Episode 10:
Labyrinth Defense Battle (2)
They planned to stay in the middle layers for a while. Having confirmed the level of middle-layer monsters yesterday, combat was no longer a concern.
Monsters in the middle layers were stronger than those on the surface. The difference between the 3rd and 4th layers was greater than between the 1st and 3rd.
Even so, they were still insignificant opponents to Laban. Even if their strength was beast-like, that was all they had.
A monster that charges roaring and swings its sword like a crude iron club? More laughable than a tiger or bear.
This wasn’t solely because Laban had mastered martial arts.
In this world, almost every soldier knew how to wield magic. Consequently, the threat level of ‘beast-like strength’ was lower compared to Zhongyuan.
Therefore, what needed preparation was a countermeasure for demonic arts. Even ordinary martial arts became dangerous when augmented by a monster’s strength, but demonic arts were especially perilous.
‘Originally, we could avoid direct confrontation and have Zoltan kill them from afar, but then we couldn’t investigate. We have no choice.’
First, they had to block the unique psychic effects of demonic arts. Without those, Rayoshi alone could have handled it.
Thus, Laban purchased the necessary materials at the market.
Papyrus, a southern specialty as a substitute for yellow paper; high-grade vermilion dye mixed with cinnabar; ink instead of traditional inkstick.
He intended to create Evil-Warding Talismans. Talismans that repel wickedness, as the name suggests.
Although Laban had learned various martial arts, he was unfamiliar with esoteric arts. The calendar was different—he didn’t know the auspicious days, and he couldn’t petition the deities of Zhongyuan.
‘Oh, it’s a mess. But it’s still better than nothing, right? We’re not trying to block a curse, after all.’
Laban tested by channeling energy into the talisman. It seemed it would function to negate the effects of demonic energy.
Laban folded the completed talisman and placed it inside a locket pendant. Now, simply wearing the necklace would block the influence of demonic energy.
He explained it to the two as a sort of household magic tool. Since magic tool crafting was a core business of the Barazrat family, it was a plausible explanation.
‘No matter how I look, I can’t sense any magic. Is a concealment spell also active? Could he make such an advanced magic tool?’
Zoltan was slightly suspicious but soon dismissed his doubts.
It was fine even if it had no effect. At least it wasn’t harmful, so he decided to accept the goodwill.
“Shall we enter the Black Horizon again tomorrow?”
“No. With the anomaly of deep-layer monsters appearing on the surface, it’s better to head to another labyrinth for a while.”
“Right. But your speech is too stiff. I won’t ask you to relax as much as Zoltan, but find an appropriate compromise.”
“You’re correct, young master. We must do our best for the mission.”
“I will… endeavor to do so.”
Rayoshi barely kept his expression neutral as he replied. He seemed to be concentrating intensely on each word, tension evident between his brows.
“Anyway, if not the Black Horizon, where shall we go next?”
“The <Lapis Lazuli Palace>. It’s been explored down to the 8th floor. Our objective is to thin out the monsters on the 5th floor.”
“Cool name. Is it shaped like a palace?”
“Yes. But unlike a normal architectural palace, you can’t find the next layer through conventional means, which is causing headaches.”
In typical buildings, stairs going down lead down, and stairs going up lead up.
But labyrinths weren’t built like that. The path to the next layer might be a wardrobe. You might have to break a window to find the next floor.
Laban recalled the Black Horizon, where a single step on the plain could lead to an entirely different world, and nodded.
Labyrinths were spaces where human common sense didn’t apply. Knowing it intellectually was different from experiencing it.
“Are the surface monsters there also orcs and goblins?”
“Yes. Orcs and goblins are the most common in almost every labyrinth. The combat power of the monsters is similar to the Black Horizon.”
Then there was no need to worry about combat. Unless another orc versed in demonic arts appeared.
In a way, he anticipated such an entity appearing. Perhaps he could obtain additional information.
“Sorry, but plans have changed.”
“What do you mean?”
At the meeting time at the guild, Volody spoke. His face was tense.
“It’s an emergency summons from the city hall. Defense battle at the Lapis Lazuli Palace. The objective is to hold the defensive line until the military enters the frontlines.”
“Oh.”
Rayoshi and Zoltan, having experienced similar defense battles, let out sighs that were almost admiring.
“Is it dangerous?”
“Is this your first defense battle, Laban?”
“Well, his labyrinth career is short overall.”
“Surprisingly, it might be less dangerous than thinning operations or landmark scouting. The real danger is for the skilled adventurers conducting guerrilla warfare.”
“First, we need to grasp the details. Should we ask a guild officer?”
“Yeah, that’s right. Let me know when you’re ready. Our guild adventurers are to assemble on the 6th floor of the Lapis Lazuli Palace.”
Volody found a spot near the entrance and waited for Laban. Laban asked Gilbert about the situation.
Monsters in the depths of the Lapis Lazuli Palace had abnormally multiplied, wiping out two skilled parties. Another skilled party barely escaped with the information, grasping the situation only this dawn.
“Two skilled parties lost in an instant? That’s a significant loss…”
“They were quite famous ones. I’d like to mourn, but there’s no time for that now. War is like that.”
“I see.”
Judging by past cases, it was clear the monsters would advance outside the labyrinth within half a day.
“Is the defensive line to be held solely by adventurers? What about the military?”
“Even now, light cavalry are rushing around the city, out of breath. Just gathering the scattered units will take half a day.”
“That’s problematic.”
“That’s why we have to do well. Well, defense battles aren’t rare in this city, so no need to worry.
