Surviving in the Labyrinth City of the Reverse World

6 – Vanguard of Miracles #1

Is there a limit to the number of people for ‘Soul Protection’? Strictly speaking, there is no limit.

If I say I can do it, then I can.

However, explorers strictly limit the number of people. The more party members there are, the more burden it puts on the guy maintaining ‘Soul Protection’.

“Ray! Not a werewolf.”

“It’s too much for you. No matter how high your rank is! Suddenly taking in one more person…!”

The sisters of the “Vanguard of Miracles” were opposing it, but I couldn’t hear them in my ears right now.

“Please designate the target.”

[1. Nicola / 2. Chelsea / 3. Suu Tundraon]

[“Soul Protection” has been strongly activated.]

Without hesitation, I cast “Soul Protection” on the female werewolf. In that moment, I felt the familiar sensation of vitality that I had experienced before.

“Ugh….”

“Ray!”

The unfamiliar sensation covered only my lower body. My legs weakened, and I staggered. It was even difficult to stand on my own.

Fortunately, there was a female werewolf standing behind me.

Suu Tundraon. She held onto me tightly. Thanks to her, I was able to stay on my feet.

Nicola and Chelsea looked in our direction. Their eyes were sharp. They were wary of the unfamiliar Suu.

“Ray, we should discuss things like this with us first!”

“…The Labyrinth is a dangerous place. We can’t trust anyone,” I urgently waved my hand. I tried to defend Suu in her place.

“She doesn’t look like a bad person.”

“…No one reveals their true colors as soon as they meet. Even con artists don’t start their cons right away,” Nicola retorted sharply.

‘Isn’t she exaggerating for someone who was almost dying? So what if she’s dying? Should we just leave a dying person alone?’

Because she might be a bad person?

It was a value that was hard for me to understand. If that’s what the life of Labyrinth explorers is like, then I have nothing more to say.

“Ray, are you okay?”

It seemed like she was genuinely concerned about me. But for some reason, her words felt harsh.

I was completely taken aback by Chesey’s voice.

“Come over here for now.”

“Untie Rei.”

Nicola and Chesey were always ready to rush in. They lowered their posture and gleamed their eyes, aiming for any gaps in Sue’s defense.

I wonder why.

The sensation that I couldn’t perceive earlier was felt behind me. A squishy, fleshy lump of pale color pressed firmly against my back, causing a haze in the boy’s mind.

“…Just like that.”

Sue untied me. At the same time, the pleasant feeling faded away. I felt unnecessarily gloomy.

“Rei.”

“Are you hurt? Are you okay?”

I moved weakly and returned to Nicola and Chesey’s side.

The two quickly scanned my condition. I was also able to take a closer look at them this time.

Looking back, it seemed like I had never received a warm embrace from the “Vanguard of Miracles” sisters. They were so flat that I couldn’t even do it if I wanted to.

“It’s just hurting each other….the cruelty of reality….”

I turned my head and looked ahead.

Just 30 seconds ago, Sue, who was on the verge of being consumed by a dark energy and showing a precarious appearance. In the blink of an eye, she borrowed the power of “Soul Protection” and regained her original radiance.

Messy, snow-white hair that reached down to her waist. A white and black striped tail hanging down below. Animal ears that could be seen as a symbol of a werewolf, standing up sharply.

“Oof, hey….”

Her exquisite figure was a bonus.

“Thank you for now. It must have been a very dangerous request for a boy.”

Soo stared at me intently and spoke.

“Thanks to your mercy, I survived.”

“…I just did what I had to do, that’s all.”

Receiving gratitude like this made me feel awkward and embarrassed for no reason. The burden of those piercing yellow eyes was overwhelming.

I awkwardly smiled and scratched my head.

After that, I didn’t have a chance to step forward. The task of tidying up the spot where the boy had been sitting was the responsibility of the adult woman.

“Suin, what’s your name?”

“Soo.”

As soon as Nicola asked for his name, Soo took his eyes off me and faced her. His yellow eyes flashed with a different meaning.

“….”

He could be kinder to the boy who saved him than anyone else, but not to a fellow female explorer. Soo glared at Nicola, exuding an animal-like aura.

Chesie hid behind me, shielding me as if protecting a treasure.

