Thus, Yujin found himself accompanying a party.

"......"

On Earth, as well as in this new world, Yujin’s aura always carried an inexplicable air of suspicion. Here, too, he maintained a subtle distance, walking a step behind the group, his presence feeling somewhat out of place.

None of the party members spoke to him, each casting cautious glances his way. This was something Yujin was all too familiar with.

However, it wasn’t as though Yujin was completely silent. He always had Tiamat, the transcendent being bound to him in soul form, walking with him, unseen by the others.

Tiamat broke the silence.
『Yujin, why did you decide to accompany them? We could search for the exit on our own, you know.』

‘Ah, you mean that?’

Her question was entirely reasonable.

Yujin didn’t need a guide to find the labyrinth’s exit. It was something he could manage on his own. Rejecting the party’s help wouldn’t have hindered him in the slightest. Yet, he had chosen to travel with them.

‘It’s nothing special. If anything, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to form a connection or two while I’m here.’

『A connection?』

‘Yes.’

Yujin hadn’t yet told Tiamat, but the truth was, he was an outsider—an otherworlder.

He had been transported from Earth to this labyrinth. At first, he thought Tiamat’s Tomb might have been implemented inside a gate, or that the gate itself had transported him here. But now, he was certain:

He had been transported to another world. This was evident even from observing this party.

Humans and demi-humans like dwarves coexisting in the same group, and their casual references to the labyrinth—it was clear this was a world entirely separate from Earth.

More importantly, the idea that such a massive labyrinth could manifest within a gate back on Earth seemed far less plausible than the notion that he had crossed into another world.

Yujin had fully realized this was a different world.

So, what was the problem?

Firstly, a lack of common sense.

Although Yujin had played the game Labyrinth Academy, which was set in this world, he had always skipped over the story, background, and lore. He was what you’d call a “story-skipper.”

The game, after all, didn’t require knowledge of the story to play. It was a roguelike centered on labyrinth exploration, with gameplay focused on collecting treasures and advancing through layers. While there was an academy-centered narrative, Yujin ignored it, spending most of his time simply playing for leisure.

As such, his knowledge of this world was shallow. He wasn’t just new to this world—he was a newbie in the game itself, having played it for less than a week.

And even then, it was something he did to pass the time when he wasn’t busy as an awakener. He hadn’t invested much effort into the game.

How much could someone like that know about this world? Only a bit about navigating the labyrinth.

It was clear he needed to learn the basics of this world’s common sense.

While Tiamat could provide some guidance, she was a transcendent from millennia ago and lacked knowledge of the current era. For that, Yujin needed to rely on others.

That’s where this party came in.

There was another issue, though:

The second problem was that, as an otherworlder, Yujin had no connections in this world.

To him, the world of Labyrinth Academy was one where he had no ties.

While Yujin had few close relationships on Earth, at least he could rely on social systems to interact with others.

This world, however, was fundamentally medieval. Monarchies and a focus on power and authority defined the societal structure.

In such a brutal fantasy world, having no allies or acquaintances was a significant disadvantage.

Unlike Earth, where morality and ethics were outwardly upheld, this world demanded a different approach. Yujin realized he couldn’t rely on Earth’s systems here.

So, he decided to start building connections. This party was his first step.

And more than that...

‘Tiamat, do you know the phrase yu-wi-jeon-byeon (有爲轉變)?’

『Yu-wi-jeon-byeon? What does it mean?』

‘It means that everything in the world is shaped by connections and constantly changes, never remaining the same.’

Yu-wi-jeon-byeon is a well-known Buddhist term.

As Yujin explained, it refers to the transient nature of life, where everything changes due to the relationships it forms.

‘At first glance, it might sound like nihilism, as if nothing matters. But in truth, it’s quite the opposite.’

『How so?』

‘It means that while everything is destined to change, this doesn’t render things meaningless. Instead, it signifies that anything is possible. Let me give you an example.’

Yujin continued, ‘Consider an empty bowl. We don’t call it meaningless just because it’s empty. It can hold water, soup, or even wine. Its emptiness makes it versatile, capable of becoming whatever it needs to be.’

『Interesting...』

‘Everything is like that empty bowl—anything is possible. When the bowl encounters water, it becomes a vessel for water. When it meets wine, it holds wine. When it meets poison, it holds poison. Connections are what determine what the bowl becomes. We call this causation.’

『That’s an intriguing insight. But how does it relate to forming connections? Are you trying to change yourself?』

‘Not necessarily. It’s not about wanting to change. It’s about accepting that change is inevitable. Everything I have now will one day cease to be mine. That’s why I believe in appreciating what I have in the moment.’

