Chapter 74: The Labyrinth of Dreams Part 2

The Labyrinth of Dreams.

I remember a junior who had chosen the elf race explaining it to me.

"It's a system where important information about other elves is recorded, and if used correctly, it can…"

What did he say next?

At that time, since I hadn't chosen the elf race, I only half-listened. I wish I had asked more questions.

Still, I'm somewhat glad that I have a vague understanding of it.

In a nutshell, the Labyrinth of Dreams was a repository of the elves' memories, centered around the Queen. It was a sort of safety measure prepared for the elves in anticipation of potential crises or disasters.

It was a unique tradition and culture among the elves, created with the idea of storing individual knowledge, skills, and experiences to be used precisely when needed during emergencies.

This method would have been difficult to attempt had it not been for the elves, a race with a strong sense of collectivism and tribalism.

Betrayal and selfishness run rampant among humans; they would never try such a method.

Anyway, from what I understood, the "Labyrinth of Dreams" was a "mental" space that only elves with special qualifications like the Queen or elders could enter…

And they were asking me to enter such a space?

At that moment, my vision sparkled.

[Quest: Explore the Labyrinth of Dreams]

A quest, now, of all times?!

"…. Could you please explain this in more detail? It would be helpful."

I had every intention of refusing! It sounded ridiculous! After gritting my teeth, I finally asked Paton again.

"I'm not even sure if I can enter this 'Labyrinth of Dreams'…"

"You will be able to enter. The 'Labyrinth of Dreams' is connected to the Guardian Tree. Since the Guardian Tree has reacted so strongly to you, naturally, you should be able to enter the Labyrinth of Dreams as well!"

Paton seemed excited.

"… Well, even so, why do I need to go there?"

Paton hesitated for a moment. Just like someone harboring a great secret.

Finally, his wife spoke up in his place.

"It's because that is the only way you can meet Her Majesty the Queen."

Her Majesty the Queen?

So, the Elf Queen "Dianta"?

The Queen was indeed the absolute authority overseeing the "Labyrinth of Dreams". But why did it sound as though the Queen was trapped in the Labyrinth of Dreams?

"Honey, maybe we shouldn't speak of that…"

"If we aren't honest, there will be no point."

Paton's wife spoke in a cool, decisive tone, then continued her explanation.

"We are well aware that you have made quite a name for yourself as a mercenary across the continent. We've heard about your exploits in purifying the cursed lands, defeating a demon, and recently you even conquered the deep-sea dungeon."

"That's true, but…"

"We never intended to entrust such a task to an outsider. Darion was convinced you were a descendant of the ancient Elves, but we had our doubts. However, once we heard that you had caused the Guardian Tree to bloom fully, our views changed."

"...."

"Even if you're not a descendant of the ancient Elves, the fact that the Guardian Tree responded to you is enough. You have the right to step into the Labyrinth of Dreams."

Mrs. Sylvanus was very firm in her stance. She truly believed I was qualified to enter the Labyrinth of Dreams.

Given that the quest itself is to explore the Labyrinth of Dreams, I suppose I can enter, but…

Why do I feel so uneasy?

The very idea that I who have no connection to the elves could enter the "Labyrinth of Dreams" felt deeply unsettling.

"....."

Did he read the expression on my face?

Suddenly, Darion spoke in a pleading voice.

"Please, Theodore. It's been a year since we last saw Her Majesty. This is no ordinary matter."

"Darion!"

"Don't stop me, Mother. Theodore might be the only key to awakening Her Majesty."

"...."

"Even if Her Majesty is asleep, you might meet her in the 'Labyrinth of Dreams'. Theodore, you might be able to do it."

Darion firmly grasped my hand. I had thought him capable only of arrogant expressions, but to see such sincerity in his face.

"Darion."

I clasped his hand in return. Since I had to undertake the quest anyway, pretending to be generous might be fine. It could be beneficial down the road.

"…I can't promise any particular outcome. But I can promise to do my best."

"Theodore!"

An overwhelmed Darion embraced me tightly. I patted his back as I spoke to Mrs. Sylvanus.

"We'll proceed with this as an unofficial request, but a contract will need to be written."

"...Of course."

We discussed the contract and other matters while eating.

The Sylvanus family promised me a substantial reward. Just the advance payment was 50 gold coins. This was a valuable sum considering I would need to travel across the continent for the main quest. Not to mention, I had more mouths to feed.

If I succeeded, I could earn a considerable amount. Even if I failed, securing the 50 gold coins advance meant there was no loss either way.

When I returned to my room, I examined the "old book". There was now new information at the page where the quest was created.

[Quest: Explore the Labyrinth of Dreams]

[Meet Queen Dianta of the Elves in the Labyrinth of Dreams.]

