Depths of the Otherworldly Labyrinth (WN) – Chapter 203

“As I thought, something’s off…”

I look up at Viais’s darkened sky in front of the door leading to the 66th Floor. The distortion in the sky I sensed yesterday seemed to be expanding, making me stop in my tracks.

A faint color change was appearing in the sky, which had been completely black. As if sunlight was leaking through the clouds, a faint light flickered in the gaps of the dark sky’s distortion. Of course, it wasn’t a bright light like the sun. It was a dull light, inconspicuous even in the darkness—and upon closer inspection, it resembled the light from the magic stones dropped by monsters.

“Huh? The sky’s always weird, isn’t it? More importantly, let’s go in already!”

Rowen, unconcerned by the strangeness of the sky, pushed my back. Rainer and Nosfy followed, entering the 66th Floor.

Beyond the magical door, a familiar sky world unfolded. Elfenries soared majestically across the vast floor, its eyes fixed on the spiral staircase in the center, seemingly determined to prevent anyone from climbing it. I was always awestruck by the imposing presence of the Wind Dragon. However, we couldn’t proceed without defeating it.

With just Rainer and I, we would have repeated the same strategy as before. But with two extra people today, we needed a different approach. When we discussed this with the party earlier, Rowen proudly declared he would take on the 66th Floor alone. I knew Rowen was strong, but I still confirmed with a hint of doubt.

“You can really do this, right…?”

“Of course! Heh heh, I’ll properly show you how useful this kid can be!”

If Rowen failed, we were supposed to send him back and proceed as a party of three. Since either outcome was fine with me, I decided to simply watch.

“Alright, I’m going in, so Kanamin and the others, watch from here.”

With a confident air, Rowen walked alone onto the grassland of the 66th Floor. He was about to face the giant dragon that covered the sky by himself, yet there was no hesitation whatsoever. This was truly befitting of a Demon King. Perhaps it was due to the immense magic power radiating from him, but his back exuded a sense of reassurance that made it feel like everything could be entrusted to him.

…However, this was the first time I was going to see Rowen fight seriously. I intended to commit to memory how the ‘Ruling King,’ a legendary being, the king of kings, fought. And I recalled the wings and bayonet she showed Nosfy yesterday. Honestly, the thought of combat using such weapons stirred my childlike excitement, making it impossible to contain. I found myself with an expression of eager anticipation, like a child waiting for a hero show.

Rowen advanced across the grassland, approaching Elfenries, and began concentrating the dense magic power enveloping his body into a single point. However, unlike yesterday, the focus wasn’t his arm but his throat. I braced myself, expecting him to unleash magic as a prelude. But what followed was…

“Eeellfennriieeesss-chaaaan!!”

It was a drawling, anticlimactic shout. It was the same kind of call one would use to summon a friend in front of their house. It was friendly, casual, and utterly lighthearted.

As far as I could tell with 《Dimension》, it was just his voice amplified by magic. There was nothing else. Upon hearing the ridiculously loud voice, Elfenries lifted its thick sickle-like head and looked at Rowen. And then, the next words were…

“Could I just pass throughhhhhh!!”

It was a child-like request. “—What?” I thought that if such a thing were to work, we wouldn’t be having so much trouble. But immediately, Elfenries’s fury began to dissipate. This was because Elfenries acknowledged Rowen’s request, nodded its head, and began to distance itself from the spiral staircase. Rowen waved fervently at Elfenries’s retreating back. The battle was over. More peacefully than ever before.

“……”

…Well, that was good. It was very good. If we could break through without any casualties, it was a cause for great joy. However, where should we direct our anger, which had been building up while we were stuck in Viais because of that Wind Dragon? I wanted to tell Rowen to please, just tell us if he could do that from the start.

“Heehee. Kanamin, how is it? Amazing, right?”

Rowen showed off a smug grin. My spine reflexively wanted to smack his unguarded head, but I suppressed it with strong self-control. For now, I would swallow my anger. Shattering that proud face could wait until we returned to the ground.

“…It’s not so much ‘amazing’ as it is that he could communicate with it.”

“No, I think only the kid can communicate with things like that?”

We rejoined Rowen, who had moved a bit ahead, and turned towards the spiral staircase. As we ascended the unobstructed, safe stairs, we talked about other things besides the recent ‘battle.’

“Only Rowen? Is that your ability as the ‘One who steals the logic of the wind’?”

“Nope. This is my innate ability as a child, you see. Being able to communicate with all sorts of beings has been my special skill since I was little.”

“Ah, so that’s why you’re the ‘Ruling King’… If that’s the case, does that mean if you’re around, we can avoid all the monsters in this Labyrinth?”

