Identification tags could only be obtained before entering the maze. They were called identification pendants, but in fact they were just steel pendants engraved with the coat of arms of the royal family. Raven's overall estimate is that each of them was worth less than 3,000 stones.

"So it's an ordinary necklace," I said, "Not even a palace can make and distribute magic items in such a short time."

The tags didn't even have our names on them, so it was impossible to tell if it had been stolen. However, upon closer inspection, it turned out that there was some kind of trick hidden in the tags. Nothing special, but neither the clerks nor the knight from the 1st floor told us about it.

"What is it written here?" ... It is an ancient language."

Inside the symbol of the royal family was a small number written in an ancient language. The number 2 was written on our tags.

Raven and I put forward several hypotheses on this matter and, after comparing them with the data of other researchers, came to a conclusion.

"All clan tags used to have the number 3."

This number in the ancient language denoted the rank of the researcher. Not entirely accurate, but 1 is low, 2 is medium, and 3 is high.

"So that's why they asked for our rank when they handed them out." Why didn't they tell us then?" Because there are concerns that Noark may abuse it."

Of course, it was a wretched device, useful if only you can read ancient writings, as we do. But in terms of value for money, it was not bad. It was not so difficult to apply an additional number during embossing, and now we could also use it.

The cursed Hans effect.

I focused on controlling my facial expressions and gripped the shield tighter. The number on the dwarf's tag was 1. Judging by their equipment, there was no way they could possibly be low-ranking researchers. This meant that they were from Noark and had stolen the tags.

What should I do now? Destroy them at once?

This was the first option that came to mind, but on closer inspection, it turned out to be the worst possible. Raven had a similar thought.

"[They don't know that their identities have been revealed yet, so we have to pretend that we don't know anything either, and start researching for now].

Yes, it will be better this way.

When I nodded in response to the transmission, the dwarf gave me a strange look.

— Any problems?

"No, nothing. Let's introduce ourselves. I am Bjorn, son of Yandel. How about you?

- Jagurt Martin.

It was a dwarven name, but clearly a pseudonym.

— А! Я — Х-Ханс Крисен.

Hans G also revealed his name, and the acquaintance between the leaders ended.

"Identification tag?"

"Ah, here it is. What are you all doing? Quickly show yours.

Just in case, I checked the tags of Hans G's team as well, everyone had a 2, except for the rookie, who had a 1.

"Hmm... Since we have to move together, why don't we introduce everyone?

"Hmph, move together?" Do you know about this Chasm?

Hans G nodded confidently at the dwarf's question.

— Yes, to some extent, because I love books.

It was quite funny to watch.

Have you read it in a book? Usually I use this excuse.

"Explain. What happens next?

"Since we're all here, if we join hands, a passage will open." And if we go along the passage, we will find ourselves in the forest.

— ... Looks like you'll be useful.

"Haha... I'm glad to hear that. In that sense, why don't we take the time to share what everyone does best and get to know each other better?

After that, following Hans G's suggestion, we briefly introduced the composition of each team.

In short, it looked like this:

Hans G's team: Summoner, Mage, Blunt Weapon Warrior, Conduit, Elf Archer.

Dwarf Team: Dwarven Warrior, Swordsman Beastman, Mage, Archer, Priest.

"Oh! Do you have a priest?!

Hearing the composition of the dwarven team, Hans G's face suddenly lit up. Now that we were about to make a raid, he seemed glad to have a priest around... But it was clear that he was only a priest of Karui.

"So, about the distribution...

As is usually the case with explorers who met in the Rift, after getting to know each other, we moved on to discuss the distribution of loot. We decided that the team that defeats the trash monster will get what it drops. For prey from joint hunts, we agreed to roll a dice. However, this was not a completely honest way.

Raven went into negotiation mode, where she crushed her opponent in a soft voice.

Shouldn't the team that contributes more get more? Mr. Christen, am I right? Obviously, there will be the least help on your part.

"As I said before, we have information about the Chasm...

"I also know well about the Forest of Doubles.

"Wait a minute. Aren't you too rude?

At this moment, an elf archer from Hans's team intervened in the conversation, but nothing changed.

"Miss Meirin, please stop. She's not wrong," Hans said.

— Yes, let's admit it. We got a lot from the Double of that barbarian. Asking for an equal distribution when the difference in skill is so great is unfair to us.

—…

When the leader and the mage said the same thing, the elf archer closed her mouth in anger. Then Hans G said in a dejected voice:

- We will subtract 1 point from the number drawn.

- Subtract 2. Instead, we will use a 10-sided die.

— … Ok. But instead, p-please increase our share if we contribute more.

