Labyrinth Exploration 101 - L.E Chapter 37 (Part 2): Hate You (4)

“To those who’ve worked hard—depart!”

All 96 contestants stood assembled on set. Yoo Ji-in, dressed in summer vacation attire, beamed as she announced:

[ VACATION ]

Today’s theme was *vacation*, but no one trusted it. Not after the producers had sent them *shopping*—only to dump them in a snowfield.

But this time, it was real. According to pre-regression memories, it was a 3-night, 4-day break.

“This is a real vacation! However—”

Yoo Ji-in summoned a GoPro midair.

“You’ll need to film how you spend it.”

Like streamers, they had to document everything.

Though unrelated to labyrinths, this daily-life segment would still help with votes.

“Also, we’ve invited special guest instructors! Tap your wrist twice!”

Tap tap!

The synchronized sound of 96 wrists echoed loudly.

[ GUEST INSTRUCTOR LIST ]

A dozen names and locations appeared. Many were top-ranked explorers, including Yoo Ji-in’s personal class, but I instantly locked onto one:

Kim Se-jin.

“…?”

Then, I accidentally met Seo Ji-woo’s gaze. She stiffened, looking away immediately. Her movements were robotic.

“Ahem, cough!”

She even fake-coughed. What was her deal?

“But there’s a condition! The instructors will give you a small quiz. Pass it to attend their class—first come, first served!”

Yoo Ji-in grinned.

“If too many people flock to one instructor, you might get turned away, so choose wisely!”

She seemed worried she’d be swamped. And she probably would be.

“Hyung, who’re you picking?”

Lim Hae-jun, who’d somehow become my shadow, asked.

“The mage. Kim Se-jin.”

“Ah~ Different from me.”

He muttered, disappointed.

I was baffled.

“…Obviously? You’re an archer, I’m a mage.”

—

I took a bus home. Just in case, I stashed my staff in my bag and pulled my cap low.

Pointless.

MyWordIsAbsolute—no one recognized me.

I need to work harder.

“It’s cramped.”

My studio apartment felt tiny after the spacious dorm.

I fiddled with the GoPro, then took a video selfie.

“…Maybe I’ve gotten a bit better-looking.”

APPEARANCE │ 8.05 │ B+

My Appearance had finally broken 8.0.

According to [MoMo], that meant I was objectively “handsome” now.

“Nice.”

I lay on my bed and turned on the TV.

[Breaking News: A D-rank labyrinth has been discovered near Kkachi Mountain.]

The first headline was about a D-Rank Labyrinth.

A dull throb pulsed at my temple. Reality crashed back.

A fact I’d been trying to forget.

The debut team was wiped out.

No matter how much recognition I stacked, entering that labyrinth meant certain death.

Of course, I could quit mid-show. But I’d have to return all loot and pay a hefty penalty.

Alternatively, I could fail three times in labyrinths, get eliminated naturally, and leave with my reputation intact…

But was dropping out the right move?

Say I quit after three failures.

The future wouldn’t change. The debut team of eight would still die.

Subconsciously, I already expected that outcome.

That’s why I avoided getting attached to the other explorers—their deaths felt inevitable.

“The labyrinth…”

But was there really no better way?

What if I debut in the top ranks and vehemently oppose the clearing of that labyrinth, or maybe-

“…Wait. The labyrinth?”

A thought flashed through my mind.

The debut team died in a D-Rank labyrinth.

I knew its location—before it was discovered.

And Black Call isn’t some sudden phenomenon. It’s an inherent ‘property’ within the labyrinth from the beginning.

In other words, I just need to find that labyrinth first and report it!

The pieces clicked. Reality came into focus.

I had to move.

—

I frantically dug through my pre-regression memories.

The labyrinth where the Black Call occurred was in a mountainous area in Samcheok, Gangwon Province. It was the fifth labyrinth the debut team challenged.

Since it had been a major topic, I remembered the exact coordinates. Finding the epicenter wasn’t hard.

“…Phew.”

A moss-covered cave, tangled with vines. Within it, the faint tangle of mana flowing out was being detected by my mana sense.

“Stay calm.”

Suppressing my excitement, I stepped inside. The chilly air felt unnerving, but I soon reached the deepest part.

*Whoooosh…*

A visible rift in the air—a labyrinth’s entrance.

“No wonder it took five years to find.”

I snapped a photo with my smartphone.

*Click.*

As I exited the cave, I drafted an email to send to a major guild.

[Discovered a D-Rank labyrinth in Gangwon-do mountains. Warning: Signs of Black Call detected inside.]

I attached the coordinates and photo, requesting anonymous handling—no reward needed.

“……”

I paused just before sending the email.

I’d clearly noted that signs of Black Call were visible in this D-rank labyrinth.

But if the guild ignored it and sent a team, they’d be wiped out.

If Black Call triggered, would I be killing strangers instead of the debut team?

…Press.

I pressed send.

No need for overthinking.

My top priority is my survival.

Even if everyone else died, I had to live.

[Sent.]

The guild would act fast. D-Rank labyrinths were usually cleared in 2–3 days—scouted, government-approved, explored by low-rankers, then tackled by elites.

And they were lucrative. Small but packed with 2–3 billion won in loot.

“…Sigh.”

I stepped out of the cave. My conscience wasn’t clear.

If Black Call activated, everyone from the major guild will die.

Of course, if they heeded my warning, casualties might be minimized.

But what if—

Black Call didn’t trigger?

That might be the bigger problem.

Dangun

I'm currently Translating the following novels: "Labyrinth Exploration 101" & "The Monarch Who Levels Up by Devouring " If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!

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