Moon’s Labyrinths

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Despite her surprise, Jimin continued her explanation .

“I’ll explain the function of the Gems using their shapes . A Gem’s shape is dependent on its type . A different shape indicates a different weapon . The cross shaped gem is a shield . The X shaped gem is an armor . The hexagonal gem gives a special ability . ”

This time Sungyoon placed the cross shaped gem into its slot . A small round shield appeared in his left hand .

“The Gems are the only weapons that work against the monsters within the labyrinths . It is possible to kill a monster using a Connector’s body, but it is too dangerous . The only certainty is the fact that normal weapons of humanity do not work on these monsters . ”

This was why Connectors fought against monsters using weapons from ancient and medieval times .

This time Sungyoon inserted the x shaped Gem . A moderately thick leather armor appeared around his upper body . It was shaped like a vest .

He had one Gem left . However, Sungyoon was having a hard time mounting this Gem . He turned it over as if he was appraising the Gem .

This Gem was different from the other Gems . It had a hexagonal shape, but it wasn’t purple . It was letting out a lustrous gold light .

“Isn’t this a Jewel ranked Gem?”

The Seven types of Gems had the color of a rainbow, so it was called the Rainbow rank . Above the Rainbow rank, there were transitional Gems, and these were called Black and White rank Gems . Then there were the higher ranked Gems, and these were referred to by the name of jewels . This color was the start of the Jewel rank . The gold colored Gem in his hand was a Jewel ranked Gem .

One of the requirements for entering the Great Labyrinth was a Jewel ranked Gem . The Gold Gem was a Jewel ranked Gem, and it was a very valuable and expensive item .

Sungyoon had a baffled expression as he looked at Jimin .

“This Device can only slot purple Gems . And even if I had a Device capable of being able to slot a gold Gem, I can’t use it . ”

When a Connector had just awakened, they could only use purple Gems . As time passes, the amount of energy emitted by the heart increases, and it allows the Connector to use more Gems . Of course, how fast one could use the higher ranked Gems was dependent on the Connector . It varied amongst Connectors .

However, one thing was for sure . Sungyoon had just awakened, so he couldn’t use this Gold rank Gem .

“Also, it is unknown as to whether I’ll be able to use a Gold Gem in the future . ”

The rank of Connectors depended on the ranks of the Gems they could use . The 1st Gen ranked much lower than the 2nd and 3rd Gen Connectors .

Basically, it was like casting pearls before swine when Jimin gave the Gold rank Gem to Sungyoon .

“It isn't as if you can’t use it at all . ”

“…are you being serious with me?”

Even if the Device’s quality was low, it was possible to use a high rank Gem with it . However, one had to forcefully activate the Gem, and it would cause a rebound, resulting in the device being destroyed . If the Connector’s rank was well below the rank of the Gem, it would destroy the Gem too .

In other words, the Gem would be a single-use Gem .

Despite this fact, Jimin was adamant in her position .

“At the very least, it’ll be able to save your life once . ”

Sungyoon looked straight into her eyes . He wanted to discern the truth behind the statement, but Jimin’s eyes never faltered .

“…thank you for your kindness, president . ”

Sungyoon placed the gold Gem into the Device . It was like placing a dish from a high end restaurant amongst junk food . The gold Gem was the only gem in the dull silver bracelet that let out a brilliant light .

Sungyoon looked at the lustrous gold Gem .

‘It is a Gem with a special ability . ’

He didn’t know what kind of ability this Gem possessed . The direction on how to use this Gem would only appear in his head when he would activate it . He would be able to use this Gem only once, so it would be idiotic to activate it right now .

He was going to put his life on the line to enter this labyrinth . Even if he didn’t know how to use it, the Gold rank gem was something that reassured him .

“Did you memorize the general information regarding the monsters?”

“Yes, I stuffed as much information in my head . ”

“That’s enough . ”

Of course, it wasn’t enough . But he possessed the minimum requirement to be able to enter into the labyrinth . The only thing left was to gain experience, and that was the only thing he could do .

“I want you to get a feel for the labyrinth . You should see what kind of place it is . ”

At some point, he'll have to overcome danger . He’ll have to put his life on the line . Sungyoon was a 1st Gen Connector, and he was aiming for the Great Labyrinth . He would have to take much more risks than the other Connectors . He would be pushed into a place where death would be his closest companion . Jimin couldn’t tell him to take it easy, and she couldn’t ask him to go slowly either . Still, this would be his first time entering a labyrinth, so she wished him a safe passage .

“I’ll be back . ”

Sungyoon tightly gripped his spear as he turned around . He started walking towards the labyrinth . He looked like a warrior mentioned in myths . He looked like a hero heading into a cave to hunt down an evil monster who had been harassing the people . At the same time, he also looked like an unfortunate living sacrifice who had been chosen to quell the anger of the monster .

“…Please take care . ”

Jimin watched the shadow of the labyrinth slowly swallow up Sungyoon . She quietly mumbled the words that she couldn’t utter in front of him .

* * *

Sungyoon walked into the labyrinth among a crowd . Jimin said there weren’t a lot of people entering the labyrinth, but there was a couple dozen people there .

As he approached the entrance, his body became tense . His heart didn’t beat faster thanks to the characteristic particular to the Connectors . However, this didn’t mean he wasn’t nervous . He would have to put his life on the line .

“Hoo-ooh!”

He took a deep breath . It was unnecessary since he didn’t need to breathe as a Connector . However, it was good enough to lessen his nerves .

