The day after we defeated the Elephant Boars, we rode with Eos in her Beast Carriage towards the Solpreza Labyrinth in the Duchy of Nizheg.
We hadn’t informed Emperor Folias about our trip to the Solpreza Labyrinth.
There’s no need to inform anyone when a Hunter decides to go to a labyrinth, and I knew we’d face interference if Narlstadt got wind of it.
However, I was confident that even if they tried to interfere, we could handle anything once we were inside.
“I can see it. That’s the Solpreza Labyrinth.”
“I heard it was in the Nizheg Duchy, but it’s quite far from the city.”
The Solpreza Labyrinth was located at the foot of the Solpreza Mountain Range.
It was said to be a three-hour walk from Nizheg, the capital of the duchy.
I understood why it was situated so far from the city, given the risk of a Labyrinth Flood, where monsters could pour out. But isn’t it too far?
“While Labyrinth Floods are frightening, what’s more terrifying are the Sub-dragons inhabiting the Solpreza Mountain Range. It seems this was the best they could do.”
Lydia explained, and indeed, Drake species and Saur species, which are forms of Sub-dragons, inhabit the Solpreza Mountain Range.
They are commonly found even in the shallower areas, so even renowned Hunters rarely venture into the Solpreza Mountain Range.
Drake species are smaller dragons, not even reaching five meters in length, such as Feather Drakes, Armor Drakes, and Fang Drakes. However, as far as I’ve heard, the Saur species are dinosaurs that once existed on Earth.
Wyverns, Grantpus, and Preciser are also classified as Saur species, but some of the larger ones are tens of meters long and can even use magic. It’s no wonder they couldn’t build a city anywhere near a mountain teeming with such creatures.
“But I thought the Solpreza Labyrinth was full of Sub-dragons, wasn’t it? Whether it’s a flood or they descend from the mountain, isn’t it all the same?”
Marina’s question was valid, but Labyrinth Floods are phenomena that tend to occur in labyrinths that are not actively explored. In labyrinths like Solpreza, which are constantly entered by adventurers, the possibility is almost nil.
Furthermore, if the Labyrinth Core can be recovered, it’s said that floods can be prevented beforehand.
Therefore, each country manages its acquired Labyrinth Cores in their royal castles and maintains a system to respond immediately if any signs appear.
Simultaneously, they monitor unexplored labyrinths, thereby managing crisis and resources.
“So, if we recover the Labyrinth Core, the Solpreza Labyrinth will stop flooding?”
“Yes. That’s why I believe the city of Nizheg is more wary of the Solpreza Mountain Range than of a Labyrinth Flood.”
Mana answered Raus’s question. However, the Solpreza Labyrinth was established over 150 years ago, and it seems it has only been reached the deepest level once. So they probably aren’t completely unconcerned.
“Then, we will descend.”
“Ah, please do.”
We had Eos descend near the Solpreza Labyrinth.
Once we entered the Solpreza Labyrinth, Narlstadt would surely hear about it.
It would be better to enter without any hesitation and prevent Narlstadt from interfering.
It’s said that the fastest way to the deepest level takes about two days. Ideally, I wanted to reach the 4th or 5th Level today.
“Descent complete.”
“Thank you.”
After a safe descent, we hitched Jade to the Beast Carriage.
Since the Beast Carriage could enter the Solpreza Labyrinth, travel would be easy.
“Stop!”
As we approached the entrance of the labyrinth, we were stopped by guards.
I understood why there were guards, as the labyrinth is under the jurisdiction of the country.
But I had heard that members of the Hunter’s Guild would also be present, as only Hunters would enter, right?
“Good work. Here is my License.”
As planned, I showed my License.
It is a rule for Hunters to submit their License when entering a labyrinth, and it also records who enters.
The reason I showed my License was that I was the leader of Wing Crest, and once I informed them that everyone was entering, it should have been over.
“Ancient Human!?”
“Ah, he must be the one!”
“Hm?”
Or so it should have been, but something seemed to be amiss.
“We have orders from the Lord. Raids with Ancient Classes are forbidden from entering the Solpreza Labyrinth.”
“What?”
Forbidden from entering the labyrinth?
And orders from the Lord?
So Narlstadt made his move first!
“I’ve never heard of a Lord forbidding Hunters from entering a labyrinth!”
