As the tension hung in the air, dawn began to break.
What was that menacing aura all about?
Beyond the walls of Labyrinth City, the sun was gradually rising.
Jeong Yusin looked around.
Most people were groggily tidying up their spots.
In the distance, the guards were approaching.
The mole half-human who had come out of the post earlier to relieve the others said offhandedly,
“There were no real problems tonight. Good work, everyone.”
“Understood.”
“Come by the guard post to collect your pay and go home.”
Jeong Yusin hesitated briefly before approaching the mole half-human.
“I have something to report.”
“What is it?”
The mole half-human wore glasses that resembled sunglasses, as if the rising sun offended him.
Jeong Yusin told him about the menacing aura he had felt in the early morning.
The mole half-human, after hearing Jeong Yusin’s words, asked,
“I heard there was a brief altercation during the night. Could it have been that?”
“No, the aura I felt had nothing to do with the altercation.”
“Let me ask you this—do you possess any seals that influence the mind?”
“No.”
“Do you feel sudden heart palpitations or bodily eruptions at night?”
“What?! No!”
Why were we suddenly talking about sexual harassment?
“Alright, I understand. If it happens again, report it again.”
Yawning, the mole half-human left, showing no real interest.
“What have I done to deserve this?” Jeong Yusin muttered.
The night guards rushed toward the guard post to collect their pay, and Jeong Yusin followed suit.
Chung
Twenty copper coins.
That was the pay for a night’s work as a night guard.
Jeong Yusin slipped the coins that had landed in his hand into his pouch and left.
When he emerged from the post, half-ogre Stonefist and the frog half-human Cork waved at him from afar.
Jeong Yusin waved back.
“See you later.”
The man in the iron mask approached Jeong Yusin.
“That’s settled then.”
Jeong Yusin parted ways with the night guard party and returned to the inn.
Inside the inn, Tarman and Ann were present.
“You’ve worked hard.”
Tarman smiled.
“Yeah. Thanks for the effort. I need some rest. The lunchbox was delicious.”
“Good to hear that it suited your taste.”
Jeong Yusin returned to his room on the second floor, removed his gear, and lay down on the bed.
As birds chirped and the people in the streets began to stir, Jeong Yusin felt sleep creeping over him.
It was a rare feeling of staying up all night.
Before his transfer, he often stayed up all night playing games.
Reflecting on his previous life made him feel strange.
One thought led to another.
His reverie wandered into conjectures and fantasies until it reached a certain point.
That menace from the night—what was it?
Swoosh!
Jeong Yusin slapped his own cheek.
“Let me just sleep.”
He closed his eyes but quickly opened them again.
Raising only his upper body, he peered under the bed.
There was nothing.
Jeong Yusin lay back down on the bed and closed his eyes.
…
The following evening, he headed toward the labyrinth.
He stopped by the guard post to check in with the captain and followed the mole half-human’s orders to stand near the exit magic circle.
By the fire were the same party members from last time.
The frog half-human Cork.
The greatsword-wielding man in the iron mask.
The half-ogre Stonefist.
They exchanged glances as greetings and unfolded their portable wooden chairs to sit down.
These were provided by Tarman’s request.
‘Really comfortable.’
Even though he had only worked two days, the smell was already noticeable.
The sweet aroma of honey-scented commissions.
Apart from the chilling menace that occasionally filled his chest, it was a sweet honey task just to sit in the chair and monitor the magic circle.
Jeong Yusin crossed his legs and stared blankly at the magic circle.
A lukewarm night breeze brushed past Jeong Yusin’s cheeks.
The exit magic circle was quiet, without incident.
Voices were heard in the distance.
“Is it true that Ingrid will be here this month?”
“I heard that. Or maybe she’s already here.”
“Your eyes will feast on her sight.”
“Fool, she’s not someone to speak of lightly.”
“You can say it; her expressionless, cold face always gives me chills.”
The bull half-human chuckled.
Jeong Yusin immersed himself in thought.
What did Karin’s mother look like?
The representative of the half-human union and one of the members of the Labyrinth City Committee.
The leader of the red wolf clan and a widow.
At that moment, a bright light flashed from the front.
