Survive the labyrinth with EX-grade traits

Illusory World.

After entering and exiting the illusion that replicated the polar snowfield, I somehow felt as if my mind had become clearer.

As I took in the sight of the stars and the Milky Way shining in the vast sky, it felt like my long-lost childhood innocence had been revived.

There were no changes in the system messages, but my breathing was lighter, and my body was filled with energy.

“Haa.”

Great. My mind is clearer, my body feels refreshed—everything should be fine. But the new concern that followed was the problem.

After rubbing my face dry, I stared at the door engraved with constellations.

‘I was told not to come back for a while. That they wished for the city and my fate to be twisted?’

Darkness. A mountain of abandoned things.

The Knight of Death. A black tide.

I didn’t know the exact meaning.

But at the very least, I could infer that these four words all pointed to something ominous, related to an evil deity or something of similar nature.

What should I do?

Frankly, no matter what happens inside the city, there are more than enough strong people to suppress any disturbance.

Setting aside the damage that would occur before the situation is contained.

The problem is me—just an individual.

That something fatal, capable of disturbing the city’s security, is fated to inevitably intertwine with me.

“I have no idea what it even is.”

What exactly is the trigger that involves me while leaving others alone?

Was it the banquet I suddenly attended? Or was visiting the magic tower itself a mistake?

If neither of those, then am I completely unable to predict anything until the day of the incident?

‘Damn it, fate or whatever—screw it.’

My companions and I have been growing steadily according to the plan we laid out… so why does something always come up just when I start to forget about these disturbances?

If avoidance is impossible, was handing over the fragment of the star a way to prepare for the confrontation?

In my right hand, I held a small, faded stone, no bigger than my palm.

I stared intently at what Adrius had called the Fragment of the Star.

────

[Fragment of the Star]

A fragment that has lost its true brilliance.

────

Damn. I could tell that much without even reading the description.

[Chaos suggests that agonizing over this here won’t lead to any answers and advises returning for now.]

…Sigh, yeah. No point brooding over this when no one’s around. Let’s go down.

The employee who had brought me here had already disappeared somewhere, leaving me alone in the silence.

How much time had passed in the snowfield?

I should have checked the time before opening the door.

Staring at the unyielding door for a moment, I turned around.

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Through the warp gate on the 65th floor, I descended to the 20th floor.

“Not much time has passed. About fifteen minutes, to be exact.”

I asked a nearby staff member how long it had been since Lumia and Lehil went inside, and surprisingly, only fifteen minutes had passed.

A literal illusion spell that deceives all five senses.

And one grand enough to be called an exclusive magic.

Considering the time it took for the staff to rush over under Conrad’s orders and for me to ascend to the 66th floor, the time I spent in the snowfield was practically zero.

Hmm, what should I do?

I wasn’t even one of the official visitors, and it would be obvious that interrupting the conversation after leaving early wouldn’t be particularly welcomed by the head of the school.

For a brief moment, I considered just waiting outside until Lumia came out.

‘Still, I think it’d be more reassuring if I stay by her side.’

Since I had already brought her here, it felt right to stay with her until the end.

I carefully knocked on the door.

Knock, knock.

“It’s open. Come in.”

A calm, deep voice came from inside.

“You came at the right time. Lumia was distracted by the door and couldn’t fully concentrate on the conversation.”

Just as he said, Lumia’s eyes sparkled with relief upon seeing me.

Lehial, beside her, shook his head with a sigh.

I casually suggested that the master speak informally to us, but to my surprise, he refused.

“No, I prefer using formal speech. It’s a habit I developed as an adventurer before becoming a magician. It’s not meant to be intimidating or create distance, so don’t worry.”

When he asked if it made me uncomfortable, I immediately reassured him that it didn’t.

“I am Theo Grandel, the master of the Exploration School.”

A middle-aged man with dark brown hair and a black eyepatch covering his left eye.

Theo Grandel, the master of the Exploration School.

His office didn’t resemble a magician’s workspace at all. Rather, it felt like the quarters of a seasoned veteran explorer.

The first thing that caught my eye was the various monster pelts, bones, fangs, and claws fixed to the walls—materials I had never even seen in books.

Old maps and equipment bearing the traces of past adventures were scattered disorderly across the room, while a dusty bookshelf on one side held broken compasses and aged tomes.

How strong is this man?

Just as curiosity surged within me, I remembered how Sena and Conrad had seen through me before and held myself back.

