Ch.11. But I Must Live

# [Arks]

A roguelike game set in the labyrinth city of Arks.

The goal is to grow stronger while ascending a 12-floor labyrinth themed after the 12 zodiac constellations, ultimately defeating the final boss.

In reality, the labyrinth’s contents have nothing to do with the zodiac constellations, but that’s not something to worry about anymore.

Instead of pondering what connection Capricorn has with mazes, focusing on party members who might betray you at any moment is more helpful for survival.

“…I’m having an existential crisis.”

Thinking such thoughts from the morning makes me feel pathetic.

The ceiling of the inn greets me when I open my eyes.

After pouring 30,000 hours into the game to reach the 12th floor, my fate was to become a porter for three years.

‘Just one more year to endure.’

Then I can become a certified explorer recognized by the Association.

Apparently, those of Barbarian origin need to obtain citizenship and live without criminal records for four years before being granted an explorer’s license?

No matter how you look at it, it’s an unjust law.

“Sigh.”

These humans, they’re impressively good at protecting their domestic market.

With such thoughts, I prepared to head out for the day.

***

Just as the sun began to rise.

With a Mana Stone auto-collection pouch at my waist and a large backpack on my shoulders, I stood in front of the door.

“…I need to bring this today.”

I grabbed the body-sized sign that I had stashed in the corner and headed toward the plaza.

“2-star swordsman looking for party members! Lots of hunting experience on the 2nd floor!”

The plaza was filled with numerous losers.

Since the portal to the labyrinth would open today, everyone was trying to form hastily assembled parties.

Those losers would either have to explore the labyrinth alone or live as unemployed until the next portal opened if they couldn’t find a party now.

That’s why everyone was desperately looking for party members.

“1st floor depths specialist! 2-year accident-free porter! Experienced up to the 2nd floor, with Association identity verification!”

Of course, I was also among those losers.

I originally had a fixed party, but recently at a drinking gathering, the leader put his hands on a female mage’s body.

As if there was some kind of detonator on the female mage’s behind, the party went poof and disappeared.

Since this happened just a few days ago, I couldn’t find another party, which is why I’m in this situation now.

‘At least there are a lot of people today.’

Fortunately, there were many losers like me in the plaza.

“Excuse me, black-haired porter, are you looking for a party?”

Sure enough, just five minutes after I started shouting with my sign, a man approached me.

I turned my head and quickly sized him up.

When men first meet, looking each other up and down might be mistaken for unusual preferences, but among explorers, this was normal. You need to check equipment levels.

‘Not impressive.’

Orange hair. A delinquent-like impression, and he’s even carrying a spear.

In my three years of experience here, I’ve never seen a normal person carrying a spear.

Just as I was about to refuse—

“Our party has four members and only needs a porter, and we even have a ‘female elf.'”

“!”

“You don’t need to give us the 30% discount mentioned on your sign. We’d benefit from having a porter with good equipment anyway.”

—my resolve wavered.

I absolutely prioritize parties with female elves.

First of all, when you have to stay in the labyrinth for two weeks, fights or other unpleasant incidents are likely to occur if there are only men.

Because you have to look at only men for two weeks.

But staying in the labyrinth with a woman, and an elf at that?

Not only does it automatically provide a combat buff, but it’s also a significant mental help.

Statistically, parties with female elves have higher survival rates, which proves it.

“…I’d like to see the party members first.”

“Sure, follow me.”

I followed the man for a while and soon met the party members sitting by the fountain.

Including the spear guy, there were four people in total. To summarize, the party consisted of:

The spear guy, a red-haired female mage, a bald axe-and-shield user, and a ‘silver-haired elf’ swordswoman.

I couldn’t help but be surprised by this amazing lineup.

Once for the excellent party composition. And most importantly, the key person—

“Is the elf silver-haired?”

“Ah, I didn’t mention that. Yes, she is.”

In this world, silver hair means one thing:

‘Overpowered genetics.’

It basically means you were born with unfair talent.

Silver-haired people typically reach the 4th floor in about half a year. They accomplish in six months what takes normal people 2-3 years.

Since silver-haired prodigies have guaranteed success in their future, they almost never commit crimes in the lower floors.

With their skills, they’re naturally the most preferred party members.

“This is a good party. Let’s work together.”

I had no reason to refuse.

Who cares about the spear guy when there’s an amazing silver-haired elf in the party?

Moreover, this silver-haired elf was incredibly beautiful.

