Published: January 22, 2026
The next day, when I woke up, the sun was already high in the sky.
Even though I had just been kicked out of the hero party, I was sleeping until noon—how carefree of me... I thought to myself with a hint of self-mockery.
Yesterday, I collapsed into bed as soon as I arrived at this inn, so I hadn't planned anything for the future.
While feeling a bit exasperated at my own boldness, I reviewed my current situation to make plans.
I still had quite a bit of money and sellable materials left over from my time in the hero party, so I could live without problems for a while.
However, no matter how tightly I budgeted, the remaining money wouldn’t last long enough for me to live without working forever.
So, I’d have to keep earning some money little by little from now on.
There are basically three ways to earn money.
The first is to continue as an explorer, just like before.
Across the continent, there are underground spaces called dungeons where demonic beasts appear.
People who delve into these dungeons and sell what they find to earn money are called explorers.
The items sold mainly include magic stones and demonic beast materials obtained from defeating demonic beasts, as well as ores and plants found inside the dungeons.
The second option is to get hired somewhere and take a steady job.
The money earned might be less, but the dangers are minimal, and a stable life is basically guaranteed—unless the employer is difficult to deal with.
The third option is for me to open a shop or something and earn by myself.
I have a few ideas that might make money, but the certainty is the lowest.
Still, it has the highest potential to earn a large amount of money.
“Among these choices, being an explorer is the only option, huh…”
Honestly, it wasn’t even a question.
I don’t particularly want to get rich, and the reason I came to this city was to become an explorer.
When I became an explorer, I was with Oliver, but I didn't follow him to become one.
I became an explorer of my own will.
Now, having decided to continue as an explorer, the first thing I need to do is understand my current strength.
Until yesterday, I was exploring dungeons as an enchanter.
There were various reasons I took on the role of enchanter, but it was largely because of party circumstances.
Since I no longer have to be bound by the hero party’s situation, starting today, I will return to being a swordsman.
Part of the reason I became an explorer was because I admired swordsman explorers, so this is non-negotiable.
When I was in the hero party, I was originally a swordsman.
Sure, before converting to enchanter, Oliver was stronger as a swordsman. Even now, if you just look at physical ability, he’s better.
But after practicing as an enchanter for a while, I believe I’m now several times stronger than when I quit being a swordsman.
Maybe even stronger than Oliver, who is called the sword saint.
That said, since I have a gap in practice, I first need to regain my feel for the sword.
Once I get my feel back, I should be able to easily make it through the middle layers of the Great Labyrinth alone.
“Come to think of it, I heard that a nearby dungeon was recently opened. It’s a good chance, so I’ll check it out.”
I decided to head to this newly discovered dungeon, gathered my exploration gear, and left the inn.
◇
No one really understands why dungeons exist.
They suddenly started appearing in various places several hundred years ago.
The internal structures of dungeons vary. Some have artificial stone corridors, some resemble caves, and others spread out like spaces above ground.
Most dungeons have similar structures continuing from about ten to thirty floors, but there are four exceptions on the continent.
These are the huge dungeons said to have a hundred floors, commonly called the Great Labyrinth.
In the Great Labyrinth, the scenery changes every so many floors, and the items you can gather also change drastically.
Because of this, it is said that if you explore the Great Labyrinth, you don’t need to explore other dungeons since you can obtain various demonic beast materials, magic stones, plants, and minerals there.