Chapter 163
Chapter 163. Loyalty
Even if the streets were busy, a group of beastmen walking together would stand out.
We decided to cut across the grasslands, leaving the hilly area behind.
We should be able to return by evening, but there was one concern.
The labyrinth is the enemy of all living things. To show the beastmen's village we mean no harm, it's necessary to let Sarhas see the labyrinth—but the others are different. If they want to go their separate ways, we couldn't let them know about the labyrinth's existence.
Before setting off, I asked the beastmen what they wanted to do, and they immediately answered they'd follow Sarhas.
It was too quick, so I urged them to think carefully and asked again, but their answer didn't change. If anything, they shot me annoyed looks.
"Do you think we have anywhere to go back to?"
At Rizai's blunt words, I fell silent.
The one who hadn't thought things through was me. Even if their families were in their hometowns, harboring fugitive slaves would make them criminals too. Fleeing to the Mez Riez region, where many beastmen live, was an option, but amateurs wouldn't survive crossing the lawless lands where monsters run rampant. Of course, blending in with merchant caravans was impossible, they had no money to hire adventurers, and even if they could, trust would be an issue. In the end, their only real choice was to stay with Sarhas.
But even if they had other options, I suspect they'd still choose the same.
They trust Sarhas completely. Most slaves die alone, but they had comrades. Especially Sarhas—he was strong in both body and mind. He'd likely outlived the others and watched them die.
Not being alone at the end.
I don't know how much comfort that brings, but their bond seems stronger than I imagined.
The beastmen would never betray Sarhas.
Even if negotiations broke down and Sarhas and I became enemies, it's unlikely they'd sell labyrinth intel to the empire. There's no guarantee nobles would keep their word, and even if they did, the labyrinth suppression force would be sent to the Depths Forest. For a hidden beastmen village, that's not a welcome scenario. Sarhas would be in trouble too.
Besides, hiding it now would be pointless.
Even if Sarhas stayed silent, word would eventually spread from the beastmen village.
In that case, it's better to tell them upfront. Like with the village, it's a gesture of goodwill.
I cut off my thoughts and glanced around.
"Doesn't seem like pursuers are coming."
"We can't let our guard down, but they probably don't have the manpower. They're too busy dealing with the aftermath."
"That leaves adventurers as the nuisance—but even that's unlikely, huh?"
Sarhas nodded at my words.
Even adventurers wouldn't be allowed into Lasmano Fortress without reason.
So, any adventurers staying there are someone's guards.
Even if they were fired or recruited by the fortress, they wouldn't hire anyone strong enough to worry us. Those types usually stick with merchants and don't switch sides easily. Offering high rewards would require political decisions, and right now, the fortress lacks its top leader.
Well, the knight on the balcony might not be the only one, and adventurers come in all types. The unexpected can always happen.
Sarhas seemed to understand that too, agreeing with me but staying wary.
"So, where are we headed?"
"A little ways into the forest. You'll have to see the rest for yourself. I guarantee it's safe."
"'Guarantee it's safe,' huh…"
Sarhas hesitated briefly but eventually agreed.
After that, we hurried forward, wary of pursuers.
Ideally, we'd take the shortest route, but the grasslands were too open—visible from afar if we climbed a hill. To avoid that, we stuck to the shadows of the hills, sometimes detouring far south. It took time, and we didn't see the Depths Forest until well past noon.
The beastmen besides Sarhas tensed as they stared at the vast sea of trees.
Watching them, I let out a breath.
From here, Mei's influence would start taking effect. Strangely, the deeper we went, the less dangerous it became. The grasslands were riskier.
Soldiers and adventurers were a hassle, but I also wanted to avoid monsters.
Fighting carelessly would leave traces, and dealing with that would waste even more time.
Plus, the chance of running into a powerful monster right away was low. Standing around would make us stand out, so after a short break just inside the forest, we set off again.
Not just the Depths Forest—any untamed forest is hard to traverse.
