After Gobemon departed, I returned to the town of the Eterna Federation.
I had been using Spatial Domination to travel, a technique that allowed me to teleport instantly to any location I had previously visited. Its consumption of magicules was significant, but negligible compared to my total reserves. I could use it freely, though I set limits on myself—overuse could force me into stasis, and I had no intention of being caught off-guard.
As I arrived, a familiar voice reached me through Telepathy Net.
"Master… Gobkyu and the workers have gathered at the West Gate, but—"
Ranga paused mid-sentence.
Something was off.
I felt the tension and moved toward the West Gate. Despite my earlier restraint, I used Spatial Domination to instantly appear near Ranga. Simultaneously, I activated Universal Perception to scan the surrounding area beyond my sight. Locating Ranga was trivial. With coordinates set, I could move freely within my visible range—extremely convenient for travel, though far less suited for combat, where the activation time could leave me vulnerable.
The situation was urgent.
Outside the West Gate, Gobkyu was arguing with someone. Through Universal Perception, I immediately discerned the other party.
"I've already told you! We are taking over this place!"
Oi…
I hid in the shadows, listening. Their words were shocking.
"Even if you say that, we cannot accept it. I'll report to Atem-sama immediately. You cannot move about on your own—stay put for now."
"No way! We abandoned our previous labyrinth just to come here! We're poor and homeless—are you chasing us away?!"
"Regardless, this land falls under Atem-sama's rule now, as he officially became a demon lord. Permission must be obtained first."
"Tsk. Playing the pity card didn't work. Fine, then we won't hesitate to use force. My Beretta won't allow you to fuss over trivial matters…"
I had heard enough.
With precise, silent movements, I approached and plucked the instigator from the air effortlessly. I looked at her face. It was indeed Ramiris.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, voice calm but edged with authority.
"K-KYAA! How… how have you been, Atem?"
She avoided my gaze, aware she'd been caught red-handed. Behind her, the small shack she claimed as her new base was the source of this chaos.
How did she even build this here…?
My question was answered when Treyni arrived, carrying wood.
"What are you doing here, Treyni?" I asked.
"Ah! I-It's Atem-sama… long time no see—"
Her nervous glance betrayed the absurdity of their plan. Building a shack right outside the gate? Their scheme was doomed from the start.
"Explain what's going on, Treyni-san," I pressed.
"It… it's not Ramiris-sama's fault! I swear—"
Even Treyni, always professional, was faltering under her master's influence. Only Beretta could provide a clear explanation. Kneeling immediately, he spoke:
"Master Atem, allow me."
I nodded. "Do it."
Beretta took a deep breath. "This began with a speech by Ramiris-sama. She insisted on moving here, and Treyni-san agreed. I… I could not oppose them, so I was forced into this arrangement."
"B-Beretta! You traitor!" Ramiris shouted, struggling to escape my grasp. I ignored her.
From his explanation, Treyni-san was indeed spoiling Ramiris. Their pattern was consistent with previous encounters. Beretta had no choice but to endure their whims and take responsibility for their reckless plan.
"But… we sealed the previous labyrinth and moved here as Ramiris-sama instructed," he continued.
"Exactly! If you chase me out, I'll be homeless!" Ramiris said pitifully, fluttering her wings. Treyni-san added, "Poor Ramiris-sama…"
Please stop spoiling the fairy, I thought, though the truth was clear now: Gobkyu had done nothing wrong. The fault lay entirely with Ramiris's party.
"Gobkyu, thank you for your patience," I said firmly.
"No need, Master. The men at the gate were troubled, but it's fine," Gobkyu replied, glancing toward the ogre gatekeeper, who had been napping.
"—Oi," the gatekeeper mumbled.
"T-There's no issue. He just got a little too excited," Gobkyu said.
Treyni-san defended Ramiris. "It's not her fault! The gatekeeper said something unkind to Ramiris-sama, so I… used magic to put him to sleep for a moment."
Magic for a fairy's pride. A farce, certainly, but one they clearly believed in. Even Beretta seemed taken aback.
