Labyrinth Exploration 101 - Chapter 164

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Labyrinth Exploration 101 Episode 164

 

Eight(8)

 

│Astroal Merchandise invitation urgently needed│Buying Astroal Merchandise invitation. Please contact me at magic code ■■■□■■-◆◇◇◆-○●○●-3.│Buying Astroal Shop invitation││Anyone with Aro shop invitation││Anyone been to Aro shop?? Definitely buy Astroal Mint│The effect is really damn good. Better than any adventure or exploration magic medical supplies I’ve ever used. First of all, the fact that there are no side effects is the kicker. You can only buy 3 packs per person, but the price will probably go up hard soon. I went to Aro shop for the third time, and lately Penguin keeps asking me how the mint effect is, like it smelled money. I did tell it that it was mediocre though…

 

〔Stupid human. Your intelligence level was already assessed more than 10 years ago. Human inferior to a squirrel. You would even forget where you buried acorns-〕

 

“I told you to stop with the villain speech.”

 

Astroal invitations are selling like hotcakes. Eight customers visit steadily each day, and surprisingly, what they’re looking for isn’t just random treasure chests.

 

A big hit steady seller.

 

[Astroal Mint].

 

“…Supply can’t keep up with demand?”

 

I looked at the herb garden. The garden’s performance had been steadily improved with magic circuits, but demand suddenly exploded.

 

〔The era of price inflation has arrived.〕

 

The effect of Astroal Mint is actually quite good.

 

The mint itself contains natural magic power, so when consumed, magic power fills up even if slightly, and it provides antibiotic and fever-reducing effects as well as restoring vitality.

 

It’s practically a refined potion.

 

“I’ll make tons of money. Aro, from now on our goal is definitely stats and Trait Enhancement Tickets. Buy them immediately when they appear on the MoMo network.”

 

〔Yes. However, bidding for such items is very intense.〕

 

That’s a big problem.

 

It means there are competitors, but how can there be competitors?

 

“Are there other people besides me affected by the MoMo system?”

 

〔Yes. Space is very vast. MoMo is known as the network that binds it all together. Simply put, the probability of Master and I meeting is 0.000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000〕

 

“I get it. Don’t spam me.”

 

〔000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000〕

 

“Child.”

 

〔00000000000000000000000001 approximately.〕

 

“…Alright. Our connection is more miraculous than a miracle. So, how much does it usually cost to buy one stat?”

 

〔50 billion won is the baseline.〕

 

It’s insanely expensive.

 

Well, even when I was gaming on MoMo, points started from 2-3 thousand in cash.

 

“I need to earn a lot more.”

 

I yawned.

 

“Then I’m going to sleep. Good work.”

 

〔Yes.〕

 

Aro has no interest in its owner. It’s been watching variety shows since earlier.

 

Pawn Shop guys. It’s a TV show about buying items at pawn shops, apparently it helps with negotiations.

 

〔…50,000 dollars. Anything more is impossible. There’s no room for negotiation.〕

 

I watched it muttering to itself before returning to the dormitory.

 

* * *

 

Today, daily life filming before entering the labyrinth was scheduled.

 

“…Now. Good. Looking at Seol Ha-woon’s fortune…”

 

The theme was explorer fortune telling.

 

“First. The biggest branch is surprisingly…”

 

A fortune teller sat in front of me, with cameras spread out all around.

 

“It extends toward being an educator.”

 

“Me?”

 

This is my first time getting my fortune told, and the first time hearing such words.

 

That I’m an educator.

 

“Yes. You have an exceptional eye for people. Your ability to see through strengths and weaknesses is very outstanding.”

 

Oh?

 

Could it be my trait, Good Eyes Good Ears?

 

I almost got swayed for a moment.

 

“Unfortunately, your marriage fortune is… like threading a needle.”

 

This person’s a quack.

 

“You have such strong convictions and such a stubborn tendency to push through what you believe is right that it’s difficult for most people to embrace you. It would have to be truly a heaven-sent connection, or someone who can silently support and endure all of Seol Ha-woon’s aspects for a relationship to barely work out.”

 

This has to be a quack.

 

I looked behind the cameras. The staff seemed to be holding back laughter.

 

“Instead, your core is that solid and unshakeable. It’s a fortune like iron roots. You’re someone who will steadfastly walk your own path through any storm, so you’ll be fully capable of leading others as well.”

