Chapter 793
Chapter 793: Red Ocean (5)
The Ten Great Clans, Five Great Clans, Four Great Clans…… While these terms were once used to categorize the famous large clans of the time, such classifications have now faded into obscurity. This naturally occurred as numerous clans disappeared or merged during years of political turmoil…… However, even during these turbulent times, one clan emerged and grew remarkably, making a name for itself.
The Golden Tree Clan.
Until just a few years ago, it was a clan known primarily for the reputation of its leader. However, during the war, they demonstrated exceptional skills, absorbing and merging with several other clans to achieve significant growth. Raven’s assessment of this clan was as follows.
“The Golden Tree Clan? Well, I’ve heard they played an active role during the war, but in my opinion, the seemed like they mostly picked easier battlefields. Still, they seem to have built up quite a force… If I had to rank them, they might just barely make it to the bottom tier of the old Ten Great Clans.”
“Adnus, what do you think?”
“While there’s a lot of talk about them, there’s no denying their considerable strength. Oh, I’ve heard they have strong ties with influential figures in politics and business. They’re said to have connections with Count Alminus… And they seem to practically be soulmates with the Guild’s Third Regional Manager.”
“I see……”
According to the Guild Master’s information, the Golden Tree Clan sent a total of 90 members into the labyrinth this time, making them the fourth-largest group among the participating clans. This indicates significant support from both the royal family and the guild. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have been allocated such a large number of slots.
“But what do you mean by there’s a lot of talk about them?”
“There are occasional rumors of internal discord. Some say they are overworking their members… Though no one from within the clan has openly testified or exposed this. It seems they keep their members’ mouths firmly shut.”
“Overworking them……”
I wonder if this is related to why Mr. Bear had such a dark expression when talking about his clan before?
“Still, it’s not that there aren’t any good reviews. In fact, there are far more positive ones. Their pay is reliable, and rather than selling essences, they distribute them to their members, putting a lot of support into their growth.”
Hmm, certainly…… The Guild Master’s words seem to ring true. Last time I saw him, Mr. Bear seemed to have consumed plenty of new essences, and as a result, it seems he was promoted to a Rank 3 explorer.
“Abman… Is he okay……?”
Upon hearing this information, Missha showed visible concern, whereas Ainar was simply excited about the prospect of meeting Mr. Bear on this island.
“Let’s hurry up and go in! Meeting Urakburak here must be a sign of good luck!!”
Well, it doesn’t feel like a sign of good luck to me……
“So what are you going to do, Yandel?”
“What else? Of course, we’re going in.”
“I see… Understood.”
As I firmly stated my intention, Amelia’s expression turned slightly peculiar. Should I say it was like she had something to say but was holding back?
“Just say it clearly. What is it?”
“……If you encounter ‘Golden Ghost,’ it might be best not to underestimate them too much.”
I couldn’t help but tilt my head at Amelia’s words. Even though she knows my cautious personality that wont even cross a stone bridge until checking it first, she still chose to give me such advice.
“Do you know something about them?”
When I pressed Amelia for more details, she said she hadn’t met them personally, and could only share rumors and past actions she’d heard about, which only increased my curiosity about this ‘Golden Ghost’ person.
‘What kind of person are they, to warrant such a warning?’
Well, I guess I’ll find out when I meet them.
***
The Great Navigator, Pikma. The evaluation of him by later generations is quite divided. Wasn’t he just the first navigator to first explored all the islands and created a map of the Great Sea, rather than a legendary figure who uncovered all the secrets of the islands as his fame suggests? Well, that’s not wrong. Pikma didn’t conquer all the hidden pieces of every island during his lifetime.
But……
‘How could anyone possibly uncover everything about every island?’
I don’t think that’s a valid reason to diminish his reputation. Wouldn’t you agree?
In this world, the labyrinth opens once a month and even then it closes after a certain period. In a single, finite lifetime. With an existence that isn’t immortal.
Given these conditions, it’s physically impossible to uncover all the secrets of every island.
Unless you could somehow run dozens of games simultaneously through a computer, that is.
‘Even so, it seems he knew the secret of Skull Island.’
Skull Island, Katakoma. Among the islands in the ‘Grand Rock’ region in the far east, the Great Navigator Pikma evaluated this island as follows.
‘It’s either easy, or more difficult than any other island.’
It couldn’t have been a more accurate assessment. While Skull Island’s difficulty level is very low on the surface, the story does a complete 180 once you delve deeper. In fact, it’s because of this phrase that the hidden pieces of Skull Island became widely known.
‘Well, it seems no one knows about ‘that,’ though.’
In fact, even that woman from Ghost Busters who purchased information about Skull Island only knew about the ‘main boss’—.
“What’s with these weaklings!”
Out of nowhere, Ainar shouted in frustration. From what I could tell, it seems the monsters appearing on Skull Island weren’t meeting her expectations……
‘That makes sense.’
After all, the average rank of monsters on Skull Island is only rank 6.
“Ugh……! When is a strong one going to come out……!”
“Why are you so upset, Ainar? Isn’t it better if it’s easy, nya?”
“Missha! I want opponents strong enough to write about in my autobiography!!”
