.」

If the labyrinth is closed, you return to the city.

Or maybe you just always move to the city no matter what.

Anyway, that didn't matter.

"Ah, sir…"

We arrived at the dimensional plaza of the seventh district, which we had used long ago when first entering the labyrinth.

Looking around, only members of Clan Anabada who had entered the labyrinth with me were standing silently.

That wasn't strange.

I'd heard the expedition used dimensional plazas from other districts, including Armin's expedition and the Hexts clan.

Yeah, so far nothing odd.

I didn't even expect anyone to welcome us alive.

But…

"Wh-why is the plaza so…?"

The plaza we arrived at was very different from usual.

Whooosh—

The wind brought a smoky smell, and the checkpoint building, which usually had a long line, was completely destroyed and collapsed.

As if there had been a great war.

"Something must have happened in the city while we were gone."

Amelia calmly analyzed the situation as she looked around.

At that moment,

"Captain! Over here!"

A male voice came from afar.

"We just detected a portal reaction here…"

The man climbed the checkpoint ruins and met our gaze.

"Huh? Who are you guys?"

Seeing the emblem on the man's chest, I couldn't help but snort.

"Where the hell did you come from?"

Where did they come from?

That's what I wanted to ask.

'What on earth happened…'

How could these Noark bastards be running wild in the city?

The Underground First Floor, Record Archive.

Though with some time deviation, time here flows simultaneously with the outside world.

-x-X-x-

After spending a long time rolling through the labyrinth together, you can reach a level where just exchanging glances with your comrades is enough to communicate.

Just like now.

"Whatever it is, let's just catch it first."

The comrades who caught that look from me nodded and drew their weapons.

And at that moment.

"Seems like they have no intention of answering willingly."

Coincidentally, the enemy leader made the same judgment as me and charged at us.

"Subdue them first!"

There were fourteen enemies in total, including the leader.

I felt uneasy since it wasn't a multiple of six, which could be coordinated well…

Well, this isn't a labyrinth but the middle of a city.

「Character has cast [Gigantism].」

「Character's body size increases, and threat level and physical stats increase proportionally.」

Not knowing the opponent's level, I grew my body first. Maybe because I got bigger, something occurred to them.

Suddenly, the charging guys stopped in surprise.

"B-Bjorn Yandel…?"

"…A giant!"

"The one who was missing, why is he here…?"

Well, thanks for recognizing me, I guess…

"R-Run away!"

"We need to call for backup—!"

Where do you think you're going now?

It didn't take long to subdue the Noirak group we met in the ruined dimensional plaza.

Though the fourteen of them became twelve during the process.

Ah, of course, it wasn't because we missed them.

They just died while fleeing.

'They were better fighters than I thought.'

They scattered like cockroaches, as if they were used to working together often.

Two of them were quick and nimble enough that trying to capture them alive risked losing them entirely.

"Well done, Elwen. If we'd missed them, it could have been troublesome."

"…Not at all."

Anyway, the suppression was over, so I approached the kneeling enemies.

"Twelve."

Definitely a much more comfortable number than before.

"Emily, strip their gear off including the dead ones."

Not knowing how much time we had, I decided to loot while interrogating.

This guy should be the one to talk to, right?

"…Ugh!"

I grabbed the leader's head, who had been silent and burying it since being subdued, and lifted it.

"Hey, eyeball."

When I called him, Ainard nearby tilted his head.

"Huh? Bjorn, did you know this guy?"

"No idea."

"Huh? Then how do you know his name?"

"…What are you talking about? I just didn't like his eyeballs, so I called him that."

How could a person's name be "eyeball"?

Honestly, Ainard really has zero prejudice.

"Haha… I thought…"

Ainard awkwardly scratched the back of his head, and I casually ignored him.

"Anyway… Hey, eyeball."

I called again, but he didn't respond, so I asked him anyway.

"We came back to the city after a long time. Why the hell are you guys here?"

