Chapter 9

Chapter 8: The Labyrinth of Rivalintos (2)

Jinhyuk used the 'Eye of Truth' to peek at Park Hana's status window.

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Name: Park Hana

Gender: Female

Age: 22

Level: 1

Strength 4 Agility 5 Vitality 5 Magic 10

Available Stat Points: 0

Available Coins: 100

Occupation: None

Unique Ability: Empathy (交感)

Skills: Lv1 'Quick Step', Lv1 'Weak Healing'

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Empathy Ability (交感能力).

It allows one to naturally become close to anyone, even upon first meeting.

It also has the characteristic of erasing any sense of discomfort.

For Jinhyuk, who needed to break down barriers and copy abilities, this was an essential skill.

Moreover,

'It will be a great help in taming [that guy] later.'

Initially, he planned to use her to clear traps in the labyrinth.

But his thoughts changed.

'I can't let this slip away.'

He must obtain it at all costs.

Jinhyuk checked the conditions for copying Park Hana's ability.

[Copy Condition: Spend a minimum of 240 hours with Park Hana. However, at the 240-hour mark, no one other than Park Hana and you should be present.]

240 hours.

In other words, they needed to spend ten days together to meet the copy condition.

'The other five are unnecessary...'

There was no need to kill them.

'I'm not a bloodthirsty murderer.'

As long as he didn't cross the line, he could use them appropriately and then let them go their separate ways.

But,

If he crossed the line,

That would be a completely different story.

'After all, I also vowed to survive in this world.'

Jinhyuk carefully read the conditions again and spoke.

"So, why did you come to me instead of going to the hunting ground?"

"Before I answer that, may I ask you one question first?"

"Go ahead."

"Is the place you're about to enter the labyrinth?"

"Yes."

"Indeed..."

Park Hana bit her lip, as if her guess had been confirmed.

Then she got to the point.

"We want to go with you."

"Together...?"

"Yes. It would be better to go with a group rather than alone, wouldn't it? They say that sharing risks is always better."

She smiled, but her hand moved towards her side.

It was a polite suggestion, but her hand was reaching for the hidden weapon at her waist.

'That's... like the stinger of a squash bee from a museum insect exhibit.'

The others also flinched and reached for their weapons.

Interesting.

So,

'In the labyrinth, you're planning to play tricks on me, huh?'

Jinhyuk subtly extended his palm towards the labyrinth entrance.

"Do as you please."

Want to enter the labyrinth?

Feel free to do so.

But when you enter, it will be at your own risk.

When you leave, it won't be so easy.

***

[You have entered the labyrinth 'Rivalintos.']

[The number of participants is 7.]

As they entered the labyrinth, a damp, sticky air clung to their skin.

This smell.

This sensation.

It finally felt real.

That they had entered the tower.

Jinhyuk quickly examined the labyrinth walls.

Bright lights illuminated the dark interior.

Hundreds of 'glow moths' were the source.

They were commonly known to brighten the view in underground dungeons and labyrinths, but...

Here, it was an exception.

Jinhyuk moved his five fingers at regular intervals.

Slowly folding... then quickly unfolding.

As if mimicking the flapping of wings.

Once.

Twice.

And... three times.

Then,

Silently,

A moth landed on Jinhyuk's hand.

The powder made his hand glow brightly.

'Yes, it's good to see you too.'

A gentle smile spread across Jinhyuk's lips.

At that moment,

"By the way, we haven't properly introduced ourselves yet."

Park Hana spoke from beside him.

Jinhyuk carefully placed the moth back on the wall and replied.

"Oh, it was quite hectic."

They had to enter before the labyrinth entrance closed completely.

There was no time for formal introductions.

But now that they were inside, they had some leeway.

"My name is Park Hana. I'm 22 years old and I've been to the Tower of Trials up to the second floor before."

Park Hana introduced herself.

Then the others spoke up as if they had been waiting.

"I'm Jang Cholsik. I only tried the first floor of the Tower of Trials."

"I'm Lee Hye-min. I only tried the first floor too."

"Jang Mi-na. I went up to the third floor of the tower..."

"Call me Cheon Minguk. I've never even tried the Tower of Trials."

"I'm Do Gwang-woo. This is my first time."

Everyone was shouting their names enthusiastically, but...

To Jinhyuk, it sounded different.

"You're an extra who will die in a trap!"

"I'm supposed to be used as bait when things get urgent while running away!"

"Haha. I'll stand guard diligently every night and serve meals enthusiastically!"

That's how it sounded.

Since they would likely betray each other and split the rewards in the end,

There was no need to remember their names.

Jinhyuk's lips twisted slightly.

'A raid party where everyone is trying to kill each other...'

It seemed there would be no time for boredom.

"My name is Kang Jinhyuk."

"Jinhyuk... So, have you been to this labyrinth before?"

Park Hana got even closer after exchanging names.

[Park Hana activates her unique ability 'Empathy (交感)'.]

Instantly, a tickling sensation made his body feel relaxed.

His mind felt at ease.

'So, this is how it works.'

If he didn't know about the ability, he would have felt a sense of familiarity towards her.

A good match.

Or someone trustworthy.

Like the common saying, 'a good first impression.'

"Luckily, it's a labyrinth I discovered before."

"Wow. You're much more impressive than I thought. It's an honor to be going with you."

Park Hana's eyes sparkled subtly.

She was trying to flatter him and break down his guard.

He didn't know who she was trying to fool with such a shallow trick.

Jinhyuk chuckled and deliberately joked.

"I know. I doubt anyone in the world knows this labyrinth better than I do."

"Ah... Is that so?"

"No, really. Even the best players in the world can't catch up to me. People would line up 12 laps around the field just to hear a single tip. Haha."