The magic circle opened, and a blue portal appeared.
People hurriedly got up from their seats.
They readied their weapons and took stances.
Jeong Yusin also grabbed his sword and stood up.
Five people came out of the blue portal.
Two humans, two half-humans, and one dwarf.
The leader, who appeared to be the leader of the group, collapsed on the ground as soon as they stepped out of the portal.
It was evident that they had spent quite some time in the labyrinth, with scruffy beards and weary eyes.
A few guards approached, spears at the ready.
The priest in the background also followed along with the guards.
The sounds of distant conversations could be heard between the guards and the party members.
The guards nodded and returned to their positions.
“Nothing out of the ordinary. Feel free to relax.”
Only then did the people either sit down again or resume their interrupted conversations.
A few more hours passed, and a few more party members emerged from the exit magic circle.
It was the same routine as before.
A few guards and the priest approached, had a conversation, and then returned.
Jeong Yusin opened his mouth.
“There don’t seem to be many people obtaining seals?”
“Ordinary business. Putting aside whether a seal is good or bad, obtaining one isn’t that easy.”
The frog half-human Cork spoke.
“Is that so?”
‘My case was different every time I entered.’
Jeong Yusin tilted his head.
Had it just been luck?
With nothing else to do, he opened his lunch box.
The late-night menu consisted of chicken roasted with butter and various spices.
The previous guard captain stiffened his face immediately upon seeing this, and Jeong Yusin inwardly felt a little guilty.
The gazes of the three men were concentrated on him.
“Let’s share.”
“Thank you.”
“It doesn’t seem like it’ll be a heavy meal.”
The party members gathered around and tore into the chicken.
“Wow! This is really delicious. Skull!”
“The only downside is there’s not enough.”
“Would you like some, Iron Mask?”
“I’m fine, thank you.”
Iron Mask shook his head.
If he doesn’t want it, there’s no point in pushing.
At that moment, a rustling sound emerged from the bushes behind them, and something burst out.
A white-furred, chubby mouse.
Jeong Yusin’s eyes widened.
That one under the bed?
The mouse skillfully weaved through the gaps between people and charged straight toward the chicken roast with remarkable boldness. It seemed like nothing existed except the roasted chicken.
Thud!
Jeong Yusin caught the mouse by the scruff of its neck with perfect timing.
“Chick! Chick!”
The white mouse wiggled its plump bottom in the air as it struggled.
“What’s this? Snack?”
The half-ogre Stonefist asked.
“This is a connection. I thought it was someone with the Rat Seal, but it wasn’t.”
Jeong Yusin poked the mouse’s belly with his finger!
“Chick!”
The mouse twitched its body.
“It seems to be its master’s familiar.”
The frog half-human Cork said.
“Is there any way to identify its owner?”
“There is, but my memory is a little fuzzy. Give me a moment.”
“Understood.”
While waiting, Jeong Yusin played with the mouse.
He stroked its back and gently massaged its body.
“Chik. Chick!”
Apparently delighted with Jeong Yusin’s massage, the mouse rolled over, revealing its belly.
“Does this feel good? Hehe.”
“Chick. Chick.”
He softly patted and tickled its belly.
“Chiik!!!”
The mouse shuddered its whole body once, then collapsed in apparent contentment.
The half-ogre Stonefist shook his head at the sight.
“Why do you torment such a cute little mouse, Barvaroy? We still don’t know who its master is.”
“This is fair payback for sneaking under my bed.”
“Hmm, on second thought, you’re right.”
Jeong Yusin briefly glared at the half-ogre.
“I’ve remembered. It’s a little hazy because of my old age.”
“Let’s proceed.”
The frog half-human Cork began incantation.
[Find Owner]
A brief flash of blue light came from the frog half-human’s staff.
The blue light rose and encased the white mouse.
“Grunh!”
Suddenly, the frog half-human dropped his staff and clutched his head.
“Are you all right?”
“…I’m fine. The master’s magical power repelled my spell. Given the amount of magical power, it’s someone stronger than me. Besides, since the familiar has clear eyes, its master doesn’t seem like a bad person either. Just let it go peacefully.”