“That’s right. May we ask for the reason?”
There is no reason for Hunters to be barred from entering labyrinths, as they defeat Monsters and obtain Materials by bringing them back.
Yet, to explicitly forbid us, seemingly by name, must be due to our dealings in Dragunia.
The public announcement of my engagement to Athena was only yesterday, so it shouldn’t be related to that.
“I don’t know. Once the Lord has forbidden it, we will comply.”
“Or do you Hunters intend to defy the Lord?”
These guards are also problematic.
Mana and Yuri had not introduced themselves as princesses of Amister, but given that I was identified, it wasn’t impossible for them to know.
I understood that mentioning Amister’s name here would cause problems, but their attitude was still unacceptable.
Ah, they mentioned a “raid with an Ancient Class,” so it’s fine even if they don’t know us specifically.
“Then, can you still say that after seeing this?”
“A Letter? What do you expect us to do with this!?”
As Mana showed the Letter, the guards’ expressions changed.
Of course.
That Letter was an entry permit for cities within the country, prepared by Emperor Folias himself.
Emperor Folias himself probably didn’t anticipate us being forbidden from entering the labyrinth, so it didn’t grant permission for that specifically. Still, forbidding Hunters from entering a labyrinth is generally unthinkable.
“His Royal Majesty, the Dragon King!?”
“This Letter doesn’t mention anything about labyrinths, but they will issue one immediately once we return to Dragunia. Now, let me ask you, is Narlstadt greater than Emperor Folias?”
“…”
No response, huh.
If the Lord is of that caliber, then the guards are too.
“It’s fine by me. Let’s go, Yamato.”
“Right. And if you try to obstruct us further, we’ll respond accordingly.”
I unleashed a bit of my magic as a threat.
I expected Narlstadt to be reported, but that was within our calculations. Once we’re inside the labyrinth, we can handle anything.
The reason Narlstadt doesn’t want us to enter the labyrinth is likely because he fears we might seize the Labyrinth Core.
If we have the Labyrinth Core, Labyrinth Floods will cease, and if managed properly, monster appearances can be stabilized. Normally, recovering the Labyrinth Core should be welcomed.
However, Narlstadt most likely wants to manage the Labyrinth Core himself, so he wouldn’t want us, who are already considered adversaries, to enter the labyrinth.
Not that I care.
The guards looked displeased, but they didn’t try to stop us.
If they sent us away now, we’d just get a permit from Emperor Folias, and more importantly, they probably realized they’d be punished, so they couldn’t stop us.
I was angry enough to report them thoroughly and have them punished.
“Valentia is more chaotic than I thought.”
“I didn’t expect it to be this bad either.”
“We’ve barely left Dragunia, so we haven’t seen much.”
Lydia and Ludia responded to Rika’s remark with exasperated expressions. They probably didn’t expect things to be so out of control.
“The nobles have too much power. Especially the eastern nobles, they disrespect the Dragon King Family too much. If we don’t act soon, the country will truly split.”
“Rather, it’s already split. In the eastern region, including Etrada, Duke Narlstadt’s influence is too strong. Presenting the Solpreza Labyrinth’s Labyrinth Core to Emperor Folias would not only diminish Duke Narlstadt’s power but also resolve a lingering concern for Amister.”
Mana and Yuri’s opinions were nodded in agreement by Rika, Meena, and Marina.
If Valentia were to split into east and west, it would not only lead to a civil war within Valentia but also strain relations with Amister.
Given the issues with Retisencia and Valiente, if further problems arose in the south, even Amister would find it difficult to cope.
“At first, I was unsure, but considering that, obtaining the Solpreza Labyrinth’s Labyrinth Core also contributes to protecting Amister.”
“Yes. If problems were to occur simultaneously from three directions, it would become troublesome. And I don’t think Solmne or Abaricia would miss such an opportunity. That’s why we absolutely must obtain the Labyrinth Core.”
Rebecca said, and Mana added, which I also agreed with.
Retisencia from the north, Valiente from the west, and Valentia from the south would be a common headache.
If Abaricia were to join from the east, it would be an even worse situation.
Solmne’s intentions and timing are unpredictable, so we must be cautious. If we can contain Narlstadt here, we can lower the alert level in the south.
While discussing these matters, we entered the Solpreza Labyrinth with Jade pulling the Beast Carriage.
