“Status”
Name: Maria HP 92/92 MP 102/102 Class: Slave
Level 7
Strength 2.92 Stamina 3.12 Dexterity 2.25 Speed 1.75 Intelligence 3.07 Magic Power 4.91 Aptitude 1.52
Condition: Confusion 0.28
Experience: 221/6400
Equipment: Iron Knife
Sturdy Coat
Light Leather Armor
Leather Bracer
Silk Clothes
“They said I reached Level 7…”
“Yep, congratulations.”
After many experiments, we returned to the surface, and the first thing we did was level up.
Upon learning the results, Maria stared at her own palms, trembling. I offered a perfunctory blessing while slurping the bland soup.
We’re currently in a corner booth at a tavern, having a light meal. We stopped by the church earlier, and the timing was just right.
“But… I didn’t do anything…?”
“That’s because I have a skill for that. It’s a skill that levels up companions I bring along. That’s why I took you to the labyrinth, Maria.”
Maria, who had been dumbfounded by my actions, should now understand the justification behind them.
“This is absurd! Even the adults in the village were around Level 5! For me to reach Level 7 so easily in just one day… it shouldn’t be possible—!!”
Even after confirming that her level had indeed increased, Maria couldn’t seem to believe the fact and raised her voice, pounding the table.
“Keep it down. It’ll be troublesome if people find out.”
I put my index finger to my lips. Honestly, this is a power I don’t want anyone to know about. For instance, if the rulers of the Allied Nations learned of this leveling ability, I would undoubtedly be arrested. However, even if such a thing were to happen, I have no intention of being captured easily anymore. My level has been growing since day one, and I’ve become unbelievably strong in the truest sense of the word.
“I-I’m sorry. I lost my composure, Master…”
Maria, seeing my expression, immediately apologized and became demure.
“And stop calling me Master… Anyway, you see now that you can explore the labyrinth using my ability. In these past few hours, you’ve become stronger than any ordinary adult.”
“That’s cheating. That skill of yours…”
Maria, now demure, muttered as she began to eat.
—Cheating.
Maria’s “Keengan” (Sharp Eye) deemed this to be cheating.
“Yeah. I agree.”
I continued eating as well. With this party system, it’s calculated that one skilled explorer can be produced per day. As my level increases, it’s possible that I’ll eventually be able to produce several such exceptional individuals in a single day.
The experiment can be considered a success. Understanding this system has dramatically increased my options.
I reconfirm the importance of understanding “Display” and “System.” By conducting detailed experiments, I want to surpass the intentions of whoever prepared this. If I can do that, the time it takes to reach the “Deepest Part” of the labyrinth will be drastically shortened.
“Welcome—!”
As Maria and I quietly ate, the cheerful greeting of the staff member, Lynn, echoed. The tavern should be deserted during the day, but it seems there are customers today, which is unusual. I looked towards the customer who had come in for lunch, and the moment I recognized them, my face contorted.
“—Gah! Maria, lower your head naturally!”
“Eh? Ah, yes.”
I instructed Maria in a low voice. Maria, surprised by the sudden command, quickly bowed her head. I held my breath, trying to let the incoming customer pass by unnoticed. Maria watched me with a puzzled expression while quietly sipping her soup. Then, her eyes moved, catching something. Her gaze stopped behind me.
“Hey, Christ. What a coincidence.”
Despite my wishes, a voice behind me called out my name.
“…”
“They’re calling you?”
Maria gently swayed the spoon in her hand, urging me to respond. I truly wished I could feign ignorance. However, since Maria reacted, I couldn’t continue pretending. Reluctantly, I turned around.
“Arty, what do you need?”
“Cold. Aren’t we allies who cooperate? —Ah, excuse me, cute girl over there, but I’m going to join you.”
Standing behind me was Arty, wearing an Eltralyu Academy uniform (How did this guy get a uniform…?). Furthermore, he was accompanied by a woman.
“Eh, eh? Is that Lord Christ? Really?!”
It was Franryure.
“It’s been a while, Franryure…”
“I’m so moved! Arty said he’d take me somewhere nice, so I wondered what it was! I never imagined I’d be able to meet Lord Christ so soon!!”
It truly is unexpected. Why so soon? She should be at Eltralyu Academy in the northwest of the Allied Nations.
