The midday sun signaled lunch, and with it came the meeting I'd been anticipating — my chance to dine with Masayuki.
Calling it a chance might be overstating it. To be more precise, I had ordered the others to wait outside because I wished to speak to him alone. His companions protested, naturally, but Masayuki himself managed to calm them down.
He sat across from me, clearly nervous. "N-Nice to meet you… I guess? I'm Masayuki Honjou. People call me the 'Shining Hero' or 'Chosen Hero'…"
Masayuki introduced himself with an awkward smile, cheeks flushed as he called himself "Chosen Hero."
How ironic. In my world, calling oneself a "Chosen Hero" without irony was almost comedic — like declaring yourself the main character in a story no one was reading. Embarrassing beyond measure.
Still, I could sense his unease. He kept glancing at me as if waiting for judgment. I understood why — the last time we crossed paths, he'd arrogantly claimed he could defeat me. He must have realized since that I was no ordinary man. I was Atem — Pharaoh of Eterna — not just another Demon Lord to measure oneself against.
He was afraid, but trying to hide it. I respected that.
The tension thickened until I finally broke the silence. "Relax, Masayuki. I didn't summon you here to punish you." I gestured toward the meal between us. "Eat. Let us talk like men."
His shoulders eased slightly. Still, I saw the hesitation in his eyes.
"I'm not meeting you for the first time anyway," I began calmly. "And you don't need to be so formal. My name is Atem, ruler of Eterna — but once, long ago, I was living in another world in a country called Japan."
His chopsticks froze mid-air. "E-eh? You were… Japanese?"
I nodded. "Yes. I was once a simple man —But that was a lifetime ago."
I spoke casually, letting my voice carry warmth and confidence. Solarys, the Sovereign of Wisdom, advised patience, whispering in the back of my mind.
"Pharaoh Atem, transparency at this juncture will establish mutual trust."
I agreed silently and continued, "We can speak about it more comfortably while we eat."
Masayuki looked at the spread before us, his nervousness slowly giving way to curiosity.
"Can I… actually eat this?" he asked.
"Of course. I had my chefs prepare Japanese cuisine — sushi and tempura. You must have missed the taste."
His eyes widened. "Could this be… my last supper?"
I chuckled softly. "Hardly. I didn't call you here to execute you, Masayuki. Sit, eat, and enjoy. I wish to understand you — not destroy you."
Still doubtful, he muttered, "T-then… thanks for the meal—"
"Please. Eat," I said, my tone leaving no room for hesitation.
He took a small bite, then froze. The flavor hit him, and all his restraint vanished. He began devouring the food like a man starved for a century.
I watched in silence, sipping my tea. Patience was an old friend of mine.
When he finally finished, Masayuki sat upright, eyes wide and shining. "I get it now! Please—let me serve under you, Atem-sama!"
I blinked, mildly amused. "Serve under me? What brought that on?"
He clenched his fists, eyes burning with determination. "I don't care about being called a 'Chosen Hero' anymore! It's embarrassing! I've been trapped in that title for so long… I just want to start over!"
I studied him quietly. There was honesty in his voice — and desperation.
He sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Honestly, I was always a normal guy. I liked manga, games, anime… maybe I wanted too badly to be special. And somehow, that wish brought me here."
"So you desired to be a hero," I said.
"Exactly. But my power… it's called 'Chosen One.' It's ridiculous! It forces people to see me as a hero even when I'm not doing anything! I can't control it, it's like… brainwashing the crowd!"
Ah. That explained a lot.
Solarys spoke within me again.
"Confirmed: Unique Skill 'Chosen One' generates cognitive distortion within surrounding masses. Autonomously ensures heroic perception."
In short, his Skill created a false reality — one where Masayuki was always seen as the protagonist.
"But your power is strong," I said, placing my cup down. "Had you not forfeited, the crowd would have crowned you the champion. The Skill compels destiny itself."
Masayuki groaned. "That's the problem! I didn't earn it. Everyone misunderstands. It's been like this since I got here. Even that victory against the Slave Trade Union wasn't mine — I just stood there, and everyone believed I did it!"
I could see the weight he carried. The false fame, the guilt — all from a power that twisted truth.
He looked down. "It was easy at first, you know? Being loved for doing nothing. But now… I realize it could get me killed if I keep relying on it."
"You made the right choice stepping down," I told him firmly. "Your awareness of your own weakness is your greatest strength."
He blinked, surprised. "You… really think so?"
"I do." I smiled faintly. "Even the proudest kings learn humility before they rule. You recognized your limits — that alone means you can grow stronger."
Masayuki relaxed visibly, shoulders lowering as if a heavy burden had lifted.
We continued to speak for a while — about our worlds, about how strange fate could be. He told me about his companions and their blind faith in him, about his inability to confide in anyone except Yuuki — who was always too busy to listen. He had been surrounded by admiration, yet completely alone.
By the time he finished, he looked lighter — as if speaking the truth had freed him.
I leaned back, crossing my arms. "I would like to continue this talk, but our lunch break is almost over. So tell me — what do you plan to do next?"
Masayuki blinked. "Plan? Uh… I hadn't thought that far."
