Chapter 10: Meet The Protagonist (4)

“Don’t treat people like trash… why would you say something like that?”

Although the protagonist suddenly said something somewhat strange, I didn’t pay much attention to it.

To be honest, I was quite used to hearing such things from her.

Over the past 20 years, as her childhood friend, whenever I tried to build up some affection for her, she would often flare up like that.

At first, I didn’t understand her behavior, but now I’ve honestly gotten quite used to it.

Of course, it’s not exactly pleasant to hear, but I don’t feel like complaining.

After all, right now, no matter what anyone says, I’m in a situation where I need her help.

She’s leading me to the entrance, protecting me from monsters.

“Here it comes.”

It seemed like a monster had appeared.

Ribel stopped.

Looking ahead of her, I saw a kobold blocking her path.

She began the battle as if it were routine.

# # #

[The kobold attacked Ribel.]

[Ribel dodged the attack.]

[Ribel’s sword struck the kobold.]

[Ribel activated her active skill: Double Slash]

[The kobold failed to dodge the attack.]

[The kobold took 588 damage.]

[The kobold was defeated.]

[Drop item: Kobold’s Magic Stone x1]

###

‘As expected, she’s amazing.’

Basically, the monsters on the first floor were no match for Ribel.

Although a few appeared, they were all swiftly defeated by her with a single strike.

I had guessed as much, but her current strength was truly impressive.

‘Of course.’

Originally, she wasn’t this strong at this point.

She is a somewhat overpowered character, but that’s only when she’s fully grown.

At the beginning of the adventure, she wouldn’t have been able to take down kobolds with a single strike like this.

The reason she could do so now was actually thanks to me.

‘I invested a lot in her.’

Despite how I may seem, I am Ribel’s childhood friend, and I had once decided to make her my ally.

I knew that building up the protagonist’s affection wasn’t that difficult, so I thought it was a sure thing.

That’s why I subtly passed on various methods for her to grow stronger.

Of course, since it was before she started exploring the labyrinth, she hadn’t become incredibly strong yet, but it must have been a great help to her.

It’s no wonder Ribel is this strong at this point.

‘I didn’t think my investment would go to waste.’

Of course, looking back now, I feel like I worked hard only to give it all away.

I wish I could have somehow brought her to my side, but who knew it would turn out like this?

Every time I see her, I can’t help but feel regret.

‘No matter how I think about it, there’s no one like her…’

Honestly, I believe there’s no substitute for Ribel.

Of course, you could argue that she’s the protagonist with overpowered skills, so naturally, there’s no substitute, but that’s not what I’m talking about.

What I find irreplaceable is her character.

Despite her rude behavior towards me, she is fundamentally a good person.

At the very least, she wouldn’t stab a comrade in the back.

That alone holds significant value.

This is a dark fantasy world.

In a world filled with villains, the merit of having a comrade who won’t betray you is immense.

‘The more one pursues good, the weaker they become.’

Moreover, in this world, the kinder you are, the weaker you tend to be, while the more evil or insane you are, the stronger you become.

Considering that, a protagonist who is both kind and strong is truly rare.

That’s why I feel so regretful. 

That I couldn’t become her comrade.

‘It doesn’t seem like a love comedy either.’

At best, I thought that if this world were a bit kinder, things might have turned out better.

But now, looking back, I realize that’s probably not the case.

This world is undeniably a dark fantasy, and even if there are situations that seem somewhat like a love comedy, you shouldn’t judge based on appearances.

‘I really messed up.’

So now, thinking about it, it sends shivers down my spine.

This world is undeniably a dark fantasy.

A world where good things never end well.

‘Thinking about it now, it’s really chilling.’

Those who treated me well, my sister and the head maid, perhaps they acted that way to bring me even greater despair?

For a moment, I reflect on my attempt to see this world as a love comedy.

Now, when I return to the mansion after escaping the labyrinth, how should I face them?

Seeing what they’ve done, they must be planning something terrible.

This is the point where deep contemplation begins.

“Sigh…”

At a time when I couldn’t help but sigh.

“Why are you sighing? Do you have any complaints?”

