Labyrinth Exploration 101 - Chapter 185
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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 185
Still life(1)
LIFE GAME
Time Limit: ???
The time limit is a question mark. Well, we never know when life will end.
Ah, but I do know.
Anyway, it could normally be three to five days, or maybe 2-3 times longer than that.
Or, it could be a time-adjusted labyrinth lasting 2-3 months.
“Am I the only security guard…”
I’m patrolling inside the building. Limping along. Using my walking stick.
The goal of this labyrinth is to earn money. But in my possession—
“Oh.”
Found a coin.
Nice.
[Acquired 5 Caring]
Seems like a 500 won coin.
There’s a routine to this patrol too. During class hours, I just need to go around floors 1-5 in order.
I was walking down the corridor when I stopped in front of a classroom door. A professor’s voice was flowing out as class was in full swing.
─…You must first know your own ignorance. What is needed to become a good mage? Unwavering effort? Unshakeable mental visualization? No. All wrong. In the end, it’s talent.
A man with blonde hair slicked back, unnecessarily sleazy-looking
His tone of voice is quite irritating.
─Humans can roughly gauge talent by the purity of magic power circulating through their bodies. It’s a natural order determined from birth. There’s no curse as painful as ambiguous talent…
Tap tap.
Someone touched my shoulder. A man in checkered shirt was standing there.
“Excuse me. The first semester tuition for Emerek Magic School is 250,000 Caring.”
“…I’m security.”
“Still, you have to pay the tuition, right?”
I glared at him silently. He shrugged his shoulders and smiled.
“Just kidding, just kidding.”
But this guy, his face is strange. Somehow familiar. I find myself staring at him without realizing it.
“Why, why?”
I’ll say it again, this guy’s face is strange.
Blue eyes and brown hair. Typical Western appearance.
But strangely enough… ‘that guy’ overlaps with him. The mischievous eyes, kind smile, and somehow unreliable atmosphere.
“What’s your name.”
“I’m a perpetual teaching assistant, haha. That professor over there is my supervising professor. Arkel Demonian. The famous eldest son of the prestigious Demonian family. He’s a perfect professor.”
I stared at him quietly.
Even the way he introduced all sorts of things when I asked for his name overlapped.
“Name.”
“…Ahem. I’m Silo.”
Perhaps feeling burdened by my gaze, he cleared his throat awkwardly and revealed his name. Even that awkward appearance was so similar.
“…This is ridiculous.”
I muttered without realizing it.
“What? What is?”
Silo asked back with a puzzled expression.
“You’re being loud.”
“Huh?”
Something’s strange. Very much so.
Could it just be a coincidence?
No, he could resemble Seo Ji-hyuk’s personality or appearance, but both can’t be this similar.
Did someone rummage through the memories in my head?
I can’t tell yet.
I left the spot for now. There was no need for me to shake myself up.
My current funds are 5 Caring. Just the coin I picked up while patrolling.
I need to earn money.
I need to earn as much money as possible.
After thinking, I got coffee from the vending machine.
I spent money.
[Spent –5 Caring]
This world setting isn’t entirely unlike the modern era. An arcanepunk civilization where magic and modern, contemporary technology blend exquisitely.
However, even the vending machine operates on magic power. It’s different from our era where science forms the foundation.
From my position as a mage, it might be more convenient.
I sat on a bench with my coffee. On the wooden table right in front, there was a paper that someone seemed to have left behind.
It was a magic circle with complex magic circuits and formulas drawn on it.
Introduction to Magic Theory Problem 8. The following is a formula presented to calculate the magic flow of a specific phenomenon. However, this formula contains a critical error. Correctly fix the error and derive the answer. E_total = Σ (Mana_source_i * Flow_constant ^ (-Δt)) + ∫ Ambient_Mana(x) dx / Resonance_Factor…
“What is this.”
So this kind of theory exists. Looking at the scribbled notes, it seems like a problem that’s already been solved.
I looked closely.
First, I don’t understand the formulas.
The numbers and diagrams are confusing, and the magic circle itself looks quite complex.
But strangely, my eyes can grasp the structure of the formula and the magic flow. I understand it. The error points, correction direction, and even the final result value are derived in an instant.
“This doesn’t make sense.”
The sensation of the formula’s circuits spinning right before my eyes. The flow of magic power is so clearly visible.
