153 — Dialogue with the Black

Perhaps because I was examining everything in sight as I moved forward, the sun had set before I reached the mountain.

No, I mean...

Inside a labyrinth, the鉴定 results are always something like "labyrinth wall" or "labyrinth floor."

It was astonishing, really, that every object I saw had a proper鉴定 result displayed.

I could have sprinted to the mountain in moments, but I ended up wasting time examining every blade of grass and other minor things growing nearby.

I even鉴定ed weeds.

There were some flowers that could serve as medicinal ingredients, but unfortunately, none were in bloom.

They didn’t seem to be in season.

Still, I was surprised that even ordinary plants without special uses had proper names assigned to them.

Given who was doing the鉴定, I expected all of them to be lumped together as "weeds," but they were listed by distinct names.

Indeed, upon reflection, weeds are not a single type but vary widely in kind.

To call all such things the same weed is no different than insisting pigs and boars are identical.

— and so, while idly pondering useless things, I examined flowers and grasses until dusk fell.

No need for haste on this journey.

Advancing levels urgently would be optimal, but progression does not occur within one or two days. A slight delay should still allow completion within the required timeframe.

The situation is undoubtedly dire—but the actual trouble only begins at the very edge.

Perhaps that is exactly what Guryuguryu truly desires.

Absolutely, the most bothersome thing imaginable.

I too would prefer to act as soon as possible.

But whether that feeling is truly mine—unclear.

My mind is influenced. My thoughts differ slightly from who I was before.

Not that it's bad.

Regardless of changing thoughts, I remain myself.

Just… the feeling of inconvenience mixes with the necessity to act. A complicated state of mind.

Especially since, in my case, two effects are active simultaneously: the influence of the Dominance Skill and the effect of consuming Mother.

The latter is particularly strong.

Still, I anticipated this when I began. Consider it a necessary cost.

Yet, as dusk falls, the entire area becomes pitch black.

I have Dark Vision, so I can manage. But I didn’t realize how dark it gets without light.

Now I understand how exceptionally bright Japan is, with its streetlamps properly installed.

This is my first time experiencing night—been cooped up in the labyrinth all this while.

Feels a little exciting.

Maybe I’ll just camp out here for tonight.

It’s my first time outside, after all. Might as well savor the night air.

Inside the labyrinth, there was no day, no night.

My base remains within the labyrinth.

I can return at any time via teleportation. Right now, I’m just out on a temporary excursion.

The essence of travel: overnight stay.

That’s the plan—preparing camp.

Constructing a makeshift shelter with thread.

At that moment—spatial detection.

Something is teleporting in.

Ah—crap.

I’ve seen this distortion before.

A man materializing across space.

Slender frame, armor fused to his body.

Cloaked entirely in black.

Appears as expected—Administrator Gurielidistdies.

You’re early.

I didn’t even have time to prepare mentally.

I mean, I don’t understand the language of this world, so I can’t even talk.

I can’t speak at all.

No, I can’t.

Seriously, what should I do?

If a fight breaks out, I have no chance.

Fleeing won’t help if the opponent can teleport.

Honestly, the moment he decides to act, my life ends.

Then I have no choice but to accept it.

Gurielidistdies stared at me in silence for a while, then let out a long sigh.

‘Will this convey intent?’

Suddenly, a voice rang directly in my mind—not through sound, but through cognition.

Like a divine voice.

And it was in proper Japanese.

I nodded without speaking.

‘I interfered with the translation function of D’s skill. Now my telepathy will reach you in your language, and your speech will reach me in mine.’

Huh.

I didn’t know that was possible.

Could this be applied to constant translation?

『Incidentally, this function is being forcibly executed by me. It is not a core feature of the skill, so you would find it difficult to perform.』

Ah, that’s how it is.

Too bad.

『Now, I shall convey the purpose of my visit. Cease your current activities immediately. I request that you cause no further trouble for humanity in the future.』

Hmph.

Better than being eliminated without trial, but still… you’ve come to stop me.

『I’ve learned the general outline of your circumstances from D. I acknowledge, with sincerity, that I was the one who involved you in this world’s affairs. I apologize. In addition, I ask that you refrain from further involvement in this world’s matters. I am aware this is an impertinent request. I understand why you’ve taken these actions. Bearing that in mind, I have come to make this request.』

Well, well. This person is far more gentlemanly than I expected.

Then again… incredibly awkward.

This isn’t the kind of situation where refusing outright just gets you attacked without warning.

Were you threatened by D?

‘Would you not grant me an answer?’

Hmm.

When someone comes this earnestly, it’s only proper to respond in kind.

Ah—when dealing with D, they’d just assume my thoughts without asking, so it was easier that way. But speaking my own mind to another? That’s been a long time.

Wait—since birth, hasn’t it?

I’m starting to feel nervous.

‘I decline.’

After taking a long time, the words finally came out. Guriédistdieses paused, expression unreadable.

Heart racing.

In every way.

As if uttering a single word had shortened my lifespan.

‘Are you certain?’

Guriédistdieses, deep in thought, asked once more—confirming.

I nodded in reply.

‘So be it.’

Guriédistdieses looked up at the sky.

‘From the perspective of one from another world, does what I do appear laughable?’

Guriédistdieses asked, frowning deeply.

His face was on the verge of tears, exhausted, tormented—yet still resolved to keep walking.

I could not answer that question.

After all, it was not my affair.

Only one thing was certain.

‘Do as you wish.’

That is ultimately all there is.

To advance along the path you believe in.

When no correct answer exists, that is the only action possible.

‘Is that so. Yes. That is right.’

Guriédistdieses paused, expression slightly startled, then murmured.

Then I shall do what I must do. That said, even D has issued a warning regarding you. For now, I will not harm you. But remember this: if your actions lead to an outcome incompatible with mine, I will stand before you.

That is likely.

Still, I hope—preferably—that it does not come to that.

'Today is enough. Farewell.'

With that, Guriédistdieses vanished through teleportation.