episode_0023

In the history of the Labyrinth City, there has been only one instance of a boss monster being defeated.

Boss monsters are significantly stronger than regular monsters.

However, adventurers are not actively encouraged to defeat bosses simply due to regulations in place.

“When you defeat a boss monster, the Labyrinth changes.”

I returned home and called Krisha and Linde, explaining the situation.

“It changes? The structure? Or does the type of monsters change?”

Linde, who was very interested in the Labyrinth itself, asked eagerly.

“For starters, the number of monsters increases drastically. However, they become weaker as they increase. The overall quality of mana stones also decreases. But with more numbers, there are more opportunities.”

“Is that… a good thing?”

“It was beneficial for the economy of the Labyrinth City. However, since we don’t know how the Labyrinth itself will be affected, I decided to leave the next boss monster alone. There’s no guarantee that the same changes will occur again.”

“Isn’t that risky?”

Krisha inquired.

“It is risky, but it’s worth a try. The growth of the Labyrinth City to its current state was also due to defeating the boss on the 5th floor and increasing the capacity for residents.”

In the past, the Labyrinth was operated more like a mine with slightly better mana stone output.

However, after defeating the boss monster, the number of monster entities increased explosively, but individually, they became weaker, significantly lowering the entry barrier.

This change marked the beginning of the Adventurers Guild.

“Rasiud, were you there when the boss monster was defeated back then?”

“No, I wasn’t as strong back then as I am now. So… I’ve been eagerly awaiting a day like today.”

I couldn’t contain my excitement.

“Is it… dangerous? Do you know what abilities the boss monster has…?”

“It’s dangerous. However, it shouldn’t be unbearable. There was a Mithril-grade adventurer team that almost hunted down the boss on the 10th floor.”

Mithril-grade ranks third among adventurer grades.

That team attempted to conquer the boss out of curiosity, but they barely made it back alive.

“They barely made it back?”

“As I said, hunting boss monsters is prohibited. We don’t know how the Labyrinth will change. They just fought out of curiosity.”

“What kind of creature was this boss monster?”

Krisha asked.

“It was a giant skeleton with one oddly large arm. It’s not registered in any bestiary. And it probably has complete immunity to fire or high resistance.”

I never saw the boss monster myself.

Boss monsters reside in special rooms called boss rooms and never step outside.

“Well, if a Mithril-grade adventurer team almost defeated it, then Krisha, Spect, and I should be enough. That team almost managed to defeat it with swords and shields.”

“Spectra… Is she really a Spect from Loreldia?”

“Without a doubt. She came all the way here within a month upon hearing your name.”

Spect’s reputation seems to have spread even to Brigal.

She may be strong, but the story of winning a tournament and rejecting the king’s offer is so striking and intriguing that it’s bound to spread through word of mouth.

“So, the three of us should have no problem conquering it.”

“But…!”

Linde interjected.

“Um, last time, there was that… demon…”

“Well… to be honest, that’s the most worrying part…”

The creature on the 50th floor extended its influence up to the 10th floor.

“I did send a few dolls, but looking back, there was no real danger. It was just a warning or signal to remind us of its presence.”

“Th-that’s how it was?”

“Yes. I was scared and ran away, but I easily defeated them. They were basically like puppets with no real abilities, controlled to come here.”

“But still… even so…”

“…You saw the guy through that scarecrow’s connected thread, so it’s understandable to be scared. So, it’s okay if you don’t follow.”

“Okay…”

“That demon guy, is he really that strong?” Krisha asked.

“Linde, we killed a dragon together. And you were the one who cut its windpipe. However…”

“I can never win. Different levels of power. The dragon we defeated was probably a bit weaker even among adult dragons. But that…,” Linde shook her head.

“As I’ve said before, it must be at least above the High Dragon level. It’s like a different dimension in terms of presence. Of course, that’s underground on the 50th floor; if it comes up, it won’t even be able to breathe and will die on its own.”

I also clapped my hands.

In my life, I have only seen a High Dragon once.

A long time ago.

Truly, a very long time ago, but the memory of being overwhelmed by its appearance is still vivid.

Even now, just thinking about it makes my spine tingle slightly.

I remember telling Rebart about my fear of dragons before.

If I had seen the High Dragon I encountered in a state of rage or frenzy, undoubtedly even I would have been terrified of flying birds.

However, the demon we met on the 50th floor had a presence that could rival a High Dragon.

“So then…”

“Anyway, we should only think about the boss on the 10th floor. We might be able to defeat it easily, but still, we need to be cautious because there’s always a chance.”

“Got it.”

While Krisha and I were discussing the upcoming battle, someone knocked on the door from outside.

I got up to greet the guest.

But surely it’s not the Vanguard again?

“Excuse me.”

As I opened the door, Buanro greeted me, tipping his hat.

“Oh, you’re here? But who’s next to you…?”

Beside Buanro was a small girl with a large wooden box on her back and a big hat covering her face.

She looks just like Linde.

