episode_0023

“M-Mew, but this path… isn’t it an unexplored route?”

I nodded in agreement with Mewnyangi’s words.

“Unexplored Route.”

This is another setting highly praised in “Gonnis Archive Life” alongside the ‘Backup’ and ‘Rune’ systems.

Usually, dungeons have a designated “Regular Route.”

It’s like a phenomenon where hunters steadily carve their way into the dungeon, solidifying a single path.

Except for special exceptions like the recent ‘Breakout,’ dungeons typically maintain the regular route.

However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other hidden paths within this vast dungeon.

Suspicious-looking paths like the one we see now, places that seem dangerous once entered, exist in various locations.

Hunters refer to these as ‘Unexplored Routes.’

“Yes. It’s where senior hunters part ways.”

“…Even knowing that, you still want to go?”

Mewnyangi looked at me with a worried expression.

The sharp glint in their eyes always made me want to cuddle them; they were truly adorable.

“I can’t resist this.”

Let’s give them a quick pat.

Pat pat.

“Your… hair is messy…”

Pat pat.

“Mew!”

“Hehe.”

Being in reality with my beloved character was something I appreciated, despite the GM who sent me here being a jerk.

“Anyway, enough talk.”

The ‘Unexplored’ route is indeed a dangerous place, as worrying as Mewnyangi thinks.

A completely unexplored area in the dungeon where proper exploration and subjugation have not taken place.

In “Gosla,” this has been elevated to hard mode.

Upon entry, monsters are at least one level stronger.

Encounter rates for random events also sharply increase.

Some dungeons, which originally required only defeating the boss for clearance, suddenly present alternative clear conditions, raising the difficulty in various ways.

“And this also serves as a test of the map guide’s abilities.”

In intermediate to high-level dungeons, how well you utilize these unexplored routes affects the character’s growth efficiency.

While the difficulty increases, the rewards decrease.

On the flip side, bosses become weaker, but the rewards improve significantly.

Memorizing this is what truly distinguishes a newbie map guide from a seasoned one pretending to be a newbie.

So, one might think, is it always better to take an unexplored route in any dungeon?

Of course not.

In lower-grade dungeons like D-rank or below, it’s not advisable.

The rewards don’t improve, and the difficulty just increases unnecessarily.

Nor does more experience come your way.

“But this place is different.”

Here, special locations with ‘Hidden Pieces’ created by GMs exist.

“The condition is that two people in their original state must enter.”

Only then does a new path open up.

Others who enter will only encounter minor foes like the [Goblin Warrior].

But here’s a reminder.

“The operators in Gosla are jerks.”

They won’t let you pass easily, even if they’ve innocently possessed me and casually resolved it with a damn letter saying ‘Sorry ᄏ.’

“First, we really need to check if this is the right place.”

Encouraging Mewnyangi, who continued to worry, I convinced them that we would retreat immediately if anything went wrong.

Five minutes later, we were advancing along the ‘Unexplored’ route.

“…It’s… less eventful than I thought?”

“Sigh…”

Shouldn’t something happen soon?

Just as I started to feel a bit uncertain while moving forward…

“There it is.”

I spotted a sign that would turn my thoughts into certainty.

Two trees, one blue and one red, placed unnaturally no matter how you looked at them.

And within it, a dim outer path where not even light could penetrate.

The startled Mewnyangi asked with a surprised expression,

“…Could this possibly be the ?”

“You mean a special environment that absorbs all light? Sounds about right.”

In the game, it was also mentioned as “[The area of darkness unfolds].”

And this was clear evidence that the GM was a total jerk.

“If you’re going to give it to newbies, just make it easy…”

Why prepare something like this?

“Mewnya.”

“Yeah?”

“You have a tail around your waist. Could you wrap it around mine?”

“M-Meow?!”

Mewnyangi was taken aback and flustered by my request.

Oh, I didn’t expect that reaction.

Is a tail significant for the feline race?

“Why, why do you want to use the tail…”

“Well, originally we were supposed to tie each other up with a rope but I forgot… Is that okay?”

Seeing my expression, Mewnyangi hesitantly nodded as if to say it was fine.

Swish.

Then, a fluffy and soft tail with fluffy fur wrapped around my waist.

Maybe because there are two tails.

They even tied an adorable ribbon around each other.

Sometimes in “Gosra,” Mewnyangi would tie the map guide with their tail.

It was described as feeling like touching a freshly washed and fluffy carpet.

Indeed, it was a completely truthful description.

“Hehe.”

“…Is this really a meaningful… action?”

Seems like it’s to fulfill some personal desire, but it’s true.

