Labyrinth Exploration 101 - L.E Chapter 25 (Part 2): The Fall (5)

“Ugh, it’s so freaking huge. What am I even supposed to put in this? It’s just going to be a hassle if I have too much stuff.”

“Food.”

“…Huh? Hyung, do you even know what a trip is?”

The reason I was bothering to give this guy hints wasn’t anything special. He’d climbed from the 50s to the top 10.

That means he’s popular.

Being around someone with high visibility will boost my own visibility. Since we were on the same team in the last labyrinth, there’s also potential for synergy.

That’s the only reason.

“Hyung. Did you watch *Cast Away* yesterday? *Robinson Crusoe*? Are we going to some deserted island or something?”

We’re not going to a deserted island.

We’re going somewhere much worse.

* * *

Lim Hae-jun and I began our shopping in earnest.

First, we picked up all the useful tools: a hand axe, saw blades, a hammer, a screwdriver, and more. Then, emergency rations including canned food and MREs. A vacuum-sealed bag that could store up to 5kg of frozen meat. And finally, a high-end winter parka with plenty of pockets.

We stuffed the suitcase full.

“Hyung, why are you going so overboard?”

Lim Hae-jun asked while munching on a churro. He had bought the same clothes as me and packed a lot of food, but most of it was snacks: chips, chocolate, almond chocolate, Dubai chocolate, and so on. Not bad in terms of calorie density.

“Let’s go check out.”

“Ah~ I wasn’t planning to buy this much. Hyung, our votes aren’t just votes, you know. The viewers worked hard to…”

“Quiet.”

“…You’re always telling me to be quiet.”

Lim Hae-jun pouted. I was speechless.

“I only said it once, just now.”

“You say it all the time with your eyes.”

“What do you want me to do about it?”

Anyway, we headed down to the first floor together.

—

*Beep- Beep- Beep-*

The sound of barcode scanners filled the first-floor checkout area. The explorers were scanning their items themselves.

*Beep-*

Kang Hyun had just pointed the scanner light at his forehead. He was holding it upside down. Lee Jong-su came over and corrected his grip.

“Hyung, our turn’s up.”

“Yeah.”

I grabbed the scanner.

*Beep- Beep- Beep- Beep- Beep- Beep- Beep- Beep- Beep- Beep- Beep- Beep- Beep-*

The endless beeping drew the attention of the other explorers.

A suitcase full of survival essentials.

Total: 3,035 coins.

“Your turn.”

“Okay.”

Lim Hae-jun grabbed the scanner with his sugar-coated fingers.

“Ji-woo~ You look so pretty~”

Just then, a sweet voice reached us. It was the duo of Yoon Hwa-rim and Seo Ji-woo.

Seo Ji-woo had transformed into a walking luxury brand.

“How do you feel~?”

“Well… I don’t feel bad~ Hahaha, hahaha!”

Indeed, she looked different compared to her uniform days. I guess that’s the power of luxury.

I accidentally made eye contact with Seo Ji-woo.

She confidently raised her chin.

“What are you looking at?”

“Oh? Mage Ha-woon.”

Yoon Hwa-rim noticed me too. She glanced between me and Seo Ji-woo, then raised an eyebrow mischievously.

“What do you think~? Isn’t Ji-woo pretty~? Hehe.”

Meanwhile, Yoon Hwa-rim herself was dressed warmly. She even had a thick backpack slung over her shoulders. Seo Ji-woo, on the other hand… just that Hermenian handbag.

I sighed.

Seo Ji-woo frowned.

“A sigh? What’s with the sigh?”

It’s just that a sigh came out. I get that the department store is fun, but you’re being too stupid.

I grabbed a handbag and stuffed it with whatever I could grab—emergency rations, chocolate, a matchbox, gloves, a portable cooking set—and tossed it to Seo Ji-woo.

“Hey! Hyung! That chocolate is mine!!”

Lim Hae-jun whined as Seo Ji-woo caught the bag in confusion. She looked between the bag and me, then asked.

“What am I supposed to do with this?”

She shrugged, genuinely clueless.

“…It’s cold outside.”

That’s all I said before turning away. Lim Hae-jun tapped my shoulder.

“Hyung, that chocolate was mine! It was cream-filled.”

“Then buy another one.”

“But…”

Lim Hae-jun grabbed my sleeve and shook it like a child throwing a tantrum, but then suddenly got a mischievous look on his face. He went from looking like a Pomeranian to a 50-year-old man.

“…Hehe. Hyung, do you like Seo Ji-woo?”

“Shut up.”

If you asked me about my personal feelings toward Seo Ji-woo, I’d say the opposite.

I dislike Seo Ji-woo.

A lot.

“Aww~ You’re lying~”

“I told you to shut up.”

—

“Ji-woo. Don’t they look like penguins?”

Yoon Hwa-rim pointed at Seol Ha-woon and Lim Hae-jun walking away.

“Daddy penguin and baby penguin.”

Dressed in identical thick clothes and dragging identical suitcases, they waddled side by side like penguins. The taller one even limped a little.

“Oh. Daddy penguin just scolded baby penguin.”

*Thwack.* Daddy penguin smacked baby penguin on the back of the head. Did baby penguin say something naughty? I wonder.

Seo Ji-woo watched their retreating figures and asked Yoon Hwa-rim.

“Hwa-rim. Do you know Seol Ha-woon?”

“Of course. We were on the same team. Honestly, at first, I thought he was a troll and got suspicious, but…”

Yoon Hwa-rim shook her head as if she didn’t want to remember.

“Turns out I was the troll. He was really good.”

“…Well, he’s a soldier. He wouldn’t be useless.”

Seo Ji-woo tilted her head and looked at the handbag. She still had no clue why he’d given it to her.

Yoon Hwa-rim poked Seo Ji-woo’s side.

“Ji-woo, you like him, don’t you?”

“Pfft. Don’t be ridiculous…”

Seo Ji-woo finally noticed Yoon Hwa-rim’s outfit. She was wearing a puffy down jacket. In fact, everyone else was similarly dressed.

They must all think the destination is somewhere cold.

“…Hwa-rim. Wait here. I’m going to grab a few more things.”

She was starting to feel uneasy.

Was it because of Seol Ha-woon’s comment about it being cold outside? A warm coat might not be a bad idea.

“Okay~ We only have five minutes left, so hurry. Third floor should have what you need.”

“Got it. Wait for me.”

Seo Ji-woo ran toward the escalator.

Dangun

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