Chapter 139: Labyrinth of time and space (2)
LCn5Shirone realized the situation. The rule was more restrictive and dangerous than expected. It was much more difficult than he thought to unify most opinions.gOwFJ
hJf9dWHe didn’t know what was in Kerugo, but if there was something worth risking his life for, there was a possibility of an internal struggle.kn36CnU
dV0tU“What? Was it that simple? How about this? We’ll take care of the four kids and go in. I never knew there was such an easy way.”P92mi
qVoThe leader looked back at Shirone and pursed his lips. It was a look expecting a fearful expression, but for Shirone, it was pitiable.mVpwqA
n5YmsOnce the rule was heard, it was the right way to cooperate, even if they didn’t like it.XDC
kQpRNunA leader who led with excitement from the start could not only ruin the organization but also endanger the lives of their comrades.yvb3
kn7v1“This person is not qualified to be a leader. The other people seem at least halfway decent.sKZ
jcaq9xYAs expected, his comrades intervened to dissuade him. If they achieved success, they could pass unconditionally, so considering sacrifice was a later issue.m13T
fZZ“Let’s start. How long are we going to stay here?”QGTS77
EGb“Tch! You’re a lucky kid.”ATlNcx
r3kuXThe man with the white tattoo headed to the side of the altar. He crossed his arms where he could see the eight spheres.npmL
nPAF“My explanation ends here. Come out one by one and demonstrate your abilities.”Ft4GMx
9M3IeShirone’s group and the mercenaries exchanged glances. They were calculating who would benefit from going first.x5Xbn
5WB4kK8The leader unsheathed his sword and pointed at Shirone.WYB
iBL1E“Hey, you go first. Of course, I don’t expect much, but do your best so we can have an idea. You never know. Maybe it’ll take you to Kerugo.”i5Um
JXm“I don’t want to. Why do you decide that unilaterally?”ylYF
lXDgKL“What’s wrong with that? I really don’t like you! Should I kill you right now? Should I kill you and go in?”yo7A3b
lOPiH1“You keep causing trouble. From now on, we need to integrate opinions. Didn’t you hear that if a single person refuses, we can’t leave? Although there’s no limit to the number of attempts, disadvantages can be applied. For those who have attempted it, traps like anti-magic can be triggered. Since we’re all novices, we must make careful decisions and determine the order.”PLOdrJl
JOOphCm“This, this little impudent brat…!”FdgDSmT
qGWe8The leader was about to lose his temper. He probably hated that the kid answered him back, but the fact that he couldn’t refute was most annoying.TyM9
32mlBut the mage had a different idea. Of course, there might not be particular restrictions, but unless one could see the future, it was good to consider all conceivable variables.Ija
udaSK“The kid is right. Let’s decide the order. How will we do it?”mJN
SQXW94Shirone looked back at the Time and Space Maze on the altar. Having experienced the phenomenon called ‘spot’, he could approximately predict the current situation.XXl4me
UN9dXNp“That sphere could probably absorb almost infinite energy. It’s standard to send back powerful mages and let the warriors go first.”DvP
OJgf“Does it have to be so violent? Why the conclusion?”lV2l6qU
xhMcs1E“It’s the best skill that warrior descendants can test. Besides, looking at the altar, it has a structural characteristic that something is implemented towards a specific target. Therefore, it’s reasonable to assume that the device was made with the goal of striking.”EeyBdni
R3I3B6“I’m convinced. Then let’s decide the order. Do we start with the swordsman first?”DjX9Wf
0vEGjLaSaid the mage, looking back at the leader. But he shook his head as if he were annoyed.BqcIP
RrjHA“No, I’ll go later. What does that kid know how to talk about? It’s a simple game. Just go out and destroy it.”2tVi
qWVQMD3“Huh, our leader is like this, what should we do?”NAx
vKjO“It doesn’t matter. Then we’ll send a swordsman from our side.”gXXfb62
5s2pQBGShirone looked back at the swordsman on his side. Both Rian and Tess were sword warriors. But it was predictable who would go without looking.cdxxEz
Br5CeOnce the first attempt was over, a lot of information could be obtained. It was such a heavy mission and such a dangerous role that there was no way Rian would send Tess first.kVZ
ul4hz3“I’ll go first. Of course, it might end on my turn. Haha!”xWM
MCDG“Well, baseless confidence is… Anyway, be careful. Don’t be complacent.”8Lp1jwH
