Chapter 111
As I reached out toward the portal, a faint ripple stirred.
From my fingertips, a gentle light spread outward, and a warm energy gathered near the portal.
Unlike other portals, this one had a soft and welcoming aura.
As if it was leading me forward, the dreamy currents swirled, and I let out a breath to ease the tension in my chest.
“Whew…”
Judging by the fact it didn’t repel me, it seemed I had met the required contribution level.
I lifted my head again and gazed at the portal.
The Hidden Dungeon, Golden Labyrinth.
As previously mentioned, this was one of the three great secret dungeons mentioned in the original work.
You could say it was a kind of treasure vault, granting incredible rewards.
Piles of gold, silver, and jewels. S-rank skill books.
And a vast collection of rare weapons—it was often referred to as a “Paradise for Survivors.”
However, only a very limited number of people could enter.
Only 44 survivors across the entire world were allowed access to the Golden Labyrinth.
Of course, who could enter was determined strictly based on contribution and a fair evaluation process.
And somehow, I had made it into the list of those 44 elite survivors.
I had even considered the worst-case scenario—that all of my companions would go without me…
‘Thank goodness that didn’t happen.’
Relieved, I turned to look back at my teammates.
It was great that I could enter.
The problem was…
[Available Entry Slots: 8]
Only 8 people could enter, while our team had 9 members.
‘That’s strange.’
If someone like me—easily the weakest—was allowed entry, then there shouldn’t be anyone on our team who couldn’t get in, right?
Tilting my head in confusion, I slowly scanned my companions.
It didn’t take long for me to notice something different about Sylvester.
Unlike the others, who had a small golden wing symbol floating above their heads—
Sylvester had no mark above his head.
“I’m okay.”
That didn’t mean Sylvester hadn’t contributed.
But unlike the other members, whose contributions came from combat-related skills—
Sylvester’s primary abilities were special crafting-based skills.
That likely led to a lower combat performance rating compared to the rest.
It must have been the limitation of being in a crafting role.
Perhaps realizing this himself, Sylvester was the first to step back and shake his head, saying he was fine.
“Sylvester.”
Though his expression was calm, he must have been deeply disappointed inside.
Opportunities like this didn’t come often.
Still, we couldn’t force someone who wasn’t eligible into the dungeon.
Besides, even now, other teams who entered before us were likely already claiming the treasures.
It was unfortunate for Sylvester, but we had no choice.
Just as I was about to tell him we’d be back soon—
“Meow!”
A sorrowful cry came from nearby.
As if saying, “Don’t leave me behind.”
“Myaaang…”
Mew rubbed her face against Lyria’s leg, her eyes shimmering with sadness.
“…Mew.”
Lyria, soft-hearted as ever, stared at Mew for a moment and then pulled something from her inventory.
It was—
“The S-rank Versatile Bag I gave her as a gift.”
With a soft swish, Mew vanished into the bag.
The Versatile Bag could perfectly conceal anything inside, no matter what it was.
‘Perfectly hides all presence…’
As I pondered that, a wild idea suddenly sparked in my mind.
“Lyria, that bag…”
I grabbed Sylvester’s hand and pulled him forward.
“…Could it work for a person too?”
Lyria’s eyes went wide at my question.
She hadn’t expected me to suggest putting a person inside.
She hesitated briefly, but then nodded.
“Yeah… I think it might be possible. Since Mew went in just fine… maybe it’ll work for one person too?”
All at once, everyone turned their gaze to Sylvester.
Caught off guard, he flinched and backed away in confusion.
“W-Why’s everyone looking at me like that?”
“Sylvester…”
Celestine, firmly holding his shoulder as he tried to retreat, spoke with resolve.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Okay?”
“…A once-in-a-lifetime chance.”
As if repeating the words to himself, Sylvester bit his lip in hesitation.
“…Alright.”
With a low sigh, he slowly nodded.
“But you have to take me out as soon as we arrive.”
At the same time, Celestine’s face lit up brightly.
With that, Sylvester’s bundle-bound fate—no, his pocket-ride fate—was sealed.
***
The entry into the Golden Labyrinth went smoothly.
As I poked my finger into the portal, I felt my whole body being sucked in—
Flash—
—and before I knew it, I was inside.
The landscape of the Golden Labyrinth was quite typical.
It was, quite literally, a labyrinth made of gold.
Lyria, walking alongside the glimmering golden walls, suddenly stopped in her tracks.
She reached toward a golden rose blooming in a corner and her eyes sparkled.
“Sis, can I take this too?”
Her voice was full of excitement and expectation, but I shook my head.
The Golden Labyrinth was undoubtedly a remarkable place—but there was one thing we had to be careful of.
That was—
[Non-Combat Zone / Golden Labyrinth]
[In the Golden Garden, each person may take only one item. The first item touched becomes your reward. Upon receiving it, you will be expelled from the dungeon.]
[Time Limit: 60 Minutes]
You could only choose one reward.
Just as that notification window popped up, disappointment appeared clearly on everyone’s face.
We’d earned such a rare chance, and yet only one item each?
What’s more, the first item touched would become your reward.
If you didn’t want to end up with something useless, you had to be careful not to touch anything recklessly.
Looking at Lyria, who had paled slightly, I smiled gently.
“Got it?”
“…Yeah!”
Quickly pulling her hand away from the rose, Lyria stepped back from it in haste.
As I watched her, I suddenly remembered someone I’d forgotten.
‘Ah, right… I didn’t take Sylvester out yet.’
“Sylvester, you okay?”
I opened the Versatile Bag, and inside, Sylvester wiggled out, crawling forward.
“I thought you forgot about me.”
He looked slightly annoyed—probably because it had felt stifling inside the bag.
Seeing his ruffled appearance, I felt a little guilty.
But still—wasn’t it worth enduring a bit of discomfort for the chance at such a rare item?
“…Though yeah, I think it was totally worth it,” Sylvester muttered.
He was right.
This labyrinth had priceless treasures at every turn.
“It’s a hard-earned opportunity. Let’s make the most of it.”
At my words, the party looked around excitedly.
Each time an item appeared and its description popped up, gasps of admiration echoed.
“Sis, look at this!”
Lyria pointed gleefully at something she found.
[Torch of Freedom]
A torch raised in the name of freedom. Liberates the user from curses that suppress or bind them.
“It looks good, but… let’s look around a bit more.”
It might keep you from being captured or imprisoned, but compared to others, its effect was a little underwhelming.
“How about this one?”
[Howling Storm]
A pendant containing the eye of a storm. Increases the user’s affinity with wind attributes and allows use of the skill [Call of the North Wind].
Nia, who had been quietly searching through the labyrinth, found the perfect item for herself.
“That’s a good one. Looks like it was made for you.”
Considering Nia was already among the best when it came to wind attributes, this item was practically custom-made for her.
There was no need to look any further.
It was perfect for her.
[Nia Jamillon has acquired the item: Howling Storm.]
Without hesitation, Nia grabbed the item.
A great start from the very first companion.
[Nia Jamillon has exited the Golden Labyrinth.]
And just like that, she vanished from the dungeon the moment she took her reward.
‘Good. At this rate…’
Everyone should be able to find something fitting without issue.
As I smiled with satisfaction, someone tapped me on the shoulder.
“This is really flashy—what do you think, Sis?”
[Shiny Ornamental Cloak]
Increases the user’s charm. That’s it.
“…Put that down, Darwin.”
Of course, not everyone was finding useful items.
“Then what about this one…”
“No.”
“This amazing hat, then—”
“Hey!”
Darwin kept picking up items that looked good but were functionally useless.
And I had my hands full trying to stop him.
—
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