Sharp eyes and a cold impression, combined with dark purple eyes and silver hair, created an overwhelming presence.

I had to accept this party no matter what. If I turned this down, I’d regret it for the entire two weeks in the pepper fields!

“Yes, you’ve made a good decision.”

With the spear guy’s smile, our party was formed.

***

With just a few minutes left before the labyrinth portal opened in the plaza, we exchanged some information.

From simple introductions to what we’re good at, how many years we’ve been in the labyrinth, and how great we are.

As we conversed like this, the labyrinth portal finally opened.

By the way, the silver-haired elf only said one thing:

—Shiro, call me that.

Judging by her gaze and attitude, she seemed to dislike talking with us.

When I gave the spear guy a look, he deliberately turned his head away.

Damn, I should have gone to the pepper fields instead.

‘This is why you shouldn’t associate with spear guys.’

The party already seems to be fracturing, but it’s too late. I’ve already committed.

I need to pay interest on my debt, and I’m a bit short on food money this month. If I don’t enter the labyrinth this time, I’ll starve to death.

“Each party will enter slowly! If you’re not careful, you might end up in the same summoning location as another party!”

The plaza was chaotic with hundreds of parties gathered, but order was maintained thanks to the efforts of the imperial officials.

Eventually, it was our turn to enter the portal.

“Shall we go in?”

The party members followed the spear guy into the portal.

Despite an ominous feeling, I ignored it and stepped forward.

—Whoosh.

Passing through the blue light that enveloped my entire body, all I could see was a long, dark corridor.

The 1st floor, Capricorn’s labyrinth.

***

The 1st floor is a maze-themed labyrinth.

Starting from the bright central area and gradually moving toward the darker outskirts to find the 2nd floor portal, each area has slightly different terrain that requires attention.

“Fortunately, we have a wide terrain from the start.”

The first to speak was the spear guy.

The place where we were summoned was wide enough for about six people to pass through comfortably.

Since the 1st floor is generally filled with goblins setting traps and waiting, this kind of terrain makes it much easier to pass through.

Goblins themselves can be defeated even by ordinary people, but since this game is fundamentally flawed, their traps can pierce iron boots, which is troublesome.

“Let’s carefully head toward our goal, the depths of the 1st floor.”

Our party decided to hunt on the 2nd floor ultimately.

The first day’s goal was to reach the depths of the 1st floor near the 2nd floor portal. With four combatants in the party, we were in a comfortable position.

We moved steadily according to our pre-arranged formation.

We encountered a group of goblins along the way and had a battle, but it was easily resolved.

After one battle ended, as the female mage was about to pick up the mana stones that had fallen—

“Ah, I just realized I didn’t mention this. You don’t need to pick up the mana stones. Our porter, Adel, has an auto-collector.”

The spear guy patted my shoulder with a friendly smile.

“Oh, is that so? As expected of someone brought by Lebel.”

As they chatted casually, the mana stones flew into the small leather pouch at my waist.

‘It definitely pays for itself every time.’

It was extremely expensive due to the small spatial magic and auto-collection magic.

I even borrowed money to buy it when I was desperately trying to find a fixed party, but apart from the monthly interest, I think it was a perfect choice.

After all, the reason the spear guy approached me first was probably because of this.

“It’s nothing. A porter who doesn’t fight should at least do this much.”

“Haha! No, thanks to you, we don’t have to worry about mana stones during battle, which makes things easier.”

The spear guy has been smiling and sticking close to me since earlier, which is honestly quite unpleasant.

Spear guys always have impure intentions when they act nice.

‘Suspicious.’

I remained vigilant about my party members and responded appropriately.

“Well, now that we’ve collected the mana stones, let’s go.”

“Yes, Lebel.”

Even while walking, the female mage kept trying to stick close to the spear guy, which made him even more annoying to look at.

Anyway, we went through numerous battles for several hours and finally reached the depths of the 1st floor.

‘They fight better than I expected.’

It’s been a while since we’ve made it this far without any injuries.

It’s thanks to the coordinated combat of the three members, excluding the silver-haired elf, as if they’ve been working together for a long time.

Afterward, our party wandered a bit through the maze where not even an inch ahead was visible without a torch, and then discovered a small hole dug under a wall.

“Since it’s the first day, and we need to hunt on the 2nd floor tomorrow, let’s rest a bit before continuing.”

The party members crawled through a hole just big enough for one person to pass through and entered a space inside the wall.

I pushed my large backpack in first and then crawled through the hole,

[This is a safe zone.]

