"What? This guy… could he be some sort of genius?" Atem thought, narrowing his eyes as he observed Masayuki's excitement.
A restroom, huh. Now that he mentioned it, Atem realized he had completely overlooked such a basic need. Having transcended human limitations long ago, he no longer had to worry about things like that. Yet for ordinary challengers, it was a different story.
He folded his arms, studying Masayuki closely. So this boy actually thinks beyond battle… impressive.
Turning to Ramiris, Atem caught her nodding so fast it almost looked like she'd break her neck.
"Masayuki," Atem said with a slight, approving smile, his voice calm but commanding, "your insight is sound. We'll implement it immediately."
Ramiris beamed. "Masayuki-kun, we will employ that idea right away!"
Myourmiles joined in, his tone full of admiration. "As expected of Masayuki-sama. Your insights are brilliant!"
"Yeah yeah! I'll remove the safe zones and put up doors by the stairs connecting to the rest areas instead!" Ramiris added eagerly.
Atem smirked faintly. "Heh. Clever… though it does sound like selling overpriced toilet paper next to a restroom that doesn't have any."
That drew a few awkward laughs around the table. Dirty tactic or not, it was undeniably effective.
It seemed Masayuki wasn't just lucky — he was actually sharp.
"If you have any other ideas," Atem said, resting his chin lightly on one hand, his crimson eyes locking on Masayuki, "don't hold back. Speak freely."
Masayuki froze for a moment — that gaze could make even confident men hesitate. Then he nodded and began to think deeply, his eyes darting back and forth as he gathered his thoughts.
"Hmm… how about this? What if we make single-use save points? I was lucky to reach the tenth floor, but without the pitfalls now, it'll take longer. For challengers, this isn't a game. The time it takes is one of the hardest parts of the labyrinth."
Atem listened in silence, his expression unreadable. After a pause, he gave a slow nod.
"I see… yes. You make a fair point."
The labyrinth as it stood demanded days of effort to reach even the tenth floor. Atem could already sense the potential behind the boy's idea — not just for convenience, but for strategy… and profit.
Veldora's voice boomed across the room. "Mmm! That boy's right! Humans are fragile, so we have to give this more consideration!"
Atem gave him a sidelong glance. "You're one to talk, Veldora. Wasn't it you who gleefully filled this labyrinth with traps in the first place?"
"G-geh—! Details, details!" Veldora waved his hands defensively.
Ramiris raised her hand next. "If they're disposable save points, I can make them with my power, y'know? But wouldn't it be better to just make inns instead? More profit!"
Atem chuckled quietly. This fairy only becomes sharp when money's involved.
Myourmiles, ever the businessman, leaned forward. "Not at all, Ramiris-sama. Rather, this is exactly why we should charge a high price. Some adventurers will stay at inns, but others — those reporting to nobles, or wanting insurance — will pay for single-use save points. Combine that with Return Whistles, and our sales will skyrocket."
Atem nodded once, pleased by the reasoning. "A fair assessment. Continue."
Masayuki jumped back in. "And, um… aren't there strong monsters guarding the tenth-floor save point? I think a lot of people would want to save before fighting those. I know I would."
That struck a chord. Atem's expression softened slightly. "You're right. No one wants to lose progress after hours of fighting. In a game, you can laugh it off. In real life, it's despair."
Memories of long battles and narrow victories flickered briefly in his mind. He understood that frustration better than most.
"I see," Atem said at last, his tone decisive. "Perhaps our difficulty curve was too sharp."
Both Veldora and Ramiris nodded in agreement.
"My boy—Masayuki, was it?" Veldora declared with a grin. "Your ideas will be invaluable moving forward!"
Ramiris giggled. "Yup yup! Incredible, incredible. As expected of someone from another world, just like Atem! I hope you keep helping out, Masayuki!"
Atem observed quietly as they welcomed Masayuki among them. The boy, for his part, looked both flustered and proud.