Thick undergrowth hides gnarled roots, with rocks and sinkholes lurking unexpectedly. Areas around boulders and large trees are easier to walk, but dense moss covers them, and a misstep could mean a nasty slip.
Even with fewer monsters, unexpected obstacles could slow us down.
I'd worried about that before leaving, but it was needless.
The beastmen nimbly avoided roots, unfazed by moss, and scaled boulders effortlessly.
Their physical abilities were indeed superior to humans', but their movements were too fluid. Watching subtly, I saw they judged their limits and how to proceed with precision. To put it bluntly, their wild instincts were sharper than humans'.
Dylas of [Silent Blade] had given up frontline fighting to become a scout—seemed like his true calling.
Whether they sensed my relief or just hadn't met any monsters, the beastmen gradually relaxed. They casually observed the forest, listened to birdsong, even exchanged light banter.
But in contrast, Sarhas's expression grew sterner.
He seemed to sense Mei's presence but didn't speak—likely unsure.
His [Presence Detection] was rank 6, one below mine, and Mei's presence had faded since before. At this distance, he might detect something lurking but nothing more.
I smiled at his questioning look and pressed onward.
But when the labyrinth was just ahead, Sarhas finally snapped, stopping everyone.
His sharp gaze locked onto me.
"Alain, where are you taking us? What's ahead?"
"I said I'd guarantee your safety. If you really don't want to go closer, you can wait here."
As I stepped past the trees—I froze.
Ignoring Sarhas's piercing stare, I gaped at the cave entrance, comparing it to memory.
Noticing my return, Eras Rhino's child emerged.
From a cave over three meters tall.
The Eras Rhino child happily trotted over, nuzzling its massive face against me.
Petting it absently, I stared at the labyrinth.
"Uh… it got bigger, didn't it?"
At my muttering, Phil flicked a claw, pointing at the Eras Rhino child with his tail.
For some reason, the child also looked proud, though I doubted it understood.
Anyway—seems they hunted relentlessly while I was gone.
Behind me, Sarhas forced out a low voice.
"Is that… a labyrinth?"
"Correct, but—hold the questions. I need to check something."
"You're going in!?"
"Yeah, don't worry. I'll be right back."
With a wave, I stepped through the large entrance.
A wave of welcoming intent washed over me, and I patted the rocky wall.
"I'm back, Mei. You've grown while I was away. Even the walls are smoother."
Before I left, it was a natural cave—now, the roughness was reduced to hand-carved levels.
Did she reference [Earth Wall]?
Puzzled, I headed deeper with [Light], finding a gentle slope leading to a vast chamber.
"Looks like a salt mine."
Scanning the room, I spotted signs of habitation in a corner.
The Eras Rhino child must've slept here. No wonder Phil came to greet me—it's safer inside.
Passing through, I headed to the deepest part.
This area had expanded too, but the crucial bed was gone.
Panicking slightly, I searched and found an [Earth Wall] slab embedded in the floor at the very back.
Before, it was literally a bed—now, only the top lid remained aboveground, buried like a grave. The sight stirred discomfort.
Immediately, a probing intent came from Mei, and I waved a hand.
"Nah, I'm not mad. Just surprised."
Smiling, I knelt before the slab.
Far from angry—it was a good call. Underground retains cold better. And this feeling… she's dominating it.
Sensing my intent, Mei loosened her control.
Mana flowed freely, and I used earth magic to remove the lid.
Relieved by the cold air, I informed my family of my return and recounted the week's events.
Then, running a hand along the slab's edge, I felt the double-layered bottom—completely dry.
Some ice had melted, but she must've drained the water too.
Seems Mei observed me more closely than I thought.
Before leaving, I'd worried about rising temperatures and water buildup. She must've noticed and maintained the cold while draining it.
Overwhelmingly thorough—but maybe it's a labyrinth's instinct.
Larger labyrinths attract diverse monsters. A grand labyrinth sustains its own ecosystem, with leftovers, inedible monsters, and natural deaths absorbed by the labyrinth. Guardians get fed without lifting a finger.