"..."

Park Hana looked flabbergasted.

Boasting has its limits.

If he kept this up, her flattery would lose its meaning.

"S-so, can you tell us what kind of monsters are in the labyrinth and what their features are? Is that possible?"

"That's not difficult."

Let's see.

What's in here?

"First, this labyrinth changes its layout at regular intervals."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"It's called 'Labyrinth Shift.' Oh, it's time."

Jinhyuk stopped in his tracks.

At that moment,

Rumble!

The entire labyrinth began to shake violently.

Dust from the ceiling rained down, and cracks appeared in the floor and walls.

"Aaaaah!"

"What's happening?"

"Kyaaah!"

Screams erupted from all directions.

The ground rose or sank, and massive boulders moved in all directions, making it inevitable.

"Stay back! Don't stick together, spread out!"

"Damn. If you get crushed, it's instant death!"

"Coming! On the right! Watch out on the right!"

Bang!

Boom!

The boulders moved at high speed, creating a fast and complex pattern like Tetris.

Boom!

Everyone frantically dodged to avoid being crushed by the boulders.

Knees were scraped and blood flowed, but there was no time to worry about minor injuries.

Rumble...

The shaking stopped a few minutes later.

The path had completely changed.

Fortunately, the group hadn't been scattered.

"Huff! Huff!"

Their chests heaved.

"There's a labyrinth like this on the first floor?"

"Unbelievable. Wasn't the first floor supposed to be easy except for the ruins?"

While everyone was pale and breathing heavily,

Jinhyuk calmly brushed the dust off his body.

"Hasn't everyone experienced a labyrinth that changes its layout at least once?"

"Who has experienced such a thing?!"

Park Hana shouted, her face pale.

"Or not."

Jinhyuk shrugged.

He then called the glow moths again to gather the powder.

He hummed a tune as an extra.

Park Hana felt the urge to curse, but she held back.

There were more important things to deal with right now.

"We need to get out of here immediately. Hye-min, can you find the exit?"

"That... When the labyrinth shifted, my ability was canceled."

Lee Hye-min shook her head with a dark expression.

Her unique ability 'Compass.'

It indicated the safest route in dungeons and labyrinths.

Park Hana had confidently entered the unfamiliar place because she trusted this ability.

But now,

The ability was useless.

The labyrinth had changed.

And it would change again.

"S-so, you can't find the exit?"

"Are we... trapped in here?"

***

'So, the reason you confidently entered the labyrinth was just this navigation ability.'

Jinhyuk, who had been eavesdropping on their conversation, suppressed a laugh.

Who would think entering a labyrinth is as easy as going to a neighborhood supermarket?

'Leaving aside the fools, it's about time for the guy to show up...'

Jinhyuk glanced at the powder on his hand.

When the scent and powder mix, a special substance is secreted.

A very special fragrance.

Just then,

Rumble. Rumble.

A faint sound came from far away.

Everyone was shouting and didn't notice,

But Jinhyuk felt it clearly.

Something was approaching, patrolling the labyrinth.

***

"How can you not tell us about the labyrinth changing? Why didn't you mention such an important thing earlier?"

Park Hana raised her voice.

Speak softly. It hurts my ears.

And,

"Did I ask you to follow me?"

"Wh-what?"

"Didn't you come on your own? I didn't force you to come."

You said you wanted to come.

Now you're making a fuss?

"Y-yeah, but..."

Park Hana stammered.

She wanted to argue, but couldn't think of anything to say.

"Is this guy seriously talking? We're already trapped in this place and feeling terrible, and if you say one more word, I'll kill you!"

Chun Minguk, standing nearby, shouted.

Hmm. Park Hana is necessary, so I'll let it slide.

But you're not...

Jinhyuk scratched his head and stood in front of Chun Minguk.

"Grumbling like a pig is your freedom, but it's better to lower your voice a bit."

"What?"

"Ah! You didn't understand me when I spoke in human language. Oink, oink, oink. Oink! Oink, oink, oink. Got it? I tried to say it quietly."

"You, you damn brat!"

Chun Minguk's face turned bright red as he swung his fist.

Aiming for Jinhyuk's jaw.

Swish.

Jinhyuk slightly turned his head to dodge.

At the same time, he tripped his opponent, causing him to lose balance.

"Huh? ...Huh?"

Chun Minguk stumbled and fell forward.

Crunch!

Jinhyuk stepped on his wrist with his foot.

The bone cracked with a terrifying sound.

"Aaaaah!"

"Shh! Be quiet. Don't you know the rule 'Don't shout in the labyrinth'?"

"Ugh... You crazy bastard. You tell me to be quiet and then break my wrist?"

"You still haven't come to your senses even after I told you."

"What?"

"That mouth. It's too dirty."

Jinhyuk's expression turned cold.

From above.

To below.

Crack!

His leg plunged into Chun Minguk's face.

The impact was unimaginable due to the force.

"Kueeeek!"

His front teeth shattered, and a gush of blood spurted out.

"Are you going too far? Just for swinging a fist once."

"Y-yeah. What kind of person... is so cruel."

"Can be that cruel."

Park Hana and the others seemed quite shocked.

Of course, it was funny.

To think it was too much to crush someone who tried to attack him?

It's not like 'come back stronger.'

Why show mercy to someone who has shown their fangs?

'I'm not that kind of righteous person.'

Moreover, this wasn't a moral lesson about humanity.

"Don't worry. I won't kill you."

In fact, there was no need.

Because,

He glanced at the dark corridor.

'The guy will come, drawn by this commotion and the smell of blood.'

Rumble! Rumble! Rumble!

Footsteps began to be heard.

Unlike before, they were now clear enough for everyone to hear.