Labyrinth Exploration 101 - Chapter 176

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Labyrinth Exploration 101 Episode 176

 

Departure(1)

 

“How is it?”

 

I completed the robot. Using the expert hand techniques I obtained from Moon Age Village, I first created the design, then assembled it according to that framework and inserted a high-grade magic stone as both engine and core.

 

The model is half Pomeranian, half Chihuahua…

 

Its stupid face strangely resembles Im Hae-jun.

 

“Aro, you take a look too.”

 

Aro’s optical sensor quickly scanned the robot.

 

〔The design would be helpful for merchandise branding, but investment will be needed to equip it with a proper artificial general intelligence system.〕

 

“Why does it need intelligence? It’s a dog.”

 

The staff member I made today isn’t humanoid. It’s sufficient as a pet for the merchandise store. If another one like Aro appeared, things would probably get complicated.

 

〔If the intelligence level is low, it will be difficult to give it meaning beyond simple pet use. Minimal autonomous judgment capability is required. Genius dog Hoya.〕

 

Must have seen it on YouTube.

 

Well, if it’s too stupid, it might be worse than having nothing.

 

“So you sell intelligence too?”

 

〔Yes. Various grades of AGI cores can be purchased through the Momo Network. Currently… the ‘VERY Genius Canine’ model is on sale.〕

 

Aro displayed the product information as a hologram.

 

The price tag was 10,000 diamond coins. That’s B+ grade loot level, worth nearly 100 million.

 

“Too expensive. Isn’t there a lower grade?”

 

I don’t want to make such a big expenditure. There’s still a mountain of Astroal series to manufacture ahead.

 

〔…Searching for C-grade AGI core. Search complete. Would you like to purchase ‘Moderately Stupid Poodle’─?〕

 

Aro’s voice dropped dejectedly.

 

While I was making the robot staff member, it seemed happy and kept interfering with this and that.

 

I guess it had some expectations.

 

“Alright, fine. Let’s go with the genius dog then.”

 

〔Order complete. Proceeding with immediate download and installation.〕

 

Aro’s panel lit up. It immediately ordered a magic chip and implanted it into the robot dog.

 

Beep-ring.

 

The robot dog’s eyes came to life too.

 

Beep-beep.

 

It stood up on four legs with operating sounds.

 

Tap-tap-tap-tap.

 

Its gait was as natural as a real dog’s, and the way it explored the merchandise store with curious eyes was quite cute.

 

“Its name is Vector. How is it?”

 

〔….〕

 

Aro stared blankly at Vector. It seemed quite pleased and followed Vector’s movements.

 

“Let me see…”

 

I petted Vector’s head. It felt like a real dog.

 

Actually, I imbued my entire mental visualization into it. There was a dog on the battlefield too, and I thought of that child. Though we weren’t together for long.

 

“Now. Get along together.”

 

〔Yes.〕

 

I left Vector with Aro for now, then prepared my formula.

 

What formula should I standardize?

 

I’ll exclude direct attack formulas like bullets or explosions. Something that even ordinary people can use, practical yet efficient.

 

Snap.

 

I snapped my fingers.

 

“Duct tape.”

 

〔Vector. Come here.〕

 

〔Woof!〕

 

Aro and Vector seemed to have gotten close already, bouncing around together inside the merchandise store.

 

Anyway.

 

Duct tape would be good. In the form of formula orbs.

 

Formula orbs are items where standardized magic is processed into finished products so ordinary people can use them.

 

Even if it can’t reach the versatile level of my duct tape, it should be usable for basic first aid and temporary repairs.

 

Let’s try reducing the output and maximizing the duration.

 

I sat in the chair and concentrated.

 

* * *

 

Whoooooosh──-

 

A set stage decorated like a scene from a noir film. Thick fog spreads under old streetlights, and I walk pressing down a long coat and fedora while gripping a walking stick.

 

The camera follows behind me.

 

Tap. Tap. The sound of the walking stick’s tip hitting the ground is particularly dry.

 

“Yes! I finally bought the limited sale formula!”