Yujin smiled serenely, his tone reminiscent of a wise sage.

‘Far from being nihilistic, it’s about embracing change and cherishing what you have while you have it. Isn’t it more meaningful to treasure something knowing it won’t last forever?’

『I see...』

Tiamat was surprised. While Yujin’s words were simple, the depth of his understanding was remarkable.

His insight was like a clear, tranquil lake—easily visible, yet its depths seemed infinite.

She marveled at the profundity of this mortal’s perspective.

『Everything changes through connections, and thus, anything is possible...』

Such realizations often led to spiritual growth.

Suddenly, a radiant energy enveloped Tiamat.

‘...Hmm?’

『Thank you, Yujin. Thanks to you, I’ve taken a step forward.』

Yujin felt Tiamat’s presence within him grow stronger, a sign of her spiritual advancement. He smiled, pleased.

『I now understand why you are free of greed and attachment. Everything flows, so there’s no need to cling to anything.』

This was not a concept unfamiliar to Tiamat. The act of entrusting her bones and heart to Yujin was no small matter, yet she had done so without hesitation.

‘...It’s nothing, really.’

Yujin humbly dismissed her gratitude.

Tiamat responded with a chuckle. 『Even as a mortal, you carried such wisdom. No wonder you’ve matured so much.』

‘You flatter me.’

With that, Tiamat asked, 『So, is forming connections here also part of that philosophy? To value even fleeting bonds?』

‘Not entirely. It’s more that I see no reason to avoid these connections. After all, they’re part of life.’

『Hmm... I see.』

‘Ah, though I must say, my bond with you is particularly precious.’

『Wha—?!』

Tiamat faltered, caught off guard by Yujin’s sudden sincerity.

‘I mean it. After my parents passed, you’re the first person I’ve truly been able to talk to. That’s why... I deeply cherish the time we spend together.’

『I... I see...』

Yujin, walking at the back of the group, didn’t turn to see Tiamat’s expression as she floated alongside him. Yet, through their connection, he sensed her flustered reaction.

He chuckled awkwardly. ‘Was that too embarrassing to say?’

『N-No, it’s not that... Just, um...』

‘Haha, no need to worry. I think it was a bit embarrassing myself. Let’s just forget I said it.’

『...Right.』

But even as Tiamat agreed, she couldn’t quite bring herself to forget.

Their conversation was interrupted by Mirien, the scout, who called out from the front.

"Stop."

"Mirien, do you sense something?"

"...Yes, eight... no, eleven."

In response to Hugo's question, Mirien was counting the enemies in their surroundings. Yujin had also sensed them.

The party had already transitioned from the open plains into a forest, and except for Mirien, their scout, and Yujin, the transcendent, none of the party members were aware of the approaching enemies.

Tension started building within the group. The academy students, Eri and Shia, grew visibly uneasy as they prepared themselves.

Twitch!
Shiver...

Perhaps they were overdoing it—Eri, the mage, flinched nervously, while Shia, the timid priestess, trembled with anxiety.

Yujin observed them, amused at how delicate they seemed. It was clear these two had little experience.

At that moment, Hugo addressed Yujin for the first time since their introduction.

"Mr. Yujin, please stay in the center. As I mentioned earlier, we are guiding academy students for their evaluation, so it would be inappropriate to deviate from our designated roles."

"Of course. But if things take a turn, I assume I can at least protect myself?"

"Naturally."

With that, the party members prepared for combat.

Mirien was the first to act.

Drawing her bow silently, she aimed at a corner of the forest and released an arrow.

Thwack!
"Ack!"

The sound of the arrow piercing flesh was followed by a pained cry.

The target, a green-skinned creature with grotesque features, long ears, a bulbous nose, and warty skin, collapsed to the ground, pierced through by the arrow.

A goblin.

"Kiieeek! Kiieek!"
"Kiieeek!"

Realizing their ambush had been discovered, the goblins began to emerge one by one.

Monsters in the labyrinth lacked survival instincts. Even after their ambush was exposed and one of their own was killed, they showed no fear—only hostility.

Hugo stepped forward, banging his shield with the flat of his sword.

Bang! Bang!

"Over here, you monsters! Look at me!"

[Taunt]

A skill no tank could go without, Taunt.

The goblins' attention turned to Hugo all at once.

He shouted instructions to the group.

"Chrome, go free-form! Eri, prepare your magic! Shia, cast a shield on me! Hans, stay in the center with Yujin! Mirien, intercept the ones throwing rocks from a distance!"

