Chapter 61: The Girl in the Labyrinth
"...Someone's fighting. They seem to be having a pretty tough time."
Currently, our party is moving around the Dusk Forest in a loop for leveling up. As usual, we descended into the labyrinth and explored the Dusk Forest for a while when Sheila covered her ear with her hand and closed her eyes, saying such a thing.
"Which direction?"
"That way. Should we lead the way?"
"Sure."
Following Sheila, the party moved through the forest at a speed that wouldn't lead to separation. While helping other parties in the labyrinth is not uncommon, getting into double trouble would be detrimental.
—The place of the battle wasn't too far away.
However, the ones there weren't adventurer groups, but rather a team of knights on an exploration.
"Damn it! What the hell is this! This nauseating feeling!"
"Kuh... My head's fuzzy..."
"Pull yourselves together! Wake up!"
As they called out to fallen comrades and swung their swords against the numerous Killer Plants, struggling alone, was the female knight we met recently, Mercedesia. She was the same woman who fought against the band of Killer Plants.
Some were entangled by the roots of trees, unable to move. Broken lanterns were scattered around their feet.
Mercedesia herself was outnumbered, but she was managing to attract and control the Killer Plants reasonably well. While cutting through the Killer Plant in front of her, she threw blades of fighting spirit at the approaching Killer Plant, which was trying to reach her fallen comrade.
The fallen soldiers seemed to have been put to sleep by the Whisper Mash magic. While the return gate was activated by the Red Warp Stone, they couldn't evacuate since they were put to sleep.
...Hm. They seem to be neatly trapped in the Dusk Forest. It's fortunate that the situation hasn't become too serious yet. But we can't afford to be complacent. The thickets in the depths of the forest are shaking... There's a sense that a new group of Killer Plants is gathering.
"I'm going."
Without hesitation, Grace charged toward the Killer Plants coming from the depths of the thicket towards Mercedesia.
"Ashley, deal with the sleeping ones. Sheila, support Mercedesia. Ilm, provide backup for the two."
"Understood!"
"Roger."
"You can count on me to cover your back."
Quickly giving out instructions, they all started their respective tasks.
As for me, I need to kick away those mushroom creatures casting the sleep magic in the thicket. If they are awakened from sleep, it will be a disaster.
I struck a fireball deep into the thicket to flush them out, causing a group of Whisper Mash to panic as they were scorched out. One of them remained ignited and headed towards Ashley, who was going to help the fallen soldiers, but she deflected it back to where it came from with her long mace.
They're not welcome here. Just as I thought, they were deflected by the roots in mid-air, sending burning mushrooms flying in all directions in the forest, an unusual sight to behold.
"We're saved."
"Absolutely. If you hadn't come, who knows what would have happened."
Mercedesia let out a deep breath.
With our assistance and once the soldiers were awakened, they wouldn't be outnumbered anymore.
After dealing with the Killer Plants and catching our breath, Mercedesia and the soldiers thanked us.
Upon hearing their story, it turned out that their source of light, the Fairy Light, was knocked down during their battle with the Killer Plants. One of the soldiers, in confusion, had lit a lantern, leading to this chaotic situation.
During the commotion, the Killer Plants had gathered while some were being pinned down by tree roots... That's how it happened.
The Whisper Mash must have used sleep magic while the Killer Plants were distracted by them, causing one and then two of them to fall, leading to being overwhelmed by their numbers.
Well, it seems that they've fallen into a typical scenario for newcomers.
"It's a good idea to carry spare Fairy Lights with you."
Putting some spares in your bag would provide peace of mind.
"I apologize once again. I appreciate your help."
Mercedesia removed her helmet and nodded with a serious expression.
It seems the visor of her helmet had broken, and if she wore it, it would obstruct her vision.
"Mercedesia-san, are you in charge of the Dusk Forest?"
"Yes. Our assignment is to train in this forest..."
"...Captain Mercedesia."
"What is it?"
One of the soldiers timidly spoke up.
"Did we agree to hire adventurers? Can't we ask them for help?"
"That... is difficult."
"Why is that?"
"We had a quarrel with the adventurers the other day. While they were a nuisance then, it's not easy to ask for their help now that we need it. We should withdraw for now and train on the upper floors. During that time, I will study this forest again."
...That's a line I'd like to tell someone named Fernando.
"...Understood."
It seems the soldiers were convinced by Mercedesia's words.
"But are you collecting Warp Stones in this forest?"
"...Right. I used the Red one earlier."