As expected, no answer came back, so I immediately smashed down with the hammer.

Not the leader…

Crash-!

At a subordinate's hand beside him.

"Aaah!!!"

Subordinate A screamed in pain, shocked by the sudden attack.

Starting from him, I smashed one hand after another ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) with the hammer.

Then I asked the leader again.

"We came back to the city after a long time. Why the hell are you guys here?"

The same question as before.

Of course, no answer came.

I smashed the already shattered hand of subordinate A again.

Crash! Crash! Crash!

I asked the leader the same question once more, and still no answer.

However…

"…!"

Seeing the subordinates tightly close their eyes, it seemed they understood the rules of this interrogation.

"Make sure to catch him well this time, Auyen."

"Yes…!"

As I kept hammering mechanically, one subordinate shouted desperately.

"I-I will!"

"…Huh?"

"I can answer that question!"

"Oh, really?"

It wasn't surprising to me since I somewhat led him to that, but maybe the leader who watched subordinate G's betrayal felt differently.

"You worthless bastard…!"

The silent "eyeball" glared fiercely at subordinate G.

But being from the macho society of Noirak, subordinate G was no pushover.

"Damn, so what? You keep your mouth shut, and it ends, but we're getting smashed."

"…Do you think that bastard will save you?"

"No. But if I'm going to die, it's better to die less painfully, right? What's the point of loyalty if you're just going to die anyway?"

"If your betrayal is known, your family in the village will never—"

"Damn! Spit! You idiot. Didn't you know your subordinate is a family-less orphan?"

"..."

In my view, subordinate G won that argument.

His logical yet selfish words left eyeball without any rebuttal.

Though he seemed about to curse belatedly…

"You damn—."

"Quiet."

"Ugh—!"

I didn't waste time watching their petty fight.

"Alright, enough. Tell me. Why the hell are you here?"

I quieted eyeball and asked, and subordinate G explained what happened in the city while we were gone.

To summarize, it was simple.

About two months ago.

Noirak remnants who had left outside the city walls secretly entered the underground city, their old residence.

To invade Lapdonia.

"An invasion…?"

"…You're out of your mind."

My comrades listening were surprised, and Amelia shook her head in disbelief, but I wasn't that shocked.

I had heard this before from the jester at the round table.

'I didn't expect them to act so quickly, though.'

Versil, who had been beside the jester when he told this, seemed calmer than others.

"So? How's the war going? Did you win? Is that why the 7th district is in such a state?"

"No… We didn't win. It's just a temporary lull."

"…Explain in detail."

"Two days ago, we used the sewers to sneak into the city and launched a surprise attack on several districts of Ravigion, capturing them within a day."

"Two days ago…?"

Listening further, I realized today was exactly one day after the labyrinth closed.

"They deliberately waited until the explorers were in the labyrinth. Most royal troops were inside the labyrinth as well."

"Yes, that's right…"

Hearing this, my first thought was why I'm so unlucky.

We were quiet all this time, only to come back just as the city was invaded.

Unlucky people always get hurt no matter what.

"Keep talking, don't stop."

"Ah, yes…"

Subordinate G continued describing the war situation.

They aimed for the day the labyrinth opened and the day the explorers returned.

Thanks to that, they easily drove out the security forces and took over the city.

And…

"Yesterday, they surrounded the returning explorers in the dimensional plaza, subdued them at once, and took them hostage, now standing off against the royal forces."

Finally, the current situation.

"The royal family values their lives more than ordinary citizens, so they haven't pushed in easily."

"Then why were you guys here?"

"We were patrolling. In case the royal family sends infiltrators, and to find hidden remnants. Then our mage sensed something near the plaza…"

"Any other patrols?"

"Not around here…"

He hesitated as if holding back something.

It was time for the trump card.

"It's okay, just say it. If it helps, I'm willing to spare you. No, I swear on my honor as a warrior to let you go safely."

My warrior's oath that's been useful since the start.