Even though we’re treating it as nothing special, ahead of us is… actually quite dangerous.

“Mewnya. Do you remember the first caution I mentioned in the conference room?”

“Oh, right… Wait, is this the place?”

“Yes. This is the place.”

“…Be careful of illusions. Right?”

I nodded.

From now on, all sorts of illusions will engulf us.

Mostly unpleasant things resembling nightmares.

On the contrary, there might be overwhelmingly happy and nostalgic things too.

“That’s what we really need to be cautious of.”

Mewnyangi and I exchanged serious looks and tightly held each other’s hands.

* * *

“…Mewa, Mewa.”

How many minutes had passed?

10 minutes? 20 minutes? 30 minutes?

“…I don’t know.”

No light was entering at all.

Only the flickering silhouette of Yuseha’s back, barely visible through eyes accustomed to darkness, and the sound of shuffling feet could be heard.

He tightly held his own hand and moved forward.

He was moving forward without hesitation, almost as if sprinting.

“…P-Perhaps he should slow down a bit…”

Mahana was playing the role of the main tank as a hunter.

Despite her small stature, she was confident in her own stamina.

Yet, Yuseha’s steps were fast enough to make her breathless.

“…D-Does he have a [Teleportation] rune or something?”

Who knows, maybe he does.

His movements seemed to slide like a phantom, swaying back and forth before suddenly facing far ahead.

Someone might mistake him for having skills from the class.

“Left, right… From A to B… Left, down… Right… From A back to B…”

In this dark place.

Following only Yuseha’s incomprehensible words like a radio, Mahana moved forward.

Crackle!

Faintly, but another person’s voice reached Mahana’s ears.

Unconsciously, she turned her gaze.

As if a scene from a movie, an image unfolded far away between dark trees.

“…That’s…”

In the past, they were companions who had formed a party with her.

Initially liking the term “Guardian,” they soon realized the truth and scorned her.

Among them, the woman who took on the role of leader pointed and cursed.

―You damn kitten! Can’t even tank properly? What did you come here to do? Are you sent by someone to wipe us all out? Huh?

“…No.”

No, that’s not it.

It’s just that she’s inexperienced…

“…!”

Soon, another voice was heard.

This time from the opposite side.

Members of a party she had recently joined were visible.

And just like that, she cursed at herself.

“…That damn woman.”

Swoosh.

But it doesn’t stop there.

One of the group couldn’t contain their anger and thrust a knife towards herself.

“…I’m going to get hit!”

Startled, Mahana instinctively moved her hand to her waist.

She tried to draw her trusted weapon, a dagger, to defend herself.

“It’s okay, Mahana.”

Upon hearing the firm voice ringing in her ears, she regained her composure.

The group that had been approaching her as if to kill her just moments ago had mysteriously vanished.

“They were all illusions. That’s why you’re fine.”

Assuredly.

Without looking back, he who only gazed ahead silently replied.

His eyes, accustomed to darkness, revealed his towering figure.

Like a warm beacon illuminating the dark forest, he seemed to be protecting her.

‘How…’

Mahana couldn’t quite grasp it.

What she had just witnessed was undoubtedly a powerful level of illusion.

How could he navigate this pitch-black forest so accurately when not even an inch ahead was visible?

Was he immune to hallucinations?

‘…No.’

Though subtle, a quiet curse escaped her lips.

Clearly indicating that she was silently facing her past nightmares.

Yet, he was looking out for her.

How strong must one’s mental fortitude be to make such a thing possible?

‘…I’m just becoming a burden again.’

Even the brief sense of gratitude and guilt faded momentarily.

―Mahana!

“……!!!”

Despite knowing it was an illusion, Mahana turned around as if struck by lightning.

It was a voice she couldn’t ignore.

‘…Ah.’

There stood someone in that direction where she turned as if compelled.

A robust figure over 190 centimeters tall.

Muscular, with faint scars around his mouth.

Not conventionally handsome but with a likable face, a man stood before her.

“…Dad?”

It was her one and only father who had passed away years ago.

―My dear Mahana. You’ve been through a lot, haven’t you?

He extended both hands.

―Come here. Let’s have a hug.

“…Dad…”

Mahana felt tears welling up on her cheeks.

The face she had missed so much.

She wanted to run to him right away and be embraced in his arms.

She wanted to tell him how hard it had been, how much she longed for comfort.

Her steps following Yusaha slowed down slightly.

Once again, it was his voice that brought her back.

“Mahana.”

Your father didn’t call you ‘one,’ he called you ‘Mahana.’

“……!”

Realizing this, the apparition of her father disappeared.

Yusaha’s grip on her, holding her back, tightened slightly.

