Thinking carefully, I began to lay out the final plan I had discussed with Ramiris.
"I will be deploying some of my forces inside the labyrinth to defend against any intruders," I said, my voice calm yet commanding. "Yes, this is the challenge you've been longing for—a game of strategy and power. I intend to make it real. So tell me, Veldora, does that excite you?"
Veldora's eyes sparkled immediately. "Excite me? Hah! You speak my language, Atem."
I allowed a small, calculating smile. "The dungeon won't be a mere structure. It will be a living battlefield, a test for those who dare enter. Monsters will guard the treasures, and your own power—your youki—will fill the very air, shaping their strength and behavior."
The idea had crystallized after my discussion with Ramiris. Deploy my men—monsters of Eterna—to patrol and guard, while monster bosses defended the treasure. Starting from the hundredth floor, where Veldora's magic would concentrate, energy would gradually thin toward the upper levels. Weak monsters would roam near the surface, while the deepest floors would teem with true dangers.
Even the energy leaked during his sealed state had spawned formidable creatures, like Eterna Serpents of A– rank. Now that his full power coursed freely… the monsters that would emerge were beyond imagining.
Truthfully, guardians weren't strictly necessary. No one would realistically reach the hundredth floor. But my concern was containment—ensuring Veldora released his youki somewhere controlled. I knew he was near his limit; if left unchecked, he might release it freely elsewhere, devastating the surrounding region. Only Ramiris's labyrinth, isolated and secure, could serve this purpose.
The dungeon would serve multiple purposes:
First, it gave Veldora freedom without risk to others.
Second, it transformed his raw power into the lifeblood of the labyrinth, generating monsters and challenges.
Third, it gave him a purpose, preventing him from becoming idle or destructive in my home.
I watched him casually flip through his manga. He had no idea he was about to become the engine of an entire labyrinth.
"Veldora," I continued, my tone sharp and deliberate, "there is more. You will serve as the guardian of the deepest chamber. The final arbiter of all who enter."
He blinked, setting the manga aside. His eyes locked onto mine, full of curiosity and anticipation. "The final arbiter? You mean… I'm the king of the labyrinth?"
"Yes," I said steadily. "You will be the benchmark. Every adventurer that reaches you will face their trial. Their limits, their courage, and their strength will all be tested against you."
Veldora's grin widened. "Excellent. So they'll fight my creations first, and then… they will meet the Storm Dragon! GAHAHAHA! And then I can declare—'You dare stand before me, mortals? None escape the claws of Veldora!' Hah! Finally, I get to say the line I've been dreaming of for so long!"
I nodded once, acknowledging him, careful to maintain composure. "It is your stage now, Veldora. Every corner of the labyrinth will carry your essence. You will shape the battlefield itself."
He extended a clawed hand toward me, eyes blazing. "Atem, you've crafted the perfect stage. Only I could fill this role, and I will not disappoint. The adventurers will learn the cost of their arrogance."
I grasped his hand firmly, projecting calm authority. "Then it is settled. You are the labyrinth's true guardian. Every floor, every challenge, every creature—they will be guided by your power. And you… will remain contained, yet free, within this arena."
Veldora laughed, a deep, rolling sound that shook the air. "GAHAHAHAHA! I will make this labyrinth legendary! Those who dare enter will tremble at my name!"
I allowed a faint, satisfied smile. Perfect. He was motivated, and the labyrinth would thrive. With Veldora as its core, the dungeon would become something unparalleled, a living testament to strategy, power, and control under my direction.
The next day, I accompanied Veldora to find Ramiris.
The construction of the colosseum had already begun at first light. The site hummed with activity. Beastmen who had been out training had returned to lend their strength, moving under Gobkyu's firm guidance. Everyone was working with determination. To avoid interrupting them, I led Veldora into the labyrinth.
We entered the same chamber Ramiris had been working in. As I expected, she was diligently expanding the labyrinth, completely absorbed in her task.
"Ramiris," I said, "how goes the work?"
She looked up, startled for a moment, then brightened. "Master Atem! I've been well! And I've been working hard, too!"
Despite the fatigue evident in her expression, there was a sense of satisfaction radiating from her. Without my noticing, she had already climbed onto Veldora's shoulder. The pair looked close, almost like a team bound by unspoken trust.
Yet, as always, there were complications. Ramiris seemed determined to show off her abilities now that Veldora was present, completely ignoring my caution.
"Don't worry! I'll complete every floor! You'll see!" she declared with unwavering enthusiasm.
I exhaled softly, knowing my first priority had to be breakfast. Work could wait a few moments.
After eating, Ramiris began explaining her progress. She had expanded the labyrinth to fifteen floors. At this pace, reaching the hundredth floor would take just a few days. Each floor's internal structure adapted automatically, meaning she didn't need to slow down for adjustments.
"Even the rest of the floors will expand on their own," she said. "I'm not busy, so I can also handle designing the interiors of the completed floors."
I nodded, noting her efficiency. Even without direct effort, her power ensured the labyrinth continued to grow and evolve.
"Then our next task is preparing Veldora's room," I said.
Veldora's quarters would be set at the deepest level of the labyrinth. To ensure he finally left my estate peacefully, his room would be the first to be completed.
The current bottom floor was a void. No walls, no hallways, no stairs—just a barren space with a single gate.
"This… this is supposed to be my room?" Veldora asked, voice laced with unease. "Reminds me too much of the place where I was sealed…"
Ramiris smiled at his discomfort. "Don't worry, mentor. With Atem's direction, walls and stairs can be created easily."
I remained composed, connecting us via the 'Telepathy Net' to coordinate. "We will decide the style together. Follow my vision."
In moments, the three of us were linked, exchanging images and ideas.
"Oh! Yes, exactly! This is perfect, Atem! There's nothing for me to worry about with you leading this," Veldora said, clearly impressed. He nodded, humming contentedly.
"Then we proceed with this design," I instructed.
"Understood! Consider it done!" Ramiris responded confidently.
Within moments, the barren floor transformed. Thick stone walls rose, subdivided into several chambers and a grand hall. The hall itself spanned a hundred meters on each side, exuding the solemn, imposing aura of a true "Final Boss" chamber. The image I projected in my mind was perfectly recreated by her.
"You've done well," I acknowledged, my voice calm yet filled with approval. "This is exactly what I envisioned."
Ramiris beamed. "I am strong, after all! You are satisfied, Master Atem?"
"Yes. You have exceeded expectations."
For Ramiris, praise was rare, which explained the delight in her expression. And yet, her performance was extraordinary. Constructing something of this magnitude in reality could have taken decades, yet she completed it in moments. The power she held over the dungeon was absolute—every floor, every wall, every hall, fully under her command.
I allowed myself a rare moment of satisfaction. The labyrinth's foundations were set, and with Veldora at its core, its potential was limitless.