Labyrinth Exploration 101 - L.E Chapter 40 (Part 1): Day of Peace (3)

[Labyrinth Exploration NaN, Episode 2 Ratings: 19.5%… Doubled from Episode 1’s 10.3%]

[Brand Reputation Rankings: Labyrinth Exploration NaN Claims 1st Place After Just 2 Episodes]

[#1 Worldwide on OTT Platforms……]

Lately, the frenzy around Labyrinth Exploration has been growing fiercer by the day.

After filming with Kang Hyun and Lim Hae-jun, I visited David Han’s magic bookstore that night.

“Old man.”

“…Huh? What?”

David looked up at me, his counter cluttered with cleaning tools.

“A celebrity’s gracing us?”

“Ahem…”

I cleared my throat awkwardly.

“How’s business these days?”

“Thanks to you, more customers than before. What brings you here?”

“Ah, nothing major. Wondered if you might have some items in stock.”

“Items?”

“Yeah.”

I scratched my cheek. Felt like I was always asking this old man for favors.

“A flowerpot and some magic soil. Preferably with a cold attribute, if possible.”

Magic soil, as the name suggests, is soil imbued with mana. Like fine wine, well-aged magic soil is rare—a natural product that can’t be mass-produced.

“Hold on.”

Old Man David disappeared into the back. After some clattering, he returned with a small bundle and a flowerpot.

“Cold soil. And a flowerpot made of magic fiber.”

“How much for all this?”

“About 30 million.”

30 million won. My eyes nearly popped out.

“…You’re joking, right?”

“Kid. You know my reputation in this business, don’t you?”

“Well, yeah, but…”

“It means it’s top-tier stuff.”

David stroked his beard. His forearms and biceps bulged.

“The soil’s been steeped in mana under perpetual snow for nearly 50 years—worth 30 to 40 million alone. The pot’s designed to lock in the mana, so that’s another 10 million. 30 million’s the discount price.”

“Got anything… cheaper?”

“I don’t deal in anything less than premium.”

“…Then how about credit?”

I brazenly pushed. The old man narrowed his eyes in disbelief.

“Don’t you get paid for the show?”

“Nope. No appearance fees. Oh, how about I give you this instead?”

I pulled out the Goblin Teacup from my bag. I’d been using it as a makeshift coffee pot, but… Fine, I’ll part with it.

“Temperature-regulating teacup. Loot from Labyrinth Exploration, right?”

Of course, the old man recognized it instantly.

“You’ve been watching the broadcasts?”

“My granddaughter’ll like this. I’ll knock off 10 million for it.”

“What? That’s way too low. This thing’s a lifesaver for camping. Plus, it’s got the Labyrinth Exploration NaN premium.”

“That’s why it’s 10 million, kid. And that’s generous. Items only usable by mana-wielders don’t sell high. Normies can’t use ’em.”

“…What if I throw in my autograph?”

“Then minus 3 million. You’re a liability.”

“Are you kidding me?”

The old man cackled.

“Weren’t you the ‘MyWordIsAbsolute’ guy? Your image is a minus. Haven’t shed that soldier attitude yet? You should’ve tried persuading me more nicely.”

“…It’s a spoiler, so I can’t say much, but you’ll get it when you watch the next episode.”

He smirked.

“Take the soil and the pot. I’ll knock off exactly 10 million, so pay back the 20 million later. Instead, get me an autograph from that guy Kang Hyun or whatever his name is.”

“Your granddaughter’s a Kang Hyun fan, huh?”

“Yep.”

I gratefully accepted the soil and pot, but the old man was clearly taking a loss. Even I knew the Goblin Teacup wasn’t that valuable.

After some thought, I fished out a coin from my pocket.

“Here, take this.”

“…What is it?”

“A Lucky Coin.”

I placed it on the counter.

This coin boosts Luck by 0.2. A negligible amount for me, but maybe not for him.

David Han is undeniably strong. The world of the strong is far more vulnerable to variables than people realize. Even the slightest misstep can flip life and death.

Close-quarters combat between monstrous high-rankers rarely lasts more than three minutes, after all.

“Keep it, and luck’ll come your way. A gift.”

“…Feels like there’s something to it. Fine. I’ll hold onto it.”

With a faint grin, David Han slipped the 【Lucky Coin】 into his front pocket.

* * *

My break was over. Back at the dorm, I headed straight to the cafeteria. Their Korean food is amazing.

Turns out I wasn’t the only one who thought so—several others were already there.

First, Kate.

The European noble look-alike loved Korean cuisine. She was also one of the debutants from my previous timeline.

…Could she be a suspect?

Thinking about it, it wasn’t impossible.

Among the Labyrinth Exploration contestants, she has the most bizarre backing.

Her shimmering gold hair, jewel-like blue eyes, and flawless skin and physique (despite her youth) made it clear she invested hundreds of millions annually in self-maintenance.

Her family was obscenely wealthy—enough to casually buy out the broadcasting company IONet.

If the future Black Call incident was caused by hiring Mages, Kate could actually be a prime suspect.

Next, Lee Jun-ho.

Currently tearing into LA Galbi [T/N: Korean BBQ short ribs] in the corner, he shouldn’t be ruled out either.

Jun-ho had a destructive streak. A former runner-up who’d roamed mercenary dens, underground cities, and slums. The stronger he grew as a warrior, the more his sadistic—or masochistic—tendencies might escalate.

I called out to the cafeteria staff.

“…One more tteokgalbi, please.”

I took my Bibimbap and Tteok-galbi to a table. This’ll be good. [T/N: Well, you figure them out yourself, I’m done with this delicious Korean food]

“Ugh, I’m starving!”

Someone announced their hunger very loudly. I glanced over—Seo Ji-woo had just walked in.

“I’m so hungry I could die~”

Our eyes met. She immediately spun on her heel and marched right back out.

“……?”

What’s her deal? New kind of trolling?

I refocused on my Bibimbap, only to notice Lee Jun-ho staring at me.

“What.”

“…….”

He shook his head silently and returned to his LA Galbi.

Human relationships are exhausting. I can never tell what anyone’s thinking.

* * *

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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