episode_0043

Hero.

That name feels slightly different in this world.

If it carries the connotation of being the arch-nemesis of the Demon King, here, it’s closer to a talent capable of reaching the pinnacle of the labyrinth.

In any era, those blessed with the talent of a hero either had their potential nipped in the bud early—or became heroes and ventured into the deepest layers of the labyrinth.

‘The Orc Hero.’

I pondered over that name.

One of the hardiest races in the labyrinth.

A race that spearheaded the labyrinth’s conquest with their uniquely resilient bodies.

And the swordsmanship once wielded by a hero of such a race.

‘Not really my thing.’

I frowned.

Being revered by the likes of Vulcan was fine.

But being revered by those even dumber than Vulcan? That was a whole other problem.

‘I’m already trying to keep a low profile.’

Drawing attention like that was far too dangerous.

“Of course, if you’ve given up on staying unnoticed, you’re free to use it. No—I might even vouch for you myself.”

The old man grinned, as if amused.

Well, from his perspective, it probably was amusing.

From mine, though? Pure hell.

I scowled and flatly refused.

“I’d rather not.” “Then restrain yourself.”

Restrain myself, huh?

Of course, if I had to use it, I would.

Nothing mattered more than my life—or my party members’.

“I’ll use it in emergencies, but it’s best avoided in crowded places.” “Well, you’ll figure something out. You’ve got that purple lightning, don’t you?” “That’s…”

I opened my palm.

A sphere of violet electricity crackled and danced above it.

“That alone should be enough to handle anyone at your level. Though the swordsmanship you’re using now is a bit problematic.” “……Hmm.” “So, what’s your plan now?” “What do you mean?” “You’ll have to decide soon. With your abilities, you won’t lose out whether you focus on the sword or the bow—but you should still pick a main weapon.”

He wasn’t wrong.

With my current abilities, I could push both to 100% of their potential—

‘But focusing on one could take it even further.’

What was the true appeal of the labyrinth, anyway?

Party play.

The best strategy was having party members cover my weaknesses.

Even if my close combat was slightly lacking, others could compensate.

‘Maybe I should discuss it.’

I bid Vulcan farewell and stepped outside.

—

Vulcan watched the retreating figure of Han Yuseong.

‘A monster of a kid.’

Just where—and what—had he learned?

The boy had spoken so casually, but the truth was absurd.

Different races couldn’t learn each other’s secret techniques.

This was as absolute as any law.

Humans couldn’t learn the Elves’ secrets.

Elves couldn’t learn humanity’s techniques.

For centuries, this had been an unshakable truth.

‘Yet that kid…’

Had mastered the secret arts of both Elves and Orcs.

Of course, he couldn’t wield them at their full power—the user was still too weak.

But the Orc technique, capable of severing anything, and the Elven technique, capable of shattering anything—both were formidable in their own right.

Even Vulcan couldn’t withstand them properly.

Maybe a Guild Master could.

“Tch.”

Vulcan glanced at his palm and clicked his tongue.

An unnecessary wound.

‘Tried to look cool and paid for it.’

He’d deliberately taken that slash head-on.

That’s why his palm was injured.

“……A damn monster.”

That was all there was to it.

—

After leaving the guild, I sat on a bench to gather my thoughts.

‘Actually, this works out.’

I’d been feeling the pressure of acting as the vanguard.

In emergencies, sure—but staying in the backlines, just firing arrows, suited me better.

‘Is swordsmanship really where I shine?’

That thought had struck me while fleeing the labyrinth.

From the party’s perspective, my excelling in the rear was a better strategy than charging ahead.

The frontline was already solid—Ermé, Teresa, Rosante—all vanguards.

The backline was ideally handled by Angyeon and me.

So my choice was clear.

‘The bow.’

Arrows, traps, and scouting—that was the optimal role for the party.

Lately, I’d even started crafting traps. To conserve stamina while dealing with the goblin troops led by Nokgolma, I’d used razor-sharp bowstrings to set up traps.

‘……The bow isn’t bad.’

Honestly, swordsmanship wasn’t my style.

I preferred toying with enemies, harassing them from a distance.

So focusing on the bow was fine, but—

‘Is there more?’

I felt like something was missing as a rogue.

There was something else I wanted to do.

What was a rogue, anyway?

A jack-of-all-trades.

Archery, some swordsmanship, trap-setting, reconnaissance—

A jack-of-all-trades was just another term for an all-rounder.

Since I was a rogue hero candidate, aiming for versatility made sense.

With that in mind, I skimmed through labyrinth requests.

Some sought rare materials, others requested escorts—but one oddly caught my eye.

Herbs.

Labyrinth herbs.

‘I’ve got the knowledge.’

I knew how to turn herbs into poison.

Poison… poison, huh?

‘Poison’s useful.’

Paralytics, sedatives, corrosive toxins—

The pinnacle of rogue knowledge had granted me endless expertise.

So first—

‘Let’s get some poison.’

There had to be places dealing in herbs and toxic plants.

Humans restricted large quantities, but—

‘Even if they don’t have it, that woman might.’

I recalled Jumsoi, the one I’d haggled with in the black market alongside Ermé.

She seemed like the owner.

‘Let’s try getting some.’

Might as well stock up on trap materials too.

—

“What brings you here without that girl?”

The first words I heard upon entering the smithy.

The same smithy I’d visited with Ermé. According to her, the blacksmith held the title of [Master Craftsman].

