43 - Labyrinth Specialist
The Alamsars Labyrinth.
Upon arriving at a large room on the fifth basement floor, I decided to gather everyone there to convey our future course of action.
Up to this point, we were able to arrive without any combat, as the adventurers who had increased due to Damian's request were defeating the monsters.
However, from the fifth basement floor onward, the number of adventurers decreases drastically.
Therefore, since combat will occur from here on, I thought I should speak with them first.
"Now then, I will tell everyone the plan moving forward."
I am the party leader, and Damian is the target of protection.
He can likely protect himself, but if you asked whether he could lead, he was completely useless.
He has little interest in others.
Such a Damian sat upon the arm of an armored doll, making it crouch.
It looked as if an adult were resting a doll on their arm.
"A plan? True, there are no monsters here, nor any other adventurers. Or rather, I'm impressed you made it this far without getting lost. The labyrinth periodically rearranges its paths, after all."
The labyrinth slowly changes its structure.
Because of that, if one relaxed thinking they knew the way, it was common to get lost.
(It's thanks to my skill, though.)
"There is no need to worry about that. I possess several effective skills for challenging the labyrinth."
Saying so, I showed the jewel at my chest.
When Damian and Clara saw it, they nodded.
Only Miranda-san had a slightly puzzled expression.
"Is it a magic tool? But magic tools engraved with such skills are expensive, aren't they?"
It was Clara who answered Miranda-san's question.
"It is not a magic tool. It is a Bead that records skills. They were the mainstream before magic tools were invented. A multiple skill holder... the blue one was support-type, wasn't it?"
Nodding to Clara, I continued.
"We will avoid combat as much as possible, but we will fight if it's unavoidable or if it's better to defeat them. Basically, we are aiming for the fortieth basement floor, so we will collect treasure chests along the way if we can, but we'll ignore them if they take too much time."
Damian looked pleased.
"Good. Very good! I was right to ask you. It's helpful that you have skills to avoid getting lost in the labyrinth and, as a bonus, can sense enemies. Moreover, it seems you even know the locations of treasure chests. It's truly a help. Things that can be obtained up to the thirtieth basement floor can also be found at the academy, so I have no interest in them."
Damian seemed uninterested, but for us adventurers, he was talking about ignoring items that could be exchanged for gold coins.
Aria agreed, though she muttered that it was a bit of a waste.
Novem nodded without objection.
Miranda-san also didn't oppose, perhaps out of lack of interest.
Only Clara—.
"I understand avoiding combat as much as possible, but what will we do about the luggage? I would like to avoid a situation where Damian-san's dolls cannot be used."
Clara looked at the two dolls carrying wooden crates and Damian's luggage. I agreed with that opinion.
—So, I snapped my fingers and created a magic circle on the spot.
Everyone who saw it was slightly surprised.
Even Novem and Aria, who had seen it before, watched intently, as if they weren't used to the sight.
"It's a skill from the jewel. If we pack the luggage into this treasure chest, we won't have to carry it while moving. We can move in a light state, but we can't take things out that often. Please keep things you use frequently on hand. It can only be used about twice a day."
Hearing that, Damian nodded.
"It looks like a fair amount of luggage will fit. Let me put mine in as well. Still, the fact that there's a usage limit... does this consume a large amount of mana?"
I nodded without hiding it.
I needed to explain that I couldn't overdo it.
"Since I use skills, my mana is at its limit. I will use magic as little as possible in combat. Instead—"
Reaching into a large treasure chest, I took out a weapon I had placed inside.
A bow and arrows.
However, the tips of the arrows were distinctive.
Miranda-san spoke.
"Those are the arrows that explode, right? There were students at the academy who made and sold them."
"To be precise, they are a type of magic tool imbued with magic. Since they have magic stones packed inside, the magic activates as soon as the arrow pierces or makes contact. They are convenient for the monsters around here."
Previously, I had asked an adventurer who had reached the fiftieth floor about the necessary types of tools.
I recalled them saying that while arrows are very precious, there is a world of difference between having them and not.
Because I bought them in bulk, it was a considerable expense.
(I'll have to collect monster materials this time... or the expenses will...)
Each single arrow is truly expensive.
Clara looked slightly relieved. It was likely because she realized we hadn't neglected our preparations.
