Genius Engineer in the Labyrinth - Chapter 45
Only Noblemtl
Matan (1)
After escaping the cave and going up the maze, Alan witnessed a strange sight. The same was true for other explorers.
“No one is there?”
“Normally it’s so crowded that it’s hard to pass by, but today it’s empty so it feels awkward.”
The manholes on the 1st to 3rd floors were fixed, so it was easy to hunt since you just had to watch to see if the door opened or not. The automaton was also weak, so there were many explorers who just sat there and died.
But today, the so-called workshops were completely empty.
The six explorers were in an uproar at the unprecedented situation. Kiki also looked around her artificial eye diligently.
“I’ve been going through the labyrinth for over three years, but this is the first time something like this has happened. Could there be dark magic here too? Is that why everyone died?”
As the topic of black magic began to stir up a commotion, François raised his voice and called for attention.
“The method of jumping over the collector’s floor is threatening. I don’t know how many floors it covers, but if left alone, many explorers will die, so it was an inevitable choice. So don’t be surprised and just think about getting out.”
Alan nodded slightly, looking at the calm leader. A group like Breaker would have a plan to respond to any situation.
Since other companies and organizations would have cooperated, controlling the labyrinth wouldn’t be difficult. It’s hard when you’re alone, but when you work together, everything becomes easier.
Anyway, the explorers, who had regained their composure thanks to his explanation, quickly made their way through the maze.
There were no problems until they finally left the labyrinth. A few oblivious automatons blocked their way, but they were cut in half by François’ axe.
The usually relaxed defense force was tense. François sent his men out, while he himself remained in the fortress surrounding the labyrinth’s gate.
As they walked away from the fortress, Kiki tapped Alan’s powered exoskeleton.
“If they die in large numbers, they’ll be a nuisance here and there. Human rights groups will rush in first, and the Soldos federal government will also make a statement to somehow interfere with the autonomous city.”
“This is an introduction.”
“Introduce yourself?”
“It’s about evacuating people in case of disaster.”
“Of course I know. It’s just a goblin joke. I read a lot of books too···.”
Now that I look at it, I see a faint light flickering inside Kiki’s artificial eyeball. It’s a phenomenon that occurs when she communicates or connects to the universe.
Alan didn’t say anything, but Kiki, who had created an awkward atmosphere herself, continued to speak in an attempt to lighten the mood. She pointed to the buildings of major corporations in the distance.
“The guys sitting at the top judge human lives by numbers. Do you think the explorers’ lives were precious enough to vacate their workshops? They must have been calculating their gains and losses. Ugh!”
Kiki suddenly stopped breathing. The inside of his artificial eyeball rotated and increased the magnification. Alan also naturally turned back.
Krrrr!
There were no clouds, so it was impossible for thunder to be heard for no reason. As expected, a spectacular explosion occurred in the fortress.
Alan focused his magic power into his left eye and expanded his vision.
Something soared into the sky. It was a figure clad in a black cloak, exactly like the first image that came to mind when you heard the word reaper.
The dazzling magic and thick beams of light following the messenger of death exploded like snakes, and the air twisted by the tremendous heat distorted the scenery.
The cloud of flames created by the chain of explosions grew larger and larger, rising high into the sky.
The heat was felt even from afar by Alan. If there had been a building nearby, the shock wave would have shattered all the windows.
The people nearby quickly crouched down or used something to hide themselves. After some time, Kiki’s voice was heard from behind Alan.
“Is he dead?”
As soon as he finished speaking, the god of death stepped out of the cloud of flames and extended his hand forward. One of the rings on each finger flashed and opened the teleportation gate, and the god of death disappeared inside.
There must have been a magic distortion barrier spread out in the fortress. If so, it meant that the power or magic density of the Grim Reaper, or rather the Collector, exceeded it.
“Did you see it just now? What principle is used to break through the barrier···.”
Alan stopped his lips.
Kiki was broadcasting outdoors using her artificial eye as a camera. She also displayed a holographic screen in front of her to communicate in real time with viewers.
“Viewers. If you’ve come, please like and subscribe.”
Despite Kiki’s pleas, the viewers were busy talking to each other, captivated by the splendid and overwhelming spectacle.
Santa3500t: What just happened? How did it disappear? You can’t use space magic there.
Rudolph is free: I don’t know anything. If you search a little, you’ll find out why.
Santa 3D500t: If you’re not going to answer, then shut up. Doesn’t anyone know?
Shan Hai Jing: Do you know why collectors are collectors?
Santa Claus is 3,500 tons: He collects brains.
Shan Hai Jing: Oh, right. You’re not asking this knowingly, are you? The crystal in the ring he wears contains a human brain.
Santa 3500t: How?
Mountain and Sea Classic: You must have used space compression magic. The teleportation gate that the Collector just used. To be exact, the ring that made it possible contains the brain of the former director of the Dongbunseozhu Space Magic Academy.
Santa 3 vs 500t: Give me a summary.
Rudolph is free: I knew it. A guy like that is showing us what’s beautiful.
As the collector disappeared, the overheated chat window gradually cooled down, and only Kiki’s sad voice echoed.
“I didn’t even charge an admission fee, so I hope you enjoyed it. Please like and subscribe…”
As the viewership rapidly drops, Kiki’s hopes end in vain. The moment a dejected Kiki lowers her head and turns off the hologram.
Goblin Slayer: I did it.
A short chat came up. Of course, Kiki, who was looking at the ground, didn’t notice it. Since the broadcast was turned off, she wouldn’t know unless she watched it again.
