episode_0004

The simple way for the weak to face the strong is:

Exploit their carelessness.

And give it your all.

I didn’t know Jay’s exact strength, but he threw a dagger first.

Probably just a light tap.

Using that to gauge the opponent’s abilities and test the waters.

Textbook strategy.

But the weak are different.

You have to pour all your strength into exploiting the strong’s carelessness.

Even if it means giving something up.

I gave up my left arm.

Solid.

Jay was trapped in a giant block of ice.

Of course, I didn’t think that would be the end of it.

Crack!!

The ice was already starting to crack.

But it bought me time.

“Subdue him!!!!”

As soon as Jay froze, people appeared from every alley.

All Jay’s underlings, I presume?

First, let’s escape.

Tadat!!

I went straight into the alley next door.

Naturally, two of Jay’s underlings were blocking it.

I used [Wind Blade].

Sharp winds flew out and deeply slashed their bodies.

“Aaaaaagh!!”

It was a spell with insufficient power to kill, but enough to create an opening.

I immediately used Bash.

Thump!!

The strong impact knocked them over.

I stepped over them.

“He’s escaping!!!”

Ignoring the voice from behind, I pressed my right hand firmly on my left arm, which had been cut by the dagger, and ran.

『45…, 44… until the next draw…』

Too much time left.

Where should I run?

Can I escape by just running like this?

While thinking about this and that, I ran wildly through the residential area until I reached a main road.

Buzzing.

The slum residents who saw me and sensed something was amiss began to hide themselves.

Do they know it’s best not to get involved in things like this?

I didn’t want to get involved either.

Why couldn’t I have possessed a normal body?

“He went that way!!!”

Rumble.

Jay’s underlings chasing after me.

『22…, 21… until the next draw…』

“Haa, haa…”

My weak body was already complaining.

I was supposed to be an explorer wandering through mazes, so what’s with this terrible stamina?

Of course, it was better than my original body in the modern world.

But I’m about to die from running just this much.

‘Running away like this honestly is not the answer.’

Fortunately, I had glanced around a bit earlier and roughly learned the geography.

There’s a railing up ahead.

If I just get over that railing, there’s a waterway, a river.

If I go into the river and drift away, I can buy some time.

Whoosh!!

“Ugh!”

My back was cut.

Thanks to that, I lost my footing and staggered as if falling, eventually leaning against the railing.

“…….”

Jay’s lackeys had already surrounded me.

『8…, 7… until the next draw…』

“Grab him!!”

They’re not even giving me time to draw.

Let’s just jump off.

I was about to jump over the railing when…

Firm grip.

“He can’t go down there!!”

“Pull him up!!”

The speed at which they grabbed me was faster than the speed at which I was falling.

“Cut his legs so he can’t move!”

“Got it!!”

Yeah, too late.

『It’s your turn. Draw 5 cards.』

[Electrocute] [Shield] [Bash] [Whirlwind] [Charge]

First, I used Bash.

Thump!!

Bash knocked away the lackeys who were grabbing me.

“Stop chasing me!!”

I immediately used Electrocute.

Zzzzzzz.

Electricity surged through my body and headed towards Jay’s underlings.

When it reached its destination, the electricity spread in all directions.

The bodies of all the guys who touched the electricity began to convulse.

“Uh-buh-buh-buh…….”

Leaving behind the guys who couldn’t even speak properly, I fell towards the river.

Splash.

Entrusting myself to the rather fast current of the river, I looked around.

“He’s over there!!”

“Hurry…….”

More lackeys were already swarming in.

Was his name Jay?

He definitely seems to have a grip on the slums.

But can they follow me even if I go to another district?

These guys probably are sensitive about invading other districts.

“Contact the next district!! The guy we’re chasing…….”

From what I heard, it seems like they can just go to the next district as long as they get permission.

Reserving drifting down the river for later.

Then where should I go?

“……Right.”

They’re going to chase me to the ends of hell anyway.

Running away isn’t a way to solve the problem.

If I want to live, I have no choice but to get stronger.

A place where I can get stronger without being influenced by those bastards.

“Let’s go to the maze.”

