With the lunch break over, the grand coliseum once again came alive as a massive crowd surged back to their seats. The atmosphere was electric—anticipation mixed with awe, whispers of curiosity spreading like wildfire.
Ramiris and I hurried to the VIP booth above the stage. The moment I entered, I was greeted by a familiar, confident voice.
"Welcome back, Atem-sama," Diablo said, bowing his head slightly, his ever-present smile sharp as a blade.
He had completed his role as referee and had been waiting for my return. I gave a short nod, my gaze already scanning the vast arena below. Everything was in place—security, magic barriers, stage preparations. It was almost time.
Soon, Eterna's grand labyrinth would be revealed to the public—a creation born from my will, forged to challenge, test, and fascinate those who dared step within it. It wasn't just entertainment. This would be the cornerstone of Eterna's global influence—a monument of both glory and fear.
No one had left after the lunch break. Perfect. The VIP section was filled with nobles, kings, merchants, and heroes alike—all potential witnesses to what I had built.
Across from the stage, I spotted Souka and Myourmiles at the reception hall, already preparing the broadcast. Myourmiles, always the perfectionist, was adjusting the enchanted microphone in his trembling hands.
I gave them a subtle signal—an almost imperceptible motion of my hand.
Instantly, Myourmiles stepped forward, his voice echoing through the magically enhanced arena.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we thank you for your patience! The time has finally come for the grand finale of the Founding Festival of Eterna!"
The crowd erupted with cheers.
Myourmiles continued with practiced charisma, "What you are about to witness is no ordinary attraction. It is the ultimate challenge—a creation born from the will of His Majesty, the Sovereign Atem—the Labyrinth of Eterna! A living trial that will push adventurers to their very limits! Will any of them survive the depths to claim victory?"
A ripple of murmurs and excitement filled the stands. Some gasped, others whispered in disbelief. I could feel their unease—and their thrill.
The labyrinth wasn't meant for the weak. It was a test of courage and intellect, forged by my power and shaped by Solarys, the Sovereign of Wisdom, whose guidance had refined every mechanism and illusion within it.
The logistics had been complicated. Allowing humans to step into such a deadly maze freely would have been a massacre. Instead, I had prepared a way for all to witness it safely.
Vesta and Gabil's innovations had helped me create a projection system—giant crystal-powered screens that would broadcast the challengers' progress from inside the labyrinth.
Each crystal orb was engraved with communication runes that transmitted magic vision to the surface in real time.
The audience would see everything. Every battle. Every moment of panic. Every triumph and failure.
Souka's voice replaced Myourmiles', energetic and proud:
"Now then! Who among you brave warriors will dare to challenge His Majesty's Labyrinth of Eterna?"
She gestured dramatically toward the stage.
At that cue, Ramiris fluttered from my shoulder, spreading a stream of golden light as she summoned the illusion gate at the arena's center.
A staircase of pure energy formed, descending into the shimmering void below. The crowd gasped in unison.
"OOOOOH!"
The reaction was exactly what I expected. Enthusiasm. Fear. Awe.
As the adventurers began to murmur among themselves, one voice rang out—mocking and loud.
"Heh! This so-called 'demon king's labyrinth' is probably fake! All those tournaments earlier were just rigged performances!"
The crowd stirred. I narrowed my eyes slightly, spotting the source of the commotion. A group of six stood arrogantly at the front—one bald warrior with a jagged scar across his face, flanked by a cloaked mage and their crew.
"That's right!" one of his men shouted. "Our aniki Basson would've won that tournament easily if it wasn't for those tricks!"
"Hahaha! Let's show this so-called king what real strength looks like!"
I recognized their type instantly—loud, proud, and foolish. The kind of people who needed to be humbled.
I leaned back slightly, a faint smirk touching my lips. "Let them in," I said quietly.
Beside me, Shion's aura flared dangerously. "How dare they insult Atem-sama… Allow me to silence them!"
Diablo's smile widened in unsettling delight. "If I may, my lord, I would take great pleasure in teaching them respect—"
"Enough," I interrupted calmly. My tone alone silenced them. "They'll serve their purpose."
Both Shion and Diablo bowed slightly, understanding my intent. The crowd must see for themselves what happens to arrogance inside my creation.
So, Basson and his band—"Heavy Thunder," apparently—became the first challengers.
But they weren't the only ones.
A sudden burst of energy caught my attention. A trio stepped forward, shouting, "We want to challenge it too!"
Ah. I recognized them immediately—Elen's party.
Weren't they supposed to be helping Youm rebuild his country? It seemed they had kept this little plan secret, likely fearing Duke Elalude's objection.
"Are we seriously doing this?" Kabal asked nervously.
"Of course!" Elen said with fire in her eyes. "We've been cooped up too long—time for an adventure!"
"Speaking of that… does the captain get to make decisions anymore?" Kabal sighed.
"Not when I'm around!" Elen grinned.
I couldn't help but chuckle softly. Brave but reckless. I could almost hear Elalude's distant scream of protest echoing in my head.
Then came the final name of the day.
Masayuki.
He stepped onto the stage with an effortless smile, the crowd instantly erupting—
"MA-SA-YU-KI! MA-SA-YU-KI!"
Even I had to admit, the boy had an aura that drew people in.
Jinrai, now wearing the enchanted armor I had granted him, stood proudly beside his leader. The armor shimmered with silver light—beautiful, yet strong enough to endure the labyrinth's dangers.
Masayuki's rapier hung at his side—a delicate but resilient weapon of my design. It was lighter than most, and though it lacked the divine lethality of its intended prototype, it was still a treasure. He didn't need power; his role was to inspire.
I observed their equipment quietly. At least they won't die easily.
Three hours—that was the time limit. My calculations suggested they could, at best, reach the fifth floor. But even that would be enough to show the world Eterna's marvel.
Three groups now stood ready—Basson's "Heavy Thunder," Elen's trio, and Masayuki's team. The crowd buzzed with excitement.
And just when I thought the stage was set—
"Hold on," a cold, arrogant voice called out.
A man in black stepped forward, his blade gleaming with menace.
Gai—the Splendacious Sword Fighter.
"You made me a fool with your tricks and illusions," he sneered. "You think your labyrinth will deceive me again? I'll expose you and destroy this farce!"
The arena fell silent.
I stared at him for a moment, unblinking. "You're free to try," I said simply, my voice echoing through the air, calm but absolute.
Gai's face twitched, but he stood firm. "I'll crush every illusion you throw at me, Atem!"
Diablo chuckled darkly. "Shall I—?"
"No," I interrupted again, turning my gaze toward Gai. "Let him enter. If he wishes to challenge what he cannot comprehend, let the labyrinth be his judge."
And with that, the four challengers were chosen.
Ramiris clapped her hands, summoning four Dryads—Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta—each glowing faintly with mana. They would serve as guides, protectors, and watchers for each team.
Souka raised her voice again. "Challengers, please collect your starting items!"
Healing potions. Full potions. A Return Whistle. And most importantly—
"The Resurrection Bracelet!" Souka announced, holding it high as the crowd gasped.
She smiled. "This divine artifact revives the fallen—but only within the Labyrinth of Eterna! Beyond its bounds, death remains absolute. Use it wisely!"
Whispers rippled through the stands—shock, disbelief, fascination.
I stood silently above them all, my cloak rippling in the wind.
Let them witness it—the beginning of Eterna's legend. The moment mortals stepped willingly into the domain I had crafted—a trial of courage, folly, and fate.
The Labyrinth of Eterna had officially begun.