Three days had passed since the labyrinth of Eterna opened to the public, and things were… disappointing. Watching the results unfold, I couldn't ignore it any longer. This wasn't living up to my expectations — or anyone's. The so-called challengers were floundering, stumbling around like blind fools.
So, I called an emergency meeting.
The people attending were Veldora, Ramiris, Masayuki—who had been observing things from the outside—and Myourmiles, who ran the project. Once everyone arrived, I folded my arms and let my aura fill the room, silencing even Veldora's usual chatter.
"Everyone," I began, my tone sharp and commanding, "it's been three days since the labyrinth went public. To be blunt… this is pathetic. If this continues, our labyrinth will lose its purpose before it even begins. For our entertainment—no… for the pride of Eterna itself—I propose we give these challengers guidance."
My words carried weight. The air around me hummed with faint magical energy. Even Veldora, normally full of bravado, lowered his voice.
"Umm! Atem is right," Ramiris blurted out. "If this keeps up, there won't be a chance for me to shine no matter how long I wait!"
Veldora crossed his arms, his expression serious for once. "Hmph. Indeed. Floors fifty and below are my masterpiece! If these weaklings can't even reach them, what's the point? Perhaps we should… give them a little help."
I nodded slightly. "Good. Then it's settled—we'll consider limited guidance."
Masayuki, however, looked confused. He clearly hadn't expected to be summoned to a meeting like this. His eyes darted from face to face, unsure why he was even there.
I turned my gaze toward Myourmiles, who was sitting attentively beside him. His expression was bright—probably thrilled to be sitting beside Masayuki, whom he admired greatly. I gestured for him to speak.
"May I have a word, Atem-sama?" he asked politely.
"Speak freely," I replied, my tone calm yet firm. "No need to hold back."
"Regarding the idea of providing hints,"
Myourmiles said, choosing his words carefully, "I believe we should be cautious about how much we reveal. It's only been three days. So far, every adventurer who's entered has been… subpar. However, I've already contacted the Freedom Association, and I expect more skilled adventurers—rank C and above—to arrive soon."
I narrowed my eyes. "You're certain of this?"
"Yes," he replied with confidence. "Yuuki-san has upheld his side of our agreement. He's used Magic Communication to spread word of the labyrinth throughout the continent. It's already drawing attention."
"So," I said with a faint smirk, "hosting their branch here had some merit after all. Anything else?"
"Yes, Atem-sama. The merchants have begun advertising for us. Their bodyguards, mercenaries, and even local street groups are helping spread the word. The reports suggest the public's interest is growing rapidly."
I leaned back slightly in my chair. "Good. Information and perception are as valuable as gold. Continue."
I then turned to Souka, who stood silently at the edge of the room. "Souka, you'll assist Myourmiles in coordinating logistics and managing communication."
"As you command, Atem-sama," she said with a respectful bow.
Her team from the Dark Shadows immediately began operating under Myourmiles' supervision.
Even Souei lent a hand, handling espionage and quietly spreading word about Eterna while investigating the movements of Duke Muze. Because of that, news of the labyrinth reached far beyond the central nations, even into isolated villages.
"So," I summarized, "we wait for the true elites to gather—and only then act?"
"Indeed," Myourmiles said. "We must be patient, Atem-sama. This project has just begun. If the nobles invest and send higher-ranked adventurers, we'll see results soon enough."
Masayuki nodded in approval, clearly impressed. Myourmiles seemed pleased to have his praise.
His reasoning made sense. It was only Veldora's and Ramiris's impatience that made me convene this meeting so suddenly.
Basson's squad could barely qualify as rank B collectively—their gear was subpar, and their techniques sloppy. Once true rank B and A adventurers arrived, they'd adapt quickly, needing no excessive guidance.
Our labyrinth offered paid resurrection and safety measures; those who entered knew the risk. Letting them learn from their mistakes would only make the victories sweeter.
"That's right," I said, standing up and walking toward the center of the table. "There's no need to rush. Let the world come to us. Interest is already high. Magic Crystals, monster materials—all of it has drawn people in like moths to a flame."
Veldora chuckled. "Even the nobles are falling over themselves trying to profit. I've seen them sending adventurers to conquer in their name."
"Exactly," I replied. "Those with patience and planning will thrive. The reckless will be swallowed by the labyrinth itself."
Ramiris tilted her head. "Then… what should we do next?"
I looked toward her, my eyes glinting with resolve. "We'll build a training ground inside the first floor."
"Training ground?" she asked. "What will they do there?"
"They'll learn," I said firmly. "To disarm traps. To fight monsters. To think before charging in. If they can't even grasp the basics, they have no right to step further into my labyrinth."
The seriousness in my tone silenced the room for a moment.
Masayuki, who had been quiet, suddenly raised his hand. "If that's the case," he said with a small grin, "why not hold lectures on labyrinth conquest?"
I arched a brow. "Lectures?"
He hesitated. "Ah—was it wrong of me to interrupt?"
"No," I said, smirking faintly. "I like that idea. Explain."
He scratched his cheek awkwardly. "It's just… the topic sounds interesting. Even I understood most of what you were saying, so I thought maybe structured lessons could help beginners."
Ramiris blinked. "Lessons? Like, what kind?"
Masayuki leaned forward, warming up to the idea. "We could imitate tutorials from… video games."
"Tu…torials?" Veldora frowned. "What sort of spell is that?"
Ramiris tilted her head. "Is that a type of dessert? Sounds sweet."
