Survive the labyrinth with EX-grade traits

Bernard told me about how Derek had overcome his despair and formed a new party, which had excellent synergy and reached the fifth layer.

They decided that it was too early to challenge the sixth layer, so they continued their exploration by hunting in the fourth layer and returning with loot.

He also mentioned that both he and Derek had gained new traits and grown stronger.

Bernard and I shared our adventures and reminisced about the past.

“We’ve arrived. I’ll be on my way now. Remember that I’ll visit the inn sometime between this month and next.”

“Of course. I don’t make empty promises. I’ll definitely visit soon.”

“I understand. Derek will be happy too. I wish you the best in your endeavors.”

Bernard, with his hood pulled low, left the station.

“Let’s see, what time is it?”

Tick.

I checked my pocket watch and saw that it was 8:25, about half an hour earlier than our agreed-upon meeting time of 9:00.

Since it wouldn’t take long to walk from this station to the inn, I figured I could make it on time if I hurried.

I adjusted my backpack and headed towards the Angry Minotaur Inn, where Veronica was waiting for me.

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As it approached 9:00, I spotted Veronica, fully geared up and waiting in front of the inn.

Ah, I’ll run.

As I approached, she noticed me and waved her hands high in the air, then ran towards me.

Tada!

“Ahren! You made it on time?”

Veronica was dressed in a blue outfit similar to the one she wore yesterday, rather than her usual armor.

Oh⋯ Maybe I should have taken off my armor and bought some expensive clothes too.

Seeing her bright face and the effort she had put into her appearance for our outing, I felt a belated pang of regret for my lack of consideration.

“Sorry. I meant to come earlier, but the carriages were busy today. Did you eat breakfast?”

“No. I think I’m too excited because my body has become younger, and I’m not hungry at all.”

She fiddled with her index finger and continued,

“Last night, I carefully planned our route⋯ How about we go to Zone 5 first and try a limited-edition cake?”

That’s right. Buying a limited-edition cake from a famous bakery.

It was the first item on her list, so it stuck in my memory.

“Are you sure you can handle another carriage ride? They only sell a limited number of cakes once a week, so if it’s too tiring, I can try again next week by myself.”

What if she starts crying if I say it’s too tiring?

“Veronica, you’re worrying about nothing. I told you, just ask if you want something.”

My strength stat is at B- grade.

Unless I’m mentally exhausted, I won’t get tired from something as simple as this.

“⋯.”

“All you have to do today is hold my hand and lead me to the places you want to go. Just one thing is enough.”

Poof.

Veronica, who had been hesitating, hugged me and buried her head in my chest.

“⋯Thank you.”

“Let’s go. I saw some personal carriages left over there.”

“Yes. I’ll guide you when we arrive.”

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The cake, which is sold in limited quantities at exactly 12:00 noon every week, was the reason we were standing in line.

Veronica, with sparkling eyes, led me to the famous bakery in Zone 5.

The bakery’s name was Sonas Soublanc.

When I asked what it meant on the way here, she said something like fluffy happiness?

The building was large and spacious, not just an ordinary bakery.

The white-based, well-maintained exterior and the elegant calligraphy on the signboard exuded a sense of elegance.

“Wow, are all these people lined up for the limited-edition cake?”

“Ugh. It’s my miscalculation. I think we’re too late.”

It was only 10:30.

There was still an hour and a half until the sales time, but there were already over 50 people in line.

The quantity was limited to around 30, while the number of people waiting was at least double that.

I thought it was obvious that we wouldn’t be able to get the cake, but I decided not to say anything when I saw Veronica’s dejected expression.

“Veronica, let’s wait in line until noon, just in case.”

“But.”

At times like this, it’s better to wait in line, even if it’s pointless.

It’s better to leave early and accept that it’s not possible than to wait in line for over an hour and have a memory of trying.

Some might call it a waste of time, but of course, the latter option is the right choice.

“Don’t be too sad if we miss it this time. Let’s buy some other desserts instead. Look at the building and the people in line.”

I pointed to the entrance of the building and continued,

“It seems that the bakery became famous not just because of the limited-edition cake, but also because it was already a high-quality and skilled bakery that added the gimmick of limited quantities to make both the cake and the bakery famous.”

“⋯You’re right. I remember hearing that it’s really popular.”

“I’m also curious about the cake that’s limited to a certain quantity.”

Slurp.

I stroked Veronica’s head as she nibbled on her lip and looked down.

“Today, let’s just try some of the bakery’s popular items, and we can come back next week.”

I have a tight schedule after returning, with plans for the Magic Tower and training, but it’s all just in my head.

It’s not a fixed schedule, so I can just postpone the visit to next week.

I told her that today wasn’t the only day, and as soon as I suggested coming again, Veronica’s cheeks twitched.

“Really? Really, really?”

“Of course. So don’t be so down. There are many other places to visit besides here, so don’t get discouraged so easily.”

“⋯Ahren. Don’t, don’t, don’t do that. My heart is beating so fast.”

Squee.

I stretched and played with her soft cheeks.

“Mmm.”

“Don’t overthink it and just accept it. I’ll be happy if you can overcome your difficulties during this month with the happy memories of the past few days.”