He wasn't done, though. "Below the fiftieth floor, I think it's fine to remove those conveniences. But for the upper levels, where adventurers are weaker, we should guide them a bit more. Help them get used to the labyrinth."
He was sharp — no hesitation, no fear in speaking his mind before the Pharaoh himself. Atem respected that.
"Agreed," Atem said firmly. "Prepare resting rooms beside every stairwell. If they pay extra, they can access an inn or restaurant on the ninety-fifth floor."
Ramiris blinked. "Wait, are you saying we'll actually prepare an inn and a restaurant there?"
"Of course," Atem replied, tone unwavering. "But not the elven cabarets. Adventurers will have separate accommodations — naturally, at a higher price."
Ramiris grinned. "Fufufu, I understand."
Atem allowed himself a faint smile. "Tourist spots are always pricier. The higher they climb, the more they'll value a warm bed."
He recalled how even simple food at the summit of a mountain could cost a fortune. The labyrinth was no different — comfort in hardship always came at a premium.
That thought made him glance toward Ramiris again. "And those one-use save points — can you really make them?"
"Of course!" she said proudly, puffing out her chest. "There's an orb called the Recording Crystal. It can make one-use save points!"
Atem raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. And how does it work?"
"If you register with the crystal," Ramiris explained, "and die, it'll return you to that spot! Even if the labyrinth's structure changes, it'll send you to the nearest safe zone."
Atem nodded approvingly. "Then we'll sell it. At a high price."
Myourmiles immediately added, "And we can hand out a few for promotional use."
Ramiris twirled in the air. "Ooh! I'll even add them as rare drops in treasure chests!"
"GA-HAHAHA! Now this is getting interesting!" Veldora bellowed with excitement.
Masayuki laughed lightly. "Although it might be too early to say, these changes should help more people keep going instead of quitting halfway."
Atem stood, his gaze sweeping across the group. The energy in the room was brighter now — full of purpose.
"Excellent. Everyone's insight has been helpful," Atem said, his deep voice carrying a quiet authority that silenced the room. His crimson eyes glowed faintly under the golden light of the council chamber. Every word he spoke carried purpose—sharp, decisive, and absolute.
The first floor of the Labyrinth had been completely restructured under his command. It was no longer just a test of courage—it was an experience. The space was turned into a tutorial-style training ground, complete with an announcement system and mission-based progression.
"We'll make sure that even those who've never faced danger can learn and adapt," Atem continued, his arms crossed, the faint aura of his divine power flickering around him like living flame. "But whether they use it or not… that's their choice. The moment they step inside, their victories—and failures—are theirs alone."
No one dared to interrupt him. The atmosphere was heavy yet inspiring. Ramiris floated beside him, watching in awe as he outlined his plans with commanding precision.
Atem then raised a hand slightly. "Also, ensure that no one can die on the first floor," he instructed. "Accidents among the new recruits or damage to my employees will not be tolerated."
The air shimmered faintly as his decree became reality—his magic rewriting the laws within the dungeon itself.
"I also want people to understand death," Atem added, his tone serious. "They should experience it safely first. Resurrection should be instant on the first floor. That will help the children and beginners understand the weight of combat."
Myourmiles nodded quickly. "So the first floor will double as both a practice field and a safe zone for training, understood."
"Good," Atem replied.
He then turned his gaze toward the map displayed before them—a projection of light showing the vast and complex network of the Labyrinth's layout. "We'll prepare a training hall for more seasoned adventurers. Bring in monsters, restrain them with revival collars. They will serve as opponents that return to life endlessly. Let's see how long the adventurers last before breaking."
His words sent a chill through the room.
Using the unused spaces, they had even created a massive combat area for collective battles. Atem seemed particularly pleased with this. "That should test their coordination… and courage," he said with a faint, knowing smirk.
The true dungeon, however, began on the second floor.
