The Arestel mountain range, which harbors countless labyrinths spreading and infesting like a creeping plague, is, to adventurers, nothing less than a mountain of treasure—a gold mine. Since ancient times, many adventurers have flocked here in pursuit of the wealth that spills forth from these labyrinths.

Over time, villages were established at the mountain’s base as bases for conquering the myriad labyrinths. These villages rapidly expanded in scale, thanks to the relics adventurers brought back. As a result, they grew to possess an influence significant enough that even the nation could not ignore them. This was the birth of the labyrinth city. Now, within Chronostaria, this labyrinth city holds a crucial position—so much so that its economic and political power rivals that of great nations. Its role is the management of countless labyrinths and the adventurers who swarm them, as well as the exportation of the resources extracted from within.

And the reason we came to such a labyrinth city, Aresgant, specifically to the Adventurer’s Guild that governs it, was exceedingly simple.

"We've been expecting you, Prince Chronos. We have already received word from His Majesty Lycas."

"I apologize for the sudden visit. I should have followed the proper procedures…"

"There is no need for apologies, Your Highness. We fully understand the gravity of the situation."

"…That is a relief."

The Adventurer’s Guild bustled with many adventurers. As soon as we stepped inside, countless rough-looking men cast suspicious glances our way, while the neatly arranged guild staff stood in greeting, their eyes fixed not only on the prince but also on me.

This unexpected sight sent a slight shock through me, but the prince, completely unshaken, exchanged words with a man who was likely the head of this establishment.

──If I remember correctly, his name was Goldwin Regence.

A massive figure like a boulder, arms thick with muscle and covered in countless scars. His short, navy-blue hair was neatly styled with grooming oil. Though he now worked in the bureaucratic world of the Adventurer’s Guild, there was no doubt that he had once thrown himself into the deadly world of adventuring. A living legend whose name was spoken in the same breath as the Seven Peerless Swords—that was him.

Even in my first life, I had heard of his renown. But seeing him in person, the pressure was on another level. I involuntarily held my breath. This man was truly a monster—I could sense the same presence as that old soldier.

"And the person beside you is…?"

"Ah, this is Claym Bradley. He is the one invited here today."

While I was digging through my past memories in awe, the conversation suddenly shifted to me. The guildmaster’s piercing gaze, sharp even in a casual setting, unconsciously made my body tense, preparing for battle.

"I have heard much about you. It is an honor to meet the heir of the Bradley lineage."

"P-please, no need to be so formal. It is I who am honored to meet the famed Golden Whirlwind."

I barely stopped my hand from reaching for my sword, only to be startled as the towering man gracefully bowed. Reflexively, I lowered my own head, attempting to signal that I meant no harm.

──I would rather not be hated by the ruler of the labyrinth city.

As I internally fretted over the near blunder of committing grave discourtesy upon first meeting, Goldwin straightened his stance and gestured for us to follow him deeper inside.

"Now then, allow me to escort you to the entrance of the Sacred Peak. This way, please."

"We appreciate it."

The prince followed without hesitation. Having completely missed the flow of the conversation, I remained silent and trailed behind.

Why, in the first place, had we not gone straight to meet the Time Dragon, instead stopping by the labyrinth city and the Adventurer’s Guild?

The reason was simple: we were about to enter one of the countless labyrinths within this mountainous region, and doing so required the approval of the Adventurer’s Guild.

With few exceptions, the labyrinths within the mountain range were under the direct control of the labyrinth city—Chronostaria’s administration. No one could freely enter at will. Anyone who wished to challenge these labyrinths required official permission from the Adventurer’s Guild—that is, from the nation itself. Those who received such permission were known as adventurers.

Of course, as I was not an adventurer, I could not enter the labyrinth. My noble status in this country was of no use in this industry. However, this time, we did not require the usual permission.

"It will get a bit dark from here. Please watch your step."

We passed through the spacious entrance of the Adventurer’s Guild and proceeded down a passage at the back of the building—a place likely reserved for state officials. Eventually, we arrived before an enormous iron door, aged as if it had stood there for centuries.

Just as Goldwin had warned, the interior was dimly lit. Torches were placed along the walls, but they barely provided any illumination.

──This feels oddly grandiose.

The atmosphere was distinctly different from the outside world. This was a place where ordinary people were clearly not permitted to tread. The sensation was oddly familiar—similar to the feeling of stepping into a labyrinth.

And indeed, my hunch was correct. This was a labyrinth entrance accessible only to the royal family and those they permitted. That was why we had come to the Adventurer’s Guild—to gain access to this place. According to the prince, beyond this door lay a dragon—the Time Dragon.

──To be honest, it doesn’t feel real at all.

Even as we walked through the passage, the reality of meeting the Time Dragon failed to sink in. The idea that a dragon was nearby, within a labyrinth mine of all places, was difficult to believe.

"This is as far as I can guide you. From here, you must proceed alone."

After walking for what felt like an eternity, the massive man halted. Before us stood an even older iron door, its surface marred with streaks of rust.

"Thank you, Goldwin."

"Think nothing of it. This is our duty… I wish you both the best of luck."

"I appreciate it… though I won’t be doing much myself."

The prince and Goldwin exchanged a firm handshake. Then, the guildmaster turned to me.

"Claym, may you also return safely."

"Ah, y-yes… thank you?"

I shook his hand, though something about the exchange felt off. Before I could ponder further, Goldwin effortlessly pushed open the massive iron doors.

"…No one’s here?"

Upon stepping inside, the supposed dragon was nowhere in sight. The room itself wasn’t even large enough to house a dragon.

As I stood in the dim room, perplexed, the iron door groaned shut behind me. At the same time, lights flickered on, revealing the chamber’s full extent. It was nothing but an ordinary stone room—there was no dragon, nor anything else.

"…?"

Before I could voice my doubts, the prince took his place at the center of the room and turned to me.

"I’m sorry for not explaining earlier, Clay. I wanted to, but I had no time…"

Just as I was about to reply, the prince released his stored magic, filling the entire chamber with its force.

"This room is a royal gateway, protected and maintained by the Chronostaria royal family. This magic circle responds only to royal blood—and it serves as a door to the Sacred Peak, where the Time Dragon awaits."

Magic surged, light filled the space, and my body was consumed by a floating sensation.

"〈Time Dragon Gate, Chronostaria〉"