 

From the other side of the alley, an extra actor runs cheerfully while hugging a formula book.

 

“You.”

 

I call out to stop him. He blinks with a puzzled expression.

 

“Yes?”

 

“That formula book, where did you get it?”

 

I lower my voice threateningly.

 

The exact script is

 

‘(Like a tiger intimidating a rabbit) That formula book, where did you get it?’

 

“…Huh? Just, right now… I bought it after waiting in line for the opening.”

 

The actor shows the formula book in his hands while flustered.

 

“Waste of time.”

 

I slapped the formula book with my palm.

 

Smack!

 

The formula book rolled on the ground.

 

I also slapped the cheek of the actor who was staring at me blankly.

 

Smack!

 

A moment of silence.

 

A logo appears on screen with background music.

 

Buying formula books, don’t wait anymore!

 

Magic~ Hat!

 

“Great~! Cut! Perfect!”

 

The director shouted satisfactorily in front of the monitor. Applause also burst out.

 

“Now we’ll move on to the next version. Let’s take a short break.”

 

“…Yes.”

 

I sat in a chair on the set stage and drank water.

 

Is this right? I wonder, but they say this kind of advertisement works well these days.

 

After a while, the second filming began.

 

This time it’s a main street set stage. I walk in the same coat and hat outfit, gripping my walking stick.

 

Tap, tap. Lonely footsteps.

 

Suddenly, I spot an old man sweeping the floor with a broom under a wall, and I approach him. The old man looks up at me with puzzled eyes.

 

The camera captures both of us in a wide shot.

 

I ask him.

 

“What are you doing?”

 

“…I’m cleaning. Hehe.”

 

The old man gives a weak smile. I look at the cheap broom in the old man’s hands.

 

I snatched it away and threw it aside.

 

Crack!

 

The broom that hit the asphalt directly breaks in half.

 

The elderly man stares blankly at the wreckage.

 

“It’s bad for your health.”

 

I take out a small orb from my chest and drop it at the elderly man’s feet.

 

“…”

 

The elderly man’s gaze lingers on the orb for a moment, then rises back to me.

 

Whiiiiii!

 

A blue magic whirlwind rose from the orb on the ground. The whirlwind instantly sucked up the cigarette butts and trash around, cleaning everything spotlessly.

 

Soon a smile appears on the old man’s lips, and I continue walking with heavy steps.

 

A logo appears over the cinematic back view.

 

Want to buy magic orbs that anyone can use?

 

Magic~ Hat!

 

“Okay! Great! Let’s go straight into the next shoot!”

 

The third is a set decorated like a western bar.

 

Clink. Ice cubes sink into the glass, and whiskey fills up with a trickle.

 

I sit at the bar table and tilt the whiskey.

 

Crash!

 

Then the door opens roughly and three villains enter.

 

“Uhahahaha! There you are!”

 

Bang! Bang! Bang!

 

The villains fire cheap magic bullet techniques randomly, but I don’t even move. There’s no need to defend. Their magic bullets just flow down like threads.

 

“…What is this?”

 

“Cheap techniques.”

 

I put down my glass.

 

“You should buy genuine spell books.”

 

I gather magic power in my finger. A bullet is manifested. The other actors look genuinely scared.

 

“W-wait…”

 

Close-up of their trembling cheeks.

 

Bang bang bang bang!

 

I actually shot.

 

“Aaaahhh!”

 

The bullets hit the actors’ bodies directly, but there were no marks.

 

Non-lethal rounds. Now controlling to reduce destructive power to 0 is incredibly easy.

 

That’s what being a professional mage means.

 

Using black markets is illegal! For genuine spell purchases?

 

Magic~ Hat!

 

“Wow. I was really surprised. It doesn’t hurt at all?”

 

The actors approached with amazed expressions and smiled. I smiled too.

 

“Yes. I’ve used it a lot.”

 

“As expected, you’re righ…”

 

“Now, final shoot! Please get ready!”

 

Finally, a clean bank lobby set.