My next destination has been decided.

There’s only one way to enter the maze.

Go through the portal that opens in the plaza next to the guild building.

I heard that unless you’re in the same party, you’ll be teleported to a random location once you enter the maze, so there’s no risk of being chased.

I have to get into the maze somehow.

“Hoo…….”

I steeled myself.

I’m heading to the guild from here.

I know the way, so I’m heading for the shortest route.

『It’s your turn. Draw 5 cards.』

[Fireball] [Shield] [Bash] [Bash] [Bash]

The deck has cycled once.

Unfortunately, it seems like I’m still in a combat situation.

Even if I can’t see them, it means the enemy is nearby.

First, let’s get out of the water.

I used one Bash card.

Thump!!

Using the impact, I went to the riverbank, and immediately climbed up to the underground waterway.

But as soon as I climbed up, I heard rough footsteps.

“He’s over there!!”

Three enemies were rushing towards me.

I waited a bit and caught my breath.

When they got close enough, I used Bash.

Thump!!!

I threw a Fireball at the three men, whose posture was slightly disrupted by the impact.

Whoosh!!

“Aaaagh!!!”

“S, save me!!!”

The Fireball hit accurately.

But since there’s a river right next door, they all jumped into the river.

Seeing that, I immediately ran to the opposite side.

I don’t know how this underground waterway is connected.

But it was easy to run because I didn’t see anyone except for a few homeless people.

Tear.

I slightly tore the sleeve with a dagger to stop the bleeding from the wound on my left arm.

The wound on my back isn’t deep, so I’ll take care of it later.

Maybe it’s because I was covered in cuts on the first day, but I was able to move reasonably well.

Then suddenly, three cards slightly blocked my vision.

『Check the card rewards.』

[Momentum (1) – Power] [Body Enhancement (0)] [Explosion (1)]

The first time I’m seeing a power card.

Power cards grant effects that last until the end of the battle once used.

However, it’s not intuitive just by looking at the name.

It’s too urgent to test it.

I chose Body Enhancement.

The fact that it costs 0 mana fascinated me.

I chose the card reward like that, but.

“What’s the criteria for getting rewards?”

I don’t know the criteria for getting card rewards.

I thought you could only get them if you killed someone, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Maybe you just get rewards based on the results you achieve after finishing a battle once?

That’s the most reasonable judgment.

“He’s here!!”

Shit, they’re not even giving me time to think.

『Ambush! Battle start, draw five cards.』

[Bash] [Body Enhancement] [Wind Blade] [Shield] [Bash]

I already think I made a good choice choosing Body Enhancement.

I can use all five cards.

I put up a Shield first, then threw a Bash card towards the guys who appeared in front of me.

Thump!

Ignoring the enemies falling over, I turned towards the stairs next to me.

Of course, there’s an enemy on the stairs too.

I used Bash again on him.

“Aaaagh!!”

After knocking down the guy whose posture was broken, I went past him using the momentum.

“He’s coming up!”

After throwing a Wind Blade at the enemies on the left, I crossed the bridge on the right.

Finally, I used [Body Enhancement].

I used all five cards.

It feels like my chest is opening up.

This is happiness.

“…….”

But it’s not just my imagination, my body really feels lighter.

My irregular breathing calms down.

Even the movement of the world seems to slow down, from my running speed to what I see.

It truly feels like my body has been enhanced overall.

Of course, I don’t know how long this will last.

『39…, 38… until the next draw…』

I hope it buys me time until the next draw.

“Excuse me!! Excuse me!!”

Since it’s a place where people are starting to walk around, I was able to get into the crowd.

They probably can’t attack recklessly from afar like this, right?

Clang!!!

An arrow flew and hit the shield, falling off.

Looking at the direction it came from, there was one archer on the building, no, I saw three.

It was about time other guys besides thugs came out.

“We’ve cornered him!!”

A few thugs appeared from the front.

How many lackeys does that bastard have?

『15…, 14… until the next draw…』

First, I turned into an alley.

It’s also to buy time until the next draw, but.

They probably can’t hit me with arrows in the alley, right?

Crash!!!

