Labyrinth Exploration 101 - L.E Chapter 26 (Part 2): Snowflower (1)

[ 355:45:15 ]

While scouting for a suitable location, I looted six or seven more ruins. Thanks to that, I’d gathered a decent stockpile of supplies. I even repurposed materials from the ruins to build a sled, loading it with food and my suitcase before resuming my search.

To build a base camp, I needed a spot with good cover.

If you’re wondering why I didn’t just pick one of these ruins and turn it into a camp, well, they were too dilapidated and conspicuous. They’d attract not just wild animals but potentially the aggro of “people” too.

When survival itself is the goal, fellow explorers aren’t necessarily allies.

“This place… looks good.”

Eventually, I settled on a spot deep within the coniferous forest.

Surrounded by tall trees, it offered some protection from the cold, and the flat ground made it ideal for building a base camp.

More importantly, I couldn’t walk any further. My left leg was throbbing, on the verge of giving out.

I pulled a hatchet from my suitcase. Placing my bare hand on the steel blade, I closed my eyes.

“…Kelotin Edge.”

The enchantment I imbued was sharpness and durability. The motif was “Kelotin,” a weapon-grade mana stone I’d rarely used during my military days. It was destructive enough to slice through thick conifers effortlessly.

Of course, I couldn’t perfectly replicate it, but—

*Tzzzt.*

Sparks flew. A blue magic circle—proof of the spell—etched itself onto the axe’s surface.

Gripping the handle, I approached a tree.

With both arms braced, I swung down.

*Thwack!*

One strike. The blade sank halfway into the trunk.

*Thwack!*

Two strikes. The tree shuddered.

*Thwack!*

A final third strike—and the tree’s spine snapped.

*Crack-crash.*

I sidestepped as the massive log toppled over.

*Thud─*

It sank into the snow.

“Impressive.”

I marveled as I twirled the axe in my hands. Despite my physical abilities being nearly a quarter of what they were before my injury, it felt significantly easier than before.

Next, I took out a grinder. After enchanting it similarly, I smoothed the tree’s surface.

*Wheeeeen─*

The bark peeled away in an instant, leaving a polished sheen—as if painted over with a brush.

“…This is why mages exist.”

The utility and versatility of spellcraft truly surpassed all other classes.

“Should I keep going?”

I’d initially planned to build just a rudimentary shelter, but with enchanted tools performing this well, I could afford to be a little greedier.

And so, I began logging in earnest.

—

***

At the same time, Lim Hae-jun had devised a similar strategy.

*Shhk, shhk, shhk.*

Namely, digging a tunnel with a shovel. A.K.A. the Mole Strategy.

*Shhk, shhk, shhk.*

Once he’d dug deep enough, he curled up like a squirrel and lay down.

“Hmm…”

The ceiling was right above his nose. He could barely move, his limbs practically bound.

He could sleep like this, but surviving 15 days in such conditions seemed impossible.

“Not good enough.”

Lim Hae-jun picked up the shovel again.

“Ah, I should’ve bought a bigger tool.”

His shovel was too small. Seol Ha-woon had bought a really sturdy one. He should’ve just copied him.

Gripping the shovel with both hands, he resumed digging.

*Dig, dig, dig.* Like a mole, he burrowed deeper and deeper.

*Dig, dig, dig. dig, dig, dig.*

Sweat poured down his face as he expanded the tunnel, flattening the ground. He sprinkled water on the ceiling, letting the cold air freeze it—this layer of ice would surprisingly help block the cold from outside.

About three hours later—

“Huff, huff…”

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Lim Hae-jun surveyed his handiwork.

“Done.”

Now it was cozy. Even stretching out his legs left plenty of space.

“…Heh.”

Suddenly, his gaze landed on the plump suitcase tucked in a corner of the tunnel. Looking at it warmed his heart, made his chest feel snug. He patted it fondly before flopping on top.

“Seriously… That hyung’s advice is like hitting the jackpot while sleeping.”

How was he like this? Seol Ha-woon had deduced this entire mission just from the department store hint? His instincts were insane.

Well, you’d need that kind of sharpness to last 5–6 years in the UDT.

Wait, what does UDT stand for again?

“…Yaaawn.”

A yawn escaped him. Rubbing his eyes, Lim Hae-jun unzipped the suitcase. Inside was a heat-generating lantern. He’d bought one after seeing Ha-woon grab it.

“Heh heh heh.”

He hung the lantern from the tunnel’s ceiling. Rubbing his fingers to spark mana, he ignited a spark.

*Fzzzt!*

Warmth radiated from above. The light was comforting.

It felt like a hideout. As a kid, he’d always dreamed of having a secret base like this.

Lim Hae-jun smiled contentedly and lay flat on the ground.

The temperature was just right. The environment, silent. No sounds, no disturbances—just the occasional distant howl of the blizzard.

His consciousness grew heavy.

‘Maybe a short nap…’

No, a long one should be fine.

“Whoo…”

With his mouth half-open, Lim Hae-jun drifted into sleep.

Dangun

I'm currently Translating the following novel: "Labyrinth Exploration 101" If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!

•