episode_0028

Twenty years ago, Retributors and I were quite overwhelmed.

Even someone as seasoned as me was moved by the unprecedented record of the 50th floor.

Perhaps we became a bit complacent.

One could even say we let our guard down.

Three hundred years ago, on that day.

As the chosen warriors of the gods from our Ebony tribe, we had gone to the brink of extinction before a single desire.

“Fifty floors were unlike any other maze we had encountered.”

I reminisced about that day.

As we delved deeper, the labyrinth transformed into a spectacle, with everything changing at the 50th floor.

A river of blood, eyes watching us from the walls, corpses muttering strange words incessantly… We had seen such things many times.

But the 50th floor was different.

It resembled a nobleman’s mansion.

Though intricate like a maze, the interior boasted neat walls and floors.

Each wall emitted light from elegant torches, and there were even chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

“At first, I thought it was some sort of hallucination. So, I took out a bottle of potion to clear my mind. Yet, the sight remained unchanged. It was real to the touch. But do you know what was most peculiar?”

“Oh, it didn’t spawn any monsters, did it? I know. I’ve read Rashwood’s reports numerous times. Over and over again…”

The viscount smirked faintly.

He laughed?

Having read that?

“Then you must know well what we saw there.”

“Yes. A monster appeared, controlling dolls. It looked like an ordinary girl on the surface, but it was a creature rivaling the ancient dragons capable of destroying nations.”

“That’s right. That creature…”

“But, there’s a catch.”

“A catch?”

“Rashwood and all the Retributors fled, leaving only you alive, right?”

“…Yes.”

“And despite surviving, you went back alone to where that fearsome monster resided.”

“Yes… I intended to retrieve the bodies or something. Proper funerals had to be held…”

“Haha, truly heroic. Fleeing in fear yet returning alone to search for the remains of your fallen comrades…”

“This is not some old tale. This happened for real just twenty years ago.”

Watching the viscount enjoy the story, I felt a bit uneasy.

“Oh dear, I seem to have deviated slightly from the core. My apologies. What I really wanted to say… or rather, inquire about is this.”

The viscount extended his index finger and spoke.

“Was it true that Retributors were actually killed by that monster?”

“What are you implying? I clearly saw it happen. I saw that monster playing with the torn bodies of those poor souls who had been brutally mutilated…!”

The memory is still vivid.

When I re-entered the 50th floor to find the Retributors’ bodies, I discovered them in a room.

The corpses were in disarray.

Most were missing limbs or heads, and blood and entrails oozed between torn and twisted armor.

Sitting next to one of the gruesome corpses, the creature innocently poured tea.

And when the monster and I locked eyes, I fled with all my might once again.

On my escape, dolls suddenly appeared to block my path, but fortunately, I managed to break through unscathed.

“But you didn’t witness the killings, did you?”

“Are you joking!?”

I felt a surge of anger in that moment.

“No, I’m not joking at all. I’m simply stating the facts. Could it be that Rashwood, blinded by the strength of that monster, failed to see the truth?”

“Blinded… by strength?”

“The monsters possess intellect similar to, or even greater than humans. Therefore, although rare, there are records of monsters who, when encountering humans, do not fight but rather attempt conversation or trade.”

“Then what about that corpse…!”

“My story is not over yet.”

The viscount spoke a bit more forcefully.

“Secondly.”

She raised her second finger.

“How were you able to escape?”

“Well…”

“Mr. Lashwood, you mentioned that the monster was of dragon grade. So, I can’t help but ask. Can you… escape from a dragon? In that labyrinth?”

“…”

“There were no hiding places, nowhere to breathe, and it seemed like the stronghold of that monster. Was it really possible to escape unscathed from a place where even a speck of dust wouldn’t go unnoticed?”

“I also found it strange. But after hunting and satisfying six Retributors, I didn’t pay much attention.”

“But if they kept relentlessly searching for you?”

“Perhaps they had a change of heart. For example, if the Retributors’ bodies rotted away completely and they lost track…”

“In the end, neither you nor I have definite proof.”

“One should not be optimistic about matters of life and death. Always assume the worst. That’s the best course of action.”

“So, to achieve a definitive result without optimism or pessimism, one must see for oneself.”

“Are you planning to form another investigation team?”

“No. Sending an investigation team would be futile without you.”

“So…”

“On the contrary, it means that as long as you are present, no one else is needed by your side…”

A chill ran down my spine for a moment.

What just happened?

“So, shall we go check?”

The viscount rose from her seat.

“…?”

I stared blankly at her.

What did she say just now?

Go check?

Where?

“Together. To the labyrinth.”

“Are you… joking right now?”

“No, it’s not a joke. If not now, there won’t be another chance.”

She fumbled near the fireplace and suddenly a secret passage appeared.

“Come this way.”

The viscount gestured.

“No, wait. Just a moment.”