“That’s impossible. This time it worked because I’m good friends with Elfenries-chan.”

“Friends with that thing… Was that from your past life?”

“No, for the past thousand years, when I felt like I wasn’t getting enough exercise, we used to play tag. We even killed each other a few times, but now we’re friends!”

“No, killing someone doesn’t make you friends…”

“Huh? They are friends! When we meet, it bows and greets me!”

That isn’t friendship. I think it’s more like a subordinate or something.

“Still, playing tag with that thing…”

“Heehee, ’cause I’m strong, you know.”

Perhaps for those who could fly, playing with a dragon was possible. However, the opponent was of a colossal size, where being caught meant accepting one’s death. The fact that Rowen could play with it demonstrated his absurd strength. As Rowen continued to recount the ‘rules’ of what seemed like an aerial game of tag—whether we wanted to hear them or not—we approached the end of the spiral staircase on the 66th Floor. Before reaching the summit, we shared information about the 65th Floor with the two Guardians. The next floor was a complex, three-dimensional maze composed entirely of stairs. The monster inhabiting it was called Lizard Fryer, possessing impenetrable defense capabilities that evaded all physical attacks and neutralized magic with wind. Upon conveying this information to the two Guardians, Nosfy raised a hand.

“—I see, I understand most of it. Then, in the next floor, I shall show you my power.”

“Nosfy…?”

“I am sufficient alone. It is likely the same monster I envision.”

“Ah, wait…!”

Not to be outdone by Rowen’s success, Nosfy, unarmed, took the lead and entered the 65th Floor. Without any regard for the enemy’s position, she nonchalantly began walking up the stairs leading to the sky. Naturally, a nearby Lizard Fryer spotted Nosfy and flew towards her like a fly. The Lizard Fryer’s wings could slice through flesh like blades. Believing Nosfy would be torn to shreds, I tried to chase after her. However, Rowen grabbed my shoulder, delaying my pursuit.

“Hey, Rowen! What are you–!”

“It’s fine. Because it’s Nosfy.”

Rowen shook his head, indicating there was no need for concern. In the next moment, without any incantation or preparatory actions, Nosfy cast a spell with remarkable naturalness.

“Light Magic 《Light Phantom》.”

As we were inside the Labyrinth, 《Dimension》 was deployed. However, I couldn’t sense Nosfy’s magic construction. Her magic was so fluid and fast—and above all, so natural. As Nosfy casually waved her hand sideways, a blinding flash of light swept through the Labyrinth. Yet, the Lizard Fryer advanced through the flash without hesitation. And it sliced through Nosfy’s body with its sharp wings—but just like a holographic image, her body seemed to become transparent.

“…I see. So this is Lizard Fryer. It uses wind instead of sensory organs. However, the keener its sensory organs, the more effective my magic becomes— Magic 《Light Re-reversal》.”

The light intensified, enveloping the Lizard Fryer as if seeping into it. Of course, the Lizard Fryer, realizing the magical light was eroding its body, began to flutter its wings just as before, attempting to use ‘Magic Nullification’.
However, Nosfy scoffed at that.

“It’s already over. Even if you’re as fast as the wind, you won’t be able to catch up to the speed of light, will you?”

It wasn’t literally light-speed magic, of course.

But it was undoubtedly affecting the light. Because of this, the Lizardflyer, who had been exposed to the light, had no way to fight back and was affected by the magic before ‘Magic Nullification’ could succeed.

The Lizardflyer’s exposed magic power, along with its fighting spirit, began to wither.

Then, it started to sway away from Nosfy, who was right in front of it.

The Lizardflyer began to fly through the sky aimlessly, like a butterfly in nature enjoying its freedom.

I was stunned speechless watching the scene.

Nosfy, on the other hand, nodded in understanding.

“It’s a success… Come here, Lord Uzunami. I’ve pacified the monster’s fighting spirit with magic. As long as it doesn’t direct any hostility towards us, it should be fine now.”

With that, Nosfy beckoned to us, who had been watching from behind. However, I couldn’t believe her words and couldn’t relax my guard.

After all, I had narrowly escaped death at the hands of this monster just yesterday. I wanted to maintain a distance of at least five meters from it at all times if possible.

“Huh, is it really okay now…?”

“Yes. Against beasts that move solely on instinct, this much is simple. Any user of light magic can do it… More importantly, please relax your tension quickly. You might agitate the monster we’ve just incapacitated.”

“O-Okay…”

First, Rowen stepped forward with a laugh, and Rainer and I followed.

We approached the flying monster (Lizardflyer) until it was within arm’s reach.