Naturally, monsters won't stay without comfort. Maybe she acted on that instinct, fulfilling my expectations.
Well, whatever the truth, I still felt guilty.
Phil and the Eras Rhino child did the work while I wandered around. Once things settle, I'll need to hunt actively.
After recooling the slab and replacing the lid, I left the labyrinth.
Sarhas met me with visible relief.
Now, the real negotiation begins.
Scanning the beastmen, I spoke.
"First, I owe you an apology. I didn't mean to deceive you. This form was necessary to move freely outside."
Dispelling [Beast Transformation], my ears and fur vanished, black hair shifting to blond.
The sudden human appearance stunned Sarhas and the others.
"My name is Alter Les Reedwald. Second son of House Reedwald, guardians of the empire's east. My homeland fell to Baromatt—but that's irrelevant."
As my words sank in, anger and curses erupted from the beastmen.
Sarhas silenced them with a shout, his piercing gaze urging me to continue.
"About a month ago, I was betrayed on my way home and left for dead."
I recounted my ordeal—omitting the betrayer's identity and my species change, only mentioning the labyrinth's aid. I also skipped my goal of reviving my family.
Throughout, Sarhas remained stern, but his eyes flickered when I explained [Beast Transformation]. At the end, he spoke quietly.
"So you're a Krepter?"
At my puzzled look, he frowned.
"Those dominated by a labyrinth mutate into Krepters. Isn't that it?"
"Ah, so that's what labyrinth guardians are. The labyrinth tried to dominate me but failed. We're allies now. Either way, what I am doesn't matter. After traveling together, what do you think? Do I seem unreasonable?"
As Sarhas stayed silent, I pressed on.
"Let's get to the point. My proposal is simple: I want to build friendly ties with your village. At the very least, a nonaggression pact. Ideally, trade too. Daily goods, surplus materials or magic stones. I'm skilled in alchemy—potions, eventually magic tools. Oh, and forest intel. Monsters, rare materials—"
"Wait, hold on!"
Sarhas cut in, flustered.
"What are you saying? The labyrinth wants daily goods?"
"No, my proposal. And fulfilling the labyrinth's demands is my job. Don't steal it."
Sarhas rubbed his brow, deep in thought, while the other beastmen exchanged glances.
Amid this, Phil strolled past casually.
No need to show off—I know you worked hard this week.
Watching him wryly, Sarhas finally looked up.
"One question. What if we refuse?"
"No hard feelings, but I'd still want the nonaggression pact. You don't want labyrinth trouble, and I can't afford more enemies."
"Is the empire your enemy?"
"Some in the empire are. The one who tried to kill me was a noble's son. And needless to say, Baromatt is outright hostile."
Sarhas glanced at Mei, then back at me.
"I understand. I'll relay everything. But don't expect a warm response. Even I can barely believe this."
"Same. The past month's changed everything. I'm barely keeping up—others will struggle more."
I smiled humorlessly.
◇◇◇◇
After preparations and discussions, Sarhas left that same day.
He didn't reveal the village's location or his estimated return—understandable, to avoid exposing them. Just acting as envoy was enough.
Though it caused a spat with his comrades.
Only Sarhas was from the village, and the others begged to accompany him but were refused.
They persisted but eventually relented when Sarhas admitted it'd take days. They decided to wait in a makeshift forest camp.
They could've waited inside the expanded labyrinth, but that suggestion was instantly rejected. Well, Phil hesitated at first too—they can do as they like.
Still, I warned them not to go past the main chamber and lent them knives and tools. I also briefed them on nearby terrain—like the stream's location.
Leaving the beastmen to their work, I gathered soft grass.
After layering it with blankets in a chamber corner, I tested it—not bad. Far from luxury, but comparable to a cheap inn's bed. I moved Hymes there immediately.
Next, I stored supplies and buried Esrald's research underground.
Then, shouldering my backpack, I stepped outside to the sound of chopping branches.
