Chapter 85

Update ('ω')

"Thank you all for waiting."

Rouge bowed dramatically.

"Waiting?"

"Yes. I thought you would eventually come to this place – Wardan Castle."

Wardan Castle.

So that's the name of this massive castle.

"How was the town below? The City of Joy, 'Glad-See-Im,' must be a beautiful town, no?"

Rouge smiled, as if he had been watching our journey all along.

"Tell me, Rouge. What is this place?"

"Hehehe... What would you do if you knew? This town, dyed in twilight, and its people are already saved beyond redemption."

Despite the old man's abstract words and mocking laughter, I continued.

"Are those monsters former humans?"

"Indeed. Now, what is a human? Is it a creature with four limbs and a head? Or perhaps someone capable of communication?"

"I know you're not asking about that."

The old man shook his head at my words.

"No, Yuke-sama. Whether a person can be a person in any form is an important matter."

His words felt philosophical, even in his madness.

I had never really thought about what a 'human' is.

"Tell me, old man. Why are the monsters here what they are?"

"Very difficult for me to say. You should verify it with your own eyes, ears, and hands."

He pointed to the massive castle gates.

"Is the answer inside the castle?"

"Perhaps."

He dodged the question to the end. Where is he leading us? I don't trust him, but we need to investigate the castle regardless. It feels like we're falling into a trap, but we have no choice but to enter 'Wardan Castle.'

"Hey, Mr. Rouge. What is that ring?"

"That was once called 'One Gold.'"

"One? There are so many... What are they weaving with it?"

I didn't understand Rain's question. I couldn't tell what it was, and it didn't seem like a significant magical item. It seemed to be an unexpected question for Rouge as well. After a pause, the old man spoke.

"Being wise isn't always a blessing, beautiful lady with blue hair."

"I just want to know. What does it bring?"

Rain looked at Rouge with a serious expression, different from when she looked at magical items. She might be grasping something as a mage or a priest, like Marina.

"Beautiful, wise lady with blue hair. You must already know."

"..."

"Being foolish and ignorant can also be a blessing."

"Still, I want to know."

"Very well... Then, proceed."

Rouge's figure was gradually fading away as he chuckled.

"It's time. When will we meet again? I will look forward to it."

"Will you answer next time?"

"The words of a madman are always whimsical. It's best to touch the truth with your own eyes, ears, and hands... –"

With those words, which could be taken as a warning, the mad old man faded away again.

"Who is he...?"

Silk, who had been carefully on guard, relaxed and asked me.

"I don't know, but it seems we are being invited."

"Right. I think it's a provocation."

Looking at the massive metal gates, I noticed a slight difference from when we arrived. There was a small gap, whereas the massive gates had been completely closed when we arrived.

Was it Rouge's doing? ...Probably.

He's inviting us to come in, I guess.

"Anyway, did you figure anything out, Rain?"

"It's a feeling, so it's hard to explain. I want to try something when we get back."

"Can you explain it then?"

"Yeah. I need Yuke's help, too."

I nodded at Rain.

She's not hiding anything. Like me, she probably couldn't put it into words because she wasn't sure.

"Got it. Alright... Let's start by clearing the request."

After confirming that everyone nodded, I signaled to Nene. Nene, understanding my intention, ran to the castle gates.

"It's clear. We can go in."

There don't seem to be any traps or enemies, but... what's inside? In the Oryas Ruined Castle Labyrinth, the real challenge began after entering the castle. There were many traps, and the monsters' strength increased sharply, so we encountered some dangerous situations.

If this place is the same, it will be quite troublesome. Most of the monsters we've encountered so far, based on my perception, are equivalent to C-rank. Moreover, many of them use special abilities.

If it follows the standard, the monsters we encounter will be B-rank or higher. There might even be A-rank equivalent monsters.

"You're nervous, right?"

"Yeah. Stay focused. We don't have the [Ejection Scroll] anymore."

"Okay. Let's be careful."

I nodded at Rain and quietly checked my stock of magic scrolls and potions. We have enough preparation to retreat if we are ambushed. ...It'll be fine.

"Just to be safe, everyone check for any damage. Let's go in once you're done."

"I'm fine!"

"I have plenty of arrows."

"Magic, good to go."

"Ready to go."

"Alright, let's... start entering 'Wardan Castle'!"

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