The Story of How I Ended Up Becoming a Hero Without Realizing It While Training in the Infinite Labyrinth - Chapter 10

“Never thought I’d dive a labyrinth with Rui this soon.”

“We promised, didn’t we? Our first labyrinth together.”

“That was when I was five. You actually remembered…”

Back then, Rui had already awakened.

We’d made a childish promise: when I awakened, we’d go together.

She’d kept it all this time.

“Really? You forgot?”

“No, I remembered. Just shocked you did.”

“I never forget memories with you. Come on—let’s go. It’s private land, but someone might still see.”

Rui happily pulled my hand into the labyrinth.

This labyrinth is one managed by the Shinonome family.

When a labyrinth is cleared, two choices exist: Destroy it—used for dangerous or inconvenient locations, Pacify it—leave it standing to mine ores and materials.

Pacified labyrinths are managed by the Guild or corporations formed by Awakened.

“Your party… all familiar faces. Long time no see.”

“We held back greetings since Lady Rui was enjoying herself, but you spoke first, Hajime-sama.”

“Four years since we last met. Good to see you.”

Rui’s party: one man, two women.

The nearly-identical Tachibana twins (two years older): Akari (Sword) and Aoi (Staff).

The man: Hiraiwa’s son, same age as me—Hiraiwa Minato.

“Didn’t expect you to awaken. Nice! Now you can marry the young lady.”

“Thanks, but the engagement’s already broken… Depends on my effort from now on.”

“Woo~ Talking big now~”

Minato and I used to play a lot.

After the breakup and exile, we rarely met, but he felt the same—relieved.

“Minato. Bonus when we get back.”

“Yes! New gear incoming. Thanks, Hajime!”

We formed up.

Front: Akari, Minato, me.

Back: Aoi, Rui.

“We’re here to gauge your strength. Call for help if needed—no holding back. If you get hurt, the young lady will chew us out.”

“Got it. I’ll call if it’s too much.”

This labyrinth is D-rank—standard for mid-level Awakened.

I’m a rookie; Minato’s concern makes sense.

“Oh, perfect—one lone monster. Hajime, give it a shot?”

“Yeah, let’s see what I can do.”

A few minutes in, we spotted one.

This is a cave-type labyrinth rich in ore. Floor 1 spawns Golems—rock-bodied monsters, D-rank.

“Here goes!”

“GOH!”

“…Huh?”

I dashed, circled behind, and swung down at its head.

Expected a scratch—my sword cleaved straight to the core.

The core shattered; the Golem crumbled.

“…Hajime. You said this was your first labyrinth, right?”

“Haha… maybe I over-trained from excitement…”

My lame excuse earned flat stares from everyone except Rui.

She knew I’d grown in another world’s labyrinth—her face glowed with pride.

“Hey, I said it first: whatever Hajime does, no questions.”

“So the young lady knows why he’s strong… Fine, no need for us to know yet. Tell us when you’re ready.”

“Yeah, I’ll explain someday. Bear with me till then.”

Minato caught Rui’s meaning instantly and backed off. The Tachibana sisters didn’t pry.

We resumed. An hour later, we reached the mining point—the reason this labyrinth was preserved.

“Young lady, how much today?”

“Hmm. Take everything we can.”

“Wait—there’s a mountain here! We can’t carry it all without… wait, storage skill?”

“I’ve got Inventory. Dig away.”

Minato and the twins froze in shock.

Rui snapped, “No work, no pay.”

They snapped back to reality and started mining.

Of course, I joined—borrowed a pickaxe and learned from Minato as we dug.