Could it be thanks to the recently enhanced trait [True Eyes, True Ears] combined with magic talent exceeding ’14’?
The answer is a number.
237.
But the answer written on this problem is 133.
A slight smile leaked out. I don’t know who it is, but you got it wrong.
Just then, a student approached the bench. She immediately picked up the paper.
I smelled money. She was a wealthy person, starting from her accessories.
“Problem 8. You got it wrong. The correct answer isn’t 133, it’s 237.”
“…”
She looked back at me without saying anything, then left somewhere without even pretending I existed. From her appearance to her gait, she’s like a noble young lady.
She’s a Kate-like.
“…I was hoping to get some tutoring fees.”
Whirr.
My wristwatch rang. It meant it was patrol time.
I got up.
Tap. Tap. While walking down the corridor of the main building with my walking stick, I discovered some poster.
School Learning Encouragement Poster📜This Month’s Formula Problem📜”Who dares to challenge the abyss of magic power!”This month, Professor Arkel Demonian has prepared a special formula problem to inspire intellectual curiosity and discover talent among magic students.Unravel the complex knots of magic studies and seize the opportunity for honor and substantial scholarship money!🏆Reward for Correct Answer🏆50,000 Caring scholarship money will be given to the student who submits the most excellent solution✨Submission Location: Submission box in front of Professor Arkel Demonian’s laboratoryEligibility: Anyone with knowledge of magic powerPrecautions: Write the solution process in detail. Clearly state your name.
“Oh?”
Scholarship money of 50,000 Caring. In Korean won, that’s about 5 million won.
I looked at the magic circle.
“…It’s incredibly complex.”
A mage’s personality definitely shows through their formulas.
‘Arkel Demonian’ is the sleazy professor from the class I saw today.
Just like his first impression, his formula is pedantic and complex. Honestly speaking, even if you work hard on this kind of problem, there’s no knowledge to gain from it.
It’s nothing more than a ‘fake problem’ created while intoxicated with his own brilliance.
The mage is a narcissist, and his formula is narcissistic too.
Still, he’s giving money if you solve it.
I stared intently at the magic circle.
Though it’s twisted in many places, there’s no need to make an effort.
Because it solves itself.
The flow of magic power becomes visible first, and the excessive circuits gradually connect to converge into one answer.
I memorized the correct answer as a sequence.
Now I just need to write it on paper and submit it for 50,000 Caring.
“I made money.”
It seems the starting point isn’t as bad as I thought.
At this school, I can make money by selling knowledge…
* * *
The Grand Library of Emerek Magic School.
In that place where the scent of old books cozily drifts between bookshelves packed so densely they seem to reach the ceiling, and the afternoon sunset streaming through windows illuminates the dust, one magic student is solving problems.
Introduction to Magic Studies Advanced Problem 8The following is a formula presented to calculate the magic power flow of a specific phenomenon. However, this formula contains a critical error. Correctly fix the error and derive the answer.
Her name is Erica. She’s a prodigy counted among the top five even at the prestigious Emerek, and the next heir of the historic magical noble family, House Railey.
Her platinum blonde hair is neatly tied back, and her eyes are already deep and serious like those of a seasoned scholar, but.
“Why isn’t it 133?”
She muttered quietly.
Professor Lumon’s high-difficulty problem that none of the students could solve.
After pondering for a long time, she finally submitted an answer, but received an incorrect judgment.
Erica chewed on the tip of her pen while reviewing her solution process once more. There was no error in the calculation itself.
That meant the foundation was wrong.
“Haah…”
As she pressed her throbbing temples, a number suddenly came to mind.
“…237.”
At lunch today.
A strange security guard had said something to her.
‘Problem 8. You got it wrong. The answer isn’t 133, it’s 237.’
237. That nonsensical number keeps circling in her mind.
237.
Erica hesitated for a moment, but tried working backwards assuming 237 was the answer.
There was no loss anyway.
237.
It was a trick method of setting the answer first and retracing that path.
It’s not much different from guessing, so normally you should get stuck in the middle…
But why?
The more she proceeded with the calculation, the parts that had been blocked began to unravel like magic. The irregular magic power flow fell into place in a consistent pattern, and the complexly tangled equations were organized concisely.
“…”
Her hand moving the pen gradually became faster. She immersed herself, concentrating all her attention only on the problem sheet.
The result didn’t take long.
