Novel Will Be Taken Down on 17 May or Earlier Chapter 130 - Thefern Labyrinth (3)

[Top 10 Wonders Quest: Thefern Labyrinth]

 

Top 10 Wonders of the Arcana Continent, Thefern.

 

Dig up Thefern Labyrinth.

 

Let the world know the true nature of Thefern.

 

Wonders discovered so far: 0 / 10

 

– Witness Thefern Labyrinth. (Success)

 

– Reach the depths of the labyrinth. (In Progress)

 

The updated goal was to reach the depths of the labyrinth.

 

Well, this goal was not unexpected.

 

Since we had entered the labyrinth, we had to reach its depths in order to beat it.

 

I might as well doing it as a quest.

 

“…Is that a spirit?”

 

They must be surprised because they saw it for the first time.

 

Since their appearance was so aesthetic.

 

The explorers looked at Haiel and the dark spirit as if they were mesmerized.

 

“Sir Hoyeol, will you leave it to us from now on?”

 

Fabian was the first one to come to his senses.

 

‘That damn nickname.’

 

From the first moment we met, he called me Sir Hoyeol.

 

Although it didn’t seem rude, it was a rude title to me.

 

But I could understand.

 

‘The League of Explorers belongs to the Yusra Kingdom.’

 

I didn’t want to say this myself, but.

 

I had [authority] in the Yusra Kingdom.

 

At least, it was natural for the League of Explorers belonging to the Yusra Kingdom to show me a respectful attitude.

 

Perhaps that was why.

 

I responded generously.

 

“I will be watching your performance.”

 

Fabian and the two men moved.

 

Sneak–

 

Extending their hands and examining the high wall.

 

They searched for traps.

 

Still, I had experience, so I could discover them.

 

I had tasted traps with my tongue.

 

In the [Qirnberg Machine Tower] rupture.

 

‘Of course, it feels different from back then.’

 

The traps of the machine tower were only made to hunt demons.

 

Compared to the silver trap.

 

Here, the trap of the Thefern Labyrinth…

 

‘I haven’t seen it yet, but it must be much more vicious.’

 

First of all, the warning message was extraordinary.

 

[You foolish one who have entered the Thefern Labyrinth.]

 

[Wealth and fame do not exist here.]

 

[Leave this place immediately.]

 

[If you don’t want to die.]

 

But, if you were told it didn’t exist, it must exist.

 

If you were told not to do something, the more you wanted to do it.

 

This message didn’t just come to me.

 

‘I think all the players who entered are thinking the same thing.’

 

There must be something in the Thefern Labyrinth.

 

Seeing that the message appeared from the beginning.

 

Maybe there wasn’t usually any loot hidden there.

 

They would be making a fuss right from the beginning.

 

‘I would have thought the same way,’

 

The incarnation of pure integrity.

 

Grandfel’s tiring personality.

 

If I hadn’t met the dark spirit.

 

“Fabian-ssi, the level of the trap is extraordinary.”

 

“It’s not just a mechanical device. There’s magic in it.”

 

“…It’s mana, but it doesn’t seem to be normal mana. Considering that the magic tool is not responding.”

 

“As expected of a Wonder.”

 

“It’s tricky. As expected, I’m glad I brought the treasure of the League.”

 

Glance–

 

Fabien, who discovered the trap, looked at me.

 

…Are you trying to sound me out for just standing still?

 

I got pricked for no reason, but I didn’t shy away from looking.

 

I had already declared it with an iron face.

 

I will be watching your performance.

 

‘That’s why I told you to be thoroughly prepared.’

 

To be with me.

 

To handle myself who could disappear very easily.

 

A lot of preparation would be needed.

 

I even had kindly written a letter and delivered it to them.

 

‘But I can’t take the easy path in good conscience.’

 

This tiring personality that never failed to turn overestimation into reality…!

 

It was even worse to solely depend on others.

 

I was fully prepared.

 

In other words, I also did it in my own way.

 

‘I am lucky that my strength has reached the superhuman level.’

 

In that sense, it was fortunate that there were no labyrinth-related books in the Mage Tower.