Hearing that, subordinate G hesitated briefly then confessed.

"It's almost time for the regular report. If we don't report in time, another patrol will come here—"

"You bastard…!!"

Maybe that was their last stronghold.

As subordinate G spilled everything, eyeball lost his patience and flared up.

Ugh, annoying.

"Can you make the regular report?"

"Yes. I've done it several times. I often got bothered and passed it to me."

"Really?"

"You bastard! Do you know how much—!"

Well, he's useless now.

Crash-!

His superior's head was smashed before his eyes, but subordinate G only flinched briefly and quickly regained composure.

"There should be a Message Stone in the luggage you took. If you give it to me, I'll handle everything."

"So that's it."

Amelia, watching nearby, immediately found the Message Stone and handed it over.

"Go ahead. Don't bother with pointless acts."

"Yes…"

Subordinate G used the Message Stone to report no issues to the higher-ups, and thanks to his record, it was settled without problems.

So, it was time to continue the conversation.

"So, you said several districts, but which ones exactly?"

"The 13th and 7th districts."

"Ha…"

"Why? Why do you ask…? Did I make a mistake…?"

Really bad luck struck.

Out of so many districts, they invaded two, and one was our 7th district.

I sighed heavily but gathered myself to continue talking.

"Enough, tell me. What happened to the sacred sites?"

The 13th district holds the beastmen's sacred site, and the 7th holds ours, the barbarians'.

As the barbarian chief, my worry naturally went first to our sacred site.

"The sacred site is currently cut off from the city."

"Cut off?"

"I'm a low-ranking member, so I don't know well, but they say the royal family used a magic circle long ago. They say it was made to control other races at any time, but it's just hearsay."

Subordinate G added, realizing belatedly I was the barbarian chief.

"Still, thanks to the ability to completely isolate it, the sacred site probably suffered relatively little damage."

Relatively.

That word implied there was some damage…

Well, what could I do?

Better to be thankful it was only relatively little.

"How about the 13th district… the beastmen?"

Misha, worried about her hometown, asked, but didn't get a detailed answer.

"It's a different district, so I don't know well… But probably it's not much different."

"I see…"

Misha pursed her lips, maybe worried even about the hated family.

"Yandel, I think we got most of the info we need. How about moving out now?"

"Moving?"

"Just in case. If we get surrounded here, even we would be in trouble."

Following Amelia's advice, we decided to leave. Even if the regular report went well, someone could find us.

"Then clean up the rest. Leave no traces."

"And that one?"

Amelia glanced at subordinate G after my order.

And…

"We're taking him alive."

Subordinate G jumped up at my answer.

"I-I trusted you, Baron! I knew you'd keep your oath!"

"Not funny."

Amelia chuckled dryly watching.

She knows I don't put any value in oaths.

'Still, with Ainard here, I can't break it so easily.'

The biggest reason was that I still had more to hear from him.

Ssssss—

After Versil's magic and Amelia's exploration gear erased the traces of the corpses thoroughly, we moved as quietly as possible.

Since the entire 7th district was occupied by Noirak scum, we had to find a hiding place for now…

"How about the old house? It shouldn't be far from here…"

Following Elwen's suggestion, we headed toward the mansion I had once mortgaged.

With high walls and a basement, it seemed a suitable place.

But no house would be intact in a city turned battlefield.

"No, no… My house full of memories… I was going to work hard and buy it back someday…"

The mansion we arrived at, avoiding other patrols, had its second floor collapsed, possibly hit by fire magic, with scorch marks everywhere.

"Still, not bad. The outside looks like this, but the first floor is intact. This worn appearance helps us hide. The fence is partly broken, but not enough to see inside from this angle."

Amelia gave it the go-ahead, and we cautiously entered.

Then…

"Auyen. We're going to talk among ourselves now, so lock that guy in the basement."

"Yes."

Auyen took subordinate G to the basement.

"No sunlight, but he should get decent food."

"…?"

"Probably."