The moment she set ‘237’ as the correct answer, everything became clear.
“Why is this?”
It’s a definite solution.
The problem is…
“…How did he know?”
How did the security guard know the answer to this difficult problem?
“Haaaaaam~”
At the same time. Teaching assistant Silo yawned in the laboratory.
Today was particularly busy.
From simple formula calculations ordered by Professor Arkel to idea verification, and even reviewing the answer key for the school learning encouragement poster.
“Mr. Silo. Another poster submission came in.”
Then another teaching assistant with a similarly tired face put down a formula scroll.
“…Yes.”
Silo touched his eyes and unrolled the scroll.
Professor Arkel had put his heart and soul into this problem. He confidently boasted that no one could solve it in a month, let alone three months, so Silo was planning to just roughly mark it as incorrect.
Silo’s eyes widened for a moment.
“…What, what is this?”
This scroll had the formula interpretation and correct answer derivation process recorded too cleanly.
Compared to the messy problem, the answer was remarkably clean, to the point where there was no need to even double-check.
“Who is this?”
Silo hurriedly checked the name first.
SEOLHAUN.
“…Who is this supposed to be?”
* * *
Tap. Tap. Tap.
I’m patrolling the school campus at night.
Security guard Seol Ha-woon here.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
The school garden bathed in moonlight is desolate and quiet, unlike during the day. Quite magical, you could say. I like the scenery and atmosphere.
“…”
I suddenly stopped walking.
Behind the main research building of the school. Near the dark wall.
I looked in that direction.
Nothing is visible, but I can sense something. Faint remnants of magic power and a held breath.
Got you red-handed.
“Hey. What are you doing over there.”
I said to the students.
“You guys.”
There was no answer. There was still nothing visible in that spot, but the presence became more certain.
Invisibility technique is treated as a serious crime just for using it in modern society.
“You guys, I’m talking to you.”
This is a prestigious magic school.
Of course there would be plenty of guys who enjoy breaking rules. Even in the military, there were guys who said it’s not desertion if you don’t get caught.
If these kids are rich brats, I should scare them and squeeze some money out of them.
“Answer me.”
I concentrated magic power at the tip of my left index finger. I shot a mana bullet toward the road surface right next to the wall where those guys were hiding.
Bang!
Dirt flew everywhere noisily.
“!”
Only then did the air shimmer and two people were revealed.
…They were revealed, but.
“Are you guys really students?”
I asked cautiously.
Their faces looked too weathered to be students.
Two men. One guy had a vicious scar on his face, and the other had a scruffy beard.
They weren’t even wearing school uniforms.
“Uh… yes, yes. We’re students. We just wanted to get some fresh air… because of the dormitory curfew…”
The bearded guy made an awkward excuse with a forced smile.
I looked at the scarred guy.
“I, I was just taking a little stroll around the neighborhood and was on my way back.”
A neighborhood stroll?
A neighborhood stroll?
Why is his word choice like that.
“…”
I stared at those two guys.
They stared back at me too.
An awkward silence flowed for a moment.
“…Damn it!”
They cursed and deployed their techniques.
“So you’re just intruders after all.”
There’s no need to bother constructing defensive or offensive techniques.
I interfered with the guys’ techniques being carved in the air.
I just interfered with the core circuits to reverse the flow of magic power.
They’re using techniques right in front of my face, so I’d be a damn fool to just let them.
Poof! Crackle!
The techniques the guys manifested exploded in reverse.
“Gahk!”
“Gyaaah!”
Flames and sparks burned the two intruders.
Suppression successful. They’re definitely knocked out.
I’ve fulfilled my duty as a security guard.
So now, before calling other guards or faculty members…
“…”
I quickly searched the surroundings.
There are no patrol cameras in this area. No signs of people either.
I approached the fallen guys and rummaged through their bodies.
Rummage rummage.
One heavy bracelet from a hand.
Rummage rummage.
One magic ring from a finger.
Rummage rummage.
One jeweled necklace from a neck.
Rummage rummage.
Three emergency spell orbs from pockets.
It seems like they brought various artifacts for their intrusion, and I collected them all.
“This is pretty good stuff?”
The side income is quite decent.
I’ll tie these guys up for now, and before the night passes, let me go find a black market.
“Not bad for the first day.”
Security guard Seol Ha-woon.
This might actually work out pretty well.
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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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