New chapter of Nameless Hero is out! (1/3 chapters)
Proof of Strength
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One evening.
“Alright, I’ve decided, Lost.” (Taurus)
“Alright, here I go! Ready? Go!” (Jack/Lost)
My card: Bow C vs. Taurus’ card: Light S
“Ahhh! Not again!” (Taurus)
Taurus and I were killing time at the Simnon Tavern, playing a game called ‘Incrise’ with cards. The popular game mode, “Warrior,” was simple enough to play with just two people.
“Lost, do you have some kind of clairvoyance skill or something?” (Taurus)
“Nothing like that. Just an intuition skill.” (Lost)
“Intuition?! Intuition—that’s that cheat skill that beastmen in the mountains are supposed to have, right?!” (Taurus)
Could I be a beastman? No, I’m not. According to my Managram, I’m half human and half Demon.
“Taurus, your face gives you away. Anyone could figure it out without needing intuition.” (Lost)
“Dammit!” (Taurus)
“Alright then, tonight’s tab is on you!” (Lost)
‘Warrior’ is often used for betting in one-on-one matches. Lately, betting on who pays the tab has become a trend at the Simnon Tavern. That said, I’ve never lost a match. I can usually tell what card my opponent will play, plus I know the game’s ins and outs, the bluffing, the flow of the match. In short, having guts is what counts. But where did I pick up these skills?
“Hey, you there.” (??)
In the middle of our card game, someone spoke to us. Sometimes, when things get too lively, we get scolded.
I’m used to it by now. When a customer picks a fight, the best course of action is to apologize. With my young appearance, people usually forgive me once I do.
“Sorry for making a racket!” (Lost)
I stood up from my chair, turned around, and bowed my head immediately.
“What are you apologizing for?” (??)
Wait, the voice is pretty high. Not just high, it’s a woman’s voice. It was husky yet resonant.
Nervously, I lifted my head and glanced up. Before me were two-peaked mountains.
It’s huge…
A tanned woman with blonde hair stood tall and proud. Her chest armor barely covered her ample bosom, exposing most of it.
Does this even count as armor?
While her plate boots and gauntlets were sturdy, her overall outfit had high exposure. Beyond her chest, her arms, sides, and thighs flaunted her tanned skin without hesitation. In one word, erotic. Despite her voluptuous body, her face was sharp. She was, without a doubt, a beauty.
“Whoooa.” (Taurus)
Taurus reacted instantly. The men in the Simnon Tavern stared at her with lustful eyes.
“What a gorgeous woman!” (Taurus)
“Stop it. This is not a spectacle.” (??)
If you’re not a spectacle then stop dressing like that.
“It’s not you I’m talking to, it’s the boy over there.” (??)
“Wh-what? Lost, how old are you?” (Taurus)
“Uh, I’m still 11.” (Lost)
“N-no way…” (Taurus)
Taurus seemed shocked to have lost to an 11-year-old.
“That guy isn’t much older. Just a greenhorn.” (??)
“Wait, seriously? Taurus, how old are you?” (Lost)
“I’m 15.” (Taurus)
You’re kidding, right? We’ve known each other for a while, but this is news to me. I’d always assumed he was around 20 because of the scar on his forehead. Not just that… he’s often the one taking the lead in our wild parties.
“How old are you, Onee-san?!” (Taurus)
Taurus changed his mood and raised his voice.
Isn’t that rude?
“I’m 16.” (Alba)
““That’s barely any different!”” (Lost/Taurus)
My voice and Taurus’s voice overlapped.
—
The warrior woman sat down at our table with a heavy thud. Despite being 16, her body was remarkably mature.
“Boy, what’s your name?” (Alba)
What a bossy woman.
“Lost.” (Lost)
“I’m Taurus!” (Taurus)
Taurus leaned forward, trying to make an impression.
“I wasn’t asking you. I’m Alba South Barrett.” (Alba)
Alba, huh?
She has his arms crossed and her way of speaking gave the impression of being very arrogant.
“Lost, I hear you have some kind of intuition skill.” (Alba)
“Yeah, and what of it?” (Lost)
I’ll talk back to bossy types. She’s probably gotten through life relying on her looks and body. That’s why she’s so full of herself.
