Chapter 196: Unable to Put into Words

“I’m saved! I’m saved… Haha…”

Not long ago, Kasim was immobilized by despair, and now, having calmed down, he was so relieved that his strength drained from his body, and he couldn’t stand up. Not aware of Kasim’s circumstances just moments ago, Lutz could only tilt his head in confusion.

“So, um… Kasim-san, was it? What exactly happened?”

“Oh, it’s a tale of tears and more tears, my friend. Anyway, listen to it for now.”

“If it’s going to be long, never mind; I’m busy.”

Lutz inquired if he could leave. Kasim desperately clung to his leg, trying to stop him.

“Wait, wait, wait! Don’t leave me behind! I’ll spill the beans in five seconds! I was chased by some damn monster, had to ditch all my torches, that’s it!”

“I see. I generally use lanterns, but I have a few spare torches, so I’ll give you one.”

“Whew, thanks! …Wait a sec. Are you suggesting we part ways here? Is this a farewell? Is this the only way to live life, saying goodbye?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I still have some business. If you want to go back, just go.”

“Leaving a poor, physically and mentally wounded young man like me behind! You heartless demon! That’s no way to attract women, brother!”

“I’m already married; I don’t need to attract anyone.”

Lutz’s face, illuminated by the lantern’s dim light, wrinkled his brow. It was a face that said, “I can’t deal with this anymore.”

“Oh no, if you abandon me here, I’m in serious trouble. I guess my chattering is a bad habit after all.”

“I’ll move forward; you can go back. Isn’t that fine? I might sound self-righteous, but I did say I’d give you a torch. What’s the problem?”

“No, no, it’s scary to go back alone!”

“Scary, huh…”

If a little girl said that, it might have been cute, but hearing it from a seasoned adventurer, Lutz couldn’t help but feel a bit awkward. It was a situation that left the 25-year-old puzzled by how to handle it.

“Okay, let’s do this. I’ll accompany you for your business, and when it’s done, we’ll go back together. How about that? Kasim-san, it’s a lifelong favor!”

“I’m not interested in your life, but… Well, whatever. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Aren’t you curious about the monster I encountered?”

Without waiting for an answer, Kasim started talking on his own. Lutz was considering whether to punch him to move on or listen. However, when he heard that the monster was a Flame Demon, he pricked up his ears.

One thing caught Lutz’s attention in Kasim’s story. The Flame Demon threw fireballs.

…When it fought us, it didn’t do that, did it?

Was it saving its techniques? No, if it could create fireballs, there were plenty of opportunities to use them. It seemed the monster was surprisingly cautious; if it had long-range attacks, it should have used them.

So, did it learn new skills after escaping into the labyrinth? Was that the reason the monster came into this maze? While it made sense as an ideal hideout for monsters, was there more to it? Perhaps there was some mechanism that enhanced monsters within the labyrinth.

Deep in thought, Lutz stroked his chin.

“…How about its right eye? Was it open?”

“Hey, man, I didn’t have the luxury to examine its face closely. But if I had to say, its control was exceptional.”

“I see. Well, I appreciate your help.”

Lutz, contrasting Kasim’s proud expression, felt like he had swallowed a lead ball, struggling to breathe.

If the monster was evolving in the labyrinth and completed its regeneration and enhancement, what would it do next? It might attack the settlement again. This time, not just the settlement but the entire Count’s territory could be in jeopardy.

“Let’s go, Kasim-san.”

Lutz transferred the lantern’s flame to a torch and handed it to Kasim. Then, without waiting for a response, he briskly advanced. Kasim hastily stood up and followed.

Maybe, just maybe. Everything was a hypothetical scenario. If they met face-to-face, the monster could be weaker than before. However, considering the worst-case scenario was essential.

They had to defeat the Flame Demon as soon as possible. For that, Lutz needed to complete the Undead Slayer sword, “Kyoka Suigetsu.”

“So, what’s your business? This isn’t the place for casual encounters.”

“It’s test cutting. I’m looking for zombies or similar magic creatures. I’ve made a sword that can cut them down in a single blow.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, what are you talking about, brother? Those guys are like the undead, even if you cut off their heads, they keep moving for a while. You need to barbecue them or turn them into mincemeat; otherwise, you can’t defeat them.”

“Burning them won’t work. It’s ineffective against the Flame Demon.”

Upon hearing “Flame Demon,” Kasim was left dumbfounded, mouth agape. Defeating that horrifying monster? Was this guy sane? He tried to laugh it off, but his throat only tightened, and he couldn’t do it. He didn’t want this man to die; that sentiment wouldn’t allow him to treat it as a joke.

“Hey, Lutz-san. I won’t say anything bad, so stop it. You’ve never seen that monster, so you can’t understand.”

“I’ve fought it once.”

“That makes it even more incomprehensible. Both you and I, meeting that monster means we’re lucky to be alive. Why go throw away the lives we’ve picked up?”

Kasim shuddered, recalling the image of the monster and his comrades turning to ashes. Meeting that thing again was no joke. Next time, his legs might freeze in fear, rendering him unable to move.

While walking, Lutz carefully chose his words and responded.

“To avoid trampling on something precious.”

“What do you mean by something precious?”

“Well, things like pride, honor, family, companions… something along those lines.”

“That’s pretty vague.”

“It’s impossible to put into words why men fight. For now, let’s just say it’s all for the sake of love, including everything.”

Hmph, Kasim snorted.

“How lame.”

Despite answering the question, Lutz received a harsh response. However, he showed no signs of getting angry and simply smiled wryly, saying.

“I think the same.”

“Oh well,” Kasim muttered, looking up at the unseen sky.

This man has already made up his mind, different from me. For Kasim, it was both lonely and dazzling.

“Hey, Lutz-san, what floor are we on? I was so desperate when I ran away, I have no idea.”

“It’s the first basement floor.”

“Huh, so you mean if I had tried a little harder, I might have made it out?”

“That’s why I found it strange. What were you doing?” 

“Seriously… I even considered suicide before getting eaten by monsters in pitch darkness. Isn’t God a bit too mean?”

“He tends to be a bit mean to the ones he likes.”

“Regardless of the reason, it’s a big nuisance for the ones being messed with!”

Laughing and joking, Kasim finally began to regain his composure. After a while, he tightened his expression and spoke resolutely.

“… If you’re looking for zombies, the second basement floor might be better. Go down the stairs and head a little to the right; you’re likely to find them.”

Surprised by Kasim’s advice, Lutz stopped in his tracks and turned around.

“Is that okay? It might take us away from the exit.”

“It’s fine. Let me witness what you’re planning to do from here on out.”

Kasim said this with a faint smile. Even thinking back, he couldn’t quite understand why he had said such a thing.

There were several reasons, but putting them into words was difficult.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter