Survive the labyrinth with EX-grade traits

“Huh.”

I sat up and gasped for air.

“It was just a dream.”

For once, I had a real dream, not just falling into a deep sleep or waking up in the white space that Chaos calls.

‘Was the story I heard from Edwin yesterday too impressive?’

I saw myself in the third layer, desperately surviving.

I sighed and wiped my face.

“Since I’ve decided to go, I shouldn’t delay it.”

When the decision is made, the action should be swift. I quickly got ready and washed up.

It was said that the Magic Tower was located between the second and third districts.

Is it okay to go there in this shabby, damaged armor?

‘What if a noble makes fun of me for my appearance?’

… Never mind. If an adventurer is judged by their equipment in the Labyrinth City, then that person is weird.

Click.

“Hmm? It’s still early, but your expression looks like you had a restless sleep.”

I was going to go out for breakfast, but it was impossible.

Contrary to my thoughts, Roten was already sitting at the counter, reading a newspaper.

‘Wow. If anyone sees him, they might think he’s a ghost.’

“I had a dream for the first time in a while. You woke up early.”

“Hehe. When you get old, you sleep less. Are you going out now?”

“Yes. I received a personal request, so I’m going to the Magic Tower, but I don’t know how long it will take or how much time I’ll need. I might have to stay overnight today.”

“Is that so? I’ll let Lumia know.”

Roten pointed to the table.

“But first, have some breakfast. No matter where you’re going, you need to fill your stomach to have strength.”

I nodded and sat down, and soon I could hear the busy sounds of cooking coming from the kitchen.

“Here, have it while it’s hot.”

A soup with plenty of meat and potatoes, a small rye bread, a boiled egg, and a glass of milk.

I cleaned the plate and left the inn.

“Remember what we talked about in the backyard yesterday. Just look forward and have confidence. Stand tall! Chest out!”

“Haha. I’ll keep that in mind. I’ll be back.”

Is it because of the meal or Roten’s kindness?

I moved forward with a sense of security.

.

.

.

It took a long time.

Between the second and third districts. It was the first time I had traveled so far within the Labyrinth City.

“Damn.”

When I got off the carriage and looked around, I was surprised.

The Magic Tower.

No matter how high I looked, I couldn’t see the end of this towering skyscraper.

The white spire, also known as the Ivory Tower of Magic, soared into the sky, proudly displaying its grandeur.

‘I’ll break my neck if I keep looking up. Let’s stop staring and go in. Where’s the entrance?’

After looking around a bit, I soon saw a large entrance guarded by several armor-clad guards.

Among them was a full plate armor-clad guard, who seemed to be the leader. I observed him from a distance without being noticed.

───

[Vincent Jordic]

[Strength: A-] [Agility: B+] [Endurance: A+] [Vitality: A] [Magic: A-] [Luck: B]

[Possessed Traits] (Collapse)

Advanced Sword Defense

Shield of Judgment
Magic Affinity
Troll’s Regeneration
Crisis Detection
Engraving of Defense
Magic Strike
Stomp
You Can’t Pass
Flag of Iron Wall
Fortification

───

───

[You Can’t Pass (A)] [A]

A sword and shield that desperately protects what he has vowed to guard.

The existence that can break through this and go behind the user without permission must be extremely rare.

──Activation Word ‘You Can’t Pass.’

──When a single target is designated, it grants strong resistance to all status effects in combat with that target.

──When multiple targets are designated, it grants intermediate resistance to all status effects in combat with those targets.

──If there is a friendly target weaker than the user behind the user when designated, it applies resistance to stun and stiffness until the combat ends.

───

───

[Fortification (A)] [A]

Standing solemnly on the ground with a shield raised high, he is the very embodiment of a wall and a fortress.

──With a shield in hand, activate the activation word ‘Fortification.’

──After activation, continuously consume magic to apply strong damage reduction.

──After activation, continuously consume magic to apply strong magic resistance.

──After activation, the damage inflicted on the opponent is significantly reduced until the fortification status ends.

───

Wow. It seems like I’m meeting stronger people in the city.

Vincent Jordic, with his skin barely exposed, exudes a solemn and strict aura like steel.

The fact that such a strong person is working as a guard shows the power of the Magic Tower.

