episode_0001

“Let’s split it.”

The meaning of those words dawned on us immediately.

“It can’t be helped, right? Because there’s only one of you, sir.”

All eyes were fixed on me.

At one point, their irises shimmered with human emotions.

But when did they acquire such eyes?

How could they look at me like that?

What did I do wrong?

“…”

No one responded to her proposal.

An unspoken agreement had already been reached among them.

And from that agreement, a peculiar choice was given to me.

I cannot refuse.

I cannot escape this choice.

They will surely find me.

“I…”

***

***

The most vibrant sanctuary of adventurers in the world, the Labyrinth City.

A land of dreams and opportunities where anyone, regardless of status, can try their luck for a fortune with the power in their hands.

From remote villages to disreputable mercenaries and knights, people flock here every day.

Desiring the mana stones left by monsters roaming the underground labyrinth, adventure and gold never cease as hands reach for them everywhere.

“…Talking nonsense and falling down.”

While muttering curses at the minstrel singing in the square of the Labyrinth City, I still placed a copper coin under his hat.

Even if a single copper coin might seem precious considering today’s gains, I couldn’t avoid paying the toll.

Though the moon was already high in the sky, minstrels and merchants targeting adventurers leaving the labyrinth like me were relentless.

“Authentic rare potions from the Alchemy Guild! You must buy them today for tomorrow’s survival!”

“Affordable and quality arrows! Buy ten, get one free!”

“Come, come, today’s closing sale! A delicious jerky bundle for two silver coins!”

The square was always bustling with energy.

After all, because of the endless stream of people who seemed like they needed some strength, the merchants dealing with them saw their profits and fortunes soar without limits.

There have been instances where someone who used to sell goods on a mat now boasts about owning a villa.

The merchants’ purse strings are tied to us adventurers.

And our purse strings are tied to the mana stones coming out of the labyrinth.

To exchange the mana stones I found in the labyrinth for money, I went to the Adventurers Guild.

The interior of the Adventurers Guild, almost as vast as a lord’s castle, was already bustling.

Adventurers like me lined up to exchange their mana stones.

I also took a ticket and waited in line among them.

“Welcome, Mr. Rasiwood.”

The receptionist, Misty, greeted me warmly with a smile.

“Did things go well for you today?”

“It was a complete waste of time.”

I shrugged my shoulders and took out a few mana stones from the pouch, placing them in the basket on the table.

Small gems shining purple like amethysts.

These were brought from the labyrinth, the foundation of this city and even the entire nation.

The lowest-grade ones, three inferior and one low-grade.

A hundred years ago, even the lowest-grade mana stones were worth more than gold of the same weight, but in this era, they couldn’t even cover the rent of a cheap inn for a month.

“It’s a total recession. The mana stone market is drying up wherever you go.”

“It’s unavoidable. Nowadays, adventurers come to the labyrinth even from other countries.”

Misty, the receptionist at the Adventurers Guild exploring the labyrinth, awkwardly smiled as she appraised the mana stones.

“The number of people has increased. But what are we supposed to do, living off what we earn here? Besides, those foreigners will take the money back with them later.”

“Even if you say that… There must have been some agreement among the higher-ups of the country. I don’t know the details, but… Oh, the appraisal is done. Three inferior and one low-grade. Here’s your money.”

Misty transferred the marbles into another basket and slid a tiny coin pouch from under the table.

I accepted the money without counting and simply tucked it away.

Given our long-standing relationship, I trusted she had taken care of the payment.

It was also a way to show trust in the other party.

“This makes it even harder to be an adventurer.”

“Have you considered it differently? Perhaps seeking skilled individuals from abroad.”

“I work alone. It’s too complicated otherwise.”

“For example, someone who can locate marbles well…”

“If such a person existed, they would have been working with someone else by now. Is there even anyone skilled in detecting marbles?”

Up until a hundred years ago, marbles were so rare that there were even magic users specialized in finding them.

However, with the discovery of the Labyrinth and the subsequent influx of marbles, they all disappeared.

“It’s not certain, but…”

Misty lowered her voice.

“Last week, someone who could use that kind of magic registered as an adventurer.”

“Really?”

If such a person had arrived, there would have been quite a commotion, yet I hadn’t heard anything about it.

“I haven’t personally confirmed it. They haven’t visited the Labyrinth yet.”

“…What?”

I sighed and raised my head again.

“Are you kidding me?”

“Well, you never know…”

“Hmm, since you mentioned it, I’ll go and talk to them. Where is this person?”

“Over there, in the reception area.”

“Where?”

At this bustling hour when adventurers were leaving, there was no room to move.

Everyone was busy discussing today’s adventures and planning for tomorrow.

The gazes of those waiting behind me started to feel intrusive.

“There, in the corner. Wearing a black hat and cloak.”

Misty pointed further with her hand.

“…Ah.”

And there was just one person.

Amidst the noisy square, there stood a lone figure quietly.

As Misty described, they wore a pointed hat and covered their entire body with a cloak.

While a black pointed hat wasn’t uncommon for a wizard, those exploring the Labyrinth usually opted for smaller, more practical ones. However, this person wore one large enough to cover over half their face.

Moreover, their cloak didn’t hang on their back but enveloped their whole body, devoid of any embellishments, entirely black, almost garishly so.

They might be a timid wizard, but even then, it was odd for a wizard not to carry a staff.

“They look like a con artist, no matter how you look at it.”

