Chapter 24: Member Selection (Intermission)
The reception room in the lord's mansion, often used when a small number of executives gather.
A light breakfast was prepared on the round table, and five men and women sat around it.
There were five members present: Lord Kareena, her aide Cecily, the senior knight Sebastian, the knight captain Zagu, and the chief soldier Bata. They were the members responsible for all military and security matters within the territory.
"Zagu, you had a tough time yesterday. How's your body?"
"T-Thanks to having the wound closed, there's no problem anymore. I'm ashamed of myself."
Zagu returned last evening after finishing the sweep of the territory. He had suffered a deep arrow wound that the LV3 priest Valon accompanying him couldn't fully heal, but Kareena performed "healing" on him multiple times to treat it.
There were three other injured individuals. Although they were outnumbered, the group of low-level Kobolds inflicted unexpected casualties during the sweep.
In the battle with the orcs two days ago, a level 5 warrior was defeated by the orc leader and lost his life. In just two days of operation, one-third of the 30 soldiers were now in a state where they couldn't fight at full strength.
With the restoration of safety within the territory, the farmers, woodcutters, hunters, and others outside the walls could now live in peace, and there were hopes for the revival of trade with other towns.
However, if they didn't subdue the labyrinth itself, which could be considered the source of the monsters, they wouldn't know when the situation might worsen again.
The selection of members to dispatch for the labyrinth subjugation was the topic that brought together the executives since early morning.
"First, let's list the individuals with the highest levels at the moment."
Bata organized the information.
"Among those with official positions, first is Knight Sebastian at level 10, followed by Knight Zagu at level 8, and then the adventurer Verisha, who has reached level 7."
Seeing everyone nod, Bata continued.
"Next in line are Lady Kareena at level 6, Knight Iglie at the same level, and myself, a level 6 warrior."
"And the rest are all level 5 or below..."
Zagu groaned.
In the kingdom's army, one is considered barely qualified at level 5 or higher, while the main forces are expected to be level 10 or higher.
They knew this, but the lack of combat experience among the soldiers resulted in increased casualties and a serious cycle of declining combat strength.
"We have many injured individuals, and even though we conducted the sweep operation, we need to maintain a minimum force to deal with bandits and neighboring lords who are less than friendly."
"That's right. We already stretched ourselves quite a bit during this sweep. We also need to provide condolence money to the family of the deceased Beluschi, so it won't be possible to commit such a large force again."
Cecily and Igris also speak, confirming the harsh situation.
"We don't have to stick to regular soldiers only."
Carrena raises her voice.
Sebastian agrees with her.
"The combat slave, Greon, was at Level 8. His skills are undoubtedly impressive."
"However, relying on a slave who cannot be trusted with loyalty to our family's best interests..."
"No, it's precisely because it's a dangerous labyrinth that we should use slaves."
Opinions are divided.
"Among those who have experience entering the labyrinth in the past, there's only Sebastian, I, Igris, and Greon."
Captain Zagu directs his words towards Carrena.
"There are many aspects of the labyrinth's unique conditions that can only be understood by those who have entered it before."
"That's right. Experience in labyrinth battles is essential."
"Even if we simply form a team from high-level individuals with regular status, including Sebastian, Zagu, Belisha, Carrena-sama, myself, Igris, and Bata, that would make six people with Level 6 or higher..."
Carrena continues counting, followed by Cecily.
"However, it's quite impossible for Lord Sebastian now."
"What are you saying! This old body is not afraid to risk its life."
No one thought Sebastian, who withdrew from the front lines over ten years ago, would participate in a harsh labyrinth battle.
"Sebastian, your loyalty and experience are truly relied upon. However, that's precisely why you are indispensable in managing the territory."
This was something Carrena, as the mistress, had to say.
"Zagu is still recovering from his injuries. Shouldn't Sebastian handle political affairs and Zagu military affairs, leading the remaining members?"
"What are you talking about? These are just minor scratches; it's nothing."
Zagu strongly rejects Igris' suggestion.
"However, more than that, I can't let Lady Carrena enter the dangerous labyrinth..."
"I appreciate your concern, but it is the duty of a noble of the kingdom and as the lord herself to fulfill the role of subduing the labyrinth. Without that, inheritance would not be recognized. Besides, how would I fight without a healer? The only priest in the territory with a higher level than me is Chief Murado of the Temple. Should I ask for his assistance?"
"Master Murado is already 80 years old; it would be too much to ask of him..."
No one could oppose Karina's logical argument. Apart from Valon, a Level 3 priest capable of using healing spells, there was no one else in the garrison with such abilities, making their lack of strength evident.
"In the first place, wasn't I indispensable in fighting against the Lord of the Hierarchy?" Karina questioned.
Everyone was taken aback. Sebastian nodded in agreement.
"To enter the special barrier present in each layer of the labyrinth, only one person or a party of up to six members can be accommodated. Moreover, to enter that barrier, a certain level of a priest or a mage's spell is required. Currently, the only way we can achieve that is by utilizing Karina-sama's 'Banishing' technique."
In this world's labyrinth, there are magical creatures called "Lords" in each layer. Defeating them is the only way to progress to the next layer. However, the Lords reside within special barriers, and there are strict constraints on the methods and number of people allowed to enter.
This is what sets apart the usual battles that can be won through sheer military force from the distinctive nature of the labyrinth.
"The adventurers with high levels are Belisha at Level 7 and Hodge at Level 5."
"Wait a moment. We've received a report that the slave Cecily brought has reached Level 7 as an adventurer."
Butter's statement reignited the discussion.
"What! Was not he at Level 1 just a few days ago? Unbelievable level up."
"He is a newcomer. Can we trust him?"
"Shiro is a despicable, promiscuous, and unreliable person with poor swordsmanship... However, we have him bound by a contract spell, so there's no concern of rebellion," Cecily said with a complex expression.
Karina broke the delicate atmosphere.
"Shiro's special skill will surely be a great help. Let's bring him along."
"That's right. Regarding the six individuals who will fight the Lord of the layer, let's prioritize those with regular status. We can let Greon and others enter the labyrinth as support personnel up to that point," Zagu summarized while looking at everyone's faces.
"Alright then. Inform each member who will be summoned for the labyrinth subjugation that they will depart at dawn tomorrow. They will ride Trima to the guard station, but their equipment should be first-class infantry gear for dismounted combat."