At last, the day had come—the public unveiling of Eterna's Grand Labyrinth. The heart of my creation.
As a precaution, I made my way to the lowest chamber to confirm every last detail before we opened it to the world. The air was thick with ancient magic, humming like a living heartbeat beneath the marble floors. Floating beside me was Ramiris—brimming with energy as always—before she settled on my shoulder, her wings flickering with golden light.
"We're going live in a moment, Atem! How are things on your end?" she chirped, her tone carrying more excitement than caution.
I adjusted my black and crimson cloak, my golden eyes scanning the lobby. "Everything must be perfect, Ramiris. The moment we open these gates, the world will bear witness to Eterna's power—and my word must not falter."
"Hmph! Who do you take me for?" she said proudly, puffing out her tiny chest.
From the adjoining corridor, a loud and confident voice echoed—one that could only belong to a certain dragon.
"GAHAHAHAHA! Fear not, Atem! For I, Veldora the Invincible, stand as the guardian of this labyrinth! You can rest easy!"
I sighed, though a faint smirk tugged at the corner of my mouth. "That's exactly what makes me uneasy, Veldora."
He blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Wha—?! You doubt the great me?"
"Let's just say your definition of 'reliable' often leads to property damage," I replied dryly.
Ramiris crossed her arms, trying to look serious—but ended up grinning mischievously. "Hehehe, don't worry so much, Atem! Everything's under control! We even activated all the safety measures."
"Safety measures?" I repeated, my gaze sharpening.
"Kukuku…" Veldora leaned closer to Ramiris, their matching grins spelling trouble. "That's right! Today is the day—the demonic labyrinth awakens!"
Both of them laughed like villains straight out of a dark epic.
I stared at them flatly. "You two are enjoying this far too much. Tell me you didn't tamper with the core systems."
They froze. "...Define tamper," Ramiris said innocently.
I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Never mind. Just listen carefully—once today's demonstration is over, the labyrinth will be sealed for reconfiguration."
"W-what?! You're shutting it down already?!" Veldora shouted in shock.
I turned toward him, my voice calm yet absolute. "Yes. I've said this countless times. We will assess the results, recalibrate the layers, and refine the structure before reopening it. Do not question my order."
He slumped, muttering something about "no appreciation for genius dragons."
We still had logistical matters unresolved—pricing, security, even the 'Eterna Card' that would regulate adventurer entry. Trained personnel were scarce, and our resources stretched thin after the festival. Myourmiles and I would handle that after today's spectacle.
Handing control of the labyrinth to Ramiris and Veldora might have been a mistake—but at least they were passionate. And their energy kept the heart of Eterna alive.
"It's all right," I said at last, my voice softening. "Just remain composed. Once everything is finalized, you two can enjoy your roles properly. For now, let me handle the administration."
Ramiris beamed. "Okay!"
"I have faith in you, Atem!" Veldora said, giving me a dramatic thumbs-up.
"Good. Then let's make sure we get through this day without any… catastrophic surprises."
That should do it.
Then a thought struck me. "By the way—has Milim dropped by recently?"
Ramiris perked up. "She did!"
Veldora folded his arms proudly. "She came storming in and took two unlimited 'Revival Bracelets' from my vault!"
My brow twitched. "Forcefully, I presume."
"She said she was preparing floors ninety-six through ninety-nine," Ramiris explained. "Those are the elemental dragon chambers, the ones with the terrain effects."
"She's really dedicated to her designs," I muttered, rubbing my chin.
"Yeah! And get this—she gave me full command rights over the dragons she caught! Said if I take care of them properly, they'll evolve into Dragon Lords one day!" Ramiris said with visible joy. "Turns out Milim's not as airheaded as she looks!"
I chuckled quietly. "A rare compliment from you, Ramiris."
Not long ago, Milim had returned dragging four enormous dragons behind her—fire, ice, wind, and earth. The first time caused mass panic. The second time, mild hysteria. By the third, the people of Eterna simply sighed and carried on. They'd grown… accustomed.
