Of course, the hammer was never actually swung.
How could they possibly agree to that?
“Why the long faces? I'm just saying we break their limbs and tie them up until the Rift closes in ten days.” (Bjorn Yandel)
“No, but still…” (Explorer)
“Are you perhaps the culprit?” (Bjorn Yandel)
“Th-this is ridiculous! What about after we leave the Rift? Even if we use potions to heal the bones, there will be aftereffects…” (Explorer)
“Hmm.” (Bjorn Yandel)
Hearing my method for catching the culprit, the explorers looked like they would drop everything and run if things really went that way.
It was a bit bitter.
‘Do they really think I'm a barbarian?’
Of course, it was a situation I had induced.
This is how negotiations work, isn't it?
“This is the most certain method, but with so much opposition, I have no choice.” (Bjorn Yandel)
In the end, as if I had no other option, I proposed a more moderate approach.
“I'll leave your limbs alone. And I won't tie you up for ten days. Just three. Live tied up for just three days.” (Bjorn Yandel)
It would be very inconvenient and agonizing, but it was a condition that wasn't impossible if one was determined.
The explorers, relieved to have avoided the worst, cautiously voiced a question.
“So, if we just endure it for three days, will it all be resolved?” (Explorer)
Somehow.
“Of course.” (Bjorn Yandel)
“Uh… could we also hear how it will be resolved? Ah! If the culprit isn't supposed to hear, then it can't be helped!” (Explorer)
They looked anxious, as if worried it might be another barbaric and absurd solution like before.
“It’s not particularly something the culprit shouldn't hear, but… Hmm, it’s a bit of a hassle.” (Bjorn Yandel)
“Please, we're begging you…!” (Explorer)
“If you're begging, I suppose I have no choice.” (Bjorn Yandel)
I briefly explained my plan.
Join Discord
That there was a hidden space on Paradise Island, and that it would become accessible after the third day.
That if we succeeded in conquering that place, the Rift would be cleared without having to wait ten days.
And…
“Once it opens, I can kill all the guardians and get out within a day, all by myself.” (Bjorn Yandel)
It was a truly arrogant statement, but no explorer doubted its authenticity.
They must have thought that with my reputation and achievements, a Fifth Floor Rift wouldn't be too difficult.
In reality, it wasn't much different, and now that my damage has been boosted by consuming the Essence of Tears, a Fifth Floor Rift is manageable even solo.
“If that's the case…” (Explorer)
“But then, won't we be unable to catch the culprit?” (Explorer)
While most were convinced, someone raised that question, and I didn't refute it.
“That's right. But there won't be any more victims.” (Bjorn Yandel)
“Yes, that’s true! Once the Rift is cleared, there would be no reason to harm anyone else.” (Explorer)
“I will follow the Viscount's plan. It will be tough being tied up for three days, but at least we won't die or get hurt, right?” (Explorer)
“For clearing a Fifth Floor Rift, that's not even much of a hardship.” (Explorer)
“Hear, hear! The reward might be small, but we get to leave that much sooner!” (Explorer)
The explorers all agreed to my plan, and with their cooperation, we finished tying up all of them.
Twenty-six explorers, with their hands and feet bound tightly.
What would happen if I raised the hammer now and said I was starting the culprit hunt?
I became slightly curious, but I decided to leave the curiosity as just that.
There was no reason to create a sense of fear by leaving room for imagination.
“Alright, then I’m counting on you.” (Bjorn Yandel)
I patted the shoulder of the only man among them who wasn't tied up.
He was the one I had assigned the role of guard.
“If anyone tries to untie themselves and escape, kill them immediately. No need for conversation. Got it?” (Bjorn Yandel)
“Ah, yes…” (Mikhail Rektas)
“Answer with an exclamation mark at the end. Got it?” (Bjorn Yandel)
“Ah, yes…!” (Mikhail Rektas)
He seemed timid and not very reliable, but I had no other choice.
Raiders were not to be taken lightly.
Professional raiders who enter the Labyrinth to hunt people rather than monsters would naturally have their identities prepared.
And…
‘Mikhail Rektas.’
Surprisingly, this guy had the most solid identity here.
That's because I had seen him in the city before.
It was back when I was going around to various drinking parties with Bear Uncle to expand my network.
Even then, this guy was an explorer active on the Fifth Floor.
“Stay sharp. If anyone else dies here, I will assume you are the culprit.” (Bjorn Yandel)
“Ah, yes…! But where are you going?” (Mikhail Rektas)
“I need to find the exact location of the hidden entrance. Don't worry. I'll come back and stand guard with you during meal times when you need your hands untied.” (Bjorn Yandel)
“Ah! I understand. I will guard this place well!” (Mikhail Rektas)
There, adding an exclamation mark at the end of his words made him seem so much more reliable.
I gave Mikhail's shoulder a few more pats before leaving.
And…
**Rustle.**
I found a suitable spot to sit where I wouldn't be seen from the clearing.
After all, I already knew where the cave entrance was.
There was no need to go looking for it.
‘Feels like I'm on a stakeout.’
When will the little rat take the bait?
—
Day 1, Day 2.
Time flew by, and soon, only a few hours remained until the start of the third day.
During that time, I had been making periodic outings under the pretext of searching for the cave entrance, but regrettably, the culprit did not show themselves easily.
'Are they being cautious because we're all gathered? Or have they given up?'
In truth, although they were tied up, the bindings weren't absolute for explorers who had advanced beyond the Fifth Floor.
Physical types could probably break free with strength alone, and supernatural ability or magic types would likely be able to escape as well.
Of course, the existence of the guard was to prepare for this…
‘I chose him, but he’s not the most reliable guy.’
Mikhail had a bit of a dazed side to him.
He was better on the first day, but on the second, he seemed to have relaxed and even dozed off.
