Shadowed Gaze: The Highserk War Saga - Chapter 138

In the labyrinth of Bergana, there existed a facility known as the Guild House, operated directly by the Adventurers’ Guild. Separated clearly from the public reception area, its designated floors provided everything necessary for long-term operations within the labyrinth. While registration and usage fees applied, the benefits were numerous: support from specialized staff, material processing, access to skilled healing mages, rest areas, and dining facilities were all included.

Regularly held training sessions offered knowledge on the monsters appearing at each floor, and practical training allowed certified high-ranking adventurers to accompany trainees under a temporary contract. While many still chose to enter the middle layers via the general entrance, the statistics published by the guild clearly showed a stark contrast in injury and death rates between general users and those using the Guild House.

Paleuze, who had recently begun accessing the middle layers, now had enough funds to make active use of the Guild House. Though reluctantly forced into the role of party leader, he had much to learn. Starting with lectures, he trained in first aid, crisis management, and even received one-on-one combat instruction from Borgia soldiers.

During emergencies, adventurers were expected to support the city’s defense efforts—something Paleuze had learned from his instructors. After all, the Bergana Labyrinth was the property of the Marquis Borgia, and the guild merely managed its operations. For the ruling house, adventurers were like a reserve army that didn’t require maintenance costs. Paleuze hadn’t signed up to be a soldier, but he wasn’t ungrateful either. Having left his rural village behind, Bergana had become a second home. It was only fair to give back.

That morning, Paleuze had attended a lecture on priority actions within the labyrinth and later napped in the rest area to relieve his heavy eyelids. The sun had since begun to set, and the twin moons were starting to rise. Fortunately, time had little meaning within the labyrinth. The party had taken the previous day off, and everyone had likely spent it relaxing. The day after a break was always sluggish, and Paleuze planned to ease back into the rhythm.

Members gradually gathered in front of the reception desk, which doubled as their meeting spot. Only Leek had yet to arrive, but that was no surprise. When absorbed in something, Leek often lost track of time. Paleuze, used to the delay, decided to change his mindset instead of letting irritation fester.

“Want to grab a snack while we wait? Did you eat yet?”

“About two hours ago. Once we’re in the labyrinth, we won’t get a proper meal, so yeah, let’s go.”

With Dona’s approval, Paleuze headed toward the canteen. He didn’t bother asking Mattio; the boy was always hungry. Whatever his reply, it would be the same. At the moment, Mattio was lost in thought, likely dreaming of food, but the smell was already luring him forward, following Paleuze like a duckling. The go-to meal was, of course, orc meat.

“Orc meat is—”

“Ugh, no thanks. We already eat that inside the labyrinth.”

Dona recoiled instinctively. Even Mattio scrunched up his face. Paleuze and his party often butchered orcs inside and hauled the meat back for sustenance. While it was admittedly tasty, eating it every day had its limits. They had tried grilling, stewing, frying—but three meals a day of orc meat had become too much.

As if to mock Paleuze’s frustration, a sweet scent wafted through the air and teased their senses.

“Tch… pastries…”

In Bergana, orc meat was abundantly supplied from the labyrinth, making it one of the cheapest foods available, alongside salted fish. By contrast, anything made with wheat—especially sweets—was expensive. Adventurers, who usually subsisted on salty and greasy food, craved sugar. But the price tags posted on the vendor sign were far from gentle.

Still, the smell of cane sugar was enough to break their resolve. Mattio, entranced by the scent, drifted forward like a sleepwalker. Paleuze cursed the sinful stall for preying on growing adventurers with such wicked temptation—but he too gave in.

Though his wallet was now much lighter, Paleuze’s stomach was content. As he silently cursed the absent Leek, the boy himself came sprinting toward them.

“You’re late! Don’t tell me you took another detour.”

Despite the sweet aroma clinging to his clothes, Leek’s expression was different than usual. He waved his arms, breathless, and began to explain.

“Yeah, I know I’m late, but listen—this is huge! Someone just returned after conquering the labyrinth! There’s a huge commotion going on! They popped out from one of the restricted Guild House sectors!”

“What?! Someone conquered the labyrinth?!”

Paleuze had reached the middle layers, but even that was within culled, safer zones. Going deeper meant facing waves of relentless, high-tier monsters without rest. If he and his team were lucky, they could maybe take one monster down with them.

“Who was it?!”

Dona demanded, leaning in, eyes wide. As fellow adventurers, it was only natural they were eager to know. Paleuze was no different.

“It was the Three Magic Attack party! There’s a crowd gathering. Let’s go check it out!”

Urged forward, Paleuze followed Leek into the crowd. Pushing through the packed hall, occasionally getting shoved or scolded, they finally reached a gap where they could see.

There they were, being escorted by staff from the inner Guild House toward the treatment ward. Their equipment was battered and worn, unmistakably shaped by brutal battles. Each bore injuries. There was no glamour in their condition. They were utterly exhausted—broken, but alive.

“Whoa… they’re a mess. They barely made it out.”

“They’re covered in wounds… but somehow they look cool like that.”

“Yeah.”

But Paleuze’s attention was locked onto one man. The mercenary who had recently joined the Three Magic Attack party. His armor was crumpled as if crushed by a giant’s hand. His broken limbs were splinted, and he leaned heavily against Merrill for support.

Then, their eyes met.

Walm’s dark, clouded eyes locked onto Paleuze, sending a chill down his spine. Still, Paleuze didn’t look away. When they first met, that gaze had terrified him. Now, his curiosity outmatched his fear. Maybe there was even a hint of envy.

“Even in the dark… he shines.”

Every time Paleuze saw Walm’s back, the memory etched itself deeper. The fluid footwork, the effortless parries, the strike that even took down the Bone Collector. Paleuze couldn’t help but watch him.

That man had reached the 30th floor alone—a feat Paleuze and ten of himself couldn’t hope to match. If they all charged at once, they’d just become corpses. And yet, he had made a decision.

Even if only a little, he would get stronger.

He didn’t speak to Walm. He didn’t call out. He simply continued to offer silent praise to the mercenary who had conquered the labyrinth.

Translator – Lyxxna