Unlike my expectations, the shield broke.

Thwack, thwack!!

Two arrows were stuck in my back.

I almost fell, but barely managed to keep my balance and ran.

“Ugh.”

Stagger, stagger.

It’s awkward to call it running, my steps are off and something’s just not right.

But I’m running somehow thanks to Body Enhancement.

I’m going to die anyway if I stop like this.

『7…, 6… until the next draw…』

Wham!!

While passing through a fork in the alley, I was suddenly hit by a foot that appeared from the side, and I flew away.

Roll.

Using my enhanced body, I immediately rolled up in one motion.

Someone wearing a hood pulled down low was in front of me.

The dagger in his hand was shining.

Slash!!

The dagger cuts through the air.

Soon, a sword strike flew to me.

“Fucking hell.”

It was bound to happen sooner or later, with me using magic, guys with strange powers are starting to appear.

I barely dodged it, but my chest was slightly cut.

At the same time, the man leaped to the second floor and swung his sword down.

“Trying to look cool unnecessarily.”

『It’s your turn. Draw 5 cards.』

[Whirlwind] [Charge] [Shield] [Shield] [Freeze]

I used Whirlwind as soon as I saw it.

Then currents of wind gathered around me.

Whooooooosh!!

Soon, it became a whirlwind and slashed at the man.

The sharp winds that scratched the walls of the alley and broke the windows tore the man’s clothes and ate at his flesh.

Once he was in that state, the sword strikes flying at me largely missed, only breaking harmless trash cans.

Float.

『Check card rewards.』

[Fire Wall (2)] [Blink (0)] [Sever (1)]

I immediately chose Blink and ran.

“He’s that way!!!”

I could already hear the voices of the guys who were following me.

『Intent to kill detected. Draw 5 cards.』

[Blink] [Bash] [Shield] [Bash] [Fireball]

The surroundings brightened at the same time as I checked the cards.

I had already come out to a big street.

“W, what?!!”

People evacuated to a safe place as my appearance of suddenly appearing covered in blood.

Judging by their quick movements, this kind of thing probably happens often.

I’m not paying attention and doing my job.

“……I see it!”

I’m running towards the guild building that I can see far away, while putting up a Shield.

Right now, this is a wide plaza. There’s nothing to take cover behind, so I can get hit by an arrow at any time.

Clang!!

One for now.

Then, I’ll use Blink now.

I don’t know how far it will go.

As much as possible.

Flash!!!

A light enveloped my body.

As soon as I blinked, I had already arrived a long way ahead.

I moved a distance of about 30m.

I ran a little more and was able to safely arrive in front of the guild building.

But. Where’s the portal?

Clang!!!

Arrows are still flying.

I need to take refuge inside for now.

Is there anyone there?

Knock knock!!

I knocked on the door, but there was no response.

Judging by the fact that there are no lights on despite it being late at night, everyone must have gone home.

“Damn it.”

Whether I go to jail for trespassing or not, I have to get inside the building.

I attacked between the doors with the last Bash card.

Thump!!!

Then the door opened obediently, as if the lock had been broken.

I stumbled inside.

The dark guild building.

Stagger.

Suddenly, I couldn’t hold myself up.

“……That doesn’t seem right.”

Due to a sudden ominous thought, I clenched my teeth and pulled out an arrow stuck in my body.

Drip drip.

There was blood and flesh, but there was also something unpleasant green in between.

Is it poison?

Well, it would be stranger if they didn’t use poison.

This ridiculous other world.

Well, it doesn’t seem to be a super strong poison, since I’m not dying instantly.

First, let’s look for an antidote or something like a potion.

The guild should have one.

“Ugh!”

I grabbed the desk and stood up.

My trembling body.

I’m slowly losing strength in my body.

Should I use Body Enhancement?

I drew five cards.

[Shield] [Bash] [Fireball] [Whirlwind] [Charge]

Of course, it wouldn’t come out.

After putting the cards back in, I carefully walked and started searching the drawers.

By the way, it’s about time they came.

I could only turn my eyes to see Jay’s lackeys gathered in droves at the entrance.

