The Story of How I Ended Up Becoming a Hero Without Realizing It While Training in the Infinite Labyrinth - Chapter 5

The next morning, I opened my status screen to confirm yesterday hadn’t been a dream.

✤

Name: Tōjō Hajime

Gender: Male

Age: 18

Level: 10

Stamina: 54

Magic: 30

Strength: 58

Intelligence: 44

Agility: 58

Dexterity: 47

Talents

【Swordsmanship: 1】【Physical Enhancement: 1】

Unique Skill

【Infinite Labyrinth】

Blessings

✤

The screen appeared exactly as expected. Relief washed over me.

“If it had been a dream, that would’ve been the worst.”

I stir-fried the leftover meat with some vegetables for a late breakfast.

It was already 10 a.m.—I’d fallen asleep right after dinner and slept like a log.

“Well, I was exhausted… and there’s still a few hours before the 24-hour lockout ends.”

A glance at the status confirmed it. Death-to-revival takes longer than it feels.

“For now, I need info on High Goblins and a smoother way to cash magic stones.”

I opened my laptop and searched for High Goblin.

Upper species of goblin.

Commands regular goblins.

“That matches what I saw yesterday, but not much detail. Let’s try other sites.”

I moved from site to site, gathering what I could.

Once done, I turned to the magic-stone problem.

“This one’s really tough…”

Even veteran Awakened rarely haul in large batches.

Only high-rankers can slaughter monsters in bulk. I’m on day two of awakening.

A rookie showing up with dozens of stones would scream suspicion.

“Two options come to mind: dump them on the black market, or ask an acquaintance for help.”

The black market trades things that can’t be sold openly.

Use it too much, and you get targeted—possibly fatally.

“Then the acquaintance route… Only one person would help with this.”

But I already owe her too much.

Borrowing again when I don’t know when I can repay…

I hesitated, but with no better plan, I texted her.

An hour later, I biked to her building.

“Well, well—if it isn’t Hajime. Long time no see.”

“Mr. Hiraiwa, good work today.”

Inside, a dignified middle-aged man greeted me.

Hiraiwa Yoshihisa—her bodyguard.

He looks gentle, but he’s a B-rank Awakened.

“Sorry. The young lady is handling an urgent matter. Please wait a moment.”

“No problem. Actually, I’m the one who showed up suddenly…”

“Not at all. For the young lady, Hajime’s business takes priority.”

Hiraiwa smiled warmly; I returned a wry grin.

After about 30 minutes in the waiting room, the door opened. A woman entered.

Shinonome Rui—childhood friend and former fiancée.

She awakened young and has been diving into labyrinths as an Awakened.

“It’s rare for you to visit me. Did you finally awaken?”

“…”

“…Wait. You’re serious?”

She’d meant it as a joke, but my silence shocked her.

Well, I was the Non-Awakened who caused the engagement to be broken. She never expected me to awaken now.

“So you came to announce you’re returning to your family?”

“No. I’m not going back. They abandoned me for being Non-Awakened and said the family ties end after graduation. Even if they beg now, I’m not returning.”

“I figured you’d say that. Then why come to me?”

“Actually, I need advice… Something only you can help with.”

At my words, Rui looked up and said, “Out.”

Hiraiwa nodded. The presences I’d sensed in the ceiling and elsewhere vanished.

“Thank you. Even the other guards.”

“It’s fine. You look serious—I have to match that. The families broke the engagement, but in my heart, I’m still your fiancée.”

Rui said it shyly. My cheeks warmed slightly.