The dimly-lit hallway of the inn.
Jung Yusin and Delnaco met each other’s gaze.
Jung Yusin crossed his arms.
“Really, do we have to go out at this time of night?”
“Yes, they wish to see you once.”
“Tch. Understood. I’ll leave my bag in my room and come back, so wait a moment.”
Jung Yusin paused as he was about to sling his bag.
“Wait a moment. Let me ask you something. I got this from those assassins, but is it safe to keep using it?”
Jung Yusin showed the bag.
Delnaco’s expression stiffened.
“There’s a chance the assassins would recognize it. I recommend not using it for the time being as it could be dangerous.”
“I see. I heard this bag has magic bestowed upon it, does it have much value?”
Delnaco tilted his head.
“I know a person who is well-versed in magical artifacts. Should we get it appraised?”
“Sure. And can you also appraise this Magic Stone?”
As Jung Yusin showed the Magic Stone, Delnaco’s eyes widened in surprise.
“I-Is this a High-grade Magic Stone?!”
“Is it expensive?”
“Yes! It’s worth dozens of gold coins! Where did you acquire something like this?”
“Didn’t I tell you? I received it from Oswald.”
“You already mentioned that completely when you were with Aldein, did you not?”
“I didn’t know it was this valuable. Anyway, let’s go.”
Jung Yusin tossed the bag to Delnaco.
Delnaco was startled and quickly caught the bag Jung Yusin threw.
Creak.
The two men exited the inn.
The hot summer wind brushed past their foreheads.
They slowly walked down the night street, where a few people could be seen.
Delnaco stole a glance at Jung Yusin.
A deeper gaze in his eyes.
When they first met, he was already giving off an unusual aura.
Just like an onion slowly peeling away its layers, he was gradually becoming more accustomed to the Labyrinth City with each passing day.
Delnaco suddenly recalled a conversation with Aldein.
After the story of Oswald had ended.
Right after Jung Yusin had exited Aldein’s office.
Delnaco scratched his head.
He was overwhelmed by curiosity.
“Excuse me, Master Aldein, why were you so surprised? Although Scath’s fight was certainly noteworthy, isn’t there an abundance of powerful individuals in Labyrinth City? Moreover, even those powerful individuals from outside who start as novice explorers?”
Aldein’s neck bent sideways.
“Are you asking if that Scath fellow was strong from the get-go?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
Aldein chuckled.
“Did I not mention this before? That fellow had a hand injury once when he came to work through a referral from Darmong.”
“…”
Delnaco remained silent, waiting for Aldein to continue.
Aldein leaned back in his chair and stared into the air.
“I’ll explain further. That fellow accidentally cut himself during the dissection of a demon, nearly severing his finger. I healed him with recovery magic. That’s when I noticed something.”
Aldein smirked.
“His hands. They were just beginning to develop calluses. The kind of hands that had never held a sword since birth. Not only a sword, it seemed like he didn’t even know how to properly wield a weapon.”
“…!”
Delnaco was at a loss for words.
A chill ran down his spine.
A man who had never once held a sword had gone into the labyrinth a few times, without any skill imprints, stormed into the Eastern Sector, and massacred a group of slave hunters, turning the tavern into a bloodbath?
Even with Master Aldein lending him a onesword and a leather coat, the story seemed too implausible.
“You know the rest of the story, right? Even if that fellow might not admit it, I see him as a naturally-born killer. A tough character, and one of our own.”
Aldein stroked his sword while smiling.
“What are you thinking about?”
Snapped back to reality by Jung Yusin’s question, Delnaco quickly replied.
“A-Ah…nothing.”
“Such a snoozy guy.”
Jung Yusin walked with his eyes closed, enjoying the warm wind.
There was an air of someone influential in his leisurely steps.
Delnaco swallowed dryly.
His calm demeanor was somewhat terrifying, yet also somewhat reassuring.
‘Really, could Master Aldein’s words be true? His true nature truly intrigues me.’
Delnaco steadied his restless heart.
Unaware of Delnaco’s inner thoughts, Jung Yusin’s heart was heavy.
‘Lord Hah…what should I do. If Luna’s mother sees me, will she faint? I’ve heard she’s in poor health; she might die of a heart attack.’
Just imagining it was chilling.
Becoming the sworn enemy of the cute fox maiden is unthinkable.