The orders were swift and precise. Chrome immediately moved to disrupt the goblins’ formation, swinging his axes freely. Eri, despite her nerves, began casting her spell. Shia chanted a protective spell for Hugo, while Mirien targeted the goblins throwing projectiles from a distance.

Meanwhile, Yujin stood in the center with Hans, the porter, observing the scene.

‘Their coordination is impressive.’

Though the instructions were simple, the party executed them seamlessly. Chrome moved quickly, scattering the goblins’ formation, while Mirien efficiently intercepted the ranged threats. Hugo held the line, blocking any goblins that approached the center like an unyielding wall.

It was evident this was a seasoned group.

However, that was when the problem arose.

"More coming from the nine o’clock direction! Five of them!"

"Chrome!"

"Got it!"

Chrome, who had been moving freely, rushed toward the new group of goblins. This left Hugo with more to handle on his own, but he showed no sign of strain.

The real issue lay elsewhere.

"Uh... um..."

Eri, the mage, hesitated as she finished preparing her spell. She seemed unsure where to direct it, glancing around nervously.

The problem? She was a novice attempting to make a judgment without the leader’s instructions.

"F-Fireball!"

She launched her spell toward the nine o’clock direction where Chrome was charging. Chrome, noticing the incoming fireball, was taken aback.

"Damn it!"

Hugo, hearing Eri’s chant, also turned in surprise. He hadn’t expected her to act so recklessly without orders.

To make matters worse, the shield spell was still focused on Hugo, leaving Chrome unprotected. If the fireball landed, Chrome would likely be injured.

At that moment, Yujin extended his hand.

Whoosh!

A barrier of mana enveloped Chrome, shielding him just as the fireball exploded among the approaching goblins.

Boom!

"Chrome!"

Hugo shouted, worried that Chrome had been caught in the blast. He hadn’t noticed Yujin’s intervention or the mana barrier.

When the flames cleared, Chrome emerged unscathed, leaving Hugo visibly confused.

"What...?"

In that brief moment of distraction, a goblin slipped through the line and charged at Eri.

"Kyah!"

The novice mage screamed, squeezing her eyes shut as the goblin lunged at her.

"Tsk..."

Thwack!
"Kieeek!"

"...Huh?"

Eri, bracing for pain, instead heard the sound of flesh being pierced and the goblin’s shriek. Slowly, she opened her eyes.

The goblin lay on the ground, trembling, with a small dagger embedded in its shoulder.

Eri turned to see Yujin, his ever-present enigmatic smile on his face, looking down at her.

"It seems you’re quite inexperienced, Miss Eri."

"I... I..."

She stammered, but Yujin continued with a gentle tone.

"That’s fine. Experience is something you gain over time."

He handed her a dagger.

"This... is...?"

"As a combat mage, it’s not enough to provide support from the rear. You need equipment to protect yourself in emergencies. Like now, for instance—a small monster slipped through the line, and you had no way to respond."

He gestured toward the injured goblin still writhing on the ground.

"Stab it."

"W-What?"

"Miss Eri, this is your first time killing, isn’t it? Not with magic, but with a blade."

"!?"

Eri flinched, trembling as she looked up at Yujin.

"How did you...?"

"Ha... let’s just say I had a feeling."

Though it was obvious from her demeanor, Yujin responded playfully, trying to lighten the mood.

"...Hic!"

But being told to take a life had shaken her. She began to hiccup, her fear growing.

Yujin, unfazed, pressed on.

"This is necessary. You need to feel what it’s like to end a life with your own hands. It’s an experience you’ll need to grow accustomed to."

Though he didn’t voice it, he knew this kind of experience would prevent her from freezing in a real battle.

"Now, stab it."

"I... I can’t..."

"Do it."

Despite his calm encouragement, Eri shook her head violently, trembling.

"...I-I can’t..."

"...I see. Then there’s no choice."

Yujin gently took hold of her trembling hand, guiding it toward the goblin.

Slowly, he moved her hand, dagger in grip, until it plunged into the goblin’s neck.

Thwack...

"Eugh..."

"Kieeek...!"

Warm blood spurted out as the goblin let out a gurgling cry. Even though it was a labyrinth monster, its death was no less visceral.

As the goblin's life flickered out, Yujin added one final touch.

Crunch!

"Ah!"

"To make sure it’s finished, twist the blade like this."

"Hic... hic..."

The goblin was dead, its body going limp.

Yujin released Eri’s hand.

"See? Not so difficult, is it?"

"...Bleurgh!"

Her response was immediate—she retched, vomiting on the spot.