Chapter 83

The labyrinthine city of Bergana—home to one of the continent's largest labyrinths, it was a place that promised prosperity through the resources and relics brought forth from within. However, where there is a bright, shining light, there is always a deep shadow. For centuries, the city had seen rulers change as frequently as blood could dry, and the bloody struggles for power continued to this day.

The conflict over the border with the Liberato Commercial Federation marked the beginning of Worm's battles against many nations, engaging in combat across various terrains and with different military units. His experience allowed him to anticipate the battles that would likely break out around Bergana. The countless remnants of different fortifications and diverse defensive structures were evidence of the frequent changes in rulers and the history of usurpation.

"Even before entering the city, there are so many people."

The people were of various ages and attire, and numerous carts and wheelbarrows were being pulled. Lightly dressed travelers, farmers with their crops loaded onto oxen, and adventurers were all mixed together. The diverse flow of people and goods was a sign of a thriving economy. The labyrinth, as a resource-producing area, was also a place of significant consumption. For those who dreamed of a sudden reversal of fortune and rising to prominence, the labyrinth was an ideal stage. However, Worm also knew from the information he had gathered that many who had their dreams shattered and went bankrupt, or those who had their flesh and soul consumed by the labyrinth, were countless.

The sea voyage had also positively influenced Worm in terms of knowledge. After all, the poor rarely had the means to board merchant ships and travel long distances. In a world where information gathering was difficult, the information from people with multiple social connections was invaluable. Having overcome the danger of a powerful monster attack together and then being forced to endure a long sea journey, their tongues loosened, and Worm listened intently to their stories. Thanks to this, he was able to learn about the people, environment, and situation in Bergana beforehand, which was fortunate.

As they approached the city, the number of patrolling soldiers increased. They were clad in well-maintained armor from head to toe, and their sharp gazes scanned the passersby.

"Don't stop your cart in the middle of the road. This isn't a country lane. Move to the side."

"Sorry, he's being disobedient... Listen to me, or I'll turn you into meat."

Whether it was a problem with the axle or the ox was in a rebellious phase, Worm had no way of knowing, but the farmer, scolded by the patrolling soldiers, apologized profusely and hurriedly guided the ox to the side of the road.

"This is the second time. Get it together. Do you know how many people and goods pass through here? If you block the road, it will be considered a serious obstruction, and you won't be able to complain."

"Sorry, I'll make sure he listens next time. Please forgive me."

"Anyway, don't let this insolent ox get the better of you. You don't want to be fined or whipped along with the ox, do you?"

The impeccable posture of the patrolling soldiers exuded confidence gained from experience and training. Their presence likely served as a deterrent to crime.

The labyrinthine city of Bergana was governed by the Borgia Duke, one of the largest noble families on the mainland side of the Galmud Archipelago. The Borgia Duke had a standing army of three thousand soldiers in the city alone, and including the troops stationed along the border, the total number of soldiers reached forty thousand. Maintaining such a large army in peacetime and the unwavering financial power behind it were immeasurable.

However, Worm, who had initially questioned the excessive military presence, was convinced by the map shown to him on the ship. The Borgia Duke's territory bordered the Republic of Meris and the Alerand Forest Alliance, a dangerous area where even minor skirmishes involved thousands of soldiers, and a full-scale conflict could mobilize tens of thousands. If the three major nations, capable of slaying dragons, were to engage in a full-scale war, the land would be turned into a sea of red. Fortunately, over the past few decades, despite the ongoing tension, no war had broken out. It wasn't as serious as Worm had feared.

Worm, looking curiously at the cityscape, must have appeared like a country bumpkin who had just arrived in the capital. In an attempt to resist, he kept his head still and only moved his eyes to observe the surroundings. Finally, he reached the outer edge, but it was not yet the labyrinthine city.

Bergana was centered around the great labyrinth, with walls extending outward as the city developed. The walls and facilities were added as the city grew, and the houses expanded to accommodate the increasing population, eventually extending beyond the walls. Now, there were more buildings outside the walls than inside.

"Well, I've arrived, but I don't know my way around."

Worm, who had no sense of direction in a city he had never visited before, followed the flow of people and the visible walls. Even the buildings outside the city walls were larger than those in an average city.

Occasionally, he saw newcomers to Bergana, overwhelmed by the crowd, standing dazed on the side of the road. Worm felt a sense of kinship with them, but he was different. In his former world, he had navigated through crowds with a 180% occupancy rate. To him, this level of crowd was like a ripple, and he even felt a sense of nostalgia.

He adjusted his stride and speed to move naturally through the gaps in the crowd. As he rode the wave of people, he eventually reached the city gate. Although there was no moat, it had two gate towers, an outer gate, and an inner gate. Stone-throwing and archery slits were installed, and soldiers were stationed along the wall walk.

"That's not right... It's a bad habit. No, it's a professional disease."

Without realizing it, Worm had started evaluating the defensive structures in front of him, considering the height of the walls, the presence of blind spots, and where to attack if he needed a foothold. It was as if he were a scout or a spy—bitterly, he frowned and switched his focus.

About ten soldiers were stopping people. Worm observed from a distance and understood that they were collecting a toll for entry into the city. Some were allowed to pass without paying, likely because they had a pass with the Borgia Duke's seal, indicating they were residents or shop owners.

"Using the city gate as a checkpoint. It makes sense that the area outside the walls is so large. It must be where those who dislike or cannot afford the toll live."

Worm did not want to cause trouble through cultural misunderstandings or unspoken rules. Before infiltrating the city, he needed to gather information locally. This meant he needed to visit local taverns and eateries, which were rare sources of information for those without connections.

Worm recalled the route to the city gate, but his memory was intact. He left the main road and began exploring the surroundings, using not only his vision but also his hearing and sense of smell. It was like a dog, but it was a sense he had honed on the battlefield, and its effectiveness was undeniable.

Indeed, he found a tavern for the masses without much effort, and his hearing and sense of smell proved their worth.