A noisy morning at the inn.
Jeong Yusin sat at the counter with his eyes closed, organizing his thoughts.
He felt as though he had cleared his mind and returned to square one.
It was thanks to the encouragement from Darmong.
He had almost accumulated enough quests for his promotion, but his party had disbanded.
Since things had turned out this way, Jeong Yusin decided to take his time and focus on his own training. It was something he had to do if he wanted to reach deeper levels.
In that sense, information was the most important thing right now.
Information about the labyrinth.
He already knew the information about floors 1 through 5 from his Explorer classes for beginners.
That knowledge had saved his life.
It was something he couldn’t afford to overlook.
He needed preliminary research on the next labyrinth before he could move on to the next stage.
The problem was that high-quality information was located in the central district library of the city.
The ability to read text smoothly was required to obtain the necessary information.
“Alright.”
He’d made his decision. He believed the proverb that it’s best to pull the horn while the iron is hot.
Jeong Yusin opened his eyes and sprang up from his seat.
“I need to go to the Orphan Academy.”
Jeong Yusin approached Tarman, who was carrying food.
“Tarman, I’ll be attending classes at the orphanage for a while. You don’t need to prepare lunch for me. And when the cat beastkin wakes up, please give them this letter.”
Jeong Yusin handed a small letter and a silver coin to Tarman.
It was a reply to the letter Darmong had sent. He wanted to write so much, but his limited vocabulary and the lack of space forced him to keep it short.
“Understood. I’ll make sure to deliver it.”
Tarman respectfully accepted the letter.
Jeong Yusin gathered his bag from the second floor and rushed to the Dejimoseon Temple.
He checked in with the receptionist at the temple and entered the orphanage.
“Hey, kids.”
Jeong Yusin suddenly entered with a smiling greeting, which made the children panic.
“Wow! That black-haired uncle!”
“…Scary.”
“Uncle, didn’t you go missing in the labyrinth?”
‘Hmm. I need to learn how to read faster.’
It had been a while since he’d seen them, and he had greeted them in good spirits, but the children were too exclusive.
Jeong Yusin sat at his seat and took out writing tools from his bear-shaped bag.
Soon, Mion entered the classroom with her flowing golden hair.
“Wow! Teacher Mion has arrived!”
“Hehe, it’s Teacher Mion.”
Mion smiled gently and stood at the podium.
“Alright children, please sit down and remain quiet. Let’s start the class.”
“Yes.”
The children answered simultaneously and sat down.
Once the class began, Jeong Yusin focused intently with wide eyes.
He put in all his effort with the mindset of laying a strong foundation to move forward.
“…And so, the water elemental deity said to the greedy fisherman, ‘Why do you catch even the young? Since your greed has reached the bottom of the sea, I shall turn you into a child.'”
Mion read them a fairy tale in her soft voice.
The children were entranced by the story, but Jeong Yusin diligently scribbled down everything he didn’t know.
Fortunately, due to his consistent studies in his free time, he recognized more words.
During the break, he memorized the meanings of words.
Time passed, and when lunchtime arrived, all the classes ended.
Mion smiled and spoke.
“You all have worked hard. Class is over for today. Please write a review to submit by tomorrow.”
“Teacher Mion, you’ve worked hard too!”
The children bowed and quickly left the classroom.
Now, the quiet classroom.
Only Jeong Yusin and Mion remained.
“Scath.”
“Teacher Mion.”
Mion stepped down from the podium and approached.
“Scath, how have you been?”
“There have been a few issues here and there, but I’ve been okay. How about you, Teacher Mion?”
“I’ve been fine.”
That was good to hear.
Jeong Yusin’s gaze became serious, causing Mion to swallow.
“Teacher Mion.”
“Yes.”
“There’s something I want to ask.”
“Ask away.”
“I’ve heard you were once an Explorer. I know the upper floors of the labyrinth starting from the 6th floor, but I don’t know much beyond that. Would it be alright to ask about that place?”
“Y-Yes…”
Mion’s voice became strangely quieter, as if she’d lost her energy.