With that sound softly echoing in my ears, the surroundings brightened slightly. A cubic space with each side about 4.5 meters long.

Every floor of the labyrinth has a kind of rule, and the rule of the 1st floor is this ‘safe zone.’

If the first person to enter the safe zone doesn’t permit entry, no one else can enter.

Of course, if everyone inside falls asleep, the safe zone is deactivated, so a night watch is necessary.

“Let’s rest and recover our strength. Regular sleeping time is…”

As everyone was leaning against the wall and about to take out their packed meals—

“I’ll prepare the campfire first. Please rest comfortably.”

When the combatants finish their battles and take a break, that’s when the porter’s real work begins.

A porter not only carries luggage but also collects mana stones, throws potions according to battle situations, and handles all sorts of odd jobs.

If I don’t do at least that much, my share might be reduced during settlement.

After all, all four party members in front of me just came from risking their lives in battle.

If I don’t fight, I should at least take care of the odd jobs.

After finishing my tasks, I leaned against a corner.

As I quietly looked at the endless ceiling of the labyrinth… all sorts of emotions welled up.

I’ve barely survived doing this for three years, and I still have to do this for another year until I get my explorer’s license.

‘I could technically explore alone, but…’

The problem lies in the growth system of this world.

The ‘Source’ that comes from defeating monsters.

Depending on what Source you absorb and in what combination, a character’s growth can vary drastically…

‘Only with the blessing received by explorers can it be absorbed.’

That’s why I’ve been doing this for three years.

I’ve been saving money after paying taxes to prepare equipment for when I become an explorer, but I still can’t help feeling an existential crisis.

Moreover, I’m currently in debt.

It’s a terrible thing to say, but since I borrowed from a close acquaintance, I can pay it back a bit late, though the interest is definitely a burden.

‘…No. I could die today, so I should be grateful for being alive.’

I seem to have become too relaxed during the three months I spent with my fixed party.

I shouldn’t forget that the labyrinth is a lawless zone. If I let my guard down even for a moment, I could die.

“No one got hurt today.”

Just as I thought that, the spear guy spoke up. Then he looked toward the female mage,

“Yeah. Maybe it’s because Shiro is with us? Watching from behind, she was incredibly strong and flashy. The aura from her necklace…”

As if they had rehearsed it, an immediate response followed. It was even a line that seemed to deliberately praise the elf.

It would be a lie to say she didn’t contribute to today’s battles, but the absence of injuries was essentially due to the overwhelming coordination of the other three.

‘Did they plan this?’

My suspicion could only grow.

The bald guy, the female mage, the spear guy.

Everyone’s gaze was directed at the silver-haired elf, Shiro.

“…Not particularly. Your contributions were the greatest.”

The elf said this while gently holding the jewel part of the necklace around her neck with her left hand.

If she had been in a bad mood, she would have rejected them with an unpleasant expression like she did outside, but now we’re inside the labyrinth. Getting annoyed again could lead to death.

Of course, since the elf’s tone wasn’t very friendly, it seemed difficult for the other party members to continue the conversation.

To cut off the conversation without overtly offending—that’s a good skill to have in the labyrinth.

‘Moreover, she’s aware of it.’

Following their gaze, they’re looking at the blue jewel on her necklace rather than her face.

She must have instinctively grasped it with her left hand after sensing the chilly atmosphere.

“…Hmm. By the way, what’s that necklace? It looks really expensive. If you brought it to the labyrinth, is it perhaps an artifact? Did you receive it as a gift from family?”

After a moment of silence, the spear guy finally brings up that topic.

Translated into labyrinth language, that means, ‘Do you have backing? If not, let me take that necklace.’

The elf seemed to understand the implication, as the atmosphere grew colder.

‘Damn it.’

Perhaps due to their numerical advantage of three, they were openly making a move.

“…I grew up without parents, and I don’t have any other family either.”

“!”

With Shiro’s answer, silence fell, and subtle changes appeared in their expressions.

Normally, this would be due to embarrassment from the sudden orphan declaration, but explorer bastards are different from the start.

From the beginning, during introductions, all party members only gave their first names, saying they didn’t have family names.

In other words, they’re all orphans too.

‘We’re screwed.’

Orphans. The three of them, excluding the elf, seem like friends. They’re clearly making a move.

My survival sensor, developed over three years of experience, is telling me:

‘I need to run away immediately.’

I shouldn’t have trusted that spear guy after all.