It’s an event that must absolutely be avoided.
“We’re almost there.”
Delnaco’s words broke Jung Yusin’s reverie.
As they walked past a park they frequented and entered a small alley, they soon arrived.
A shabby house.
Knock knock.
“I will step inside.”
With those words, Delnaco opened the door.
Creak.
They entered the house, where there was a living room and two small bedrooms.
Jung Yusin glanced around.
Broken and aging furniture here and there, shattered windows.
The stove from a long time ago had only ashes left in it.
It was an eerily desolate home.
“Hack… hack.”
From behind the wood door to the left came a coughing sound.
“Madam, is it alright if we enter?”
“Yes, please come in. Hack.”
A weak voice came from within the room.
Creak.
Opening the wooden door, they found the fox humanoid female lying in bed.
Jung Yusin and Delnac carefully approached her.
Jung Yusin could see her clearly now.
A pale complexion, gaunt cheeks, heavy dark circles, and dim eyes.
She looked as if she’d die the moment she closed her eyes.
“…It’s a matter of etiquette to rise and greet guests, but my health is not good. Please understand.”
A quiet but elegant voice, though lacking strength, retained formality.
Jung Yusin nodded.
“Don’t worry, please stay comfortable.”
“…Edel. As I hear, you truly do not resemble a barbarian. Hack.”
As the fox humanoid Edel spoke, Jung Yusin gave a wry smile.
“I often hear that. In my absence, your daughter has been performing at our inn. Thank you for trusting me to send her there.”
Jung Yusin deeply bowed his head.
“…You’re very different. Hack.”
“People don’t always understand, which often causes me trouble.”
Jung Yusin spoke with a gentle laugh.
“…Is that so?”
The fox humanoid Adel stared at Jung Yusin for a long moment. Jung Yusin also maintained her gaze.
Adel began to speak.
“I’ve also heard that my daughter is in debt to you, Scath. I intended to visit and offer my thanks in person, but due to poor health, I’ve had to invite you here instead. I apologize for this.”
“No, on the contrary, since Luna came, our inn’s revenue has increased significantly. I’m the one who should be grateful.”
“…I see.”
The fox humanoid Adel observed Jung Yusin for a long time. Jung Yusin met her gaze.
Adel then spoke.
“I’ve also heard from my daughter that she owes you. I had intended to visit and express my gratitude personally but since my physical condition is poor, I brought you here. I apologize.”
“Not at all. On the contrary, since Luna has started performing at our inn, our income has risen significantly. I am the one who should be thankful.”
“… Is that so? Sir Scath, I have a rather embarrassing favor to ask of you, would you be willing to do it?”
“Yes, is there something you need?”
“My daughter, please take care of her.”
“…”
“Hack. My life doesn’t have much time left. While dying this way is acceptable, what worries me is leaving my daughter behind. I have raised her honorably. Would you kindly watch over her until she can stand on her own?”
“…”
Jung Yusin hesitated to speak.
He himself was merely 23 years old.
The heart of a mother who calmly measures the end of her life, worrying only for her daughter’s future…
It was too heavy.
Overwhelming.
“Isn’t there anyone else?”
“Whenever that child truly smiled, it was only after she had visited the inn.”
“… I’ll consider it.”
Jung Yusin managed to utter these words.
“Hack. Understood.”
Edel replied with a feeble smile.
Jung Yusin and Delnaco rose from their seats.
“Then, we’ll take our leave.”
Jung Yusin slightly bowed and left.
Creak.
As they closed the door and came out, they noticed another room’s door closing hurriedly.
Had Luna been listening?
Jung Yusin stopped, looking around the desolate house once more.
Luna.
What should be done?
“Let’s go.”
“Yes.”
Jung Yusin and Delnaco left the shabby house and strode through the dark streets of Labyrinth City.
Jung Yusin glanced at Delnaco subtly.
Even in the dark, it was evident that his eyes were red-rimmed.
“Hey Delnaco, why do you have so much affection?”
“Sniffle. How about that?”
Delnaco, the wild boar humanoid, sniffled.
‘I suppose I am the same.’
Though not spoken out loud, his feelings mirrored that sentiment.
The warm summer wind swept past Jung Yusin’s hair.
“What exactly was that fox humanoid mother’s illness? Go ahead and tell me more about it.”
“Understood.”
