Labyrinth Exploration 101 - L.E Chapter 28 (Part 2): Snowflower (3)

[ Remaining Time: 320:05:37 ]

“Done.”

The cabin was finished. Forty hours—no, *exactly* 39 hours, 54 minutes, and 23 seconds. Though the actual work time was less than half that.

My stamina was trash, so breaks had been frequent.

I stepped back to admire the structure. A log cabin, plopped right in the heart of the snow-laden forest.

“…Not bad.”

At least, that’s how it looked to me. From the exterior to the finishing touches, it was nearly flawless. The moment I enhanced the tools with reinforcement spells, it was game over.

No wonder mages were essential in labyrinth exploration.

I stepped inside.

The interior was bare, but I’d salvaged a table from the ruins and placed it inside. A stove sat atop it, water boiling for tea.

“A fireplace would fit perfectly right there.”

I eyed the designated spot. I’d already prepared the space. This labyrinth would only grow colder with time.

That was why I’d set up camp deep in the coniferous forest. Dense woods were far better against the cold than open plains.

“Could use some furniture too…”

There were plenty of leftover logs.

I could make a bed frame, chairs, and such—but bedding required materials. Which meant hunting.

“Alright then.”

Time to get moving. I stashed the food carrier in a corner and set up traps at the entrance, just in case of thieves.

“Let’s go.”

After downing the warm tea, I opened the door.

Hunting…?

Honestly, I wasn’t worried.

Back then, I used to do it as casually as taking a stroll.

I could see far with my eyes, hear the faintest sounds with my ears. Move without a sound, and kill in an instant from a distance.

He was slow, but meticulous. Even as the blizzard raged and visibility dropped, he didn’t hesitate or fear. Just pressed forward, leaning on his staff.

‘……’

Abruptly, he stopped. Pointing a finger toward something unseen, he took aim.

—

A silent shot. Mana streaked toward an unseen target, and the thud of something collapsing followed.

Limping forward, he picked up a fox.

Four hours of work yielded two foxes, four rabbits, and a deer. In just four hours, he’d gathered enough food to sustain most contestants for two days.

“…This is fun.”

Seol Ha-woon. There was something special about watching him in action. Like he was born to be observed.

Every move was as secretive and precise as a spy’s—yet agonizingly slow. But the way he achieved his goals with absolute certainty, despite his limp, carried a strange charm.

“PD Kim was right—he’s got a unique character.”

Yoon Sa-hyeok appeared just then. His break had begun—ten minutes out of an hour.

Kim A-rang shrugged.

“He’s more than just unique, you know?”

“But his mobility is hopeless.”

“That’s what makes his potential even more impressive. Seol Ha-woon’s thinking is fast. He always chooses the optimal path.”

His body was slow, but his decision-making surpassed every other explorer’s. No—maybe it wasn’t even decision-making anymore. The experience of countless past battles might be moving him on pure instinct.

Yoon Sa-hyeok grinned at the screen.

“Well, keep drawing him out. I’m getting more interested by the minute.”

*Getting more interested.*

To Kim A-rang, that was the highest praise.

—

I butchered the hunted game, separating the meat from the organs and setting aside the hides.

Dangun

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