“What rank?” (Alba)
“A.” (Lost)
“What? So, your intuition’s pretty sharp, huh?” (Alba)
“That’s right.” (Lost)
“…” (Alba)
“…” (Lost)
An awkward silence fell.
Honestly, her intensity was overwhelming. Her sharp gaze seemed to pierce right through me.
“…” (Alba)
How long is this silence going to last? Is this a challenge? A test of nerve? Fine. I’ll play along. I won’t be the first to look away!
“Please! Form a party with me!” (Alba)
Suddenly, Alba slammed her hands on the table and bowed her head.
Wh-what? She’s someone who can bow?
“What’s this about?” (Lost)
“What do you mean, what? I’m bowing my head here. Don’t embarrass me.” (Alba)
Everyone else in the tavern started watching Alba. Mostly to ogle her oversized breasts that hung down.
“Just lift your head already.” (Lost)
“Alright then, starting tomorrow morning, we’ll be in a party together.” (Alba)
“Wow, that’s fast! And I haven’t even agreed yet!” (Lost)
“You just said ‘alright’ didn’t you?” (Alba)
“That wasn’t an agreement! It was just a way of saying ‘fine, whatever’!” (Lost)
This warrior woman might not be the brightest bulb in the box.
“Okay, okay. If you wanna form a party with Lost, you gotta go through me, the leader, first.” (Taurus)
Taurus butted in.
“Since when did I officially form a party with you?” (Lost)
“We’re always teaming up as a random party, aren’t we?” (Taurus)
“Well, yeah, but still.” (Lost)
It’s true that Taurus often acts as a broker for random party requests. That’s practically not random anymore.
“That’s how it is. Alba-san, let’s start with me, alright?” (Taurus)
Taurus got closer to Alba and placed his hand on her shoulder.
“Ah, my hand slipped on your silky skin—” (Taurus)
He slid his hand down from her shoulder to her exposed chest, aiming to grope her.
What a sly move. That daring spirit is why Taurus is fit to be an adventurer leader!
“Hmph.” (Alba)
But before his hand could reach her chest, Alba flipped Taurus with a shoulder throw. He crashed down with a loud bang. Alba was shockingly strong. Her entire body must be pure muscle.
“…Ah, sorry about that.” (Alba)
“No, that was the right call.” (Lost)
“I see. Well then, we’ll start as a party tomorrow morning.” (Alba)
“I told you, that doesn’t mean I agreed!” (Lost)
This woman seems to twist conversations to fit her narrative.
—
After Taurus finished getting treated, we decided to hear her out. For the record, Taurus was footing the bill for the tavern’s repairs.
“I’m aiming to become the strongest.” (Alba)
“H-huh…” (Lost)
It’s my first time meeting a woman who declares her goal to be the strongest right off the bat.
“Alba-neesan, as expected of you!” (Taurus)
Taurus also cheered with his face covered in bandages.
Taurus, just be quiet for now.
“That’s why I want you to form a party with me.” (Alba)
“Wait, you’re skipping too much! At least explain what we’re gonna do!” (Lost)
The conversation wasn’t progressing at all.
“Alright… I believe conquering the Great Labyrinth is the only way to prove I’m the strongest in this town.” (Alba)
“The Great Labyrinth?!” (Lost)
Taurus reacted sharply. At some point, he’d switched to serious mode.
“No one’s ever cleared the Great Labyrinth. Even the strongest parties can’t make it through.” (Taurus)
“Why are you so sure?” (Alba)
“It’s because no one even knows if there’s a goal down there.” (Taurus)
Alba didn’t look discouraged. Instead, she gave Taurus a challenging glare.
“According to my research, the deepest recorded floor is the 41st.” (Alba)
The Azarigrad Labyrinth’s deepest cleared level is the 41st. No party has ever returned safely from beyond that. From the 20th floor onward, traps increase, and the monsters’ strength becomes absurd. Past the 30th floor, the dungeon’s layout constantly changes. That’s why even if you try to turn back, you won’t be able to.
