Rujierd froze for a moment.
Then he settled into an expression of intent concentration.
His eyes urged Cui Ciyou to continue.
Cui Ciyou raised one finger and began analyzing their options in a steady voice:
"First, we explore a labyrinth."
"I asked around at the guild today."
"Near Wen Harbor, and on some islands farther south..."
"There are several Ancient Labyrinths that haven't been fully explored yet."
"Apparently, these labyrinths date back to the old Demon Emperor's era."
"Some are even older-ruins from the Mythological Era."
"Labyrinths often contain valuable Magic Crystals and Ancient Magic Items."
"We might even find a large hoard of treasure outright."
"With our strength, if we're lucky..."
"We might earn the two or three hundred Green Ore Coins we need for the passage in a single trip, or even more!"
"Exploring a labyrinth?"
Beside them, Alice's eyes lit up the instant she heard the word "labyrinth."
She slapped the table excitedly, nearly sending the fish bones on her plate flying.
"That sounds great! Really great!"
"I've wanted to go adventuring in a real labyrinth for ages!"
"All the heroes in the books get stronger in labyrinths."
"There must be loads of super-powerful monsters we've never seen before to fight!"
Rujierd, however, immediately shook his head and rejected the idea:
"No. It's too dangerous."
"There aren't just powerful monsters in labyrinths."
"The traps lurking everywhere are even more frightening."
"My ability can only sense the movements and presence of living creatures."
"I can hardly detect traps built with mechanisms or ancient magic in advance."
When Rujierd finished, Cui Ciyou added,
"My Mental Power Perception should be able to detect the energy fluctuations from some of the traps."
"Besides, if we really do enter a labyrinth..."
"For safety's sake, it would have to be just the two