6YFtDfJSupported by Tess, Rian looked around at the center of the altar.QQZk
Mrp8The feeling was definitely different from when seen from the outside. It felt like the spheres in all directions were watching him.dx7
yMI9IC“Hey! Hurry up! Are you scared already?”WHmJw
Ou34hRian couldn’t even hear the leader’s words. He had been figuring out what to do since Shirone designated him.e7TJyma
9rw7‘In a way, I’m at the forefront. I must gather all the information I can on my turn. Right, Shirone?’SfCa
gIGRian walked towards the northern sphere. It wasn’t as transparent as it seemed from afar. Should I say it was filled with a misty fog?9f2wT
sF1k“Hmm, you said there’s no limit to the number of attempts, right?”FiNu
YyRRian leaned towards the sphere and tapped it with the back of his hand. When there was no particular response, he gradually increased the force and repeated it.IiKA
UV9At some point, the mist within the sphere dissipated, and the transparent sphere displayed the number 1.S14cHU
DoQjHG“Eh? Is that a number?”C2rfhmV
6NYGShirone recalled the explanation heard from the man with the white tattoo.Ewo
g6wU8g“Oh, so the language of God means numbers. Rian, just in case, let’s step back.”wWKxA
osUFMlRian calmly took a few steps backward. Shortly after, the sphere emitted a red light, illuminating the room.8uw5
eVr8BWLThat meant failure.RRfYT
5O0ZtEveryone wondered what would happen next, but that was it. They observed for about three more seconds, but nothing particularly threatening occurred.GlSV
In0t“Ah, so if a white light rises, that means a pass, right?”orJhQt
NeX7ToAfter grasping the rules, Rian returned to the center of the altar and finally drew his straight sword.Qw9ann
0EIgCWhen the size of the sword hidden by the giant Rian was revealed, the mercenaries were startled. If all of that was iron, it was a weight that couldn’t be lifted unless it was with Schema.zVBY83z
vp5tQc“Rian! Hit it with all your might!”N9oywE
E5470yCTess, somewhat relaxed, waved her arm and cheered. Just knowing that the attempt didn’t harm the person was a great success.NkEM
3fqKsZ“Don’t worry. I’ll crush it in one blow.”vhFbelU
yoO9jRian lowered his stance as he held the sword with both hands. Embarrassingly, his heart was pounding hard.WkhtLUq
uexVGD9But wasn’t this the best situation to start with the sword his grandfather granted him? Moreover, it was a two-handed swing attack with all his heart.TCToaL
emO6R“Alright! Here I go!”IA3
t1MZ3Rian charged at full speed and brought down his greatsword. Instead of the powerful blast everyone expected, a low sound wave was heard.uaUI
4SKThe Labyrinth of Time and Space didn’t tremble, and there was no reaction. It would have been impossible without absorbing all the force.xHF
iEBH“Phew!”NfZl
wVFOWwvRian maintained the posture of striking the Labyrinth of Time and Space. He could clearly feel the energy draining from his entire body.pUNQ
2aHFfBut more than that, he was curious about the number that would appear on the sphere. Was it a pass or a fail?EYS
kCLws0The sphere turned transparent, revealing the number 241. Considering the impact when the number 1 appeared, it seemed like he did fairly well.NItkeV
2zHURUnfortunately, however, the sphere emitted a red light.1wp
8it“Oh, it’s a real shame! Shirone, can I try it once more?”mz1GkUz
OcTm3URian became enthusiastic. Initially, he thought it would be okay to just explore, but when he received a judgment failure, it felt like he was being ignored, and his gut churned.a1jo
FP6vf“Are you okay? Your legs look shaky.”OtZa
wG6iEQ“Oh, this? It absorbs all the power. It’s not dangerous because it doesn’t put too much strain on my body. I’ll recover in a while.”lfQiGDL
23lu7Shirone nodded at the new information.d05W4
pJtO5uj“Ah, I see. It’s a disadvantage, but not severe. Hmm.”fOVUp8U
g1jus0“Anyway, I’m really upset. If only I could have used Schema, I would have been able to pass.”LqHx1sd
yn2QipAt Rian’s words, the warrior from the mercenaries’ group burst into laughter.UPdx
UJySxEH“Hahaha! Have you been complaining even though you can’t use Schema? This is ridiculous. Step aside, I’ll try it this time.”xk4
hqeZgFWhen the warrior intervened, Rian had no choice but to leave the altar. But even as he walked away, he murmured.AmLt
fv6lp‘Just one more time.’IRCf6B
ipsj“The kid got 241, right? So, should I aim for around 2000?”7ywJs
