Chapter 130 – Labyrinth of Tepheran (3)

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Translated by Heavenly Cat

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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[10 Great Mysteries Quest: Labyrinth of Tepheran]

The Arcana continent’s 10 Great Mysteries, Tepheran.

Solve the labyrinth of Tepheran.

And reveal the truth of Tepheran to the world.

Mysteries uncovered to date: 0 / 10

─Witness the labyrinth of Tepheran. (Success)

─Reach the labyrinth’s deep sector. (In Progress)

The updated objective is to reach the labyrinth’s deep sector.

Well, it’s not an unexpected objective.

Since I entered the labyrinth, I absolutely have to reach its deep sector in order to solve the labyrinth.

I suppose it feels like I’m performing the quest along the way.

“……Is that a spirit?”

It’s understandable to be surprised seeing it for the first time.

Since its external appearance is exceptionally aesthetic.

The explorers staring at Hiel and the darkness spirit as if their souls were sucked out.

“Sir, will you leave it to us from now on?”

The first one to regain his senses was Fabian.

‘That blasted title.’

Calling me Sir Ho-yeol from our first meeting.

Even though it seems like it’s not a discourtesy, to me it’s a discourteous designation.

I could understand it.

‘Because the Explorer’s Union belongs to the Yusra Kingdom.’

It’s a bit awkward saying it with my own mouth but.

Anyway, I possessed [Authority] in the Yusra Kingdom.

Meaning it is natural for union explorers, who belong to the Yusra Kingdom, to show a polite attitude towards me at least.

Perhaps because of that.

I replied generously.

“I shall observe your active performances.”

Fabian and the two men stepped forward.

Softly

Them reaching out their hands and examining the soaring walls.

They must be searching for traps.

Still, saying I have experience, I can recognize it too.

If it’s traps, I had tasted them briefly.

In the [Quernberg Mechanical Tower] rift.

‘Of course, it feels different from back then.’

The mechanical tower’s traps were traps exclusively for hunting demons.

Compared to those silver traps.

The traps of the Labyrinth of Tepheran here are…….

‘I haven’t seen them yet, but they will be much more vicious.’

First of all, even the warning message was unusual.

[Foolish ones who entered the Labyrinth of Tepheran.]

[Wealth and glory do not exist here.]

[Leave this place at once.]

[If you do not wish to die.]

But usually, when they say there’s none, there usually is.

And when told not to do it, one tends to want to do it more.

It’s probably not just me who saw this message.

‘Probably all the players who entered are thinking the same thing, right?’

That there is definitely something in the Labyrinth of Tepheran.

Seeing how a message surfaced from the start.

That what’s hidden might not be ordinary spoils.

They’re probably already making a fuss from the entrance.

‘Would I not have thought the same too.’

Incarnation of integrity.

Granfel’s tiring personality.

And if I hadn’t met the darkness spirit, that is.

“Sir Fabian, the level of the traps is not ordinary.”

“It’s not a simple mechanical device. Magic power dwells within it.”

“……It’s magic power but it doesn’t look like ordinary magic power. Seeing how magic tools don’t react to it.”

“Indeed, is this what they call a mystery.”

“It’s tricky. Indeed, it’s a good thing we brought the union’s treasures.”

Glance

Fabian, who discovered a trap, looked at me.

……Is he glaring at me for just standing still?

I felt purely pricked, but I didn’t avert my gaze.

Because putting on a brazen face, I had already declared it.

That I would observe their active performances.

‘That’s why I told you to prepare thoroughly. I did.’

In order to be together with me.

In order to handle my inflated bubble.

A lot of preparation would be needed.

I even kindly wrote and delivered a letter.

‘Still, my conscience won’t let me just let you do everything for free.’

A tiring personality that makes a point of turning overestimations into reality……!

Given that fully relying on others goes against my nature even more.

Meaning I did my own part when it comes to thorough preparation.

‘It’s a good thing my stamina reached superhuman levels.’

In that sense, it was extremely fortunate that books related to labyrinths didn’t exist in the Mage Tower.

Because I wouldn’t have had the leisure to cram knowledge regarding labyrinths into my head on top of everything.

