I’m Not the Mastermind

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The party quickly cleared out a Goblin settlement and started their return.

Meanwhile, their attitude towards Yujin had become a bit more cautious, as Hans had mentioned how he had teleported behind a Demon and casually used magic to slice an Orc in half without any casting. They realized he was no mere Mage at the upper tiers.

“Ah, this reminds me of when he just joined the party.”

When Yujin first joined, his peculiar vibe had everyone on their toes, constantly looking out for him.

Thinking back on it made me nostalgic. It was only yesterday, after all.

Regardless, the return was incredibly swift. This was due to a portal that allows direct access to the first layer of the Maze from anywhere.

Hugo’s party quickly sought out the portal on the fifth layer and soon discovered a sparkling teleportation magic circle. After confirming their numbers, they stepped onto the portal.

As Yujin placed his foot on the portal, he was whisked away to the first layer of the Maze.

Pop!

His vision flickered as Yujin was pulled to another place. And the scenery that greeted him was.

Buzzing.

Bustling.

It looked like a market square.

A scene that oddly contrasted the white, vintage stone buildings filled Yujin’s sight.

“Welcome! You always need to fill your stomach before venturing into the Maze! Come on, give it a taste!”

“We sell tools! Camping sets that are super handy in the Maze are on sale!”

“30 silver, can’t go lower!”

“Come on, let’s settle for 25 silver!”

“Damn, what a bust. They say riches and glory await in the Maze.”

“Alright! Let’s get going today!”

A bunch of people selling goods and food, adventurers returning from the Maze, and others about to embark on their journeys…

A sea of people bustled about.

This was the scene of the first layer of the Maze.

In the Maze, there were ‘safe zones’ or ‘safe layers’ that appeared as you progressed through the tiers. These were literally layers free of monsters or trials.

The first layer of the Maze was also referred to as a safe zone, bustling with people selling goods, doing last-minute repairs before heading into the Maze, or even running inns for mortals to safely stay.

The general appearance was that of ludicrously gigantic white stone buildings inside.

And between the exits leading out of the Maze and the entrances to venture further into it were markets and inns set up by the townsfolk.

And so, Hugo’s party found themselves in such a place.

“It’s the first layer of the Maze, so you all can relax now.”

“Phew, we’re finally back.”

“Hah… it’s over.”

As everyone sighed in relief, Hugo turned to Yujin.

“And Yujin, I should thank you here. I truly appreciate you saving our lives during this expedition.”

Hugo bowed his head towards Yujin. Yujin smiled back at him.

“I won’t say it was nothing. Life isn’t something that comes cheap.”

“Yes, of course, we plan to repay you accordingly. Our party may not be able to meet your expectations, but…”

“Haha, no need to go that far. It would be nice to have a meal together sometime instead.”

“Eh?”

Yujin spoke to a startled Hugo.

“Of course, life isn’t something that is cheap. But I’m not looking to collect a payment for it. However, if you truly feel indebted, consider this a debt of gratitude in your heart and cherish that life.”

“…Yujin.”

Hugo looked deeply touched, while Chrome briefly gaped in admiration.

Mirien watched Yujin with a complicated expression, mumbling something under her breath before bowing her head.

Hugo replied with a resolute expression.

“Yes, of course. I’ll consider this a lifelong debt.”

“Ahem, do come visit our Dwarf-run workshop sometime. While we’ve got our stubborn folks, I won’t make it hard for a benefactor of the Dwarves.”

Chrome said as he looked at Yujin with friendly eyes. Yujin chuckled in response.

“Yes, I’ll definitely swing by. Oh, can I ask one thing before that?”

“Yes, anything.”

“Um… actually, this is what I wanted to mention…”

Yujin awkwardly laughed as he spoke.

“This is my first time in Maze City, so could you recommend a nice inn for me to stay?”

“…Eh?”

The party, including Hugo, blinked in surprise.

***

Seek riches, return victorious, if you wish to strike it rich, head to the Maze.

This was a famous saying about the Great Maze.

The Maze had everything. Various rare treasures, ancient relics, even the power and knowledge of Transcendents.

All that mortals could desire existed within the Maze.

Naturally, many people flocked near the Great Maze.

Mercenaries seeking money, wealthy individuals hunting for rare treasures, warriors after power, and scholars and Mages in pursuit of knowledge.

Countless individuals made their way to the Great Maze, leading to a vibrant flow of population around its vicinity, leading to the birth of a city.

Buildings with various facilities sprang up, and its scale quickly rivaled that of any major city… In fact, in terms of size alone, it could match even the capital of an empire.

This was what they called Maze City.

In the city built around the Maze, a group of adventurers ventured forth somewhere.

“So, it was your first time in the Maze itself?”

“That’s right. I’ve been holed up in a room studying, and after doing some research on the Maze, I came here.”

