Shadowed Gaze: The Highserk War Saga - Chapter 132

The expedition, which also served as Walm’s initiation into the Three Magic Attack party, progressed much like testing new metal components being fitted together. Through repeated battles, they were effectively stress-testing Walm, ensuring that his integration into the group would not cause any malfunctions.

Though he could sense their intent, Walm continued to fight as he always did. Altering his approach unnecessarily would only interfere with the evaluation. Instead of descending further, the party actively sought out monsters, exterminating them as they went. Walm, in turn, reduced countless creatures to blood splatter on his halberd. The prolonged combat only came to an end when the dwarves made their appearance.

There was no need to speculate on the reason. Their battle style naturally attracted monsters, and they spared no effort in cutting down everything in sight. Whether it was a welcome gesture toward Walm, who had joined the Three Magic Attack, or simply their way of boasting, was uncertain. Considering the hearty laughter echoing in Walm’s ears, it was likely just a friendly competition over the number of kills.

After leaving the labyrinth, the party returned to the tavern where they had first met, quickly finishing their meal before beginning a review session to strengthen their coordination.

“We are lucky to have Walm join us. He took over the front-line role that had been solely reliant on Hari, exceeding expectations. On top of that, his magic attacks have eased the burden on both Yuna and me.”

Merrill glanced at the seated members, as if inviting any counterpoints.

“He’s certainly capable enough to accompany us in our goal to conquer the labyrinth. That said, there are a few adjustments and shared understandings I’d like from Walm.”

Walm was not arrogant enough to believe he had mastered everything. While he had extensive experience in small-unit skirmishes, fighting within the dark, enclosed space of a labyrinth—where monsters continually spawned—demanded unique party strategies and specialized techniques. He had come to recognize that over the course of their battles.

“I have no objections.”

“Like I said before, Walm is more than fulfilling his role as a frontliner. Considering he made it this deep alone, that’s no surprise. But…” Merrill paused briefly. “He’s too fixated on his front-line duty. When he teamed up with Yuna, he took on too much of the enemy’s attention by himself. There are cases where that’s necessary, but you should rely on Yuna more.”

“I am strong in close combat too.”

Yuna, despite her usual lack of expression, looked distinctly proud as she said this.

Indeed, Walm had been overly rigid in his role, not fully considering what would happen if the front line was broken or if the enemy got past him. Simply assuming he would never let that happen was both arrogant and shortsighted.

“As you can see, she’s more than willing. If we want to reach the bottom, there’s no reason to take unnecessary risks and sustain injuries.”

Up until now, Walm had focused on how to end battles quickly. Had he fought alongside others from the start, he might have adopted different tactics, but as a solo explorer, he had no backup—his options were always limited. His time fighting alone had left its mark.

Merrill, giving him time to absorb this, continued speaking.

“In a good way, you need to use your teammates. You were a soldier, right? You must have had comrades you fought alongside.”

Though Walm had operated alone at times, the majority of his battles were fought with others. He had entrusted his back to his comrades—men who threw themselves into death’s maw with curses on their lips.

“Yeah, I did.”

“We haven’t been together for long. Do you think you can’t rely on us yet? Or is it a matter of trust?”

“Neither. It’s probably just my own stubbornness. I’ll adjust next time.”

“That’s a good answer.”

Merrill nodded, seemingly satisfied.

“Of course, you can rely on me as well. I have absolute confidence in my durability.”

Hari, who had been silently listening, spoke with a warm smile. Considering he had endured a direct mace strike to the rear without flinching, it was no empty boast. Against normal enemies, his resilience must have seemed almost absurd.

“Uh, yeah… I’ll keep that in mind.”

Walm answered awkwardly. If he could take Hari’s words at face value, there would be no issue—but considering the monk’s previous behavior, Walm found it difficult to fully accept his offer. Mariante, apparently sharing his concerns, voiced them for him.

“When Hari says it, it sounds suspicious.”

“Mariante, it’s not good to be distrustful of your own comrades.”

“That’s exactly the problem—you sound like a proper monk, but…”

Merrill stepped in to console Mariante.

“He has moments of clarity every now and then.”

“Maybe a strong hit to the head would…”

Mariante trailed off and stared at her mace. Understanding the intent behind her gaze, Merrill shook his head.

“I wouldn’t recommend it, Mariante. It might fix him, but it could also make him worse.”

Seeing no counterargument, Mariante reluctantly abandoned her plan. Walm, for his part, hoped it would remain a last resort.

