Chapter 164
Chapter 164. Labyrinth Conference
Far away, a fierce battle continues.
Two days after welcoming Hymes, I set out to gather dwindling materials while also procuring food for Mei.
Common materials aren't an issue, but the crucial ingredients for alchemical solutions are running low. I found Ranim grass in the northern forests of Sylveck, and the Sogrio fruit only grows in one cluster. Stable supply is far from guaranteed.
Perched atop Eras Rhino, I ponder while watching the fight.
The bear facing the ogre head-on is called Vranbear. Though its size rivals the massive ogre, it's purely an animal. According to [Appraisal], it's one of the strongest terrestrial creatures—among animals, of course.
In the depths of the dense forest, monsters and beasts brawl, biting and slashing.
The ogre, a demi-human, should wield combat skills, but perhaps dragged into Vranbear's pace, it fights like a wild beast.
The battle ends when fangs pierce the ogre's throat, securing Vranbear's victory.
Impressive. While goblins are one thing, an animal taking down an ogre? It lives up to its title as one of the strongest. Vranbear swallows the torn throat and crouches to feast further.
In that instant, its bloodshot eyes snap toward me.
My hair brushes my cheek.
Unnoticed, the wind now blows from behind me toward the bear.
Catching our scent, Vranbear directs its hostility our way.
Eras Rhino is young but massive, no less than the ogre. Yet, the bear shows no fear.
"Unfazed even after consecutive battles? That fighting spirit suits the 'strongest.' Then, let's spar a bit."
Leaving the Swiftwind Scimitar and luggage on Eras Rhino's back, I jump down with a slash-enhanced knife in hand.
Ideally, I'd test myself against a fresh monster, but wounded will do.
I roll my neck, shake my limbs, and check my condition.
Over a month has passed since learning [Beast Transfromation]. During the fight with Siqueer in Reedwald, I was too tense, and in the Torpus Salt Mine, I avoided close combat.
Human form and beastman form. It's time I grasp the difference.
Vranbear stands on hind legs to intimidate but shifts to a forward stance as I approach.
Its head dips, then it charges in one breath.
Those bloodshot eyes lock onto me, but if I dodge, it'll attack Eras Rhino next. Then, Fil would intervene and end the fight.
My agility without [High-Speed Movement] is 21. No slower than Vranbear's 19.
A little risky, but I'll meet it head-on.
I raise the knife—then lower it.
Might as well practice [Martial Arts] combat skills.
I switch the knife to my left hand and open my right.
As sharp fangs lunge, I strike toward its brow.
"Gh—!"
The impact knocks the air from my lungs.
I twist midair and land on a mossy rock.
Vranbear shakes its head irritably.
Though sent flying, the hit had some effect.
The skill I tried was [Palm Strike].
Surprisingly, palm strikes exist here, but most brawlers prefer fists, making this basic skill rare.
In a way, I'm no different.
Focused on swords and magic, I never activated it.
Rubbing my throbbing right hand, I reset my stance.
Taking the hit, Vranbear now sees me as its primary target.
It pounces with rage, swiping its claws.
Dodging, I ponder how to train.
Beyond [Palm Strike], I've only seen the kick skill [Kick Blade]. Others include the thrusting [Piercing Hand], body-hardening [Iron Body] and [Flex Body], and the qi-like [Shock Wave].
Similar techniques existed in my past world, but here, magic enhances their effects. Qi-like skills are essentially non-attribute magic.
If it's magic-adjacent, I might manage. For now, I'll practice known skills.
I evade the flurry of claws and dodge snapping fangs.
In openings, I land palm strikes and kicks, but neither skill activates. Raw strikes barely pierce thick muscle and fur. [Appraisal] shows its HP hasn't dropped by even 1.
Well, that's fine for now.
Vranbear's bloodlust—no, killing intent—is relentless. It'll keep fighting until exhausted.
I test my beastman body with futile attacks.
Soon, a vague sensation becomes certainty.
[Beast Transfromation] seems to boost flexibility. Attacks I'd barely dodge in human form now evade with ease. Sharper hearing might help too.
Either way, my [Beast Transfromation] is closer to [Beastman Form].
Normal [Beast Transfromation] lengthens body hair and sharpens claws, so users often learn [Claw Arts].
But my claws are unchanged. They'd break if I slashed.
Thus, [Claw Arts] would be pointless—but might prove useful later.
Dodging a head strike, I slash with the knife instead.
I continue landing unactivated [Palm Strikes] and [Kick Blade]-like blows between knife swings.
Eventually, Vranbear adapts.
I fail to dodge, taking claw slashes and near-misses from fangs.