"In the Alamsars Labyrinth, monsters clad in metal appear. I believe such weapons are effective. However, do you have enough arrows?"
I took another weapon out of the treasure chest.
A blunt weapon.
A weapon also called a mace, used for smashing the opponent.
"I'll use this if the danger level is low. They're just wearing metal, so blunt force will likely be more effective on the inside."
Clara seemed satisfied upon hearing that.
"Clara, I'll have you illuminate the surroundings. As for carrying luggage, I'd like to use one of Damian-san's dolls."
Damian smiled.
"I don't mind."
"The vanguard will be me, Aria, and one doll you provide. Sorry, but I'll have it serve as a shield."
"Indeed. That is the correct usage."
Damian readily accepted here as well. It bothered me slightly that he seemed to be enjoying himself.
"Behind them will be Damian-san, Novem, and Clara. I'll have you place dolls in the rear. I intend to proceed to the twentieth basement floor in this formation."
If the boss of the twentieth basement floor had not been defeated, we would need to defeat it ourselves to move forward. I felt it would be tough with this combat power, but I also have the second generation's skill.
(Though it probably won't have an effect on dolls.)
I wondered if using a skill on a doll would be effective. I would need to try it.
"Riel-sama, as planned, until the thirtieth basement floor—"
Since Novem spoke, I said without guilt,
"Other adventurers are moving around, but basically, we will not make contact. If they come seeking help, I will judge on the spot, but we will move to achieve the request."
Damian looked bored.
"I hope you don't waste time interacting with other people. Well, you seem competent, so I'll follow. As for me, as long as I get the item I requested, that's fine."
He truly seemed to have no interest in others.
Aria snapped at Damian.
"Do you have no compassion at all!?"
Then, Damian laughed through his nose.
"Hah! Compassion? The moment you challenge a labyrinth, it's your own responsibility. I don't mind helping if their lives are in danger, but I don't want you to forget my request. If you love helping people, you can do it as much as you like after the request is over. Though, I don't think you're capable of helping. You... are likely the weakest among us."
Aria, told she was weak, gripped the spear she held.
Seeing this, Clara stepped beside Aria and spoke.
"It is as Damian-san says. I do not deny helping people, but we have accepted a request. You are the one who mistook the priority."
If one does not help lives that can be saved, a bad reputation will be established as an adventurer.
One helps only in cases where it is possible to help.
Otherwise, we might end up being the ones who lose their lives in the labyrinth because we were held back.
"I don't know if they made a wrong judgment or just had bad luck, but I don't want my research hindered for the sake of such people. If you understand, shall we end the break?"
As Damian cut it short, I decided to pack the luggage into the treasure chest.
The saber I usually use won't be used here, so I put it in the treasure chest.
Novem was speaking to Aria.
"Aria-san."
"I know. I can't help weak people... that's why I have to become strong."
It was something Zelfie-san taught me in Darion.
If you want to help, you yourself must be strong.
(Strength to be able to help, huh...)
Once everyone had put everything except necessary luggage into the treasure chest, I snapped my fingers again and made the treasure chest disappear.
There was no need to snap my fingers, but I was just imitating what the seventh generation did.
"Now then, the daily quota is five floors. I think we'll be fast until the twentieth basement floor, but don't let your guard down."
As I began to walk, everyone started moving.
Novem spoke to the frustrated Aria to calm her down.
However, it was striking that Miranda-san, who would usually speak up here, was looking down.
I just noticed it now, but—.
"Next, turn right as you are and wait."
"Yes, Riel-sama."
The skills of my ancestors—.
"The enemy hasn't noticed us, so we'll launch a surprise attack as we are. I'll use the bow and arrows, so when the explosion happens, Aria, charge in."
"Leave it to me!"
In the labyrinth, no, in almost every situation—.
"There's a treasure chest, but it seems to have some kind of trap. What should we do, Clara?"
"I do not have the technique to disable it. If you are uneasy, we should avoid it... you noticed that quite well."
They had a performance that could be called quite, or rather, cowardly—.
"Shall we rest around here for today? If we defeat the surrounding monsters, we can be a bit more at ease."
"Truly wonderful. We're at the eighteenth basement floor in a single day. Moreover, while there were times we initiated combat, we were attacked zero times. Yes, you are truly excellent."
"...Thank you."
Even though I was praised by Damian, for some reason it felt subtle.