 

I sit in a chair like an ordinary customer and look at the bank teller. The bank teller answers a phone call and hands me documents.

 

“Yes. Please fill out the loan documents~”

 

“Why would I need a loan?”

 

The bank teller was paying little attention, but is flustered by my sudden words.

 

“Excuse me? You… need to take out a loan-”

 

“No.”

 

Seol Ha-woon is super firm. It’s actually written like this in the script.

 

Super firmly:

 

“Hand it over.”

 

Gulp. The bank teller swallows. Carefully moves their hand under the desk. Are they trying to call the police?

 

“That would be a reckless challenge.”

 

“…Here… it is.”

 

Finally the bank teller hands over the spell book. I nod and stand up, walking with heavy steps while gripping my walking stick.

 

“Police! There’s a robber here-”

 

Bzzzzt!

 

I immediately fire an electric shock. The bank teller collapses with a groan,

 

Kyaaaah! Aaaahhh! Kraaaah! Kyaaaah! The bank erupts in chaos with screaming.

 

“First customers are always free.”

 

Step step. I calmly walk out gripping my walking stick.

 

First mage customer, free rental after identity verification!

 

For beginner mages, Magic~ Hat!

 

“Okay! Cut! Great work everyone! Shooting’s over!”

 

With the director’s shout, the staff’s applause echoed.

 

Finally finished.

 

“Phew…”

 

It was more tiring than I thought. It was a stamina issue.

 

Though tired, I greeted the staff, signed autographs, did everything I needed to do, then went outside.

 

“How was it?”

 

Kim A-rang approached.

 

“Are commercials usually like this? They even had me rob a bank.”

 

Kim A-rang smiled.

 

“It’s the current trend. With ad skipping and ad blockers and all that, commercials need to be entertaining to watch. And today’s director has the highest rates in the industry. Once editing is done, it’ll probably look amazing.”

 

Next to Kim A-rang, some man in a suit quietly appeared and fidgeted with his collar.

 

“Oh, and this is the advertiser. Please introduce yourselves.”

 

A blonde, blue-eyed Westerner. Tall and handsome with a model-like feel.

 

“Nice to meet you, Mage Seol Ha-woon. I’m Tyler, the Korea branch manager of Magic Hat.”

 

He smiled while offering a handshake. His Korean was surprisingly fluent.

 

He handed over some documents.

 

“Actually, these are the contract terms we mentioned before.”

 

When I release standardized magic, the sales platform will be exclusively Magic Hat. In return, the profit ratio is 7:3.

 

Considering it usually starts at 4:6, this is tremendous preferential treatment, apparently.

 

“And this is a list of companies that want to work with Mage Seol Ha-woon.”

 

Magic Hat only acts as an intermediary and doesn’t directly manufacture spell books or spell orbs.

 

“Especially from Emeion, Parthenon, and Seokho, the directors are personally waiting after reserving tables at the Dining Hall.”

 

I shook my head at Tyler’s words.

 

“I’m thinking of ending today’s schedule here.”

 

I’m too tired.

 

“I see. Anytime then, we’ll meet again later.”

 

“Ah, Tyler. You need to talk with me about the rest.”

 

Kim A-rang grabbed Tyler. I yawned as I walked toward the van.

 

That’s when one person jumped out.

 

“Ah, excuse me, Mage Seol Ha-woon. Hello. I’m Director Kim Jung-soo from the spell manufacturing company Retina-”

 

“Hey, hey! You can’t do this.”

 

Kim A-rang, who had returned in an instant, actively guarded.

 

“We, we’re also on that list.”

 

Director Kim Jung-soo pointed to the paper clutched in my hand.

 

“The list?”

 

The paper Tyler had given me. Companies that wanted to work with me.

 

“…Yes. We’re a startup and small-to-medium enterprise, but if you choose us, we’re prepared to assist you diligently.”

 

“Yes, yes. Yes. I understand, so please go.”

 

Kim A-rang waved her hands, and Kim Jung-soo bowed repeatedly as he retreated.

 

Company Retina. Director Kim Jung-soo.