“Ah… Th-that’s right……? I don’t know much about that, so why don’t you ask Bjorn?”
“……I don’t want to.”
“Why not?”
“If I ask Bjorn about that kind of thing, Emily Raines will scold me.”
“Ah……?”
I felt sorry for Ainar, who quickly became sullen and started watching my reactions, but Amelia really did a good job with her education. If she becomes a mother, she’ll probably raise her kids quite well—.
“Yandel.”
“…I wasn’t thinking anything weird.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Ahem… So, why did you call me?”
“I think we’ve entered the Golden Tree Clan’s territory.”
“Are they nearby?”
“I don’t sense anyone, but there are traces of frequent coming and going in this area.”
Right, that makes sense…… Well, we are somewhat close to the center of the island now.
“Since we’ll be on the same island for a few days, we should go greet them first.”
With that, we continued toward the center of the island without changing direction. And finally, when we reached the entrance to the central cave.
“……No one’s here.”
What greeted us was an empty clearing with only traces of human habitation. But before we even had time to question this.
“My, my, what a distinguished guest we have here.”
A sly voice came from behind us, followed by the simultaneous detection of dozens of presences. And at the same time, human radar Amelia spoke.
“……Yandel, we’re surrounded.”
I already knew this without being told.
***
We were surrounded by a group of 90 explorers. And for a moment, my body froze in place at that realization
“I apologize if we startled you, Viscount Yandel.”
With the same voice we’d heard earlier, a blond man who appeared to be in his mid-thirties emerged, and Amelia, standing beside me, whispered quietly.
“By the way, his hair is dyed. I heard that it’s naturally black.”
Well, I thought she was going to say something important. Though, it does look surprisingly natural for dyed hair, but anyway, that’s not important.
“I am Bill Ironred, leader of the Golden Tree Clan. Please call me Bill.”
The man introduced himself first with a bright smile. Is that how he managed to cozy up to high-ranking figures in politics and business? I can’t say for certain, but I can tell he’s not someone to be taken lightly.
“Nice to meet you, Ironred. I Wasn’t expecting such a grand welcome.”
“Haha, I apologize again if we startled you. We truly didn’t expect the Viscount to be here either.”
Tsk, lying straight to my face without even a hint of shame.
“I see.”
While nodding, I discreetly scanned the 90 explorers that emerged from the surrounding undergrowth. Their presence meant only one thing. These guys had noticed us before we noticed them. This meant their detection abilities surpassed ours.
‘They even managed to successfully set up an ambush with those numbers.’
Did he really not know it was us? No, he must have known. And yet, despite that, he gathered all his members and had them use stealth techniques to set up an ambush around the clearing.
“They’re trying to assert dominance.”
In the city, explorers are the type to throw money around wastefully and laugh drunkenly, but the moment they enter the labyrinth, they become beasts. They become one with nature, harboring venom within to survive, puffing themselves up as much as possible, and adorning themselves with intimidating plumage. Because if you appear weak, you’ll be torn apart.
“Well, this has become quite awkward…… Are you also after ‘that one,’ Viscount Yandel?”
I couldn’t be sure exactly what he meant by ‘that one,’ but I nodded and asked in return.
“And if I am?”
I spoke with a somewhat aggressive tone, but he just smiled without showing any discomfort.
“Haha, then there’s no helping it.”
“Are you saying you’ll give up?”
“It’s an uncomfortable situation, but no, I can’t do that. I also have people I’m responsible for.”
“So you’re saying we should compete fairly.”
“The labyrinth’s treasures don’t have an owner. Whoever grabs them first becomes their rightful owner.”
While something felt off, I agree with what he’s saying. Competition isn’t wrong. The problem lies with those who can’t accept defeat, or those who become blinded by greed and attack others.
‘From what I can tell, he doesn’t seem like the type to do that……’
He’s being surprisingly agreeable for someone in this situation. Is it because of my status and reputation? That’s probably it. If we were some lesser-known clan, we’d likely be treated quite differently.
“How about we agree to two rules for the sake of fair competition?”
“Let’s hear them.”
“First, we won’t interfere with each other. Second, whoever opens the door to that cave first gets the right to challenge it first…… What do you think?”
“Fine by me.”
“Then, since we’ve reached an agreement, we can end our discussion here. Let’s both do our best.”
“‘Do our best’ sounds a bit casual.”
“……Hahaha. You’re quite the humorous man, Viscount.”
Hmm, I wasn’t joking. I meant that sincerely.
“Then, we’ll take our leave now. Given that we’re competitors, after all”
After saying that, he left politely, and Raven, who had been watching, made an irritated snort.
“Hmph, he’s as unpleasant as I’ve heard.”
“What about him bothers you so much?”
“He didn’t even suggest cooperating or splitting the spoils. He must be confident they’ll win.”
Well, that’s true.
“But is that a bad thing?”
“…Huh? Uh, no, but…… Shouldn’t you at least sympathize when a team member says something like this? You’re the leader after all.”
What’s she talking about? In situations like this, a leader’s role isn’t to offer emotional sympathy.
“Don’t worry. We’ll be the first ones to enter the cave.”
Victory is ours.