“Understood.”
Jeong Yusin gently stroked the mouse once more and set it free.
The mouse stood up, glanced at Jeong Yusin with a flicker of its eyes, and then darted off in a flash with a piece of chicken leg in its mouth.
“Why are you letting the familiar go like that?”
“Don’t know. How many events in the Labyrinth City can we actually understand?”
That’s true.
Jeong Yusin cut his connection with the white mouse.
Since the water spirit priest has vouched for it, it should be safe.
If the familiar’s owner has business with him, they will surely meet soon.
He decided to wait.
Propping his chin, he looked at the people emerging from the Labyrinth.
Some had dark eyes.
Some were smiling slyly.
Some had their expressions set in a grim stone.
Jeong Yusin spent his time observing their expressions.
At that moment.
He felt the menacing aura again.
Jeong Yusin gripped his longsword and stood up to look around.
“Barvaroy really looks ready to fight tonight. Can’t hide your blood, can you, halfbreed? Your mother must’ve had quite the difficult pregnancy.”
The bull half-human mocked.
Jeong Yusin’s body froze.
He intended to ignore it, but the insults crossed the line.
Jeong Yusin strode confidently toward the bull half-human.
The bull half-human sat comfortably on a sturdy iron chair, grinning as he looked at Jeong Yusin.
His nerves were already on edge due to the intense menace he had felt.
Jeong Yusin began to speak.
“I might overlook one, but I can’t overlook two.”
“What nonsense…!”
Wham!!!
Jeong Yusin’s work boots hit the bull half-human squarely in the chest.
Clang!!!
The bulky bull half-human tumbled backward, chair and all, landing with a thud. Grunting and thrashing around, his breathing seemed labored.
“What the hell!?”
“Lost it!?”
The bull half-human’s thugs jumped up angrily from their seats.
“Hold it!”
At that moment, the mole half-human rushed in.
“Barvaroy! Go behind the infirmary. That’s an order.”
“They started it.”
“…I understand, but go behind the infirmary.”
“Sigh. Understood.”
Jeong Yusin glared at the bull half-human.
“If you utter another word, I’ll tear your mouth apart. You’ve been irritating me since yesterday morning.”
“Barvaroy!”
The mole half-human shouted.
“Okay, okay. I’m going.”
Jeong Yusin plodded toward the back of the infirmary building.
Small courtyard.
There, somebody stood gazing at the moon.
Fiery red hair.
Slowly swaying long tail and wolf ears.
A massive broadsword stuck into the ground beside them.
The towering red wolf half-human turned their head to look at Jeong Yusin.
An emotionless beautiful face.
She resembled Karin but was different.
Perhaps Karin’s older sister?
Unlike Karin’s boisterous demeanor, this was the calm and composed Karin’s mother.
The oppressive intensity only a supreme warrior could possess.
Jeong Yusin recognized it instantly.
Ingrid Redtail.
The representative of the half-human union and chief of the Red Wolf tribe.
One of the members of the Labyrinth City committee.
It was as if she spent her winters alone—this milfp with a long coat with a red fur collar suited her well.
She was something legendary turned real.
H-cup bust, wide hips, and despite the tight leather pants, clearly protruding backside.
Now clear why Karin’s figure is inherited from this source.
“Half-blood Barvaroy Scath, is that you?”
A calm and icy voice awakened Jeong Yusin’s mind.
“Yes, that’s me. Are you Lady Ingrid?”
“That’s correct. Let me ask again. Are you the one who seduced Karin?”
“Seduced? What on earth are you talking about all of a sudden?”
Ingrid approached. Her fiery red hair gleamed under the moonlight.
Jeong Yusin’s eyes locked with Ingrid’s.
Ingrid’s emotionless gaze steadily examined Jeong Yusin.
Sniff! Sniff!
Ingrid’s nose twitched.
“Are you sniffing me?”
“Just curious to smell you. And from now on, stay away from Karin. Unless you want to die.”
Ingrid then seemed to lose interest, turning away to gaze at the moon.
“How is Karin doing?”
“None of your business. Get lost.”
‘Shit.’