You should join quickly too. Note, this isn’t a request. It’s an Imperial conscription order, so adventurers must comply.”
“Understood.”
Gilbert printed out the information brought by the skilled party and handed it to Laban. Even during the conversation, his hands were busy applying ink and operating the press.
“Orcs, goblins, barghests… vampires? Undead types are troublesome. I hope there aren’t many.”
Rayoshi swallowed hard after scanning the list.
Undead-type monsters could be exterminated with special magical weapons or counter-spells. Or by killing them repeatedly until they could no longer revive.
Either way, it was difficult and exhausting.
“The outer garrison and skilled adventurer parties have entered as the vanguard. Such deep-layer monsters shouldn’t reach us.”
Zoltan had gleaned information from other adventurers preparing to deploy. Having roughly grasped the situation, Laban quickened his pace.
Just crossing the river, a majestic palace suddenly appeared before them. The Labyrinth, Lapis Lazuli Palace.
True to its name, it had an elegant blue hue. White structures, seemingly marble, blended with blue ones, showcasing a mysterious beauty.
If not for the situation, he would have calmly admired the scenery. It was regrettable he couldn’t.
“Reinforcements, enter through the kitchen!”
A child who looked about Laban’s age was guiding other adventurers at the labyrinth entrance.
Novice adventurers, not helpful in combat, took on guiding and supply duties instead of going to the frontlines.
“Skilled adventurer parties, use the wardrobe entrance! We need more personnel!”
“Ours is the kitchen.”
“The Lapis Lazuli Palace has clearer landmarks than the Black Horizon, which is convenient. On the other hand, finding new landmarks is harder.”
There were adventurers both on the path to the landmarks and near the landmarks themselves. Their role was to secure the route and facilitate the entry of reinforcements.
Laban’s party swiftly reached the 5th floor. Before the 6th-floor landmark, injured adventurers were receiving treatment.
“Has the full-scale battle already begun?”
“Volody? Not yet. I was in a guerrilla squad. Took out one command entity but got counterattacked, ended up like this.”
Volody recognized the injured adventurer and spoke. Seeing Volody, the adventurer’s face lit up as he replied.
The adventurer lifted his arm, flesh split open, and laughed. A hazy light surrounded the wound—magic stopping the bleeding and healing the injury.
Even with magic’s effect, pain remained; laughing and conversing showed remarkable fortitude. Laban was impressed.
“Eliminating command entities might delay the full-scale battle, but it’s hard to be at ease.”
“It’s fine. Leave it to us. Everyone, let’s go.”
Upon entering the 6th floor, the first thing they saw was a soldier holding a large flag. Beside him were a young drummer and a trumpeter.
“Adventurers, that way.”
A soldier who appeared to be an officer pointed towards the great hall and gave a short instruction. The party moved as directed.
“It seems narrow for a full-scale battle.”
The great hall was square-shaped, nearly 80 meters wide—much larger than those in ordinary castles.
Yet, it was insufficient for large-scale troop movements.
On the way here, there were several places suitable for large-scale clashes. There must be a reason they were directed to fight the initial battle here.
Laban looked around. All the furniture originally placed in the great hall had been dismantled and turned into cover and barricades.
Adventurers equipped with throwing weapons or bows aimed at passages where monsters could emerge.
They had a sharp edge but lacked the orderly, united feeling characteristic of a well-trained army. They were merely gathered in groups of four or five, scattered about.
‘I see. That must be the reason.’
Adventurers were excellent scouts, skirmishers, and guerrillas. They constituted a large part of humanity’s forces and performed their roles splendidly.
However, they weren’t soldiers at their core. Even if each was a strong warrior, there was no guarantee they’d be strong in group combat.
They resembled martial artists. Thus, Laban felt the same concern here that he had felt seeing martial artists on battlefields.
Many martial artists showcased their skills but were trampled under Mongol horses or shot by Japanese pirate muskets.
“It seems adventurers indeed have little experience in group combat.”
“Stating the obvious. Even in labyrinth subjugation operations, the adventurer’s role is that of a detached force or hammer, not the main army or anvil.”
Volody chuckled in response to Laban’s words.
Of course, how could adventurers, with no time to train for group combat, possibly master it?
Coordinated attacks were originally a difficult art. Even 2 or 3-person coordination was hard, let alone large-scale engagements involving hundreds or thousands.
At that scale, even well-trained soldiers and commanders struggled with precise movements. Thus, when battle commenced, meticulously laid plans often evaporated in a breath.
“Then we should think of it more as a siege battle in a fortress than a field engagement. And even that as loosely coordinated individual combats.”
“You talk like a knight.”
“It’s necessary to think that way. Volody, do you plan to continue as an adventurer?”
“Ah, you’re aiming to become a noble’s house knight. That’s a good choice too.”
Experienced adventurers-turned-knights were treated quite well, as they were combat-ready upon hiring.
Although additional education and training were needed, it was faster than training from zero. And cheaper.
Thus, many adventurers joined noble houses after achieving skilled rank.
“What about you? Will you remain an adventurer?”
“Still considering. I’ll think about it after reaching skilled rank.”
“Whatever choice you make, it’s better to prepare in advance to avoid regrets.”
“Well now, getting advice from a friend five or six years younger than me… feels strange.”
“Age doesn’t matter, does it?”
“Is, is that so?”
“Anyway, let’s make whatever preparations we can.”
The atmosphere was thick. Laban knew this feeling well. Just before Japanese pirate ships appeared on the coast, there was always this unpleasant, sticky feeling.
War was close.
