Page 191

(Walson)

The [Genesis of Civilization: Labyrinth of Flame].

For the Elemental Guardians, the existence of their labyrinths serves as a trial and a means to select its Vassal, such as the [Vassal of The Forest], [Vassal of The Water], and [Vassal of The Light]. Therefore, these labyrinths are not easily conquerable.

Just like the [Flowing Purgatory: Labyrinth of Water] of Teigitan, the Elemental Guardian of Water, and the [Hidden Forest: Labyrinth of Nature] of Nakula, the Elemental Guardian of Nature, both labyrinth are made with the intention of having no easy passage in it, the true intention of it's labyrinth are hidden deeply to it's explorer with the intention of testing their worth, and only when they reach the deepest part of the Labyrinth would their true purpose be told.

The existence of the [Vassal] is a massive secret in this world. Even without special modifications, when using the [Stone Tablet of Identification], the race that is changed after becoming a [Vassal] would not be displayed, instead, it would only show the [Vassal] original race, which is in my case, a [Human].

That aside, I must say, these labyrinths are extremely mysterious. Simply discovering their existence alone is already not an easy task, let alone their location. Well, aside from this [Labyrinth of Flames], of course.

The [Labyrinth of Flames], Located in the mountainous region belonging to an ancient landmass, not to mention the abundant minerals, adventurers flock to this labyrinth because of the special metal it produces—[Inferno Aurum].

The term [Inferno Aurum] doesn't refer to a specific metal, instead, any metal, such as iron, mithril, and copper, all could be turned into [Inferno Aurum].

Yes, [Inferno Aurum] is not a material, instead, it's a state, a metal that has been enhanced by the labyrinth of flame all become an [Inferno Aurum], these metals are all imbued with fire attribute magic. In this aspect, they surpass all enchanted metals in this world.

The Enchantments in this world are mostly consumables. With increased use and time, enchantments eventually lose their effect, requiring re-enchantment. However, this poses a new problem. Even the lowest-tier enchantments come at a high price.

There are very few people with the class of an [Enchanter], and due to this, the [Inferno Aurum], a metal that is imbued with magic, becomes a treasure, not to mention that its magic doesn't dissipate after continued use.

[Inferno Copper]—five hundred gold per ounce. [Inferno Iron]—one thousand gold per ounce. As for [Inferno Mithril], there is no price placed on it, it's so precious that whenever it's found, war soon happens.

Though, with my ability as a Minecraft Character, the [Inferno Aurum] metal are not all that valuable, since, besides [Inferno Mithril], I can also easily make something much more valuable than that, the [Inferno Orichalcum].

...That being said, before entering this city, I was stopped by Belle. She asked me to coat Derisha's [Anti-Melon Spear Prototype 1.0] and her [X Curry Stick] with [Iron].

The reason is that the Dwarven Kingdom is a major exporter of metals. In such a country, people knowledgeable about metals are abundant. If someone were to notice that these weapons are made from [Orichalcum Steel], they would definitely cause a scene.

That aside, we, now in light armor, entered the labyrinth city without any suspense. This time, I obediently took out the guild documents, in it, Melon, Grace, and Barella were my written in as companions, while Belle and Derisha presented their adventurer documents, disguising themselves as if I had commissioned them to escort me.

As for Alice and Tanaya, they passed directly with guild receptionist identification. Rifle, serving as Alice's familiar, signed the agreement and successfully entered the labyrinth city..

Entering the labyrinth city truly broadened my horizons, it looks a lot like how a typical RPG style city looks like.

Starting with the appearance of the city, when viewed from above, the entire city has a disc-like shape. In the center of the town is a colossal tower that looks like it has experienced an incredibly long time. This is where we will explore later. Describing the people on the streets as "strange and peculiar" is no exaggeration.

Among the crowds of people that are wondering about, many of them are wearing armor and wielding swords, there are also various mages from different branches of magic moving about, people who wore leather armor and plate armor are also not in short supply.