I recalled the best preparation I could make.

‘Even if I don’t possess knowledge regarding labyrinths or traps.’

I was able to obtain information regarding the [Labyrinth of Tepheran].

I looked at the darkness spirit.

.

.

.

“The reason I invited you two is simple.”

The Chief’s office of the Mage Tower.

Clatter

Setting up the teacups, I said.

“It is to hear the opinions of the two Seniors regarding the darkness spirit.”

The darkness spirit about which extremely little has been revealed.

No matter which book I searched through, there was no more information than what I already knew.

There was no need to search on the internet either. Other players didn’t know anything about ordinary spirits either.

That’s why I invited the two Seniors, Matis and Feiyan.

“It is an honor to be invited.”

“Yes, it is an honor for me too but……. Um, may I quench my thirst a bit first?”

“Drink.”

Right away, Feiyan holding up her teacup.

‘Good medicine tastes bitter in the mouth.’

Most elixirs are not fit for human consumption.

Because they were plants closer to medicine than tea in the first place.

Though I consume them steadily to compensate for my shoddy stats…….

Monster-like Senior Mages wouldn’t need elixirs.

Meaning elixir tea isn’t appropriate for entertaining guests.

That’s why I prepared this tea.

“……Sss, this is somewhat of an exquisite flavor? Different from black tea.”

Is it that someone who eats a lot knows well?

Feiyan, a glutton, seemed to have guessed right away.

‘Yes, an exquisite flavor it must be.’

Because that’s a premium green tea teabag that costs 300 won apiece.

As to why I served teabag green tea, and a premium one at that.

If I traced back, I’d have to explain everything from dawn deliveries down to discount coupons.

Leaving behind Feiyan who was furrowing her brows, I got to the main point.

“For what reason do you think the darkness spirit appeared in Tepheran?”

Hot hot hot

The one who spoke first was Feiyan, who was about to down her tea in one gulp.

Feiyan hurriedly lowered her voice and said.

“As you know, I think it’s because the tricky appearance conditions for darkness spirits were met. Regarding that, as expected, I have something to say…….”

“I did not summon you to reprimand you, Feiyan Lott.”

“……Yes?”

I said it back then too, but it wasn’t anyone’s responsibility.

The appearance of the darkness spirit.

Was merely coincidences overlapping.

Matis nodded his head.

“Senior Feiyan. Chief Lee Ho-yeol is asking us the reason. As to why Tepheran became a location that fulfilled those tricky conditions.”

That was what I meant to say.

Matis, as expected of the Black Magicology Senior.

He reads my mind accurately, darkened by my dark history.

“Ah, if that is the case…….”

Feiyan laughed sheepishly and continued.

“Spirits in an uncontracted state have the habit of remaining in the location where they awakened. Even if it is a heterogeneous darkness spirit……. I believe its basic properties wouldn’t be different. That’s why I predict that perhaps the darkness spirit is a spirit born in Tepheran.”

“Matis, what is your thought?”

“My thought is the same as Senior Feiyan’s.”

The founder of Black Magicology.

Matis unleashed his extensive knowledge.

“Just as uncontracted spirits supply necessary magic power from nature. The darkness spirit will also definitely have to supply suitable magic power from nature.”

“That’s right. Because it’s a spirit anyway.”

“It means Tepheran was an infinitely suitable location.”

In simple terms.

Meaning suitable magic power would be surging in Tepheran.

At Matis’ inference, I swallowed a sigh.

……This wasn’t a mystery quest for nothing.

‘Suitable magic power originates from the past and one’s background.’

Undoubtedly, it meant there is a backstory tangled with Tepheran.

Matis continued politely.

“I believe conversing with the darkness spirit will be helpful in finding out the source of the suitable magic power. Of course, whatever backstory it is tangled with. It wouldn’t pose a big problem for you, Sir.”

You are trusting me excessively, Senior Matis.

However, Matis wasn’t entirely mistaken.

Yes, Black Magic, and the properties of suitable magic power.

‘Darkness is buried by deeper darkness.’