Alan hesitated to say something, but decided to hold back because he thought he might as well send a message to one of them.
Kiki pouts.
“It was a nice sight.”
“It was quite spectacular for a fireworks display.”
“It looks pretty from afar. If it were up close, it would melt… Look at that. That.”
Kiki clicked her tongue. It had been a while since the collector disappeared, and now the explorers were entering the labyrinth.
Was it just a day or two that money was scarier than death? Alan shrugged and headed to the labyrinth station.
*
There were three achievements from this expedition.
Information that the ability works even in caves.
The fact that there are many dangerous people in the labyrinth, so you must be thoroughly prepared.
A magical training method that François is learning about.
I don’t know how good the magic training method will be, but it will be much better than anything that Nobak has taught me.
‘There is enough money.’
Since I had a lot of magic stones and soul stones, I didn’t have to worry about living expenses or book purchases for a while.
Of course, the interpretation of the special characters was an exception. Now that I have the introductory and elementary interpretations in mind, the next one is the intermediate interpretation.
‘How come there are seven zeros in one book?’
Star characters were a difficult and expensive subject. I could see why so many people gave up and why there were so few people who could handle them.
Even if he could memorize the beginner’s interpretation, he wouldn’t have to worry about food, but Alan’s ultimate goal was not to be content, but to acquire information, explore, and heal.
‘You say you’re resting, but you’re thinking about work…’
Alan shook his head. His brain seemed to have become addicted to danger. The thrill of the thrill was so great that it made other pleasures fade.
I opened my eyes to break free from my workaholic mindset. The vine chair, which was designed to maintain its optimal shape to fit the human body, was swaying.
I could see the demon through the fluff that was stuck like an electrode. She happened to be looking this way too.
“You look so happy.”
“···.”
“No? You always have that sullen expression on your face, so I should be able to tell what you’re thinking….”
The fairy was knitting. It wasn’t an ordinary task, but it was making a filter for the gas mask that Alan was wearing.
While other explorers were suffering from the stench of the warlock’s burning body, Alan was able to smell a refreshing scent thanks to the filter.
When the tiny fairies handed over threads made by twisting plant fibers, the fairy created a natural filter by tightly intertwining the threads.
It was reminiscent of the tapestry hanging near the entrance. The wall hanging made of living vines had the effect of purifying even magic.
There was a reason why people who had no intention of buying medicine were kicked out after loitering around for hours.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I didn’t know that Yohwa-nim also did manual work. I heard that mass production is the norm for a pharmaceutical workshop this famous.”
“Of course there are restrictions on the underground facilities. But can such facilities capture the information of a person’s body that changes from moment to moment?”
“What about MRI?”
“The machine wasn’t that great. I’m just saying this just in case, but I’m not a machine person. So don’t get me wrong. It’s true.”
Just then, the fairy’s knitting stopped. The fairies who had been handing over the yarn puffed out their cheeks and placed their hands on their waists.
“Evil boss!”
“Guarantee free time!”
“Death without snacks!”
The fairies swarmed in, screaming, turning pale in the face and running away to another area.
‘What on earth did you see?’
Since Alan could only see the back of the fairy, he couldn’t tell what expression she had on her face.
The fairy turned around and showed off her usual lady-like elegance.
“Oh my. A while ago, a group of protesters passed by and turned up the loudspeaker loudly. When they heard the slogans, they started repeating them.”
“Do you give me a break?”
“Of course. Work for 30 minutes, rest for 30 minutes. Start at 10am, finish at 5pm. Lunch is an hour.”
Fairies have a childlike side, but they are good at using magic instinctively, so if you can get them to do it well, they can be great workers. Although, they are so mischievous that sometimes you want to scold them.
“It’s cute.”
“They’re cute. They’re older than you. Wait, their eyes are somehow rude.”
Alan just shrugged. He didn’t mention that he remembered his 70-year-old grandmother calling Yohwa her sister.
Coincidentally, the body information collection was over, and the fluff on Alan’s body flew away. Alan got up from the chair and put on the jacket he had hung on the tree.
“Thanks to you, the rating of the improved blood-sal-i-kkot has improved tremendously. This is a gift.”
The wizard handed over a first aid kit. It was filled with medicine essential for exploring the labyrinth.
Although these medicines are made entirely of natural ingredients that have not undergone any chemical processes, their efficacy, onset time, and duration are excellent.
“Take care of yourself. I think I’d like to lock you up and feed you only natural food.”
“My true feelings have been revealed.”
The fairy smiled strangely and went into the tree. It was a movement worthy of the painter, the flower fairy.
Alan went outside, avoiding the fairies spraying tree sap with water guns. The air in Western Sky was so good that he felt his head clearer every time he came here.
Thanks to that, I had roughly finished planning the next magical tool I was going to make, so the only thing left to do was put it into practice.
‘It’s more cumbersome than you think to carve runes into an iron plate and throw it like a card.’
A means of striking enemies from further away and with greater precision was needed.
There happened to be a thing called a magic bullet in the market. It was literally a bullet filled with magic.
But how big would the bullet be? The magic contained within it was weaker than the magic used by Ebi, and because of the detailed process, the price of the magic bullet was fierce.
Firepower can be filled with numbers, but the biggest problem was the balance that shrank every time the trigger was pulled. If you caught one automaton, the price of the bullets consumed could be the equivalent of two units.
The fundamental reason why Matan is expensive is the price difference between the place of origin and the place of final consumption and the technology applied inside.
But Alan didn’t have to worry about distribution or technology.
‘You can just make it yourself.’
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