The party quickly cleared out a goblin village and began their return.
In the process, their attitude toward Yujin became noticeably more cautious. This shift was due to Hans’s testimony that Yujin had teleported behind the demon and the fact that he had effortlessly used magic to cleave an orc possessed by a demon in half without any visible casting. It was now clear to them that he was far beyond the level of a typical mage who would be found in the upper floors.
It reminds me of when I first joined the party.
When Yujin initially joined, his unique aura had caused the party members to tread carefully around him, much like they were doing now. Thinking back to those moments felt nostalgic, even though it had only been yesterday.
Anyway, their return was exceptionally swift. This was thanks to portals that existed on every floor of the labyrinth; they allowed direct travel back to the first floor.
Hugo’s party quickly searched for the portal on the fifth floor and soon discovered a glowing teleportation magic circle. After conducting a headcount, they all stepped onto the portal.
And so, when Yujin set foot on the portal, he was transported directly to the first floor of the labyrinth.
Flash!
His vision flickered as his body was drawn to another location. And the scene that unfolded before his eyes was—
Chatter, chatter.
Murmur, murmur.
A scene that resembled a lively marketplace.
The view of the elegant white stone buildings clashed with the chaotic, market-like atmosphere that filled Yujin’s gaze.
“Step right up! You’ve got to eat well before heading into the labyrinth! At least have a taste before you go!”
“Tools for sale! Handy camping kits that are a must-have in the labyrinth are on sale!”
“30 silver….no less!”
“Come on, let’s settle at 25 silver.”
“Dammit, what a waste of effort. They said fame and fortune await you in the labyrinth!”
“Alright, let’s head out again today!”
Merchants selling goods and food, people returning from the labyrinth, others preparing to head into it—
Countless individuals gathered, creating a lively and buzzing crowd.
This was the first floor of the labyrinth.
In the labyrinth, as one progressed through the floors, there existed areas known as “safe zones” or “safe floors”. These were exactly what their names implied. They were floors free of monsters or trials, offering safety.
The first floor of the labyrinth was also one of these so-called safe zones. Here, people gathered to sell goods, make final preparations before venturing further, or even run lodging businesses….It was a space where mortals could live safely.
The basic structure consisted of the interior of a ridiculously huge white stone building.
At either end, there were exits leading outside the labyrinth and entrances to the deeper floors. Between these points, the pathways were lined with street stalls and inns set up by the people.
And, Hugo and his party had arrived at that place.
“Since we’re on the first floor of the labyrinth, you can all relax now.”
“Whew, we’ve finally made it back.”
“Ah… it’s over.”
Everyone let out a sigh as they relaxed their tense bodies, and then Hugo turned to Yujin.
“And Mr. Yujin… I feel it’s only right to say this here. Thank you so much for saving our lives during this expedition.”
Hugo said while bowing his head toward Yujin.
Yujin responded with a gentle smile.
“I won’t pretend it was nothing. Life isn’t something so cheap.”
“Yes, of course. We intend to offer you a proper reward. Our party might not be able to match your abilities, so it may be difficult to give you the compensation you truly deserve, but…”
“Haha, you don’t have to do something so extravagant. Instead, I think it would be nice if we could all have a meal together sometime.”
“Huh?”
Hugo was visibly startled. Yujin replied with a calm tone,
“Of course, life isn’t something cheap, but I’m not expecting to collect a full payment for it. Still, if it weighs on your mind, then let’s just say you owe me a debt of gratitude. And treat that life you were given as something precious.”
“Mr. Yujin.…”
Hugo wore an expression filled with emotion, while Krom briefly gaped as if in awe.
Mirien looked at Yujin with a conflicted expression on her face. She bit her lip for a moment before finally bowing her head deeply.
Hugo responded with a determined look.
“Yes, of course. I will consider this a debt for the rest of my life.”
“Ahem, drop by one of the workshops run by us dwarves sometimes. Most of the guys are pretty uptight, but they wouldn’t dare treat a benefactor of the dwarves poorly.”
Krom said this as well while looking at Yujin with a friendly gaze. Yujin laughed heartily and replied.
“Sure, I’ll definitely stop by. Oh, but before that, could I ask you all for a favor?”
“Yes, please, anything you need.”
“Well… I suppose I should have mentioned this sooner…”
Yujin gave an awkward smile before continuing.
“It’s my first time in the Labyrinth City, so could you recommend an inn where I could stay for a while?”
“…Huh?”
Hugo and the rest of the group blinked in surprise.
***
—If you seek wealth, glory, or a golden future, head for the labyrinth.
This was a famous saying about the Great Labyrinth.
Everything could be found in the Labyrinth. From rare treasures, ancient artifacts, and even transcendent power and knowledge.
Anything a mortal could desire lay within its depths.
Naturally, countless people flocked to the vicinity of the Great Labyrinth. Mercenaries seeking fortune, nobles hunting rare treasures, warriors in pursuit of strength, and scholars and mages desiring knowledge. All made their way to the labyrinth.
With so many people converging on the labyrinth, a bustling city naturally formed around it.
Buildings of all kinds and various facilities sprang up, and soon the city grew to rival any large city…. No, in sheer size alone, it became a large city that could rival the capital of the Empire.
This was the so-called Labyrinth City.
Within that city, built around the labyrinth itself, a group of travelers were making their way somewhere.
“So, you mean… this is your first time ever in the labyrinth?”
“That’s right. I spent a long time isolated from the world, just focusing on my research, and then came here after researching about the labyrinth.”
