Luna wiggled her tail like a helicopter while enjoying her juice, so they always kept it in stock—it was a mix of mountain raspberries, peaches, and honey. Jeong Yusin tilted the wooden cup to his lips and gulped it down.
“Hmm. Good stuff. You should try it too.”
“Sounds good.”
Iron Mask picked up the cup and tilted it into the hollow of his mask’s mouth opening. Watching the skillful manner in which he drank suggested it wasn’t the first time he’d done so. Jeong Yusin tried to catch a glimpse of the face behind the mask, but Iron Mask clearly had no intention of revealing it.
Jeong Yusin crossed his arms and studied Iron Mask quietly before speaking. “How did you know I was staying here, Iron Mask?”
Iron Mask set the cup down and tilted his head. “Hmm? Everyone on the southern street knows you’re staying here.”
Jeong Yusin frowned. He had noticed merchants and residents watching him whenever he walked by, but he hadn’t realized it was this extreme.
“Why on earth did you invite me to your party?”
“Do you remember the day we fought together?”
Of course he remembered that day. They had fought against the half-Ogre’s stone fists alongside Cork, the amphibian summon of Hans.
“Even though our party was hastily assembled, we worked well together. And…” Iron Mask paused for a moment before continuing. “I was deeply impressed by the courage and dedication you showed. That’s why I decided to invite you to join our team.”
Jeong Yusin scratched his cheek. Courage, he could admit to that, but dedication? It sounded grandiose.
Still… he had to admit they got along. Whether or not their rhythms would perfectly match would only be determined through more time spent together, but it was clear Iron Mask had no issues with discriminating against non-humans from the start.
Jeong Yusin tapped the table thoughtfully with his fingers. There were still things he needed to know if they were to work together.
“Where in the Labyrinth are we going?”
“Up to the Forest Layer of the 6th Tier. If we have time, we’ll go to the 7th.”
“You’re not a novice Explorer, Iron Mask?”
“Says the seasoned newbie.”
“So, you’re the one?”
“There’s no law saying I must gain all my experience in the Labyrinth City. Call me a prepared candidate.”
Jeong Yusin nodded at that. So, he’d received some form of training outside the city. Iron Mask was thorough.
“What’s the rest of your party like?”
“Ordinary. The two of us will be at the vanguard. We’ll also have one Guide and one Cleric.”
Jeong Yusin fell deep into thought. This wasn’t bad at all. Coincidentally, they were heading to the Forest Layer, which suited him. The group composition also seemed appropriate.
But…
One last sticking point remained.
As much as he thought about it, certain characteristics he’d heard about the First Prince from the Fifth Prince seemed eerily similar to Iron Mask.
Should he ask?
Should he not?
This was definitely not the setting to discuss such things in the bustling inn.
‘Guess there’s no avoiding it,’ Jeong Yusin stood up.
“Come to my room. We need to talk this out.”
Iron Mask’s tone turned frosty. “Barbaroy, what exactly do you mean by that? Why must I come to your room?”
“Just a conversation. Nothing more nefarious, I assure you.”
“Then let’s speak here.”
Ah. So there were preconceived notions about Barbaroys after all.
Seems the guy read too many Labyrinth City adventure novels.
There was no way around it now. New tactics were necessary.
Jeong Yusin twisted his lips and emitted an unusual sound.
“Uwa-za.”
“What on earth are you saying all of a sudden?”
Iron Mask’s voice carried a tone of suspicion. In fact, he even leaned his chair back slightly to create some distance.
“Your brother. Owa-za. Wagu.”
“…So, you know, then?”
The sharp Iron Mask quickly interpreted Jeong Yusin’s odd speech.
Jeong Yusin adjusted his posture.
“Would it not be fitting for you to use formal language from here on?”
“I’ve heard that Explorers of the Labyrinth City don’t place much importance on social rankings. Let’s be relaxed in our conversation.”
“Is that so? Alright, then.”
“…”
Iron Mask scrutinized Jeong Yusin for a moment before speaking.
“Now that I think about it, I’m the elder, correct? It feels a bit strange to speak so casually. Uncomfortable, even.”
“How old are you, exactly?”
“Twenty-seven.”
“You’re only four years older than me, so quit making this such a hassle, friend.”
“Hmph.”
Iron Mask exhaled heavily.
“Please keep my identity a secret. And let’s save the unfinished discussion for later.”
He sounded much more relaxed now.
“Why?”
“Right after finishing the night shift, I came straight here. I’m quite exhausted.”
Ah. That’s why the Fifth Prince hadn’t been able to find this guy for such a long time.