The Eras Rhino child grazed idly, while Phil lounged by the entrance, yawning.
"I need to gather materials. Care to help?"
Phil glanced up with red eyes, stretched, and chirped.
Noticing, the Eras Rhino child ambled over and crouched slightly—inviting me to ride.
It's used to carrying people… or was trained while I was gone.
If it seemed reluctant, I'd reconsider, but it seemed fine. Plus, encountering monsters alone would waste time. Better take them.
I climbed on, ignoring the beastmen's odd looks, and set off.
For alchemy solutions, besides Lanym grass, I needed Sogrio fruits.
The small stock from Sylvek wouldn't last—if Hymes's treatment dragged on, I'd need more. Local gathering first, buying as a last resort.
But even with [Appraisal] and Phil's [Trace Pursuit], I found no Sogrio fruits or Actini berries (for stamina potions).
Also learned something new about [Trace Pursuit]:
Specifying anything beyond individual targets drastically reduces its range, barely covering the immediate area. It also demands intense focus—Phil could barely walk while using it.
No wonder he stayed perched on the Eras Rhino's head when I asked before—moving would break his concentration.
Whether it's unmastered like [White Flash] or inherently limited, either way, if [Trace Pursuit] can't detect them, they probably don't grow here.
After some thought, I changed direction and picked up the pace.
I'd have preferred finding them myself, but Hymes was running out of time. [Trace Pursuit] could confirm their presence just by proximity.
The gamble paid off—soon, we found a Sogrio grove.
The fruits weren't ripe, but that hardly mattered. Thanking Phil, I gathered enough for now.
With alchemy solutions now producible, only Actini berries remained.
But no matter how far we searched, none appeared.
Worse, I hadn't anticipated this, so I had no samples for [Trace Pursuit] to lock onto.
On reflection, Actini prefers cold climates. They're probably around, but not worth the time now.
Which leaves—Tejiril grass.
Tejiril grass is the base for the stamina water I taught Lola.
Its weaker effects make it dirt-cheap in Seren, but regions without Actini use it regularly.
That said, the empire's mostly temperate, so Actini is common, and imports cover shortages. Tejiril rarely sees use.
Recalling this, I soon found Tejiril grass.
Phil watched me gather it, studying the plant, but it's abundant—no risk of shortage.
Still, a thorough search seems wise. If key materials stay elusive, I'll buy them in Sylvek. Relying solely on Phil feels wrong, but scrounging last-minute won't cut it.
I collected extra Tejiril (its weaker effects demand quantity) and headed back.
On the way, I bagged two deer and three rabbits, returning by dusk.
The beastmen had finished their camp's frame and bedding, debating walls.
No signs of hunting, so they hadn't started meals yet.
I traded them meat for butchering and cooking, then shoved a deer into the cave for Mei.
But she seemed unimpressed by the offering.
Promising monsters next time, I retreated to my quarters.
There, I processed materials and reviewed Esrald's notes until sleep took me.
Waking, I found dawn long past.
Stretching outside, I inhaled the forest air—then nearly collided with Urk carrying firewood.
"Morning's been here a while."
"So it seems."
Ignoring his exasperation, I scanned the area.
The other beastmen were gone—so were Phil and the Eras Rhino child.
Unlikely they're together. Must've gone hunting separately.
Without the Eras Rhino, transporting prey for Mei is impossible, and tracking Phil would be tough. I'm leaning on them too much, but no choice. If they return empty-handed, I'll hunt properly.
After washing up with [Pure Water], I spotted Urk roasting venison by the fire.
"Leftover meat from yesterday?"
"Thanks. By the way, the others hunting?"
"Ran out of water. They headed to the stream."
"Right. I warned them, but should've prepared some."
Near the camp, I used [Earth Wall] to create a water tank, filling it with [Pure Water].
There's one by the labyrinth entrance, but Phil keeps it topped up for himself and the Eras Rhino. It's usually empty, and the beastmen wouldn't use it anyway.
"I'll handle water. Just ask if you need more—what's wrong?"