 

“…So that’s why educator?”

 

The fortune teller nodded while checking something on paper.

 

“Yes. If you pursue being an educator, you have the fortune to produce disciples who can lead the world.”

 

“I don’t have such plans.”

 

I’m struggling just to survive on my own.

 

“That would be a loss for the world. And your wealth fortune is a bit unique. You’re destined to struggle in your early twenties, but it improves after a certain point.”

 

Suddenly I thought of Aro and got goosebumps.

 

…No, that’s not it.

 

Of course.

 

I appeared on Mitamnan so naturally I’d make money.

 

“I don’t really get that many good drops.”

 

Compared to Seo Ji-woo.

 

“Hmm… It’s not that kind of lucky wealth fortune. You’re destined to run a shop. It’s fortune that starts right from now.”

 

I got goosebumps again.

 

I gulped.

 

“…Would running a shop go well?”

 

“Yes. Whatever you do. You can sell things without substance. You can sell things with substance too.”

 

Things without substance.

 

Game items.

 

Gaming.

 

Could this person have seen through even my pre-regression fortune?

 

Without realizing it, I put my hand to my forehead. Goosebumps had already risen on my arms and legs.

 

“Anyway, even if not right now, you have the fortune for wealth to follow enough to make a living. So you don’t need to be too anxious about money.”

 

I opened my ears.

 

Fortune telling is false, superstition, mere coincidence fitting, but it is interesting.

 

Then a staff member held up a sketchbook.

 

[Compatibility! Please don’t forget!]

 

[Worst compatibility, best compatibility]

 

The fortune teller glanced that way.

 

“When I briefly looked through the fortunes of the explorers here, the person with the best compatibility with Seol Ha-woon is…”

 

I pretended not to care while perking up my ears.

 

“No one.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“Others may regard Seol Ha-woon as a benefactor. But there’s no compatibility that can be fairly called good for Seol Ha-woon himself. There’s also no compatibility that can be called bad. It’s a birth chart that allows him to coldly cut off all relationships whenever he wants.”

 

The fortune teller continued while staring intently at some documents.

 

“Overall, you can achieve great accomplishments in leading and teaching people. Conversely, you can also gain achievements while cutting off unnecessary people like a sword…”

 

After my turn ended, outside the set stage.

 

“How was it? She’s a celebrity you’d have to wait 3 years to book an appointment with.”

 

Kim A-rang grinned.

 

“…I don’t really believe in such superstitions.”

 

I watched Seo Ji-woo who was filming.

 

─Seo Ji-woo’s fortune is… exceptionally blessed with luck related to wealth. It’s a destiny where money will roll in on its own even if you just sit still.

 

“For someone like that, she was concentrating pretty hard.”

 

“She was focused on filming. But why fortune telling all of a sudden? It’s not even New Year’s.”

 

“Just because. PD Yoon Sa-hyuk wanted to try it. Remember the shaman appeared in Wolryeong Village last time? Maybe he got some inspiration.”

 

─Overall, the risk of going hungry converges to zero. It’s the kind of fortune where even if you just walk the streets for 10 years, you’ll be rich in the distant future. Your compatibility with Yoon Hwa-rim is excellent. You complement each other’s shortcomings…

 

Seo Ji-woo finished with high praise, and next was Lee Jun-ho.

 

─Lee Jun-ho was born with bright and hot energy like the sun. That energy is so tremendous that wherever you go, you’ll attract everyone’s attention.

 

Lee Jun-ho doesn’t seem to be listening very attentively.

 

Just like me earlier.

 

─However, because that fiery energy is too strong… sometimes you might become impatient or aggressive beyond boldness. Just as a sharp sword might cut itself, you might look only ahead and fail to observe your surroundings, or suffer unexpected losses.

 

Only then does he show slight interest.

 

─Sometimes you might prioritize your own judgment over other people’s advice or help. Of course, that can become driving force, but when planning big things, it’s better to pay attention to harmony with others and pace control.

 

The staff held up the benefactor compatibility sketchbook again.

 

─Lee Jun-ho’s benefactor is… Seol Ha-woon.

 

─…With my hyung?

 

Lee Jun-ho let out a hollow laugh,

 

And then came Kang Hyeon.

 

─Kang Hyeon is… very turbulent.

 

I stared blankly at Kang Hyeon reflected on the screen.