Jeong Yusin felt uneasy.
He judged that since she might know a lot about imprints and frequently encounters Explorers, she must have some information about the labyrinth.
Could he have been wrong?
Mion spoke.
“As you know, the labyrinth splits from the 5th floor. There are three Telestones.”
That much he knew.
“In the ruins of the city of Ingrav at the end of the 5th floor labyrinth, there’s a place that leads to the ‘Forest’ floor. There’s a Telestone in the central area that leads to the ‘Corridor’ floor, and lastly, there’s a Telestone underground that leads to the ‘Sewer’ floor.”
Jeong Yusin stroked his chin as he thought about it.
Forest. Corridor. Sewer.
Which floor would be most beneficial in the current situation?
“Is there any floor you would recommend, Teacher Mion?”
Mion crossed her arms and stayed silent, deeply thinking.
‘Huh?’
As Jeong Yusin looked at Mion, his body stiffened.
Underneath the white priestess robes, her plump chest was pressed against her arms and wobbled like pudding with each sway.
Maybe it was because it was summer, but the faint aroma of mammary milk wafted into his nose.
“Wha?”
“Yes?”
Mion snapped out of it and tilted her head.
“Ah…never mind.”
Jeong Yusin shook his head and looked out the window.
‘Why am I shaken by such a thing? I must be a lactation-grade candidate.’
‘But didn’t you enjoy the rich aroma of milk pooled under her chest during the summer?’
‘…’
For once, the angel and devil in his mind were in agreement.
‘Ah. The darkness of the labyrinth again.’
He straightened his posture and focused.
Mion also lowered her hands and stood up straight.
“First, let me say that my advice is just advice. You need to filter it out. The labyrinth is a place where one gambles with their life for exploration. You shouldn’t rely on others to make decisions for you.”
“I trust you, Teacher Mion.”
“…”
Mion’s face turned slightly red.
“B-but…just a moment. Hmm…what was it again?”
Mion seemed to fluster momentarily before continuing.
“Ahem! I recommend the Forest area for Scath.”
“Is there a reason?”
“As far as I know, Scath uses a sword and prefers lighter armor.”
“That’s correct.”
“The monsters there are generally weaker. Naturally, there are exceptions, but they’re not bad enemies for an Explorer who uses a sword as their main weapon.”
“There’s another reason. There’s a possibility to obtain various valuable herbs and skins. They’re in high demand and have high liquidity.”
“Lastly, it’s because of Scath’s imprint. The monsters in the Forest area mostly carry poison and disease. With Scath’s Venom Protection, I believe it’ll be easier to explore, though you mustn’t let your guard down.”
Mion finished speaking.
Jeong Yusin nodded. Her reasoning was natural and appropriate. It was evident that she had experience.
Summarized:
There are two reasons to go to the ‘Forest’ floor.
First, there’s an advantage due to compatibility.
Second, there’s a higher potential for financial gain.
There’s no reason not to go if it would make exploration smoother. Of course, thorough preparation would be necessary, but it’s worth trying.
“Where should I go if I want to do more research on the Forest area?”
“You can go to the library in the central district. However, you’ll need to learn more about reading, won’t you?”
Upon Mion’s answer, Jeong Yusin fell into thought.
What should he do?
He wanted to rush to the library immediately.
‘No. Being hasty isn’t good. I need to focus.’
“I will learn slowly.”
At Jeong Yusin’s words, Mion fidgeted with her fingers.
“Scath, if it’s alright with you, I can tutor you privately. Just the two of us.”
Jeong Yusin’s eyes widened.
This unexpected fortune just came?
“Really? Thank you!”
“Let’s do it after lunch. Is that okay?”
“Yes! Thank you!”
‘Might teacher Mion actually be an angel?’
Did he receive too much from Mion? He suddenly felt a bit guilty.
“Teacher Mion, I feel bad that I only take.”
“That’s not true. You’ve given me a lot.”
Mion’s smile slightly dimmed.
“Why do you look so upset?”
