World Strongest Rearguard - Labyrinth Country and Dungeon Seekers prologue

Prologue: The Reincarnation Line

Before even knowing what happened, I was queued up in a long dark tunnel together with the young and old.

I was pretty sure that I was on a bus for a skiing trip together with the other company employees. I closed my eyes and dozed off until morning came. But what’s this being in another place? I don’t even remember getting off the bus. This doesn’t augur well.

Abreast the line, I heard something. “Are you serious?”
“We actually managed to make it back alive.”

Meanwhile, there was this woman managing the line while it was moving forward. It seemed like this was a familiar routine and the line was gradually advancing.

(“Did we encounter a bus accident?” Might it be that all of us here actually died?”)

I wonder if this queue actually leads to heaven. If so, then there might actually be life after death.
That being the case however, I have died and left a lot of things I still would have wanted to do.

It’s difficult to imagine though if this tunnel would lead us to hell. It might still be too early to think. Maybe this is just a dream as I am yet to find my co-workers within the line.

Sooner or later I will also get married, if I manage to survive, that will break this death flag. How wonderful would that be, but if the accident happens to be on a snowy mountain, the odds of being rescued might be slim.

Within the queue, I saw some colleagues who were on the trip. But as I try to move away from the line to ascertain things, my legs fail me so all I can do is press forward.

Far along the line opposite mine, I can see my female manager clearly. To describe her, she was the taskmistress, a slave driver, works you to the point that you would leave as soon as the last train arrives. Now being unable to resist; she was properly lined up, but I could still sense her pride and intimidating air.

While assessing the situation, the high school girl who was in front of me took something from the person whom I believe to be a guide and walked ahead following the direction from where the line has appeared.

I saw her when I got on the bus. She was a young woman with black hair and straight cut bangs. She appeared to be a bit gloomy but was the epitome of pure feminine beauty. [大和 撫子] She was also together with her friends that somehow set a gyaru-like mood.

Thereafter, a woman who seems to be dressed in a way that you can only see in fantasy games appeared. She had shoulder length purple hair, wore short sleeves and casual culottes. This fashion cannot be seen anywhere in Japan. She also wore a beret but on closer look, there were glyphs present on it that would likely tell that she was a mage.

Feeling teary but at the same time ecstatic, she stood along in line and handed something to everyone then sent them forward.

“Yes, next person please. Kindly take this with you. Once you enter, please visit the guild first to decide your occupations. There should be nothing else you can do without doing that.”

“What guild? Please wait, what will become of us from now on?”

“This is the “Labyrinth Country”. You have been reincarnated and brought to this country. Sadly, it would already be impossible to choose another destination, I am sorry.”

There are things I still would have wanted to ask but it seems that i could not inquire any further.

“Since I am also living in that town, I would guide those reincarnators whenever I have time. If God permits, we will see each other again.”

I’m just wondering if she was God or an angel. She seems to be someone special but I’ll have to put on hold for now.

I managed to get a sturdy leather tag similar to the size of a bill then I headed through the light up ahead.

original source:

Chapter end