UugaecThe warrior rolled up his sleeves and wielded his main weapon, a mace. He also had an axe at his waist, but seeing Rian’s attempt, a mace seemed an easy way to deliver a blow.K7p
4DKUOThe warrior took a deep breath and tensed all the muscles in his body. Although the muscle fibers didn’t significantly thicken, when those changes took place throughout his body, his size increased noticeably.gjsx
AmEFt“Tess, that guy…”aDw
aRbIW9“That’s right. He’s a Schema user. He probably has a structure that enhances strength. Well, it’s a natural choice for a warrior.”nhX
nUy“Yaaaaaa! Here I go!”SMxM
0ClIThe warrior let out a roar as loud as his size and charged. At the same time, his hand spun the mace rapidly.tgBG
X0OboAlthough it’s not a two-handed weapon, adding rotational power could produce comparable destructive force.yeYd
dmsThe warrior swung his mace downward as if he were going to kill the world’s enemy.Zgvhw
uV6HcydThe action stopped with a low rumble. Like Rian, the feeling of power deprivation paralyzed his entire body.r5n0L
piLm1QN“Huu! Huu! It’s over! I did it right!”DfSZ
G7DqPYnThe warrior stepped back, breathing heavily. Because the technique seemed impressive, those who watched were expectant.zR0iB
oyr8qThe number 248 appeared.HIQgPp
Pb2Yu4“What—What? Nonsense! 248? Only 7 points more than that kid? Is this thing broken?”NJzB
xx3CbTess walked towards the altar, assuming a stance.eIo
qAM“Do you think this is a cheap toy from a corner store? Get down quickly! The red light is already on!”N7xk
uVhY“No, I can’t accept this! Just once more, I’ll try once more!”HYl
e14“Alright, then come out! Whether you want to challenge again or not, first you need to regain your strength!”HQv
1xKbtVYThe warrior wrinkled his face as if facing an injustice and turned his body. He couldn’t understand it at all.DRMnU5
qhGarYHe had never lost in terms of strength since he was a child. It’s 248 even with a strength-enhancing build.zP6
Q6OH“Eh? Wait a second.”lis
rrOpThe warrior looked at Rian as if it were absurd. Didn’t that boy say he couldn’t use Schema?yEvlYo
mDWA0KSBut 241 points? In other words, only with his physical strength, he showed the same power as the warrior who had Schema a moment ago.jDO
PZFlSU“What-What? This makes no sense! You can use Schema, right? You lied, didn’t you?”aXBGY
coJz“Why would I lie about something to brag about? If you fail, just wait silently for the next turn.”QFbHY
pTDNvURian didn’t want to chatter about his disqualification. His current interest was how far his friend Tess could go.Sz0nVm4
OIddKZTess stood at the center of the altar and unsheathed her sword. There was a fresh sound like sliding on ice. People were mesmerized by the elegant movement, a textbook-perfect motion.mEEQUVs
idWO“Hmm, I’ll try it, but wouldn’t it be a disadvantage for my rapier?”8Wur8T
r49I“No, not necessarily. It absorbs all the power. I didn’t even feel a recoil when I swung it down. I doubt the sword will bend.”1v6
o18K“Really? Then, should I stab it with all my strength?”vMsOFrk
HvG“If you’re worried, do you want to use my sword? It’s heavy, but you can handle it with Schema, right?”kMRmg
fcndoTess raised her sword and bent it with her fingers. The rapier bounced with a tinkling sound, vibrating rapidly like the flapping of a hummingbird’s wings.g3Q
rJ55ytX“No, I want to test it with my own sword skill. To be honest, this is quite interesting.”0EhZX
OJNLgeGTess walked to the end of the altar and stopped at a point from where she could see the Labyrinth of Time and Space diagonally.YFzbkOx
s7gAcceleration of concentration through Schema. There won’t be vital points on the sphere, but the speed generated by compressing body movement becomes power entirely.BuHl
iLwyynTess charged in a silence more terrifying than a scream. As expected from her, who scored the highest in the balance test, her angle made her almost level with the ground.IYGQ
lIiPBThe moment she reached the target, her body trembled as if creating a residual image, and the rapier grazing the ground soared.a2K3tj
8emCAs she stabbed the sphere with a perfect thrusting motion, there was a flash of light that burst at the tip of her sword.zLhv
ODgUWhile ordinary sword handling reaches maximum acceleration in the middle point, Tess’s stabbing-focused sword handling reaches its peak in the sword’s “final speed.”b1v7
fJshWAs these characteristics are maximized through Schema, an exciting optical illusion occurs.MB9NXM
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