The most dangerous place in this world.
A place that the protagonist aims for, where all the evil of this world exists.
That place is called the Labyrinth, and the protagonist desperately climbs through it, confronting this evil.
‘Though the process is nauseatingly difficult.’
In doing so, he feels the destiny etched into him, uncovers the secrets of his birth, and eventually faces off against the final boss.
That is the main outline and story of ‘Dark Side Fantasy.’
‘It doesn’t really concern me much.’
It’s that kind of story, but honestly, the story isn’t that important.
I’m not the protagonist who’s been reincarnated or anything;
I’m just an extra.
In that sense, it’s the protagonist who needs to care about the story, not me.
So, what’s important to me is just how malevolent this Labyrinth is.
To survive in this world, whether I like it or not, I have no choice but to enter the Labyrinth.
‘Why the Labyrinth is terrifying…’
Then why exactly is the Labyrinth so feared?
What could possibly be in the Labyrinth that makes people so afraid?
You could ask that, and the answer would be, ‘Everything is there.’
Everything is there, so it’s a truly terrifying place.
I’ve actually played the game and seen all sorts of things inside the Labyrinth, and I’ve died dozens, if not hundreds, of times.
It’s a maddening space.
‘Honestly, it’s really scary.’
That’s why I can’t help but be scared now.
Even the fully prepared protagonist had a hard time, and now I, a mere extra, am supposed to go into the Labyrinth and come back?
Objectively speaking, there’s no better way to commit suicide.
‘But I still need to check.’
However, I still intend to go in and come back.
The reason is to confirm whether this world is truly the dark fantasy world I know, but it’s not a sudden decision.
In fact, I’ve been thinking about it for a long time.
‘I’ve always wanted to go in at least once.’
There are several reasons, but originally, I planned to leave my family and become a Labyrinth explorer.
If it’s the Labyrinth, there are plenty of ways for me to become stronger.
It’s not for nothing that I said everything is in the Labyrinth.
There are truly terrifying things, but depending on the situation, I can also obtain items that can make me stronger.
That’s one of the reasons I decided to enter the Labyrinth.
‘No, I had to enter.’
Actually, there’s one most important reason: if I don’t go into the Labyrinth, there’s no chance of survival.
Why do you think this world is called a dark fantasy world?
The idea that outside the Labyrinth is safe should have been crumpled up and thrown in the trash long ago.
Thinking of surviving safely outside the Labyrinth without doing anything?
You’ll face the most horrific death imaginable in this world.
Ironically, the Labyrinth in this dark fantasy is both the most dangerous and the safest place.
That’s the second reason I want to enter the Labyrinth.
‘And what if this is actually a romantic comedy world?’
Even with these reasons, I’d still be scared to enter the Labyrinth, but now that fear has lessened.
After experiencing various embarrassing incidents, I’m starting to feel a glimmer of possibility.
What if this world isn’t the dark fantasy setting I thought it was?
Maybe I’ve mistaken the genre, and this world is much gentler than I thought.
If that’s the case, I’m confident I could clear the Labyrinth in a day.
In that sense, I think it’s okay to enter the Labyrinth once.
It’s good to be sure about things.
‘Let’s go.’
Once I’ve made up my mind, I don’t intend to drag it out.
I’ve decided to enter the Labyrinth.
Right away, tomorrow.
###
‘I’ve become an adult and obtained an explorer’s license.’
Although the Labyrinth is an absurd place, the entry conditions are quite simple.
Just become an adult and get a license from the Labyrinth Association.
They issue licenses to almost anyone, and unless there’s something seriously wrong, anyone can become a Labyrinth explorer.
‘Well, of course.’
You might ask, if the Labyrinth is so dangerous, why is it so easy to become a Labyrinth explorer?
It’s precisely because the Labyrinth is dangerous that they issue explorer licenses so easily.
Originally, being a Labyrinth explorer isn’t a popular job.
In fact, it’s more accurate to say it’s a job people avoid.
Why? You might wonder, but isn’t it obvious?
People always prefer a stable and steady income.
That’s a basic human principle that transcends time, and it was the same in the world I originally lived in.
So, in a dark fantasy world, it’s even more so.
Therefore, being a Labyrinth explorer can never be a popular job in this world.
In fact, the number of Labyrinth explorers has been decreasing every year.
‘There are various incentive policies.’
But from the empire’s perspective, this isn’t a good situation.
The economy relies on people entering the Labyrinth.
