Your Majesty, Dinner Is Ready. – Chapter 138 – Only Volunteers Are Allowed for Truly Dangerous Labyrinths

Author: Cireng

Chapter 138 — Only Volunteers Are Allowed for Truly Dangerous Labyrinths

There are three continents in the world.

The Western Continent is where civilization is the most advanced.

The Northern Continent with its harsh environment.

The Eastern Continent is where people live in harmony with nature.

If you include neighboring dimensions like the Demon Realm and the Heavenly Realm, the number increases. But in the world known as the Middle Realm, there are only these three continents.

“Still, people have always loved imagining secrets that don’t actually exist. So ever since ancient times, there have been many who believed there was a fourth continent.”

“Really?”

Inside the bustling Pletica circular tram, Marlin, seated beside me and listening attentively, perked up her ears.

I handed her a potato Charlotte had packed for us to eat on the way and continued.

“Take Pletica, for example. Among explorers, there’s a rumor that the royal family is hiding an eighth S-rank labyrinth because it’s too dangerous.”

“Wait… wasn’t that actually true?”

Pendrick, who had also been listening, leaned forward.

“I heard ten years ago an elite royal expedition tried to explore it and got wiped out.”

“Just a rumor. If something like that had really happened, the royal family would have erased every trace of the truth.”

[: /]

“Anyway, people are fascinated by things that probably don’t exist, but somehow feel like they should. The Southern Continent is one of those.”

However, the labyrinth we were about to explore was a place where that fantasy had become reality.

“South Continent Expedition.”

As I casually introduced its name, I looked at Marlin, whose cheeks had puffed up from eating.

“This is the third labyrinth I mentioned. The one where both your body and mind suffer. As the name suggests, it follows people searching for the Southern Continent.”

Its rank was C.

Located in District 3. It had first appeared fifteen years ago.

“The story takes place roughly ten years after the labyrinth was created. So… from our current perspective, it’s five years in the past?”

Pendrick slightly raised an eyebrow.

“That’s right. This happens from time to time. When a labyrinth is first created, it’s set in the future. But as time passes, that future eventually becomes the present… or even the past.”

“B-but… munch… gulp…”

“Finish chewing before you talk.”

After properly swallowing her potato, Marlin straightened proudly. For some reason, there was a subtle smile on her lips.

“So because it was created as a future-setting labyrinth… It must be quite different from actual history, right?”

“…”

I stared blankly at Marlin for a moment.

“What?”

“I know now. You’re actually some villain disguised as Marlin. Otherwise there’s no way you’d figure that out before I even explained it.”

“I am not!”

The poorly mannered teenager shouted in public. After hastily bowing apologetically to the people around us, Marlin glared at me.

I immediately peeled another potato and placed it in her hand.

Munch.

While she happily accepted the delicious bribe, Pendrick spoke.

“If it’s different from real history… Does the Southern Continent actually exist inside that labyrinth?”

“It does.”

Within the South Continent Expedition, the Southern Continent had always existed. It simply remained unseen because mystical fog concealed it.

Naturally, in reality, that location was nothing more than a vast ocean inhabited by ordinary sea monsters, such as gigantic Sea Bichons, or bipedal jellyfish capable of driving people insane simply by being looked at.

“As expected of a labyrinth, Mom picked. Sounds fun.”

Bartimir, who had been sitting on my lap the entire time, nodded.

“How difficult is it exactly? I’ve heard all about its infamous reputation, but I don’t know the details.”

“It’s officially C-rank. But its rank hasn’t been finalized yet. It might be raised before long.”

“Labyrinth ranks can change?”

Standing in front of us, Lucius smiled gently and began explaining some basic dungeon knowledge for the beginner explorer, Marlin.

“When a labyrinth first appears, the Labyrinth Management Corps explores it first. They investigate the interior. Only then do they assign its rank.”

The Labyrinth Management Corps, a royal organization, monopolized countless Mysteries and artifacts specialized for exploration.

Because they possessed numerous incredibly rare and expensive methods of creating gates, they could boldly venture even into high-difficulty labyrinths.

“However, when assigning ranks, they consider only the conditions required to clear the labyrinth. So the assigned rank often differs from the actual difficulty. For example?”

Lucius glanced at me.

“The Hidden Ghoul Nest that Sir Kar explored earlier is the perfect example. Honestly, there was nothing E-rank about it.”

I couldn’t disagree. From the very beginning, Level 3 Hidden Ghouls appeared, mercilessly cutting down explorers who weren’t even Bronze-rank. Even if its rank were raised to D, no one would find that strange.

Yet when assigning labyrinth ranks, the Management Corps focused solely on completion conditions.

“It was undervalued simply because all you had to do was hide for eight hours.”

As Lucius calmly explained, Marlin frowned, remembering how desperately she’d fled from Hidden Ghouls.

“No matter how you look at it… Calling that place E-rank is ridiculous….”

“I completely agree.”

Lucius smiled kindly.

“In truth, the Hidden Ghoul Nest hasn’t existed for very long. Its rank still isn’t fully settled. It may well become D-rank soon.”

That was exactly what happened in the game. Some time after clearing it, its official rank was revised.

In other words, despite being the weakest class, Cultists began the tutorial by being thrown into a D-rank labyrinth. Which was precisely why I loved the class.

“On the other hand… South Continent Expedition has existed for fifteen years. And yet its rank still hasn’t been finalized. Do you know what that means?”

Marlin nodded. Which was simply her way of saying, “I have absolutely no idea.”

“It means information about it is still incomplete.”

“…Ah.”

“In many respects, the South Continent Expedition has never been properly explored. That’s why it’s still classified as a Dungeon.”

Bartimir poked Marlin’s temple.

“Do you know how many ordinary explorers have survived entering the South Continent Expedition?”

