I went to the library, borrowed a ton of books about labyrinths, and returned to my room.
Since I couldn’t skip evening prayers, I visited the library afterward, which made it quite late.
Even though I needed to sleep soon to wake up early the next day, I didn’t turn off the lights and opened a book.
The Bishop had told me to make a decision by the next day, so if not now, there wouldn’t be any time left.
“The truth is, the answer’s already decided.”
Even if I refuse now, it would only mean a few months of peace before I ultimately have to go to the labyrinth for training.
How could I rebel against what the Holy Nation has ordained?
Following orders without question is all that a lowly priest like me can do.
“So, what exactly is this place called the labyrinth?”
To know what a labyrinth is, I have to learn about “labyrinths” first.
“A place created to imprison something.”
A place from where no one can ever escape.
In our world, it is assumed that labyrinths were made to seal away monsters.
“Then the labyrinth must be teeming with monsters. Monsters that have been confined for 300 years, no less.”
Was sealing them away really a good thing?
Wouldn’t it have been better to steadily hunt the monsters within the labyrinth?
But, if they weren’t sealed, they’d spill out into the outside world, so it was probably inevitable.
“Does the labyrinth’s existence mean there are fewer monsters outside?”
Monsters do exist in this world, but it’s rare to see them where people live.
It’s believed that they live in densely forested areas where they battle among themselves, far from human settlements. Cases of people being killed by monsters are extremely rare.
‘I never seriously thought about why there are so few monsters.’
Learning about the labyrinth made me feel like I understood why the world is so peaceful.
“So this is a map of the labyrinth. Fascinating.”
Surprisingly, the books I borrowed from the library contained detailed information about the labyrinth.
Finding an old labyrinth map, in particular, was an unexpected discovery.
“Who would’ve thought a book like this would be in a small-town library?”
Although it’s called a library, it’s practically a children’s library with loads of picture books.
According to the librarian, this was the first time in 60 years that the book had been borrowed.
By the way, the library was built 60 years ago.
“Hmm.”
I focused back on the book.
The appearance of the monsters emerging from the labyrinth was utterly horrifying.
There are even people who make a living hunting these monsters, which I find impressive.
The problem is, it looks like I’m about to become one of those people.
“Although it’s not like I’ll be the one directly catching them…”
Even treating simple ailments leaves me exhausted; how much fatigue will I accumulate treating injuries in the labyrinth?
‘And dealing with people is the real hardship.’
Ultimately, it will be mercenaries or knights who hunt the monsters, and it’s obvious that people in such rough lines of work won’t have the gentlest personalities.
‘It might be best to delay going to the labyrinth as long as possible.’
The harshness and dread emanating from the illustrations make me feel intimidated.
Even as a devout follower, I doubt they can protect a fragile priest like me from these people.
I spent the entire night absorbed in the books.
Finally, after turning the last page, I let out a deep sigh.
If the labyrinth is truly the place described in this book, as a healer, I’m bound to be dragged into it.
It’s clear that the Holy Nation will send healers there to exert influence over the labyrinth.
‘Monsters are not only a threat to the world, but they also bring in money.’
And the fact that they “bring in money” is the most important part.
Various people will move to conquer the labyrinth under the guise of ensuring the world’s safety.
The labyrinth is a neutral zone, not belonging to any nation.
Until it closes again, this neutral zone will hold immense political influence.
“They may have sent an official letter asking for voluntary applicants, but if there aren’t enough, they’ll likely resort to forced enlistment.”
Wouldn’t it be a bit more dignified to volunteer than to be dragged in?
I understood why the Bishop hadn’t given any specific instructions and just allowed me time to think.
‘He must have known that I would assess the situation and eventually accept.’
There was no need for him to waste words on something he already knew would happen.
‘I can never outmaneuver the Bishop.’
As always, I realized I was just flailing around in his hands, which made me chuckle bitterly.
“I’ll go.”
“As soon as you sign here, it’s settled.”
The Bishop opened the door, and without even reacting to my sudden declaration, he simply handed me a paper to sign.
“Am I going alone, though?”
I couldn’t understand why, out of all the healers affiliated with the Palmore Church, I was the only one going.
“No one other than Priest Arthur volunteered.”
“Not a single person? That’s strange. If they have to go anyway, it’d be better to go early and secure a place.”
Looking at the situation, they should be able to tell what would be advantageous later on.
There are more hesitant people than I thought.
“If you don’t want to volunteer, you don’t have to. If you want to change your mind, you still can.”