Clank.

“Oops. I’m being noticed.”

Even though I was far away, the guard turned his head in my direction as if he felt something strange. I quickly averted my gaze.

Pretending to be calm, I slowly followed the procession heading towards the Magic Tower, and soon it was my turn.

“Please state your purpose of visit. If you are not a wizard of the Magic Tower, you cannot enter without a visitor’s pass or a clear purpose of visit.”

Let’s see. I had a confirmation letter from the guild in my bag, right?

“Here, this is a certificate that I received a personal request from the Adventurer’s Guild. Please check it.”

The guard carefully read the letter without missing a single word and then spoke.

“Confirmation complete. This is your first visit. If you cause unnecessary disturbances inside the tower, you will be forcibly removed, so please be careful. Please enter.”

He’s as sharp as a sword.

I nodded slightly to acknowledge his words and then walked past him into the Magic Tower.

Boom-

“Whew. Is this the barrier I read about in the book?”

After only a few steps, I felt a stuffy sensation as if I were diving into water.

It was said to be Belmosier’s barrier.

The great wizard Belmosier’s barrier, which he created by sacrificing his lifespan, envelops the entire Magic Tower.

I don’t know exactly how it works, but it’s said to have the effect of preventing anyone with the aura of an evil god from entering the Magic Tower.

‘Fortunately, Ceres is a neutral god, so I can enter safely.’

The atmosphere inside the Magic Tower was generally quiet.

Even though there were many people in the first-floor lobby, everyone seemed to be self-restrained.

Anyway, it seems that there’s no need to stand in line or take a number.

I approached the empty desk and spoke to the staff.

“Excuse me. I’m here for a request, but can you tell me where I should go?”

“Yes, yes, yes! Just a moment!”

“…”

Why is she stuttering?

“Ahem. Yes! Please speak.”

“I’m here to meet Haynes, a wizard of the Earth School.”

“What’s your name?

“Ahren. My name is Ahren.”

The staff member fiddled with a wide board that looked like a magical tool.

“Yes. It’s confirmed that the fourth-rank wizard, Haynes, has given you permission to visit. Take the magic elevator over there, and then go to the Lepidarium.”

Vroom.

The staff member hung a square object on a string, like an employee ID card, and handed it to me after casting a spell on it.

“If you put this on the small magic circle at the top and infuse it with your magic, it will stop at the floor that matches your purpose. Do you have any other questions?”

‘I guess I can consider this as an elevator and a button, even though it looks much more primitive than what we have in modern times. Magic is amazing.’

“Thank you. You’re very kind. I’ll take my leave now.”

“Hey, wait! …he’s gone. I should have at least asked which inn he’s staying at.”

I heard a voice from behind, but I ignored it because it was mumbled.

I got on the elevator without paying attention to it.

‘Should I put this here?’

When I infused the magic circle with my magic as instructed by the staff member, it slowly started to move upwards.

It’s slower than I thought. It’s not as advanced as modern technology.

.

.

.

Vroom.

Ding!

I arrived at the 27th floor.

There was more than one door that looked like a laboratory, but soon I found one with Haynes’ name on it.

Is this Haynes’ personal laboratory?

Knock, knock.

After knocking, I waited for a moment, and then I heard a familiar voice from inside.

“The door is open, please come in.”

Click.

When I opened the door and entered, I saw Haynes, one of the four people I fought with on the first floor.

“I’ve been informed. Your name is Ahren… Hmm?”

Unlike in the dungeon, he was wearing a neat brown uniform and had neatly groomed hair, giving off a scholarly atmosphere.

“Oh! I thought it might be a namesake, but it’s really you, Ahren. It’s not a very common name, as you know.”

Haynes smiled warmly.

“This is great. I was a bit unsure because the Adventurer’s Guild only provided me with basic information about the adventurer who took the request. I can trust you, Ahren.”

“Haha. I was also surprised to hear that the requester was Haynes. The world seems vast, but it’s also small.”

“That’s right. It’s nice to meet a comrade in an unexpected place.”

I shook his hand vigorously.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I was so excited that I didn’t know how to respond. Please, have a seat.”

I sat down and looked around the interior, which had been hidden behind Haynes.