“A c-con artist? Well, they are… a bit peculiar, but their identity is certain.”

“Where are they from?”

“I shouldn’t really say this, but actually…”

“Oh, sorry, slipped my mind. Privacy matters. I’ll go ask them myself.”

“Oh, thank you.”

“Thank you… Anyway, can you at least tell me their name?”

“It’s Lindy.”

“Lindy, Lindy… Got it.”

Turning away from Misty, I approached Lindy, who stood still like a statue.

Had Lindy noticed my approach? They turned their head towards me, hesitating.

Wait, were they hesitating?

Were they preparing a dagger or a spell inside their cloak?

It wouldn’t be strange to take precautions when a stranger suddenly approached.

Adventurers often dealt with shady characters risking their lives.

“Excuse me. Are you Lindy?”

I spoke in the gentlest tone possible, a smile playing on my lips.

After all, she was wearing a helmet, so she wouldn’t recognize me anyway.

“W-who are you? D-do you know me…?”

Contrary to expectations, her voice sounded like that of a frightened girl.

“I am the adventurer Rashwood. The receptionist over there recommended you to me. I heard you have a special ability.”

“S-Special…! I-I’m just… ordinary… unremarkable… Oh, well…”

With such a timid personality, I arrived at the Labyrinth City.

“It’s not just anyone; the receptionist vouched for your skills, so there’s no doubt. If it’s okay with you, could you spare some time? We are going to the Labyrinth tomorrow, and I’d like you to come with me.”

“W-What?! Um, well, I mean…”

It seems persuading someone with a somewhat timid nature might be challenging.

I haven’t had much experience talking to people as introverted as this.

“…I’m not insisting that we go together right away. It’s important to get to know each other first, isn’t it? There’s a restaurant nearby; would it be okay to talk there?”

“Uh…”

He’s really dragging his words out.

Nevertheless, I managed to take Linde to the restaurant.

Although it’s a tavern and inn near my house, all the establishments open at this hour are of that kind.

“Bring me a glass of Sinigia honey wine and some appetizers.”

I gestured to the server.

“Who did you bring here to curse?” Ted, the server, remarked.

Linde visibly flinched at his words.

Does she also realize how suspicious her attire looks?

She must think I resemble some strange dark magician.

“Stop the nonsense and bring it quickly. They’re an important guest.”

I gave Ted a stern look as I removed my helmet.

“…Huh? Ebonykin?”

Linde looked at me and said, “Yes, I’m Ebonykin.”

Ebonykin.

A human race with black hair regardless of magical abilities.

A term used to refer to the descendants of humans summoned from another world by gods in ancient times to serve as their champions.

It may be considered mere myth or legend nowadays, but I know it to be true.

Well, whether true or false doesn’t matter.

What’s more important is that Linde has shown interest for the first time.

“It’s not common. I don’t like attracting unnecessary attention, so I wear this helmet to conceal my identity.”

I lightly tapped the helmet I had been wearing.

By sacrificing some defense, I enchanted it to ensure comfort inside, preventing sweating or shortness of breath.

“I-I’m also an E-Ebonykin…!”

Linde stammered heavily and hastily adjusted her hat slightly.

Her slightly curly hair was as black as her eyes.

So, did she intentionally cover her head and eyes with that large hat?

Quite similar to me.

“I-I thought I w-would meet a f-fellow kin here…!”

“I’m pleased to meet you too. I’ve been almost the only Ebonykin around this area.”

I said with a mild smile.

Not particularly thrilled to meet a fellow kin.

All the Ebonykin of my generation live far apart; whose child is she, anyway?

“Who are your parents…?”

“Here are the drinks and appetizers.”

Before I could ask, Ted brought the platter with the honey wine and snacks.

“But, um, I’m not good with alcohol…”

“It’s fine. This drink is not very strong… I mean, it won’t make you drunk easily. It has a lovely aroma and once you taste it, you’ll enjoy it.”

As I uncorked the bottle, a familiar fragrance wafted out.

Sinigia honey wine exuded hints of apple and a unique floral scent, blending a subtle sweetness with a balanced tartness.

To create such a fragrant and flavorful honey wine, fermentation is halted midway, resulting in its low alcohol content.

Linde seemed slightly surprised by the sweet scent.

“You don’t need to be polite since I live here.”

I poured the honey wine into a wooden cup and placed it in front of Linde.

Of course, the intention is to slightly intoxicate Linde so I can confirm if she can indeed use magic to detect mana stones.

Not too strong, just enough for her to feel confident in her abilities.

“Th-then… Just, just one glass…”

Linde hesitated but picked up a glass containing mead.

As I filled my own glass, I discreetly watched her take a sip.

“It’s, it’s delicious!”

“I told you that you’d like it, right? Would you like another glass?”

“Y-yes.”

I poured the fragrant mead into her glass once more.

“Oh, by the way, earlier at the guild…”

***

“…So hurry up, wash up, and come down. We’re going to the labyrinth in the morning.”

Early in the morning, I said as I put on my clothes while sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Yes…”

Linde, who had pulled the blanket up to her nose, spoke in a muffled voice as she nestled in.

Although her face was covered, it seemed she didn’t realize that her white shoulders were exposed due to the fallen blanket.

“Oh, and one more thing.”

I got up from the bed.

“Yes?”

“The mana detection spell, it’s not a lie, right?”

“I-it’s true.”

“Alright then. I’ll go downstairs and wait, so finish up quickly and join me.”

“Yes…”