Apparently, these dragons were elemental archdragons—intelligent enough to learn, but tame enough to raise.
"Do those four also wear containment braces?" I asked.
"Yup! For now, they're my adorable minions. I'll make the bond official later!" Ramiris declared proudly.
"I see." I nodded approvingly. "Then their training continues under your supervision."
"Yup!"
"Milim is still residing in the Dragon's Den, correct?"
"Uh-huh! She said the dragons need exercise, so she's giving them some playmates."
"Playmates?"
Veldora chuckled. "That boy you took fishing with us! He's been sparring with them all day!"
I stared at him, my tone flat. "...Best not to elaborate."
I only needed to confirm Milim's location. As long as she stayed below the ninety-fifth floor, she wouldn't interfere.
"Good. That's one less thing to worry about," I said. "The labyrinth's gates will open soon. Ramiris, join me in the VIP chamber. Veldora, you're staying here?"
He crossed his arms dramatically. "Naturally! The King of the Labyrinth must greet his challengers head-on!"
I smirked faintly. "Bold words. Let's see how long that enthusiasm lasts when no one reaches you for a week."
"Ha! I'll wait an eternity if I must!"
"Do that," I said, turning toward Ramiris. "Come. It's time."
"Okay!" she chirped, flying beside me.
With a simple gesture, I invoked my spatial power—space twisted like rippling water as we vanished from the depths of the labyrinth and reappeared in the VIP chamber.
With the lunch break concluded, a massive crowd once again filled the coliseum's seats. The air was charged with excitement, anticipation, and curiosity—exactly as I intended.
Ramiris and I arrived at the VIP booth, where Diablo was already waiting, his posture immaculate and his smile razor-sharp.
"Welcome back, my Lord Atem," he greeted, bowing slightly.
His duties as referee had ended, and from the look in his eyes, he had been searching for me for quite some time. I gave a short nod. "Everything is in order, I presume?"
"Yes, my Lord. The preparations are complete. The broadcast system is ready, and the labyrinth gate awaits your signal."
"Good." My tone was calm, but my gaze held the weight of command. "We will begin shortly. This project will mark a new era for Eterna—it must unfold flawlessly."
The labyrinth was one of Eterna's greatest creations, a living monument to ingenuity, danger, and divine challenge. Once fully operational, it would become a cornerstone of the nation's prestige, a magnet that drew adventurers and nobles alike.
I glanced down from the booth—thankfully, no one had left the venue after the noon intermission. The stands were packed, the atmosphere vibrant.
Souka and Myourmiles stood near the guest platform, coordinating the presentation. They had been alternating between hosting and commentating all day, their coordination sharp and professional. I caught their attention with a subtle hand gesture. It was time.
At the center of the stage, Myourmiles raised a microphone and began speaking with a confident, clear tone.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience! We have one last grand spectacle to share with you as part of the Founding Festival of Eterna!"
A hum of excitement rippled through the audience.
"This facility represents the pride of our sovereign and the glory of Eterna itself—the ultimate challenge known as The Labyrinth! A creation personally crafted under the will and guidance of His Majesty, Demon Pharaoh Atem! The question is—who among you dares to face this impossible trial?"
The roar that followed was deafening. I folded my arms, watching with quiet satisfaction as the people's eyes widened in awe.
Still, the labyrinth was far too dangerous to let just anyone step inside. There were hundreds of nobles here, and thousands of citizens gathered from neighboring territories. The structure was lethal to the unprepared.
That was why I had devised a solution.
Rather than letting everyone risk their lives, we would project live footage from the dungeon itself for all to watch. A massive viewing screen—one of Eterna's latest innovations—had been installed above the stage.
Developed by Vesta and Gabil, the device used enchanted crystal spheres to capture and transmit imagery through engraved runes of magical communication. A projection spell amplified the image, allowing the audience to witness every movement in real time.
The martial tournament earlier had used the same technology, and it had worked flawlessly.
