Chapter 28: Labyrinth Shop (4)
The Covenant of GM
“Have you not heard my covenant? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed, for as I was with your mother, I will be with you wherever you go.”
Thus spoke GM to Janice, the warrior, commanding all the army:
Janice 1:9-10
Title: GM, Release the Water of the Sacred Spring!
Author: The Mustached Leader
“GM, release the water of the sacred spring now! Does it make sense to have only 100? Are you telling the latecomers not to use it?”
Title: Almighty and Merciful GM
Author: Suspiciously Wealthy Cat
“Almighty and merciful GM, your humble servant begs of you, please show mercy and grant us the water of miracles. We earnestly implore you.”
Title: Is the Warden Truly Worthy of the Armband?
Author: Man Who Stands Up When Necessary
“Today, I went to the labyrinth shop to buy the spring water and waited my turn but couldn’t buy it. Hoping to buy it from another, no one was willing to sell. I was so upset that I called for the warden, but no matter how loudly I shouted, the warden never appeared. Is a warden who doesn’t show up when needed truly worthy of the armband? I don’t think so…”
***
The community was filled with posts about the miracle spring water.
Even more active than when the Tower of the Labyrinth first appeared.
Unlike the tales of distant rankers, this was a miraculous item that could save their real lives, thought Albus, who had the authority of GM.
“President of the Republic… the right-hand man of the Beast King… and even the Chairman of the High Elf Council?”
It wasn’t just ordinary players; the most prominent figures of the continent were also seeking the [Miracle Spring Water].
“Just a random item I made… Did I set the healing range too wide?”
Albus hadn’t anticipated that this item would have such a significant real-world impact.
If he had known, he wouldn’t have released it so easily.
It cured all sorts of diseases, prevented aging, and even treated conditions like hair loss and erectile dysfunction.
It was nothing short of divine, deserving to be called an elixir.
“What have I created?”
Of course, it wasn’t a complete panacea.
Title: This Only Cures One Thing
Author: Soft Lover
“I have both hair loss and erectile dysfunction. I bought two potions, but only the erectile dysfunction was cured. It seems the potion only heals the first designated condition according to its description.”
Comments:
- “Why haven’t you killed yourself if you have both hair loss and erectile dysfunction?”
- “It’s a bit disappointing that it only cures one thing. Maybe it’s a divine message not to be too greedy.”
“So, it only cures one debuff?”
Albus nodded as he read the user reviews.
It wasn’t a perfect panacea but a potion that healed just one designated condition at first use.
Players wouldn’t need multiple items, considering the Labyrinth Shop’s items restocked over time.
As demand decreases, so would the frenzy.
“No, wait.”
Deep in thought, Albus muttered.
Though one potion might suffice, the [Miracle Spring Water] was a tradable item.
Its value could mean some would hoard and sell it for a fortune, especially those with incurable diseases.
Albus foresaw the power of the continent monopolizing the water, exploiting those in dire need.
‘Please, my lord! I beg you! My daughter won’t survive the night!’
‘That’s not my problem. Bring more money. No money? Then get lost!’
The Labyrinth Shop, intended to bridge the gap between players, was creating even more polarization.
“…”
Albus clenched his fist.
He wasn’t a saint.
He didn’t believe all humans should be equal.
He was grateful to be born into nobility.
He had no intention of spreading democracy.
But…
Why didn’t he like this?
It mirrored the games he cherished in his previous life—the thrill of infinite competition and the perfect MMORPG structure.
Why did it feel so wrong?
A command screen appeared as he willed.
‘I am…?’
***
Title: Gift Announcement
Author: Admin
“This is a message from GM:
- As a token of appreciation for your support of the Tower of the Labyrinth
- All players will receive [Miracle Spring Water] upon logging in
- It will be bound to the player
***
The announcement from GM sent the entire region of Rudera into a frenzy.
Players of all races—humans, elves, dwarves, even demons—praised GM.
An elixir, perhaps surpassing even the most legendary elixirs, given to everyone without any conditions.
A true miracle.
“The Labyrinth Shop’s popularity and the distribution of [Miracle Spring Water]…”
Watching the joyous community, the demon king, Diana, folded her arms.
“How much do you plan to change this continent?”
Distributing thousands of elixirs and then just giving them away?
All players, without any conditions, albeit with a non-tradable attribute to prevent market exploitation.
Despite her bold claims about a new era to the Dragon Lord, GM’s actions were beyond her wildest imaginations.
“Hmm.”
Her cheeks flushed with anticipation.
“What are you planning next, GM?”
***
Somewhere in the empire’s outskirts, a remote village…
A small child ran through the village streets, clutching something tightly.
“Hey! That’s dangerous! Be careful!”
“Sorry, sir!”
Dodging an oncoming pedestrian, the child quickened his pace, clutching the object even tighter.
The child arrived at a small, humble home after running for a long time.
“Huff… huff…”
Catching his breath with one arm leaning against the wall, the child opened the door and entered.
“Cough, cough! …Janice, is that you?”
Inside, a frail woman lay on a bed, greeting the child.
“Mom…”
The child approached her, worry etched on his face.
“How are you feeling?”
“Cough, cough! Just the usual. Not too bad. I’m getting used to it… cough!”
Her worsening cough and darkening skin indicated her deteriorating condition, known even to the child.
“Here.”
The child handed her the object he was holding.
“Cough! …What’s this?”
A strange object resembling a helmet.
The woman, unfamiliar with it, asked.
“I found it.”
Periodically distributed across the continent by the servants of Carthesia, the Rudera access device.
The child often played with the device that had fallen in his secret base.
He thought of letting his bedridden mother at least rest comfortably in there but worried it might worsen her condition, so he kept it secret.
“Try using it.”
“Use it?”
“Yeah. Open the mailbox inside, and there’s a water bottle. Drink it!”
The child excitedly explained.
“Ha ha. Slow down, Janice. Tell me slowly so I can understand.”
***
The woman, having gotten out of bed, removed the access device from her head.
“How is it, mom?”
“Janice… this is…”
Strength surged through her body.
She stood up from the bed.
It had been three years since she could stand up.
Yet now, she felt as vigorous as before her illness.
“How…”
“Mom!”
The child rushed into her arms.
Neither Deus nor Alia could save her, but He did.
The true savior.
The healer of the sick and weak.
The true… God.
GM was different from the false gods.