“…No, I’ve already decided to go. But is it alright for the position of head healer to be left vacant if I leave?”
“We can’t hold back someone who’s going to do something important. Don’t worry about this place; make sure you’re well-prepared for the journey.”
“Yes. The departure date hasn’t been set yet, right?”
“Yes, though it probably won’t be much longer.”
The Bishop tucked the signed paper into his chest pocket.
It will take some time for that paper to reach the Holy Nation and for the order to be issued for me to head to the labyrinth.
As the Bishop said, I need to prepare by then…
‘What kind of preparations do I need for going to the labyrinth?’
Though I read books about the labyrinth, I didn’t know what to prepare for such an unknown experience, so nothing came to mind.
“Should I bring a few vials of holy water from the Bishop?”
Since I have no idea what might happen inside the labyrinth, I thought I might as well bring whatever I could.
The holy water made by the Bishop has a long shelf life and is effective for exorcisms.
‘If I tell him I want to take it for the labyrinth, he’d probably make it for me.’
But my plan to prepare thoroughly was thrown into disarray when someone suddenly came to take me.
As the Bishop mentioned, the day of departure for the labyrinth arrived much sooner than I expected.
“The Servant of the Sun greets the Bishop.”
“May the blessing of the Sun God be with you. I don’t know what brings you here, but please come inside. Welcome.”
The representatives from the Holy Nation, after greeting the Bishop, revealed the reason for their visit.
“We are here to take Priest Arthur with us.”
Me?
“You’re here to take Priest Arthur… This must be related to the labyrinth.”
“Yes, Bishop. We are en route to the labyrinth.”
Already?
“I’m concerned that Priest Arthur might not be fully prepared yet.”
The Bishop’s gaze fell on me.
The eyes of the people standing opposite naturally followed and focused on me as well.
By now, they must have realized who Priest Arthur was.
“Arrangements have been made to ensure you’ll be comfortable during your stay. You only need to bring yourself.”
“So, it seems the day the labyrinth opens isn’t too far off.”
“…Due to security reasons, I’m afraid I cannot disclose the exact date. I apologize.”
It was rare to see something even kept from the Bishop, who oversees the church.
This only underscored how seriously the Holy Nation regarded the matter of the labyrinth.
“What use would such information be to an old man like me?”
“Thank you for understanding. Honestly, we’re fortunate that Priest Arthur volunteered.”
“Our Priest Arthur is quite skilled.”
“He certainly is talented, but more importantly, there were very few healers who volunteered, which put us in a difficult position.”
It seemed gathering personnel to head to the labyrinth was harder than expected.
‘What? There were few healer volunteers?’
Did I volunteer for nothing?
Listening to the conversation between the Bishop and the representatives, my heart gradually sank.
“Since there’s so little known about the labyrinth, it appears that many priests wanted to proceed with caution.”
“…Yes, it seems that way.”
I felt a lot of meaning hidden within that brief silence.
If not for the books, I wouldn’t have known anything about the labyrinth and wouldn’t have been able to decide so easily, either.
“It’s truly a shame. If only I were ten years younger, I would have signed up with Priest Arthur myself.”
For the record, whether it was ten years ago or now, the Bishop’s snow-white hair and wrinkles hadn’t changed much.
“We feel the same way. If you were with us, Bishop, we would have felt incredibly reassured.”
After a brief exchange of flattery, their gazes turned to me.
“Priest Arthur.”
“Yes, Bishop.”
The Bishop finally called upon me, the one who was being dragged off to the labyrinth.
“Brother! It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Even though we had been exchanging glances since earlier, he greeted me like it was our first time meeting.
“May the blessing of the Sun God be with you. I am Priest Arthur.”
“I am Knight Rafaelieut. Please, call me Sir Rafael.”
“Yes, Sir Rafael. So, you’re heading to the labyrinth.”
“That’s correct. Thanks to your support, we were able to move up the schedule. I appreciate it.”
“What impact could one person like me have? I feel quite overwhelmed by your praise upon meeting.”
What difference could I have made alone?
I sincerely hoped that was the case.
But Sir Rafael quickly dashed my hopes.
“No, you’ve truly been a great help. There are a total of eight healers who volunteered, but you, Priest Arthur, are the only head healer among them.”
“…”
So, according to Sir Rafael, it meant that I would have to lead the healers from now on.
Even though I had finally shed my trainee label, I was still a fledgling in every sense.
‘I’m the most senior?’
It was a moment that made me want to go back in time to when I made the decision to volunteer and slap some sense into myself.