This time, we would use it to broadcast the labyrinth's trials live. That way, the guests could experience the adventure safely, while skilled representatives demonstrated the dangers within.
On cue, Souka stepped forward beside Myourmiles and raised her voice brightly.
"Now then—let us invite our brave challengers! Who among you dares to face the depths of Eterna's Labyrinth?"
Her words ignited the crowd.
At that moment, Ramiris flew off my shoulder, landing gracefully in front of the stage. "Stand back, everyone!" she called out, waving her tiny arms dramatically. With a single gesture, she summoned an illusion gate at the center of the stage—an archway of gold and black energy that shimmered like a mirage.
In truth, the entrance was simply a stairway leading below—but appearances mattered. This was about spectacle.
The crowd erupted.
"OOOOHHHHH!!"
Exactly as planned. The atmosphere surged like a wave of awe.
As expected, while the common spectators cheered, the adventurers in attendance grew serious, their eyes gleaming with competitive fire.
We had announced this event as a volunteer challenge, hoping to stir intrigue and attract daring souls. Even if no one volunteered, Masayuki's team was already prepared to act as the first test group. That was the real reason I'd spoken to him during lunch—to secure his cooperation and guarantee the first expedition.
To minimize risk, I had personally provided Masayuki with the layout of the first five floors. That should keep him alive long enough to showcase the labyrinth's design.
But would anyone else step forward?
"Heh! This so-called 'Demon Pharaoh's Labyrinth'—bet it's just for show! I'll prove it's all fake!" a loud voice suddenly boomed from the audience.
Heads turned. A burly man stood up, smirking arrogantly.
"That's right!" another shouted beside him. "Basson-aniki's got a point!"
"If it weren't for that crowded tournament, Basson-aniki would've crushed everyone there!"
"Heh! Don't forget me, Gomez!" another added, his black cloak fluttering dramatically.
"Yeah, yeah! Together, our team 'Heavy Thunder' is unstoppable!"
I raised an eyebrow. So, these fools intend to challenge Eterna's Labyrinth.
Apparently, this "Basson" had missed the tournament and now sought to prove himself. He must have thought the matches were rigged or that my champions were weak. A laughable assumption—but a useful one.
People like them—brash, proud, and ignorant—were perfect for drawing public attention.
They'd serve their purpose well.
"I heard that so-called 'Chosen Hero' Masayuki is just a fraud anyway," Basson sneered. "He hesitated to kill his opponent, and that softheartedness earned him the Pharaoh's favor? Pathetic! A true warrior fights to win!"
I smiled faintly, resting my chin on one hand. "So he recognizes Masayuki's strength, yet mocks him for mercy. A typical loudmouth."
Basson raised his weapon high. "This labyrinth is a joke! Gomez and I will show you what real power looks like!"
"Silence," Diablo hissed softly, his crimson eyes glowing faintly. "How dare these insects slander my lord."
Shion cracked her knuckles beside him, her voice sharp and cold. "Atem-sama, permission to remove them?"
"No." My voice carried calm finality. "Stand down."
Both froze mid-motion. The weight of my tone left no room for disobedience.
"They are arrogant, yes—but such arrogance will make their fall more entertaining," I said, leaning back in my chair. "Let them speak. The labyrinth will silence them soon enough."
Shion and Diablo bowed their heads immediately. "As you command."
Good. They were learning restraint.
Basson, Gomez, and four of their followers stepped onto the stage, shouting bravely to the cheers of the crowd.
The audience loved it—drama always drew attention.
"Very well," I murmured, my golden eyes narrowing. "The first batch of challengers is decided."
Then, to everyone's surprise, another voice rang out.
"Wait! We'll challenge the labyrinth too!"
Three figures jumped onto the stage, their expressions fierce and determined.
I smirked, interest flickering across my features.
"So," I murmured, resting my hand beneath my chin, "the stage is set."
The Labyrinth of Eterna was about to taste its first challengers.