Chapter 18

The group swiftly wiped out a goblin village and began their return.

During this time, their attitude towards Yujin had grown more cautious. This was due to Hans’s testimony that Yujin had teleported behind a demon in the blink of an eye and effortlessly used magic to bisect and kill an orc possessed by a demon without any visible casting. They realized he wasn’t just some upper-level mage.

“Reminds me of when you first joined our party.”

When Yujin had initially joined, there was something about his presence that made the party members constantly watch his every move.

Recalling those days brought new feelings, even though it was only yesterday.

Anyway, regardless, the return trip was incredibly fast thanks to the portals in the Maze that could transport you directly from any floor back to the 1st level.

Hugo’s party quickly located the portal on the 5th level and, upon finding the glowing teleportation circle, they checked their numbers before stepping onto the portal.

With that, Yujin stepped onto the portal and was instantly transported to the 1st level of the Maze.

POOF!

His vision flickered as his body was pulled to another place. And then, what came into view…

A bustling marketplace.

A chaotic, lively scene filled Eugene’s sight—white, ancient stone buildings contrasting with the market-like atmosphere below.

“Step right up! Always fill your belly before heading into the Maze! Try our food!”

“Selling tools! Get your camping sets for Maze expeditions—on sale!”

“30 silver, no less!”

“Heh, how about 25 silver?”

“Damn, this is a bust. I heard riches awaited within the Maze.”

“Alright, let’s go again today!”

Merchants selling goods and food, adventurers returning from the Maze, others preparing to head in…

Countless people gathered, creating a cacophony of noise.

This was the scene of the 1st level of the Maze.

Within the Maze, as you progressed through the floors, you’d occasionally encounter “safe zones” or “safe levels”—levels devoid of monsters or trials.

The 1st level of the Maze was one such safe zone where people gathered to sell goods, make final preparations before entering the Maze, or even run inns. It was a space where mortals could live safely.

Its basic appearance resembled the interior of an absurdly massive white stone building.

At both ends were exits leading outside the Maze and entrances leading deeper inside.

Between these entrances and exits, stalls and inns set up by people formed a bustling street.

And Hugo’s group had arrived at such a location.

“In the 1st level of the Maze, everyone can relax now.”

“Huh, finally we’re back.”

“Phew… it’s over.”

Everyone sighed in relief as they relaxed, but then Hugo turned to look at Yujin.

“And, Mr. Yujin. I feel I should express my gratitude here. Thank you for saving our lives during this expedition.”

Hugo bowed deeply while speaking to Yujin, who smiled gently in response.

“I won’t say it was nothing—it isn’t. Life isn’t cheap, after all.”

“Yes, and I do plan to offer appropriate repayment. Though our party may not be able to match your worth, we’ll do our best…”

“Haha, there’s no need for such grand gestures. Instead, how about we grab a meal together sometime?”

“Eh?”

Yujin spoke to Hugo, who seemed surprised.

“While life isn’t cheap, I don’t necessarily expect payment. But if it truly bothers you, consider this a debt of gratitude and cherish your lives.”

“…Mr. Yujin…”

Hugo looked moved, and Chrome briefly gaped in admiration.

Mirien stared at Yujin for a moment with a complex expression, her lips trembling before bowing deeply.

Hugo responded resolutely.

“Yes, absolutely. I’ll consider this a lifelong debt.”

“Hmph, and whenever you have time, stop by our dwarf-run workshop. We might be a bit strict, but we wouldn’t dare be so with someone who saved a dwarf’s life.”

Chrome also added kindly, looking at Yujin with friendly eyes. Yujin chuckled and replied.

“Yes, I’ll definitely visit. Ah, before that, may I ask you for one favor?”

“Yes, anything.”

“Um… actually, I’m just realizing this now…”

Yujin scratched his head sheepishly.

“I’m new to Maze City, so could you recommend a good inn where I can stay for a while?”

“…Eh?”

The entire party blinked in surprise.

***

[If you seek wealth, glory, or instant riches, head toward the Great Maze.]

This is a famous saying about the Great Maze.

The Maze contains everything: rare goods, ancient treasures, the power and knowledge of Transcendents.

Everything mortals could desire existed within the Maze.

Naturally, countless people flocked near the Great Maze.

Mercenaries seeking money, rich patrons wanting rare treasures, warriors craving strength, scholars and mages yearning for knowledge—all kinds of people headed toward the Great Maze.

As the population flow around the Great Maze grew, a city naturally formed.

Buildings with various facilities sprang up, and its size quickly rivaled any major city—no, in terms of sheer scale, it could easily stand toe-to-toe with the empire’s capital.

Thus, Maze City was born.

In this city centered around the Maze, a group of travelers was making their way somewhere.

“So… you’re saying this is your first time in a Maze altogether?”

“That’s correct. I spent a long time secluded in a room conducting research before investigating the Maze and coming here.”

