Unchanged Samurai In Another World #Chapter 30 - Read Unchanged Samurai In Another World Chapter 30 Online - All Page

Chapter 30

Chapter 30: The Samurai’s Financial Strategy

“…We don’t have enough money.”

A faint, weak voice much like the buzzing of a mosquito.

The investigation commission in Myca had fallen through, and the group returned with heavy steps to the “Rustic Black Goat Inn.” Although lunch was laid out on the table, none of them touched it.

“That stupid client…”

“I cannot forgive him…”

“If we ever return to Angila, I’ll tattle to Diana so he never gets to make another request…”

While the others were furious at the client, Kurosu didn’t quite understand the situation fully, being less familiar with the rules surrounding commissions. He had some sense that the expedition to Myca had been wasteful, but as they returned to the inn, his companions were deathly silent, their faces pale, and the atmosphere was not conducive to asking questions.

“…Is the situation really this dire?”

Living with them, Kurosu had come to feel that there was a difference in their value systems when it came to wealth. He had heard that, despite living in a large house with baths where they could drink wine every day, people here still considered themselves poor.

“A samurai does not use handkerchiefs until he has 999 stones.”

Born into a family of warriors who valued poverty, Kurosu felt his current lifestyle was sinfully luxurious. Meals at his family home had been twice a day, with brown rice, pickled plums, or pickles, and occasionally meat from hunting if they were lucky. His father disdained alcohol, so it was never present at meals, and the cheapest liquor from a roadside tea house was the only indulgence allowed, shared only with his younger brothers during travels. Since leaving home, there were even days when he didn’t eat at all, so he did not feel the least bit inconvenienced by his current way of life.

“Our party’s operational funds are completely depleted. Honestly, I don’t think we’ll even be able to afford food until next month.”

“Sorry… If I hadn’t suggested we take this commission…”

“That’s not it! No one could have predicted that situation of double commission.”

“That’s right! It’s not Mauri’s fault!”

Mauri, clearly feeling responsible, had buried his face on the table, his spirits sinking. Slowly, Kurosu began to understand the gravity of the situation.

“…I’ll go my separate way and hunt pig goblins daily while you all stay here. That way, we can save on food expenses and earn some rewards.”

“Cross… we can’t let you do this alone. If anything, we should split into pairs and trios…”

“Actually, I’ve been thinking about something. We’ve all improved under Cross’s training, right? This time, fighting the bandits, everyone probably felt it: we’ve actually grown stronger, no?”

Franz paused, looking at each person’s eyes as if seeking their agreement.

Kurosu too had been surprised by their growth during that battle. The panicked confusion that used to plague them was now silent, as each person diligently fulfilled their role. Most surprisingly, the usually cautious Franz had abandoned the baggage cart, choosing instead to support them directly in battle. Even though they fought amateur bandits, a surprise encounter with such numbers wasn’t easy to handle well—their calm judgment proved they could now assess the battlefield effectively.

Seeing nods of agreement from his companions, Franz nodded contentedly and declared with a determined look as if readying for a new battle.

“Shouldn’t we challenge the Labyrinth soon?”

“That sounds… interesting enough. I’m in.”

“I’m game too. It feels like it’s about time, doesn’t it?”

“That’s great! I’m in as well!”

“…………….?”

Though they seemed to have suddenly rallied in spirit, Kurosu failed to see the connection between financial strategy and this “Labyrinth”.

“What exactly does ‘challenging the Labyrinth’ mean?”

“The Labyrinth refers to something else here in this country…”

Although Kurosu hadn’t intended to ask the word’s definition, he learned that the term “Labyrinth” referred to enormous nests of monsters in this world.

“If that’s the case, then why haven’t we done so until now?”

“It’s dangerous. The interior of the Labyrinth is a completely different environment from the Forest of Demons.”

“It’s also called ‘The Adventurer’s Graveyard’ for a reason. It’s filled with monsters constantly wandering around, and there’s only one way in and out. If you get injured, it’s not easy to exit, and many who enter never return.”

“However, in return, there are treasures that can’t be found outside. The results can vary, but when you hit the jackpot, the payoff is massive. There are adventurers who specialize in Labyrinth exploration out there too.”

“I see……?”

Based on their tone, it seemed like a dangerous place, but for some reason, it didn’t match the image of a “Labyrinth” he had in mind.

The Labyrinth Kurosu knew of was a kind of entertainment created by bamboo thickets in open plots. Imitating the famous forbidden grounds “Hachiman no Yabu Shirazu,” they would construct a complex maze covered by enclosures, charging an entry fee, and rewarding those who successfully escaped with a prize. Though he himself had never entered, his memory was of similar pastimes, called “Hachiman Shirazu” or “Hachijin,” that were popular among the young locals.

“So, have you decided which Labyrinth we’re going to?”

“We were actually preparing for an expedition anyway. I thought, instead of returning to Angila, we could head straight to Garland’s ‘Chaos’ Labyrinth. How does that sound?”

“Sounds good! The ‘Undead Labyrinth’ would require holy water and expensive equipment.”

“Why not try the ‘Sky’ Labyrinth? We have three people who can make long-range attacks: myself, Cross, and Pamela.”

“Nah, if we’re diving into a Labyrinth, it’ll likely be a long-term endeavor. For a first attempt, the Chaos environment is the easiest. ‘Sky’ has thin air, constant storms, and low temperatures, making it difficult to even camp properly, let alone deal with the monsters.”

“…………….”

It all sounded rather confusing, but as an outsider, it was probably best to remain silent and follow along.

Kurosu thought of these grandly named bamboo groves as nothing more than larger versions of entertainment mazes. He reached for his cup of wine, winced at its bitter taste, and continued his solitary meal in silence.