But they’re not coming inside.

It feels like they’re waiting for some kind of order.

‘Even slum thugs can’t recklessly cause trouble inside the guild building?’

I gained a piece of knowledge.

The slum thugs can’t do anything to the guild or the military.

Even the hoodlums don’t raid a police station with the lights off.

I’m feeling the power of the guild again.

Dribble.

My steps are getting slower and slower, and my vision is also blurry.

Thud.

I lost consciousness for a moment.

When I came to my senses, I had already fallen down.

First, I got up and leaned against the desk.

“…….”

My left hand won’t move.

My consciousness is also fading further and further away.

No matter how hard I try to open my eyes, they keep closing.

If I die like this, will I die with my eyes open?

“…….”

The appearance of the members of the Azure Sun Clan that I saw on the first day came to mind.

“…I can’t die here.”

At least I have to find out who did such a thing and how.

“……Ivan?”

I raised my head at the sudden sound of a woman’s voice.

It’s Rain.

She was looking at me with tearful eyes full of woe and a wistful gaze.

How did she know I was here? Eh, I guess it doesn’t matter

“I, I’ll get a potion!!!”

Rain desperately ran and soon brought potions and antidotes.

Fizz.

As if the pain cells had been turned over, it didn’t matter how many potions I poured, nothing happened.

“Why……”

Rain shed tears.

She shouldn’t have any ties to me.

The possessed body sympathized with her heart.

Body and mind are acting separately, what a funny world.

“Hey, Guide noona, get out of the way!!”

Trying to disturb us, a man came into the guild building.

It wasn’t an ordinary thug, but a man with a sword was wearing a hood pulled down low.

“D, do you know what happens if you mess with the guild?!”

“I’ll die. But all of this is my own doing. Invading the guild is only me.”

The man, who openly declared the tail cutting, was getting closer and closer.

Thump Thump.

“Oh, no!!”

Rain got up to stop him and refused, spreading her arms.

“Guide-nim, please step aside for a moment.”

When the man held up his finger, Rain was lifted into the air as it was and pushed aside.

“Oh, no!!”

Rain reached out her hand to try to stop him, but.

His sword was already coming down towards me.

But I already had five cards in my hand.

Five cards that I drew quite a while ago.

[Charge] [Bash] [Blink] [Shield] [Bash]

『10…, 9… until the next draw…』

I used Blink to move behind the man.

Then the Charge-Bash combo.

Kwaaaang!!!

A strong impact struck the man’s back.

Then the man’s body bent into a C shape.

“Damn it!!”

But he soon got up and flew at me again.

『6…, 5… until the next draw…』

I saw it.

A diagonal sword strike that rises from the lower left to the upper right.

Thump!!

I knocked the man’s sword away using Bash.

After that, I threw the potion at the guy’s face.

Smash!!

A situation where injuries were created from the broken glass shards and then healed again.

The pain is a bonus.

“Y, you son of a bitch!!!”

As if he could endure this much pain. The man retreated and grabbed his sword.

I ignored him and said to Rain, looking at her.

“Open the portal.”

“……?”

“Open the portal!!!!”

“A, I understand!!”

After glancing at Rain running up the stairs to the second floor, I focused on the battle again.

The charging man.

The distance is about 1m.

Whoosh.

The guy’s sword suddenly burst into flames.

I don’t know exactly, but I don’t think it’s magic.

“Haaaaap!!!”

A powerful stab with a shout.

Normally, I wouldn’t be able to block it, and I wouldn’t be able to dodge it either, but.

Smirk.

It’s still my turn.

『It’s your turn. Draw 5 cards.』

[Body Enhancement] [Bash] [Bash] [Shield] [Wind Blade]

I used Body Enhancement as soon as I saw it.

My body got lighter and I quickly put my hand on the next card.

A Shield covered my body at the same time as the sword touched me.

Clang!!

As expected, the shield shattered into pieces at once.

I didn’t expect it to block anything in the first place.

But I was able to create a brief opening.

Thump!!!

I rammed Bash into the guy’s solar plexus.

“Cough!”

I didn’t stop.

