I'm Not the Mastermind

Chapter 10

Thus, Yujin found himself accompanying a party.

"......"

On Earth, as well as in this new world, Yujin’s aura always carried an inexplicable air of suspicion. Here, too, he maintained a subtle distance, walking a step behind the group, his presence feeling somewhat out of place.

None of the party members spoke to him, each casting cautious glances his way. This was something Yujin was all too familiar with.

However, it wasn’t as though Yujin was completely silent. He always had Tiamat, the transcendent being bound to him in soul form, walking with him, unseen by the others.

Tiamat broke the silence.

『Yujin, why did you decide to accompany them? We could search for the exit on our own, you know.』

‘Ah, you mean that?’

Her question was entirely reasonable.

Yujin didn’t need a guide to find the labyrinth’s exit. It was something he could manage on his own. Rejecting the party’s help wouldn’t have hindered him in the slightest. Yet, he had chosen to travel with them.

‘It’s nothing special. If anything, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to form a connection or two while I’m here.’

『A connection?』

‘Yes.’@@@@

Yujin hadn’t yet told Tiamat, but the truth was, he was an outsider—an otherworlder.

He had been transported from Earth to this labyrinth. At first, he thought Tiamat’s Tomb might have been implemented inside a gate, or that the gate itself had transported him here. But now, he was certain:

He had been transported to another world. This was evident even from observing this party.

Humans and demi-humans like dwarves coexisting in the same group, and their casual references to the labyrinth—it was clear this was a world entirely separate from Earth.

More importantly, the idea that such a massive labyrinth could manifest within a gate back on Earth seemed far less plausible than the notion that he had crossed into another world.

Yujin had fully realized this was a different world.

So, what was the problem?

Firstly, a lack of common sense.

Although Yujin had played the game Labyrinth Academy, which was set in this world, he had always skipped over the story, background, and lore. He was what you’d call a “story-skipper.”

The game, after all, didn’t require knowledge of the story to play. It was a roguelike centered on labyrinth exploration, with gameplay focused on collecting treasures and advancing through layers. While there was an academy-centered narrative, Yujin ignored it, spending most of his time simply playing for leisure.

As such, his knowledge of this world was shallow. He wasn’t just new to this world—he was a newbie in the game itself, having played it for less than a week.

And even then, it was something he did to pass the time when he wasn’t busy as an awakener. He hadn’t invested much effort into the game.

How much could someone like that know about this world? Only a bit about navigating the labyrinth.

It was clear he needed to learn the basics of this world’s common sense.

While Tiamat could provide some guidance, she was a transcendent from millennia ago and lacked knowledge of the current era. For that, Yujin needed to rely on others.

That’s where this party came in.

There was another issue, though:

The second problem was that, as an otherworlder, Yujin had no connections in this world.

To him, the world of Labyrinth Academy was one where he had no ties.

While Yujin had few close relationships on Earth, at least he could rely on social systems to interact with others.

This world, however, was fundamentally medieval. Monarchies and a focus on power and authority defined the societal structure.

In such a brutal fantasy world, having no allies or acquaintances was a significant disadvantage.

Unlike Earth, where morality and ethics were outwardly upheld, this world demanded a different approach. Yujin realized he couldn’t rely on Earth’s systems here.

So, he decided to start building connections. This party was his first step.

And more than that...

‘Tiamat, do you know the phrase yu-wi-jeon-byeon (有爲轉變)?’

『Yu-wi-jeon-byeon? What does it mean?』

‘It means that everything in the world is shaped by connections and constantly changes, never remaining the same.’

Yu-wi-jeon-byeon is a well-known Buddhist term.

As Yujin explained, it refers to the transient nature of life, where everything changes due to the relationships it forms.

‘At first glance, it might sound like nihilism, as if nothing matters. But in truth, it’s quite the opposite.’

『How so?』

‘It means that while everything is destined to change, this doesn’t render things meaningless. Instead, it signifies that anything is possible. Let me give you an example.’

Yujin continued, ‘Consider an empty bowl. We don’t call it meaningless just because it’s empty. It can hold water, soup, or even wine. Its emptiness makes it versatile, capable of becoming whatever it needs to be.’

『Interesting...』

‘Everything is like that empty bowl—anything is possible. When the bowl encounters water, it becomes a vessel for water. When it meets wine, it holds wine. When it meets poison, it holds poison. Connections are what determine what the bowl becomes. We call this causation.’

『That’s an intriguing insight. But how does it relate to forming connections? Are you trying to change yourself?』

‘Not necessarily. It’s not about wanting to change. It’s about accepting that change is inevitable. Everything I have now will one day cease to be mine. That’s why I believe in appreciating what I have in the moment.’