Seeing me like this, the protagonist furrowed her brows.

With a look that seemed to ask if I had any complaints despite her helping me like this, Ribel spoke.

“It’s nothing. I just thought for a moment that I’d like to stay with you forever.”

I casually shared my feelings with Ribel.

I really didn’t want to enter the mansion where a mid-boss and a hidden boss with unknown intentions were waiting.

“Wh-what are you talking about?”

“Huh?”

“You’ve always been like this… stop talking nonsense and just follow me quickly.”

Of course, the protagonist had no intention of staying with me.

As always, she turned her head away angrily.

And then, as if not wanting to waste any more time, she took the lead.

‘We’re almost at the entrance.’

After walking a bit more, we finally reached near the entrance.

After all, we had only been lingering near the entrance of the first floor of the labyrinth.

It didn’t take long to get to the entrance.

My escape was almost within sight, but…

“Doesn’t it look a bit dangerous?”

“Definitely not a monster that should be on the first floor.”

Unfortunately, it wasn’t over yet.

The final trial for my escape was right before my eyes.

Ribel and I had to stop upon seeing the monster near the entrance.

A monster with multiple tentacles writhing and moving sloppily.

Yes. It was the tentacle monster that had destroyed my first party.

‘Of all things, it had to be near the entrance.’

It was clearly not a monster that belonged on the first floor.

I’m not entirely sure, but it’s probably a monster from around the third floor, right?

Of course, it’s not a named or boss-level monster, so it’s not that strong, but it’s still an out-of-place monster for the first floor.

I couldn’t help but ask the protagonist, feeling a bit worried.

“What do you think?”

“It looks disgusting.”

“Can you win?”

“I’ll win.”

Ribel, declaring her victory, immediately charged at the tentacle monster.

Hmm… but isn’t that a defeat flag?

I had a slight doubt, but I decided to trust her for now.

# # #

[The tentacle monster spotted Ribel.]

[Tentacle monster’s tentacle grapple attack]

[Ribel dodged the attack.]

[Ribel counterattacked.]

[Tentacle monster took 87 damage.]

[Tentacle monster’s 7th tentacle was severed.]

[Tentacle monster activated active skill: Tentacle Whip]

[Ribel took a defensive stance.]

[Ribel took 8 damage.]

[Ribel took 7 damage.]

[Ribel took 10 damage.]

[Ribel took 9 damage.]

[Ribel dropped her defense and charged.]

[Ribel activated active skill: Power Slasher]

[Tentacle monster failed to dodge the attack.]

[Tentacle monster took 1009 damage.]

[Tentacle monster was defeated.]

[Tentacle monster dropped Tentacle Monster’s Magic Stone and Skill Crystal.]

###

‘She won after all?’

Although I was a bit worried seeing Ribel declare a defeat flag before the battle, it seems my worry was unnecessary.

The tentacle monster put up a good fight, but the Ribel I trained wouldn’t lose to such a creature.

After defeating the tentacle monster, we headed towards the entrance.

‘Now I can escape.’

Thanks to that, it seems I can escape now.

Once I pass through there, I should be able to leave the labyrinth.

It might sound presumptuous to say this after only lingering near the entrance of the first floor, but I’m just glad to have survived entering the labyrinth.

Now, I should say goodbye to Ribel, right?

After the battle, I approached Ribel, who was examining the tentacle monster.

“What’s this? I’ve never seen it before.”

Ribel was intently looking at something.

What is she looking at so intently?

Before I could check, Ribel looked at me and threw what she was holding.

“Hey. Rovan.”

“What?”

“Take it. I don’t want it; it’s gross.”

It was an ordinary-looking stone, quite sticky due to the tentacle monster’s fluid.

Apart from some engraved characters, there was nothing particularly special about the stone, which is why she so readily handed it to me.

But in reality, it wasn’t something to be given away so easily.

I knew the true value of this stone.

‘She’s giving me something this precious?’

So, I couldn’t help but be momentarily stunned.

This is incredibly valuable… and she’s giving it to me for free?

Does she not know what this is used for?