While there was a punishment for violators, it wasn't much in reality. The only penalty was that all the achievements the offender had earned would be revoked—nothing else. If their behavior turned truly unacceptable, then, after investigation, they could be banned from entering the labyrinth altogether.
"Ah! Gai-san is outside. But unlike Myourmiles-san just now, he seems to have passed out."
The moment Gai's head was cleaved clean off, his body scattered into rays of light—only to regenerate a new one moments later upon the ground. Yet, he remained motionless, unconscious. The punishment this time had far more bite than usual. Delta, without hesitation, invoked her special authority to temporarily disable the function of the "Resurrection Bracelet." It wasn't fatal—Atem had made sure of that—but the shock of experiencing death firsthand under such divine restriction would shake even the proudest of men.
Considering how Gai had treated Myourmiles earlier—and how arrogantly he'd spoken to Delta—Atem felt the justice in what had just unfolded. There was no pity in his gaze, only the calm authority of one who commanded respect and order.
Gai would reflect on his actions now. He had no choice.
Atem's voice, smooth yet resonant, carried through the hall like thunder cloaked in calm.
"As long as you follow the rules, the safety mechanism of the Resurrection Bracelet remains intact. However, Gai-san chose to defy those rules. Within Eterna's Labyrinth, adventurers are strictly forbidden from engaging in personal battles. You are also to heed the instructions of the labyrinth managers. Every detail, every boundary, exists for a reason."
He gestured subtly, and a projection of glowing symbols appeared in the air beside him—Eterna's Labyrinth Regulations, etched in golden letters.
"A pamphlet of these rules will be provided once the official opening begins," Atem continued. "Those unable to read will have them explained by our receptionists. Let this serve as a lesson—ignore these principles, and you may face the same treatment as Gai-san."
Souka, standing beside Atem, straightened her posture and raised her voice for the crowd. "Indeed! It's a shame for Gai-san, but once the labyrinth officially opens, floor bosses will eventually revive! Still, remember—fights among adventurers are forbidden. Please abide by the rules and explore the labyrinth properly!"
"What do you mean by 'properly'?" someone muttered from the audience. Souka didn't answer.
A quiet tension rippled through the crowd, but Souka's composed energy quickly reset the atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Gai stirred. His fingers twitched, then his body trembled as he gasped for air. The moment he remembered what had happened to him, his face went pale—shock and regret flashing across his eyes. Seeing him alive, the crowd exhaled in relief. The murmurs grew lighter, calmer.
Atem crossed his arms, his cape swaying lightly as if moved by an unseen breeze. His expression was unreadable—commanding yet measured. So they understand now, he thought. The rules of Eterna are not mere suggestions—they are law.
The audience had also realized that Myourmiles's earlier remarks had been spot on. Though Gai had been irritating, his failure had proven useful. They'd learned how serious the labyrinth's regulations were—and how merciful Atem had been in enforcing them.
Let this be a warning for all future challengers.
Soon after, most parties had finished their exploration, except for Basson's team. Atem glanced at the floating clock projection above the stage—ten minutes left until the end of the scheduled event.
"It's about time to wrap up their run," he murmured, eyes narrowing slightly.
Just then, a piercing scream shattered the air. "YAAAA!"
One of Basson's men was struck down—an arrow piercing through his right eye. The man collapsed instantly. Atem's brows furrowed. "Foolish," he muttered. "That's why one does not open a door carelessly."
Inside the room, a skeleton archer emerged, its bow drawn taut with eerie precision. The second man who entered received an arrow square between the eyes. His body shimmered for several seconds before vanishing entirely.
"The labyrinth shows no mercy to the reckless," Atem whispered, his tone low but edged with divine authority.
Souka, steady and professional, provided commentary for the audience. "W-what! Two casualties at once! But everyone, there's no need to panic—the labyrinth's resurrection system will soon revive them at the surface!"
Myourmiles joined in, filling her in on the situation.
