The next day.
Jeong Yusin woke up early in the morning, had breakfast, and left the inn.
Pushing his way through the crowded streets, he finally arrived at the temple.
“There, that way.”
A guard at the temple pointed off to one side.
Not far from the temple stood a large brick house with a yard.
Walking across the yard and entering the house, Jeong Yusin heard loud, bustling sounds.
“Emma! Hurry up! That person is here today.”
“I know. Why are you making such a fuss every time?”
“Because, they’re incredibly pretty! I want to see them all the time!”
Jeong Yusin approached the chattering young girls.
“Excuse me…”
“Aaaaah!”
The two girls screamed and quickly stepped back.
“Who…who are you?”
“I’ve come to learn how to read.”
“Huh?”
The shorter girl’s eyes widened.
“You said you’ve come to learn how to read.”
“Isn’t this an orphanage?”
“I heard they teach reading here, and I paid.”
“Ah! I see. You’ve come to learn reading, haven’t you? For a moment, I thought that rumors about Barbaroy hunting girls here were true. My apologies for the misunderstanding.”
The short girl bowed her head.
“I am Barbaroy.”
“Huh?”
A brief silence followed.
The girl took a few hesitant steps backward.
“Surely not.”
Before Jeong Yusin could think of explaining, fatigue came over him first.
“I’ve come to learn how to read. Surely, Barbaroy wouldn’t come to hunt at the orphanage in broad daylight?”
Still, he offered an explanation fearing any minor misunderstanding might grow and draw unfavorable attention from the temple. There was also the considerable sum of one silver coin he had paid.
Fortunately, the girl understood.
“Yeah, you’re right. It was my mistake. Please follow me.”
Following the girl down the corridor, they entered a place that looked like a classroom.
The spacious room contained multiple chairs and desks. Children were sitting in their places, chatting noisily.
“Huh? Emma! Who’s that man?”
A girl near Jeong Yusin asked the shorter girl.
“He’s come to learn how to read.”
“Wow. An adult coming here?”
“I heard this place is the cheapest.”
Jeong Yusin nonchalantly replied.
“Oh, okay.”
The girl suddenly became shy.
She wasn’t used to talking to adults.
‘This feels awkward too.’
Looking around, Jeong Yusin saw only children.
No matter where he looked—children.
He found a vacant spot after glancing around cautiously.
Whispers and sideways glances were felt.
Jeong Yusin felt like a monkey in a zoo.
“Good morning, everyone. Please take your seats.”
The classroom door opened, and a woman walked in.
‘Is this Mion, the priestess?’
Her golden hair swayed, and she wore a white priestess robe, differing from the black one he had seen last time.
It wasn’t the usual clinging black robe but a loose, billowy white garment. Although black could be glimpsed under the outerwear, the overall impression was holy and maternal.
At Mion’s words, the children found their seats and sat down.
The children looked at Mion with eyes full of admiration.
“We have a new friend today. Let’s all welcome them with applause, shall we?”
“Yes, teacher.”
Clap, clap, clap, clap.
The classroom filled with applause. Jeong Yusin couldn’t stay still and clapped too. Clapping while being welcomed might’ve seemed strange, but he wanted to do something.
With Mion guiding the class smoothly, Jeong Yusin quietly sighed while looking at the teaching materials she handed him.
The woodcutter and the earth spirit.
Judging by the illustrations, it appeared to be a simple fairy tale for a six-year-old.
‘Straighten up, Jeong Yusin. You can’t expect everything right at the start. Stay diligent.’
Catching his thoughts from drifting toward wisewolf time, he stared intently at Mion at the blackboard.
He fully focused on Mion’s words and the writings on the board, ignoring the children’s glances.
‘Just focus on the task.’
Morning lessons ended as time passed.
“Alright, that’s all for today. Don’t forget to bring the homework I’ll check tomorrow.”
“Yes, teacher.”
The children cheerfully responded.
Jeong Yusin picked up his things as he had planned to stop by the inn after a quick lunch provided by the temple to prepare for exploration before heading to the guild.
‘Time is a bit tight.’
It was a waste to spend time finding the dining area.
As Jeong Yusin was leaving, he called out to Mion.
“Teacher, where do you eat lunch?”
“Ah! Mr. Scath, please follow me. The children’s meal portions would be insufficient, so you will dine at the temple’s dining hall. Let me guide you.”
Mion lightly smiled while answering.