It wasn't my power, but thanks to the skills of my ancestors.
Since it's not clear how much effect my own skills have, I have some thoughts about it.
After defeating the surrounding monsters and entering a slightly wide room, we unloaded our luggage.
The surroundings had walls with metal plates haphazardly attached, and at the room's entrance was a rectangular, green-glowing sign.
Was it a drawing of a person? Something like that was written.
"Still, this is a very strange labyrinth. It's so unique that there's an undeniable sense of incongruity."
When I said that, Damian explained about the labyrinth.
"That's only natural. After all, this labyrinth was created in the place where the academic city is. The academic city was built on top because this labyrinth existed."
He spoke in a way that piqued my interest, so I asked.
"The academic city was created because this labyrinth existed?"
"That's right. Unlike other labyrinths, this one is an ancient ruin that became a labyrinth. When that happened, treasures and materials just kept coming out... even the current mainstream magic tools were hinted at by the treasures and materials that appeared from this labyrinth. The same goes for tools. For the academic city, this place is truly a mountain of treasure. Let's see... for example, the metal that forms this labyrinth can be taken back. Though only in very small amounts."
As Damian moved a doll, it began to peel off the wall.
However, the labyrinth reacted sharply and tried to return the wall.
And then—.
"What are you doing?"
While Clara looked at us in exasperation, a metal plate was peeled away.
No, it seemed the labyrinth itself discarded it.
A cleanly, small torn piece of metal plate was gripped in the doll's hand.
"This is a lesson for this child. You're the library child, right? You look too."
When Damian called Clara the library child, we looked at the metal gripped by the doll.
"In the past, we couldn't create or process metal like this. But the academic city deciphered it. That technology is also used in the processing of magic tools. It seems even this much metal had value in the past. Apparently, adventurers used to desperately peel off the walls. It's a laughing story now."
The labyrinth itself had given immense benefits to this world.
That was the Alamsars Labyrinth.
"That's why it's managed. You're saying it would be a bigger problem than the labyrinth disappearing if it vanished."
When I said that, Damian pushed up his glasses, making them glint.
"Exactly. Though there are many people who don't understand that."
Damian had the doll throw away the peeled fragment of metal.
Then, the metal plate disappeared as if melting into the floor.
Seeing me surprised, Damian explained.
Clara didn't look surprised, perhaps because she was used to it or already knew.
"It was just easily reabsorbed because it was part of the labyrinth. Once taken outside, it's no longer recognized as a part. There were people researching that too... but I have no interest. The only thing I care about is the automaton, the crystallization of ancient technology. I will create a doll that surpasses the crystallization of ancient technology. For that, I absolutely want to create an ancient technological automaton first."
The seventh generation, who had been silent until now, seemed to have a question.
A voice came from the jewel.
'Wait, could it be that for this man... the automaton itself is not the main goal?'
I was also surprised.
Since Miranda-san had said things like restoring an automaton to create an ideal woman, I thought the goal was to prepare an ancient technological doll.
"Could it be that you have little interest in the automaton itself?"
When I said that, Damian began to speak with excitement.
"More than others, yes. It's a goal, and above all, the old men above are interested in the restoration of automatons. But for me, it would have been fine if I could just get the budget with that. Restoring it is just a side project. I will create a woman who is my ideal. With modest breasts and refined... ah, it would be even more wonderful if she had a dignified expression!"
Looking at Damian's ecstatic expression, my cheek twitched.
It wasn't just a problem with Damian.
Hearing Damian's story, the ancestors in the jewel began to make a fuss.
According to the second generation.
'A flat-chest lover? A woman's charm is the size of her breasts!'
The third generation said.
'Moderate is best. Balance is what's important. More than that, the buttocks are also important—'
The fourth generation—.
'What's wrong with small breasts! They're great! Size isn't everything! Those things are just lumps of fat!'
The fifth generation seemed uninterested.
'As long as breast milk comes out, there's no problem. Even if it doesn't, there are wet nurses.'
The sixth generation laughed—.
'Hahaha, breasts are about the shape, the shape! That's the important part, isn't it?'
The seventh generation seemed to be in the large-breast camp.
'Value in flat breasts... I cannot comprehend it.'
The seventh generation spoke as if saying 'good grief', but as for me—.
(Why do I have to listen to what my ancestors think about breasts...)
