Labyrinth Exploration 101 - L.E Chapter 14 (Part 2): Let’s Fight (1)

After eating, I planned to explore the dormitory grounds.

The facility included not only the dormitory building but also a [Shooting Range], [Hiking Trail], [Gym], [Sparring Arena], [Library], and more. It was supposedly the optimal environment for participants to develop themselves.

At the very least, I need to move around.

While there are no cameras in private spaces like the dorm rooms, the grounds are covered with CCTV-like cameras. Scenes of how participants spend their rest days are also captured quite often.

So, I put on my uniform and walked along the trail. I glanced at the cameras hidden in the bushes.

More camera love, please. Boost my appearance stat.

“…Hmm.”

Where should I go?

I debated between the [Library] and the [Gym], but I’m a mage, after all. I should stick to my concept.

Let’s go to the library.

—

**[Library]**

The library on the dormitory grounds was surprisingly spacious—much larger than any military base library I’d visited before.

“…Wow.”

My eyes lit up with excitement. There were an incredible number of books on magic and spell formulas.

The kind of books that would cost millions of won outside due to magic copyright.

“This is a goldmine.”

Excitedly limping around, I scanned the shelves until I picked out a book.

—

[Standardized Spell Formulas – Ian McKennion]

—

“This looks promising.”

It’s a book on standardized spell formulas written by the famous mage Ian McKennion.

I quickly sat down in a chair and started looking for useful spells when—

“Studying, huh?”

A voice softly interrupted. I looked up.

“Ah, yes. Hello.”

It was Yu-yul, a mage mentor. She raised an eyebrow at me.

“Everyone else is either resting or chatting at the café. Why are you alone?”

“…Hmm.”

I hadn’t thought of that.

Chatting at the café. Building connections.

That’s an important factor for votes. If I stick close to top-tier contestants like Kang Hyun or Lee Jun-ho, I’ll definitely get screen time.

I should probably do some networking too.

“Ah, then I’ll—”

“Isn’t that a bit difficult? Ian McKennion. He’s notorious for his messy spell formulas.”

Mage Yu-yul pointed at the book.

“Yeah. I don’t know about messy, but there are a lot of spells.”

“It’s a spell formula book.”

“…Huh?”

“Since it’s a spellbook, of course, it’ll have lots of spells.”

“…Right. Of course.”

Spell formulas. Literally, standardized spells. They’re for mages who can’t form solid mental images or rely on intuitive bursts of inspiration. These are pre-written spell sequences that can be memorized and deployed.

But they’re not just for underachievers. In fact, these standardized spells help mages utilize a wider variety of spells.

For example, I can easily form mental images related to weapons and battlefields. They’re core elements of my life.

But for other things, like cooking or music, it’s harder to manifest spells. That’s where these [Standardized Spell Formulas] come in—they fill in the gaps in my mental imagery.

In short, they let me skip the process of forming mental images.

“Honestly, it frustrates me every time I see stuff like this. Spells aren’t history—they shouldn’t be memorized.”

On the other hand, Yu-yul seemed displeased with these standardized spells. She rested her chin on her hand, her chubby cheeks puffing up like buns.

Her eyes suddenly sharpened.

“Instead of this, have you read any theory books?”

“I’ve read one.”

“Just one?”

“Yes. I didn’t have the money.”

“Which one?”

“Um… this one.”

I pulled out the theory book from my bag. My only theory book, *Tae-hyuk’s Basics of Magic*.

In that moment, Yu-yul’s expression turned icy.

“…Where did you get this?”

I don’t know why, but her tone was as sharp as frost.

“I borrowed it from a bookstore.”

Right now, I’m shivering.

“They don’t usually lend out magic books so easily.”

Maybe it’s because my Perception is high, or maybe it’s because my Magic stat is over 11. Or perhaps it’s because of my trait?

“I became friends with the bookstore owner. I’ll have to promote his bookstore when I get the chance.”

“…Promote? Which bookstore?”

Every time she spoke, every time our eyes met.

I could feel a ‘mana resonance.’

“David’s Bookstore.”

In an instant, the tension dissipated too easily.

“…I see.”

Pfft. She smiled and sat down next to me.

“Well then. While everyone else is playing around, let me give you some personal tutoring as your mentor.”

I’m a bit surprised, but I wasn’t going to turn down free lessons.

“Ah, thank you.”

“Good. 96th place, Seol Ha-woon. How much do you know about a mage’s attributes?”

“They say it’s the origin of a person.”

“Correct. That’s why attributes are divided into innate and acquired. In that sense, you using guns, right?”

“Yes. I was a soldier.”

“…A soldier?”

Her eyes widened. Then, as if she realized something, she let out a hollow laugh.

“Ah, I see. So that’s why that old man…”

That old man.

Probably David Han.

Do they know each other?

“Can you show me your circuits?”

“Sure.”

I raised my right arm.

“Wow. You’re really thin. Are you sick?”

She pushed her plump arm forward. It was much thicker than mine.

“I have digestive issues.”

“Digestive issues?”

“Yes.”

“Digestive issues…”

She glanced around, as if checking for eavesdroppers.

“Here. Take this energy pill. It’ll help someone like you—someone as scrawny as dried anchovies.”

Anchovies? Somehow, coming from her, it sounded oddly convincing.

Whatever it is, it’s rude to refuse kindness.

“Thank you.”

I absentmindedly accepted the pill, but I nearly popped my eyes out. It was such a good item that the [MoMo] system reacted.

—

【Premium Energy Pill】

■ Overview: A well-crafted energy pill made with rare ingredients.
■ Grade: Rare
■ Effect: If total stats for Strength, Stamina, Agility, and Durability are below 10, distributes +1 stat point evenly among them.

Dangun

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