For some reason, he looked very excited.

-x-X-x-

After locking subordinate G in the basement and drawing the curtains, we gathered in the dark living room to freely exchange opinions.

"…The situation isn't good," Versil was the first to speak.

"Soon the patrol that discovered us will notice we're gone. Then a full-scale search will begin. It's only a matter of time before our presence here is exposed."

Indeed, staying here any longer is dangerous.

Even for us, being surrounded by them would mean no chance of escape.

I had felt that during the Ice Rock expedition as well; the high-ranking plunderers of Noirak, including Orculus, were not to be underestimated.

'Since we continued to assault the 8th floor afterward, they must have become even more elite.'

I nodded at Versil's opinion and said,

"Don't worry. I have no intention of hiding here either. We must find a way to escape as soon as possible."

"That's a relief."

We must escape the 7th district occupied by the Noirak forces.

With that clear goal, the conversation naturally focused on that.

"Not only the 7th, but the 13th district is occupied at the same time, right? It would be difficult for them to fully cover such a vast city wall alone."

"Meaning we should find gaps and break through."

"Yes! Once we get over the wall, our allies will be beyond it."

Elwen insisted on a forced breakthrough.

"How about using the sewers…? The passages are narrow, so even if we get caught, it seems doable…"

Misha suggested a detour.

"…Why bother with all that? Why not just hide? The royal troops might come to rescue us in a few days…"

Ainard's wait-it-out strategy, lacking fighting spirit.

Then…

"Auyen, what about you? Don't just stay quiet."

"Huh? Me?"

"I'm not asking for the perfect answer. Just say freely what you would want to do. No pressure."

"If I had the strength… I think I would try to rescue the people."

"People…?"

"Yes… Most of the explorers in the 7th district are being held hostage by them…"

Auyen's opinion was surprisingly thoughtful.

"Of course, I'm far from being a hero…! Just saying, don't mind me!"

Flustered by all eyes on him, Auyen added hurriedly.

But…

"Not bad."

Amelia, apparently impressed by Auyen's opinion, looked at me and said,

"Yandel, this might be our chance. They don't know we exist. They're only wary of the royal troops beyond the city walls."

"So you mean we should strike from inside during this moment."

"Exactly. If successful, it will be a tremendous achievement. Two cities of Ravigion are under external enemy control now. We might be recognized with as much honor as the nobles who stopped the Duke of Yeokcheon during the Cheolbyeok Rebellion."

Amelia's words made sense.

Such a large incident in Lapdonia's long history can be counted on one hand.

Success would mean numerous rewards and even noble rank advancement.

My status in the Melbes coalition of other-race nobles would rise accordingly.

"…We should listen more. Auyen, bring the guy from the basement."

Our worries deepened.

Subordinate G, briefly imprisoned in the basement and then freed, answered our questions as if he had truly joined our side.

Thanks to him, we learned much more detailed information about the 7th district's situation…

"The explorers are imprisoned in several locations."

By profession, explorers greatly surpass ordinary people in combat ability and usually act as the city's standing army.

The places they were imprisoned could be roughly divided into three:

The underground prison of the explorers' branch, where I had been once trapped.

The underground prison beneath the Sanseonggyo temples.

And the underground prison of the 7th district police.

Of course, these three are broad divisions; subdivided further, there are dozens of places.

There are several temples and explorer branches in the 7th district, and the police have multiple sub-branches.

"Because so many explorers were taken hostage, they had no choice but to split them up like this…"

Whether this is good or bad is ambiguous.

'Their forces are dispersed, which might make rescue easier…'

On the other hand, stopping by even a few places would surely expose our existence. Even moving quickly, there is distance between prisons.

"But it's positive that their strength increases with every place we visit."

"Eh…? Are you planning to rescue them…?"

"Why do you care?"

"..."

Anyway, we then heard about the patrols' territories and the size of troops stationed along the city walls.

