Chapter 4 - Game 04: What About You, Master?(Fixed)

"I need to find a way out of this labyrinth and learn more about this strange phenomenon."

That's what I kept telling myself.

But now, it's been a week since I had that thought, and still—nothing. No clues, no exits, no progress.

The metallic corridors felt endless, their reflective surfaces twisting the light of the glowing blue crystals embedded in the walls. A faint hum of energy reverberated through the labyrinth, making the silence almost oppressive. It was like the walls themselves were watching, waiting.

I sighed, my voice breaking the stillness.

"I've been here for about a week, at least by my perception," I muttered to myself. "My body clock is completely off. I don't feel sleepy or tired, and while I get hungry, it's… strange. Dull. As if I'm only supposed to feel it."

The labyrinth itself seemed deceptively small. The hallway outside the Guardian's room stretched a mere 50 meters before ending in an unyielding wall. Attempts to break through or find hidden doors yielded nothing. No switches, no codes—just dead ends. Even the damage from battles I fought with Andrea had been wiped away as if the labyrinth itself refused to let anything change.

I leaned against the wall, letting the cold seep through my clothes. My gaze drifted to the Guardian's room, now serving as my base. It was slightly larger than the corridors, a simple square space with one striking feature: a pedestal at its center holding a glowing crystal the size of a basketball. Its golden light pulsed faintly, casting shifting shadows across the metallic walls.

If I had to guess, this crystal was the power source for the entire labyrinth. And yet, no matter how long I stared at it, I couldn't make sense of it.

[{Question: Master, what are you up to?}]

Andrea's monotone voice cut through my thoughts, startling me slightly.

"Me? Just checking my status," I replied, glancing at her. Her silver hair shimmered faintly in the crystal's glow, her unblinking blue eyes fixed on me. "It looks like my LoF stats haven't changed. So, my first conclusion is… we're inside the game, right?"

Over the past week, I'd done countless experiments, cross-referencing every detail I could. My inventory was intact, holding everything I'd ever collected in LoF, from basic starter gear to rare artifacts. Yet, frustratingly, the log-out button was nowhere to be found.

Most of my abilities were locked too. That was the real kicker.

"I've inherited skills from all four continents—Swordsmanship, Marksmanship, Magic, Physical Combat—and now I can't even access them. Only the sword skills Grandpa taught me still work. Figures. They're not even from the game in the first place."

I shuddered as a memory surfaced. "If I hadn't accidentally triggered my magic against you, Andrea, I'd be toast. Brunhilde's flames aren't something to mess around with."

[{Question: Master, what distinguishes your world from this one?}]

Andrea's question pulled me out of my thoughts. Her glowing eyes seemed to glint with curiosity.

"My world?" I paused, considering her question. "Well… I guess it's the lack of magic. That's the biggest difference."

[{Retaliate: Impossible! A world devoid of magic? That can't be right. Master, you're lying!}]

I chuckled at her indignant tone. "Oh, Andrea, you really enjoy arguing with me, don't you? But it's true. My world doesn't have magic."

She stared at me, her antennae flickering faintly, as if struggling to process the idea.

"Sometimes," I admitted, "I found my world boring. It's all about studying, working, and surviving. Maybe that's why I got so into Fantasia. It was an escape. A place where I could be someone else. But..."

I trailed off, familiar faces flashing through my mind—Hikari's bright smile, Sakura's comforting presence. A soft smile tugged at my lips as I remembered the promise I made to them.

"...there are people I care about back there. People who care about me. And that's why, no matter how long it takes, I'll find a way back. I promised."

[{Question: Master, are you lonely right now?}]

Her voice was quieter this time, almost hesitant.

"Nah," I replied with a grin. "You're here with me, after all."

Andrea stiffened, her antennae dimming slightly. If I didn't know any better, I'd say she was blushing.

"And... Andrea? Are you upset?" I asked, noticing the sharp glare she was directing at me.

[{Not even a speck of that happening!}]

I couldn't help but laugh. "You're really something, Andrea-chan."

[{Question: Master, when did you begin playing this LoF game?}]

"Hmm? Curious about me now, are you?"

[{Yes!}]

"Wow, that was quick."

Her instant reply caught me off guard, but the eager sparkle in her eyes left me with little choice.

"Alright, you win. I'll tell you."

I leaned back against the wall, letting the memories flood in. "It all started five years ago. My parents and Grandpa... they were in an accident. None of them made it."

My voice faltered, but Andrea stayed silent, her gaze unwavering.

"Sakura—my sister—was in high school back then. She took care of me, even though it couldn't have been easy for her. She worked so hard, writing novels and taking on jobs to support us. I was just a kid—too young to understand the weight she was carrying."

I hesitated, a lump forming in my throat. "LoF became my escape. A place where I could forget the pain and be whoever I wanted to be. Over the years, I traveled across Fantasia, mastering abilities from every continent. It was my world. My sanctuary."

I glanced at Andrea. She was silent, her expression unreadable.

"Andrea? Are you crying?"

Her antennae dimmed as tears slipped down her cheeks. She stepped closer, reaching out to pat my head.

[{Solace... It's all right now, Master. It's fine.}]

Her words were quiet, but they carried a warmth that left me momentarily speechless.

"Thanks, Andrea." I smiled, stretching my arms. "Alright! Time to figure out how to escape this labyrinth!"

[{Confirmation: If it's just an exit, I know one, Master, that can teleport us from this Guardian room to the outside.}]

I froze, Andrea's words hitting me like a freight train.

"Andrea..."

I clutched my head in despair, groaning dramatically. "Why didn't you tell me that earlier?! Why?! I wasted an entire week for nothing!"

[{Answer: You did not inquire, Master.}]

Her monotone delivery was annoyingly smug. Her glowing antennae flickered faintly as if emphasizing her superiority.

[{Furthermore, you were preoccupied confirming your stats. I used the time to learn more about you, Master. It's a win-win situation.}]

She even added a triumphant fwing sound to her words, as if to rub salt in the wound.

"Win-win… she says," I muttered under my breath, staring at her.

[{Question: Do you wish to see what lies beyond the labyrinth, Master? Even though this will be my first time stepping outside as well.}]

I raised an eyebrow. "So, you've never been out either? Huh. So, can you actually do it now?"

[{It's simple.}]

"Simple?"

My gaze narrowed. The way she said it—so matter-of-factly—only made me more depressed.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. As I stared at the glowing golden crystal in the center of the room, I couldn't help but think of all the wasted time. "What the hell did I do with my entire week?! Seriously!"

A bitter laugh escaped me as I muttered to myself, "Remember, Glen, asking doesn't kill you. Don't be the fool who tries to look cool by keeping quiet. It'll only cost you—like, say, a whole week of your life!"

I shook my head, muttering curses at my own stubbornness as Andrea watched me with an expressionless but smug aura.

[{Question: Do you wish to proceed, Master?}]

"Yes! Let's get out of here!"




A. A monster with 3 heads.

B. A plain.

C. An ocean.

D. A naked hot lady.