“Your expression is still tense. Please try to be more cheerful.”

Nosfy pulled up the corners of her mouth with her index fingers.

After receiving repeated warnings, Rainer and I reluctantly sheathed our drawn swords.

The fact that four Explorers could get this close without being attacked meant that combat was definitely over. Believing this, I relaxed my expression slightly.

“Yes, that’s much better. Well then, let’s proceed upwards from here. I will calm any approaching monsters with my light magic.”

“…I’ll guide the way. But before that, let me confirm. So, Nosfy’s magic affects the mind?”

As I led the way to Floor 65, remembering the path, I asked Nosfy, who was walking beside me.

I didn’t have good memories of Mental Magic, so I was understandably concerned.

Nosfy pondered for a moment before explaining carefully.

“Yes, that’s correct. There’s no mistake in that line of thought.”

“I-I see…”

“However, unlike dark magic, light magic cannot forcibly change the minds of others. It can only mitigate certain emotions with mutual understanding and consent. Therefore, I cannot do what you, Lord Uzunami, are worried about.”

As if sensing my expression, Nosfy continued to explain to ease my anxiety.

It seemed that unlike Teeda’s magic, Nosfy’s magic had many conditions.

“It requires mutual consent?”

“Yes. That peaceful condition is the biggest difference from dark magic. Monsters also dislike dying pointlessly, so we used that to negotiate a peaceful resolution.”

Nosfy said lightly, but it was a technique she could only employ because she possessed enough magic power to make the opponent realize they would be killed if they fought. It was unlikely that any other light magic user could have deprived the Lizardflyer of its fighting spirit.

“So, in essence, it’s magic that facilitates intuitive ‘Talks’…?’ Just because we had ‘Talks,’ the battle could resume depending on our attitude. Is that why you told me not to provoke it?”

“As expected of Lord Uzunami. Your magic intuition is excellent. Yes, that’s exactly right.”

She applauded softly, praising me.

However, I remained cautious and went to confirm with the third person. Rowen had combat experience with Nosfy and should be knowledgeable about light magic from a thousand years ago. If she didn’t sense anything amiss, then what I was told was true.

Rowen looked at me curiously as I stared intently. However, she quickly nodded, confirming that what I had just heard was true.

I might be a bit overly nervous, but when it comes to mental magic, I have no choice but to be this cautious. That’s how much experience I have.

I absolutely hated the idea of being pushed into a corner bit by bit without my knowledge again.

“Um, since we have the chance, could you tell me more about Nosfy’s magic? I’m pretty much clueless about magic right now.”

“Of course, I don’t mind. Well then, I shall start by explaining the foundation of light magic, ‘Light’…”

Now, by cross-referencing with Rowen, I could determine whether Nosfy’s magic was truthful. Not wanting to miss this opportunity, I continued to ask her probing questions about light magic along the way.

And she went on to explain nearly ten light magic spells. During that time, Nosfy never faltered in her explanations, nor did Rowen look confused.

…It seemed that her assertion that ‘light magic is peaceful’ was indeed true.

As we continued to unravel the nature of Nosfy’s magic, we easily cleared Floor 65. Although the Lizardflyer attacked a few times, Nosfy’s light magic repelled them all.

It felt absurdly smooth compared to the fierce battle of yesterday.

And then, we entered Floor 64.

Upon entering the new floor, Rowen, who had been behind us, eagerly stepped forward.

“Alright, a new floor! By order, the next one should be a Child—”

“The next opponent is a spirit monster. This is also a suitable opponent for me. Rest assured, Lord Uzunami. When it comes to peaceful resolutions, there’s no one better than me.”

However, Nosfy interrupted.

“Huh? Nosfy again?”

“If we leave it to Rowen, it will likely become a rough fight, won’t it? In that regard, I can proceed without fighting.”

“N-No, I understand that, but… if it’s always like this, well, it’s a bit monotonous, isn’t it?”

“That’s not the issue here. …By the way, Lord Uzunami, which do you prefer?”

Nosfy’s tone was cold towards Rowen, who had been waiting for her turn. Her reasoning was sound, and there was no room for argument.

“Of course, Nosfy’s way is more helpful. My goal is to return to the surface safely.”

“Then please excuse me.”

Leaving Rowen behind, Nosfy began to walk at the forefront. The monster on this floor, the Green High Element, had a wide detection range. It soon caught our scent and warped in with the wind.

Nosfy, who was waiting for it, met it with light.

“—Magic ‘Light’s Repeated Inversion’.”

The Green High Element, struck by the light, lost its fighting spirit, just like the Lizardflyer. It then floated up into the sky like a balloon.