“Y, yes.”

Veronica’s use of formal language is her personal preference, but I can become much closer to her than before.

[Chaos says she’s jealous.]

‘I will play with you more in my dreams.’

[Chaos protests that she’s just lack power right now so her appearance has changed, but she’s not a child.]

I soothed Veronica, who was feeling down, and we chatted about various things.

Finally, at 12:00, the bakery’s doors opened with a clear chime.

Ding.

The person who came out as soon as the door opened was⋯ Huh?

‘What are you doing here?’

────

[Leesia Yuzfel Yuzfel]

[Strength: C+] [Agility: C+] [Endurance: C] [Stamina: C] [Magic: C-] [Luck: D]

[Possessed Traits] (Collapse)

Carmen Style – Kwon Kak
Unyielding
Over Drive
Noble’s Dignity
Strong Body

────

Why is Leesia Yuzfel working as a waitress at a bakery?

I was surprised, but Leesia Yuzfel and several other waitresses began to count the number of customers in line and prepare to let them in.

“That’s all! Sorry to those who missed out today, but please come back next week! Now, one at a time, please?”

Our eyes met.

I tilted my head and blinked.

Leesia Yuzfel, who was already lively, smiled even more.

She quickly gestured for the first customer to enter and walked towards me with a quick step, smiling.

“Ahren! It’s really you!”

“Leesia Yuzfel! I never imagined I’d see you here at a bakery. It feels like it was just yesterday that we were fighting together on the first floor.”

“I did say that I was looking forward to meeting again, but I never expected it to be at a bakery, of all places!”

Her unique aristocratic speech pattern still came out occasionally.

“By the way⋯ You’re not just here to buy dessert, but you’re also curious about the limited-edition cake, right?”

“A party member recommended it, and since we’re here, I thought we might as well buy the cake.”

I shrugged and laughed.

“Haha, but it’s too late, isn’t it?”

“Hmm, it’s a shame. Can you recommend a few menu items?”

“What should I do⋯ Ah! If I look, there might be some leftover ingredients. Since it’s fate, I’ll bake a cake for you myself! It’s an honor!”

A noble lady is going to bake a cake for me?

“If you’re willing to do that, we’re very grateful. Thank you. Now I can keep my promise.”

“Ahaha, I don’t know what to do with this gratitude from my savior!”

As we chatted amicably, ignoring the other busy waitresses.

A loud grumble came from the front of the line, which was slowly starting to enter.

“Isn’t this too much? If you’re going to make an extra one just for your taste, what’s the point of calling it limited? It’s ridiculous!”

It wasn’t a low-level adventurer, but a mid-level adventurer in metal armor.

Crunch.

Leesia Yuzfel’s neck veins bulged as she gritted her teeth.

“Sir, could you repeat that?”

“I heard about the reputation and came here, only to wait in line for three hours. You shouldn’t be so disrespectful in front of me!”

“Oh, is that so?”

“Do you think I wanted to waste my time on a mere cake and came out early in the morning?”

What a jerk. Can’t he feel the anger building up?

“Tsk tsk, if it weren’t for my girlfriend’s request, I wouldn’t have even looked at this sugar lump. I don’t know why people are lining up for this.”

“Stop it.”

“Why are you so upset that you can’t even refute my words? Oh well, a mere bakery employee can’t do anything to a mid-level adventurer.”

“Just a bakery employee?”

Slurp.

She showed the silver badge hanging around her neck, like a necklace.

“⋯Huh?”

“Open your eyes wide and look carefully.”

Leesia Yuzfel not only showed her mid-level adventurer badge but also took out her family’s insignia from her waist.

“What? Why is a noble-born mid-level adventurer working here?”

Crunch.

“Ahgagak!!!”

Leesia Yuzfel grabbed the rude man’s head and, with Iron Claw, slowly lifted him into the air.

“I, Leesia Yuzfel Yuzfel, the only daughter of the Yuzfel family, declare that I cannot sell anything to a disrespectful customer like you.”

“Wub, wub”

“Do you understand? To a rude person who disrespects employees and calls a cake a mere sugar lump⋯”

Smack!

Leesia Yuzfel looked at the man with disgust, as if she had touched a dirty bug.

“Even the crumbs on the floor are too good for you. Get out.”

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After the commotion died down, Leesia Yuzfel led us to a table by the window in the bakery.

“What⋯ Is that person Ahren’s old party member?”

“Not exactly an old party member, but a comrade who fought together to defeat the first-floor boss.”

“The first-floor boss⋯?”

Veronica and I exchanged glances, bewildered.

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“Ta-da! I’ve been waiting for you! This is a special service just for you, my savior and comrade?”

Leesia Yuzfel brought a cake she had made herself on a plate.

“This is the only one with so much effort put into it!”

So this is the one and only limited-edition cake.

“Leesia Yuzfel, are you busy? I’d like to have a conversation while eating together.”

She smiled sweetly.

“Of course⋯ It’s possible! I’m just helping out as a hobby, so there’s no problem!”

Leesia Yuzfel put her hand to her mouth and laughed,

“Ohohoho!”

And then sat down in front of me.

“No one can stop me here!”