Published: September 10, 2025
"Let's begin the new recruit training!"
The instructor shouted to the many rookie explorers gathered around.
There were over a hundred boys and girls in the plaza.
"First, let's talk about essential items! Can anyone tell me what they are?!"
When the instructor asked, voices erupted among the new explorers: "Weapons!" "Smoke bombs!" "Flash bombs!" "Knives for dismantling!"
Smoke bombs and flash bombs, huh... Come to think of it, my little sister also told me to prioritize getting those over other gear.
I had completely forgotten.
Since arriving in Labyrinth City, I guess I got a little carried away.
"Well, those are important too, but there's something even more essential!"
The instructor gestured for quiet, waiting for the voices to die down before continuing.
"That is water! Always carry a canteen! There are places inside the labyrinth where you can draw water, so memorize the map of your exploration area beforehand. People can survive without food, but without water, you'll die!"
At the instructor’s words, someone nearby protested, "You can die without food too!"
For those from mountain villages, it's common knowledge that during bad harvest years, people starve to death.
"Sorry, sorry, it’s a matter of degree. You can last four or five days without food, but you won't last that long without water."
After saying that, the instructor went on to explain about types of canteens and precautions.
"Always wash your canteen when you return from exploration! A dirty canteen invites illness! Don’t think you can fight monsters with a stomach ache!"
My sister had told me the same.
She always told me to keep things as clean as possible.
"I heard some advanced explorers carry magical artifacts that, when you channel magic power through them, water springs forth."
Zaki, who was sitting nearby and seemed knowledgeable, whispered this to me.
Water is fairly heavy, so it makes sense such a handy tool was invented.
"Also, always bring a torch or lantern!"
"Ehh, if there are signposts, it's already bright, right?"
Immediately, a rookie who had been to the labyrinth complained.
"Don't assume signposts are always there! Besides, even where signposts exist, there are always shadows where light doesn’t reach. Monsters like shadow goblins ambush from these dark spots. Always illuminate shadows and check for safety! Don’t be lazy about crossing carefully! That’s what separates explorers who come back alive from those who don’t!"
Listening to the instructor, I recalled my first trip into the labyrinth.
Indeed, there were plenty of shadows—cracks in the walls, corners behind pillars, piles of rubble.
If monsters had been lurking there, someone would’ve been ambushed and injured for sure.
"Lanterns are fragile if handled roughly, so for rookies, use torches. Torches can also be weapons and can keep slimes at bay!"
"Eh, slimes are just weaklings!"
"Have you ever fought a slime?"
The instructor’s words made the complaining explorer shake his head.
"The labyrinth slimes are nothing like the harmless ones in city waterways or garbage dumps. It’s extremely difficult to kill them with weapons, and they’re unexpectedly agile. If they cling to you, their secretions of acid or poison will cause terrible harm."
I understand. Even in the village, we were warned to be cautious during mountain walks.
I hate leeches, but slimes are worse. There was even a common story told to kids before mountain climbing about a rookie hunter who was eaten by slimes when alone in the mountains.
"Don’t sit directly on the labyrinth floor when tired. In some places, worm-like monsters come out from between the cobblestones and suck your blood. If one bites you, burn it off quickly with fire. Leaving it be will let it tear through your flesh and burrow inside."
Ugh, I just imagined it.
The labyrinth seems far more dangerous than I thought.
"If you get the chance, wrap leather around your waist and hips as protection. Some creatures come around from behind, so if you feel something odd on your rear, stand up immediately."