“Come on. Squeeze in, Christ.”
Arty, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, moved to join us, indicating I should make space. Grudgingly, I moved next to Maria, creating room for them to sit. They cheerfully sat down and began ordering from Lynn. Suddenly, we were four people surrounding a table, creating a rather unsettling atmosphere. I watched the two as they placed their orders, already contemplating how to escape this situation. While observing them, I noticed Arty paying attention to Maria. Perhaps he was waiting for an opportune moment to introduce himself, as he didn’t know her name. Franryure, on the other hand… well, Maria didn’t seem to be in her field of vision.
For now, it seemed best to introduce ourselves.
“Ah, this is Maria. She’s become my companion for labyrinth exploration.”
“Hello, I’m Maria.”
Unfazed by the two individuals with their peculiar presence, Maria bowed politely.
“I’m Arty. Nice to meet you.”
“I am Franryure, the seventh daughter of the Helvirshine family.”
Arty offered a brief bow, while Franryure sat back and announced her name.
“So, Arty, what do you need? I’m busy.”
“Heh, meeting you here is a coincidence.”
“There’s no way that’s a coincidence. Bumping into you while I’m having lunch is impossible, and I didn’t tell you about this tavern. You found my location using some sort of ability, didn’t you?”
Arty shouldn’t know that I’m the bartender here. Even if he did, it’s strange that he’d come at this hour. This means Arty likely possesses a skill that can locate me. Judging by his words yesterday, perhaps it’s the ability to amplify his hearing if there’s a flame nearby?
“You are correct in your deduction. I can extend my perception range with flames. However, being able to track your movements today was purely luck. Yes, this is destiny. And that destiny is precisely why I’m here. Understand, Christ?”
Destiny is my purpose. In other words, he brought Franryure here to see their love blossom. I responded to Arty as coldly as possible. I must not give him even the slightest hope in this matter.
“Didn’t you yourself say that destiny had no chance? Find someone else.”
“Heh, even so, I want to try.”
We used abstract expressions to discuss the matter of love. Franryure and Maria wore expressions of utter confusion.
“Arty, please, just relax and wait. I have my own things to do. Don’t rush me.”
“I understand. It’s not my intention to disrupt you. I won’t press further.”
With that, Arty fell silent. This was Franryure’s chance, and she seized it, leaning forward and bombarding me with questions.
“Lord Christ!! I have something I’d like to ask you!! Um, first of all—”
Franryure, with impressive intensity, probed for information about my whereabouts—where I lived, where I ate, my favorite places, and so on.
“Ah, I usually stay wherever is convenient. I eat wherever—”
In response, I told a complete lie, saying I didn’t have a fixed place to stay. While thoroughly avoiding giving Franryure any useful information, I answered her questions. As we conversed with Franryure, the topic naturally shifted to the labyrinth. Partly because I’m only interested in labyrinths, but Franryure also seems to enjoy talking about them. To make the time more productive, I gathered information while eating. During this, Arty interjected, seemingly having realized something.
“—You ran? All the way to the fifth floor of the labyrinth, carrying Maria?”
Arty asked, sounding puzzled, about my method of labyrinth exploration.
“Yes, is there a problem?”
Arty, who had been mostly staying out of Franryure’s conversation, interjected, so I asked back, curious.
“No, I find it surprising. Christ, aren’t you a mage of the dimensional attribute? Then, shouldn’t you be able to use spatial transfer magic?”
“Wait a minute. How do you know I’m a dimensional attribute mage?”
Although other intriguing words had come up, that was the most important point. I had never spoken of it, nor had I actively used the spell “Dimension” in front of Arty.
“Ah, were you hiding it? If so, my apologies. I know your fighting style and magic very well, it was just like an old friend’s. That friend seemed to use spatial transfer… I think they did… I believe so.”
Arty trailed off. He seemed to doubt his own words as he spoke them.
“What is it? Speak clearly.”
“No, I suddenly remembered something from the past. I wonder why… Anyway, there is a dimensional magic that can shorten travel time within a labyrinth. —That’s right, isn’t it? Fran, the top student in academics at Eltralyu.”
He then turned to Franryure. Arty likely intended to give her an opportunity to shine, but she looked troubled.