I shook my head.

What’s happening right now?

Seriously?

Am I in my right mind?

“Going to the labyrinth? Viscount?”

“Just the two of us.”

“Is that even possible?! What on earth are you thinking?!”

“Haha, don’t be angry. I’m not joking or playing around. From the beginning, I’ve been sincere.”

“Realistically, I can go to the labyrinth. I am strong in my own way.”

“Then, if you protect me, isn’t that enough?”

“If the Lord of this city dies or gets hurt…!”

“It’s okay.”

“…”

“I’ll be fine. Even if I die like that…”

The viscount’s voice softened slightly.

She wrapped her arms around herself.

“Look at me. This cursed body. Do you think I’d be afraid of dying?”

“Well, even so…”

“And if it’s not this much, I might not be able to make you move.”

“What?”

“I’m confident. That monster is not an enemy. But I can’t convince you. So, I think if I stake my life, you will inevitably follow. And if you won’t help me, I’ll go alone to prove it.”

“…”

What to do.

Even now, it wouldn’t be difficult to grab the viscount and hand her over to Buarino waiting outside the door.

Of course, it could be a serious disrespect towards nobility, but considering that the viscount’s actions seem irrational, there wouldn’t be much responsibility.

“…”

Could the viscount be contemplating suicide due to her situation?

Dying might be seen as a way to escape the maze.

For her, who had spent her whole life in this cage, it wasn’t such an absurd story.

“…My lord.”

I stood up and walked to the door.

“Yes?”

“You should take your hat.”

I took off my hat hanging by the door and tossed it to her.

“Please wait a moment. I will put on my armor and come.”

***

“Are you going out again?”

Krisha asked.

“And in armor this time? To the maze?”

“Yes. If I don’t return by tomorrow, come find me.”

I checked my gear in the mirror while putting on my helmet.

“This wasn’t the original plan. Weren’t Speck and I supposed to escort you?”

“The plan has changed. Speck and I will go first to scout and then return.”

“I’m coming too.”

“No, you can’t.”

“Why?”

“You stand out too much.”

“By this time, most adventurers are probably gone.”

“Still, no.”

“Why?!”

Krisha raised her voice.

“It’s suspicious! You’re leaving me behind at this hour to go there? And telling me to come find you if you don’t return by tomorrow, implying that you could die!”

“…”

“It’s not happening.”

“I refuse! I’m coming with you!”

“You’re acting like a child. Linde~! Come and take care of your kid!”

“Oh, no. Well, that’s…”

Linde, who was hesitating behind, cautiously raised his hand.

“Um, something seems… I’m in the same boat… Where exactly are you planning to go in the maze?”

“Seriously, there’s no convincing argument. Even I think it’s suspicious and what I’m about to do is insane.”

I decided to trust the Earl.

There’s no basis for it.

There’s no basis, but sometimes, when you’ve lived a long time, there’s a strange intuition that makes you feel like something that doesn’t make sense logically will work out.

It’s purely a gut feeling, not within the realms of logic or reason.

Of course, there’s a possibility of death.

But if you call yourself an adventurer, there comes a time when you have to risk your life and face danger.

It feels like that time is now, Misty.

“Trust me. I’ll definitely come back alive.”

“I absolutely cannot allow it! We’re coming with you!”

Krisha grabbed my waist.

“Let go…!”

Damn, she’s much stronger than me…!

“I won’t let go!!”

“…Krisha.”

“Linde! Linde, come help!”

“Krisha, let go.”

“Okay… What did you say?”

“Let go.”

“But why?”

“…Mr. Rasiud.”

“Yes.”

“You’re not going to die, are you?”

“I don’t intend to die.”

“But if you do?”

“Well… You can have this house and the money I have. Oh, and put a white flower on Sangcheol’s grave.”

“Linde!”

“That might not be enough.”

“What else can I give you then?”

“…Your body, Mr. Rasiud.”

“What?”

“What?”

“If you die, I’ll use your body. Maybe… I’ll even try using necromancy.”

“L-Linde… What are you saying…?”

Krisha was taken aback.

“Well, I didn’t know you could do that?”

“No. But we can start practicing now. If you leave us here and die alone, be prepared for that.”

Linde’s gaze was serious.

No, beyond serious, there was something eerie about it.

A bit scary, but… still, there was strength in it.

“Are you saying this with a clear mind?”

Krisha moved away from me towards Linde.

“Krisha.”

“There’s no guarantee that you’ll come back if you leave now…!”

“Krisha!”

“…!”

“Krisha, listen to me.”

Oh, she’s just like a mother.

“Huh? Oh, well, but…”

Krisha was also pushed back by Linde’s determination.

Come on, she can handle it.

“Well, I guess there’s no other choice. Alright. I’ll go and wager this house, the money, and my life on it.”

“…Yes. Please come back safely. Definitely.”