Well, this low-ranking lackey couldn't explain everything precisely…

"Oh, and civilians are gathered near the walls. As the royal pressure grows, they gradually release some and face off."

Knowing a little is much better than knowing nothing.

"Good. Then go back home."

"…Home?"

"Auyen will guide you."

After locking subordinate G back in the basement, we held one final meeting.

"You look like you've made a decision."

"Can you tell?"

"To some extent. So, what now?"

It wasn't a tone asking because they really didn't know, so I answered without hesitation.

"We free the hostages and escape this city together."

"How?"

Amelia asked briefly, and I answered immediately without hesitation.

"We figure it out from now."

"…"

"All together."

We judged it feasible and decided, but hadn't made detailed plans yet.

It's better to brainstorm with everyone rather than me deciding ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ alone.

"Good. Let's start."

So the planning meeting went on.

Which prison to target first, which route to take.

Whether to climb the city wall or move through the sewers.

If we choose the wall, which point is best.

We debated these long and slowly formed a rough outline.

"But…"

During a quiet lull in the meeting, Misha cautiously spoke.

"Isn't it… a bit strange?"

A muttering without subject.

Elwen frowned and asked sharply.

"Strange?"

"It's just… What exactly do the Noirak want? There are parts we don't understand."

"It's obvious what they want, isn't it? To steal what's ours and become masters of the world."

"That's true but… this is too reckless."

Misha quickly continued.

"They must know from the start that holding out with hostages only buys time. So why did they invade like this?"

Elwen didn't object.

Honestly, this doubt Misha voiced was something we all shared to some degree.

In this scenario, Noirak can never win.

Even if they had tens of times more hostages, the royal family isn't afraid to shed blood.

And…

'Noirak must know that too.'

A doomed invasion.

So why did the Noirak do something so foolish?

Were they just unable to think that far?

No way.

"Targeting two districts simultaneously is suspicious. They could barely hold out against one."

"Moreover, Bifron lies between the 7th and 13th districts, making defense even harder."

"Yeah. Why did they do that? Does Bifron have some purpose?"

"I don't know exactly, but it's clear there's some hidden motive."

At this point, it's reasonable to think there's a secret plan.

"What about the hostage situation?"

"They need time to carry out their next plan."

"Then we have to move quickly. If they have enough time, who knows how things will change."

Two heads are better than one.

Gathered here exchanging opinions, we realized we had a time limit.

We don't know how much time remains, but everyone was impressed that we must act quickly.

"Alright, is everyone clear on the plan?"

"Ah, I'm not—"

"It's okay, Ainard. You just stay next to Versil."

"Oh! Really?"

Yes. I didn't expect him to memorize all this.

It's best to stick the smart guy with the smart guy.

"Then preparations are done. Let's go."

We finished all the preparations and were about to leave.

Is there some DNA that never forgets oaths, even if everything else is forgotten?

"Bjorn! Hey! What are you going to do with the guy locked in the basement? Didn't you swear to spare him?"

Ugh, why do I remember useless things like this?

I couldn't easily break my oath in front of Ainard, who doesn't know I'm a player, but it didn't cause big problems.

"What's the issue? We spared him, right?"

"…"

"So I have to prepare his food and take care of him?"

"Uh… no…"

"Good. Leave him be. If he starves, that's his fate."

"Oh… I see?"

"Ainard! Stop the useless talk and go stand next to Versil! That's your spot!"

"Got it!!"

Okay, Ainard is convinced.

Creak, boom!

Let's go.

We left the ruined old house and moved as stealthily as possible, avoiding patrols.

From the patrols' movements, it seemed our presence was still unknown.

"This way."

By the way, I assigned Amelia as our guide.

She's practically an expert in stealth and infiltration.

Following her instructions, we stopped and moved on cue, arriving exactly when expected during the planning.

"As I heard, there aren't many guards."

The old temple of the Reatlas faith we often visited.

Also the starting point of today's escape plan.

From the second floor of the building across, we secretly observed and began the plan.