“Ah…no. One of my precious ‘items’ is missing.”
An item.
An item.
“Should I help you find it?”
“Ah! No!”
Mion flailed her arms. Her mammary glands powerfully swung, turning Jeong Yusin’s mind blank.
It felt like he got hit on the back of the neck, and all his thoughts disappeared.
I think she mentioned something about an item, but he couldn’t recall.
“Uh…uh…yes. Understood.”
“Yes!”
The hot summer breeze entered the classroom, caressing the hair of the two.
“Well, I’ll go ahead.”
“I’ll have enough materials ready. Just come over.”
“Yes, thank you always.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
Jeong Yusin awkwardly smiled and left the classroom.
He felt full, even without eating any food.
His steps felt unexpectedly light.
He returned to the inn.
“I’m back.”
Tarman, who was wiping the table, looked up.
“Scath, did something good happen?”
“It’s joyful to gain knowledge. How could it not be joyful to learn endlessly?”
Jeong Yusin’s strange answer made Tarman tilt his head.
“…Yes. But Scath, you have a visitor.”
“Who?”
“They are from the Swordsmanship Guild.”
Tarman pointed at a corner table.
There sat a shaggy-haired youth. He remembered him; he’d seen him before, a trainee.
“Scath, greetings!”
The youth stood up and greeted respectfully.
“What’s the matter?”
“The guildmaster ordered me to bring you.”
“I’m busy cultivating my mind. Relay that excuse.”
“…Did the master ask if writing could replace food?”
“Tell him I’m busy now and I’ll visit soon.”
“The master asked for an exact date.”
“Tell him I’ll come in three days.”
“Yes, please come.”
“Alright.”
The youth bowed again and left the inn.
As he watched the youth leave, Jeong Yusin had a sudden thought.
‘Could it be…’
Had they noticed his fight outside the labyrinth city?
It sent a chill down his spine.
To be honest, it was a wretched fight.
Compared to swordsmanship and Sacred Weapon combat, it was closer to guerrilla tactics using psychological warfare and poison.
If Ashur found out, he’d likely foam at the mouth.
‘I should have fought with more dignity.’
Still, since he’d finished with proper swordsmanship in the end, was it alright?
He suddenly felt less inclined to visit the Swordsmanship Guild.
He sighed and walked to the counter.
At that moment,
Creeak.
“Uncle! It’s you!”
The inn door opened, and fox beastkin Luna came in and greeted.
“Are you here for today’s performance?”
“Yes!”
“Alright.”
Jeong Yusin sat on the counter chair and opened a book.
It was a children’s book Mion had given him before leaving. It was about the Water Elemental God and the fisherman.
Jeong Yusin focused on reading.
As the sun set, Luna’s performance began. People gathered around the tables and cheered.
“Ta-da!!! Slime transformation!”
“Wow!!! So cute!”
“Wow! Look at those squishy slimes. If I were only a bit younger!”
“Click! Click!”
Suddenly, Lin also jumped in and danced with the slime.
“Look at that white rat with the hat!”
“Whoever their master is, they know what cuteness is!”
Jeong Yusin chuckled as he read his book.
He couldn’t believe the ice-cold Ingrid knew what cuteness was.
There’s laughter even for the passing dog beastkin.
He closed the book and moved closer to where Luna was performing.
Luna directed the slimes with sweat dripping from her.
Lin also danced harmoniously with the slimes’ squishy motions.
Suddenly.
“Ah!”
Luna slipped off the chair as her legs gave out.
“Luna!”
Jeong Yusin dashed through the crowd and caught Luna.
“Phew?”
Luna exhaled with a deflated voice.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m…fine.”
“That’s good. Be more careful.”
“Understood. But Uncle?”
“What is it?”
“You see, Uncle, while in Uncle’s embrace…”
Luna pointed at her belly with her finger.
“Luna’s lower abdomen is tingling.”
An unexpected bombshell announcement.
Jeong Yusin’s eyes widened like a pair of large doors.
“Wha?!”
A colder silence than winter’s chill fell over the inn’s hall.
