The Fat Aristocrat Waltz in the Labyrinth - Chapter 81
Chapter 81: The fat aristocrat looking for medicinal herbs
At first, it was so surprising that it made them feel dizzy, but they got used to it just like everything else.
As Mitrof and Canule entered the third level, they saw an adventurer party who seemed to have visited here for the first time, making a commotion in the crimson-red area with the ceiling visible.
They thought back to when they were like that too and smiled a little bit.
After passing through the checkpoint in front of the Great Elevator and continuing down the path, the two were aiming for the 14th floor underground.
Just walking alone would take time, and they couldn’t ignore the monsters along the way. By the time they returned, if they stopped for breaks, it would be nighttime.
They were always worried about whether they should use the Great Elevator or not, but the price was still the main issue.
Once they reached the third level, beginners were considered graduates. As proof, the wing emblem was stamped on their guild card, allowing them to use the Great Elevator.
Mitrof and the others were aiming to use the great elevator that could compress the travel time for their exploration, but reality doesn’t always go as planned.
As the levels go deeper, the purchase price of items collected from monsters increases. The danger and profit also increase, but so does the price of the great elevator proportional to it.
They knew they would have to make a decision to convert money into time at some point, but they couldn’t bring themselves to make the decision easily because of the burden of medical expenses.
“Canule, are you tired?”
Mitrof turned around and asked.
“No, I’m fine.”
“Is there any problem with its ease of use?”
“No, everything is fine.”
Canule carried a large backpack on her back. The backpack was made of the same material as the sails of a sailboat.
It was sturdy, resistant to dirt, and could hold a large amount of luggage. If one overlooked the disadvantage of its weight, it was the best material for adventurers.
As the exploration time extended, the necessary supplies and materials to bring back increased. Thanks to Canule’s proposal, they made a good purchase that prioritized convenience over the amount of expenditure. The two of them nodded in agreement that it was a good deal.
The sight of petite Canule carrying a bag wider than her body looks awkward to outsiders.
Even when carrying the collection items from the monster back to Mitrof, who struggles under the weight, Canule appears untroubled and carries them effortlessly.
This was not only because she had trained as a knight but also because she was cursed by an ancient relic produced by the labyrinth.
Through the inexplicable magic that modern magicians cannot decipher, Canule lost her human body and transformed into a skeletal figure. At the same time, she gained inhuman strength and the ability to go without eating or sleeping.
Due to her appearance, Canule could not register as an official adventurer with the guild. However, she demonstrated her strength as a porter and shield bearer, moving around freely.
On the 12th and 13th floors, which were already familiar to them, the two of them progressed without any danger.
Thanks to their careful exploration of each floor and the loss of money for Mitrof’s injuries and treatment, they became accustomed to dealing with the monsters on this floor.
Without hurry or exertion, they still increase their pace slightly as they aim for the 14th floor, where Mitrof’s desired item is said to be. It’s about money.
“Is it really there?”
Canule’s doubts slipped out, and Mitrof nodded in response, keeping his gaze around cautiously.
“I’m worried too—but there are documents and information. I can’t believe it until I see it with my own eyes, but there are medicinal herbs on the 14th floor.”
“It seems strange that plants can grow in such an underground place.”
“I agree. However, it’s the labyrinth after all…”
In the labyrinth, nothing is surprising, and adventurers eventually come to share that awareness.
In simple terms, the labyrinth is a cave deep underground. Since sunlight cannot reach it, it’s hard to imagine an environment where plants like medicinal herbs could thrive.
However, monsters are still alive. They must be feeding on something to sustain themselves. Mitrof couldn’t help but wonder how they were able to live.
“It’s hard to believe that there’s a light like dusk on this third level.”
“That’s true—we’ve gotten used to it without even realizing it.”
Up to the 10th floor, they challenged the labyrinth in the dark, relying on lanterns to light the way.
On the 11th floor—the third level—the view is clear, like on the surface. The labyrinth’s luminous moss grows on the walls, always glowing a bright red.
“It’s not that surprising that the herbs are growing in abundance now. It’s actually a good thing. It’s ideal for earning money.”
“Herbs are always in high demand for ointments, potions, etc.”
“The treatment center said they would accept repayment with medicinal herbs instead of money—let’s collect as much as we can here and repay the debt quickly.”
“Yes, we will definitely do that.”
As they approached their destination, they sped up their pace, remaining vigilant and not letting their guard down. The two of them steadily filled in the map.
Crossing the days while repeatedly saying “tomorrow is the day,” they finally descended the stairs to the 14th floor today.