The city is filled with weapon shops, armor shops, potion stores, taverns, red-light districts, casinos, inns,etc— a gigantic economy centered around adventurers appeared before me.

In addition to these, several copper-made robots carrying heavy loads can be seen passing by, clanging with the sound of hissing gas. Inside these massive mechs are dwarves about one meter forty tall.

Hot damn, this thing Is steam-powered?

This is something you would only see in video games.

To my mother in this lifetime, though I don't know who you are, thank you for letting me be born in this world!

...Oops, it seems I unintentionally started rambling again.

— — — — — —

Nighttime, at the "Sexy Orc" tavern.

This tavern has a large-scale operation and happens to be located next to the adventurer's guild. During the adventurer's post-adventure hours around 8 PM, the clashing of armor, the noise of revelry, and the tavern owner's wide smile indicate that tonight is another good business night.

I sit in the corner of the bar, with an expression of great interest, joining the cheering adventurers in looking towards the stage.

Barella elegantly sat to the side, wearing a deceptive smile, strumming a ukulele.

Suddenly, a crisp sound cut through, and the surroundings quieted down. After a few seconds, a melodious tone emerged, followed by a pure and beautiful voice.

Grace and Melon swayed tambourines with the music, and the audience joined in the gentle swaying. Of course, to avoid trouble later, the three of them wore dance masks.

They seemed to be having a great time.

"These girls are just like an idol group," I laughed, waving to the bartender. "Sorry, can I have a mug of ale?"

"Sorry, little brother, you're too young to drink. It's a rule. How about our special fruit juice instead..." The dwarf bartender, who was focused on the performance, only noticed my call.

"...Damn! I'm already of age!"

"What? Turns out we're of the same kin... That's fine then."

Damn it! Just because I'm short doesn't mean I'm a dwarf!

Chuckle

a young man nearby, bare-chested and wearing a full-face helmet, laughed.

"What are you laughing at— Hmm?" I was about to retort when the cheers of the crowd overwhelmed me.

It turns out the music ended.

"Encore! Encore! Encore!" The applause was deafening, making me wince in pain.

'Hmmmm.....I wonder if the wind attribute magic can be used to manipulate sound?'

"Miss, are you free tonight? Can I see your true face?"

"Miss, please be my girl!"

The lead singer, Barella, in the center of this storm, didn't show signs of panic. She just smiled faintly, lifted her skirt, and gracefully declined with a gesture.

"Sorry, I already have someone I like," Barella said.

A wave of disappointed sounds echoed in the crowd.

"But, the next song will be from the one I like..."

"Perverted Goblin!" Just as I was engrossed in watching the performance, an abrupt voice disturbed me, forcing me to shift my attention.

Sometime during the performance, Belle, dressed in equestrian attire, had already sat next to me..

"Well then, let's all sing along to the next song!" The prelude to the song was about to begin as Barella's introduction ended.

What did she just say...? Well, whatever.

I saw Barella stand up, changing her ukulele-holding posture... it was just like... playing a guitar?

Behind her, Grace picked up her staff, and the warm tones of the ukulele were instantly magnified.

"Is this how you all are? So... relaxed." Belle, beside me, looked at the stage with an expression of incomprehension.

"I actually think it's important to relax moderately. They seem happy, don't they? Bartender, another mug of ale for me," I absentmindedly said, and after a few seconds, a small barrel slid in front of Belle.

"...I don't drink," Belle still had a displeased expression.

Alright, you successfully got my attention. You annoying ghost.

"Who said it's for you? Bartender, you placed it in the wrong spot," I snatched the mug of ale and took a hearty sip.

This feeling of intoxication is really... not enjoyable at all, damn it.

"Not to talk about this, but I wanted to ask you, what are your plans next?"

...Since it's about serious matters, I can't help it, even though it's really annoying.

"Well, I'm planning to go to the adventurer guild tomorrow." Truth to be told, I don't want to go there— but I still need to gather information.

To explore the labyrinth, I have to become an adventurer.