“If I break that record, I’ll prove I’m the strongest.” (Alba)
“What… you’re aiming for the 42nd floor?” (Taurus)
“Indeed.” (Alba)
“…” (Taurus)
What awaits beyond the 42nd floor? They say that the Rizomata Volga, created by the legendary sorcerer Emped, lies slumbering in the depths of the labyrinth. According to Sylphid-sama, the Rizomata Volga can help recover one’s memories or reveal their identity. But just to recover memories, this is a pretty risky venture.
“From the 20th floor onward, having someone with the beastmen intuition skill will make things much easier, I heard.” (Alba)
“Heard? From who?” (Taurus)
Taurus asked suspiciously.
“An information broker.” (Alba)
“…Can you even trust this information broker?” (Taurus)
“Of course. After all, I paid a hefty price for it.” (Alba)
Ehh… This person really thinks paying a lot of money guarantees accuracy.
“Didn’t they just scam you?” (Taurus)
“What?! Isn’t it true that paying a high price gets you reliable information?!” (Alba)
“What kind of logic is that?” (Taurus)
She was probably scammed…
“This armor was also sold to me as the strongest armor, so I paid a hefty price for it.” (Alba)
“Why does the ‘strongest armor’ leave so much skin exposed?!” (Taurus)
“No idea.” (Alba)
This woman is hopeless.
—
Proving one’s strength, huh? It’s not like I’m not interested. Even I want to show people how strong I am. But I decided to hold back and stay out of the spotlight to recover my memories. Still, lately, I’ve been giving up on that resolve. Maybe it’s time to unleash my true strength.
“Lost, this is seriously dangerous. Alba-san may be a good woman, but her brain is a bit of a disappointment.” (Taurus)
I agreed with Taurus’s opinion.
But why is she so fixated on proving herself as the strongest? You don’t need proof to know you’re strong.
“What’s your combat experience?” (Lost)
“Of course, I have some. I’ve even won duels against giants in the North.” (Alba)
Giants… literally a race with massive bodies. Their magical and agility stats are low, but their physical strength is said to be three to four times that of an average person.
“Isn’t that proof enough of your strength?” (Lost)
“No, that’s not enough to be the strongest. To truly be the world’s strongest, I must prove I’m the best in every city.” (Alba)
You’re so stubborn.
“So, Alba-san, how far have you gone in the labyrinth?” (Lost)
“Me? I’ve never entered it.” (Alba)
She’s never even entered but was so confidently talking about clearing it?
“The people of this city live their lives centered around the labyrinth. If I, who conquered the deepest floor, were to live here, I’d be considered the strongest in this city.” (Alba)
At this rate, she might recklessly dive into the labyrinth and end up in the afterlife. I’m concerned, even if it’s none of my business. If she dies, I’d feel bad about it.
“Fine. I’ll form a party and go to the labyrinth with you.” (Lost)
“Really?!” (Alba)
“Lost, you—!” (Taurus)
Taurus tried to stop me.
“I can’t just leave her alone. Besides, if she ventures deep enough, she might realize her limits and give up.” (Lost)
“That’s true, but…” (Taurus)
I’m curious about how far I can go in the labyrinth myself. It’s a test of strength.
“Thank you! You’re a good guy!” (Alba)
For the first time, I saw Alba-san smile. That face, unlike her usual demeanor, made her seem her age.
—
We decided to part ways at the Simnon Tavern. Preparing for labyrinth exploration takes effort, so we set it for three days later. Taurus promised to gather the strongest adventurers he could in the meantime.
Though he complains, he’s probably a softie too.
Taurus hurried off to recruit people, but Alba-san followed me out of the tavern and continued clinging to me.
“Lost, where are you going?” (Alba)
“Uh, back to the inn to sleep…” (Lost)
She draped her arm over my shoulder, pressing her chest against my neck from behind.
“What? Then I’ll stay there too.” (Alba)
“Do as you like.” (Lost)
“Does the room have two beds?” (Alba)
“Wait! You’re sharing a room with me?!” (Lost)
“I told you I’d stay there, didn’t I?” (Alba)
“Get your own room! Why mine?!” (Lost)
Does she plan to steal my virtue or something? Not that I even know if I have any to protect.