Basson's party continued to fight, a fierce display of teamwork. The audience, eyes wide, were glued to the enormous magical projection above the arena showing every strike, every arrow, every desperate parry.
Each time a monster appeared, the crowd screamed in unison—half in terror, half in exhilaration. The tension was palpable, as if they themselves were part of the battle.
"It's like watching a live horror play," Atem heard one spectator whisper. He smirked slightly. Interesting. Perhaps there's potential in broadcasting these explorations in the future.
His mind already began turning. "If we negotiate rights with the adventurers," he mused aloud, "we could display select footage of their exploration as a public event. Eterna's Labyrinth would become more than a challenge—it would be a spectacle of courage."
But his attention quickly returned to the stage. Basson's party had cleared the remaining skeletons, but their expressions were tight with exhaustion. Atem's golden eyes glimmered faintly as he observed them, reading every movement, every hesitation.
They were strong—but reckless.
"Well then," a cool, composed voice cut through the murmurs. It was Alpha, overseeing Basson's group. "Everyone, it's time to return."
Basson turned, frustrated. "Wait—what?! We're not done yet!"
Alpha ignored him and raised her hand. "Protocol dictates a safe extraction. You've reached the time limit. 'Return Whistle'—activate."
A blinding light enveloped them.
"Son of a—!" Basson cursed as he was forcibly teleported back to the surface.
But as soon as the light faded, he blinked in disbelief.
"Ah, Basson-aniki, I'm alive! I was sure I was dead!"
His teammates crowded around him, cheering and laughing in astonishment.
"Are you serious? I saw that arrow go through you!"
"It didn't even hurt! I just blacked out and… then I woke up here!"
"It's this bracelet—it's really something else!"
Their laughter and banter filled the air, joy and awe blending into one.
Atem stepped forward, silently watching. His gaze softened only slightly as the man who'd been shot in the eye examined his reflection.
"Shit, my right eye—"
"Try this," Myourmiles said, handing him a potion.
The man drank, and a faint light shimmered over his face. His eye was completely restored.
"This is unbelievable," the man breathed.
"For fighters like us, this place is paradise!" Basson grinned. "We're coming back for sure."
"No," Atem thought with a faint sigh. "You were overconfident from the start. You lack caution. The deeper floors would devour you whole." But he didn't say it aloud. He simply observed, letting the experience speak for itself.
The crowd's reaction told him everything—fear turned to excitement, tension to fascination. They now understood that the labyrinth was both dangerous and merciful under his rule. The promotional event was an undeniable success.
The adventurers gathered on stage for the closing. Atem walked forward, every step commanding silence. The golden sigil of Eterna's crest glowed faintly behind him as he faced the crowd.
"I trust you all enjoyed yourselves," Atem said, his voice calm yet absolute. "Eterna's Labyrinth will soon open to the public. It is safe for those who respect its rules… and merciless to those who do not. Those who reach the hundredth level shall earn the right to face me."
The room erupted in applause and awe. Atem gave a slight nod and lowered the microphone, his cloak swaying like the wings of a god descending.
The event concluded perfectly.
—or it would have, if not for the familiar, booming voice echoing directly in Atem's mind.
"Atem! What's the situation? When do I get my challengers?!"
Veldora. The self-proclaimed King of the Labyrinth.
Atem's expression froze, then darkened. The good mood he'd maintained throughout the event shattered instantly.
"So noisy…" he muttered through clenched teeth. "How many times must I repeat myself? There are no challengers for the final floor today!"
"W-what? That's not what you said before!"
Atem's eyes twitched. "That's exactly what I said, you big oaf! Try listening for once in your life!"
The telepathic link buzzed with the sound of Veldora's whining protests, but Atem didn't let up. He unleashed a barrage of calm yet razor-sharp reprimands until even the mighty dragon spirit fell silent.
The festival had ended successfully… but for Atem, dealing with that troublesome "King" marked the true start of his irritation.
This time, he wasn't going to let Veldora off easily.
He would make sure that dragon learned what discipline under a Pharaoh's authority truly meant.
—To be continued.