 

Because I didn’t have time to cram knowledge about the labyrinth into my head.

 

I recalled the best preparation I could have done.

 

‘Although I have no knowledge of labyrinths or traps.’

 

I was able to obtain information about [Thefern Labyrinth].

 

I looked at the dark spirit.

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“The reason I invited you is simple.”

 

The chief office of the Mage Tower.

 

Clink–

 

I said, setting up the teacup.

 

“It is to hear the opinions of the two seniors regarding the dark spirit.”

 

Very little information had been revealed about the dark spirit.

 

No matter how many books I looked through, there was no information beyond what I already knew.

 

There was no need to search on the Internet. The other players didn’t even know anything about the regular spirits.

 

So I invited two seniors, Matis and Peiyan.

 

“It’s an honor to be invited.”

 

“Yes, I’m honored too… May I quench my thirst first?”

 

“You may.”

 

Straight away, Peiyan lifted the teacup.

 

‘Herbal that is good for the body tastes bitter in the mouth.’

 

Most elixir herbs were not tasty for humans to consume.

 

In the first place, they were more like medicine than tea.

 

I was taking it steadily to compensate for my poor stats…

 

The monstrous senior mages didn’t need elixir herbs.

 

Serving the guests with elixir herbal tea was not appopriate.

 

That’s why I prepared this tea.

 

“…Sip, It has a strange flavor? It’s different from black tea.”

 

Did this mean that people who ate a lot could recognize it?

 

The big-eater Peiyan seemed to have figured it out right away.

 

‘Yes, it must taste strange.’

 

Those were high-quality green tea bags that cost 300 won each.

 

Why am I serving high-quality green tea bags?

 

If we were to go back, I had to explain everything from early morning delivery to discount coupons.

 

I left the frowning Peiyan behind and got to the point.

 

“What do you think is the reason for the dark spirit’s emergence in Thefern?”

 

A-huft–

 

The first to speak was Peiyan, who was about to drink her tea in one shot.

 

Peiyan hurriedly lowered her voice and spoke.

 

“As you know, I think it is because the tricky conditions for the emergence of the dark spirit were met. I have something to say about that, too…”

 

“I didn’t call you here to reproach you, Peiyan Lot.”

 

“…Yes?”

 

As I had said back then, it wasn’t anyone’s responsibility.

 

The emergence of the dark spirit.

 

It just happened because of a coincidence.

 

Matis nodded.

 

“Senior Peiyan. Chief Lee Hoyeol was asking why Thefern became a place that met the tricky conditions. He was asking us the reason.”

 

That’s what I meant to say.

 

As expected of Matis, the senior of black magic.

 

He knew very well my true intentions, which had been darkened by my dark history.

 

“Ah, if that’s what you meant…”

 

Peiyan smiled awkwardly and continued.

 

“A spirit without a contract has a habit of staying in the place where it wakes up. The dark spirit is a miscellaneous spirit, but… I don’t think their basic nature will be different. So, I predict that the dark spirit is probably a spirit born in Thefern.”

 

“Matis, what do you think?”

 

“I think the same.”

 

As the founder of black magic.

 

Matis laid out his extensive knowledge.

 

“Just as a spirit without a contract supplies the magical energy they need from nature, the dark spirit will also have to receive the right mana from nature.”

 

“That’s right. After all, it’s still a spirit.”

 

“I guess Thefern was the perfect location.”

 

To put it simply.

 

Thefern had a lot of right mana.

 

I swallowed a sigh at Matis’ conjecture.

 

…This wasn’t called the Wonder Quest for no reason.

 

‘Right mana comes from the past and background.’

 

Thefern must have a story.

 

Matis continued politely.

 

“I believe that conversing with the dark spirit will help you determine the source of the right mana. Of course, even if there is some story involved. It won’t be a big problem for you, Sir Hoyeol.”

 

You have too much faith in me, Senior Matis.

 

However, Matis wasn’t completely mistaken.

 

Yes, because of the nature of black magic.

 

‘Darkness is encoached in deeper darkness.’

 

Matis extremely overvalued my right mana. He seemed to think Thefern wouldn’t be a problem no matter how bad that place was.