I'm moderately wounded; Vranbear fights on, covered in gashes.
Time blurs.
Perhaps due to consecutive battles, Vranbear's stamina wanes.
Its speed drops sharply.
Its killing intent remains, and stamina would recover with rest, but this is enough. One final check.
Focusing on mana flow, I activate [Multi-Cast] and fire fifteen [Magic Bolts].
Vranbear tries to evade, but all shots hit its temple, ending the fight.
Looking down at the massive bear, I replay the sensations.
Something I never noticed—a slight hitch.
Maybe a fraction of a second.
Negligible, but against a strong foe, it could mean life or death. If I master [Beast Transfromation], it might improve—or worsen. [Appraisal] warns it hinders magic activation. Mastery may amplify the drawback.
"For now, pros and cons. Against certain foes, my original form might be better."
Among beastmen here, only Sarhas has [Beast Transfromation].
I'll consult him if the chance arises.
◇◇◇◇
Vranbear, an animal, doesn't suit Mei's tastes.
I should've brought the ogre, but I chose Vranbear.
Food isn't just for Mei—Hymes, the beastmen, and I need it too. We've managed with foraging and hunting, but a dry spell would leave us hungry. Wasting such a prize would be foolish.
I drain its blood on-site and discard troublesome entrails.
Though my original goal failed, my mental material map expanded, and Vranbear's meat will suffice.
I task Eras Rhino with carrying the bear and head back to the labyrinth.
Prey spotted on the way is left for future needs. We arrive just past noon.
Noticing Eras Rhino's footsteps, Rizai greets me.
"That's—a bear monster?"
Rizai peers up at the massive bear in surprise.
I hop down and examine the haul.
"Likely a Vranbear. Technically an animal, but fiercely violent. It brawled with an ogre."
"An ogre and an animal? Truly a demonic realm… I should avoid solo trips."
Rizai sighs, scanning the Deepforest.
"Venturing far is one thing, but the labyrinth's vicinity should be safe. The ogre and bear were deep in. Help me butcher it."
"Understood."
Rizai calls the others, and together, they lower Vranbear.
While the beastmen prep, I tend to Eras Rhino's child, wiping off blood.
As I work, Rizai asks:
"Rare to see your prey this battered. The ogre's doing?"
"I practiced close combat with it."
Showing the slash-enhanced knife, Rizai nods knowingly.
It's been nearly a week since the beastmen settled here.
Initial wariness after my reveal has faded, eased by familiarity and food.
None of them are professional scouts.
Ex-C-rank Rizai isn't strong—likely weaker than Markant or Sekies of the Shattered Wing.
The others are even less remarkable.
They initially refused my aid, but wild greens alone were too harsh.
In exchange for meat, they help with butchering and chores, warming up naturally.
"Lift its arm."
At my direction, the burly beastman Nalgus heaves Vranbear's limb.
Pure physicality-wise, he's the strongest.
A tiger beastman born to slave parents, his rugged build belies zero combat experience. Surprisingly mild-mannered, he once restrained Rizai during negotiations at Torpus Mine.
With limbs processed, Rizai, Seget, and Eshin flip the carcass.
Seget, ex-E-rank, is a canine beastman like Rizai. Eshin witnessed slaves dying in Zoptum, swaying Sarhas's stance.
Noticing Eshin rubbing his shoulders tiredly, I silently keep working.
He can't be truly fatigued yet.
Eshin's mixed heritage obscures his race.
Captured by slavers after drifting through the empire, his bad behavior got him exiled to the mines. He insists he's no criminal, but petty offenses seem likely.
With their help, we finish skinning.
Next is removing flesh from the hide, but Rizai takes over, so I rest.
Handing off the knife, I head inside—and bump into Ulk.
"Ah—you're back."
"A while ago."
I gesture at Vranbear with my eyes. Ulk nods, impressed.
At twelve, he's the youngest here, including me. His name sounded wolf-like, but he's actually a fox beastman.
From Sarulau Village in Filsatch's domain, he and his mother sold themselves after his father's death. She soon died too, and he was bulk-sold to Viscount Fasden.
"Finished your task too?"
"Yes. Just now."
Ulk answers politely.
While the beastmen adjusted to me, the labyrinth is another matter.
Yet, Ulk alone comes and goes freely.
Sarulau barely discriminated against him, and slavers treated him decently.
Only at Torpus Mine did he face human malice, but Sarhas's early protection spared him the others' bitterness.
Trusting him, I asked him to watch over Hymes in my absence—a good call.
Starting with chats at the entrance, he now ventures inside.