Because Matis highly evaluated my suitable magic power. He must be thinking that no matter how much it is Tepheran, it wouldn’t pose a problem for me.

‘In the end, conversing with the darkness spirit would be best.’

The conversation ended around there.

The two Seniors rising from their seats.

Following Matis out of the office, Feiyan suddenly opened her mouth.

“……Excuse me, Chief Lee Ho-yeol.”

“?”

“Could I perhaps get just one more of that tea from earlier?”

Feiyan smiled affably.

“It has somewhat of an exquisite flavor, so I want to drink just one more cup.”

Is her gluttony making even 300 won green tea taste delicious.

If I could, I’d give you however many you want, but.

Regrettably, at that timing.

“Regrettably, I cannot do that.”

Because there’s only one teabag left.

However, owing to this blasted pride and formality.

I couldn’t just honestly spit out the truth that I couldn’t give it to her because I planned to drink it.

Thanks to that, I spoke firmly.

“Excessive caffeine intake interferes with sleep.”

“……Yes? Caffeine? What addict?”

.

.

.

If someone heard that, they’d think I couldn’t sleep due to excessive caffeine intake. A conversation where even thinking back leaves me clicking my tongue at the shamelessness. However, that too was thorough preparation.

I spoke with a voice no different from usual.

“I have questions regarding Tepheran.”

Tepheran.

The moment that name came out, the darkness spirit answered.

“I have been waiting for that question. Endlessly deep darkness.”

Indeed, it was exactly as Matis said.

Seems like you have a lot you want to say.

I looked at Fabian’s group focused on disarming the traps.

‘It will probably be information helpful in various ways for that side as well.’

Since we were in the same boat, it wasn’t information worth hiding.

Therefore, I spoke confidently.

“I wish to know the past of Tepheran, darkness spirit.”

*

The messages that surfaced in their vision.

The voice ringing like an echo in the labyrinth.

Players who had regained their senses exchanged conversations.

“Everyone heard it, right?”

“There’s nothing here. Seeing that it’s telling us to leave at once…….”

“A strong denial is a strong affirmation! As expected, it was a good idea to enter!”

At most, guilds and parties.

At least, players who entered alone.

Players entering as a guild or party unit didn’t have big problems, but the situation for players who entered alone was slightly different.

Most of them were NetTuber players.

“No, hyung-nims. I told you I’m alone? Humanly speaking, how can I sprint at full speed! Especially when I don’t know what kind of trap will pop out from where!”

“If I knew it’d be like this, I would have found a party……!”

“I heard the starting point for labyrinths is different for everyone here. But even so, surely I’m not the only one? There must be players who entered alone like me, right?”

Just like them, a NetTuber player.

Park Hwi-gang delivered the situation to his viewers.

As expected, his explorer knowledge shone through.

“Because even if a labyrinth has one exit, it has several entrances! It means the locations where players, including me, dropped are each different! Yes? You ask if we can’t see Ho-yeol-nim? No! From the deeper parts of the labyrinth, we’re bound to meet eventually anyway.”

-Then does that mean you have to go to the deep sector???

-Is Hwi-gang capable of that alone??

-If it seems impossible, let’s just give up ㅇㅇ

-Fr, holding out until Ho-yeol clears it is also a method.

Most of what the viewers said was right every time, but…….

Park Hwi-gang had made a resolution.

That this time, he would try to make a bit of an effort.

‘It’s a chance to let the world know of Ho-yeol-nim’s achievements.’

Make sure the world doesn’t know what I’ve done!

Ho-yeol was someone who acted as if holding such a motto.

Because even in simple interviews, or press conferences, Ho-yeol didn’t boast or reveal his achievements.

‘Even when he cleared the Demon King’s Castle rifts…….’

Even the clear wasn’t an ordinary clear.

To the point of saying he ‘crushed’ a whopping three Demon King’s Castle rifts.

Because Ho-yeol had cleared them in merely 10 minutes.

Therefore, Park Hwi-gang sincerely thought.

‘The world needs to know a bit more about Ho-yeol-nim’s efforts.’

Just Homen.