 

‘In the end, it would best to talk to the dark spirit.’

 

That was where the conversation ended.

 

The two seniors got up from their seats.

 

Peiyan, who was following Matis out of the office, suddenly opened her mouth.

 

“…Excuse me, Chief Lee Hoyeol.”

 

“?”

 

“By any chance, can I get one of the tea from before?”

 

Peiyan smiled cheerfully.

 

“It tastes kind of strange, so I want to drink one more cup.”

 

Perhaps because she was a big eater, even 300 won green tea bag tasted delicious.

 

I wanted to give away at least a few bags, but.

 

The timing was unfortunate.

 

“I’m afraid I can’t give you any.”

 

There was only one tea bag left.

 

To be honest, I couldn’t give it to her because I was planning to drink it.

 

With this guy’s pride and formality.

 

I couldn’t tell the truth.

 

Thanks to that, I spoke firmly.

 

“Excessive consumption of caffeine interferes with sleep.”

 

“…Yes? Caffeine? What is that?”

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

If anyone heard it, they might think I couldn’t sleep because I had too much caffeine. Even when I thought about it again, it was a conversation that made me speechless due to the shamelessness. But I was also fully prepared.

 

I spoke in a voice no different from usual.

 

“I have a question about Thefern.”

 

Thefern.

 

As soon as that name was brought up, the dark spirit answered.

 

“I was waiting for that question. Infinitely Deep Darkness.”

 

Indeed, it was as Matis said.

 

He seemed to have a lot to say.

 

I looked at Fabian and his group who were focused on disarming the trap.

 

‘I’m sure this information will be helpful in many ways.’

 

Since we were in the same boat, it wasn’t information worth hiding.

 

So I said confidently.

 

“I want to know Thefern’s past, dark spirit.”

 

*

 

A message appeared in sight.

 

A voice echoed through a labyrinth.

 

The players who came to their senses started talking.

 

“Did you hear that?”

 

“It said there’s nothing here. Since they’re telling us to leave right away…”

 

“Strong refutation is a strong affirmation! As expected, coming here is a good idea.”

 

Most of them were guilds and parties.

 

A few of them were players who entered alone.

 

Players who entered as a guild or party had no major problems, but it was different for players who entered alone.

 

Most of the people who entered alone were Nettuber players.

 

“No, hyungnims. I’m alone. How can I just sprint!? You never know what kind of trap will pop out and where!”

 

“If I knew it would be like this, I would have looked for a party…!”

 

“I heard that each labyrinth has a different starting point. Anyway, I’m not the only one, right? There are probably players like me who entered alone, right?”

 

Just like the Nettuber players.

 

Park Hwigang conveyed the situation to viewers.

 

Again, his knowledge as an explorer shone.

 

“There is only one exit to the labyrinth, but there are many entrances! Each player, including me, is in a different location! Yes? You’re asking if we won’t be able to see Hoyeol-nim? No! Everyone will eventually meet in the deeper part of the labyrinth.”

 

– So we have to go to the deep level???

 

– Can Hwigang do it alone??

 

– If you don’t think it’s going to work, just give upㅇㅇ

 

– ㄹㅇ You can also just hold out until Hoyeol-nim clears it

 

Most of what the viewers said was true, but…

 

Park Hwigang had vowed.

 

He would try a little harder this time.

 

‘This is an opportunity to announce Hoyeol-nim’s achievements to the world.’

 

I won’t let the world know what I did!

 

Hoyeol had been acting with that motto.

 

Even in simple interviews or press conferences, Hoyeol didn’t boast or reveal his achievements.

 

‘Even when he cleared the Demon King’s Castle rupture…’

 

The clear wasn’t an ordinary clear either.

 

He cleared three Demon King’s Castle so grandly to the point that you could call it an ‘oppression’.

 

Hoyeol had cleared it only in 10 minutes.

 

So, Park Hwigang thought seriously.

 

‘The world needs to know more about Hoyeo-nim’s hard work.’

 

Just Homen.

 

Park Hwigang, who had memorized the spell in his mind, took a deep breath.

 

Then he shouted.