Even if I tried to cover my ears, the values regarding women's breasts of the successive heads of the family reached me.
And the arguing voices could be heard even with my ears covered.
Novem approached me while I had a dark expression.
"Riel-sama, then for the sentry duty... are you alright?"
I slowly looked at Novem's chest.
"Yeah, being large is a good thing."
"Pardon?"
Novem didn't notice, but the excited Damian spoke.
"What, are you a heretic? Library child, you also have small breasts... tsk, they're large, aren't they. I hate you too."
Damian said to Clara.
Clara didn't look exasperated, she just spoke plainly—.
"Is that so. Since my shoulders get stiff, I thought it would be better if they were smaller."
Then, Damian smiled.
"My apologies. You were a comrade who longed for modest breasts while having such large ones. And yet I said such things... do you want me to cut them?"
To Damian, who had produced a scalpel from somewhere, Clara said,
"I don't want them cut."
"I see..."
Looking at the disappointed Damian, I thought.
(Clara is also a bit strange.)
The second day.
In the same formation as before, we passed the twentieth basement floor.
The floor where the boss is located is structured as a one-way path with only a large room in the center of the labyrinth.
Looking at the map, narrow passages connect the entrance and exit in a straight line to the wide central room.
It's completely different from the labyrinths I experienced in Darion, so I'm interested.
(As I thought, it differs by location. With this, we won't be chased.)
After passing the floor without a boss, the next was the twenty-first basement floor.
I wanted to take a break, but it seemed a group of adventurers was heading this way from behind.
"Fellow professionals are coming from behind. The number is... twelve."
Even with twelve people, it's a floor where they would be lacking in combat power from here on.
They likely came to check if the boss was there, or perhaps to deal with monsters further ahead.
"Your skill is convenient. Support-types often aren't conspicuous and seem unremarkable, so I thought they wouldn't be useful, but..."
When Aria said that while looking at me, the second generation—.
'This is why I hate people with vanguard-type skills. Looking down on us... whether it's a skill or a tool, the one who uses it well is the strong one!'
It seemed support-type skills were undervalued in the second generation's era.
He might have been told something by someone with a vanguard-type skill like Aria.
Novem joined the conversation between Aria and me.
"It is not that the skill is amazing. It is Riel-sama, who masters it, who is amazing. Mastering multiple skills is also a talent."
I felt embarrassed by Novem's opinion, saying I was amazing in contrast to Aria.
Indeed, I remember being praised by the ancestors for being good at handling skills.
(I wonder if I'm a bit amazing.)
Compared to my younger sister Celes, I had thought I was completely useless, but I often realized that wasn't the case once I went outside.
Then the second generation spoke.
'Riel, you just thought "I'm amazing", didn't you?'
(This guy read my mind! ...Just like the first generation.)
Remembering the first generation slightly, I wondered what he would have said at a time like this.
(Unexpectedly, I might have been scolded again.)
I felt a bit lonely.
While having such conversations, we continued challenging the labyrinth.
However, here too, Miranda-san did not join the conversation.
If I spoke to her, she would answer and give me a smile.
(As I thought, there's a bit of distance. How am I supposed to persuade her and bring her to my side from here?)
I was worrying more about Miranda-san than about the combat.
Around the time we passed the twentieth basement floor, the combat suddenly increased in intensity.
Orcs holding metal plates cut in straight lines appeared, having forcibly processed them into weapons or shields.
Among them were orcs even wearing things to protect their heads.
At the end of the passage.
After having Clara extinguish the magic light, we held our breath.
Discovering orcs wandering around in a group of five, I told everyone to stop and notched an arrow in my bow.
"Clara, please turn on the light when you hear the explosion sound."
"Yes."
"Novem and Miranda-san, please get ready. Fire attribute would be good. When I call your name, just fire it at the orcs in front of you."
"Yes."
"I-I understand."
"Damian-san... I'll leave it to you."
"How cold~"
As the sound of the string tightening was heard, I used the second generation's skill.
Then, I measured the distance with the fifth and sixth generations' skills.
The second generation's All. The fifth generation's Dimension. The sixth generation's Spec.
The three skills informed me of the state of the enemies, who still hadn't detected us.
With the second generation's skill, which felt as if my senses were expanding, I aimed at the orcs in the dark end of the passage.
(The troublesome one is the one with the shield.)