The space was filled with brown and ochre colors, either because it was the Earth School’s floor or simply Haynes’ personal preference.

On one side of the wall was a bookshelf filled with thick books.

On the other side was a shelf with flasks containing soil and various colored stones.

Clatter.

After asking me to sit down, Haynes left for a moment and then returned with a tray of tea and cookies.

“Let’s have a cup of tea and talk.”

Slurp.

‘The tea tastes good. Now that I think about it, I saw Victor and Leesia’s status windows, but I didn’t see Haynes’ in the dungeon. He must be a noble, right?’

I sipped the tea and glanced at Haynes.

───

[Haynes Muller]

[Strength: D-] [Agility: D-] [Endurance: D] [Vitality: D] [Magic: C+] [Luck: D-]

[Possessed Traits] (Collapse)

Earth Magic Proficiency
Fallen Noble
Solid Magic
Hard Worker
Mineral Affinity

───

Damn. I should keep my mouth shut when it comes to topics related to status.

“By the way, can I see the requested item before we catch up?”

“Of course. Do you know the condition of the core?”

“I was informed of the condition of the requested item along with basic personal information from the guild, so don’t worry. It’s fine if it’s half-broken, as it’s for research purposes.”

Phew. If I didn’t know, I would have come all this way for nothing.

I sighed with relief and took the golem’s core out of my backpack.

“Oh ho! I’ll pay you handsomely, so can I take a look?”

There shouldn’t be any problems. I nodded.

“Hmm. Hmm… Oh, such a high-level structure. Wow! I’ve never seen this formula before, but the end part is erased.”

Haynes focused on the core with an entranced look.

“What if I add a spell by intertwining this part like this?”

Zap.

A faint light began to leak out of the golem’s core, which was half-broken and exposed its interior, and sparks started to fly.

“That’s enough. Ahren, you’ve really brought something incredible.”

“It seems to be even better than you expected. Have you made some progress?”

“Hahaha! Of course. In negotiations, you shouldn’t reveal your hand or show your emotions too early. I’ve lost. I can’t help it.”

Haynes coughed, feeling embarrassed, and continued.

“Hmm. I’m not usually this excited. Before we discuss the compensation, let’s share our adventure stories and ask how you got this.”

“Sure. It’s a bit long, is that okay? Do you have time?”

“Hmm… I don’t have any important schedule today anyway. Let’s talk, decide on the compensation, and then go see my magic demonstration.”

‘It’ll be a great opportunity for me to see new magic and gain enlightenment.’

I answered that it was a good idea and then started to tell him about the events of this exploration.

Of course, I hid some things that needed to be hidden.

.

.

.

“…Did someone visit? Did I just hear wrong? You don’t need to be careful about what you say since there’s no one around.”

──Yes! The Ahren you’ve been longing for so much visited the Magic Tower a little while ago.

Flick!

“Are you sure? Are you sure it’s him? Isn’t it a mistake for someone who looks similar?”

──Yes. It’s hard to mistake him with his mysterious golden eyes, black hair, and the feature of being a low-level adventurer.

“Good… Thank you. I’ll definitely repay you later.”

──Are you sure? Now I’m stuck with you, Aren’t I? If the other Tower Master candidates find out, it’ll be hard for me!

Scarlet smiled and spoke.

“Even though I’m a hateful bitch, I’m the only daughter of my father, a genius with talent and the support to match. Isn’t it obvious that I won’t stay locked up forever?”

──Yes. Of course. That’s why you lined up earlier than the others, right?

“Hmm. If you know, then don’t doubt and help me more. So, where is Ahren now?”

──I secretly asked the desk, and they said that Ahren is currently chatting in Haynes’ personal laboratory, a wizard of the Earth School.

As the words from the small communication hole ended, Scarlet’s face twisted as if she had an unpleasant thought.

“Haynes? The name is gender-neutral. Is it a woman?”

──He’s a man. He’s not gay either. ‘her voice is a bit scary.’

“Okay. It’s better to end the conversation now. I’ll contact you again later, so rest.”

Click.

In the midst of a blazing fire, Scarlet whispered.

“Ahh. I can’t go out now, what should I do?”

Then I’ll have to send a substitute.