 

“Is there anyone who wants to have a party with me?”

 

“…Huh? Look, guys. I am not the only one.”

 

“My class is an explorer! It will help you in the labyrinth!”

 

“…Explorer? Wow, that’s a relief!”

 

“Me too! Please include me too!”

 

Players gathered in an instant.

 

Each one was different.

 

There were Nettuber players like Park Hwigang, high-level players with the skills to enter alone, and even someone who was known as a supernova.

 

But it didn’t matter where they came from.

 

In any case, they only had one purpose.

 

“Let’s join forces and enter into the depths!”

 

Of course, it was not an ordinary labyrinth. It was [Thefern Labyrinth], one of the Top 10 Wonders.

 

Naturally, it wasn’t easy from the first step. Shouts were heard from all over the labyrinth, including from Park Hwigang’s party.

 

“W-What? There’s a crack in the labyrinth wall?”

 

“Excuse me, Hwigang-ssi. Isn’t this going to collapse?!”

 

“Wait a minute, hyungnims! There’s something in the wall.”

 

“Aaaah! Something is moving inside the walls!!”

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

Rumble–

 

Numerous starting points existed in Thefern Labyrinth.

 

However, the only starting point that was quiet was the place where Hoyeol and Fabian and his company entered.

 

Who was Fabian? He was the greatest labyrinth expert on the Arcana continent and a living legend of explorers.

 

“Huft… The trap has been disarmed.”

 

Although it had been a while since he was on a battlefield, the senses engraved on his body hadn’t dulled yet.

 

Of course, he benefited greatly from his thorough preparation.

 

If it wasn’t for the magic tool, he would have lost face in front of Sir Hoyeol.

 

‘It’s not like an ordinary labyrinth.’

 

A labyrinth was a place where someone hid loot.

 

It was only natural that the route to retrieve the loot was also calculated.

 

There was a hidden shortcut that was safe from traps.

 

There were rules that made it easy to disarm the trap.

 

Yes, that was the general knowledge of a labyrinth.

 

However, such elements didn’t exist in the Thefern Labyrinth.

 

As if it really wasn’t going to allow anyone access.

 

All the traps were so elaborate that they were difficult to dismantle.

 

‘…Maybe the voice is true.’

 

Wealth and fame do not exist here

 

Leave this place immediately.

 

If you don’t want to die…

 

Fabian was not the only one who noticed.

 

“Aaron, what do you think?”

 

“…Fabian-ssi, do you feel something strange too?”

 

“Of course, I also feel that something is out of place.”

 

Fabian was doubtful.

 

If it wasn’t to save up wealth and fame.

 

Why did Thefern create such a labyrinth?

 

“It’s truly a wonder.”

 

It couldn’t be understood at the level of common sense.

 

But his questions didn’t long.

 

Because the dark spirit began to unravel it.

 

“Thefern was trying to protect. Everything.”

 

Yes, the truth of Thefern.

 

“…!!!”

 

The faces of Fabian, Aaron, and Rombus, who were listening to the story, were filled with astonishment.

 

It was an incredible story. Yes, the reason they went quiet at this moment was because of that truth.

 

But of course.

 

There was no change in Hoyeol’s expression.

 

Soon, Hoyeol opened his mouth.

 

“I’ve come to know your pride. Thefern.”

 

And he said something shocking.

 

“Fabian, from now on I will break through the trap head on.”

 

“…?”

 

“You must act according to your pride.”

 

…All of a sudden?

 

Breaking through the trap head-on?

 

Besides, what did he mean by pride?

 

Sweat.

 

Fabian’s forehead broke out in a cold sweat.

 

“Sir Hoyeol, what do you mean?”

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

What do I mean?

 

To sum it up in one line, it was simple.

 

‘Thefern sacrificed themselves for the Arcana continent.’

 

Thanks to this, the pride that I couldn’t live without was triggered.

 

There was no easy way to get there.

 

Still, it was a relief.

 

There was ‘one’ magic tool that I hadn’t returned yet.

 

I had no time to relax.

 

I immediately put on the magic tool I rented from the Mage Tower’s Garnet Hall.

 

Flap–