After leaving the A rank party, I aim for the deep part of the labyrinth with my former students
Several Hours Earlier
I was being questioned by Elder Elran about the current situation.
"Lord Feldio, what do you think defines this world and makes it what it is? What is it that defines you as yourself in this world?"
I had never really thought about that before. After a brief moment of contemplation, I recalled something my uncle once said and responded.
"History and people, perhaps?"
"Indeed. The proof of this world's existence is established by the ‘life’ one has lived and the ‘others’ who observe it. This intertwining of branches forms the foundation of the world itself."
"…That would mean that this place is…"
"Silk has a sharp mind. The logic doesn't hold up, does it?"
I wasn't sure if that was meant as praise, but I could at least agree that the logic didn't make sense.
I had just learned from the elder that Vilmuren Island, home to the Dark Elves, had drifted into this world from another realm in ancient times.
And now, due to the influence of the Abyss Gate, strange anomalies were occurring.
Yet, until now, everything had been fine.
Without the disturbances caused by the Abyss Gate, no one would have even questioned the island’s presence in this world.
But why?
Because the island had already stabilized as part of this world's framework.
Even the labyrinths scattered across the continent, if they became unstable, would overflow and trigger events like Overflows or Stampedes.
If the Abyss Gate was involved, it could even leak elements from another world and cause Inversed Disasters.
However, in normal times, these things are stable constructs of this world.
And what sustains them is our collective recognition that they exist within this world.
"…I see. If we can consolidate collective recognition through a broadcast… we can further reinforce the very concept of Vilmuren Island’s existence—"
I murmured this to myself, and Elder Elran grinned.
Silk, struggling to follow the conversation, tilted her head slightly.
"Our ‘Stigma of Existence’ as Dark Elves is tied to this island itself."
—The ‘Stigma of Existence’.
A conceptual device carried by Walkers, allowing them to retain their identity even when traversing foreign realms.
A power needed to challenge the Inversed Labyrinth, which had turned into the ‘Achromatic Darkness.’
A keystone that guarantees one’s unshakable self-identity.
Without it, we would quickly be consumed by the logic of the outside world and lose ourselves.
Just like the residents of Glad Shi-Im, who drifted into this world… or the Shadow Stalkers, wandering souls trapped in the calamity of the Inversed Labyrinth.
The Dark Elves who now reside in the Amber Forest secured their Stigma of Existence by anchoring themselves to the history of Vilmuren Island since its arrival.
If that foundation were to be shaken… no one could predict what might happen.
And the countermeasure against that? Broadcasting.
Fortunately, people have high expectations for Clover’s broadcasts.
If the Kingdom’s broadcasting expansion project is going well, people in multiple nations should be able to tune in…
And if we suddenly announce that we will be tackling a second Abyss Gate, it’s bound to draw attention.
That attention would strengthen Vilmuren Island’s Stigma of Existence.
Recognition from others that it “exists within this world” would reinforce the island against the influence of the Abyss Gate.
And, most importantly—
Right now, we have the means to make this happen.
The Golden Power leaking from beyond the Abyss Gate could surpass the existing magical network and deliver our broadcast even across the sea to Welmeria.
Just like when we once challenged the Death Valley of Salmutaria—the Royal Mausoleum, which had turned into an Inversed Labyrinth.
Everything is in place.
Now, it’s up to us.
"Understood. I’ll do everything I can."
Present Time
Now, all eyes are on GoPro-kun G in front of us.
The emotions reflected in those gazes—expectation, anxiety, determination—varied, but one thing was certain: everyone was ready.
"We’ll broadcast the situation on Vilmuren Island, our investigation process, and, if necessary, our labyrinth expedition."
"It's… well-maintained. It should… work."
Rain nodded firmly, holding GoPro-kun G in her hands.
"Rain, you're the one the [Seeker's Compass] is attuned to. Try syncing it with 'GoPro-kun G'."
"!"
It’s not widely known, but certain magical artifacts—especially those originating from labyrinths—are said to have affinities with specific users.
Even expert alchemists have been unable to fully explain this phenomenon, so it’s often described as an artifact “taking a liking” to someone.
There are cases where a supposedly broken artifact, completely unresponsive to others, suddenly activates when handled by a specific person.
Perhaps they possess a kind of delicate sensitivity that allows for such selective compatibility.
That’s exactly why I was entrusting Rain with this task.
The fact that she still had the [Seeker’s Compass] with her meant there had to be a deeper connection between them.
"I get why Rain's doing this, but why me? Wouldn't it be better if I tagged along with Jamie for shopping? I could help carry bags or something."
"I need you to fine-tune the streaming settings… for three devices. You're the most experienced with ‘GoPro-kun’."
There was 'GoPro-kun G,' Marina’s personal 'GoPro-kun,' and the 'Mini GoPro-kun' that would be attached to Nene’s ear.
Only 'GoPro-kun G' had the special broadcasting mechanism, but if we synced the other two, we could indirectly integrate them into the stream.
Since Marina regularly used GoPro-kun for cooking and casual daily streams, she was arguably more familiar with its settings than I was.
Maybe even more than me.
"Hmm… can I really do it?"
"I’m sure you can! I've set up a broadcasting artifact before, but I doubt I could do it as well as you."
Jamie patted Marina on the shoulder, encouraging her.
Now that I thought about it, after I disappeared, Jamie had taken over Thunder Pike's broadcasts.
If she had firsthand experience, she understood how difficult it was.
…Marina, on the other hand, handled all of this effortlessly and seemed to enjoy it.
Maybe she was a natural genius when it came to this sort of thing.
"Alright! I'll give it a shot. But if I get stuck, you'll help me, right?"
"Of course. This was supposed to be my job, but I'm counting on you."
Hearing that, Marina gave me a small, wry smile.
"You’ve got it wrong, Yuke. Preparation is something we all do together. You shouldn't try to handle everything alone."
"Exactly, Sensei. Please delegate more responsibilities to us. Also, from now on, you’re banned from using stamina recovery potions or wake-up stimulants."
"Y-Yuke… You promised you wouldn’t do that, remember?"
Before I knew it, they had me surrounded.
In my mind, it was only natural for me to push myself a little to make sure my team was in top condition for our adventures.
After all, I was both the leader and the supporter.
"Ah, nope. He totally doesn’t get it. Alright, everyone, let’s get moving. No matter what, we’re tossing this guy into bed tonight."
"Got it! I’m heading out!"
With that, Nene climbed up to the skylight and slipped outside, vanishing into the night.
"You too, get going. Silk, keep an eye on this workaholic. As sub-leader, it's your job to keep the leader in check at times like these."
"U-Understood…!"
As Jamie spoke, I nodded beside her, while Silk looked completely caught off guard.
She hadn’t shown any signs of distress while we were at the Elder’s residence, but… was something on her mind?
I should check in with her later.
"Alright, everyone—mission start."
At my command, my team sprang into action.
Comments
Post a Comment