Park Hwi-gang, having chanted a spell inwardly, took a deep breath.

And then he shouted.

“Excuse me, is there anyone who wants to form a party with me?”

“……Huh? Look, hyung-nims. I told you I’m not alone.”

“My class is explorer! It will be helpful in a labyrinth!”

“……Explorer? Wow, thank goodness!!”

“Me too! Please let me join too!”

Players gathering in an instant.

They were all completely different.

There were NetTuber players like Park Hwi-gang, high-level players possessing skills to enter alone, and even some whose faces were known as supernovas.

However, what does their background matter.

Since their objective was one anyway.

“Let’s join forces and advance all the way to the deep sector!”

Of course, it wasn’t an ordinary labyrinth, but one of the 10 Great Mysteries, the [Labyrinth of Tepheran].

Naturally, its first steps were not going to be easy. Shouts could be heard from all over the labyrinth, including Park Hwi-gang’s party.

“Wh-What’s going on? The labyrinth walls are cracking?”

“Excuse mee? Hwi-gang-ssi. Isn’t this collapsing?!”

“Wait a minute, hyung-nims! There’s something inside the wall?”

“Uwaaaaak! Something is moving inside the wall!!”

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.

.

Murmur murmur

The numerous starting points existing in the Labyrinth of Tepheran.

However, the only point where silence flowed was the location where Ho-yeol and Fabian’s party entered.

Who was Fabian? The greatest labyrinth expert of the Arcana continent and a living explorer legend.

“Huu……. The traps have been disarmed.”

Even though it was his first actual combat in a while, the senses engraved in his body hadn’t dulled.

Of course, he benefited significantly from his thorough preparation.

Because if not for the magic tools, he would have properly embarrassed himself in front of Sir Ho-yeol.

‘It’s not an ordinary labyrinth.’

A labyrinth, a place where someone hid their spoils.

It’s natural for it to be built taking into account the movement paths for when retrieving those spoils.

Like a shortcut hidden safely from traps.

Or a rule allowing traps to be easily disarmed.

Yes, that was the common sense of ordinary labyrinths.

However, such elements did not exist in the Labyrinth of Tepheran.

As if truly meaning they wouldn’t allow anyone’s approach.

Every trap was intricate to the point of being overwhelming to disarm.

‘……Perhaps that voice might be referring to the truth.’

Wealth and glory do not exist here.

Leave this place at once.

If you do not wish to die…….

It wasn’t just Fabian who caught on to the signs.

“Aaron, what do you think?”

“……Sir Fabian, don’t you find something strange too?”

“Of course, I am also feeling a sense of incongruity.”

Fabian was wrapped in questions.

If it wasn’t to securely store wealth and glory.

Why on earth did Tepheran build such a labyrinth?

“It is truly a mystery.”

He couldn’t understand it at all purely using common sense.

However, the question did not last long.

Because the darkness spirit began to unravel it.

“Tepheran wished to protect it. Everything.”

Yes, the truth of Tepheran.

“……!!!”

The faces of Fabian, Aaron, and Lombus, who were listening attentively to the story, colored with shock.

An unbelievable story. Yes, the reason silence flows in this moment was precisely because of that truth.

However, naturally.

Not the slightest change appeared on Ho-yeol’s expression.

Soon, Ho-yeol opened his mouth.

“I have come to know your pride. Tepheran.”

And he spat out a shocking declaration.

“Fabian, from now on, I will break through the traps head-on.”

“……?”

“Act according to your pride.”

……All of a sudden?

Breaking through the traps head-on?

Moreover, pride?

Trickle trickle.

Cold sweat beaded on Fabian’s forehead.

“Sir, what do you mean by that?”

.

.

.

What do I mean.

To summarize it in one line, it’s simple.

‘Tepheran sacrificed themselves for the Arcana continent.’

Thanks to that, my pride, which I’d die for, has been triggered.

As expected, things never go easily.

Still, it’s a good thing.

Because there is ‘one’ magic tool I haven’t returned yet.

There was no time to act leisurely.

I immediately equipped the magic tool I had rented from the Mage Tower’s Garnet Hall.

Flutter