“…Don’t tell me… Not a single one?”

“…”

After a brief silence, a mischievous grin spread across Bartimir’s lips.

“A whole lot.”

“…Huh?”

Marlin, who had been bracing herself for the worst, turned to me with wide eyes.

“If lots of people survived… Then why is there still so little exploration data?”

“Because before anyone ever cleared it through the normal route… someone discovered a hidden completion condition that seemed much easier.”

A labyrinth that had never once been cleared normally, yet had already been conquered numerous times through its hidden route. Not exactly common.

“Its C-rank classification is based on the hidden route. Of course, the normal route’s difficulty is roughly similar. So don’t worry.

“…How do you know that if no one’s ever fully cleared it?”

“Lidni told me.”

“…Aren’t your excuses getting lazier?”

While leisurely dodging her suspicious stare, Pendrick smiled brightly.

“Our captain would never send us to our deaths anyway! So no matter how dangerous it is, it’ll be fine! I’m looking forward to it!”

“…”

Marlin gave the overly optimistic swordsman an odd look, then gently stroked the scabbard of the Hall of Swords, which housed Astrimia. As if saying she understood exactly how he felt, the scabbard swayed from side to side.

“We’re here. Let’s get off.”

***

After getting off at District 3, I led everyone toward the eastern area known as Challenger’s Mountain Trail. An area where countless labyrinths appeared.

Naturally, it swarmed with explorers.

“That’s the Golden Crow.”

“…It is.”

Ever since winning the guild tournament, I’d become something of a celebrity. People recognized me everywhere. Eyes turned toward me from every direction.

Sadly, I didn’t have time for autographs. So instead, as a proper celebrity, I greeted everyone who made eye contact with a refreshing wink.

“Is anyone interested in serving Lord Lidni?”

“…”

The lively street suddenly fell silent.

“So this silence means… You all wish to serve Lord Lriria instead?”

Squirm!

“…Everyone, gather up! We’re going in! I’ll buy everyone drinks today!”

A moment later, the quiet street exploded back into noisy laughter and chatter.

Squirm…

[I’m even more embarrassed than you are. Please evangelize using a different method.]

Just how much more sophisticated was I supposed to make my missionary work? Perhaps next time I need to involve my body more actively.

Still pondering the greatest dilemma of every cultist, I passed one labyrinth entrance after another, until finally stopping before a modest building.

“Before we enter… I have a few words.”

I slowly looked over everyone’s faces.

Marlin, Pendrick, and Bartimir, who had all grown tremendously through the Tower of Trials. Lucius and Rosalia, who performed their roles perfectly even without special training.

Abel wasn’t joining us. Charlotte had begun properly teaching him martial Mysteries.

“This expedition will be exceptionally difficult. Prepare yourselves.”

“Captain… Weren’t all of our previous expeditions difficult? Why the special warning this time?”

“Because this expedition will be roughly four times harsher than Nightmare World.”

“Oh…”

Pendrick paused briefly, then laughed cheerfully.

“Back then, proper preparation made it much easier. It’d actually be strange if this one weren’t harder. I’m all for it!”

The genius swordsman was followed by the kindhearted demon and the priest.

“I’m fine with it too. Exploration should naturally be difficult.”

“I have no problem risking myself either.”

“You both have exactly the mindset worthy of Moonlight Expedition members.”

“Excellent.”

Rosalia, meanwhile, was already asking with nothing more than a gesture, “Can we go in already?”

I placed a hand on Marlin’s shoulder. She looked visibly nervous.

“Don’t worry so much. Would I ever bring you into a labyrinth where you might actually die? If a labyrinth truly requires risking your life… I’ll only accept volunteers. And if nobody wants to go with me… I’ll enter alone.”

“Then why would you go in alone!?”

Marlin grabbed my arm and shook it vigorously. A bit too energetic for a frail half-elf cultist. At least she seemed properly fired up now.

“We’re going in.”

Pulling her hat down over her eyes, I entered the building.

***

The interior felt rather empty. In one corner of the polished wooden floor lay an ordinary puddle.

[Entrance to South Continent Expedition.]

“Welcome.”

An elf guild member with pale blue skin greeted me from beside the puddle.

[Rai (Sea Elf, 73), member of the Ash Wolf Guild. The little spirits are going to make another racket….]

Rai, the Sea Elf who had participated in the guild tournament. The Naiads floating around him immediately flew over, landing on my head and shoulders as they chattered excitedly.

— It’s Karr!

— Karr!

— Blond!

— Sparkly!

— Pretty! Pretty!

Listening to the Naiads’ nonstop chatter, I walked over to Rai.

“Thank you for coming personally, Sir Rai.”

I’d submitted our exploration request beforehand. The fact that the Ashen Wolf Guild had sent Lai, their leading candidate for next vice guild master, to guide us spoke volumes about what Targon thought of me.

“Need an explanation?”

“No, thank you.”

“Good.”

After checking his watch, Rai continued.

“I already mentioned this when you applied. According to the Labyrinth Management Corps’ regulations… your expedition isn’t allowed to enter alone. So another expedition will be exploring alongside yours.”

A perfectly reasonable rule. After all, this dungeon had remained unconquered for fifteen years.

“May I ask which expedition? I’d love to get acquainted over tea and snacks before we head in together.”

“…Becoming friends with them won’t be easy.”

“Why not?”

Just as Rai hesitated, preparing to answer…

Bang!

The door flew open, and a four-person expedition entered.

“It’s finally expedition day! Let’s do our best, Sis!”

“Yeah! I just hope the other expedition is at least comp–”

“…Huh?”

The explorer stopped mid-step. Our eyes met. Then both explorers hurried straight toward me, glaring fiercely.

“It’s the Golden Crow!”