Mercedesia had her eyes closed for a while, but then turned to me and bowed her head.
"Theodore, I'm well aware of my audacity. Could you accompany me until our return? Of course, I intend to make a formal request and provide compensation for your assistance."
Not an investigation, but an escort until their return.
Not asking to sell the Red Transformation Stone within the labyrinth, that makes sense.
Turning her own words – at this point, prioritizing the safe return of everyone from this state of lowest morale rather than ego, that's her responsibility as the leader.
When seeking opinions from everyone, they nodded. Well, if they think of it as helping others.
"Understood. Let's accept it."
Based on the recent fighting style... given that the soldiers have been quite sensible in their approach since awakening, they might have the capability to navigate Twilight Forest if they don't encounter unforeseen events.
In other words, what they need is experience, knowledge of the labyrinth, and practical skills.
Hence, she decided to progress while demonstrating the tactics for navigating Twilight Forest.
Even with tactics, ensuring protection from Whispermash's sleep magic and utilizing Fairy Light effectively can significantly reduce the forest's danger.
It's a good idea to use plucked Fairy Lights for illumination or have backups, but occasionally casting healing magic on them can prolong their duration and increase their brightness. Unlike fire, magical light should be used cautiously; unlike the light from Fairy Lights, it can easily disturb sleeping Killer Plants.
The basics are important too. Careful reconnaissance, avoiding monsters, and efficiently targeting and defeating the stationary Killer Plants.
While advancing, they were meticulously clearing the labyrinth and gathering Transference Stones, but suddenly Sheila ahead halted, gazing fixedly into the thicket at the side of the path.
"Hmm? Is something wrong?"
If she thought it was an enemy, Sheila would clearly say so.
"Something... I can't quite tell."
A rare hesitating response came. Looking in the direction of Sheila's gaze, they could only see sporadic Fairy Light dots in the dark forest.
"Over there?"
Ilmhart pointed to a corner of the thicket, and Sheila nodded.
Using Life Detection myself, I could indeed sense it – there was something there.
A faint response, the radiance of a warm-blooded creature. And that silhouette... of a human girl?
With a rustling sound of leaves, she emerged from the thicket above. Releasing the spell and restoring normal sight... our gazes, my golden eyes and her gaze, met.
Black hair that seemed to blend into the darkness, and a pale face that seemed to float.
"A girl?"
"Why are you here?"
The soldiers voiced their confusion. Their bewilderment was warranted. Child adventurers were not uncommon, but venturing solo into Twilight Forest... that was quite unusual. Had she gotten separated from her companions?
The girl had been staring at us, but she eventually turned and began moving deeper into the forest, rustling the undergrowth.
"Hey, wait!"
"It's dangerous! Go back!"
The soldiers called out one after another, jumping into the thicket to chase after the girl. Well, that's understandable too. If she's a child adventurer separated from her group, she should be protected.
"Where's that child from just now..."
Ilmhart muttered with a dumbfounded expression.
It seems there's no choice but to follow her, to pursue.
"Protection."
A 6th-tier light magic for defense. A thin veil of light, but its defensive strength rivals metal armor. Deploying this magical barrier, I followed the girl through the thicket.
Soon, I realized something abnormal. The speed at which she was progressing through the thicket was remarkably fast. It was hard to close the distance.
I thought about advancing alone, but if that led to separation, that wouldn't be a viable strategy either.
Eventually, we reached the outskirts of Twilight Forest.
In other words, the outer wall of the labyrinth that wraps around the forest. Concealed between the trees, it was there.
An elliptical relief engraved in layers upon layers... a sealed door.
In front of that sealed door stood the oddly dressed girl.
"What... is this?"
"Hey, you kidding?"
As the girl touched the door, she seemed to dissolve into the other side as if water soaking in.
I looked at Ilmhart. She's usually smiling, but this time, her eyes were wide.
"Ilrm, do you know that girl?"
Asking in a low voice, she furrowed her brow.
"I... don't know. It's like I've seen her somewhere, but haven't."
Ilmhart's vague memories were nothing but her labyrinth-era memories.
This disappearance, melting into the walls of the current labyrinth... it's quite likely they're not intruders from the labyrinth's perspective.
And this door...
"A sealed door, huh?"
Whether it's that they stumbled upon it or were guided by the girl from earlier, it's something different from what I'm familiar with. But the design of this relief is quite different.
This relief should hold meaning, considering Yurik's experience. I should memorize it precisely. If it's about accurately remembering symbols, leaving it to Caduceus seems like a good idea.