“Eh? D-dimensional magic…? It’s true, I feel like there was such a minor attribute… But even I, as capable as I am, don’t remember every single spell of attributes that don’t appear on tests…”
“Huh? Is the dimensional attribute that obscure in this era?”
“Yes, it’s an attribute so rare that there isn’t even one person in the academy with it.”
“Wow. I’m feeling a generation gap here.”
While Arty expressed genuine surprise, I couldn’t help but notice he was using expressions that sounded ancient without any hesitation. Judging by his way of speaking, he seemed to be telling Franryure that he wasn’t aging normally. I was curious about the relationship between Arty and Franryure but decided not to pry.
Since Franryure didn’t know, Arty began to explain himself.
“Since Fran doesn’t know, perhaps I should explain. The characteristic of dimensional magic lies in the dominion of space. It involves understanding, manipulating, and connecting space. Ultimately, it can create and destroy space. Among these spells, there’s one that connects two spaces. I believe it’s called ‘Connection.’ If you use that, you won’t have to run around carrying Maria.”
“Can such a thing truly be done…?”
I was surprised by the expression “destroy space.” I knew that as my level increased, magic would also transform into something extraordinary, but hearing about the destruction of space sent a shiver down my spine.
“Yes, yes! You can. Come on, try to imagine it. Imagine a door connecting two spaces. Let’s try to create a bit of ‘Connection’ magic. I’m sure you can do it, Christ. —Only you, Christ.”
Arty said, with evident excitement, for me to create the magic. Hesitantly, I tried to construct the image as Arty instructed. However, Franryure and Maria let out loud cries upon seeing this.
“Hey, Arty! Creating magic is impossible!”
“Th-that’s right! Creating magic is something only found in fairy tales!”
Startled by their shouts, I let the image dissipate. Arty and I exchanged glances.
“Huh? Christ, you can’t create magic in this era?”
Arty, stepping back from their vehement reactions, passed the ball to me.
“Don’t ask me. I only assumed that you’d automatically learn them as your level increased.”
“No, it’s kind of like that for me, too. It’s normal to weave magic through talent and inspiration.”
Arty and I found common ground unexpectedly. After hearing our opinions, Maria was the first to counter.
“That’s not true. Generally, you cannot use magic through self-study. As an exception, children from magical families may use magic inherited from their ancestors, but that’s far from ‘creating’ it. Magic can only be obtained by engraving the wisdom of our predecessors into our blood. Magic does not emerge from nothing.”
Following Maria’s rebuttal, Franryure continued.
“More precisely, it involves consuming a magic stone inscribed with magic circuits and having them imprinted onto the blood flowing through the body. Since it is memorized by the blood, children born into magical families can use magic from birth. However, this is also based on the premise that the parents have consumed magic stones. In other words, there is no other way to learn magic besides consuming magic stones. The kind of magic you two are thinking of does not exist.”
Franryure supplemented Maria’s explanation using terminology she likely learned at the academy. This was new information that I hadn’t gained from conversations with other explorers. It seems Maria and Franryure have a deep understanding of magic. I responded, trying not to further agitate the two who seemed somewhat angered.
“O-okay… Thank you for teaching me about magic. Um, so, drinking magic stones with inscribed magic circuits is the correct way to learn magic… is that right?”
“That is correct.”
“Yes.”
Maria and Franryure nodded in unison. It seems my understanding was not mistaken. Seeing this as a good opportunity, I continued the topic of magic stones.
“Then, shall we go buy those magic stones today…?”
After confirming that Maria and I had finished our meals, I began to devise an excuse to leave this place. Maria, also not wanting to prolong the meal with strangers, agreed.
“That sounds good. I’ve had my fill, so let’s go.”
Maria and I stood up to go shopping.
“In that case! Lord Christ, I will guide you! I know a shop that stocks the finest magic stones—”
“Hey, Fran. You have plans today, don’t you? You’re barely on time as it is. You should give up on that idea.”
“G-grrr. That’s right… I have no choice but to give up this time…”
It seems the two of them are pressed for time. Arty stopped Franryure from trying to follow us.
“Well then, we’ll be going ahead. You two can enjoy your meal slowly.”
