Shadowed Gaze: The Highserk War Saga - Chapter 112

Crossing the cobblestones and passing through the open door, Walm entered the building. The entrance hall was an atrium, and rows of white marble columns formed an arch, welcoming him.

A light flickered in his field of vision, and though it was indoors, Walm noticed the brightness. He looked up with his cloudy eyes to see clear glass and colorful stained glass alternately fitted into the ceiling windows, skillfully gathering natural light from outside.

“When you think of a labyrinth, you think of a filthy place,” Walm muttered.

The columns had lantern hooks designed not to spoil the aesthetic, which likely switched to illumination by magic stones or glowing moss at night.

As remarkable as the architecture was, Walm couldn’t remain entranced forever. The once orderly stream of people had scattered, and there were small groups leaning against the columns. Walm took up a position by one of the columns and began observing the flow of people.

According to the information Walm had gathered at the tavern, the owner of The Great Labyrinth of Bergana was the Marquis Borgia’s family. However, the labyrinth’s management was largely entrusted to the Adventurers’ Guild, which was experienced in labyrinth operations and possessed extensive management know-how.

In fact, the door with a sign “Adventurer’s Guild Bergana Branch” drew the most people. The labyrinth had multiple entrances, though the exact number was unknown. There were various entrances to avoid queues, some for nobles and foreign dignitaries, and others restricted to high-ranking adventurers. Walm had been told this with a tone of envy.

Additionally, it seemed there were exclusive salons for powerful figures and high-ranking adventurers, functioning as places for socializing and hiring. This might’ve explained why some adventurers were dressed like nobles.

Finished with his observations, Walm left the column and began to walk. While some adventurers held special privileges, those challenging the labyrinth were not limited to adventurers and the powerful. Commoners, dreaming of striking it rich, also operated in the lower layers. Walm intended to join them.

He had already marked his targets. Despite the cloth wrapped around their tools to avoid bare blades, Walm had not missed the machetes and hoes. The men, likely commoners, walked with tense expressions. Quietly, Walm followed them deeper into the building.

The difference in treatment is blatant, Walm noted.

The further he moved toward the labyrinth entrance for commoners, the more the grandeur diminished. This part of the building, likely expanded and renovated multiple times, showed its age and wear compared to the entrance. Still, it was far superior to the fortresses where Walm had spent his life in the Highserk Empire.

After walking for a while, they arrived at a large hall with a high ceiling, likely used for resting and meeting up. There were shops selling weapons and consumables, and even vendors offering snacks. Tables and chairs of various designs were scattered about, some originally of high quality. It was evident these were old items repurposed from other waiting areas.

“Listen, if you’re targeted, run and lure it to the spear carrier.”

“I got a new backpack. I can stuff it with meat or whatever.”

“Haha, you bought such a big one, even though you won’t use even half of it.”

“Hey, you’ve got sauce on your clothes.”

“It’s on purpose. I’ll lick it when I’m hungry.”

“Liar!”

The waiting area was far from refined, filled with chatter and activity. In this lively atmosphere, Walm approached the reception area, timing his approach when fewer people were around.

“I want to enter the labyrinth,” he said directly, unsure of what the right approach was.

“Uh, are you sure you’re in the right place?” the receptionist responded, surprising Walm. He masked his surprise and replied with a question.

“Isn’t this the labyrinth entrance?”

“Yes, it is an entrance, but it’s for novice adventurers and citizens. You don’t seem like a novice adventurer…”

“I’m not an adventurer,” Walm interrupted.

“Oh, you’re a mercenary. I thought you might be an adventurer from another city. In that case, I recommend registering as an adventurer. It would make things easier for you in the labyrinth—”

“No need,” Walm cut her off again.

“Uh, well, joining the Adventurers’ Guild provides easier access to information, party participation, and gathering companions. Unless you have a criminal record, you can use the bulletin board and get introductions to other adventurers. Are you alone?”

“…Yeah, I’m alone.”

The receptionist’s words, implying he had no friends, hit Walm hard. He couldn’t refute her. Seizing the opportunity, she continued in a gentle tone.

“Many experienced mercenaries feel the same, but this is a labyrinth. The usual rules don’t apply here. Entering alone is, frankly, suicidal.”

