Published: January 22, 2026
“Amuntzarse” is recognized by the public as one of the world’s most notorious criminal organizations, having killed a large number of explorers.
They insist that the Great Labyrinth must not be conquered and forcibly obstruct any attempts to clear it by eliminating promising explorers.
“We’ve already engaged with Amuntzarse,” I replied.
“...What?”
Mr. Warren’s eyes sharpened at my answer.
“The guild seemed to have controlled the information, but haven’t you heard? About six months ago, there were reports that Amuntzarse was active in the Great Southern Labyrinth.”
“Ah, I’ve heard of that. But the mortality rate of advanced explorers was only slightly higher than usual, so it was concluded to be within the margin of error. I thought it was just a rumor…”
“It is true that they appeared in the Great Southern Labyrinth. Shortly after the silver rabbits of the night sky conquered the 92nd floor, I was targeted by them. I was lucky to escape, but if fate had been unkind, I might have died right then.”
The one who targeted me was the Robe Woman—Shion Nastathium.
I believe I was spared in that battle.
I still don’t know why, but if I had continued fighting, I was clearly at a disadvantage and would likely have lost.
I’m confident I’ve grown since then, but even now, whether I could stand toe-to-toe with her and win is uncertain.
Her magic and supernatural abilities are that threatening.
There’s a strange connection between us—being spared, even fighting alongside each other at times.
However, since she is a member of Amuntzarse, she is naturally an enemy to me, an explorer.
That must never be mistaken.
“I see. Hearing this clears up some things. I felt through the mock battle that, for an explorer, you are quite adept at PvP. So you had already been preparing for a fight with Amuntzarse.”
More precisely, it was in anticipation of a fight with the Cyclamen Cult, but indeed, I hadn’t ruled out the possibility of facing Amuntzarse again.
No need to correct that.
“That’s right. I have no intention of quitting as an explorer, so I wanted to gain experience in PvP, assuming the worst. Today’s mock battle was truly a valuable experience for me. Thank you again for sparring with me.”
“If it helped you even a little, then I don’t feel bad about it. …Though, to think you already drove off Amuntzarse. Looks like I was meddling unnecessarily.”
“Meddling unnecessarily?”
“As I said earlier, I planned to warn you about the possibility of Amuntzarse attacking the silver rabbits of the night sky. But in reality, it's already over. And since you’re training with future attacks in mind, well, it was meddling on my part.”
“No, you took time out of your busy schedule to come here, so I am grateful, not feeling it was meddling.”
That was truly how I felt.
Today’s experience definitely contributed to my growth.
“...Hey, just out of curiosity, how did you drive off Amuntzarse? I might offend you, but I honestly thought Selma-chan would die if attacked by them. That’s why I didn’t call her here.”
Selma would die…?
Does Mr. Warren believe the entire first squad fought Amuntzarse?
“Sorry, I think there’s a misunderstanding. I was the only one who fought Amuntzarse. The other first squad members did not engage with them. It seems I was their sole target six months ago.”
“What? So Selma-chan didn’t fight them?”
“Yes. That was a confusing explanation. I apologize.”
“No, the misunderstanding was on my part. …I see, after Dawnlight, the rabbits haven’t been attacked by them either. Yet Orun Dura was targeted individually. What’s going on?”
Mr. Warren muttered to himself, looking down as if lost in thought.
While he was absorbed in his own world, I replayed everything he had said in my mind.
I felt I was close to understanding why he called only me here.
The reason he doesn’t want Selma to hear this is exactly what he said earlier: if Amuntzarse fought the first squad, Selma’s life would be at extreme risk.