“My apologies for the interruption. I’m a bit busy handling things alone. Anyway, I’ll just deliver the important item and leave.”

The specter beside Buanro set down the luggage.

Then, he unlocked the lock on the box and took out something long and slender wrapped tightly in white cloth.

“It seems like this might be needed for the upcoming task, so the Count is lending it temporarily. You’ll have to return it after the job is done.”

“Oh… I was going to ask for it back soon. You’ve saved me some trouble. Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. Well then, we’ll be on our way…”

“What about the girl next to you?”

“Eh?”

“…The specter. She seems eager to fight. Should I call Krisha?”

“No.”

The specter shook her head.

“I just want to postpone the duel for a bit. Finishing the task at hand is a priority.”

“You’re diligent.”

“And not just a Dragon Slayer.”

“Huh?”

“You.”

The specter glared at me fiercely.

“If we were to fight, I’d like to fight you first.”

“I don’t mind an enthusiastic challenger.”

“…Am I a kid?”

I shrugged.

“I see… Ebony, was it… Please forgive my rudeness.”

“Huh?”

“I apologize. I hadn’t realized until now, but as an Ebony, you must be older than me. I behaved quite rudely.”

Her attitude changed beyond just being polite.

“Well, it’s… fine.”

This kind of reaction is refreshing and nice.

Generally, when dealing with people, appearance comes first, so someone like me, who looks like a human or an elf, doesn’t often show respect for elders to younger counterparts.

Of course, I don’t consider myself old.

But if he’s not interested in the king’s request other than money, he doesn’t seem like the type to refuse.

Maybe he’s just not good with words.

“Let’s have a match after everything’s done.”

“Thank you.”

The specter bowed.

“T-then… we’ll take our leave.”

Buarno wiped his face with a handkerchief and spoke.

Seeing a bit of sweat, is the work tough?

Or did you get nervous, thinking Speck and I might have a big fight here, so you broke out in cold sweat?

The girl next to him nodded slightly.

“Oh, yeah. Be careful going in.”

I waved goodbye to them as they left and went back to the room with the delivery items in hand.

“…Huh?”

“Oops!”

Both Krisha and Linde recognized what was in my hand at once and widened their eyes.

“Lord Yungju lent me this for the job…”

I said as I untied the tightly wrapped cloth.

But Krisha hurriedly ran over and grabbed my hand.

“Don’t touch that recklessly. It’s cursed.”

“Huh?”

Krisha took her own sword from my hand and wrapped it back up in the cloth.

“You sealed it properly. It should be fine like this.”

“Was that a cursed sword?”

“Yeah. It’s like the consciousness of a dragon, embedded in the Dragon Heart, causing mental corrosion. It’s not easy to harmonize deeply with the Dragon Heart, and even if you try, the sword will lose its power.”

“Why were you carrying something like that? Just sell it to the royal family and get a good, normal magic sword.”

“That… It was Slone’s command… He entrusted me with the duty to guard this sword…”

Krisha looked down at the sword with a bitter expression.

“If I keep it, it keeps trying to invade my mind. Suddenly I get angry or feel strange…”

“So that’s why…”

“Yeah… Holding onto it sometimes… I unknowingly got mad at Linde or said mean things…”

“I’m fine. I know Krisha didn’t mean it.”

Linde stood up and held Krisha’s hand.

“Thank you…”

Is Brigal even using the curse of the dragon?

Despicable.

“Hmm… Should we change weapons now?”

“Huh? No, it’s really powerful…”

“No, it’s a cursed sword, right? Why bother? The person swinging it will suffer.”

“Is that so?”

“After all, you’re not planning to go back to Brigal, right?”

“Uh, no.”

“Then let’s just use it for this job and ask the Marquis to exchange it for a good new one. Or sell it for money and buy a good one.”

If you try to sell this sword, how will the Marquis react?

Will he be pleased, saying he caught a big fish?

Or will he reject it, calling it a poisoned chalice?

Or maybe, even if it’s poisoned, he might accept it.

After all, he’s an “adventurer” trying to restart the exploration project that has been stalled for nearly 100 years.

“Um… Is it not too much to give up?”

Linde asked.

“Still, with the Dragon Heart…”

“What would you do with the Dragon Heart? It’s deeply imbued with the consciousness of a slain dragon. Are you planning to release it?”

“Oh, no. There’s nothing like that…”

“A dragon’s name carries weight. But there’s no need to hesitate to discard it just because you think it’s a waste. It’s like cleaning a room. As much as you empty it, new things will come in.”

“…Really, can I?”

Krisha asked.

“It’s okay. Or maybe, you could become friends with the consciousness of the dragon?”

“No, that’s not it. Honestly, I… I didn’t like this kind of thing…”

“Then that settles it.”

“Just a moment…”

I put my arm around Krisha’s shoulder, pulled her close, and roughly ruffled her hair.

“Just for this job. Then we’ll definitely sell it off.”

“Yeah… Hehe…”

It’s the first time I’ve seen Krisha smile like this.

Well… since she seems to like it, it should be fine.