— This is a reasonable proposal. Why don't we make it the rule? If a team makes a mistake, subtract 1 point from its scale and add if it is the other way around. How do you like it? Raven suggested, looking directly at the dwarf.

He nodded obediently.

— In my opinion, it's fine.

"Because I'm going to stick a knife in your back anyway," he probably thought, or maybe it seemed to me?

***

When we were all gathered at the altar, located in the center of the common area, the vines blocking the passage parted, revealing a path leading up the slope.

"We'll go first." I hope you won't follow us too closely.

— Of course.

Keeping a safe distance from each other, we quickly reached the forest.

Chapter 2 has begun.

[You have entered a special zone].

[Forest of Doubles field effect applied].

[Anomalous state [Distrust] is active. When attacking expedition members, the damage is doubled].

The content of this chapter was very simple: Go around the forest, defeat three intermediate bosses and find an altar somewhere.

"Then who from the team will go ahead?"

"I think it would be better to take turns.

As befits researchers with a passive [Distrust] status, we moved as separate teams, not as one large group. From a bird's-eye view, the formation resembled an isosceles triangle. The procedure was to deal with the monsters coming from each direction and provide support in case of danger to others.

"First, activate the magic of [Voice Control].

Despite the fact that the rest of the teams were at a considerable distance from us, we turned on voice magic. Defeating the Doubles that appeared every few minutes, we continued the expedition. Some time passed in this way.

"Nyaha!" What kind of dwarf is this?! He behaves so arrogantly, and in a battle he is nothing special!

Naturally, we hunted for the Doubles of other participants and obtained information about them. Hans G's team, as expected, was light, and the dwarf's team wasn't as strong as I thought.

I guess they're around the 5th rank.

For me, who admitted the possibility that he might be an opponent of the Dragon Slayer level, this was the most joyful news.

"Raven, turn on [Voice Control]."

"What?" It's already on!

Oh, I forgot to mention.

"Only for you and me.

It was a delicate topic.

"Hm?" Why only the two of you? Mike asked.

"I'll explain it later.

The three who remained on the sidelines of the conversation expressed their bewilderment, but when they saw my face, they nodded.

— ... It's done," Raven said. "But you don't want to tell the other three?"

I don't think they have acting talent.

It was not on purpose, but our eyes naturally fell on Einar.

— ... Let's leave that topic here.

— Yes. It will be better this way.

I got straight to the point.

"So, what do you think will come of it?"

— 50/50. They may just want to end their expedition peacefully and leave... Or they can be greedy.

The answer was somewhat unexpected.

— 50/50?

I thought greed would be more likely.

— First: There are fewer of them than we are. Secondly, they are also weaker than us.

Hmm, that was true.

— Nevertheless, I can say one thing for sure. Even if they decide to be greedy, it won't happen now. Most likely, it will be after defeating the Guardian.

This part coincided with my thoughts. The Forest of Doubles was a Rift for 15 people. It was difficult to complete with one team, unless you have strong skills.

"You know what that means, don't you?" It also means that we can't attack them first until we defeat the Guardian.

"Yes, I understand.

That was the shittest part of the current situation.

This problem should have been nipped in the bud, but we can't strike the first blow!

My mace itches to wave.

"Then what about the other team?"

"A team with a guy named Hans?"

— Yes. Didn't you notice anything suspicious?

"I don't know. He seems a little silly, but he doesn't look like a bad person.

"Doesn't look like a bad person, does he?"

It certainly looked like that, but I knew that this man who had led more than a hundred researchers to their deaths was trying to escape a trap in the [Abyss of Evil].

We could not see only an idiot in him. He was also a player.

"Haa," I sighed involuntarily.

As if Hans G alone were not enough, there are also researchers from Noark.

Why did everything go into hardcore mode every time I entered the Chasm?

"Björn, doppelgänger!"

— ... Keep a close eye on this team with the dwarven team. If you feel anything strange, let me know right away," I said to Raven.

"Good.

With that, I ended my conversation with Raven and focused on the expedition. Contrary to my expectations, no one delved deeply into our conversation.

It is impossible that they are not interested... Most likely, they just believed that it was necessary and waited for us.

I even felt embarrassed.

"S-Asking for support!"

In general, except for the fact that Hans G's team occasionally asked for help, time passed without incident.

And when night fell, we found one of the three intermediate bosses.

— ... Th-It's a Manticore!

It was one of the few non-Doubles in this Rift, and it was rumored to be selling for a good price, whether it was a by-product or an essence.

[You killed Manticore. Experience +5].

Thanks to the information received from Raven and Hans G, the battle itself was not difficult. However, after that, the problem still arose... well, I guess it wasn't exactly a problem.

"Everyone stop!"

The essence fell out.

For the first time in a long time that I could absorb.

"Raven, get the cube!"

We had to win.