Labyrinth Exploration 101 - L.E Chapter 76 (Part 2): A Bit of Fresh Air (1)

“Got it, AC-0308?”

I fiddled with the cane and opened its info window.

【AC-0308】

The name had changed. To me, it’s far more comfortable, familiar, and meaningful.

I propped the cane against my shoulder. Stroking its handle, I pulled out my smartphone.

[ Labyrinth Exploration NaN – Individual Profile Voting Rankings ]

The broadcast station’s profile voting rankings. Any changes after the main episode?

“Mid-20s.”

I’d climbed from the middle of the 20s to the very top of the 20s.

I was reasonably satisfied, but online, people were saying, “The ranking doesn’t match the impact.” Some columnist’s in-depth analysis claimed it’s because it’s only episode 5 or 6, and I’m neither a secondary nor a primary favorite yet.

It’s only episode 6. There’s plenty of time to turn things around.

Time for some tea.

I pulled out a thermos and poured black tea into the lid.

*Slurrrp. Slurrrp.*

I savored the tea’s flavor like it was wine. Thankfully, it tasted exactly like it did in the *NaN World*. No spoilage or contamination.

“Pass.”

I nodded, satisfied.

I spread out the rest of my loot on the ground.

Gas mask, tea leaf sack, implant book, snake wine, Pony Projector, Snack Box, black cotton robe, business card, and three leftover drones.

I’d stuffed my WP to the brim.

Oh, I’m holding off on the snake wine for now. I don’t need a random box yet, and I might need that luck boost later.

If possible, I’d love to tie this luck to a lottery or casino. Making some money would be nice.

I’ve always been clueless about investing. Plenty of soldiers prepared for discharge by investing, but I never cared about money.

Back then, I thought being a soldier would last forever.

“Damn it. Should’ve at least learned about one stock or something.”

*Ttudung—*

“Huh?”

A distinct sound. An SNS alert I’d set to stand out from other messages.

It’s from a shady, fairly popular Labyrinth Exploration NaN-related account I follow with my alt.

@NARUNANYA1231

*R: Club-hopping regular. Seen almost weekly. Rumor says he only parties hard in bathrooms/stages, never books tables. Also rumored to enjoy *certain substances.*

As you can see, it’s a gossip-spreading account. The reason I follow it is I suspect it might be Kim Doo-gyeom.

Why?

*S: Has a rotten personality, terrible rep among staff. Some writers and PDs seem to have given up talking to him.*

*S: Circumstantial evidence suggests he killed someone in the military.*

*S: Rumors he’s been harassing some explorers in the dorms.*

Because it’s oddly fixated on Seol Ha-woon.

Come to think of it, it’s about time for that Ryu Yeon-hwa incident to blow up.

I checked the *Labyrinth Exploration NaN*-related community.

“…Oh.”

Perfect timing. Right on the first page, an anonymous post caught my eye.

│Ryu Yeon-hwa, Drug Party Expose│

There it is.

The scandal about the refined sorcerer Ryu Yeon-hwa.

[Ryu Yeon-hwa’s a known club regular. Frequently spotted at Gangnam clubs, everyone knows him. Stingy as hell, never books a table, just rubs elbows and does drugs in the bathroom. But on NaN, they act like a saintly scholar. Disgusting, so I’m posting this.]

Probably some club MD drug dealer. Likely sent Ryu Yeon-hwa texts trying to extort money, got ignored, and posted this in a rage.

“The flies are starting to buzz.”

Then, a message came from *NaN*.

[ NaN Message: A special bonus for the top 13 World Labyrinth explorers. ]

[ Special Mentor Training! ]

[ Please select one mentor. Filming is scheduled for the next day. ]

Special mentor training. For me, there was no hesitation.

[ I choose Mentor Yu-yul. ]

Because I’m certain she’s a true Mage.

The reply came instantly.

[ Explorer Seol Ha-woon, please arrive at the designated location by 2 PM… ]

* * *

It’s supposed to be mentor training, but the location is an amusement park. Something about PPL.

Anyway, I arrived at the filming site.

“You’re here.”

Yu-yul spotted me. We were both wearing the outfits the production crew told us to wear.

More PPL. One outfit on screen is probably worth tens of millions of won.

Can’t they share some of that cash?

“Yes, I’m here.”

“…….”

Yu-yul said nothing.

“Shall we ride the carousel?”

Feeling awkward, I pointed to the nearest carousel.

“You made quite a splash in the *World*.”

“Ah… yes.”

“Any concerns?”

Yu-yul was sticking strictly to the script.

I answered.

“No concerns.”

“What do you want from me? This is mentor training. If there’s something you need, I can help as much as possible.”

“…Nothing.”

“Nothing?”

I smiled.

“Yes. What more could I ask for? Thanks to you, Mentor Yu-yul, I’ve found my footing as a sorcerer.”

I spoke with sincerity. There was no falsehood in these words.

“Because of you, I took my first steps and learned about refinement. Without you, Mentor Yu-yul, I’d still be wandering.”

Would she see through my intentions? I’m not worried about that. No magic can read a person’s heart.

Above all, my gratitude is genuine.

“I still vividly remember the day you first approached me at the Library.”

I’ll stick as close to Yu-yul—no, Tae-yul—as possible. Until she gets fed up and kicks me away, I’ll show her pure devotion.

In the meantime, I’ll siphon off her magic techniques, training methods, and anything else I can get my hands on.

“…So, you’re saying you want nothing?”

Yu-yul asked again. Probably because the script requires me to want something.

I said softly.

“Third refinement… I’m not ready for it yet, to be honest.”

Third refinement needs more growth. Especially my nervous system.

I’ve got two precious candies left, but if destruction outpaces recovery, my body will tear itself apart and leave me crippled.

The risk is too high.

“For today…”

Come to think of it, I’ve never been to an amusement park. Never ridden a ride. Not once in over 30 years, regression included.

“…Just ride something with me.”

I pointed to a terrifying ride. A roller coaster with a cliff-like drop, reminiscent of El Capitan.

“Let’s go ride it, then.”

“Yes.”

Yu-yul and I took the front seats of the roller coaster. Countless cameras followed us.

“…I’m nervous.”

Just the two of us on this long train.

*Chwiiik.* The safety bar locked around us, and the roller coaster started.

*Ttuk. Ttuk. Ttuk.* It climbed the rails with ominous creaks. Yu-yul, beside me, was expressionless.

“Hoo.”

The moment I took a deep breath—

*KWAAAAAK——!*

A plunge like skydiving.

“Wok!”

My hair and Yu-yul’s whipped around, our bodies flailing like paper dolls, but Yu-yul’s expression didn’t change.

Not a single shift. Not even a wrinkle.

I’m scared.

More than the roller coaster, it’s this emotionless human that terrifies me.

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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