I’m only 11, so I must still be a virgin.
As we headed toward the inn…
“Ah—” (Shia)
“Hm?” (Lost)
Shia stepped out from the shadows of the street. She alternated her gaze between Alba-san and me, looking at us like we were something filthy.
“Shia, don’t get the wrong idea.” (Lost)
“Wrong idea? What might I be mistaking?” (Shia)
“You looked at me like I’m trash.” (Lost)
“That must be what you call a figment of your imagination.” (Shia)
“If you say so.” (Lost)
If she misunderstands, my reputation with her will plummet.
“Hey, kid, do you know Lost?” (Alba)
“Probably, yes.” (Shia)
Probably? Of course you do.
“Probably? Does that mean there’s a chance you don’t know him?” (Alba)
“Yes, probably.” (Shia)
“What?! If there’s a chance you don’t know him, could it be a case of mistaken identity?” (Alba)
“Yes, probably.” (Shia)
“That’s ‘probably’ too? Then, does that mean you’re not acquainted?” (Alba)
“How did you arrive at that? Of course, we know each other!” (Lost)
We’re getting nowhere. Shia’s clearly teasing her.
“Yes, indeed. Or perhaps—” (Shia)
Shia stepped closer to me and pulled me away from Alba-san, wrapping herself around my arm.
“There’s also the possibility of a relationship beyond mere acquaintances.” (Shia)
Alba-san widened her eyes in shock at the sight.
“W-what… a relationship beyond acquaintances?” (Alba)
“Yes, probably.” (Shia)
“Probably? If that’s the case, then—” (Alba)
“Cut it out! What’s with this pointless exchange?!” (Lost)
—
I explained everything to Shia and invited her to join the labyrinth expedition.
“I see. Sounds interesting.” (Shia)
“You’ll come with us?” (Lost)
“Sure.” (Shia)
She agreed immediately, then whispered to me in a low voice.
“With you there, Lost-san, we’ll be fine.” (Shia)
“What’s the difficulty like from the 30th to 40th floors?” (Lost)
“No idea. At the very least, adventurers who hunt there can’t pulverize skeletons with a single blow.” (Shia)
Sounds like I’ll be fine.
“But the bigger issue is the labyrinth’s structure. There’s a chance we might not be able to return for days.” (Shia)
Apparently, the labyrinth’s layout shifts dramatically. Can we make it back safely? Even if monsters don’t get us, there’s the risk of starving to death.
We reached the fork where Shia’s home and my inn split.
“See you in three days.” (Lost)
I gave a casual farewell as usual and was about to leave.
“Wait a moment.” (Shia)
Shia stopped me from behind.
“Why is Alba-san walking in the same direction as you?” (Shia)
“Hmm? I’m staying in the same room as him.” (Alba)
“The same… room…” (Shia)
No way.
“You should get a separate—” (Lost)
Before I could finish, Shia stepped closer.
“Then, I’ll stay in the same room too.” (Shia)
“What?! No, both of you should get your own rooms!” (Lost)
“What? That won’t do.” (Alba)
Alba replied casually.
“After all, I have no money.” (Alba)
Why is she so confident about this?
“If you don’t have money, you can’t stay at an inn. That’s why I’ll sleep in Lost’s room.” (Alba)
“Oh, I just remembered I don’t have any money either. Let’s sleep in Lost-san’s room tonight.” (Shia)
Shia has a house. So, this reasoning is ridiculous.
“Then, why don’t you both sleep at Shia’s place?!” (Lost)
“I don’t trust this kid enough to spend the night alone with her.” (Alba)
“I don’t know Alba-san very well either. It’d be awkward.” (Shia)
“….” (Lost)
I don’t even know this golden-haired, dark-skinned female warrior’s background.
That night, the single bed was way too cramped, but Shia and Alba both insisted on squeezing in. I ended up sleeping on the floor. Shia and Alba hugged each other and slept soundly, their light and dark skin forming a striking contrast.
They’ve already built trust, haven’t they?
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