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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Yuziro
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The Seven Stars.
A title bestowed upon the strongest individuals, revered for their power to save the continent.
Out of the countless powerful figures, they were the most renowned group.
First Star, Rain Garden, the original Hero.
Second Star, Al Sola, the Archmage.
Third Star, Lian Serwin, the Saint.
Fourth Star, Odrox, the Shield of the Continent.
Fifth Star, Len Shri Kisron, the Raging Arrow.
Sixth Star, Merton Jin, the Scholar.
Seventh Star, Prometheus Mirgul, the Earth-Shatterer.
Although the first four Stars had retired from the frontlines, it was said that their power remained unmatched by any of the current generation of heroes, adventurers, and mercenaries.
For example, the Shield of the Continent, Odrox, despite returning to his hometown after retirement, getting married, and taking a long hiatus from combat training, was rumored to have single-handedly slain a ferocious wyvern in the mountains.
The Fifth Star hailed from the Adventurers’ Guild, the Sixth from the Magic Tower, and the Seventh from the mercenary world.
Despite their different origins, they all possessed skills, strength, and knowledge befitting their titles.
And now, these powerful individuals, whose names were recognized across the continent, were gathered in one place – the reception hall of the Hidin Dukedom.
Particles of light, appearing out of thin air, coalesced into two separate figures, slowly taking the form of Rain and Al Sola.
“Are we the last ones?”
Al Sola asked, running a hand through her hair.
Her tone was arrogant, as always, but no one dared to reprimand the Second Star.
“Sola! It’s been a while!”
Lian Serwin exclaimed, waving excitedly from her seat.
Her long, silver hair shimmered as she moved.
Al Sola waved back politely, but she couldn’t help but feel a surge of distrust towards the Saint.
A priestess whose motives were always shrouded in mystery.
She would act friendly and casual with them, while treating Ron with an almost sickening sweetness.
Her hair and eyes might have been a pure, shimmering silver, but her true intentions were impossible to discern.
A woman with a troubled past, the most painful among them.
That was the Lian Serwin that Al Sola knew.
Rain waved at Lian before taking a seat.
The moment she sat down, Odrox spoke.
“Rain, you haven’t changed a bit.”
“Is that a compliment? Thanks. It looks like you’ve got a few more tattoos. Have you gotten stronger?”
“Indeed. It seems the more I train, the more they appear.”
“Weren’t you receiving a divine message? You’re done with that?”
“…Yes. Speaking of which, Sola, you’re out of the Magic Tower, I see. Did you achieve your goal?”
“…Hehehe.”
“Rain! Sola! Lian! Odrox! It’s an honor to meet you all! My name is Len Shri Kisron! I’m an adventurer, and my weapon of choice is the bow!”
A woman, interrupting their conversation, introduced herself.
Her shoulder-length black hair, reminiscent of Ron’s, caught the attention of the four veterans.
Flustered by the sudden silence, Len quickly composed herself.
They don’t even acknowledge a lowly adventurer like me.
This is the true spirit of a hero…!
As Len basked in her self-imposed admiration, a man dressed in red robes entered the reception hall, breaking the awkward silence.
“…Thank you all for gathering here today, members of the Seven Stars. I know I’ve already explained the situation, but I’ll reiterate it once more.”
Despite his status as a duke, he bowed respectfully, his gaze sweeping across the faces of the Seven Stars before continuing.
He was especially pleased to see Al Sola, who rarely left the Magic Tower, and Lian, who had been secluded while receiving her divine message.
“Our continent has achieved peace with the defeat of the Demon King, our greatest threat. However, monsters continue to appear and gather in unmanaged areas, beyond our borders. We call them labyrinths.
And when a labyrinth remains unconquered for an extended period, it becomes what we call a Demonic Labyrinth.
Due to repeated failed attempts by adventurers, the monsters within gain experience and learn, eventually becoming powerful enough to threaten an entire nation.
The citizens are growing anxious because of the ever-expanding Demonic Labyrinths.
It might not be as severe as it was when the Demon King was alive, but the fear and uncertainty surrounding the unconquered labyrinths and the lack of a strong protector are growing.
We need your strength, the strength of the Seven Stars.
We need you to conquer these labyrinths, to show the people that they are not alone, that they are safe.
