CH 7

Please note that there are some cruel descriptions in this chapter.

I am a member of the Alpha Unit of the National Military’s barrier monitoring force, called Alpha 3 in the squad.

A year ago, a mysterious sphere known as “barrier” made its sudden entrance into the world, and my mission as a member of this squad is to investigate and eradicate it if possible.

Since the barriers are indestructible even with nuclear weapons, it’s practically a leisurely post, and I myself have nothing to do but train daily.

Yet today, I have not been in top form since this morning. Although I don’t understand where my feelings originated from, I keep experiencing a tingling sensation in some part of my head.

And that emerged from within the barrier.

The ominous wall, comprised of trees and concrete, is impervious to the latest explosives, and the fog billowing out from the wall is so dense that not even a ray of light could penetrate it. Not only that, even the ground is extremely muddy on closer approach.

The higher-ups designated it as “X-J2” and, of course, tasked us, the warden unit, to conduct an investigation of this nauseating thing.

On further reflection, I probably should have opted out of the investigation squad by any means necessary. That was what I thought after entering.

“What are you doing, Alpha 3? Stay alert and vigilant.”

“I simply thought we have landed in a very unorthodox place.”

“Well, I can understand why you would feel that way…”

After entering the dungeon, the first thing my eyes registered was a fog so thick that only two meters could be seen ahead. Although it is good that I can faintly glimpse my footsteps, if a lack of attention is exercised, our companions will be lost in no time.

“The ground… seems to be composed of the same material as the outer walls…”

Following Alpha 6’s voice, I examine the footing, and indeed it appears to be constructed of the same substance. However, there are some subtle irregularities that may lead someone to fall on their feet if they were to panic.

“Alpha 1, it seems that all communication devices and GPS are ineffective in this dungeon.”

“There is no ceiling… What kind of technology is this?”

As Alpha 2 reports back to the captain, I inspect the GPS in my hand and confirm that it is indeed displaying an error status.

“In addition, there are some bizarre noises coming from the surrounding area.”

“Yeah, I’m hearing… children’s voices and dogs, maybe? In all likelihood, I doubt there would be any normal children in a place like this.”

Upon receiving Alpha 5 and Alpha 4’s reports, I listen attentively, and sure enough, the occasional “Kyahahaha!” and “Aohhhh!” that is similar to the howling of a dog can be heard.

“And the only way forward is going through the swamp.”

When the captain crouches down at a distance just barely within sight of each other, he observes something.

Apparently, the only decent foothold is around the entrance, and the rest of the area is nothing but a swamp.

“This is a labyrinth, but it’s more like a dungeon in a video game…” the captain mutters. Frankly speaking, even I can only assume so judging from the restricted number of people at the entrance and the conditions inside.

“Well, it doesn’t matter. Regardless of the situation, in order for us to leave this place, we have to be at least 1km away from the entrance. We’ll proceed with the utmost caution.”

And so we all exchange nods with each other as we move into the swamp, densely clustered together.

Has it been half an hour already?

It proved to be an unforeseeably strenuous and nerve-wracking task to navigate the swamp amidst the fog while maintaining a sense of alertness.

The swamp could suddenly become deep without warning, and if we were not on guard, we could plunge into the depths and be drowned to death. Such a situation could have arisen if we had been careless.

Furthermore, not only does GPS fail in this environment, but so does the compass. Under normal circumstances, we should have easily reached about one kilometer, but it would likely be better to have crossed only half that distance.

And now, what distresses me the most is…

“Are you okay, Alpha 3?”

“I’m fine, Alpha 2, just a slight headache.”

The tingling sensation escalated after entering the labyrinth.

It’s as if a reaction to something lurking in the labyrinth is underway.

“I’m sorry, Alpha 3, but you should see a doctor at once when we get out.”

“Yes…”

The moment I answer the captain’s words, the itching in my head swiftly shifted to discomfort, and with the sound of something slicing through the air, the captain’s head shot off before my eyes.

“Huh…?”

“What…”

“Eh…?”

“Ah…?”

“!?”

There is a momentary pause that engulfs all the members of the squad.

Then the pause resumes as the captain’s head crashes into the swamp and his body collapses with a resounding splash, only to be accompanied by screeching all around the area the next instant.