Labyrinth Exploration 101 - L.E Chapter 81 (Part 1): New Friends (1)

*Bind*

*Recent company updates*

*Meltic Corporation · ijac012*

It’s usually a busy week, but no overtime. We’re busting our butts to wrap up in the morning.

– Our team leader said he’s gotta watch *Labyrinth Exploration NaN* and told us to go home, lol. That balding hyung-nim, haha.

– Our department head always leaves early on Fridays to spend time with his wife and kids.

– I checked it out wondering what the fuss was about, and it’s actually pretty fun.

– But seriously, why the hell am I getting spam texts urging me to vote? At this rate, it’ll be like a general election poll. Who are these guys?

*Bind*

*Labyrinth Exploration NaN* is all anyone talks about these days…

*Kering Research · wy123*

‘The whole team’s talking about *Labyrinth Exploration NaN*, but I haven’t watched it, so I can’t join in. I was gonna give it a try, but the episodes are so long, I’m kinda intimidated;; Should I just watch it anyway?’

– You *have* to watch it. You’re missing out on life if you don’t.

– Just watch up to episode 2. Seol Ha-woon is so wild, you’ll keep watching just for him, lol.

– Is there even a reason *not* to watch? Unlike Season 2 with those top-tier explorers who looked rough around the edges, this season’s full of people who just make you feel good watching them.

└For real, let’s be honest, it’s the good looks that get the recognition. If he looked like Lee Taek from last season, lol, he’d have been eliminated and getting death threats by now.

└Lee Taek was just *too* rough-looking;; They say he’s aiming for high-ranker next year, but he’s got fewer followers than Seo Ji-woo, lol.

*Bind.* Ishia skimmed through the office workers’ community. There was so much buzz about *Labyrinth Exploration NaN* that it even had its own dedicated tab.

*Kainszxc*

‘David’s Bookstore verification shot.

The bookstore where Seol Ha-woon first learned sorcery. It’s got a cozy, serene vibe, but the owner’s no joke. They say he’s a former soldier, super tall and impressive… Apparently, he’s 7 feet tall, and a quick search says that’s 213 cm, whoa.

Instagram, in particular, was at a point where you couldn’t understand half the feed or reels without knowing *Labyrinth Exploration NaN*.’

*JaehoonLee*

‘There’s a lot of talk about *Labyrinth Exploration NaN* lately. It brings back memories for me. The explorers right now must be struggling both physically and mentally. Too much attention can feel like a burden. So, please look at them with kind eyes and cheer them on warmly.

I won’t reveal my personal favorites. It feels like a sensitive topic.

But… I am Always Right

Haha, just kidding.

#LabyrinthExplorationNaN #LabyrinthAAA

Even Season 2 winner Lee Je-hoon says Seol Ha-woon is his top pick!

**Brandnewworld_official**

‘The padded jacket Seol Ha-woon absolutely raved about! The Goose Down Langco is sold out, but check out our other products!’

The Seolwon Labyrinth alone has such massive influence that the padded jackets and luggage used by *Labyrinth Exploration NaN* contestants are completely sold out, even in the middle of summer.

Why would anyone buy a padded jacket in summer? Even Ishia, who wondered this, immediately bought Seol Ha-woon’s padded jacket and luggage. She suddenly felt an urge to go on a polar expedition.

This was a real, tangible effect.

[Nordic flight bookings hit an all-time high… The *Labyrinth Exploration NaN* effect?]

[Cabin-style Airbnb reservations skyrocket]

And that’s not all.

On a weekend variety show Ishia often watched, one that had been airing for nearly 20 years, a scene like this played out:

─A: These days, she’s totally obsessed with Seol Ha-woon.

─B: Right, oppa? Did you see last week’s ending? Seol Ha-woon’s smile? I saw it and my heart just… It was like a boyish grin from someone who never smiles, it was so charming.

─A: Hey, tone it down a bit… Weren’t you all about Kang Hyun before? Switching teams like a migratory bird?

─B: Oh, come on, it’s normal to change favorites~ When are they gonna have those guys as guests?

─A: Ugh… Know your place, seriously.

─B: What’s that supposed to mean, oppa?! I can like who I want!

Both A and B were famous celebrities.

Even mainstream variety shows frequently brought up *Labyrinth Exploration NaN*-related topics.

Especially “MyWordIsAbsolute”—it had practically become a colloquial phrase in everyday life. On observational reality shows, when celebrities pushed their opinions too hard or got stubborn, someone would quip, “My word is absolute”

It was a program that brought joy to so many people, helping them endure tough jobs and grueling workplaces.

An explorer audition show that made people look forward to tomorrow—*Labyrinth Exploration NaN*.

Ishia sat in front of the TV.

“Phew…”

She took a deep breath, waiting for the commercials to end.

┌──Labyrinth Exploration NaN──┐

The main broadcast, Episode 7, begins.

─ Yoo Ji-in: “Those who’ve worked hard, set off~”

The opening shows Yoo Ji-in, dressed in midsummer attire, declaring a vacation right after the survival labyrinth.

─Yoo Ji-in: “This time, it’s a real vacation. But you’ll need to film how you spend it. Also, we’ve got some instructors who’ve opened special classes for you all!”

Special instructor classes. They had them in Seasons 1 and 2, too.

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

Vacation begins!

Self-cam footage of each explorer, edited to about a minute, flashes by. They return home for a day of rest before heading to the special class locations.

The first segment features Lee Jun-ho.

─DK: “Oh, you’re here?”

The instructor is Poser DK, lounging in a hammock between bamboo groves.

He says that to receive his training, one must withstand “a single strike.”

─Lee Jun-ho: “Yes, I’m ready.”

─DK: “Good. I like your spirit.”

DK swings his sword. A strike adorned with CG-like effects.

*Clang!*

Lee Jun-ho stumbles but successfully blocks it.

─DK: “Hmm… Impressive. You pass.”

Afterward, scenes show Seo Ji-woo and Yoon Hwa-rim visiting Instructor Lee Min-ho, Kang Hyun meeting Yoo Ji-in, and other explorers seeking out their instructors. But Ishia’s attention is elsewhere.

Seol Ha-woon.

“There he is.”

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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