It might be a symbolic act, but it will serve as motivation for the disheartened Adventurers’ Guild and the citizens.”
After his lengthy explanation, Merton adjusted his glasses, his thin arm raised slightly as he asked a question.
“Which Demonic Labyrinth are we expected to conquer?”
“The ‘Labyrinth of Plates,’ a labyrinth currently expanding near Hidin’s borders,” the Duke replied, unfurling a scroll on the table.
“According to the surviving adventurers who explored it…”
He paused, his gaze sweeping across their faces.
“The entrance to the labyrinth appears randomly, and it’s currently located on a mountainside. Due to the nature of the Labyrinth of Plates, we believe it would be most efficient for you to explore it in pairs… What are your thoughts?”
“…Isn’t that a little dangerous?” Prometheus asked, voicing his concerns.
He was a former mercenary, accustomed to taking on dangerous missions for a hefty sum.
He believed it was best to avoid unnecessary risks.
“I agree.” Len said.
“Me too.” Merton added.
Odrox and Rian nodded in agreement.
They already had a majority vote.
But the two women who knew about Ron had other plans.
Alone, together.
Just the two of us.
The word ‘pairs’ sent a thrill through them.
They didn’t care about the labyrinth.
All that mattered was the thought of being alone with Ron inside that maze.
Rain was leaning towards the “let’s go together” option, concerned for their safety, but then she remembered what had transpired earlier.
Al Sola… she had started the whole thing, clinging to Ron as if she were the victim, acting all weak and helpless.
She had basked in his attention, allowing him to stroke her hair, even inhaling his scent.
She could handle this on her own.
Ignoring hed fading sense of duty as a hero, Rain slowly raised his hand.
“What the people need right now is reassurance that they are safe, that someone is protecting them. To achieve this, we need to conquer this labyrinth quickly and efficiently.”
“But what about the risks?” Prometheus argued.
“The Labyrinth of Plates is notorious for its complexity. What if we get separated, and someone who can’t use magic gets lost? It would be a devastating loss.”
“And the monsters… they’re dangerous. We might be the Seven Stars, but we’re still human. What if one of us gets injured? We might even be forced to retire.”
“There are rumors that a demon appeared in the Labyrinth of Plates.” Len added.
“Of course, labyrinth rumors are always exaggerated, but if there’s even a slight chance… wouldn’t it be best to err on the side of caution?”
“Then don’t go.”
Al Sola said coldly, silencing the room with a single sentence.
Her voice, filled with confidence, magic, and a hint of impatience, resonated throughout the room. Rain added,
“It’s fine if you choose not to participate. I will go alone…”
She contradicted his earlier statement, but her eyes, clear and resolute, held a steady gaze.
As if swayed by their unwavering determination, the other Seven Stars exchanged glances and nodded, changing their minds.
“So… it’s decided, then?”
“I think so?”
As Merton spoke, the Duke cleared his throat, raising his voice for all to hear.
“Can we proceed as early as tomorrow?”
“I’m available.”
“Yeah, I’m good.”
“Best to get it over with quickly.”
“I’m fine with that.”
“Now, about your partners… it would be best if you chose them yourselves. There are seven of you, so we either need to send one person alone or have one team of three… What should we do?”
“I’ll go alone.”
“I’ll go alone.”
Rain and Al Solar spoke in unison.
Lian, sensing something amiss in their eagerness, narrowed her eyes.
It wasn’t particularly unusual, all things considered.
Rain was a natural leader, always ready to take charge.
Al Sola was powerful enough to handle the labyrinth on her own.
But something didn’t feel right.
Al Sola would never carry her own supplies into a labyrinth.
Normally, she’d demand two people so she could have someone to carry her things.
And Rain… she would have volunteered to partner with Merton, the weakest member of the group.
Lian’s smile slowly faded.
A thought, terrifying in its implications, crossed her mind.
Had they… found him?
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The debate over who would go alone remained unresolved, ending in a stalemate.
Thanks to Odroxs’ suggestion that they settle it amongst themselves, since Rain and Al Solar were roommates, they were able to adjourn for the day.
Otherwise, they might have argued until morning, each of them insisting on going alone.
The depths of their self-serving desires, disguised as self-sacrifice…
“Ron.”
“Huh?”
“Who do you want to go with?”
“Who will you choose?”
The decision was left to Ron.
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