Hugo asked a question, and Yujin responded. He explained that it had only been a day since he arrived at the labyrinth after spending years locked away in his study conducting research.
It was a convenient excuse, but also one without any obvious flaws. It aligned with his earlier claim of not being affiliated with any specific school of thought or organization.
“I see. For a mage who spent all their time holed up in a study, you’re surprisingly easy to talk to and not eccentric at all.”
Krom remarked sharply. Though it seemed he didn’t realize his comment could be taken as a critique.
“Haha… To be honest, I think eccentricity is more about the person than the environment. Basic manners are something everyone should be aware of, regardless of their circumstances.”
“Hmm, I suppose that’s true.”
Krom let the matter slide. After all, he hadn’t meant it as a criticism in the first place.
“Oh, we’ve arrived.”
Hugo came to a stop in front of an inn. He turned to Yujin and spoke.
“This is the inn I relied on heavily when I first arrived at the labyrinth. The owner is very fair, and the meals are quite excellent.”
“Is that so? I’m looking forward to it, then.”
Yujin stepped into the inn as Hugo led the way. Before long, a loud energetic woman’s voice rang out from inside.
“Welcome! Oh? Hugo?”
“Haha, hello, innkeeper”
Hugo greeted with a warm laugh as a plump, middle-aged woman welcomed him enthusiastically.
“Come on in! I heard you’ve been staying at the guild’s lodgings these days. How’s that been treating you?”
“Haha, it’s all right, I suppose. It’s free, so I’ve been making do, but honestly, I still prefer it here. It feels much more comfortable and familiar.”
“Of course it does, right? Oh, Mirien and Mr. Krom! Hello to you too!”
“…Hello.”
“It’s been a while.”
Krom and Mirien with her hood pulled up greeted the woman as well. Soon, her gaze shifted to the others in the group; to those who weren’t originally part of Hugo’s party.
“So, who are the people behind you?”
“Oh, these two young ladies are Miss Elly and Miss Shia; they’re academy students who are the subjects of this request. Then there’s Hans who is temporarily serving as a porter, and Mr. Yujin whom we happened to meet in the labyrinth.”
“Ah, hello!”
“Hello…”
“Ahem, greetings. My name is Hans.”
“Haha, I’m Yujin. Nice to meet you.”
The group exchanged introductions. The smiling innkeeper responded warmly.
“I’m Mary, the owner of this inn. It’s nice to meet all of you.”
“Aunt Mary, could you arrange a room for Mr. Yujin here? He just arrived in the labyrinth city and mentioned that he doesn’t have a place to stay. I’d really appreciate it, especially since I owe him a lot this time.”
Hugo addressed Mary, who rubbed her chin thoughtfully before replying.
“Hmm… the rooms are all full right now…”
“Oh… is that so?”
“But, since our Hugo says he owes you so much, I can’t just turn you away! Mr. Yujin, right? It just so happens that my husband is off in the labyrinth, so his room is currently vacant. Would you be okay with staying there?”
“I’d be more than grateful for any place you can offer me.”
“My, not only are you handsome, but you’re polite, too. All right, I’ll get that room ready for you. Please wait just a moment.”
“Haha, of course. Thank you so much.”
At that moment, when Mary turned to head upstairs to the second floor, Hugo called out to her.
“Aunt Mary, I’ll be heading out now. I need to report to the academy and the guild, and I also have to finish the accounting….”
“Oh… is that so? Leaving so soon? That’s a shame.”
“Haha, I’ll come back later for a meal once the accounting is done. I’ve already planned to have one with Mr. Yujin, so please look forward to it.”
“Well, if that’s the case, I can’t stop you! Take care, and come by often!”
“Will do. Mr. Yujin, I’ll be heading off now. See you later.”
As Hugo spoke to Yujin, Yujin smiled and responded.
“Yes, I owe you a lot, Mr. Hugo. And to everyone else as well.”
“Haha, not at all. If anything, we’re the ones who owe you. Well then.”
“Ah, goodbye!”
“G-Goodbye…”
“…Then, I’ll take my leave now.”
“Well… uh, I’ll get going too, Mr. Yujin.”
“Don’t forget to stop by the dwarves’ workshop later! I’ll see you around!”
With that, the group began to leave, and Mary also headed upstairs as if to prepare the room.
Left behind on the first floor of the inn, Yujin watched as the staff bustled about serving food while the customers chatted noisily. It was then that Tiamat spoke to him.
[They weren’t bad children.]
Haha, that’s true. I think I’ve made some good connections.
Yujin nodded his head in agreement. Not only the leader Hugo, but the rest of the group seemed to be genuinely decent people as well.
“So, this labyrinth city, huh…”
He muttered to himself while looking out the window.
A completely different world from Earth.
Ever since he first encountered another party inside the labyrinth, the reality of this other world had been sinking in. But now, walking through the streets of such an unfamiliar place, it truly hit him.
He had really arrived in another world. Yujin let out a small laugh.
Even though the existence of an alternate dimension had been confirmed through the Gate, no one had ever observed a world like this. Perhaps he was the first person from Earth to discover such a place.
Or maybe… not.
The game called “Labyrinth Academy” wasn’t something he played alone.
If Labyrinth Academy truly served as a medium connecting Earth and this other world… then someday, he might end up meeting other Earthlings who came from his home.
.…That might actually be kind of fun.
Yujin imagined such a future and smiled faintly to himself.
“Mr. Yujin! The room’s ready, so come on up!”
“…Yes, I’ll be right there.”
Life in another world.
Perhaps, in this life where he had lived simply because he had no reason to die, he might just find a new kind of fun.
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