“Yes, Priestess.”
Leaving the classroom, Jeong Yusin walked beside Mion down the corridor.
“How was today’s class?”
“It was good.”
He gave a brief reply. Being so close, the sweet fragrance from Mion filled his nose, clouding his mind slightly.
Her soft and warm voice.
A beauty that transcended mere good looks, exuding holiness.
That radiant beauty smashed the stereotype that squinters were secretive and sinister.
“I came today to observe Mr. Scath. It wasn’t actually my teaching schedule.”
“So, have I passed the assessment?”
“Yes. You may continue. You see, explorers tend to be somewhat abrasive, and there was a possibility someone might have a negative impact on the children, so I personally screened candidates on behalf of the temple.”
“Yes.”
It was strange.
‘But I’m a Barbaroy?’
Even Emma, whom he met in the morning, had rambled something about “girl hunting.”
He also remembered being rejected by many adventuring parties, eventually joining a last-tier group.
And other incidents.
He knew Barbaroy himself could be considered the epitome of negative influence.
No, it wasn’t something to dwell on.
Mion’s noble character, unswayed by rumors and prejudice, was correct.
With a lighter heart, Jeong Yusin and Mion engaged in casual conversation as they reached the temple’s dining hall.
“Then, I’ll see you later. I will pray for your safe exploration.”
Mion slightly bowed her head.
“Thank you.”
After bidding farewell to Mion, Jeong Yusin entered the dining hall.
Priests were quietly eating their food in separate groups. Jeong Yusin also stood in line, received his food, and sat at an empty seat.
The meal was simple.
Rye bread, small pieces of cheese, and potato soup.
Jeong Yusin quickly ate and left the dining hall.
‘I mustn’t be late.’
*
After stopping at the inn to collect his gear, Jeong Yusin arrived at the guild.
It was easier to find the goblin party due to the relatively empty guild hall.
“You weren’t coming, I thought.”
Dell muttered discontentedly.
Seeing a goblin cross-armed grumbling was quite refreshing.
“My apologies. Something came up.”
“Let’s go.”
Dell lifted her wooden bow and spoke. It was evident she was indeed a former elf by the way she handled the bow.
Dwarf Einhofer, human mage Keltan, and Num Dito gathered their gear and rose from their seats.
Their armaments were fairly distinct.
The dwarf wore heavy armor with a horned helmet and carried a long single-edged axe. His iron gauntlets with closely packed steel nails stood out noticeably.
The mage wore a robe and carried a staff, along with a sword.
Jeong Yusin glanced absentmindedly at the Aming Sword dangling at the mage’s waist before catching his eyes. Keltan shrugged without a word.
Num Dito’s equipment consisted of leather armor, two daggers, a crossbow, and a short sword. His light gear indicated he carried minimal supplies.
“I’m the guide, so I need to remain light. Have some sympathy, Barbaroy.”
Dito read Jeong Yusin’s expression immediately and responded.
“Since we have a newcomer, let’s take it easy today. Just patrolling the outskirts of the second floor of the labyrinth while killing a few goblins should suffice. Takedown some enemies and scavenge for magic stones.”
Having a goblin hunting goblins sounded amusing.
Dell suddenly glared at Jeong Yusin.
“What? You’re thinking something odd, aren’t you?”
“No, I’m not.”
“See, you are.”
“Are we just going to stand here?”
Finally, the silent Einhofer spoke.
“Alright, let’s go!”
Dell led the group out of the guild.
They left the southern district of the city and entered the western area.
Walking through the quiet streets towards the labyrinth, they passed by other groups of adventurers. Their appearances and outfits were as diverse as spring flowers.
Back to the Great Labyrinth.
Several events occurred in Jeong Yusin’s first entry, yet he survived. He also learned a few things. Although he gained only an ordinary positive trait instead of the cheat-like abilities he had dreamed of, he counted himself lucky for not acquiring any negative traits.
Lost in such thoughts, he soon arrived at the Great Labyrinth. Following the soldiers’ guidance, they stood on a magic circle.
“Are you nervous?”
Dell chuckled.
“This is the second time. It would be strange not to be nervous.”
Jeong Yusin nervously fiddled with the flintstone in his pocket.
“Hmm.”
A strange clearing-throat-like sound escaped from Einhofer just as the light of the magic circle flickered.
A sensation of floating in midair swept over him.
Soon, the damp, moist air touched his skin.