 

I don’t lack an eye for people, and these are names in my memory.

 

“Oh my. You’ve been through an ordeal.”

 

Suddenly, one more person appeared.

 

A person with a sly impression, dressed in luxury brands from head to toe.

 

“Hello. I’m Director Yoon Il-young from Seokho. Are you hurt anywhere? It looks like you got some grime on you.”

 

Seokho. A much larger company than Retina. Kim A-rang also nodded and stayed quiet.

 

“…I’m fine.”

 

“That’s a relief. Don’t mind those kinds of people too much. As someone in the same industry, let me apologize on their behalf. They act like that when desperate. You know? Haha. Oh right, and what our Seokho wants to propose to Mage Seol Ha-woon is…”

 

Yoon Il-young chattered about this and that, ultimately emphasizing the industry’s best treatment.

 

“That’s enough. I won’t take up too much of your time. Mitamnan, Jemal-ol fighting!”

 

“Yes.”

 

He left laughing heartily, seemingly satisfied with himself.

 

I got into the van.

 

Yoon Il-young. Retina. Kim Jung-soo. I feel like I’ve seen them all somewhere.

 

I was about to search through my memories with Sequence.

 

“Hae-jun is filming well too.”

 

Suddenly Kim A-rang showed me the filming footage.

 

Hiyaaah!

 

Im Hae-jun shouts a battle cry as he leaps up. Some fairy approaches beside him.

 

─I’m the secret fairy, Magrella-ping! Nice to meet you! What’s your name?!

 

Im Hae-jun’s face in close-up filling the screen. His acting is surprisingly good. The face of a hero who will save the world.

 

─I’m Hae-jun-ping!

 

─Hae-jun-ping!

 

Magrella-ping spun around Hae-jun-ping shouting.

 

─We have a very important mission, ping!

 

─What is it, Magrella-ping?!

 

─It’s… to save this wooden Lego-ping trapped by the witches’ curse, ping!

 

The fairy suddenly shows a toy.

 

“…”

 

I looked at Kim A-rang silently. Kim A-rang was holding back laughter.

 

“Did Hae-jun-ping, no, Im Hae-jun know about this when he accepted?”

 

“Of course. You know how tenacious that kid is. Hae-jun should try filming stuff like this while he’s young. If he gets 3-4 years older, he won’t even be able to film it.”

 

I nodded and pulled out the company list again.

 

The memory came back belatedly.

 

“And, Retina from just now. I think they’ll be fine.”

 

“…Where?”

 

“Retina.”

 

“Retina… ah, just now? That place is really small though?”

 

There are many large corporations that want me, but I don’t really like them.

 

“Yes.”

 

“No, why? Seokho, that’s the industry’s best.”

 

Spell orbs are a big industry. Having appeared relatively recently, they’ll grow bigger as time passes.

 

“The manufacturing process is important for spell orbs, so the difference between large corporations and small-to-medium enterprises is huge.”

 

However, there were many companies that didn’t maintain safety. Even before regression, industrial accidents never ceased.

 

Seokho’s Yoon Il-young was in my memory.

 

[Well~ cancer is something you get from tremendously multiple and complex factors. You don’t just get cancer from making spell orbs or anything like that, absolutely not. I understand the bereaved families’ feelings, but… lawsuit later? No, then should the company just sit still when false information is being spread?]

 

Retina was also in my memory.

 

[We always prioritize safety first. The spell orb manufacturing process is much more dangerous than you’d think, so the company must pay attention. Only then can employees avoid getting hurt. Everyone’s just trying to make a living, so what’s the point if they get injured…]

 

“We’re going with Retina.”

 

Although back then they couldn’t escape their small-to-medium position either.

 

Now things might be different.

 

“…Is this Jemal-ol again?”

 

Kim A-rang laughed as if incredulous.

 

“Yes.”

 

I nodded.

 

“Let’s hope it’s right.”

 

* * *

 

Director Kim Jung-soo of Retina Corporation had just received word from the Broadcasting Station, no, from Seol Ha-woon’s side.