"Didn't you promise Gozer a rematch?" I asked.
"AH!" His face drained of color. Clearly, he had forgotten.
I smirked. "Relax. Gozer guards the fiftieth floor of the Labyrinth. Even reaching him would take days. You can pretend you're challenging it and call it a day."
He sighed in relief. "I see! So I just need to make an appearance, huh?"
"That's right. The festival ends tomorrow. After that, the guests will return home. We'll be closing the dungeon again after the public preview."
He nodded, finally understanding.
Then I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the table, voice turning low and persuasive. "Masayuki, I'd like you to help us promote the Labyrinth. A hero like you leading the expedition will stir the crowd — give them courage."
His eyes gleamed with excitement. "I see… so that's your plan! To draw in challengers with me as bait. Clever!"
A faint grin curved my lips. "Let's call it… mutual benefit. You gain recognition as a capable leader, and Eterna gains challengers to test our dungeon. Everyone wins."
Masayuki laughed. "Then I'm in! Especially if I won't die in the process. That armor you gave Jinrai looked incredible — god-tier, right? As long as I don't end up dead, I'll do it!"
I smirked. "Excellent. Then we have a deal."
Solarys' calm voice resonated within me.
"Agreement established. Probability of success — 97.4%."
"Good," I whispered, my eyes narrowing with quiet satisfaction. "Then let the false hero prove his worth under the Pharaoh's gaze."
In truth, I hadn't originally planned for Jinrai to receive that armor as a gift—but perhaps fate had its own way of aligning things. After all, stepping into Eterna's Labyrinth without proper protection would be nothing short of suicidal. The armor suited him perfectly, and in this case, convenience and foresight seemed to meet in perfect harmony.
"I'll send you a few guides—strategic notes, not shortcuts," I said, my tone steady but commanding. "Use them to navigate the early layers of the Labyrinth. If you find any inconsistencies or flaws within the structure, inform me at once. Every correction brings Eterna closer to perfection."
I had personally overseen the construction of the fifty upper floors of the Labyrinth. Every trap, guardian, and mechanism reflected my will. I wasn't about to hand over details of the lower levels—that knowledge was restricted even to my inner circle. Still, if they carried their protective items and acted wisely, they would survive.
Masayuki nodded with visible excitement. "I get it! So I'm like… a beta tester!"
I arched an eyebrow and folded my arms, my crimson and gold cloak rippling with faint magical light. "A peculiar way of putting it," I replied. "But accurate enough. Think of it as a trial—a test of both your wits and your courage. Five levels for today should suffice. Do not push beyond your limit."
His eyes sparkled. "Okay! It was so nice talking to you, Atem-sama. I don't feel nervous anymore… It's strange, but when I'm near you, I feel like the world isn't as cruel as I thought."
I could sense the truth in his words—his soul trembled with uncertainty, yet beneath it burned the desire to grow stronger. I gave him a faint smile, the kind that carried both comfort and weight. "You will find that Eterna rewards those who challenge its depths with resolve. Power without purpose is nothing, but courage shaped by wisdom… that is what makes a true champion."
Our kingdom—Eterna—had risen beyond simple grandeur. It was the cradle of modern civilization. Our bathhouses were rivaled only by divine sanctuaries, our architecture infused with aesthetic balance and elemental energy, and the cuisine—crafted by the finest artisans—was praised by all who tasted it. Even Masayuki seemed overwhelmed by what he saw.
"This place… it's amazing! Everything feels alive here," he said in awe.
"Of course it does," I replied with quiet pride. "We've nurtured both art and discipline here. There are music halls for the inspired, galleries for the curious, and soon, I intend to build a grand amphitheater for drama and storytelling. Eterna must not only stand as a fortress of might—but as the heart of culture and knowledge itself."
Masayuki's eyes widened. "A theater? That sounds awesome! Do you… have manga too?"
I chuckled under my breath, the sound echoing faintly with authority. "Heh. You'll find that Eterna has no shortage of wonders, Masayuki. But you're still a long way from earning such luxuries. Quit halfway, and it's game over for you."
"UWOWOWOW! I'll follow you to the end of the earth, Atem-sama!" he cried dramatically, pumping his fists with determination.
I smirked slightly at his enthusiasm. "Good. Then walk this path with conviction. The Labyrinth will test more than your strength—it will test your will, your belief, and your identity. Survive it, and you'll find yourself reborn."
Masayuki straightened and bowed. "Understood. I won't let you down."
Satisfied, I placed a hand on his shoulder, the faint hum of my aura causing the air to ripple around us. "You've got spirit. I'll stay in touch and share my insight from time to time. And when you've proven yourself worthy, perhaps I'll show you fragments of ancient tales… the kind that even your world has forgotten."
"Really?!" His eyes lit up like a child's.
A faint smirk crossed my face. "Of course. And perhaps you'll share some of your world's memories with me as well. Knowledge is a treasure best exchanged, not hoarded."
Masayuki grinned from ear to ear, a spark of trust and friendship already forming between us.
And just like that—
Eterna gained a new companion, and I, Atem, gained another piece in the grand design of destiny.