 

─It’s a destiny that has no choice but to grip a sword hilt. But every time you swing the sword, you get wounded yourself. Deep compassion like a pond…

 

He’s someone who pathologically hates being read.

 

Even now, he’s hiding his face as much as possible.

 

─If things don’t work out, it’s a birth chart that will become endlessly difficult, but since things seem to be going well now, you don’t need to worry too much.

 

Kang Hyeon just listens.

 

─But strangely… the compatibility for benefactor and bad relationship is the same person.

 

The fortune teller looked up.

 

─Seol Ha-woon.

 

At that moment, Kang Hyeon’s eyes wavered.

 

─How strange. Seol Ha-woon and Kang Hyeon have the birth charts to either become the closest friends, or only one of them will survive.

 

The fortune teller is probably speaking with rankings in mind.

 

However, surprisingly, it wasn’t much different from the sensation I felt toward Kang Hyeon. Perhaps it was an accurate description.

 

Friend or enemy.

 

Together, or definitely kill.

 

“We’ll have to cut this part. The fandom will have a fit. You know, right?”

 

Kim A-rang signaled to the writer next to her. While doing so, she also tapped my shoulder.

 

“It means Ha-woon’s fandom has grown that much~”

 

Meanwhile, Kang Hyeon finished and switched places with Im Hae-jun.

 

Im Hae-jun sat in front of the fortune teller with an expectant face.

 

─Fortune teller, I’m Im Hae-jun.

 

─Yes. Hae-jun.

 

The fortune teller’s face became much more relaxed for some reason.

 

─It’s a birth chart without worries. Very ordinary.

 

─…Ordinary?

 

It’s the word Im Hae-jun hates most.

 

─Yes. However, instead of adjusting yourself to your desired goals, you need to be aware of your current position for your future to improve.

 

─…Is that it?

 

─Yes.

 

Im Hae-jun was thoroughly disappointed.

 

─What about best compatibility and such?

 

The fortune teller looked over again.

 

─Hmm… Rather than having the best compatibility with people, you get along well with animals.

 

─What did you say?

 

─Do you keep pets?

 

─Oh?! Yes! I do have a dog!

 

Im Hae-jun was stunned.

 

It’s not something to be that shocked about. It wasn’t even “I have one,” but “Do you keep pets?”

 

─Som-i, Satang-i. They’re family to us.

 

The Fortune Teller nodded.

 

─Take good care of them.

 

─…What did you say?

 

─That’s it.

 

─…No.

 

That day, after filming ended like that.

 

Im Hae-jun sent me a message seeking empathy.

 

[Im Hae-jun: Master. That Fortune Teller seemed like a quack, right?]

 

* * *

 

The day after filming daily life.

 

While preparations for entering the Labyrinth were in full swing, Kim A-rang checked YouTube videos.

 

│Divine Descent│Episode 13 Clip│Labyrinth Exploration NaN│

 

100 million views · 5 days ago

 

│Seol Ha-woon’s Concentrated Fire│Episode 13 Clip│Labyrinth Exploration NaN│

 

75.16 million views · 5 days ago

 

│Yoon Hwa-rim and Seo Ji-woo, Moment of Anguish│Episode 13 Clip│Labyrinth Exploration NaN│

 

67.87 million views · 5 days ago

 

│Kate vs Min Seok-jae Showdown│Episode 12 Clip│Labyrinth Exploration NaN│

 

130 million views · 12 days ago

 

“These days, if it’s filmed well, it just hits 100 million.”

 

The reaction is growing in North America too. Hollywood, world stars, and even famous rankers are talking about NaN.

 

Right now, all the reels and shorts are about Mitamnan.

 

Those mass-produced shorts that go boom boom boom with slow EDM building tension, then explode with bang bang bang at the crucial moment.

 

Kang Hyeon, Lee Jun-ho, Seol Ha-woon – these three have the highest ratio.

 

“This upcoming broadcast. I’m looking forward to it. Right?”

 

At the Writer’s words, Kim A-rang maintained her poker face.

 

“Not really.”

 

“Come on. You must be looking forward to it.”

 

The upcoming broadcast will show the essence of Seol Ha-woon-style Formula utilization.

 

Beyond simply summoning a battlefield, a one-man army sequence where he becomes the ‘system’ itself.

 

Last week’s protagonist was Jo Woon, but the ending belonged to Seol Ha-woon.

 

She turned off YouTube. The user wiki she had been reading just moments ago came to mind.