[Labyrinth of Dreams: A repository of Elves' memories. Entry is possible through the act of 'dreaming'. The entire Labyrinth is governed by the Queen of the Elves, with major branches including the Elf Elders and noble families, and minor branches connected to all Elves. It is possible to view other people's knowledge and memories if you have the right qualifications.]

[Caution: The 'Labyrinth of Dreams' is protected by a powerful barrier formed by Elf magic to prevent inappropriate intrusions.]

[Possible to craft new totem: Guardian Tree Flower Bracelet (single-use)]

For this Guardian Tree Flower Bracelet, I took out several flowers from the guardian tree that I had secretly kept away from the eyes of the elves.

"The necessary materials are guardian tree flowers, evening primrose stems… overly simple."

But I really shouldn't expect great effects from the totem, especially since it's a single-use item. I finely chopped and braided the stems of the evening primrose into thread-like strands and began threading the flowers of the guardian tree. It was a difficult task since I had to be very delicate to prevent damaging the flowers.

[Totem: Guardian Tree Flower Bracelet has been completed.]

[The butterflies are preparing to welcome you.]

"Phew… finally done."

After putting on the Guardian Tree Flower Bracelet and checking its effects, I found no significant changes in my body. It shouldn't just be an ornament, but what exactly is its effect? The message, 'The butterflies are preparing to welcome you' was too vague.

Perhaps I'll understand if I enter the Labyrinth of Dreams.

Yes, I would find out in due time. There was no need to rush. After all, a lot had happened.

"Ayla."

At my call, Ayla who had been curled up asleep on the bed lifted her head with a spark. Her silver tail flickered. I tidied up my spot and laid down on the bed next to her before leaning against her body. It was soft and plush and perfect for a good night's sleep.

Next to the bed was a "flower pot" that I received from the Sylvanus mansion. It was a flower pot with branches of the guardian tree planted in it. It was said that this "pot" which only the council of elders and certain noble elf families possessed, could grant access to the Labyrinth of Dreams.

"Ayla, wake me up in the morning. If I don't wake up, call El or Lloyd."

-Kung!

I blew out the candle that had been burning on the nightstand next to the bed. Darkness fell. The moonlight pouring in through the window was beautiful. I fell asleep to the regular rhythm of Ayla's heartbeat, which lulled me to sleep like a lullaby.

***

-Sssshhhhhhhh…

A tickling breeze blew from somewhere and I slowly opened my eyes.

"Where is this…"

The surroundings were filled with light. It was so bright that it took a while for my eyes to adjust. Once they did, the landscape around me came into view.

The Labyrinth of Dreams.

Contrary to its name as a labyrinth, this place resembled a massive palace. It felt strangely familiar, and soon I realized it bore a striking resemblance to the palace of Lysette where the Queen lived.

I slowly walked toward the grand palace. Butterflies, seemingly made of light, fluttered around the palace. After a moment, I could discern that I was within a boundary known as the "Labyrinth of Dreams". The moment I touched the palace door to open it, all the butterflies stopped their flapping and turned their attention to me.

That's creepy…

Then, a single butterfly flitted down and landed gently on the back of my hand, which was pushing the door. It seemed to be examining me curiously.

…The totem!

The butterfly appeared to be interested in the totem I was wearing on my wrist, the [Guardian Tree Flower Bracelet]. Its wingbeats grew faster. As I watched the creature with mounting tension, other butterflies began to gather one by one. Soon, I was surrounded by a brilliant swarm of light.

It's blinding…

How long would they keep coming? Were all of them going to attach themselves to me? Just as the light became overwhelmingly bright and I squeezed my eyes shut, a strange sound reached my ears.

-Whoooo…

It sounded like a whistle, or perhaps a flute. I cautiously opened my eyes. There it was…

"Is it open…?"

The grand doors stood wide open to welcome me.

The butterflies that had flocked to the [Guardian Tree Flower Bracelet] soon dispersed and flew freely around me. Ah, did I pass the check? I cautiously entered the palace.

-Koong!!!

At that moment, the doors closed with a speed incomparable to when they opened. The surrounding area was instantly plunged into darkness.

-Pat.

-Paaat.

-Shaaaa…

Fortunately, the darkness did not last long. The butterflies clinging to me began to scatter light, thanks to which I could see.

Relying on this light, I began to move forward. Although the butterflies illuminated the surroundings, not everything was visible. I carefully scanned the area.

Is that a corridor?

Portraits of elves, similar to those in Darian's mansion, were hung at regular intervals along the lengthy corridor.

They're watching me.

It was a realization I came to while walking down the corridor. The portraits of the elves seemed alive and their eyeballs were rolling and moving as they tracked my movements.

As if they knew I wasn't one of them.

"…really creepy."

Was this not a labyrinth of dreams but rather a haunted house? I suppressed my fear and pressed on.