Naturally, there must be deeper reasons involved, but listening to Iron Mask’s full story would be necessary to uncover more details.
“Got it. When should I have my preparations completed?”
Jeong Yusin asked.
“It’ll take about five days. We’ll meet the other party members before that. What do you say to meeting back here in three evenings?”
“Agreed.”
With Jeong Yusin’s consent, Iron Mask gave a slight nod, stood up, and left the inn.
Jeong Yusin didn’t bother to see him off. Instead, he remained seated and watched his retreating back.
The First Prince, suffering from an incurable disease.
He had stepped down from his position as heir and come to the Labyrinth City.
Though Jeong Yusin hadn’t explicitly brought it up, there were certain conclusions he could deduce.
That the Labyrinth branding might offer the only lifeline.
And, in some ways, the man was in a situation eerily reminiscent of his own.
They both shared that peculiar longing for something that did not exist in this world.
And…
Despite his limited lifespan, this man still managed to maintain sanity and have rational discussions, which Jeong Yusin found commendable.
Still, a royal, of all things.
It was strange how he kept running into ties to highborn individuals.
Jeong Yusin scratched his head and stood up—it was time to prepare for the Labyrinth.
Once he made up his mind, there was no reason to delay.
He moved quickly—first apologizing to Mion, then heading to Boron’s forge in the Western District. Naturally, he didn’t forget to bring a bottle of liquor along with him.
“Boron, I’ve arrived.”
“Is that you, Scath?”
What on earth was going on? Boron looked unusually well-kept compared to the last time they had met, where he looked utterly exhausted.
“Did something good happen?”
“You wouldn’t believe it! The Alkion Metal you provided yielded a tidy profit!”
With a wide grin, Boron gave Jeong Yusin a playful pat on the knee.
One of the items he had swindled from the traveling merchant Oswald had turned out to be top-quality steel, which he sent via Delnaco. It seemed Boron had made good use of it.
“You’ve made the longsword exactly as you ordered. And we used the leftover Alkion Steel well. Additionally, we’ve fixed the Light Armor you asked for.”
“Excellent. Where’s Einhofer?”
“His family reunion. There’s too much decoration work to prepare for the upcoming Blue Moon Festival, and they’re short of hands.”
Jeong Yusin nodded understandingly.
“Speaking of which, Boron, why aren’t you spending time with your family?”
“…”
Jeong Yusin’s question had Boron clamping his mouth shut.
Had he asked something he shouldn’t have?
“Excuse me for my impertinent inquiry.”
Honest apologies followed.
“…You’re like a Barbaroy poking at sore spots. All right, are you prepared to fetch your gear?”
“Yes.”
Boron retrieved the equipment from behind the counter.
The Light Armor, gleaming as if newly restored.
And then…
There was the longsword, its blade shimmering with a pale blue light.
Jeong Yusin’s eyes widened. The weapon radiated an air of aloof elegance, almost hypnotizing—mesmerizing even.
It was worlds apart from his expectations. He had assumed it would be an ordinary longsword.
“A beautiful sword.”
Boron chuckled slightly.
“Ain’t too shabby, if we say so ourselves.”
“Really? Looks like Einhofer’s skills are improving every day.”
“That lad’s got a passion for his craft. Sacrifices even his sleep and meals to perfect the art of forging. It would be more worrying if his skills weren’t growing. He’s a proud student of mine.”
Pride gleamed in Boron’s eyes.
“Didn’t you call him the guy who ruins shops the last time?”
“Me? Never said such a thing…”
As Boron feigned innocence, Jeong Yusin placed the bottle of liquor on the counter.
“May I take a look at the sword?”
“By all means, it’s yours now.”
Jeong Yusin grasped the blue-tinged longsword.
The scabbard bore an engraving of a wolf gazing up at the moon.
Srrr—
A clear and resonant sound filled the forge as the blade was drawn out.
The chilly, reflective blade mirrored his face.
‘Wider than the usual longsword—it’s specialized for cutting.’
A feature typical of a blade designed for slashing. But the tip was pointed, which meant that this was a balanced slashing-and-thrusting longsword.
In other words, it was a longsword designed for both cloth-armored and fully armored combat.
Swinging the weapon around, he found the center of balance lay in the handle. This made it easy to handle, even allowing for unconventional techniques.
This wasn’t knowledge gained through formal education but rather an intuitive understanding from practical experience.
Satisfied, a smile crept onto Jeong Yusin’s lips.
Thanks to Owsvald, the generous and ever-giving traveling merchant, he had obtained a fine longsword indeed.
“Hmm?”
A set of characters was engraved onto one side of the blade. Though not immediately readable, he showed it to Boron.