Yujin answered Hugo’s question. He had only just spent his first day here after leaving his room to explore the Maze.

It was a convenient excuse, but it was also a solid answer. It tied in with him having no particular affiliation or school to follow before.

“I see. For a Mage who had just been cooped up alone researching, you seem quite sociable.”

Chrome remarked sharply, likely unaware he was being critical.

“Haha… to be honest, it’s the eccentric ones who are usually just like that; I believe their situation is just an excuse. I think everyone knows to some extent the basic etiquette expected of others.”

“Hmm, that’s a point.”

Chrome accepted that without further discussion, as it wasn’t even his original point to argue.

“Ah, we’ve arrived.”

Meanwhile, Hugo announced their arrival as they stood in front of an inn. He turned to Yujin as he spoke.

“This is an inn that helped me a lot when I first came to the Maze. The owner is very honest, and the meals are quite good.”

“Oh, I’m looking forward to it.”

Following Hugo’s lead, Yujin entered the inn. Soon, a hearty woman’s voice filled the air.

“Welcome! Oh? Is that you, Hugo?”

“Haha, hello there, Madame Innkeeper.”

A robust middle-aged woman greeted Hugo warmly. He smiled in return as he faced her.

“Welcome! So, you’ve been staying in the guild’s lodging lately. How’s it treating you?”

“Haha, it’s bearable for now since it’s free, but this place has a charm that I prefer.”

“Isn’t that so? Ah, and hello to Mirien and Chrome too!”

“…Hello.”

“It’s been a while.”

Mirien and Chrome, hooded, greeted the woman. She quickly turned her attention to the other members of the party who weren’t originally Hugo’s.

“By the way, who are those folks behind you?”

“Oh, the two young ladies are Eri and Sia, students from the Academy and this request’s subjects. And this is Hans, temporarily working as our porter, and Yujin, who we met in the Maze.”

“Ah, nice to meet you!”

“Hello…”

“Ahem, greetings. I’m Hans.”

“Haha, I’m Yujin. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

The party exchanged greetings. The innkeeper smiled and said,

“I’m Mary, the innkeeper here. Nice to meet you all!”

“Mary, could you please arrange a room for Yujin? He just arrived in Maze City and has nowhere to stay. I’d appreciate your help since I owe him so much!”

Hugo asked Mary. She rubbed her chin thoughtfully before replying.

“Well… we are fully booked at the moment…”

“Ah… is that so?”

“However, if Hugo is that indebted, then I should definitely make space! Yujin, right? Luckily, my husband has headed towards the Maze, so a room has just opened up. Would that be alright for you?”

“I’d be grateful for any place to stay.”

“Oh dear, a handsome guy being so polite! I’ll keep that room for you. Please wait a moment!”

“Haha, of course.”

At that moment, as Mary turned to head upstairs, Hugo said,

“Well then, Madame, I’ll be taking my leave. I need to report to the Academy and guild, and I have settlements to wrap up…”

“Oh really? It’s a bit sad to see you go so soon.”

“Haha, after settling up, I’ll drop by for a meal later. I’ve already made plans to eat with Yujin!”

“Well, then I have no choice! Safe travels, and come by often!”

“Yes, Yujin, we’ll be taking our leave.”

As Hugo addressed Yujin, he smiled back.

“Yes, thank you all for your help, Hugo, and everyone.”

“Haha, no worries. We owe you plenty too. See you!”

“Take care!”

“Goodbye!”

“…I’ll be leaving now.”

“Uh… um, I’ll be going now, Yujin.”

“Don’t forget to visit the Dwarf Workshop! I’ll be off!”

As the party began to leave, Mary climbed the stairs to arrange the room while the inn’s staff busied themselves serving food and people chatting animatedly. Yujin couldn’t help but find his attention drawn to Tiamat.

『They were a pretty decent bunch.』

Haha, indeed. It looks like I’ve found some good companions.

Yujin nodded in agreement. Although Hugo was the leader, everyone else was decent people as well.

“So, this is Maze City…”

He muttered as he gazed out the window.

A completely different Another World from Earth.

Ever since he met other parties in the Maze, he sensed it more clearly now while wandering the streets of this strange realm.

He truly felt he had arrived in a whole new world. Yujin couldn’t help but grin.

Even though the existence of the underlying world had been confirmed through the Gate, this Another World had not been observed, making him wonder if he might just be the first Earthling to discover it.

Or maybe not.

The Maze Academy wasn’t a game solely played by him.

If the Maze Academy served as the medium connecting Earth and Another World, then someday he might meet other Earthlings here.

…That could be quite amusing.

Yujin chuckled inwardly, imagining that future.

“Yujin! The room is ready, so come on up!”

“…Yes, I’ll be right there.”

Life in Another World.

Maybe, just maybe, he could find new fun in the life he’d once thought was destined to end.

 

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