Presumably, it had been persuaded to give up fighting through ‘Talks.’

“Success! Let’s proceed smoothly. It’s perfectly fine to proceed leisurely, like sightseeing. In fact, given the nature of light magic, sightseeing is safer.”

Nosfy said with a smile as she turned around. The monsters that had been a threat to just me and Rainer were like infants in her hands.

“Ah, at this rate, we should be able to proceed smoothly.”

Frankly, this development was unexpected.

We were progressing past the monsters on the sixtieth floor, which should have been the most troublesome on our way back to the surface, without a single fight. I felt like we might actually be able to return to the surface with such ease.

“Mmmph…”

Rowen probably felt the same way.

She grumbled with dissatisfaction.

As we progressed through Floor 64, Nosfy repeatedly refracted her magic light. The Green High Elements that approached them, without exception, became like balloons.

“—Magic ‘Light’s Repeated Inversion’.”
“—Magic ‘Light’s Repeated Inversion’.”
“—Magic ‘Light’s Repeated Inversion’.”

Enemy surprise attacks were detected by ‘Dimension.’ Moreover, Nosfy’s reaction speed was so fast that there was no need for even that level of caution.

We were progressing through the dungeon as if we were walking the ‘Seidō’ of the lower floors, without any issues.

Rainer and I couldn’t help but smile slightly at our unexpected good fortune.

However, upon seeing monster after monster turn back, only Rowen panicked.

“Oh dear, oh dear…”

And so, we advanced from Floor 64 to Floor 63, continuing our smooth progress.

Beyond this point, the inhabitants were not spirits but the mythical creature, the Griffin.
When I relayed this to Nosfy, she showed a slightly troubled expression.

“Hmm, a Pale Griffin… My magic is no match for this. Griffins are creatures that do not fear death, so ‘talks’ are impossible.”

It seemed that “Reversal of Light” was a magic that was greatly influenced by the opponent’s temperament, not their level or magic power.

“So, what shall we do from here? Fight normally or run away…”

With these four, we might be able to advance while repelling them. I also wanted to hear the opinions of the two guardians, who likely had extensive combat experience in life.

After a moment’s thought, Nosfy replied.

“No, I don’t think it’s necessary to trouble Lord Uzun. Lord and I will handle it.”

“Huh? You and Nosfy…?”

“I’ll check if your skills have gotten rusty. Also, I want to move my dulled body.”

“Ah, so that’s it… It’s better than running away. Fighting alongside Nosfy sounds a bit interesting!”

“Indeed, fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with you is something I couldn’t have imagined in life.”

The two began to construct their magic while laughing.

“I’ll show you how amazing your big sister is! –《Cooer Bayonet》!”

“Yes, I’m counting on you, Sister Lord. –《Light Rod》.”

The guardians’ characteristic, dense magic power converged, forming two weapons. Lord created a bayonet made of wind, and Nosfy solidified light-attribute magic power into a rod.

“Oh, oh?! My sister is joining us at this point!?”

“Yes, it’s ‘sister.’ …Well then, let’s make this a spear first. Following that, 《Spear of Translucent Light》.”

Lord was delighted to be called sister, and Nosfy grinned. She then added a blade to the tip of the light rod, transforming the weapon into a spear.

“Alright then, I’ll take care of this side, Child. Nosfy, you take the opposite side.”

“Yes, understood. Sister.”

“Big sister will do her best!!”

She likely didn’t genuinely believe Lord was her sister. However, she seemed to think calling her that would motivate Lord. She repeatedly called her “big sister” with a coy smile.

And as they decided on their roles, they were spotted by several Pale Griffins.

Facing attacks from all directions, Rainer and I assumed a combat stance.

“Just relax! Nosfy and Child can handle it!”

However, Lord chided us. Nosfy seemed to agree.

Reluctantly, Rainer and I lowered our guard. In contrast, Lord and Nosfy charged forward simultaneously.

The ensuing battle was over in an instant.

The two had a movement speed that easily surpassed Rainer and me, who specialized in speed. Lord leaped as if gliding on the wind, while Nosfy ran up walls with a surprising leg strength that belied her appearance.

Without even a moment’s pause, they closed in on the nearest Pale Griffins and swung their weapons.

The Pale Griffins couldn’t react to their speed.

It wasn’t a simple sprint and swing. It was because they had mastered Rowen’s techniques that we could recognize the high-level skills of the two. Their dashes, with minimal preparatory movements, were similar to the martial art ‘sliding feet.’ No, it had reached such a high dimension of movement that it could be called the skill ‘Shunpo’ or ‘Chijibaku.’ Furthermore, their downward swings were both backed by rational techniques. Without a doubt, Lord possessed ‘Swordsmanship,’ and Nosfy possessed ‘Spearmanship.’