“What is this inscription on the blade? Is it some kind of new magical incantation or a blessing?”
“Aah, it’s Dwarvish script.”
Boron replied with a grin.
“Wow! What does it say?!”
Jeong Yusin’s voice involuntarily rose—how could a world of fantasy swords, akin to those of Norse myths, not stir the romantic heart.
“‘This sword was forged by Boron and Einhofer. Its owner is Scath, the Barbaroy.’”
“Uh…”
Jeong Yusin’s shoulders drooped.
Could that really be it?
His romantic aspirations…
At least he had hoped the inscription would be something grand, like that of Admiral Yi Sun Sin’s sword, “A single sweep, and rivers and mountains were drenched in crimson.”
Jeong Yusin grabbed Boron pleading for more epic engravings in the future.
“You…WHAT?! That’s terrifying! Are you mad?!”
Pale-faced and trembling, Boron responded.
“Why, then, did you carve these words?”
“Most stolen weapons pass through a forge at one point or another. Dwarves have a tight grip on the forge industry. If any conscientious blacksmith spots your stolen weapon, they’ll contact you. Plus, it’s good advertising!”
‘Hum.’
As much as he looked at it, it seemed more like advertising than anything else.
The intent to boast to other weapon smiths seemed unmistakable.
“Tsk. Understood. Please make the inscription fancy next time.”
“Hah… You! Always breaking your weapons or losing them, how can I pick a quote?!”
Jeong Yusin stormed out as Boron waved him off, muttering under his breath.
Next up was preparing antidotes and healing potions.
He traversed the Southern District until he reached a small, unassuming building.
Constructed of stone and wood, it exuded a modest, homely ambiance.
Tinkle.
Opening the door, he was greeted by a fox therian sitting at the counter, who promptly rose to her feet.
“Scath.”
“Edel, how have you been?”
“Much better, thank you.”
Indeed.
She looked healthier than the last time they had met.
“For another reason, I’ve come to purchase Recovery Potions and Insecticide.”
Insecticide.
A type of potion used to repel woodland demons. He’d learned that from Mion’s private lessons.
“Are you heading to the Forest Layer?”
Clever Edel quickly understood the implications.
“Yes.”
“I see. Please wait a moment.”
Edel, her golden tail swaying softly, searched through a cabinet.
“Here they are.”
A moment later, a red potion, a yellow potion, and a few tablets lay on the counter.
“The yellow potion restores stamina. The white tablets will eliminate parasitic demons and their eggs that live in the Forest Layer. And…”
Edel calmly began explaining the effects of the potions and pills.
About ten minutes later, the explanations came to an end.
Jeong Yusin stored the potions in his bag and opened his pouch of silver coins.
“Thank you. How much do I owe?”
“It’s on the house.”
“No, I can’t accept that.”
“No, you must. Thanks to you, we obtained valuable herbs and could reopen this shop. How could we hold our heads up if we couldn’t even offer this much?”
Edel insisted stubbornly.
“Then, I’ll accept it just this once.”
“Yes, understood. Please do visit often. Luna always asks when you’ll drop by.”
“Indeed. I’ll visit again soon.”
Jeong Yusin smiled as he exited the shop.
Last, he met Ashur at the Swordsmen’s Guild.
“I’m heading to the Forest Layer.”
“Got it. Come back when you do—I have something to say. Stay alive.”
“Yes. I’ll try my best.”
“See you when you get back.”
Surprisingly casually, Ashur sent Jeong Yusin off.
Jeong Yusin furrowed his eyebrows.
‘Hmm. That’s strange.’
Why would he let him go so easily?
“What? Something on your mind?”
“No, nothing.”
He shook his head, clearing the discomfort. Trying to read the mind of a stalking Elf would only deepen his paranoid thoughts.
*
Three days later, evening.
Jeong Yusin sat in a corner of the bustling inn.
All preparations were complete.
As he waited for Iron Mask, many familiar faces came into view.
They were mostly merchants from the Southern District.
In twos and threes, they gathered around, whispering to each other.
Jeong Yusin thought about cutting in but decided against it.
Hadn’t the famous Mr. White from the catering industry said something similar? It was best not to pretend familiarity with customers.
Just as he decided to sit quietly and wait…
“Whoo!”
A whistle cut through the air, and he felt something slip out of his pocket.
A pickpocket?
Without hesitation, he reached out and grabbed the thief’s hand.
“Cut it out, pal. Who are you?”
It was a gray-furred rat therian, sweating profusely.
“I… I’m sorry! This isn’t…this isn’t my doing.”
What?!
The bustling evening inn.
Jeong Yusin’s eyes turned icy cold.