In Canoa, Walm had crushed adventurers and inadvertently led others to their deaths at Dandurg Castle due to his shortcomings. Having narrowly survived, Walm couldn’t fathom becoming an adventurer. Old memories resurfaced, making his eyes burn. He lowered his gaze, clenched his teeth, and steadied his breathing.

A silence fell over the bustling waiting area. The receptionist’s stern expression softened, and she continued, as if resigned to Walm’s stubbornness.

“Do you have a particular reason or preference? Well, I don’t recommend it, but I can’t force you either. It’s not like we don’t have anyone doing it… One small silver coin and five copper coins. I’ll return the five copper coins when you return the token. Your name?”

“It’s Walm.”

The receptionist wrote Walm’s name in the ledger and then handed him a copper token with numbers engraved on it from under the counter.

“Here are the prohibited and cautionary items. Can you read?”

“Yes.”

“For adventurers, there are also detailed workshops… but I won’t force you to attend.”

Walm skimmed through the stack of papers he received. It detailed the number of people allowed and the mechanisms within the levels. After thoroughly reading through it and noting any points of interest, he returned the papers.

“Please, don’t overexert yourself and observe the lower levels first. For someone as experienced as you seem, I believe you’ll come back safely. I sincerely hope to see you again.”

With a troubled smile, the receptionist sent him off. Despite it being part of her job, Walm felt guilty for causing her extra trouble and time.

“Thank you, and sorry for the trouble.”

The receptionist’s eyes widened in surprise at Walm’s gratitude. She likely thought he was an ungrateful person who couldn’t even say thank you.

“N-no, it’s my job, so don’t worry about it.”

Leaving the reception area, Walm proceeded to the entrance of the labyrinth. He presented the token he received to the guard and continued down a long corridor.

The texture of the ground changed. He stomped his boots on the different floor to confirm the new sensation. After a while, the path turned into a slope. Lantern stands filled with glowing moss lit the way.

At the end of the now level corridor, Walm sensed a presence. In the large room ahead, there were guards and a familiar small group. The adventurers he saw at the sword merchant’s shop were conversing in the center of the room.

“Don’t let your guard down. How long are you going to keep laughing?”

“Come on, don’t be so uptight.”

“Today, we want to bring back a whole orc.”

“Then we can buy better armor.”

“No, we need better weapons!”

“The bones are good enough for you.”

Their armor was minimal, and their weapons weren’t impressive. To be blunt, they were subpar. Even so, they were cheerful and had carefree smiles. Their eyes shone with hope for the unseen tomorrow. Noticing Walm’s gaze, the leader nudged the cocky boy with his elbow.

“Let’s go, the path behind us is getting crowded.”

“Oh, sorry.”

Had Walm been born in this land, he might have tackled the labyrinth with comrades from the same town or familiar faces, just like them. This thought crossed Walm’s mind, making him grimace as if he’d bitten into something bitter. It was a ridiculous fantasy, not worth entertaining. His eyes were too clouded, and his hands too dirty to dream. Returning to reality, Walm watched their backs.

“Hey, did you see that? Isn’t that the mercenary we saw at the shop? Scary.”

“Idiot, keep your voice down.”

“Yeah, bones, keep quiet.”

“Stop fooling around and let’s go.”

The four-member group entered the labyrinth ahead. They soon disappeared from sight. In a world where magic and dragons existed, Walm was no longer easily surprised, but he didn’t forget. He couldn’t forget the ‘hole,’ which made his mouth and throat dry.

“Ha, haha… Seriously? Of all things, this is no joke. Aren’t we supposed to go down?”

Feigning calm, Walm stood at the edge and peered into the black hole. It was pitch dark, nothing could be seen. Memories of his former world resurfaced. The similarity of the hole reminded Walm of the one that had lured and dragged him in during his last moments as Raizou Takakura.

“Maybe if I jump in, I’ll go back to that world… Hah, what a stupid fantasy.”

There was no time to slowly organize his thoughts. Sensing a new group approaching from behind, Walm steeled his resolve, kicked up his leg, and jumped in. If those young adventurers had jumped in without hesitation, it would be shameful for him to hesitate now, despite his past.

The world turned black, and his skin felt as if it was being caressed by an invisible force. Without losing consciousness, the darkness transitioned into a blinding light. Thus, Walm took his first step into the labyrinth.

Translator – Lyxxna
TL note: Thanks for the support guys, I really appreciate it!