Using the strength enhanced by Body Enhancement, I picked up the chair next to me with one hand and slammed it down.

But my attack missed and hit the floor, and the guy rolled to the side and swung the burning sword.

Whooooooosh!!

Wind Blade flew out and cut the guy’s arm.

Thanks to that, the sword missed widely.

The guy’s posture broke down.

Just like that, I swung the chair and strongly hit the guy’s head.

Thwack!!

A strong impact sound and the feeling felt at the fingertips.

It worked properly.

“This……!!”

I threw the chair towards the guy who rolled back twice.

But as if hitting that was too greedy, the guy rolled to the side and dodged.

At that time, the guy’s index finger moved.

That finger that blew Rain away earlier.

Roughly guessing, it’s probably a power like telekinesis?

I threw Bash.

Float.

Thump!!

At the same time as my body floated up, Bash flew out and strongly hit the guy’s head.

Then, the shapeless power holding my body disappeared and I landed again.

As expected, it seems to be a casting.

But the real deal is from now on.

『35…, 34… until the next draw…』

At a time when there’s quite a bit of time left until the next draw.

I’m currently in what you’d commonly call a can state.

The only fortunate thing is that the man’s burning sword has returned to normal.

From now on, it’s a fight of concentration.

“Uaaaaaaa!!”

The man charged while shouting.

‘Let’s trust Body Enhancement and avoid it as much as possible.’

I opened my eyes wide and read the trajectory of the sword.

Right.

Left.

Left.

Stab.

I read it all.

Is enhanced dynamic visual acuity the same as Body Enhancement?

Then I probably won’t die on the street.

“No, how is a mage dodging swords?”

“…….”

The guy muttered while looking at me barely dodging.

But this luck is also getting harder and harder.

『7…, 6… until the next draw…』

The closer the time gets, the lower my physical abilities drop.

Whoosh!!

As my body was greatly cut, a future of victory was drawn in the man’s eyes.

“You’ve used up all your mana?”

He probably thinks that since the mage isn’t using magic.

It’s not wrong.

I’m a strange mage whose mana returns every minute.

『It’s your turn. Draw 5 cards.』

[Electrocute] [Whirlwind] [Bash] [Shield] [Shield]

Fortunately, Freeze and Electrocute weren’t both placed on the bottom.

“Farewell.”

After dodging the sword, I put my hand on the man’s stomach and used Electrocute.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!

Electrocute, which was hit at close range, immediately incapacitated the man.

Wham!!

When I smashed the pot in front of me into the man’s head. He fell.

The entrance of the guild building could be seen behind him.

Jay wearing a covered face was standing there.

“…….”

“…….”

While exchanging glances, the surroundings turned blue.

First, I put up a shield, then looked at the window next to me.

The blue portal visible outside the window.

“Take this!!!”

Rain, who had already come down, handed me a bag.

“It’s a beginner’s bag!!”

After grabbing the bag that Rain threw, I opened the back door towards the place where the portal was.

A radiant blue portal.

If I go in there, it’s the maze.

I run.

Whoosh!!

An arrow grazed my ear.

“Block him!!!!”

The lackeys who had already climbed over the wall and entered to block me.

I can’t get caught after coming this far.

I ran without stopping.

A few arrows struck the shield, but I ran without paying attention.

Before the hands of the lackeys gathered around me could reach me.

I reached right in front of the portal.

Woooooooong!!

The mana radiating from the portal pressed down on my body and pulled me in.

It was like the devil’s whisper to come in quickly.

‘Okay, I’ll listen.’

Whoooooooooosh!!!

I threw myself towards the portal spewing out ominous colors.

As my vision turned dark, my whole body was sucked somewhere.

“…….”

Soon, consciousness sank into the abyss.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

『Deck List』

[Bash] [Bash] [Bash] [Bash] [Bash]

[Shield] [Shield] [Shield] [Shield]

[Charge] [Wind Blade] [Electrocute] [Fireball]

[Whirlwind] [Freeze] [Body Enhancement (New)] [Blink (New)]

8 attack cards

9 skill cards

0 power cards

0 curse card

A total of 17 cards.