Given the significant role the Labyrinth plays in the empire’s economic structure, the empire had to implement policies to encourage Labyrinth exploration.
One particularly useful policy is a 30% tax cut on Labyrinth income for parties that include new Labyrinth explorers.
Even in the game, veterans often carried newbies because of this.
So, finding a party wasn’t too difficult for me.
“What’s this? You don’t look very enthusiastic. If you’re just here as a porter with half-baked ideas, go back.”
A red-haired woman with a longsword, looking at me with a frown.
She didn’t seem too welcoming, sighing as she looked at me.
“Don’t be like that, Kylie. You shouldn’t say such things to a new porter.”
“Right. At a time when Labyrinth explorers are decreasing, we should welcome newcomers. Plus, there are benefits to having a new adventurer with us.”
Her companions seemed to welcome me.
One skinny man and one relatively chubby man.
They clearly knew the benefits of having me around.
“Fine. I’ll take you. But if you fall behind, I’ll leave you at any time.”
Even the party leader, Kylie, knew the benefits.
She wasn’t exactly hoping for a newcomer, but she had no choice.
After some persuasion from her companions, she finally agreed to take me.
“Haha. I’ll be in your care.”
And so, my first party was formed.
I planned to go into the dungeon with them today.
‘I’m quite anxious…’
But honestly, it’s not a very satisfying party.
Just look at them; they’re all pretty much rookies, aren’t they?
People who call others rookies are usually rookies themselves.
They try to assert dominance unnecessarily, so they don’t seem very competent.
I can’t help but wish I could join a better party, but what can I do?
What connections or resources do I have?
I’ll just have to be satisfied.
‘But it’s just the first floor, so it should be fine, right?’
Besides, it’s a party that only goes near the entrance of the first floor.
I believe it’s safer than a party that goes deep into the Labyrinth.
‘They’re Labyrinth explorers too.’
Also, they’re Labyrinth explorers who have decided to set foot in the Labyrinth, aren’t they?
I should never look down on or underestimate them.
Honestly, despite all the ominous rumors about the Labyrinth, deciding to enter it is worthy of respect.
‘Well, they must be desperate.’
Of course, their reason isn’t just bravery; it’s because this world is a brutally hard game, and without entering the Labyrinth, they can’t handle the heavy taxes.
But still, deciding to enter the Labyrinth is their choice.
At least they’re struggling to live like humans.
I have a lot of respect for such people.
‘Assuming this world is the dark fantasy I know…’
Of course, my assessment might be exaggerated.
Right now, I’m in a state of doubt.
About whether this world is truly a dark fantasy world.
Even as I enter the Labyrinth, part of me hopes this world might be a gentler one.
‘If a monster appears, I’ll know…’
Right now, I’m wandering around the first floor with my party.
Maybe a very gentle monster will appear and shout, ‘This world isn’t a dark fantasy world!’
Of course, monsters that can speak human language are extremely rare, so they might not tell me verbally, but perhaps through their actions?
I hope such a monster appears…
“Newbie. What are you thinking about?”
“Ah, nothing. By the way, ahead…”
“Whoa!”
Just then, a monster appeared.
A massive body with several squishy legs.
‘A tentacle monster?’
No doubt about it.
That appearance is unmistakably a tentacle monster, a staple in fantasy.
I was a bit startled by its sudden appearance, but I was filled with hope.
After all, that’s a monster that often appears in adult games, right?
‘Huh? Could it be?’
Seeing that monster, a glimmer of hope appeared.
Could it be that this world I’ve been reincarnated into isn’t a dark fantasy world?
Maybe I mistook this cheap adult game for a dark fantasy?
As I thought that, the tentacle monster began to act, as if answering my question.
“Why… why is such a monster near the entrance of the first floor? Aaaah!!!”
The tentacle monster easily subdued Kylie.
The tentacle monster grabbed Kylie’s arms and legs, restraining her.
And it forcibly spread her legs.
“You bastard… what are you trying to do by spreading my legs?”
Her face full of shame, her panties visible.
Perhaps the tentacle monster will violate Kylie in various ways?
At this point, I was reflecting on how I might have been wrong for 20 years, but…
Splash-
“…”
“But that didn’t happen.”
The atmosphere froze instantly.
“Eek!!!?”
“Kyaaaah!!!!”
Kylie was [redacted] by the tentacle monster.
Her party members screamed and ran away.
I also ran without looking back, thinking.
‘This world is definitely a dark fantasy world.’