“Next, let’s discuss magic and skills. I didn’t get the chance to show it, but the reason I’m called Three Magic Attack is because of my skill. There’s also Mariante’s support magic—”

For five individuals with different backgrounds, values, and circumstances, understanding each other was a slow process. Their discussions covered everything—from combat strategies to resting habits and even meal preferences. The review session, which began as the sun set, lasted until the twin moons hung at their peak.

◆

Since Walm was not registered with the Adventurers’ Guild, he was technically employed under the roles of porter and guide within the Three Magic Attack party. This created administrative complications for the guild.

The source of the issue was the black hole, the sole entrance to the labyrinth. While several black holes existed in the Bergana Grand Labyrinth, both officially and unofficially, Walm had been using one designated for low-tier explorers—the same one typically frequented by beginners and weaker adventurers. Meanwhile, Merrill and his party had previously used one restricted to mid- and high-tier adventurers within the guild.

Though all black holes led to the same labyrinth, their associated facilities and accommodations varied significantly. Walm was not authorized to enter the guildhouse where Merrill’s party usually operated. In the best case scenario he could only access the request board and reception desk leading to the associated entrance of the labyrinth.

Yet Merrill and his team had no qualms about abandoning their usual black hole to use the low-tier one alongside Walm. The ones most alarmed by this decision were the guild officials. After the defection of Faust’s party, one of their longest-serving adventuring groups, Bergana’s guild branch couldn’t afford to lose another elite party. A high-ranking team regularly using the low-tier entrance reflected poorly on the guild’s image.

By stretching internal regulations, the guild found a way to grant Walm limited access to the mid-tier black hole by quoting contractual arrangements. However, Merrill rejected the proposal, insisting that special treatment would set a bad precedent. As a result, the party continued using the low-tier entrance.

The passageway to the waiting area was bustling with explorers making their daily commute. Following the backs of his companions, Walm’s boots echoed against the floor. As Merrill walked, a path naturally opened before him. No doubt the adventurers were yielding out of respect. Occasionally, younger explorers exchanged greetings with him.

“You’re pretty popular.”

Walm had never been greeted like this when he explored alone.

“It’s not just my skill, I also happen to be quite handsome… Hey, don’t laugh at that!”

Merrill protested as Walm chuckled. Acknowledging the reprimand, Walm followed along without a word. Upon reaching the waiting area, a new party called out—not to Merrill and the others, but directly to Walm.

“Heading into the lower floors?”

Walm searched his memory for the speaker. If he recalled correctly, it was Paleuze, a newly promoted adventurer who had only just outgrown the novice ranks. Three of his party members stood behind him.

“Yeah, that’s right. How about you? Did you make a good haul last time?”

“Thanks to the weapon you let us have, we should be able to upgrade our gear soon.”

“Weapon? Oh, that. Glad to hear it’s helping.”

They were referring to the spear taken from the Bone Collector that Walm had defeated in the labyrinth. One of Paleuze’s party members, a young boy, held it aloft like a prized treasure.

After exchanging a few more words, Walm wrapped up the conversation. Ever since joining Three Magic Attack, more people had begun approaching him. The experience made him acutely aware of how much social reputation mattered, leaving him to quietly lament the unfairness of the world.

Hearing approaching footsteps, Walm turned to see Merrill, who had just finished at the reception desk, smirking at him—as if he still hadn’t forgotten Walm’s earlier teasing.

“Alright, alright, I get it so stop grinning like that. I only just started getting other adventurers to actually look me in the eye so I’m not used to…”

“Oh my, how adorable. Well then, shall we go?”

Merrill brushed off his complaints with ease and started heading toward the transfer room. It would be some time before they returned to the surface again. As Walm followed, he found himself glancing back toward the reception desk. When he did, he caught sight of Lizzy watching him leave.

For a brief moment, their eyes met. Despite her busy work, Lizzy paused and gave him a small wave. The silver bracelet on her wrist gleamed faintly under the light filtering in from the skylight.

Walm raised his left hand in response. He had yet to properly thank her for helping him with the party recruitment. She had also mediated his use of the black hole with the guild. At some point, he would have to find a way to repay her.

“Walm, we’re leaving without you if you don’t come.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m coming.”

Mariante’s call snapped him out of his thoughts. He was acting no better than a distracted child about to get left behind. Tearing his gaze away from Lizzy, Walm refocused his mind on the descent ahead.

And so, without further delay, they stepped forward—once again into the abyss of the labyrinth.

Translator – Lyxxna