‘Masters are off-limits. If I get caught probing again, it’ll be a headache.’

“Have a seat. Since our school is the first stop on your tour, we won’t take up too much of your time.”

Theo skillfully guided the conversation.

“The Exploration School consists of magicians who focus on dungeon exploration—in other words, we are more akin to adventurers.”

Before we could even react, he smoothly laid out the necessary information, naturally steering the discussion.

“But when I say ‘common,’ I don’t mean on the level of personal tutoring centers scattered throughout the city. Our techniques are incomparably more sophisticated, precise, and advanced.”

“…”

“Our greatest strength is our exclusive information network.”

“An exclusive… information network?”

Theo nodded.

“That’s right. Hidden knowledge about labyrinths, unknown anomalies, ancient records of fractures and secret realms—classified information that even a fortune couldn’t buy is discreetly exchanged within our school.”

That was an undeniably massive advantage.

“Furthermore, we teach specialized magic, such as detecting concealed enemies using enhanced senses, erasing one’s presence, and leaving no traces.”

“…”

“We also offer movement techniques that allow unrestricted traversal of difficult terrain, and advanced dismantling spells capable of neutralizing complex mechanical traps.”

“…Movement techniques and advanced dismantling spells.”

After finishing his explanation, Theo crossed his arms.

“Magicians don’t always have to be useful in battle. If you can perform effectively in multiple areas, your teammates will have more freedom to grow in their own ways.”

Lumia, focused, asked a question.

“Is it difficult to learn combat magic and techniques here?”

“Well, there are ways to supplement that through exchanges, and we can also teach archery. But if you want to master everything… Hmm, that would take considerable effort.”

Sacrificing some raw combat ability to develop greater adaptability.

The advantages he mentioned were all appealing, but it was still too soon to make a judgment.

For now, Lumia primarily relied on dark magic fueled by curses, but once the curse was fully purified, who knows what would happen?

The shadow is there, but… my head hurts just thinking about it.

‘Never mind. No matter what I think, the decision is Lumia’s to make.’

“One piece of advice: whether or not you like what I’ve offered, keep your options open.”

“…Understood.”

Theo gestured toward the door.

“We’ll continue this conversation after the tour. Always remember, your worth is something you decide for yourself.”

My worth is something I decide for myself.

Those words resonated deeply.

‘Is there a way for Lumia to absorb the strengths of all the schools she visits today?’

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53rd Floor. Arrival at the Combat School’s Office.

The door was engraved with the fierce image of a tiger-like beast, as if it could burst into a ferocious roar at any moment.

Bang!

“I thought my neck was going to fall off waiting! Come in already!”

The master of the Combat School was a strikingly beautiful elf with golden hair and green eyes.

A few distinctive traits stood out—

A confident smile, a sleeveless black top that ignored the gazes of others, taut, well-toned muscles, and numerous scars, both large and small, covering them.

“I’m Rusalka Erendil. No need for any formalities—just call me Rusalka~”

“I’m Lumia.”

“Of course, I know! And you must be Ahren? The one next to you is our temporary guide, Lehial Schnel.”

“Yes!”

“That’s correct.”

“Ugh, so stiff! Your looks don’t match your personality, huh?”

“…Haha.”

Did she really expect us to act like close friends when we had met less than five minutes ago?

Was this just her natural personality?

Or was she deliberately being friendly to build rapport with Lumia, hoping to recruit her? It was hard to tell, but at least the atmosphere wasn’t heavy.

As we entered the office after a brief introduction, the first thing that caught our attention was the display racks filled with various weapons—swords, spears, axes, scythes, bows, and crossbows.

One wall was covered with murals depicting intricate martial arts movements.

Beside them, detailed anatomical diagrams of different races—humans, elves, dwarves, beastkin, halflings—were displayed, so precise they felt unsettling. A chill ran down my spine.

‘Are those… exercise machines?’

At the back of the room, metallic devices resembling modern gym equipment were set up, looking like a home gym.

Rusalka, noticing our curiosity, waved her arm casually.

“Those are magical tools for physical training. I pestered the Enchantment department to make them.”

Enchantment… meaning the Enchantment, Metal, or Ancient Schools?

“There’s a shared training hall below, and also private fitness rooms… I bet you can guess what I’m getting at?”

I nodded, already getting the idea.