It might have been just in his mind, but he felt a little bit less tense . He was able to take a step back and look at his surroundings . Sungyoon looked at his ‘allies’ as they entered into the labyrinth like him .

It seemed it wasn’t a lie that this was the Beginner’s Labyrinth . Everyone was similarly equipped as Sungyoon, and only a few looked better equipped than him .

This comforted him a little bit . At the very least, he wasn’t under equipped . He was able to confirm this fact .

He walked with a little bit more confidence as he entered the entrance of the labyrinth which was completely dark .

Ssssk!

Sungyoon flinched . It felt as if something had brushed past his skin . He was surprised, because the sensation came out of nowhere . It didn’t feel unpleasant . If he had to make a comparison, it felt like the warm mountain winds . It also felt cool like the water from a creek . Still, there was a difference . It was an amazing and new sensation .

‘Magical energy . ’

He realized it by instinct . A refined, fresh, and powerful energy was being supplied by his heart . Sungyoon was like a little child seeing the ocean for the first time . He moved his hand through the air as if he was dragging his hand through the ocean water . The current of magical energy swirled around the tip of his fingers .

While he was doing this, he reached the part of the Dungeon where all light was absent . The light from the Armstrong city, which had been coming in through the entrance, couldn’t reach this place .

However, the darkness didn’t hinder Sungyoon at all .

He could see .

There wasn’t a single source of light that would allow his eyes to register any shapes around him . Despite this fact, Sungyoon’s eyes were able to pick up everything around him . It was as if his eyes were picking up objects through a different medium than light .

It was a strange sensation . He couldn’t see, yet he could see . No, it was beyond seeing . Sungyoon’s eyes could distinguish the color and outline of objects .

‘This is all thanks to the magical energy . ’

To be precise, this was the leading hypothesis explaining this phenomenon . Sungyoon thought the hypothesis was sound in logic . The labyrinth was filled with magical energy, and the magical energy was delivering information directly to his senses . He had never experienced this on earth . It wasn’t just sight . His other senses were heightened . If there were bugs nearby, he thought he would be able to hear them crawl across the floor .

Sungyoon continued to move along inside the labyrinth .

The labyrinth was large . This wasn’t like a cave or a mine shaft . Several large buildings could fit where he was standing, and the labyrinth was getting larger as he went further in . He would have no problem swinging his spear in here .

He discreetly walked up towards the wall of the labyrinth and placed his hand on it . It was hard and cold, and its surface was bumpy . It was as if someone or something had forcefully cut, tore, scratched, and sliced the walls to make this place . It wasn’t man-made, and he didn’t think this place was formed naturally .

He slowly walked forward with his hand on the wall . Soon, he came to a fork . It reminded him why this place was called a labyrinth . However, he didn’t hesitate . He took the left path . As expected of a labyrinth for beginners, there were signs placed with directions . There was no way he would get lost in here, so there was no hesitation in his footsteps .

After he went past a couple more forks, there were no longer many people around him . Most of the people who had entered the labyrinth with Sungyoon, had taken different routes . At times, he also met people coming towards him . They were Connectors trying to exit the labyrinth .

However, he had yet to see a single monster .

It happened when tension was about to leave his body .

“Hoo-aht!”

He heard a large shout . The sound was reflected and amplified by the nearby walls and ceiling . Sungyoon’s eyes widened, and he looked towards the source of the sound . A man was bringing down his axe further down the path .

Crunch!

He heard something breaking . Something white fell to the ground .

Sungyoon just stared at the sight that had unfolded in front of him . The body of a small-sized animal lay in front of the man . The beast was plump, and it had a creepy looking tail . Overall, it looked similar to a rat .

‘Big Rat . ’

The name was right on the nose . The monster was shaped like a big rat .

‘It is one of the monsters that is easy to catch for beginner Connectors . ’

It didn’t drop much loot, but it was relatively safe to kill it . This was why this monster was popular amongst the beginner Connectors .

He meticulously searched the data bank inside his head when he caught sight of a light emanating from the Big Rat’s body .

Hwahk!

In the beginning, the light had been small . The light continued to grow, and it surrounded the entire body of the Big Rat . However, the light didn’t last too long .

Hoo-oohk!

As the light dispersed, it was as if the corpse was swallowed up by the light . In the place of the corpse, a smooth luminescent stone remained .

‘Moonstone!’

It was the item every country coveted .

The man placed the moonstone into a pouch hanging on his belt . He didn’t look happy at the fact that Sungyoon was looking at him . He glared at Sungyoon then he went on his way .

Sungyoon started walking when the man was out of sight . He gained some benefit from watching someone else battle a monster . However, he wouldn’t gain any moonstones even if he viewed such battles several hundred times . His debt wouldn’t lessen . He wasn’t here to look at other Connectors fighting monsters . He was here to find monsters he could fight .

He walked past several more Connectors in the middle of their hunt . He moved deeper into the labyrinth .

Sungyoon stopped walking . At some point, he could no longer sense other people around him . However, it would be wrong for him to say that he was alone . There weren’t any people nearby, but something was in front of Sungyoon .

Red eyes were looking at him . If Sungyoon couldn't to see through the darkness, he would have seen two burning red marbles floating in the darkness .

Sssk!

Sungyoon lowered himself into his fighting stance . He placed his feet firmly on the ground as he pushed his spear outwards .

He heard a growl . Sungyoon gulped .

Immediately, he could tell this monster wasn’t friendly . The monster revealed its fangs as it glared at Sungyoon .