Chapter 13: My Hero
That night, the atmosphere trembled, filled with malevolent Mana. At the same time, the ground shook violently, groaning as if in pain.
I was jolted awake from my sleep and rushed out of my room, wondering what was happening. Outside, many people had already gathered. They stood vigil outside the mansion, keeping watch as they waited for others to arrive.
“Son-in-law!”
The voice belonged to Sensei, who had already assumed a combat stance. She had been waiting for me to show up.
“Sensei… what’s going on?”
“If it’s the same as before, the Sealed Labyrinth has revealed itself,” Sensei replied solemnly.
“Ichiro, Omi!”
Anon appeared at the front of the group.
“Both of you, over here!”
The air was thick with the foul essence of dark Mana. He was directing the Seekers with Presence Detection Skills to investigate the source. We were headed toward the origin of this malevolence.
There was no word more fitting than “ominous.” Originally, this place had been a cave housing the shrine of the Affirmative Sword. The earth had risen, forming a small mound that could be called a hill. The Labyrinth—especially the more challenging ones—had internal structures that were completely different from their external appearances. The interiors of the Newly Constructed Ultimate Labyrinths I had experienced were vast and possessed layers so deep they were disheartening.
The Sealed Labyrinth was likely no exception. Before us lay a gaping void—this was the entrance to the Sealed Labyrinth.
From within, a chilling miasma seeped out, accompanied by indescribable groans.
Just that alone caused several members of our group to tremble, their teeth chattering as they knelt.
“Hello! Is anyone there? Hello!”
I called out, peering into the darkness. Of course, there was no response. Only an endless, deep darkness lay beyond, obscuring everything.
Someone swallowed hard. It could have been me or someone else.
“Hey, hey, hey, this is—”
Saga, the battle junkie, stumbled over his words. Beads of sweat glistened on his forehead. What the heck?! His reaction was far too unsettling!
“To be honest, I’m really relieved that I don’t have to go in there right now.”
Why would you say something like that?! I’m the one going in!
Why was Saga looking at me like that? What’s with that gaze that says, “You can do it! I trust you, my friend!”?
The bond between us shouldn’t be at a level where we can communicate just by looking at each other—it should be as thin as those cheap friendship bracelets sold at the dollar store!
“Row.”
Ah—
Saga stepped in front of me and called my name.
Stop it!
Then he placed his palms on my shoulders.
Please, noooooo!
“The serious guy from the Old Capital, the Holy Knight girl, the eccentric Anon—and me, we all recognize your strength! You can conquer this!”
The weight of their trust was overwhelming! It was heavy and thick! It felt almost too intense!
“Aniki! I believe you can get through this safely…”
Following Saga, Miro spoke, tears brimming in his eyes.
“When you get back, let’s take on a quest together at the Guild…”
Miro trembled, his shoulders shaking.
“Row-san, I’ve seen a glimpse of your abilities during our fight against the Fog. So, I’m not worried. We’ll all be waiting for your return. And then—”
Now it was Deete’s turn to speak to me. This kind of moment, where everyone takes turns expressing their feelings, is what they call a flag, right? I really wish they’d stop.
“Please add my words to what Miro just said. When you return safely, let’s take on a quest together, the three of us.”
With that, Deete, who always had a deadpan expression, was now teary-eyed.
What are all of them feeling? Do they think, “Oh, he’s going to die”?
Of course, I’m going into the Sealed Labyrinth! I intend to! My resolve is unwavering!
But come on! Please stop building these flags like we’re waiting for a bungee jump while crying in the background!
As expected, when a Labyrinth manifests, I spent the night preparing in my room, taking my time to rest my body.
Healing Potions, check! Various items, check! Food, check! Portal, check!
And then—
“Sena…”
In my hand was the bag she had given me. Inside were various potions she had personally crafted, along with several talismans.
“What are these talismans? I still don’t know how to use them—”
I rummaged through the bag, wishing for an instruction manual, but of course, there was none. Well, I could always ask Sensei later.
More importantly, I just wanted to see Sena again.
The next time I would see her would likely be after this ordeal was over.
Several hours later, the four of us stood once more before the entrance to the Sealed Labyrinth.
I had already exchanged greetings and received all the encouragement I could. The situation was tense. Everyone had already headed off to confront the Fog.
Now it was just me who had to charge in and conquer it.
“I’ve never felt this frustrated about not being able to follow someone as I do right now.”
That was Anon speaking, his fists clenched tightly.
“Don’t worry, Anon. It’s just me and Sensei here, and Ash too. You take care of things out here.”
“Yeah, leave it to me. I swear on my life that I won’t let the Fog have its way.”
Anon declared firmly.
“Leave Row-kun to me, Anon.”
Ash shot a strong glance at Anon. Clad in full mail, she looked like a completely different person from her usual gentle self.
“Anon, it’s a miracle that no one has died in this situation. Without Row-kun, things would have been far worse. For me, the unsealing of this Labyrinth is synonymous with the end of the world and the end of everything I hold dear.”
I could feel a burning intensity in Ash’s words, as if she were squeezing them out.
“So when the Hero Party defeated me and the seal was broken, I died once. At that moment, not just my body, but even my spirit—died. But I was saved by Row-kun. My life now is a gift from him. So, having been saved by Row-kun, I vow here, Anon—”
Ash plunged the Sword of Banishment into the ground.
“—I will protect Row-kun with my pride and my life.”
This was getting a bit too intense. It felt almost ominous. The talk of protecting me, risking lives, and pledging pride—
“Master, please wait a moment.”
A voice rang out, breaking the tense atmosphere like the sound of rolling bells. It was Sensei.
“You both are putting too much pressure on yourselves. It’s going to be alright; I’m here.”
So relax, she smiled.
From her, I felt a strong maternal warmth. There was an inexplicable pull that made me want to lean on her. In fact, I could sense that the unnecessary tension had eased from both Anon and Ash.
Even the two heroes before me were calmed by her presence—this was the essence of Sensei.
“I trust you, Sensei.”
When I said that, she replied,
“Oh, was it Titanic? Just think of it as riding a great ship and stay steady.”
She chuckled, placing her left hand on her hip and raising her right index finger to the sky. It was a bit out of place, but Sensei looked cool and striking as always. Though, Titanic did sink…
“Alright then, Sensei, Ash.”
I called out, and Sensei nodded slightly while Ash agreed with a “Yeah.”
“Anon, I’m heading in now.”
I told him. He responded,
“I believe you’ll come back safely—”
His voice was thick with emotion.
“—my hero.”