The entrance to any labyrinth is a stone structure, resembling an ancient Greek temple.
At first, I wondered about it, but it seems that as soon as a labyrinth is born, such temple-style structures appear suddenly, so it’s easy to know when a labyrinth has emerged.
Of course, it would be immediately apparent.
“Is this inside the labyrinth…?”
“It’s amazing…”
Ed and Fiana were surprised, and I could understand their feelings.
The first level of the Solpreza Labyrinth was, surprisingly, a grassland.
Although I had gathered information about the Solpreza Labyrinth in Dragunia, seeing it was very different from hearing about it.
“A grassland right off the bat is troublesome, but the lack of cover might make it a little easier.”
“Indeed. However, the Solpreza Labyrinth is said to only have Monsters of B-rank or higher, so we can’t let our guard down.”
As Prim said, the Solpreza Labyrinth has B-rank Monsters from the first level, but a fearsome half of them are said to be S-rank Monsters.
Furthermore, the second level is almost entirely S-rank, the third level is G-rank, and the fourth level occasionally features P-rank Lesser Dragoons.
The fifth level has more P-rank Monsters, the sixth level is exclusively P-rank, and the deepest, seventh level is known as an M-rank nest. Therefore, ordinary Hunters only explore the first level, and Raids with multiple High Hunters might venture to the second level.
Occasionally, multiple Raids cooperate to hunt the Lesser Dragoons on the fourth level.
However, if we’re not careful, even High Hunters can be defeated by B-rank Monsters, so we need to remain vigilant.
“I believe the entrance to the second level is about two hours south?”
“Yes. There seem to be several, but that should be the closest one.”
“Alright. Then let’s go.”
I instructed Jade to aim for the entrance to the second level, as designated by Rika. We had purchased a map from the Hunter’s Guild, which is available up to the fourth level.
“You know, it doesn’t feel like we’re inside a labyrinth.”
“Right. It feels like we’re just traveling by Beast Carriage.”
“I agree.”
After about thirty minutes, Ed, Marina, and Apricot spoke up.
Indeed, so far, no Monsters have appeared, and it feels like we’re just traversing a plain, so their impressions are understandable.
There are many Hunters on the first level, and we’ve passed several.
“Our objective isn’t just gathering materials, and we can’t afford to get bogged down on the first level, so it’s fine if we can avoid fighting.”
“That means we can proceed faster.”
As Prim and Ludia said, our goal isn’t just material gathering; it’s also clearing the labyrinth.
I want to obtain Materials from M-rank Monsters that can withstand the magic power of Prim and myself. They don’t appear until around the sixth level, so the sooner we proceed, the better.
If we dawdle on the first level, those guards from earlier might interfere.
“Well, I guess. Then, we’ll get back to crafting Athena’s and Eos’s weapons.”
“And the Armor Coats.”
“Sorry to rush you.”
“We’re being paid well, so we have no complaints.”
With that, Ed, Marina, and Fiana returned to their rooms.
We have purchased the weapons and armor they created.
This is to prevent the Crafters from being idle, and it was something we firmly decided upon when forming the Union.
Still, they seem to be selling them at a lower price than the market rate.
They are currently crafting Athena’s spear, Eos’s hand axe, and Armor Coats. However, they said it’s unlikely they’ll finish either the weapons or the Armor Coats during our exploration.
Well, we only ordered them yesterday, so it’s unavoidable.
“We have prepared a sufficient number of Eos’s axes, including spares, but will they be enough?”
“If you continue fighting at full power, they won’t be, but with Lord Yamato and Prim-sama here, they should be enough. However, it will limit how much they can fight.”
“That’s unavoidable. But Eos can use swords and spears, can’t she?”
“To some extent. But why do you ask?”
Eos tilted her head at Mana’s question. If she can use swords and spears, then it might be possible to use the prototype weapons made of Jade Silver stored in Prim’s and my inventory.
Either way, they aren’t weapons she’s familiar with, so we can’t force her.
Later, we encountered three B-rank Monster Armor Drakes once, but Mana and her summons defeated one, Lydia and Ludia defeated another, and Raus, Rebecca, Carol, and Yuria easily took down the last one.
We met over thirty Hunters, so encountering and fighting even once might have been fortunate.