I couldn't help but sigh. "No. Listen carefully."
Together, Masayuki and I explained the concept—a simulation where adventurers could experience the labyrinth safely before diving into the real thing.
"It's like training the body and mind beforehand," I said. "They'll understand traps, monster behavior, and environmental hazards through trial missions."
Masayuki nodded. "Exactly! Adventurers won't like long explanations, so we make them learn by doing. Before they're granted entry, they'll complete mission-style tutorials—simple but essential tests."
Ramiris's eyes sparkled in understanding. "Ahh! That sounds amazing!"
Veldora grinned. "Hmph. Finally, something interesting. Watching those idiots fumble through the labyrinth was getting dull."
I smirked slightly. "Then it's decided. We'll construct the Eterna Training Grounds—a proving field that will separate the fools from the worthy."
Ramiris clapped her hands in excitement. "If Milim saw those pathetic challengers before, she would've blasted them all out of frustration! This is so much better!"
"Indeed," Veldora added with a laugh. "Let's give them a real taste of challenge."
Myourmiles smiled proudly, his tone steady. "Then it's settled, Atem-sama. We'll begin preparations at once."
I nodded once. "Good. Make sure everything meets my standards. The Labyrinth of Eterna is not a playground—it's a test of will, strength, and wisdom."
"After studying the tutorial, we should let them try out some of the amazing weapons and armors crafted in the Eterna Federation. For those who struggled during their actual expedition, preparing more challenging tutorial missions sounded like it would be a fun idea as well," Myourmiles suggested, his tone confident yet respectful.
Atem sat at the head of the meeting table, his posture straight and presence commanding. His gaze was sharp, the kind that made others sit a little taller without realizing it. When he finally spoke, his voice carried the calm strength of someone used to being obeyed.
"I see," Atem said, his tone smooth but deliberate. "Issuing a guidebook could be a clever move. It can act as both a manual and a brochure. If we include information about the town and the labyrinth, newcomers can get a sense of direction and purpose before diving in."
He paused, leaning slightly forward. "We could even find a few skilled writers to record their experiences — turn their stories into something others can learn from. It'll make Eterna feel alive."
No one interrupted him. Atem's words carried both authority and precision, and the room naturally followed his rhythm.
"A lot of inefficiencies stem from ignorance," Atem continued, his tone tightening slightly. "No one truly understands the labyrinth yet. If we don't prepare them, most won't even make it past Floor Fifty — where the real challenge begins. A proper tutorial will separate the reckless from the worthy."
He crossed his arms. "For those who want the full experience, we'll create a more demanding training course. Let them earn the right to call themselves adventurers."
Myourmiles nodded. "That sounds like the right approach. The Holy Knights are scheduled to be dispatched for Floor Fifty and below, which you could say is the real deal."
Atem gave a faint nod. "Good. The Holy Knights will handle those floors. The adventurers still lack discipline; we'll depend on the Holy Knights for now."
A small smirk tugged at his lips. "They can serve as Ramiris and Veldora's playmates until they toughen up."
Ramiris perked up immediately. "That sounds fun! I'll make sure to give them plenty to do!"
Veldora grinned from the corner. "Heh! That means I get to spar with them too, right?"
"As long as you don't destroy everything in the process," Atem replied flatly, though there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes.
"R-right! Of course!" Veldora coughed, pretending to act serious.
"With that decided," Atem said, his tone shifting back to command, "we'll open the first floor as a practice field. And make sure there's a separate entrance for the new recruits — they don't belong with the challengers yet."
"You're right; it would be good to separate them. Okay, I'll make them right away!" Ramiris said cheerfully, already floating toward the exit.
Atem gave a brief nod of approval. "Good. See to it immediately."
Everything seemed in order. The meeting had gone smoothly, and Atem was about to end it when—
"Ah, wait a moment. Another idea came to mind."
Everyone turned. To Atem's mild surprise, it was Masayuki who spoke up, his eyes bright with enthusiasm.
"Right now, we only have inns and restaurants in safe zones, don't we?" Masayuki began quickly. "Don't you think it would be a good idea to prepare them on every floor as well? And, well, not having restrooms can be tough too." He chuckled awkwardly before continuing, "If we're connecting the spaces anyway, we could set up doors near the stairs on each floor. Since some people head into battle without even a sleeping bag, maybe we could provide sleeping spaces for a premium price?"
The room went silent for a moment. Atem studied him carefully — not dismissive, but evaluating. Then, after a pause, he spoke.
"That's… practical," Atem said at last. His tone was calm but approving. "A sensible idea. If people can rest safely and recover between battles, it increases their survival rate. And if they're willing to pay for comfort, that benefits Eterna's coffers."
Masayuki straightened a bit, smiling nervously. "So, uh, it's a good idea then?"
Atem gave a short nod. "Yes. Make arrangements. I want designs for the resting areas and facilities on my desk within the week." His eyes narrowed slightly. "But remember — luxury must never dull discipline. Keep it efficient, not indulgent."
"Understood!" Myourmiles replied, already taking notes.
Ramiris clapped her hands. "This is gonna make the labyrinth even more fun! People will love it!"
Veldora laughed. "More fun for them means more challengers for me!"
Atem stood, his presence instantly commanding the room's attention. "Then it's settled. The labyrinth will no longer be a mystery — it will be a proving ground. Those who enter will grow stronger or fall. That is the law of Eterna."
His words carried through the room with finality, leaving everyone with a sense of both excitement and tension. There was no mistaking it.