"No lethal traps until the fourth floor," Atem commanded. "Populate the upper floors with E- and F-ranked monsters. Rooms on the third floor will hold a single D-ranked monster—no more. Let them earn their confidence before they face despair."
Ramiris floated excitedly. "So it's like building suspense before the real danger!"
Atem's smile was thin and sharp. "Exactly. The fifth floor is where the true challenges—and rewards—begin. Potions, rare gear, hidden chests… the adventurers must learn that greed has its price."
After he finalized the difficulty scaling, Atem straightened. "With this, the challengers can begin their conquest tomorrow," he said. "Up to now, it's been nothing but a closed test. Time to open the real thing."
Ramiris giggled, "But didn't we already have testers?"
Atem's eyes narrowed slightly, recalling. "…Ah, yes. Shion's Yomigaeri."
He leaned back in his seat. "Those six fools rushed through thirty-nine floors without trouble… until the fortieth, where the Eterna Serpent devoured them." His tone was neither mocking nor angry—simply amused, in that dangerous way of his. "Their overconfidence gave us false data. I should have known better than to use Shion's soldiers as testers. They're too accustomed to surviving impossible odds."
Ramiris puffed her cheeks. "Well, at least we know the Labyrinth's not too easy!"
Atem chuckled softly. "True enough. Still… next time, I'll choose my testers more carefully."
Shion, standing off to the side, smirked proudly. "My Yomigaeri are the best, Lord Atem. If they fell, it means the dungeon's truly challenging!"
Atem gave her a sidelong glance. "And yet, they fell."
Shion went quiet, scratching her cheek awkwardly.
"Anyway," Atem said, brushing the matter aside. "Let's finish this. Any remaining thoughts?"
He scanned the table, his gaze sharp enough to make even veteran leaders straighten their backs. The room was quiet—until Myourmiles cleared his throat.
"If I may, my lord," Myourmiles said. "There's one last matter I'd like to raise."
Atem arched an eyebrow. "Oh? You have more?"
"Yes," Myourmiles replied with a polite bow. "It's about the Labyrinth's management."
"Ah… the finances," Atem murmured, a knowing smile forming. "I was wondering when that would come up."
Ramiris, sitting cross-legged midair, perked up instantly. "Money?! Ooh, are we talking about profits now?"
Atem smirked faintly. "You really are predictable, Ramiris."
"H-Hey! I'm the Labyrinth Queen, I deserve a share!" she protested.
Myourmiles chuckled awkwardly, raising both hands. "Well, even if you look at me like that, the funds are just beginning to flow in. The report I have is about advertisement."
He straightened, his expression turning serious.
"To attract noble attention, I've come up with an idea—a prize worth one hundred gold coins."
Ramiris gasped. "One hundred gold coins?! That's a fortune!"
Atem rested his chin on his hand, studying him carefully. "A reasonable start," he said. "Continue."
Myourmiles smiled faintly. "The reward won't be in ordinary gold, my lord. It'll be in the form of one stellar gold coin. A rare piece that holds greater symbolic and monetary value."
The faintest glint of amusement flickered across Atem's eyes. He's learning fast.
"Clever," Atem said approvingly. "But… one hundred gold coins' worth still feels a bit low for nobles, doesn't it? Commoners might be thrilled, but the wealthy crave prestige more than coin."
Myourmiles nodded, unfazed. "A valid point, my lord—and one I've already anticipated." His lips curved into a knowing smile. "The true hook lies beyond the number."
Atem gestured for him to go on.
"I'll announce that the reward is granted only to the team that conquers the fiftieth floor. Only one group per month may claim it. If there's one victor, they take it all. If it's a party, they divide the reward."
Ramiris's wings fluttered excitedly. "Oooh, so it's like a race!"
Myourmiles' grin widened. "Exactly. And that's not all—there's more to it…"
Atem leaned forward slightly, his gaze focused. "Interesting. Go on."