Urk's odd look made me pause.
"Nobles are amazing. You just make water sources like that…"
"That's a misunderstanding. Most nobles can't even swing a sword properly."
For some reason, Urk nodded, impressed.
"Then, Alter-sama, you're one of the rare ones."
"Rare, huh… If only."
At my self-deprecation, Urk looked puzzled.
A night of studying Esrald's notes yielded no breakthroughs. Progress likely requires the materials themselves.
Top-grade healing potions, toxic disinfectants, high-quality holy-attribute magic stones (or equivalents), high-rank dark spirit stones, and a vampire Prost's stone.
All are rare—and these are just for the forbidden drug Esrald. Even gathering them doesn't guarantee a resurrection potion.
Sighing internally, I refocused.
Trial and error it is. I'll eventually brew a top-grade healing potion. The materials are Seron grass, Sislaus grass nectar, Saras butterfly tail spikes, right? If the beastmen know where to find them…
Taking the meat from Urk, I returned to the labyrinth while eating.
Hymes lay unchanged in the chamber, but his stamina had dipped further. He seemed stable but was inching toward death.
Time's running out. With materials secured, I'll force progress.
In my quarters, I dried promising ingredients with makeshift [Breeze] and [Flint] dryers.
Grinding them in a mortar, I began [Synthesis]—half-forcing it.
Several ingredients were ruined, but after multiple attempts, I produced a low-grade stamina potion. The lack of feedback worried me. Maybe the alchemy tools made the difference—they let me gauge ingredient states slightly better.
Thanking Dudley for the bargain tools, I gave the potion to Hymes.
But he didn't wake. Low-grade might not cure such exhaustion.
Still, it should help.
I resumed [Synthesis], selecting the best potions for Hymes.
But forced recovery strains the body.
After the third dose, I paused to monitor him.
Next, I finally repaid Melock's favor and revisited Esrald's notes.
Afternoon passed into evening.
As dusk neared, movement drew me to the chamber—Hymes was sitting up, scanning the room dazedly.
He turned at my footsteps, sunken eyes meeting mine.
"You're… Tenko?"
"Haven't been called that in a while. It's been a month—no, almost two since we met. Regardless, glad you're awake."
Pushing him back down, I sat opposite.
"You've probably realized this isn't the salt mine."
I summarized events for the confused Hymes—the rescue, this being the Depths Forest.
Mentioning the labyrinth outright would strain belief.
Then, supporting him, I moved to where he could see outside.
Sitting beside him, I too gazed at the severed world beyond.
Hymes seemed captivated by the dense forest view.
"Hear those voices? Beastmen who escaped with us. They're waiting for their comrade's return. That aside, I owe you an apology. I took you out while you were unconscious."
Hymes silently stared outside, then suddenly looked down.
His hands trembled in his lap.
After watching them, he clenched his fists.
"Thank you for saving me. But please, return me to the salt mine."
As expected.
Even terrified enough to shake, he still sought death there. That's no ordinary sense of duty.
But I couldn't believe Hymes bore such guilt.
If Count Taklas wanted Swordflash Klaus, he'd have found any excuse to attack. Hymes merely had soldiers and adventurers explore a forest Taklas claimed. At worst, that should've provoked a small skirmish—destroying a town is insanity.
Even after explaining this, Hymes didn't waver.
I pressed on.
"Your sense of duty is admirable. But the tragedies in Lapzel and Ilsana stem from Count Taklas and Earl Wolbar's feud. Your only mistake was not seeing Taklas's schemes. Speaking of, did anyone oppose the plan? Warn against provoking Taklas?"
Hymes didn't answer—which was answer enough.
Besides, Hymes couldn't have acted alone. It all started when Earl Wolbar's daughter, Lushena, wanted Latila fur. Wolbar and Lapzel's knights were surely involved—if anything, they probably encouraged Hymes.
So, were the knights overseeing Lapzel punished too?
Somehow, I doubted it.
