Published: September 9, 2025
※10/20 Typo corrections made.
This is Satou. In MMOs and browser games, there are wonderful items like 200% experience gain. In games, experience gain is just multiplied by a coefficient, so implementing this is surprisingly simple. I'm curious about how the potion that raises levels, which I saw on the black market, actually works.
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Right after the Labyrinth Front Army arrived, one of the guards went out as a messenger. So, in front of the labyrinth gate, about three high-level staff members from the Explorer's Guild were waiting. Though "high-level" meant they were around level 30 to 35.
“Is... is that Rudaman of the ‘Mad Demon Axe’?!”
“Is that Rudaman, the king of bandits?”
The high-level staff member, who had confirmed the bearded leader with the Yamato Stone, looked extremely surprised. Is the king of bandits like a weaker version of a pirate king?
“Sir Noble, it’s your great achievement. Rudaman is a vicious bandit who has repeatedly defeated all the hunting parties sent after him.”
“The bounty amount must have exceeded 100 gold coins by now.”
That's about the price of a Demonic Sword. The demon axe we confiscated earlier might be worth more.
“Well then, sir noble. We will take responsibility for escorting these bandits to the West Guild. Please stop by later.”
“Yes, understood. Thank you.”
The bearded leader was taken away by the three high-level staff members. The low-level bandits were checked by the Yamato Stone and then escorted out in small groups of about five by members of the Labyrinth Front Army.
The reason I didn't go with them was that half of the noble youths collapsed in front of the zigzagging grand stairs, and I needed to wait for them to be carried out by the guards.
Only Jans and Mary Ann managed to return on their own, while the princess was carried up by Lulu. Everyone else, except me and Lulu, said “we still have today’s quota” and returned to the 11th section. The two beautiful ones screamed but were led away by Pochi and Tama.
“Lord Satou! Your level has increased! The labyrinth truly is amazing.”
“Congratulations, Princess Meteor. How about Jans and Mary Ann?”
Princess Meteor came back after checking their stats with the Yamato Stone. If they could return to normal in such a short time, maybe they’re suited to being explorers. I also asked the two who came back, but Jans shook his head, denying my question.
“No, the only thing we defeated was a single maze moth.”
Mary Ann, who seemed troubled, suddenly asked decisively:
“Sir Noble, how can I become as strong as your retainers?”
“Through training and real combat. Those kids begged famous warriors in the Duke's Capital and expert members of the fairy tribe for guidance, training relentlessly without sleep. They also became stronger by surviving reckless real battles, nearly dying in these and other labyrinths.”
Yeah, I’m probably telling the truth. Power leveling and such are a secret.
“I see, it’s real combat after all...”
“Let me warn you, if you try to get stronger through real combat now, you’ll probably die within a month.”
“W-what do you know about me?!”
Mary Ann muttered worriedly. Concerned, I gave her a warning. She seemed shocked by my words and emotionally protested.
I only know her surface personality, but judging by her level and skills, if surrounded by multiple monsters, she’d definitely die. She’s level 3 with only etiquette skills.
By the way, Jans next to her has a Bronze Badge but is level 4, with only social and horseback riding skills. How he got the Bronze Badge is a mystery.
“You should try hiding your identity and attend a dojo in the city. Work hard for about a month, and once you gain confidence, try the labyrinth again.”
“Are you saying my swordsmanship is just a game to you?”
“Mary Ann, stop it now. It’s inappropriate to get involved with Sir Pendragon.”
Mary Ann kept pushing but Jans admonished her, and reluctantly she apologized to me. She seemed ready to train and asked which dojo would be good. I’d seen some open-air dojos in vacant lots in the city but didn’t know which was best, so I asked a staff member.