Hugo asked, and Yujin answered. His statement revealed that he had only been in the Maze world for a day after leaving his secluded life.

It was a convenient excuse but also watertight, aligning with the fact that he didn’t belong to any particular school or faction.

“You’ve been cooped up in a room studying, yet you’re surprisingly easy to talk to—not like those cranky old mages.”

Chrome delivered a sharp observation, though he seemed unaware of it.

“Haha… honestly, I think being cranky is just part of who some people are, not their environment. I believe everyone knows basic courtesy when dealing with others.”

“Hmm, maybe so?”

Chrome shrugged it off, not really intending it as criticism anyway.

“Ah, we’re here.”

Meanwhile, Hugo stopped in front of an inn and turned to Yujin.

“This is the inn I relied on heavily when I first arrived at the Maze. The owner is very reasonable, and the food is quite excellent.”

“That sounds promising. I’m looking forward to it.”

Following Hugo’s guidance, Yujin entered the inn, where a loud female voice greeted them.

“Welcome! Oh? Hugo, is that you?”

“Haha, hello, madam.”

A well-built middle-aged woman greeted Hugo warmly. Hugo smiled happily in return.

“Welcome back! Haven’t seen you since you started staying at the guild dorms—are they treating you well?”

“Haha, decent enough. Free, but still, I prefer it here—it feels homier.”

“Of course, doesn’t it? Ah, Mirien and Chrome, nice to see you too!”

“…Hello.”

“Long time no see.”

Mirien, with her hood up, and Chrome greeted the woman politely. Then she turned her gaze toward those who weren’t originally part of Hugo’s party.

“So, who are these folks behind you?”

“Oh, these two ladies are Eri and Sia, students from the Academy who were the targets of our recent mission. This is Hans, who helped carry our gear, and this is Yujin, who we met in the Maze.”

“Hello!”

“Nice to meet you…”

“Cough, greetings. My name is Hans.”

“Haha, I’m Yujin. Nice to meet you.”

Each member introduced themselves. The innkeeper smiled and said,

“My name is Mary, the innkeeper. Nice to meet you all.”

“Mary madam, would you mind arranging a room for Mr. Yujin? He’s newly arrived in Maze City and needs a place to stay. Given how much he’s helped us, I’d like to ask this favor of you.”

Hugo asked Mary, who stroked her chin thoughtfully.

“Hmm… unfortunately, we’re fully booked right now…”

“Oh…”

“But since Hugo says you’ve done him a big favor, we should accommodate you! Mr. Yujin, right? Our husband just left for the Maze, so his room is free for now. Would you like to use it?”

“As long as I have a place to stay, I’m extremely grateful.”

“Tch, good-looking and polite too. Alright, I’ll hold the room for you. Can you wait a moment?”

“Haha, of course.”

Just then, Hugo turned to Mary, who was about to head upstairs.

“Well, madam, I’ll be going now. I need to file reports with the Academy and Guild and settle accounts…”

“Hmm… leaving so soon? That’s disappointing.”

“Haha, I’ll come back later for a meal. I did promise dinner to Mr. Yujin too.”

“Well, if you insist! Safe travels! Visit often!”

“Yes, thank you, madam. Mr. Yujin, we’ll take our leave now.”

Hearing this, Yujin smiled and replied,

“Yes, thank you very much, Mr. Hugo, and everyone.”

“Haha, no, we’re the ones who owe you. See you later.”

“Goodbye!”

“Goodbye…”

“…Well, we’re off.”

“Hey… um, see you, Mr. Yujin. Don’t forget to visit our dwarf workshop!”

With that, the group began to disperse, and Mary also went upstairs to prepare the room.

Watching the bustling tavern downstairs as waiters served food and people chatted noisily, Yujin heard Tiamat speak:

〈You found yourself a decent bunch of kids.〉

“Haha, yeah. Seems like I’ve made some good connections.”

Yujin nodded in agreement. Indeed, the leader Hugo and the rest were all pretty decent people.

“Still… Maze City, huh…”

He muttered softly, gazing out the window.

A completely different world from Earth.

Ever since meeting other parties in the Maze, he’d felt it, but walking through the streets of this foreign world solidified the realization.

He was truly in another world. Eugene smirked.

Since the Gate had confirmed the existence of parallel worlds without detecting this one, perhaps he was the first Earthling to discover this alternate world.

‘Or maybe not.’

After all, Maze Academy wasn’t a game he alone played.

If Maze Academy was indeed the medium connecting Earth to this world… someday, he might meet other Earthlings who’d crossed over.

‘…Could be interesting.’

Smiling faintly to himself, Eugene envisioned such a future.

“Yujin! Your room’s ready, come on up!”

“…Yes, I’m coming.”

Living in another world.

Perhaps, just maybe, this new life offered a reason to live—one he hadn’t had before.