Days ago, he began learning letters and basics, his speech refining. Hymes advised him that manners matter regardless of one's path.
I also teach when free, having promised Fil. Mei sometimes observes, practicing letters.
Beastmen, monsters, and a labyrinth learning together—a peculiar sight.
"Got a minute?"
Rizai calls, and I turn.
Frowning at the bear meat, he remarks:
"More meat than expected. It'll rot before we eat it all."
"A waste. Let's dry it."
"Never done that. Just sun-dry?"
"Probably. Smoking would deter insects."
"That's jerky. Better than wasting it. Don't complain about taste."
"Edible is enough."
Nodding, Rizai starts the jerky-making process.
Finally entering the labyrinth, I apologize to Mei for the missed meal and brief Hymes on the day's results.
Then, I process materials stored deep inside and begin brewing potions to replenish dwindling stocks.
Stirring Seilon grass powder into the solution, I ponder the beastmen outside.
Something's been on my mind.
Days ago, I had Fil use [Retroactive Tracking] to locate Sarhas.
Regardless of negotiations, knowing the village's location wouldn't hurt.
Guilt prickled, but it proved needless.
The spell failed.
Retrying later yielded nothing.
Only one conclusion: Sarhas is dead.
Yet, it's hard to believe.
Sarhas was formidable, and as a village native, he knew forest monsters.
If villagers killed him, it's possible—but they'd likely appreciate labyrinth intel. Personal grudges are unfathomable.
Can [Retroactive Tracking] fail?
Fil didn't know either.
Whatever the reason, more trouble is the last thing I need.
Soon, the scent of roasted meat blends with the chilly air.
Pausing work, I head to the hall where Ulk serves bear meat and vegetable soup.
Thanking him, I sit on deer hide across from Hymes, and dinner begins.
Hymes's soup is finely chopped and simmered soft for ease.
He sips carefully; I gnaw bear meat as we chat.
After the meal, over hot water, Hymes speaks up.
"Might I have a moment?"
"Of course."
His tone signals seriousness. Straightening, I listen.
"I lack alchemical knowledge, so I've been thinking of other ways to contribute."
"That's valuable. Go on."
He bows slightly and continues.
"My concern is your survival becoming known. If Balmat Kingdom learns, they'll move to eliminate you. The surest prevention is silencing those aware, but—"
"Not an option."
"I agree. They risked their lives to aid you. Killing them would alienate potential allies. Besides, the guild branch leader won't leak information. The gardener wouldn't suspect unless the beastman boy is linked to you. Avoiding them prevents connections."
"Even in beastman form, I can't approach Reedwald?"
"Best avoided. But time will resolve Balmat's threat."
At my puzzled look, he explains.
"Why orchestrate an assassination? True, you're powerful, but few know your full strength. Even if rumors spread, a noble's underage son matching A-ranks is unbelievable. They'd never plan elaborate kills. Incidentally, the Reedwald family has few relatives, correct?"
"Sudden, but yes. Our house is young—only two deceased aunts, distant pre-title kin, and three cousins (two male, one female)."
"All male heirs?"
"Yes."
Hymes nods in understanding.
"Then it's clear. You were targeted to delay the Reedwald Liberation Army's formation."
"Formation… I see."
It nagged at me.
Velot involved Lambert, deploying elites to kill me.
I assumed it was fear of my strength, but in hindsight, that's odd.
Only family, Roland, the War Axe of Purging, and Elphimia in Celen know my full power.
They'd never leak it, and Velot was shocked to hear I fought Jarid—proof he didn't know.
Balmat's goal was hindering the army's formation.
If my brother or I live, Viscount Brassrad acts.
If both die, infighting over leadership is certain.
The two male cousins are heirs—too risky as figureheads.
As for the female cousin?
Hymes shakes his head.
"Women inheriting isn't unheard of, but it's complicated. Later."
"Understood. Back to the topic—so it hinges on Reedwald."
"Yes. Once Reedwald is retaken, targeting you becomes pointless. Balmat will withdraw from your allies' periphery too."
"Me leaving town… no, there was no choice."
"Precisely. Your transformation left no options. Which leads to the next issue."
"The labyrinth's exposure?"
Mei's attention sharpens at the words. Unnoticed by Hymes, he nods.
"The labyrinth threatens all life. Though deep in the forest, it's close enough to imperial borders. Regardless of Reedwald's state, if its existence becomes public, the empire will dispatch forces."
"Balmat might leak it deliberately. But Mei's influence wanes. Fil and I suppress the blank zone's shrinkage, but it's vast. Regular emotion bursts are the only solution, but those are like outbursts."