 

[Labyrinth People]

 

…The ability to identify Labyrinth People varies greatly depending on the characteristics of the particular labyrinth. In some cases, clear differences in appearance or behavior patterns make them easy to distinguish (such as specific markings or movements that ignore physical laws), while in other cases, they appear so similar that even experienced explorers can barely find differences from humans.

 

Additionally, they sometimes display unique thought patterns or eccentric habits that are difficult to understand by common sense….

 

Tick.

 

11:50 PM.

 

The Writer muttered.

 

“It’s time for PD Yoon Sa-hyuk to rest.”

 

“…Right.”

 

Such an excessively regular person. Kim A-rang chuckled while thinking of PD Yoon Sa-hyuk.

 

“Let’s clock out too.”

 

“To the duty room?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

* * *

 

The autopsy room at the National Forensic Service.

 

Inspector Lee Young-ho received the report on ‘Labyrinth Exploration NaN 57th place Kim Hyeok-jin’.

 

“…What are you staring at so intently? It’s just a precise penetration right through the center of the solar plexus.”

 

Medical examiner Jin Seok-hoon said while fidgeting with his eyebrows.

 

“Right above the heart, near the pulmonary artery. Almost instant death.”

 

I know.

 

I know all too well.

 

The solar plexus bleeds much less than stabbing the heart, prevents any cry for help, causes unconsciousness in 5 seconds, and death in 10 seconds.

 

It’s the most efficient method when you want to kill someone secretly.

 

“What keeps making you stare at it?”

 

The problem lies elsewhere.

 

Looking at this corpse again and again, this thought keeps arising.

 

No, a strong conviction raises its head.

 

It’s the same person who killed Kim Yoon-jun.

 

“Hmm….”

 

Lee Young-ho looked at Jin Seok-hoon. A middle-aged man whose hair was turning gray. A veteran who had known Lee Young-ho for over 10 years.

 

“Is there something specific that stands out?”

 

But why does this guy keep trying to probe me?

 

Lee Young-ho put down the report.

 

“Don’t you find it strange, hyung?”

 

“Well… it is strange. A Mitamnan cast member died downtown. Are you even considering serial murder?”

 

Serial murder. If the suspect is the same person who killed Kim Yoon-jun, this won’t be the end.

 

Rather, it would be the beginning.

 

“I don’t know anything yet. Honestly, I don’t want to know either. I’m dead tired.”

 

But I mustn’t show it. There are many watching eyes. Though there are only two of us in this space, there’s the CCTV in the corner.

 

Who knows what bastard might examine that footage.

 

“Kim Hyeok-jin had borrowed money from many people. He had serious problems with women too. He was the type to make enemies. It’s surprising he wasn’t exposed until now. For now, we’ll prioritize investigating grudge-related motives.”

 

Lee Young-ho put away the report.

 

“Leaving?”

 

“Yes. I made a restaurant reservation.”

 

“Aren’t you being too casual about this?”

 

Jin Seok-hoon grinned. Lee Young-ho shook his head.

 

“I feel like things are going to get tiring from now on. If I don’t eat out today, I won’t be able to for half a year~”

 

Lee Young-ho left the National Forensic Service and got into his SUV. He checked the rearview mirror and side mirrors in turn.

 

Rustle.

 

There’s a presence outside.

 

Are they tailing me? Did they come to monitor Kim Hyeok-jin’s corpse? Or are they just pure journalists?

 

I can’t tell yet.

 

“…You guys are busy too.”

 

Lee Young-ho stepped on the accelerator.

 

Fortunately for him, he’s not without a hill to lean on. Rather, it’s as thick as a breakwater.

 

Even in this world that suddenly became fucked up, someone he can trust completely.

 

Seol Ha-woon.

 

Lee Young-ho opened the glove compartment in the passenger seat. There was the Lucky Pouch that Seol Ha-woon had delivered via Truck. It was an Artifact Pouch he had given him to use in case of danger, one that made him feel reassured for no particular reason.

 

Just as he was looking at it.

 

Kwaaaaaaaak──!

 

The car body twisted.

 

A car from the side of the road rammed into him. The massive impact and the following roar shattered the glass windows. Transparent fragments poured into the car like wave foam, and the SUV was launched into the air.

 

Thud─ Thud─ Thud─!

 

Rolling like a mortar, it crashed down the cliff below into the deserted mountain area beside the road.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————