Jung Yusin and Delnaco returned to Darmong’s inn and sat at the counter.
Delnaco proceeded to explain the story.
About thirty minutes passed.
Leaning back in a chair at the counter, Jung Yin took a sip of his drink, listening to the story.
The fox humanoid, Edel.
She was a widow operating a pharmacy in the South Sector.
Her husband disappeared in the Labyrinth 8 years ago.
She managed to run a small pharmacy with her young daughter Luna, until she contracted a fatal disease a few months ago.
The disease was Magic Hardening Syndrome.
An ailment where magic which normally flows smoothly like water throughout the body hardens into stone.
It causes the whole body to stiffen progressively until, in the final stage, the heart stops completely.
The cause of the disease is unknown.
There was only one treatment method.
The high-quality magic energy contained in a valuable High-grade Magic Stone must be extracted and used to break through the hardened magic in the body.
One more obstacle remained: the treatment process required the help of a High-level Priest.
Selling her store and the original house she once lived in, she had raised funds for her treatment, but none showed signs of improvement. If it weren’t for the help of acquaintances, she would have ended up in a slum by now. Instead, she barely managed to secure the shabby house she lived in.
No, living was not the right word.
Edel awaited death.
Jung Yusin rubbed his forehead.
Magic Stone.
He had one in his possession.
“Del, are you thinking the same thing as me right now?”
“No… not at all!”
“Not at all? I can see the gears turning in your eyes.”
“Tsch. Let’s go to sleep then since it’s late. We’ll talk about this again tomorrow.”
“Yes.”
Jung Yusin patted Delnaco’s shoulder and headed upstairs.
He changed into his sleepwear and lay down on the bed. Rin was nowhere to be seen, seemingly having gone somewhere.
Jung Yusin lay on his arm, staring at the ceiling.
Luna.
How could she smile knowing her mother’s impending death?
Surely, behind that smile lay a desperate will to prevent her mother’s passing.
Jung Yusin had his own battle.
Luna had her own.
“Hmm. Let’s use it like a prime minister.”
Jung Yusin decided within himself and closed his eyes.
Then, he opened them again.
Something uneasy had taken root in his heart.
“… Surely, it’s not something like the Child-lover imprint, right?”
*
Spending a night full of contemplation.
The next morning.
Jung Yusin descended to the first floor of the inn.
Delnaco was there too, his eyes bloodshot, having clearly not slept well.
“Let’s give it a try once.”
Even without preamble or conclusion, Delnaco immediately understood.
“R-Really, sir?”
“That’s right.”
“But, the treatment requires a High-grade Priest. What are you planning to do?”
“I know someone we can count on.”
Recalling someone, Jung Yusin smirked.
Mion.
Mion hadn’t appeared this morning.
Perhaps she had classes or some other appointments, but Jung Yusin felt lucky.
‘Really, what ridiculous imprints they talk about.’
Thinking about Mion’s incomprehensible actions made Jung Yusin’s heart heavy.
Nevertheless, he considered her, at her core, a kind person.
If she heard the story of the pitiful fox humanoid, surely she would roll up her sleeves and offer her help.
‘Besides, I need to check her imprint once anyway.’
Jung Yusin solidified his resolve and exited the inn.
Walking the streets, he headed towards the Dejimoseon Temple.
At the reception, he explained his purpose.
The temple receptionist showed a troubled look.
“Mr. Scath, this is inconvenient. Priest Mion is currently in class. You will have to wait.”
“Understood.”
It was not right to suddenly intrude during class and cause a scene.
Jung Yusin decided to wait in the garden for a while.
Walking through the temple’s corridors, he arrived in the garden.
The Dejimoseon Temple’s garden was well-maintained.
Strolling among the colorful flowers and lush trees filled with fresh leaves, memories of the past resurfaced.
Here, I handed Ann a silver coin.
Frankly, it hurt a little at the time. But, given how things turned out, it wasn’t unpleasant.
A faint smile graced Jung Yusin’s lips.
“Looking rather smug, aren’t you?”
Suddenly, someone behind him muttered.
Jung Yusin instantly snapped out of his reverie.
‘What’s that brat?’
His head whipped around in a flash.
A man was lounging in a chair, stretched out like a dried squid.
Cain Randycier.
Mion’s older brother.
The infamous younger sister panties hunter.
Jung Yusin’s eyes widened.