"Faked and genuine emotions differ?"
"Seems so. No success yet."
Mei's focus lingers, sensing the topic.
I smile reassuringly, then a thought strikes.
Do newborn labyrinths all emit influence like Mei?
That'd repel monsters, preventing guardian acquisition.
Unless it's selecting the strongest—
"My knowledge of monsters and combat is lacking."
Hymes's voice refocuses me.
"Are labyrinth species the labyrinth's body itself?"
"Details are unclear, but the labyrinth is like armor. The core resides somewhere—so time was the issue."
"Then, as I thought."
"Influence likely weakens with growth."
Q&A with Mei reveals more.
Most labyrinth species expand underground, relocating to safer depths. Like humans can't swap head and feet, they can't drastically shift their core's location.
"Even if Mei masters emotion bursts, the source will retreat. Staying near the entrance is untenable—too risky. Blank zone shrinkage won't cause immediate exposure. More animals mean more monsters, drawing adventurers back. Active hunting could buy time."
I state it firmly, but Hymes's expression gives me pause.
Urged, he speaks carefully.
"Sarhas was ex-B-rank. More noticeable than other beastmen."
"True, but how's that relevant?"
"If no imperial sightings, his whereabouts narrow."
Connecting the dots, I see his point.
"Presumed dead in the riot or collapse—that's possible, but irrelevant."
"Indeed. Suspicion alone is problematic. And rumors of beastmen villages? Viscount Fasden knows. Torpus Mine suffered heavy damage under your actions. He'll need more slaves."
"Buying from slavers has limits. A beastmen village would be next—this suspiciously peaceful area."
"Before Mei's birth, adventurers operated here. They know it's barren, but Fasden will scour every lead."
"Possibly. Troublesome… Was the riot a mistake?"
I acted based on my position, slaves' plight, and Zoptum's torment.
But Fasden's response wasn't factored in.
Hymes shakes his head, reading my thoughts.
"In hindsight, leaving quietly and retrieving Zoptum later was optimal. But foresight that far is near impossible. I, too, was sent to the mines."
His wry smile eases my guilt.
"That helps. Regardless, I'll consult Sarhas. Imperial troops ravaging the forest won't please him either."
As the discussion winds down, days pass.
I study Esald's notes, brew potions, and hunt.
A week after Hymes wakes, Sarhas returns to the labyrinth—defying my worries.
●Current Status
Up, New: Compared to "Chapter 157: Departure Preparations (Before Torpus Salt Mine)"
Name: Alter Les Reedwald
Race: Mutator
Level: 33
HP: 201 / 201
MP: 425 / 425
STR: 15
INT: 17
DEX: 18
VIT: 16 + 2 (18)
AGI: 21 + 2 (23) (46: Doubled)
CHA: 16
-Skills-
Strong Strike, Double Strike, Wind Fang Strike, Beast Transfromation, Growth Boost, Growth Enhancement, Status Disguise, Language Proficiency, High-Speed Movement, Multi-Cast, Magic Item Alteration, Magic Item Ascension, Fire Resistance 3, Ice Resistance 2, Mind Resistance 10, Pain Resistance 5, Slash Resistance 1, Pierce Resistance 2, Poison Resistance 2, Appraisal 6, Alchemy 8, Smithing 4, Magic Item Crafting 6, Spirit Bonding 5 (1↑), Tracking 6, Stealth 7, Presence Sense 7, Danger Sense 2, One-Handed Sword 8, Two-Handed Sword 3, Curved Sword 4, Dagger 5, Martial Arts 7, Archery 4, Fire Magic 7, Water Magic 6, Wind Magic 6, Earth Magic 6, Non-Attribute Magic 4, Ice Magic 3, Lightning Magic 2, Alteration Magic 6
-Magic-
Beginner
Fire Bolt, Water Bolt, Wind Bolt, Earth Bolt, Magic Bolt, Ice Bolt, Shock Bolt, Flame Blow, Water Blow, Stone Blow, Ice Blow, Water Shield, Wind Shield, Magic Shield, Earth Shield, Fire Control, Water Control, Air Control, Soil Control, Energy Control, Strength Up, Agility Up, Concentration Up, Force Field, Light, Torch, Night Vision, Create Solution, Ice Frost, Reference Point, Earth Spirit Summon: Merlock, Fire Spirit Summon: Sarkar
Intermediate
Fireball, Fire Spread, Stalagmite, Penetrate Gale, Earth Wall
[Titles]
Reincarnated, Ace of the Going-Home Club (VIT +2, AGI +2), Second Son of House Reedwald