 

“…Really? Is, is this phishing. Is this phishing?”

 

─It’s not phishing. Ha-woon is right next to me now.

 

“Ah…”

 

─We’ll discuss detailed contract terms when we have time, and an orb sample will be delivered soon.

 

“…Yes. A sample right away?”

 

─He says he made it in advance. I don’t really know what it is either.

 

“Yes. Yes. I’ll wait.”

 

Director Kim Jung-soo bowed his head repeatedly to the smartphone.

 

The call had already ended, but his mind was blank.

 

“He’ll do it? With us?”

 

Before he knew it, employees had gathered around. Director Kim Jung-soo answered blankly.

 

“He… he said he will. With us.”

 

It felt like a dream.

 

Honestly, going there was just on the off chance. Going with a one-in-ten-thousand hope…

 

“Huh… did I hit the lottery?”

 

Department Manager Kim Jung-soo staggered in strange ecstasy before collapsing to the ground.

 

“What? Fuck, what? Where?!”

 

Department Manager Yoon Il-young of the large corporation Seokho was struck by lightning while playing golf outdoors.

 

“Yes, what, Retial? They say they’re signing a contract with them.”

 

“What the fuck is this. Why?”

 

“It’s still questionable, but it’s rather a good thing. Better than contracting with Parthenon.”

 

“That’s true.”

 

“Retina’s side has already received samples. Spell Orbs and something called Tape.”

 

“What… Tape?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Well… huh.”

 

Department Manager Yoon Il-young let out a hollow laugh.

 

“Tape, he says. Well then. What would a mage who didn’t even graduate university make? I thought we’d at least see some promotional effect, but he’s kicking away his own fortune with his own feet.”

 

Yoon Il-young shook his head while taking off his golf gloves.

 

“Fine. Tell him to do whatever the fuck he wants. That bastard was fucked from the start when he got all stiff-necked anyway. I was on Seo Ji-woo’s side from the beginning. What does Seo Ji-woo say?”

 

“…”

 

No answer came.

 

“Ah, I was on Ryu Yeon-hwa’s side. What does Ryu Yeon-hwa say?”

 

“…”

 

“Ah fuck, don’t do this! Just don’t, forget it all. I can’t stand watching that Mitamnan shit anymore. All these little brats coming out talking about labyrinths and whatnot, fuck do they think labyrinths are a joke? Back in my day, we went in prepared to lose one limb, or even both, and worked our asses off, but now the world’s gotten so good that these little shits act like celebrities in this fucking…”

 

* * *

 

Dawn light was breaking at the police station. Inspector Lee Young-ho opened his drowsy eyes.

 

“…Yaaawn.”

 

Seems I fell asleep at some point. Yawning, he looked back at the reports filling his monitor.

 

The murder case of former Mitamnan contestant Kim Hyeok-jin and Mitamnan mentor Kim Yoon-jun.

 

The whole world is focused on this lately, but with no evidence whatsoever, the police are dying from the pressure.

 

If another person dies at this rate and it really gets labeled as serial murder, all hell will break loose.

 

Lee Young-ho is inwardly afraid. He’s filled with the desire to pull out of this case, if only for his daughter’s sake.

 

“…Are they on break right now.”

 

Lee Young-ho checked the Mitamnan schedule.

 

It’s been a break for almost ten days since two days ago.

 

One of Lee Young-ho’s theories about why Mitamnan-related people died.

 

There might be a culprit inside Mitamnan.

 

If so, in the worst case, one or two more people could die during this break period.

 

It’s practically a given.

 

Even if the culprit isn’t a Mitamnan contestant, they’d only kill during break periods to shift blame to Mitamnan.

 

And if it is a Mitamnan contestant, they’d naturally kill during breaks when they have time.

 

“Inspector!”

 

Suddenly someone came running with a loud shout. Lee Young-ho had an ominous feeling.

 

“Another, another death! Mitamnan 73rd place eliminated contestant Lee Ji-yeon! Come quickly!”

 

Why are bad premonitions never wrong.

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