Labyrinth Exploration 101 - L.E Chapter 77 (Part 1): A Bit of Fresh Air (2)

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[ All 70 contestants, please gather at the set by 3 PM. ]

It was the first full-cast filming schedule since the World Labyrinth. All 70 survivors gathered in one set.

“Is everyone here?”

The mentor in charge was DK. Always wearing sunglasses, speaking in a low growl, and frowning at the slightest provocation—his nickname was “Poser,” but he was one of the top high-rank Warriors in the country.

“Well, let’s skip the pleasantries. Today’s not a class—it’s a test. The first tally is two weeks away, so you won’t be entering the labyrinth until then. Twenty of you are getting cut anyway, right?”

The first tally would narrow the field to the top 50. However, if the vote margins were close, the mentor evaluation could turn things around, making this a final opportunity for those in the lower ranks.

“It’s a monster hunt combined with an in-camera scouting session.”

The progression was exactly as it had been before my regression.

In-camera scouting was a segment designed to arrange career paths for the explorers who’d be eliminated and to forge connections for those who’d survive.

“You all know monsters don’t just pop up in labyrinths. Some escape from labyrinths, others spawn naturally near rifts. But you know what? You lot are a pampered generation.”

DK, flexing his old-timer attitude, shot a glance at the staff.

“Why? Because monster data and patterns are all neatly analyzed for you. Memorize them, and you can handle a monster you’ve never seen like it’s yesterday’s news.”

The staff began distributing documents to the explorers.

“Here. You’ve got three hours.”

The documents, dozens of pages thick, detailed monster patterns: goblins, orcs, zombies, werewolves, giant spiders, headless knights, Red Masks, Flesh Golems, explosive spiders, and more.

“Memorize it all. After that, you fight. It’s a five-stage simulation, with one monster from this list appearing randomly each round. I’d be surprised if three or four of you make it to stage five.”

Memorization of this kind was a basic skill for explorers. Especially for a test like this.

“Memorize *everything*. Slack off, and you might actually die.”

I focused mana into my optic nerves. My retinas burned hot.

Thanks to my Sequence, visual information I saw once was perfectly “imprinted” in my mind.

Of course, this was a form of sorcery, so it wasn’t permanent. After a day or two, it would fade unless I reinforced it with mana.

*Snap.*

I flicked my fingers.

A self-suggestion signal. In camera terms, it was like the *click* of a shutter. According to magic theory, the presence or absence of such a signal made a significant difference in spell activation.

I skimmed through the documents.

Memorization was as quick as snapping a photo, but a mild headache followed. My temples throbbed.

“Time’s ticking~ Everyone, memorize~”

*Tick-tock, tick-tock.* DK mimicked the sound of a clock’s second hand.

I stood up. Time for some tea.

—

Surprisingly, someone was already in the break room when I arrived.

A strange guy, clutching his smartphone and looking like he was about to tear his hair out. Ryu Yeon-hwa.

“What’re you doing?”

I sat in a chair. Ryu Yeon-hwa flinched and turned to me, his face pale as death.

“Oh, is it because of our young master’s little ‘escapade’?”

His face turned beet red in an instant. Ketchup human.

“W-What’s this weirdo talking about?!”

weirdo. Probably the harshest insult Ryu Yeon-hwa could muster.

“Or maybe…” I leaned in, feigning shock. “Did *you* post that article?!”

“What are you saying? Why would I do that? I’m already doing fine without it.”

“…Then how do you know about it? M-My… that thing.”

“It’s all over the community and spreading to SNS. Plenty of people here probably know by now.”

Ryu Yeon-hwa slapped his forehead in despair. I chuckled.

“Don’t worry too much. There’s still time. These days, people call it fake without proof, don’t they?”

“…To be clear, I haven’t done *anything*. I’m innocent. Even at the club, I only danced.”

“So you *did* enjoy some nightlife.”

“Ugh, seriously.”

Ryu Yeon-hwa shot to his feet, steam practically rising from his ears.

I steeped tea leaves in my cup.

“If you’re innocent, what’s there to worry about? You’ve got the upper hand. Lean into your family’s clout and charge straight through.”

Before my regression, Ryu Yeon-hwa took the opposite approach, scrambling to hide the truth. Probably because of Kim Doo-gyeom’s gaslighting. That’s what sparked the backlash.

“Clout?”

Ryu Yeon-hwa glanced at his broad shoulders.

“Not *that* clout. Your family.”

“…I can’t rely on my family’s help.”

“Why? Scared Daddy’ll scold you?”

I poured hot water over the tea leaves—not too fast, not too slow, just right to let them steep perfectly.

“…”

Ryu Yeon-hwa didn’t respond.

Seems my joke hit a nerve.

I stirred the tea with a spoon, letting out a dry laugh.

“You’re that big, and you’re scared of a scolding from your dad?”

“…It’s not just a scolding. Please don’t speak lightly of things you don’t understand.”

“Why should I care?”

I used telekinesis to lift the steeped tea leaves out.

This way, the mana blends naturally, enhancing the flavor. It’s a well-known fact that a sorcerer’s telekinesis improves taste—why chefs bother honing mana in the first place.

“Mmm.”

The aroma was fragrant, the temperature just right. Kate always drank tea with such elegance. How did she do it? Lightly touching the rim with her lips…

Ah, hot, fuc—!

I nearly burned my tongue and the roof of my mouth.

“…Haa.”

Ryu Yeon-hwa let out a sigh. For someone so tall he practically touched the ceiling, his childish sulking was a bit nauseating.

“Hey, you got some cash?”

“…Cash? You mean won?”

“What, you think I meant dollars?”

“Why do you need money all of a sudden…?”

“Just give me some operational funds. I’ll handle it.”

If Ryu Yeon-hwa goes down, Kim Doo-gyeom benefits. Getting him indebted to me costs me nothing.

In the future, every debut group member is both a suspect and a victim.

“Operational funds… What are you talking about?”

Ryu Yeon-hwa eyed me suspiciously.

“Hey, Yeon-hwa!”

A familiar stench hit my nose, like rancid herring. That voice.

Kim Doo-gyeom.

“Yeon-hwa, there you are. Why haven’t you answered my calls…?”

I spoke softly, so Kim Doo-gyeom wouldn’t hear.

“Watch out for that guy.”

“…Watch out?”

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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