Chapter 22

Today's update! I hope you enjoy it!

※As requested, I've added titles to each chapter.

【Holding the Lantern of Insight】, we step into the "Aion Ruins Labyrinth."

This "Aion Ruins Labyrinth" is nearly oval-shaped, and almost every level has the same form. The central part is a large open space, making it look like a distorted donut. Along the outer edges of the corridors, various rooms of different sizes line up, reminiscent of a once-huge commercial facility. However, now that it's a labyrinth, the rooms welcome us not with smiling shopkeepers but with monsters.

"It's brighter than I thought."

"Yeah, the ceiling has collapsed, letting in sunlight."

Perhaps because of this, the labyrinth is quite overgrown with plants. We need to be careful of unexpected monster attacks.

"There's a usable staircase at each end, one to the east and one to the west."

"So, we have to go all the way to the edge, huh? Wouldn't it be faster to rappel down that open space with a rope?"

"Others have thought the same... but take a look."

I pick up a convenient stone from the ground and throw it into the open space. The stone, which should have fallen straight down, twists mid-air and eventually disappears.

"Whoa... something weird happened?"

"It was probably an open space in ancient times... but because it's a labyrinth now, the dimensions are distorted. Be absolutely sure not to fall."

Marina nods vigorously.

Good, she's being honest.

"There are many small rooms, and there's no place to run. We need to be very careful to avoid encountering monsters."

"Okay."

"Understood."

"..."

Rain still seems to be sulking.

What's the cause?

What did I do wrong...?

"Rain, if I did something, I want to apologize properly. Can you tell me what you're angry about?"

"Ugh..."

At my troubled expression, Marina and Silk burst into light laughter.

"It's not that, Yuke. I think she's angry because you didn't do anything."

"Sir, you don't understand women's hearts."

"Huh?"

What do you mean?

Rain, who had been walking in front of me, stops and spreads her arms to show off her new outfit.

"How does it look?"

"It suits you well. You even changed the color of the ribbon to match the outfit. That's quite cute."

"..."

Rain's face turns red, and she suddenly hugs me.

"O-oi... what's going on?"

"Yuke, you're overdoing it. Don't cast a weakening spell on Rain."

"That's right, sir."

What did I do...?

◇

Regaining our composure, we proceed smoothly to the first and second underground levels. We encountered some monsters along the way, but we were able to eliminate them without much trouble. The treasures we found in the small rooms improved Rain's mood even more.

"Hehehe..."

Rain, in a good mood, strokes the pouch hanging from her waist. Yes, we were lucky enough to find a magic bag. It doesn't seem to have a large capacity, but as a magic item produced in the labyrinth, it has high performance and a quality preservation function.

"That's great, Rain!"

"Um, but, is it really okay for me to have it?"

"Of course! Besides, it's better for the rear guard to carry such things, right?"

Marina, who seems to lack understanding, actually has a good grasp of the situation. Indeed, it would be difficult for a front-line fighter like Marina to use a magic bag during combat, and there's a risk it could be damaged by monster attacks. Therefore, it makes sense for Silk or Rain to carry it. This time, I let Rain have it, but I want to prepare a magic bag for storing arrows for Silk in the future.

"Whoa, everyone, stop. There's a trap."

A phosphorescent light rises from a part of the floor illuminated by the blue light of the "Lantern of Insight." It's the type that triggers some phenomenon when stepped on. Should we avoid it?

"No, let's disarm it."

It would be foolish to leave it and get caught on the way back. I take out a 10-foot pole from the magic bag and turn around.

"Step back a bit. I don't know what kind of trap it is, but I'll trigger and neutralize it."

"Is it safe?"

"Be ready to move quickly if something happens."

After confirming that the three of them have moved back, I prod the suspicious floor with the pole. There's a "click," and the type of trap becomes clear.

Suddenly, a large number of spears shoot out from the floor in a random pattern. It's a relatively common trap, but getting caught in it wouldn't be pleasant. It was a good decision to disarm it.

"Alright, it's safe..."

When I shine the "Lantern of Insight" again, the trap's trigger point has disappeared. Fortunately, the gaps between the spears seem wide enough to pass through. I'll go first just to be safe.

"It's clear. Go ahead."

"Understood."

Silk and Rain pass through in that order, and finally, Marina squeezes through the gaps between the spears. The new armor fits her body well, so it might be designed to handle such situations. It could make for a good scene for the client.

"The stairs are just ahead. Let's take a short break for a meal when we get there."

"What's the soup today?"

"You'll have to ask the 'Standing Pot.'"

I smile wryly and say, "I hope it's something you like, Rain," and she gives me a gentle smile. Good, her mood seems to have improved.

"Hey, that's not fair! Today, it should be something I like!"

"I would like a milk stew."

In the relaxed atmosphere of our journey... in front of the stairs we're aiming for, some not-so-good people are waiting.

How was it? ('ω')

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