“hahahaha, you guys look ridiculous right now.”

Soo, who had been silently watching that scene, let out a bitter laugh and said,

“Both of you have strange expressions in your eyes. Do you each have something on your mind?”

“…What?”

“In this situation, do you think your reactions are normal? I don’t know what you’re worried about.”

Soo pointed at me and continued,

“Are you worried about the boy? Then, instead of just glancing at him superficially, you should ask him directly. Is there anything uncomfortable or painful? Is he severely weakened?”

“….”

“Because the boy cast a ‘soul protection’ on me. Even if it was an impulsive act, if something has already happened, we should handle the aftermath properly. As adventurers, shouldn’t you know about the recoil that boys experience?”

I didn’t really think much of it, but it seemed like Sua thought my sisters’ response and handling of the situation were less than satisfactory.

“But you don’t seem interested in the boy.”

“…What do you know to make such an assertion about us?”

“I am from the White Tiger Clan. White Tigers have the ability to see through lies since birth with ‘clairvoyance.'”

Sua’s yellow eyes gleamed.

“Your concern for the boy is false. You all harbor different thoughts inside. Ah, your wariness towards me is genuine. Am I the problem?”

“…Of course, you are the problem. Because of you, the burden on our Ray has increased.”

Chase received Nicola’s words.

“As adventurers, you should know, right? The more people who share the ‘soul protection,’ the more dangerous it becomes for everyone.”

“Moreover, you’re a werewolf. Werewolves have a greater burden on men due to their ‘mating season.’ That means we are in danger. But Ray saved you, didn’t he? What should we do? We don’t want to be consumed by the darkness of the labyrinth.”

“Khehehehe, what would you say if you received the same words you said? Wretched werewolf?”

The corners of their mouths twisted. It was a bitter laughter similar to Sua’s, but the feeling was different.

“…I have to reject superficial judgments.”

I should think well of our guild sisters. It’s only natural to be biased.

I thought to myself. I used mind control, almost like hypnosis.

My gaze kept drifting towards Sua’s body, but my mind firmly took my sisters’ side.

Sua, who had been carefully considering my sisters’ words, nodded in agreement.

“Well, it’s a valid point.”

A surprise affirmation.

Nicola and Chesey looked at each other in astonishment, their faces pale. Their reactions were slow, as if they didn’t expect their arguments to be acknowledged.

At that moment, Swoo revealed her claws. Real claws.

Or were they fingernails?

As if her impressive muscular physique wasn’t enough to draw attention, now there were even hairs sprouting from her forearms. It gave off a beastly vibe.

“I don’t know. There’s a foul smell emanating from you two. I can’t stand the sight of the guy next to the boy.”

Swoo rushed towards Nicola and Chesey.

“I knew it!”

“Is this your true nature? You filthy beast!”

As if expecting it, Nicola raised her shield to block Swoo’s attack. It was a fake.

“No…!”

“Don’t lay a hand on him!”

Swoo swiftly moved past Nicola and immediately targeted Chesey from behind. Chesey tried to protect me, but Swoo was faster.

And Swoo didn’t aim for me. She ignored my presence and tore through Chesey’s shoulder.

“…!”

Blood splattered before my eyes. In that moment, everything went dark.

* * *

When I first arrived in this world.

I quickly realized that my body had become smaller. I had memories of hearing various stories, so I adapted quickly.

“They kept their promise to make things bigger.”

For a moment, I swelled with anticipation and smiled gleefully.

Krrr-.

I came face to face with a wolf. My reflection in the wolf’s eyes looked like a very appetizing meal.

I ran away. I couldn’t escape. In front of the wolf baring its teeth, the feeble boy’s body wouldn’t move.

I’m going to die. In a state of terror, I waited for my final moments while peeing and defecating.

The people of Horn Village saved me.

So, I volunteered to become an explorer instead of the people of the village. Knowing how great the fear I felt was, I had no choice but to save Swoo, who was being eroded by the darkness of the labyrinth.

“If I knew I would fight and curse and go crazy….”

Still, it seems like I was saved for now, anyway.

– Ray!

I opened my eyes at someone’s voice.

What I saw was a familiar face. The face of a friend.

“…Brown?”