Yujin smiled serenely, his tone reminiscent of a wise sage.

‘Far from being nihilistic, it’s about embracing change and cherishing what you have while you have it. Isn’t it more meaningful to treasure something knowing it won’t last forever?’

『I see...』

Tiamat was surprised. While Yujin’s words were simple, the depth of his understanding was remarkable.

His insight was like a clear, tranquil lake—easily visible, yet its depths seemed infinite.

She marveled at the profundity of this mortal’s perspective.

『Everything changes through connections, and thus, anything is possible...』

Such realizations often led to spiritual growth.

Suddenly, a radiant energy enveloped Tiamat.

‘...Hmm?’

『Thank you, Yujin. Thanks to you, I’ve taken a step forward.』

Yujin felt Tiamat’s presence within him grow stronger, a sign of her spiritual advancement. He smiled, pleased.

『I now understand why you are free of greed and attachment. Everything flows, so there’s no need to cling to anything.』

This was not a concept unfamiliar to Tiamat. The act of entrusting her bones and heart to Yujin was no small matter, yet she had done so without hesitation.

She launched her spell toward the nine o’clock direction where Chrome was charging. Chrome, noticing the incoming fireball, was taken aback.

"Damn it!"

Hugo, hearing Eri’s chant, also turned in surprise. He hadn’t expected her to act so recklessly without orders.

To make matters worse, the shield spell was still focused on Hugo, leaving Chrome unprotected. If the fireball landed, Chrome would likely be injured.

At that moment, Yujin extended his hand.

Whoosh!

A barrier of mana enveloped Chrome, shielding him just as the fireball exploded among the approaching goblins.

Boom!

"Chrome!"

Hugo shouted, worried that Chrome had been caught in the blast. He hadn’t noticed Yujin’s intervention or the mana barrier.

When the flames cleared, Chrome emerged unscathed, leaving Hugo visibly confused.

"What...?"

In that brief moment of distraction, a goblin slipped through the line and charged at Eri.

"Kyah!"

The novice mage screamed, squeezing her eyes shut as the goblin lunged at her.

"Tsk..."

Thwack!

"Kieeek!"

"...Huh?"

Eri, bracing for pain, instead heard the sound of flesh being pierced and the goblin’s shriek. Slowly, she opened her eyes.

The goblin lay on the ground, trembling, with a small dagger embedded in its shoulder.

Eri turned to see Yujin, his ever-present enigmatic smile on his face, looking down at her.

"It seems you’re quite inexperienced, Miss Eri."

"I... I..."

She stammered, but Yujin continued with a gentle tone.

"That’s fine. Experience is something you gain over time."

He handed her a dagger.

"This... is...?"

"As a combat mage, it’s not enough to provide support from the rear. You need equipment to protect yourself in emergencies. Like now, for instance—a small monster slipped through the line, and you had no way to respond."

He gestured toward the injured goblin still writhing on the ground.

"Stab it."

"W-What?"

"Miss Eri, this is your first time killing, isn’t it? Not with magic, but with a blade."

"!?"

Eri flinched, trembling as she looked up at Yujin.

"How did you...?"

"Ha... let’s just say I had a feeling."

Though it was obvious from her demeanor, Yujin responded playfully, trying to lighten the mood.

"...Hic!"

But being told to take a life had shaken her. She began to hiccup, her fear growing.

Yujin, unfazed, pressed on.

"This is necessary. You need to feel what it’s like to end a life with your own hands. It’s an experience you’ll need to grow accustomed to."

Though he didn’t voice it, he knew this kind of experience would prevent her from freezing in a real battle.

"Now, stab it."

"I... I can’t..."

"Do it."

Despite his calm encouragement, Eri shook her head violently, trembling.

"...I-I can’t..."

"...I see. Then there’s no choice."

Yujin gently took hold of her trembling hand, guiding it toward the goblin.

Slowly, he moved her hand, dagger in grip, until it plunged into the goblin’s neck.

Thwack...

"Eugh..."

"Kieeek...!"

Warm blood spurted out as the goblin let out a gurgling cry. Even though it was a labyrinth monster, its death was no less visceral.

As the goblin's life flickered out, Yujin added one final touch.

Crunch!

"Ah!"

"To make sure it’s finished, twist the blade like this."

"Hic... hic..."

The goblin was dead, its body going limp.

Yujin released Eri’s hand.

"See? Not so difficult, is it?"

"...Bleurgh!"

Her response was immediate—she retched, vomiting on the spot.