“Last time, I wanted bowstrings—sharp ones.” “……You’re here for that?” “They worked well for traps.” “Ah, so you want wire. Figures you’d think of that.”

Since when were we so familiar?

Still, if I got quality goods for a fair price, I wasn’t complaining.

“Follow me. Got something for you.” “For me?” “I owe you a debt.” “A debt?” “Viola. You saved her.” “……?” “She’s from my clan. I drop by sometimes to forge tools for them. Consider this my thanks.”

How did things keep connecting like this?

Baffled, I followed him inside.

“Heard from Viola—you’re Level 3?” “Yes.” “To grow that fast so soon after arriving… She’s a good judge of character. Here, try this.”

The dwarf showed me a spool of wire.

Razor-sharp—just touching it would slice an ordinary person’s hand.

“……Isn’t this dangerous?” “You can handle it.”

Well, probably.

I focused, channeling Rogue’s Pinnacle.

It flooded me with knowledge—and absurd manual dexterity. My archery, my ease with bowstrings—all thanks to that.

I gripped the wire.

‘This is…’

Dangerous. Even I had to be careful.

In other words—

‘Perfect as a weapon.’

A double-edged sword—no, closer to a cursed blade.

I smirked.

“You’re really giving this to me?” “That grin says you like it. Take this too.”

The dwarf tossed me a dagger.

I caught it midair and inspected it.

A blade gleaming with a dark sheen.

“……Looks expensive.” “Cheap, considering her life.” “Then I’ll accept gratefully.”

Refusing would’ve been rude.

I slipped the dagger into my coat.

“Take this too. You’ll need a place to store that wire.” “Thank you.” “And this. You treat your sword carelessly—neglect rusts blades fast.” “……You can tell even when it’s sheathed?” “We’re called the Iron Clan for a reason.” “Then I’ll accept with thanks.”

……Even I felt a twinge of guilt.

“That look says you’re uneasy about taking so much.” “Well, yeah.” “Don’t mistake it for charity. This is an investment.” “An investment?” “Word of your deeds reaches me. Beyond just her. Someone like you will delve deep into the labyrinth, won’t you? Bring me rare materials first—that’s the investment.” “……Fair enough.”

I accepted everything without hesitation.

“Hah. Shameless, taking it all like that.” “You insisted. Refusing would’ve been awkward.” “Pfft. True enough.”

The dwarf laughed heartily before tossing out one last remark.

“I’m Durin.” “Han Yuseong.” “Right. Off you go.”

Durin disappeared into the back.

I left the smithy.

Then closed my eyes calmly.

‘Time to collect.’

The main quest.

When I uncovered the truth behind Nokgolma, who’d possessed Marcel—

I’d encountered an entity of the abyss.

It was time to claim my reward.

[Main Quest—Chapter 2.]

You have faced an entity of the abyss.

He is one worthy of the title Hundred-Eyed.

Slay him, or reclaim Marcel’s body.

Reward: Marcel’s Body + ???

Failure: No penalty.

[You may receive one random gift and a (B)-rank gift selection.]

Reading the quest, I smiled.

‘You’ve taught me the basics—now it’s my turn.’

‘Fine by me.’

I wasn’t keen on growing solely by leeching off others.

Besides, I already knew much of that place’s knowledge.

‘There’s a combination I’ve wanted to try since hearing about it.’

I pressed [Complete Quest.]

[Random Gift Acquired: Elven Alchemy (A).]

“……?”

[Gift]

Elven Alchemy (A)

◇Can distinguish all medicinal and toxic herbs.

◇Can concoct any potion or poison within the limits of manual dexterity.

◇Enhanced proficiency in alchemy.

“…….”

Like alchemy, but different.

Before I could ponder further, knowledge flooded my mind.

“…….”

My vision swam.

This feeling never got less nauseating.

But at least I knew how to use it.

I bought herbs and toxins from a general store, then returned to my inn room to begin brewing.

‘Low-grade ingredients won’t yield anything amazing, but…’

[Item]

Panhyeolsan (Hemorrhagic Powder)

◇Inflicts bleeding on the target.

So that’s how it worked.

I studied the violet poison in the vial.

For safety, I also brewed an antidote.

With time left, I headed to the inn’s kitchen.

“Mind if I borrow the kitchen?” “The kitchen?” “I feel like cooking.” “Hmm…….” “I’ll pay for the ingredients.” “……Fine.”

After handing over three copper coins, I got to work. A simple pasta.

While brewing, I’d noticed something—

‘My mana seeped into the herbs.’

Curious, I tried cooking.

The result?

Tomato pasta—infused with mana.

“Oh? You cook too?” “…….”

Do I look that incompetent?

Ignoring Ermé, I took a bite with my fork.

“Oh.”

Surprisingly good.

The inn’s food had been bland, but mine had an inexplicable burst of umami.

“What’s with that face? Is it that good? Let me try.” “Here.”

I handed her my fork. Ermé gave me a strange look before twirling the spaghetti and taking a bite.

“…….” “…….”

Then she devoured the rest.

“H-Hey… it was just too good…” “…….” “I-I’ll treat you to something nice later!” “Sure…….”

The next day, after that incident—

“……Damn muscle-brained swordsmen, drop dead.” “Hohoho! What’s this? Tired already?” “Pfft! A swordsman of your level, winded this easily? Neglecting endurance training, were you?”

You’re the freaks here.

I glared at Vulcan and Bolkan, who’d teamed up to torment me.