To get away as quickly as possible, I paid Lynn and started to head for the exit. Maria also thanked the two and hurried to leave.
“Then, we’ll meet again. Christ, Maria.”
“Lord Christ. If the opportunity arises, we shall meet again!”
After exchanging our final farewells, Maria and I left the establishment. I recalled shops related to magic in my memory and began walking. As I started walking, Maria caught up and spoke to me.
“Are we really going?”
Maria had apparently thought that the mention of magic stones was just an excuse to escape.
“For now. I’ve become interested.”
“Being interested is fine, but magic stones with spells inscribed on them are expensive. To people attending an academy, they’re just a trivial purchase, but to ordinary people, they’re terrifyingly expensive.”
“It’s alright. I have money.”
It seems learning magic requires a significant amount of money. However, I still have ample funds. Although I spent ten gold coins on a new residence and four gold coins on Maria, I still have seven gold coins left. I have no intention of using it, but I also possess twenty gold coins belonging to Dia, so running out of money is unlikely. If a single gold coin can cover my daily living expenses for a considerable time, then I have a budget of about six gold coins for learning magic.
“For now, let’s go take a look. If possible, I want Maria to learn magic.”
“Eh?”
Maria has higher priority than I do. Swords have higher attack power and are more familiar to me. Even if I were to learn a new spell, most of my MP would be allocated to dimensional magic. I don’t believe any ordinary magic could surpass the versatility of “Dimension.” That’s why I said I would have Maria learn magic. However, Maria responded with eyes that seemed to have seen something unbelievable.
“Magic… for me?”
“I’m trying to have Maria explore labyrinths too. I’ll invest that much.”
Now that she’s Level 7, I’m considering having her help with simple battles. Looking at her Status, Maria’s magic power is exceptionally high. Once she learns magic, she’ll likely surpass ordinary explorers.
“You don’t think I’ll just run away after learning magic?”
“…I don’t. Besides, you have nowhere to run, do you, Maria?”
Maria doesn’t seem enthusiastic. Furthermore, she hints that if she learns magic, she might run away. I easily dismiss her concern.
“That’s only if I have no power. If my level rises this much, and I gain magic abilities as well, the situation will be different. What if I plan to run away, sell the information about Master’s abilities, and use that money to become independent!?”
Maria raised her voice against my casual attitude. Her point is valid, of course. However, even if that were to happen, I wouldn’t mind.
“Running away is fine, but I don’t want my information leaking. In that case, could you at least keep the information to yourself? Please.”
“…I-if I run away, Master will be irrelevant to me!?”
“I don’t think Maria would do that. …Probably.”
“…!”
Maria was left speechless by my casual tone. This is a difference in perspective. I’m indifferent—I believe any outcome is acceptable. That’s why I’m saying whatever comes to mind. Maria believes that defying a master as a slave is a grave sin—that it’s natural to serve her master. Therefore, she is considering things seriously.
“……”
“……”
Maria continued to reprimand me with her silence. I could talk about Maria’s freedom at length again, but that would be a repetition of yesterday. Besides, if Maria has “Keengan,” she should have already grasped my intentions through this silence. Therefore, I didn’t feel the need to say anything.
“Haa… honestly… You should say it with more confidence…”
Maria broke the silence first. As expected, she seemed to have grasped my intentions with “Keengan.” And she chided me for my lack of confidence in saying “Probably.” It seems she, too, judged that arguing about the difference in perspectives would be futile.
“I can’t say it with confidence because I don’t know Maria well enough. However, girls who would say such things don’t do them. …They shouldn’t, I think.”
“What kind of logic is that? That’s incredibly naive.”
It’s knowledge from movies and manga in my previous world. Storytelling often follows such patterns.
“I know it’s naive. But I’m not changing my approach. We’re going to buy Maria’s magic now.”
“Naive… truly naive…”
Maria muttered as she started walking. Despite her complaints, she seemed to be following my plan. I inferred that things would likely be fine. However, honestly speaking, such inferences are unreliable. Because I lack the ability to judge people. I’m the type who steals glimpses of people’s Status with “Display” and judges them solely by numbers; I’ll never acquire such a skill. “Haha.” Resenting my own nature, I smiled at Maria, and we began walking side-by-side towards the shop.