The bright vision dimmed.
The afternoon’s sluggish mood completely vanished.
It was the labyrinth.
Jeong Yusin quickly retrieved the flintstone and lit the torch.
The cave inside looked the same as when he had first come.
Dark and humid.
“Here, this is the Central Zone. A little further and we can go down to the second level.”
Dito observed the surroundings and stated. Without opening a map, he could immediately discern their current location.
‘He’s a seasoned veteran.’
Unlike Jeong Yusin who was tense, Dell’s group seemed relaxed.
“Give me the torch. I’ll take the lead. Have some sympathy.”
Dito extended his hand.
“Don’t keep calling me ‘sympathy’. Please don’t.”
“You’ve been here before and yet you’re still so tense. Just stick closely behind me.”
Dito took the torch and moved ahead at a rapid pace, even though visibility was poor, his steps were sure and steady.
Dito was in the front, closely followed by Jeong Yusin. Behind him was Einhofer, then the mage Keltan, and Dell took up the rear.
Dell’s group moved several times faster than Karl’s group. They almost sprinted, fearlessly cutting through the darkness.
“Huff…”
After walking at a fast pace for about two hours, Jeong Yusin began breathing heavily.
“Six hobgoblins up ahead. Prepare for combat. Scath, move in front.”
Dito stopped and stepped back.
“Yes.”
Swoosh.
The newly acquired Aming Sword slid smoothly out of its scabbard. The unique grip of the one-handed sword fit perfectly in his hand, much more convenient than the longsword. He gripped the shield securely and moved forward.
“Let’s see what the newbie’s got.”
Dell chuckled from behind.
“They’re coming.”
“Kee-geeek.”
“Kek-kek.”
SWOOSH!
Dell fired an arrow. The arrow disappeared into the darkness and the sound of something collapsing followed. No screams.
“Got one with the bow.”
Five enemies remained.
Two with spears, two with swords, and one with a club.
A goblin swung its sword at Jeong Yusin.
Creeaaak!
Blocking it with his shield, Jeong Yusin plunged his sword into the goblin’s neck. He struck its carotid artery, as the blood gushed out like a fountain when he pulled out the blade.
Using his foot to kick away the goblin collapsing lifelessly, he grabbed the incoming spear and pulled it toward him, smashing the goblin’s face with the pommel of his sword.
“Keeeeeek!!”
With his head crushed like Karl’s, the goblin staggered backward.
A club came swinging at his face.
While holding onto the spear, another goblin approached swinging its club.
Quickly raising his shield was in vain.
Phwwwwack!
The body of the club-wielding goblin split in half, cleaved by an axe.
“Hmm.”
Pooong!
A bolt from Dito’s crossbow shot through the eye of the spear-wielding goblin. It fell, doll-like, likely due to the bolt piercing its brain.
The last remaining goblin turned to flee, but another arrow from Dell punctured its skull.
Thud.
With the fall of the last goblin, the battle concluded.
A swift skirmish, over in less than 30 seconds.
To be honest, walking had been far more exhausting. He admitted he made a minor error not spotting the club in time, but it wasn’t too critical.
“Thank you, Einhofer. Thanks to you, I survived.”
Still, he offered his gratitude.
“Hn.”
Einhofer merely nodded slightly.
“Hurry and cut off those goblin ears. What are you doing wasting time?”
Dell snapped irritably.
“Yes.”
The group, after setting up the torches, crouched down to sever the goblins’ ears.
Within the dimly lit cave, the sound of quiet blade work echoed.
He hadn’t noticed the first time he entered the labyrinth amidst the chaos.
But now, observing everyone gathered and cutting goblins’ ears as if harvesting weeds…
An insight dawned upon him.
This life of his?
Is not a munchkin story where he wields cheats to dominate in another world while bedding numerous women.
‘The genre is different.’
“Scath, hurry up. We have a long way ahead.”
“Yes.”
Dell, who had been squatting nearby, mocked him.
Goblins cutting hobgoblin ears…
It was absurd enough that it made Jeong Yusin chuckle.
“Kelten, why is he laughing?”
“Leave him. Must be having some pleasant fantasies, huh? Worthless.”
Although Dell and Keltan were chatting suspiciously nearby, Jeong Yusin half-heartedly ignored them.
Compared to before, it wasn’t too bad, considering.
With the laughter mingling with the sound of blades, echoes spread through the dark cave.