I let him continue explaining, while Treyni busied herself with preparing the wood. Beretta confirmed he had been assembling the shack while Treyni gathered materials. The absurdity of the situation was almost comical—but under my calm exterior, I noted the potential consequences.
Ramiris is reckless, Treyni enables her, and Beretta is left to handle the fallout.
The end result before me was a small wooden shack. Judging by the scattered planks and tools, it looked like a balcony might be next. A shack… for what purpose? Apparently, it was meant to serve as the new entrance to Ramiris's labyrinth.
Speaking of which, she had expressed her desire to move to this town. If all she intended was to establish a labyrinth entrance, this small structure in front of the gate didn't seem inherently problematic.
I folded my arms, my gaze sharp. "So, let me get this straight. You were building this shack when the gatekeeper confronted you. Then, after he interfered, you ordered Treyni-san to put him to sleep. And finally, you were discovered by Gobkyu and the workers who came to inspect?"
Ramiris fidgeted, wings trembling slightly. "Th-That… no, not exactly… I suppose… you could say that… maybe?"
"In other words, my suspicion is correct," I said flatly. "Sheesh."
"Aha… ahahaha…" Ramiris attempted a laugh, but it sounded weak, strained.
Her recklessness was astounding. This was my territory, recognized even by other demon lords. Normally, an infringement like this could easily escalate into open conflict. Yet, something stirred in my mind—a spark of strategic thought.
I studied the shack, then the surrounding area. My conversation with Myourmiles a few minutes ago came back to me. Eterna needed attractions that drew people repeatedly. The opera house, the colosseum, the health resort—all excellent, but predictable. Variety was necessary. Repetition bred stagnation.
Martial tournaments and horse races could only occur a few times per season. Too frequent, and they would lose impact. Shows for commoners could happen daily, but they would not satisfy the nobles' insatiable tastes.
The core audience was clear: ordinary citizens and foreign adventurers. Merchants would visit, guarded by adventurers. What if there were a way to attract them consistently?
Monsters… a labyrinth… filled with challenges.
Yes. Adventurers thrived on such things. If a labyrinth stood here, brimming with dangers, it would draw crowds every day. There was no attraction like the thrill of exploration and conquest. If word spread of a dungeon that tested skill and courage, even elite adventurers would journey here just for the experience.
I turned to Ramiris, who was staring at me with a nervous, awkward smile. She was unreliable, impulsive, and reckless—but perhaps, in this instance, her recklessness could serve a greater purpose.
"You know, Ramiris," I said, my voice calm but commanding, "what you're doing… it's risky, reckless even. Yet, if we approach it strategically, it could actually benefit Eterna. Think of it as a controlled experiment."
"E-Ehh? Controlled… experiment?" Ramiris's wings fluttered anxiously.
"Yes. You build the labyrinth here. But it won't just be for you—it becomes part of the city's draw. Adventurers will come. Merchants will follow. Nobles may even take notice. This could be an attraction unlike anything we've established."
She tilted her head, unsure. "I… I don't know if I can do that… What if it's dangerous?"
"Danger is the point," I said firmly. "It's a test of skill and courage. But under my supervision, nothing will spiral out of control. You will construct it, and I will oversee it. Think of this as contributing to Eterna's growth while allowing you your… creative freedom."
Ramiris's eyes widened slightly, a mixture of fear and excitement.
"Do you understand?" I asked.
"I-I… Yes, Atem-sama! I understand!" she replied, determination flickering in her gaze.
I nodded once, decisive. "Good. Then we proceed. Build your labyrinth. But remember, everything will be monitored. Any misstep, and I will intervene immediately. Understood?"
"Yes, Atem-sama!"
I stepped back, surveying the small shack again. It was reckless, absurd, and yet… potentially brilliant. Sometimes, chaos could be shaped into strategy, and this labyrinth—this very folly of Ramiris—might just become one of Eterna's greatest draws.
A small smile crept across my face.
Sometimes, even the reckless can serve a purpose—if guided correctly.