Well, for me, it was just waiting.

"Be back soon."

The special team of Amelia with stealth device, Misha, and long-range assassin Elwen left the building together.

After a moment, the signal came.

When I went down and headed to the front gate, all the guards standing there were already knocked out.

Ssshh!

After Amelia's exploration tools erased all traces, we entered the temple.

And…

Thunk! Crash! Ssssh!

Following Amelia, we repeated the process.

But a long tail is bound to get caught.

"I think… we've been detected."

Elwen murmured, and Amelia frowned, nodding.

"Seems so. With all this noise."

She says noise, but I hear nothing.

…Not that I don't believe her.

"But how did we get caught?"

"Well, there are many ways. There are always mysterious ones with special abilities everywhere. We'll ask later; for now, we need to speed up."

"Do it."

Tsk, I hoped this would be quiet and quick.

"The royal family! The royal family is invading!"

As we reached the stairs leading down to the underground prison, troops stationed in the temple appeared and attacked.

Killing them all before going down would be an option, but not time-efficient.

"Yandel, we'll handle this here; you go down."

"Got it."

Leaving surface cleanup to comrades, I hurried down.

The underground prison was much larger than the surface area.

Only one guard was on duty at a time; the rest were nowhere to be seen.

"D-Don't come!"

The guard, hearing the noise above, greeted me weapon drawn…

Crash!

I smashed his head with the hammer, and the imprisoned explorers realized what was happening.

"Rescue team…?"

"Why only one?"

"Wait… this seems familiar…"

"Baron Yandel! It's Baron Yandel!"

"The giant is here…!!!"

The cheers echoing in the underground chamber were deafening, but I chose to think positively.

Yeah, it's good they have the energy to shout.

Better to use this chance to build goodwill.

"Wait! I am Bjorn, Yandel's son, here to save you!!"

"Waaaaaaah!!"

After the goodwill ritual ended, I searched the fallen guard's waist for keys—

'…No keys?'

Unexpected, but I wasn't flustered.

There's no problem in this world that can't be solved.

If you have enough strength.

Creak!

With some force, the iron bars bent like spoons.

"Th-Thank you! Thank you!"

"Did the royal family send the baron?"

"I heard he was missing…"

The explorers came out, asking all sorts of questions.

Goodwill building is nice, but I didn't have time to answer kindly.

"Come on, no time for explanations. Hold out your hands."

"Ah…! Yes!"

First, I removed the shackles explorers wore like cracking walnuts with bare hands.

Since they're magic tools sealing the essence, their physical durability was low.

"Now get upstairs quickly and help. Don't block the way."

"Uh… do you know where my equipment is?"

"Ask upstairs. I don't know either."

"Yes!"

No need to tediously find keys one by one; brute force freed them faster than expected.

But…

"Below! On the second basement floor, there are priests and mages!"

Oh, there's a second basement floor too.

No wonder only regular explorers were here.

"I am Bjorn, Yandel's son, here to rescue you!!"

We continued goodwill and rescue operations even on the second basement floor.

When all was done and we came back upstairs, the place was cleaned up.

"Thank you for your hard work."

"You all worked hard. Enough. Now, priests! Are there any high-ranking priests like bishops? The more, the better!"

I singled out priests among the freed explorers.

Fortunately, there were more than ten bishops or higher…

"…Any injuries?"

"No, but we need your help for the next plan."

"Oh, of course! We will help with all our might. But… what should we do?"

"Pray for us."

"Pray…?"

The priests looked at each other confused, but I smiled.

"I want to remove the essence."

"…"

"Immediately."

Yeah, to do something big, first we strengthen ourselves.

「[Essence of Orc Hero] embedded in character's soul has been removed.」

「Strength decreased by 70.」

「Agility decreased by 35.」

「Fighting spirit decreased by 40.」

「Physical resistance decreased by 20…」

「······.」

「······.」

.

.

.

「[Essence of ????] is now embedding in the character's soul.」