“As the Master and a senior member, I guess people find me intimidating. I can see it in their faces—they lack spirit, no fire at all!”

No wonder. I’d be the same if I were them.

“Anyway, sit down, all of you. I’ll bring out some refreshments, so wait a moment.”

Clink.

As Rusalka placed teacups on the table, the real conversation began.

“Among new tower entrants, as well as experienced mages, it’s rare to find anyone with a real talent for combat. Usually, those who apply here are the ones whose aptitude test identified them for it.”

So that’s why Lehial had made such a fuss back then.

“And even then, if they don’t meet my standards, I reject them outright. There’s always some wannabe with delusions about combat magic.”

Rusalka shrugged with a smirk.

“Our school has a hard time finding truly capable recruits. To put it simply—high demand, but no proper supply.”

The mages in Labyrinth City could be divided into two main types: those focused on independent research and those prioritizing combat prowess and exploration.

“Both groups aim to rise in rank, but we’re heavily skewed toward the latter. We want entrants who match our philosophy. What about you?”

Lumia’s voice was resolute as she answered Rusalka’s probing question.

“I came to the Tower to become stronger. A life of research doesn’t suit me.”

“That’s exactly the answer I wanted. I like you.”

Despite how well the conversation was going, I still had one lingering question.

Combat, by nature, was a broad concept.

Burning an enemy to death in a close encounter as a Pyromancer, or skewering them with an ice spear as a Cryomancer—both were forms of combat.

So what exactly did this school teach that warranted such a specific label?

When I carefully phrased my curiosity into a question, Rusalka beamed.

“Now that’s a great question!”

Snap!

She snapped her fingers to draw our attention before explaining.

“Unlike others who prioritize safety and rely on their allies for protection, we train combat mages to survive on their own, no matter where they’re thrown.”

Whoosh—!

Mid-sentence, she suddenly stood up and kicked the air.

A sharp boom echoed as her leg cut through the space with frightening force.

“We all learn fundamental martial arts and weapon skills. Some even practice Eastern ki techniques, or integrate magic into their weapons for a unique combat style called ‘Magic Combat Arts.’”

“Does that include archery or dagger combat?”

“Of course! Are you worried about straying too far from your usual role? Don’t be!”

So their goal was to cultivate true masters of battle.

“That’s also why we’re more open to inter-school exchanges than most. For someone like you, with multiple talents, that’s a huge advantage. Don’t you think?”

She was right. The more I listened, the more appealing this sounded.

“Besides, since we’re a small elite group, other schools don’t look down on or avoid us. Practically no downsides!”

After some hesitation, Lumia spoke up.

“You said ‘practically’ no downsides… Could you clarify?”

“Oh? You’re more perceptive than I thought.”

“…”

“There’s only one real drawback… Our members are all lone wolves. They get so absorbed in their personal training that there’s barely any internal interaction.”

Rusalka scratched her neck awkwardly before continuing.

“But don’t worry! While we might seem indifferent on the surface, if a fellow member is in danger, we’re the first to rush to their aid. Think of it as an invisible bond!”

Lumia seemed quite satisfied with that answer.

“Alright! No need for more words.”

Bang!

Rusalka slapped the table.

“If you join us, I’ll personally provide you with rare elixirs from my stash.”

“Elixirs…?”

“And that’s not all! I’ll arrange free exchanges with other schools and even offer you one-on-one training with me!”

Elixir support and direct mentorship?

That was practically a master-disciple relationship.

“Well? Tempting, right? Don’t you want to sign up right away?”

With a big grin, Rusalka told us to explore other schools first and think carefully before deciding.

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Taking Lumia, whose thoughts were growing more conflicted, we moved to the 54th Floor—the domain of the Hex School.

“Would you all proceed to the 56th floor?”

As expected, just like the previous two schools, this one required a direct meeting as well.

Just as we reached the office door, ready to knock, Lehial suddenly paused as if remembering something and turned to us.

He led us a bit further away before speaking.

“Oh! I almost forgot to warn you about something.”

“A warning?”

We had already spoken to two masters without any issues. Was this one particularly eccentric?

“The Master of the Hex School prefers to live in the form of an animal.”

“You mean… not a beastkin, but an actual animal?”

“Well, aside from unusual cases, it’s similar to a beastkin with extreme physical traits.”

For once, Lehial’s expression was serious.

“Those who’ve met them say—beware of the giant bear.”

…A giant bear?