The Story of How I Ended Up Becoming a Hero Without Realizing It While Training in the Infinite Labyrinth - Chapter 1

Volume 1

One hundred years have passed since labyrinth dungeons began appearing in the world, and humanity has grown accustomed to this new reality.

Those who awaken are granted a status screen and the right to enter labyrinths, creating a world where a clear divide exists between Awakened and Non-Awakened.

“…Never thought I’d end up as an Awakened myself.”

My name is Tōjō Hajime, an 18-year-old third-year high school student.

I had been living as a Non-Awakened, worrying about what to do after graduation.

But on the day I turned 18—my birthday—I awakened.

“This is the status screen only Awakened can see. It really does feel like a game…”

One of the privileges exclusive to Awakened, I brought up my status.

✤

Name: Tōjō Hajime

Gender: Male

Age: 18

Level: 1

Stamina: 16

Magic: 12

Strength: 20

Intelligence: 17

Agility: 20

Dexterity: 20

Talents

【Swordsmanship: 1】【Physical Enhancement: 1】

Unique Skill

【Infinite Labyrinth】

Blessings

✤

“Pretty high stats for Level 1…”

Level 1 stats generally range between 10 and 20.

They’re said to be determined by how much effort you’ve put into certain areas throughout your life and what you naturally excel at.

In my case, Strength, Agility, and Dexterity were all at maximum.

“I never really worked out or anything, but dexterity… maybe from sewing back in the day?”

I grew up in a fairly large house when I was little, but for certain reasons, I’ve been living alone since middle school.

I was given just enough money to get by, but no room for waste, so I lived frugally every day.

Especially with underwear—since no one could see it, I kept repairing and wearing them even if they tore.

“There’s a unique skill too, but the name alone doesn’t tell me much…”

The difference between talents and unique skills lies in how hard they are to acquire.

Talents can be learned through daily training or occasionally from Skill Orbs found in labyrinths.

Unique skills cannot be acquired through training or Skill Orbs.

Even now, the method of obtaining them remains unclear—only known to be granted either upon awakening or through divine blessings from the gods.

“Judging by the name, it probably has something to do with labyrinths. But first, I need to register as an Awakened.”

Fortunately, it’s the last summer break of my third year of high school.

I had taken the day off from my part-time job because it was my birthday, so I had the whole day free.

After changing into casual clothes, I got on my bicycle and headed to the station.

From there, I took the train into the city and arrived at the Awakened Association Fukuoka Branch.

“Excuse me. I woke up this morning and realized I had awakened. Is this the right place to register?”

“Yes, you’re in the right place. An Awakened, correct? Please fill out this form and wait.”

I entered the association, lined up at the reception, and received a registration form.

After filling it out, I waited about ten minutes before a staff member came and led me to a separate room.

Once inside, I was told a registration test would be conducted based on the form.

“You’re a warrior type, so we’ll conduct a physical ability test. Are you feeling alright?”

I answered, “I’m fine,” and the test began.

The test was simple—similar to a physical exam, but with added jump measurements and reflex tests.

After the physical test ended, I was led to another room and told I would now fight a combat machine designed to simulate monsters.

“As for weapons, we have various types over there. Please choose one you like and enter the room.”

Swords, daggers, bows, spears—many kinds of weapons were lined up.

I had only learned a little in class, but trusting the 【Swordsmanship】 talent that appeared, I chose a sword.

I lightly swung the sword to check its feel, then pressed the start button and began the combat test.

“Kik!”

“Whoa, fast!”

The humanoid machine attacked with surprisingly quick movements.

But thanks to my awakened reflexes, I was able to dodge without taking any damage.

I spun my body in a full circle and brought the sword down toward the machine.

“Ki!”

Unlike me, the machine took the blow head-on, its balance thrown off. I didn’t miss the opening and followed up with more strikes.

After beating it down thoroughly, the end signal sounded, and the machine stopped moving.

“Impressive. Very few people can fight like that right after awakening.”

“Thank you. I’m glad I paid attention in swordsmanship class.”

After saying that to the staff member, I returned the sword to its place and moved to another room.

Finally, a few simple questions were asked, and I successfully received my Awakened Registration Card.

Awakened are ranked, with ranks determined not only by strength but also by activity in labyrinths.

The ranks from lowest to highest are F, E, D, C, B, A, S.

Since S-rank is essentially the ceiling, even among those of the same rank, there are wide differences in strength.

“Whether I can reach S-rank probably depends almost entirely on this unknown, unique skill.”

After finishing registration, instead of heading straight home, I went to a forest about 30 minutes away by bicycle.

It’s land owned by someone I know, and since few people come here this time of year, I was permitted to use it freely for training.

“Now then… I have no idea if I’m even using it right…”

Since the way unique skills are activated varies from person to person, I tried all sorts of methods to trigger them.

But no matter what I did, nothing happened. After struggling for a while, I finally tapped 【Infinite Labyrinth】 on my status screen.

A new window appeared.

I couldn’t believe it was that simple—and felt like the past dozens of minutes of effort had been for nothing—as I checked the screen.