The Story of How I Ended Up Becoming a Hero Without Realizing It While Training in the Infinite Labyrinth - Chapter 18

New gear on, I started on Floor 1 against goblins.

The only change before: the necklace. Rest was a starter set.

Figured new equipment would make fights easier.

“G-Goblins cut like tofu…”

Sliced one clean—turned into magic stone instantly.

Shocked, I froze despite others nearby.

They swarmed my unguarded back.

“Huh? Mosquito bite hurts more…”

Club to the back—felt nothing.

Finished the rest, paused to think.

“New gear this good? Or old set just mismatched for this labyrinth?”

Moved to Floor 2—fought Wolves.

Not goblin-weak, but no real threat. Herb gathering became way easier.

“Good or bad? Can’t handicap myself—Tesshin made this…”

Waffled, decided: skip Floor 3 for now, focus on herbs.

Think it over while gathering.

“Big haul, but gear’s OP.”

One week in the new gear—still not used to its strength.

Floor 3 might be too easy. Texted Rui.

“Consulting me? Rare.”

“Been stuck on something—can’t decide alone…”

“My, about marrying me?”

“Marry you? No engagement yet. Gotta be worthy first date officially, then think marriage.”

Rui’s voice brightened: “You really think that way…”

“S-So, what’s the issue?”

“Gear’s too strong—exploration’s too easy. Okay, like this?”

“…Gear makes things easier, but mainly protects you. Your special labyrinth—no real death—warped your view. Get used to dying, you’ll break as a person.”

Her words hit: fear of death had faded.

【Infinite Labyrinth】—death means nothing. Crossed dangerous bridges to grow.

Reality: one death, game over.

“Rui. Thanks. Honestly, death stopped scaring me.”

“That’s why I asked Tesshin for gear. Wanted you to realize yourself.”

“Sorry. Didn’t think that far.”

Bowed deeply over the call.

“That apology aside—something I prepared is ready. Meet soon? Daiki-san and others want to see you, too.”

“Father too? Must be big.”

“Can’t spoil much, but…”

Shinonome Daiki—Rui’s father, Shinonome Group president.

Calling him meant serious business. Rui sounded eager.

Showed one herb from the Inventory.

“T-That’s an herb!? Your labyrinth has herbs, too?”

“Found exploring—four points. High purity, tons of uses.”

“Countless! Tomorrow—meet tomorrow! I’ll drag Father even if he’s busy!”

“Wait, no rush—”

Click.

She hung up.

Faster the better—repay Rui and her family sooner.

Gathered more herbs till midnight, cycling points.