Earl Wolbar already lost Swordflash Klaus. He can't afford more losses. Plus, earl-tier houses have entrenched knightly lineages. Even House Reedwald fell to bloodline politics—Wolbar's would be worse.
Any punishments would be light.
And the bulk of the blame fell on Hymes, condemned to a fate worse than execution—mine slavery.
Truthfully, I don't know.
But one thing's certain: Hymes stubbornly clings to atonement.
Realizing this, it hit me.
Ah, he's the same.
"Your death has no value."
Hymes's eyes widened.
"Dying in the mines might fulfill your duty as governor. But do you think Earl Wolbar cares? Mine slavery is no better than execution. The moment you were sent there, Wolbar forgot you. You know this—yet still want to return."
Of course he knows.
As I spoke, he regained composure, then suddenly seemed to realize something, lowering his gaze.
That gesture told me I'd overthought it.
"You hadn't realized? The heart's hard to read. I struggle too. But you seem to get it now, so let me say this: You're just punishing yourself. Atoning to Lapzel and Ilsana's victims. But your life or death means nothing to them. They won't care or even know. You're seeking death for self-satisfaction—to escape guilt."
Hymes's face twisted in pain.
Back in the forest, when we found the refugees' bodies, he'd worn the same expression.
Maybe that's when he decided to die.
Hymes and Jake are alike.
Both are driven by guilt.
But their choices diverge. Even if escape underlies it, Hymes chooses death to atone. No matter how painful, even when given chances to flee.
That's why I want him.
Straightening, I faced him squarely.
"To be honest, taking you from the mines and these persuasive words—it's all for my sake. There were other unfortunates, but you were my priority."
At his puzzled look, I continued.
"Just for a while is fine. Lend me your strength. I'll tell you everything—what happened to me, what I seek. Decide after knowing."
Pausing, I laid bare my past—Lambert's betrayal, the labyrinth saving me and changing my species, Reedwald's fall, my quest to revive my family.
I hid my reincarnation to avoid confusion but disclosed everything else, including my status.
Hymes was stunned, but gradually, his sunken eyes gleamed with sharp intellect, scrutinizing every word.
I had no reservations.
Hymes seeks death as penance. Such a man wouldn't exploit labyrinth secrets. Nor would he return to Earl Wolbar—if still loyal, he'd have given the Celestial Law Blade and Nosvar to Wolbar, not me.
Like Sarhas and the others, he's lost his place to return.
"I won't blame you for refusing. But please, don't go back to the mines. If you decline, I'll send you west to the Semgat Duchy or north to the Hazel United Kingdom—safe from Wolbar's reach."
Hymes closed his eyes silently.
I didn't press further, waiting.
The quiet labyrinth carried sounds of rustling leaves and beastmen's laughter.
A serene silence filled the chamber, contrasting the lively outside.
Time passed.
Eventually, Hymes looked up.
"My death has no value."
With a faint smile, he weakly knelt on one knee.
Then, bowing his head.
"Former governor of Lapzel, Hymes. From this moment, I pledge myself to Alter-sama."
Stunned, I faltered.
I'd hoped for this—why I rescued him, why I persuaded him.
Suppressing eagerness, I asked:
"The future's unpredictable. You might wish you'd died in the mines. Still sure?"
"It doesn't matter. As you said, my death won't undo Lapzel or Ilsana's tragedies. And if my savior is in dire straits, I'd rather repay that debt than die fulfilling duty. Slander means nothing. Hardship is welcome."
His firm nod made me grasp his hands unconsciously.
Startled but undeterred, I gripped tightly.
"Understood. Your life is mine now."
"Use it as you will."
Hymes smiled wryly, weakly but earnestly returning the grip.
For now, I've only obtained Esrald's research.
The more I study, the more endless the path seems, and even gathering the forbidden drug's materials feels impossible.
Yet, I'm undeniably moving forward.
This grip isn't between comrades, friends, or mentor and student.
In this moment, for the first time in my life, I've gained a true subordinate.