Despite that, the culprit still hadn't made a move.
‘They might think it’s not the right time yet.’
That's why today is the turning point.
In a way, it's also the last chance for the culprit to act.
The third day on Paradise Island.
The moment the surroundings instantly darkened and the crystal in the center began to emit a brilliant light.
“I'll be back. It won't take long, so stay sharp and keep a good watch until then. Got it?” (Bjorn Yandel)
“Yes! Don't worry, Viscount!” (Mikhail Rektas)
I hurried out of the clearing.
Instead of heading to the cave, I went to my stakeout position and quietly held my breath.
“Everyone, just hang in there a little longer! The Viscount will finish everything up and be back soon!” (Mikhail Rektas)
Mikhail, now somewhat accustomed to his role as a guard, comforted the explorers who were struggling with their bindings.
And…
One hour, two hours, three hours…
Time passed so slowly it was boring.
I fought off sleep and observed diligently, but no one acted strangely.
‘Was it really over? If so, it might be more productive to just go to the cave and clear the Rift instead of wasting time like this.’
As time passed, I felt my motivation slowly draining away.
In a way, it was natural.
I didn't have a compelling reason to catch the culprit.
The only motivation I could think of was my belief that raiders should be killed whenever the opportunity arose…
‘No, let’s watch a little longer.’
For now, I decided to continue the stakeout.
Honestly, I didn't understand why I was trying so hard to catch them either.
**Thump-**
But I kept getting this chilly feeling.
I wasn't sure what was causing it.
It just felt like I would greatly regret it if I let my guard down.
But I had relied on my intuition too many times to dismiss it as just a feeling.
One hour, two hours, three hours…
Just like that, more time passed while I was crouched down, and now, in just two more hours, the night would end and daytime would come.
‘Was it just my paranoia after all…’
Well, it's probably for the best.
Now I can go and clear the Rift with an easy mind.
“…Huh?’
Suddenly, I saw a figure moving in the darkness.
Since I had been focusing on observing the center where the explorers were tied up, I was late to notice…
To my surprise, he was approaching from the outside, and even more surprisingly, it was a familiar face.
'John Tehan…?'
What the hell? Wasn't that bastard dead?
Faced with the unexpected situation, my mind began to race, quickly forming a hypothesis about the current situation.
‘It wasn’t death, it was a movement skill.’
Now that I see it, it wasn't that he had melted into a pool of blood; we had simply mistaken the effect of a teleportation skill.
'Was it [Human Sacrifice]?'
A rare Essence of the Second-Rank, no less.
And since I had never seen the skill being cast directly, I hadn't recognized it right away.
Anyway, the important thing is that this…
No, wait.
**Thump.**
The moment I spotted him, I dashed towards the clearing.
The guard, Mikhail, who had been dozing, woke up at the sound of my approach.
And…
**Plunge!**
A dagger was buried in Mikhail’s lower abdomen.
If he had been asleep, it probably would have struck a vital point.
“Gah…!” (Mikhail Rektas)
“Urk.” (John Tehan)
At the death-rattle-like groan from Mikhail, the tied-up explorers who had been resting all opened their eyes to see what was happening.
“John Tehan!” (Explorer)
“So you didn't kill yourself!” (Explorer)
“You damn bastard…!” (Explorer)
The explorers, having grasped the situation, expressed their anger, but because they were bound, there was a slight delay.
John Tehan took this opportunity to flee without a second glance.
“He-he’s running away…!” (Explorer)
“Damn it! Why did they have to tie us up so tightly…!” (Explorer)
Tch, I'm not confident in a chase.
I switched on [Giant Form] and ran with all my might in the direction John Tehan had disappeared.
But.
“Damn it.” (Bjorn Yandel)
Before I had even run for a few minutes, I found traces of his escape in the bushes.
Just like before, a wide splatter of blood on the ground.
At this point, further pursuit would be meaningless.
“Agh, shit!” (Bjorn Yandel)
I had been on a stakeout for three days for this very moment.
All that effort had been for nothing.
However, complaining about it here wouldn't change anything.
I hurried back to the central clearing.
And…
**Thud.**
The moment I arrived back at the clearing, I froze in a daze.
“No, what is this now.” (Bjorn Yandel)
Was I being haunted by a ghost?
For some reason, the clearing that had been bustling with explorers just a moment ago was now completely empty.
—
What is this? Some kind of hilarious prank?
Or did everyone take it upon themselves to go after John Tehan?
With such thoughts, I waited blankly, but no matter how much time passed, the vanished explorers did not reappear.
‘There’s no such event on Paradise Island.’
Could there be an event that I'm unaware of?
The thought crossed my mind, but I shook my head.
It made far more sense to think of it this way than to attribute this phenomenon to a hidden event on the island.
'A person.'
The cause of this phenomenon is a person.
No, to be precise, it's 'people.'
The current situation was clearly planned.
John Tehan was the diversion, and in the meantime, someone else abducted the rest.
‘Well, it’s definitely not just one person.’
Tch, I hadn't expected this, since it was a Rift that only one person could enter at a time.
**Thump~!**
There are some bastards pulling tricks.
It might not be just one or two.
No, considering that twenty-six explorers disappeared in a matter of minutes, it's highly likely that the scale is much larger.
And if this guess is correct…
‘It’s not a coincidence.’
Entering a randomly generated portal that appeared for the entire Fifth Floor as a group is next to impossible.
Therefore…
If it's not a coincidence.
It must mean it was intentional.
**Slurp.**
Feeling my mouth suddenly moist, I wiped away the drool with the back of my hand.
Even so, only one thought occupied my mind.
The only item in **[Dungeon & Stone]** that could make such an artificial event possible.
‘No.18 — Rift Generator.’
Right, so that's what they have.