Jeong Yusin turned around and left the infirmary courtyard.
“The menacing aura you felt earlier—it was me. Go back and behave yourself.”
Ingrid said from behind.
“Why did you send it?”
“That’s none of your concern.”
Jeong Yusin sighed profoundly, turned around, and left the courtyard.
Her personality strangely resembled Karin’s.
While it was understandable to show some respect to the dignitaries of the Labyrinth City,
‘Seduce?’
When has he ever seduced Karin?
Thump!
Jeong Yusin hit his own forehead as he pondered.
Ah.
Virgin female corruption seal.
Jeong Yusin sighed again.
Just surviving was a miracle.
He realized he had just crossed a dangerous threshold.
Walking back to his seat, he saw the guard captain and the mole half-human.
Until yesterday, they were still rolling around inside the guard post but now stood straight as guards.
The bull half-human seeing this also sat quietly, though his eyes still darted around, glaring at Jeong Yusin.
Sitting back in his chair, the half-ogre Stonefist spoke.
“You seem to be quite the troublemaker.”
“Life has not been easy.”
“Ho ho.”
In response to Jeong Yusin’s statement, the frog half-human Cork gave a dry laugh.
The man in the iron mask remained silent, stroking his greatsword.
As his eyes met briefly with the man in the iron mask’s,
“Why are you glaring at me?”
The man in the iron mask asked.
“It’s nothing.”
“Bland.”
Jeong Yusin crossed his arms and kept his eyes on the magic circle.
A question arose in his mind.
Luke and Ingrid.
Both encountered here at the entrance to the Labyrinth.
How strange that members of the committee are stationed here at the entrance.
Once could be considered coincidence, but it has happened twice.
Surely they haven’t come just for this insignificant half-blood Barvaroy?
There must be something more.
‘What could it be?’
At that moment, Jeong Yusin’s vision brightened, and his thoughts were interrupted.
Flash!
A blue portal appeared in the magic circle.
Poof!
Stonefist, Cork, Iron Mask—all turned their gazes toward the portal.
Exactly one person crawled out from the portal.
Jeong Yusin sprang to his feet from his seat.
Hans?
It was Hans, the high-level explorer from the third Labyrinth expedition, who had been appointed as the investigation leader—a man with blue hair.
He was supposed to have passed through a black portal.
He had not been found anywhere in the Labyrinth thereafter.
Reports had declared him missing after a significant period of time.
Could he have returned?
Those on guard duty stood up one by one.
Hans was in a sorry state.
His armor was torn to shreds, and from head to toe, he was covered in blood—his arms and legs were each missing one.
Being alive was already a miracle.
The portal disappeared, and Hans barely managed to raise his upper body from the magic circle.
“Hans is back!!!”
The mole half-human rushed forward with a few guards.
A young priest also followed along.
“Huuuuhh…”
Hans coughed up blood.
“Priest! Quick, healing magic!”
The mole half-human shouted urgently.
“Yes, yes!”
As the priest approached,
An unexpected change occurred.
Hans’ body began leaking out a bright red light.
The guard captain shouted,
“It’s a seal!”
“Back away!”
The guards hastened to retreat, and the young priest staggered as he moved backward.
The light emanating from Hans’ body gradually dimmed away.
The young priest cautiously approached once again.
“Ar… Are you alright?”
The priest’s question went unanswered by Hans.
The summer night’s atmosphere sank into a chilling silence.
Despite the forty people present, there was not a sound of anyone breathing.
The strange silence increased in weight.
At that moment, Hans lifted his head.
“Ugh…”
Hans’ eyes had turned completely black.
“Hi… Hiiik!!!”
The young priest screamed in terror and fell on his buttocks.
Simultaneously,
Hans’ skin began distorting, puffing up, and deflating repeatedly, as if something trapped inside a balloon was trying to break out.
It was a horrifying, surreal scene.
People watched dumbstruck, as if their souls had been sucked away by the grotesque and terrifying metamorphosis.
Jeong Yusin covered his mouth with trembling hands to suppress the rising nausea.
‘What is this?’
Evil slumbering in the Labyrinth had taken human form.
Slowly.
Deliberately.