The two Pale Griffins, struck in vital spots, roared. Perhaps due to their immense bodies, they hadn’t died yet. While counter-attacking with their claws, they tried to distance themselves from the guardians. They likely intended to escape upwards as usual and call for reinforcements.

However, the two guardians would not allow it.

Instantly, torrents of wind and light magic power filled the corridor. The Pale Griffins were powerless against the excessively fast magic construction.

” –《Wind Arrow》!!”

” –《Light Arrow》.”

Lord shouted, and Nosfy murmured. Although their vocalizations were contrasting, the released magic was similar. The magic power that filled the corridor was instantly compressed into thin arrows. These beautifully shaped arrows were proof of perfect magic control. And these two thin arrows flew at terrifying speeds, attacking the Pale Griffins.

Both aimed for the enemies’ heads. The arrows struck simultaneously with pinpoint accuracy, killing the enemies instantly. Seeing the Pale Griffins disappear into light sent a shiver down my spine.

Magic was the most basic of basics. However, its effect could only be described as the ‘pinnacle of magic.’ In terms of density, control, and speed, it was perfect, and its lethality was on par with Dia-class.

Having dispatched the Pale Griffins in just two moves, the two set their sights on the next enemies. The monsters, too, directed their animosity towards the two who had killed their comrades.

As Lord had said, all Rainer and I could do was relax and watch the battle. There was not a single hint of danger in their combat. Simply put, their physical abilities were high, their skills were abundant and sophisticated, and above all, their magical adaptability was abnormal. They chose magic appropriate for the situation without wasting vast amounts of magic power. Due to their attributes being ‘wind’ and ‘light,’ they had abundant long-range magic, preventing the escaping Pale Griffins from getting away. Their ‘Magic Combat’ skill level appeared to be higher than mine.

‘Strong.’

They were simply strong. Faced with their overwhelming power, the Pale Griffins heading towards us were annihilated within minutes. Although we received no experience points, I picked up the dropped magic stones. It was an extremely ideal labyrinth conquest… yet, the shiver crawling up my spine hadn’t stopped.

“Y-you guys are that strong…”

Seeing the two return with expressions as if they had just finished their warm-up, I let out a trembling voice. It was only natural. If fate had been slightly different, I would have been fighting against these two.

“Well, of course! I’m a King who rose through strength — or as Kanaminn would say, a ‘Demon King’! Gufu gufu, I used to rule everyone with my power!”

“As a newcomer like myself, simple strength was necessary to unite the knights… Even with ‘My Banner,’ I couldn’t afford to not fight at all…”

“In Kanaminn’s terms, Nosfy is a ‘Hero.’ Of course, she’s strong.”

The two felt somewhat distant. It was a long-forgotten emotion. They were dazzling. I was acutely aware that these two were beings born to be the protagonists. They were on a different level than me, who continued to borrow my sister’s power and do things that felt like cheating.

The ‘Demon King’ and the ‘Hero’ of the story. The ‘pinnacle’ and ‘pinnacle’ spoken of in legends. The ‘Savior’ and ‘Savior’ who protected and guided the continent. That was the Northern ‘Ruling King’ and the Southern ‘Ruling Banner’ standing here. If I were to think of it in game terms, either of them would be the Final Enemy in an Otherworld story. I felt that much talent and pressure from them.

Both of them casually used healing magic as they walked. They were too versatile… Unlike some magicians who specialized in a single trick. I felt that if these two joined forces, no one could stand against them. However, with just these two, labyrinth conquest was practically guaranteed.

“Then, I’ll leave the following battles to you two…”

“Yes, leave it to us.”

“It’s my first decent exercise in a while, so I’ll do my best!”

Afterward, with Nosfy skillfully coaxing Lord, the labyrinth conquest proceeded smoothly. As we approached the 60th floor, more light-attribute monsters appeared, who showed no fighting spirit, making the conquest increasingly easier.

And so, Rainer and I reached the 60th floor without consuming even a single point of HP or MP. There would be no more significant difficulties from here on. After all, as we aimed higher and higher, the remaining labyrinth conquest would only become easier. Returning to the ground was almost a certainty. Compared to the time I thought we might be stuck on the 66th floor due to a ‘checkmate,’ the prospects were overwhelmingly bright.

It was an ideal development. However, a thin veil of unease clung to my mind. It was because it was *too* ideal. Certainly, with these two, labyrinth conquest was guaranteed. But conversely, if Lord and Nosfy were to team up against us, escaping the labyrinth would become impossible. Now. That was my only lingering worry…