After leaving the A rank party, I aim for the deep part of the labyrinth with my former students
"What do you mean, Grandfather?"
"The [Abyssal Gate] of the continent—Welmeria—has awakened as a form of 'Selection.' As a result, the balance of this world may have tilted slightly."
Elran, the elder, pointed to several locations on the island map.
"I sent some of the young ones to investigate. Here, here, and here… Compared to before the anomaly, the terrain has changed."
"But isn't it normal for an island's terrain to change over time?"
At my words, Elder Elran shook his head.
"The changes are far too drastic. Vilmuren Island is woven with a strong existential concept that prevents it from collapsing, even across dimensions. In other words, it is similar to a labyrinth dungeon in this world."
I was surprised to learn that the island itself was akin to a labyrinth dungeon. But even more shocking was the fact that it was changing.
Labyrinths, even when damaged, naturally restore themselves over time.
Even if we adventurers engage in large-scale battles or unleash destructive magic inside a dungeon, the damage is usually repaired within a few days due to the strong existential concept embedded in them.
Just like the existence stigma in our party, Clover, labyrinth dungeons have their own marks of existence that prevent them from being overwritten by the world's rules.
For an island like Vilmuren—one that should have similar permanence—to undergo terrain changes… that was a serious, no, a very serious issue.
It could spell trouble for this entire world.
It meant that the boundaries that were meant to exist were becoming blurred.
If Elder Elran was correct, then Vilmuren Island—and the Dark Elves who lived there—might once again be undergoing a transformation into 'Selection.'
"You're quite perceptive. As expected of the 'Hero' of the continent."
"I'm nothing of the sort."
I never liked being called a 'Hero.'
I was not someone worthy of such a title.
I was a pathetic man who had lost my admired mentor and sacrificed the little sister figure I was supposed to protect.
"Yuke, Grandfather, let's focus on moving forward."
Silk placed a reassuring hand on my back as she spoke.
What a strong woman she was.
Even in the face of the Amber Forest Clan's secrets, which could overwhelm even me, she remained steadfast.
"Grandfather, how can we stop this?"
"…We must head to the 'World Tree.' I've already selected and assembled clan members experienced in dungeon exploration."
"Yuke."
Meeting Silk’s gaze, I gave a small nod.
"Elder Elran, we wish to accompany them. However, we cannot make that decision on our own. May we consult our comrades and request their cooperation?"
"That will not be allowed."
At this, Elder Elran shook his head.
I wondered if it was because he could not permit outsiders to step into a forbidden place.
Before I could ask, the old elf provided an answer.
"This is not about your identities. However, the interior of the 'World Tree' defies many of this world’s principles. You, as a Walker, and Silk, as a Dark Elf of the Amber Clan, may be fine… but others may not."
Silk and I exchanged glances and nodded.
"There’s no problem, Grandfather. We of Clover share the traits of Walkers with Yuke."
"…What? I have never heard of such a thing."
Elder Elran widened his eyes in shock.
Even though he knew about Walkers, the concept of sharing an existential stigma seemed to be an unprecedented irregularity.
Even my uncle had been surprised by it.
"If not for that, we wouldn’t have been able to enter the Inverted Labyrinth, together."
"No, wait… Even so, how—?"
"Uh, well…"
Silk glanced at me, her face turning slightly red as she looked down, flustered.
Seeing her expression, Elder Elran seemed to realize something.
For a brief moment, a sharp aura of hostility was directed at me.
"Lord Feldio?"
"Y-Yes?"
"Once this matter is settled, I will make time… We shall have a long conversation."
A tingling pressure radiated from the elder, making my entire body tense.
Silk chuckled softly at the sight.
"Silk?"
"Yes. Once this crisis is over, Grandfather, you should talk a lot with Yuke."
"Yes… that sounds necessary."
"Indeed. Grandfather, please get to know Yuke better. When the time comes, I’ll even pour your drinks."
Elder Elran and I both felt the tension ease.
We exchanged small, wry smiles before straightening our postures once again.
"Elder Elran, first, please allow us to investigate the locations where the changes have occurred."
"Hmm. Silk should be able to understand once she sees them. …That reminds me, Lord Feldio, you mentioned that you had a report to make?"
I instinctively tensed up for a moment before letting out a small breath.
I had been so caught up in the situation that I had forgotten my original reason for coming here.
"Yes. At this point, it seems likely to be an effect of the labyrinth dungeon, but we have confirmed that Welmeria’s 'broadcasting' equipment is operational on this island."
"Yuke, does that mean…!?"
Silk looked at me in surprise, and I gave her a slight nod.
"I’m sorry for keeping it from you. I’ll explain everything later."
"…Understood."
After watching our exchange, Elder Elran stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"Hmm…? The merchants have brought in some magical artifacts called 'tablets,' but the younger ones always said that 'live broadcasting' does not reach this island."
It seemed that Elder Elran knew more about Welmeria’s adventure broadcasting than I had expected.
Explaining 'broadcasting' to someone entirely unfamiliar with it was incredibly difficult.
Even Viscount Boardman of the Royal Academy often complained about having to start his explanations from the difference between 'paintings' and 'moving images.'
Silk, too, seemed shocked by the elder’s words and stood there, speechless.
"Grandfather, I never imagined you knew about 'broadcasting'!"
"It is quite a useful thing. The merchants who come and go from the island sometimes bring recordings of you all on magic stones… I have seen them. I have also heard that some of the younger innkeepers here record footage of this island using magical artifacts and use it to attract customers on the mainland."
I couldn’t hide my surprise at the fact that Welmeria’s broadcasting had reached even the distant lands of Vilmuren Island.
At the same time, I understood something.
Elder Elran had probably seen it.
He had likely watched the broadcast of that incident—the day our party, Clover, first delved into the Achromatic Darkness.
That was why Silk had suddenly been thrust into an engagement with Ilwen, a member of a different clan—an attempt to foster unity.
"So then, Lord Feldio, is there some issue with this equipment being operational?"
"This is still just speculation, but—"
I explained everything to Elder Elran.
What had happened in Salmutaria.
The broadcasting equipment that had been connected through Gold.
The existence of the [Abyssal Gate].
And the possibility that live broadcasting might now be feasible on this island.
I spared no detail as I conveyed it all to him.
When I finished, Elder Elran nodded deeply and finally spoke.
"It is not impossible. Everything is connected through the Abyss. If the depths of the now-unstable 'World Tree' truly exist, it may be possible to call out to her from there."
"…!"
"The darkness of the Abyss sometimes allows connections to be traced. If the ties to this world have not yet been severed, then it is even more likely. Furthermore…"
The elder paused before gazing at me intently.
Then, he spoke words of mild astonishment.
"This 'live broadcast' you speak of… it may be of use in resolving this crisis."
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