As I aimed, the second generation spoke.
'Steady your breathing more. Don't think about finishing it in one hit. If you hit and flinch the opponent, we can win with this combat power.'
Following the advice, I released the arrow.
At the same time the arrow was released, I put the bow back in the container on my back and took the mace hanging at my waist in my right hand.
When the explosion sound was heard, Clara illuminated the surroundings with magic.
In the center of the orcs at the end of the passage, the orc holding the shield had fallen.
It seemed his head had been blown away in one hit, as there was no sign of him getting up.
"Novem, Miranda-san!"
The two who had prepared magic each exercised their magic.
Novem was faster.
"Fire Wave!"
A wave of fire assaulted the orcs facing this way.
An orc who picked up his comrade's shield blocked the magic, but the orcs in front of him were charred black.
(As expected, Novem's magic has power.)
The problem was Miranda-san.
"Fire Cannon!"
A sphere of fire was shot out, heading straight for the orc with the shield.
The aim was slightly off, but it was blocked by the shield.
However, the impact caused the orc's posture to collapse.
The comrades behind the shield-bearing orc also suffered burns on their bodies, as they couldn't block everything.
Seeing us after firing the magic, they ran toward us with weapons.
Then, before I could call to Aria,
"Now, charge, Number One! Number Two!"
As Damian said that, the armored dolls ran through the passage holding large spears.
The dolls, who felt no pain, thrust their spears without fear.
The orcs swung their weapons, but the attacks were easily deflected.
The dolls' armor itself seemed to be made of substantial metal, as it didn't dent even when receiving attacks.
While two orcs were pinned by the spears and unable to move, the shield-bearing orc broke through the gap and charged with a roar.
Adjusting the position of his glasses with his index finger, Damian spoke.
"You should have retreated there. We are busy, so if you had fled, we wouldn't have pursued... what a pity."
As soon as he finished speaking, I shouted.
"Aria!"
Aria, who dashed forward, seemed to disappear for an instant before my eyes.
However, in the next moment, she had circled around behind the orc charging at us with the shield.
She must have used a skill to circle around.
"Did she use the walls or ceiling?"
As I said while looking at the passage, Aria, who had circled around, thrust her spear deep into the orc's vital point.
The orc fell forward.
When the shield slammed into the floor, the sound of metal scraping was heard.
It was a high-pitched sound.
I felt a slightly indescribable, unpleasant sensation.
"Yes!"
Since she could deliver the finishing blow to the orc, Aria was happy.
As she pulled the spear out of the orc, blood sprayed out and got on her body.
Damian spoke.
"You really lack elegance. Finishing with a brute-force strike. Moreover, it's barbaric."
It seemed Aria and Damian's compatibility was poor.
"Your dolls are the same! They just charge and stab with spears!"
"Call it a simple and efficient attack."
Leaving the two who were fighting like children, I thanked the other members.
"Sorry, Clara. For making you use magic the whole time."
"This is also part of the job. Besides, I'm used to it, so I'm fine. Though it's the first time I've experienced so much turning it on and off."
The tip of her large staff was glowing with magic.
The brightness, being a support specialist, was brighter than what Novem did.
"Novem, hasn't the power of your magic increased? You took out an orc in one hit."
"Thank you. But this is a narrow place, so there's no escape. It's thanks to Riel-sama's judgment."
I had left the choice of which magic to use to the individuals.
However, Novem's judgment to use magic that spreads over a wide area was very helpful.
"Miranda-san, thank you for your hard work. Sorry for this, even though you're not used to it."
"...Eh? A-Ah, it's fine, Riel-kun."
Seeing Miranda-san, who was absent-minded for a moment, I immediately gave her a smile.
"Please tell me if it's too much."
"I will. Yes... I'll do that."
When Miranda-san said that, I looked back at Aria and Damian, who were still arguing.
Sighing, I listened to the voice from the jewel.
'Riel...'
It was the sad voice of the sixth generation.
(I know, sixth generation...)
When I used the skill—.
During the combat, Miranda-san's reaction had flashed red for just a moment.
Red is the color that indicates an opponent with hostility.
(As I thought, Shannon is dangerous.)
It was becoming difficult to make her change her heart.
I remembered Miranda-san, who directed hostility toward me during the combat.
Her reaction is now glowing yellow, which is neither one nor the other.