As she turned around, she saw his stoic profile for the first time.

There was a slight… lack of emotion, almost enough to be unsettling.

The never-ending darkness continued.

It ended abruptly as if in a flash of light that came like a lie.

*

“We’ve finally arrived. You did well, Mahana.”

“…M-meow.”

Finally realizing that my words had come to an end, Mahana plopped down heavily.

Dropping her head and taking a deep breath, she seemed visibly exhausted.

‘And I guess I’m feeling the same way.’

Even though I had anticipated the characters in “Gosla” would be cheering loudly, it was more intense than I had expected.

However, the rewards for overcoming the hardships were significant.

[You have successfully overcome the enchantment of illusory dreams lurking in nightmare-like darkness! Your unwavering will is a testament to your iron resolve, burning brighter than anything in this world.]

[Your willpower strengthens. The morale of all party members increases by 1.]

[You have conquered an undiscovered exploration route for the first time. The morale of all party members increases by 1.]

[Acquired title, “Vanquisher of Darkness.” Automatically recorded in the status window.]

[As a reward, mana and morale increase by 1 each.]

Wow! What a satisfying stat boost.

The mind fundamentally corrects perseverance and patience for any task, influencing important attributes such as endurance and resistance to abnormal conditions during combat.

Moreover, it was precious because it did not increase through ordinary physical training alone.

And this is not the end here.

“Your movements are surprisingly subtle.”

“Your actions leave faint traces. It soon turns into a skill.”

“Acquired the attribute.”

“Speed increases by 1 as a reward.”

“Wow. Amazing.”

An unexpected [attribute] too?

I calmed my rising corners of the mouth and decided to first look at the title.

—

◉Title: 《Conqueror of Darkness》

◉Grade: Uncommon

◉Special Effects:

: [Dark Resistance +5]

: Mana +1, Mind +1

◉Detailed Information

: Honor bestowed upon oneself in darkness. It can be used as proof when contacting any group in the future.

—

The title is a kind of honor that appears when a character has a certain level of influence on actions.

It wasn’t difficult to obtain, but it wasn’t easy either, so it was good to collect as many as possible.

Checking the status window, I also noticed a new slot for resistance, like Muneung.

Dark resistance doesn’t block major abnormal conditions as much as poison resistance does, but it was still beneficial in preventing conditions like ‘darkness’ experienced just now and reducing their duration.

“Next is agility.”

—

◉Name: Agility

◉Grade: Normal

◉Level: 1

◉Special Effects:

: Speed +1

◉Detailed Information

: Increases speed felt in the feet. After a certain amount of polishing, you can acquire the [Movement] skill.

—

Similar to swordsmanship, it’s a normal-grade attribute rune.

Although it may seem ordinary so far, as the level increases, you can gain derived skills from the [Movement] lineage that show subtle movements, making it as important a basic attribute as swordsmanship.

Also, as acquiring and increasing attributes enhance speed in actions, the expected value of level advancement is significant.

“Adding them all up, Mind +3. Mana +1, Speed +1, right?”

An increase in attributes almost at the level of consuming premium currency.

Considering that Mind and Mana are difficult attributes to raise, it was a growth significant enough to make others widen their eyes in surprise.

“As expected, GM.”

I admit it.

You guys are bastards, but the rewards were fantastic.

—

“This can’t be true!”

A moment later, a loud voice erupted from Muneung, expressing disbelief.

Covering her mouth with both hands, she stared wide-eyed at the status window.

“My… Mind increased? By 3 even!? A-And a title too!? And my… mana also increased by 1!?”

Her eyes sparkled with astonishment.

Well, that’s a natural reaction.

For me, as a guide, it’s just another message I’ve seen countless times, but for her, it’s a significant growth after a year of no apparent changes.

“T-This can’t be real, right? It’s a dream, isn’t it? Can you pinch me once?”

Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked up.

“I can’t believe it!” she said, wanting to touch her cheeks randomly, but she restrained herself.

“It’s too early to be surprised just by this, don’t you think?”

“……Huh?”

This is merely a byproduct obtained in the process of reaching the destination.

The real ‘Hidden Pith’ is right in front of us.

Up ahead, there was a small rift-like thing that seemed to twist space, similar to a gate but different in shape and much smaller, resembling a dimensional portal one might see in an RPG game.

Following the pointed finger, Muneung, who had been watching ahead, showed an even more surprised reaction than before.

Stiffening, her tail and ears shot up into the sky -! This is quite a sight to behold.

“Se, Seha. I-Is this really happening? This isn’t what I’m thinking, right?”

“You think so?”

“…Is this for real…this.”

《Ordeal》, is it?