According to Myourmiles's explanation, each boss monster within the Labyrinth of Eterna would yield its own reward upon defeat. Atem listened closely, sitting at the head of the long obsidian table, his golden eyes sharp and commanding. Every leader present could feel the weight of his presence — calm yet absolute.
"The tenth floor's guardian," Myourmiles began, gesturing toward a glowing map projection, "is a rank B Black Arachnid. Those who defeat it — the first five teams — will receive three gold coins each."
Atem leaned back slightly in his seat, eyes narrowing. "Reasonable. Continue."
"The twentieth floor," Myourmiles continued, "hosts a rank B-plus Evil Centipede — a formidable creature capable of releasing a long-range 'Paralyzing Breath.' Defeating it will grant five gold coins to the first five teams."
Ramiris shivered at the mention of it. "Eww… that's a disgusting monster!"
Atem chuckled softly, his tone calm but firm. "Even the vile has its purpose. Fear builds strength — and strength earns survival."
Myourmiles cleared his throat and went on. "The thirtieth floor will feature a Rank B-plus Ogre Lord and five of its subordinates. Brutal and instinct-driven, unlike Benimaru's disciplined clan. The first five teams to defeat them will receive ten gold coins."
Atem tapped his fingers lightly on the table. "A coordinated battle against intelligent beasts. That will separate the strong from the reckless. I approve."
The strategist nodded and adjusted the magical projection again. "Now, from here on, the difficulty takes a real turn."
He pointed toward a deep crimson marker on the map. "The fortieth floor is ruled by the Tempest Serpent — a Rank A-minus monster capable of a lethal 'Poison Breath.' Its attack can annihilate entire teams in seconds. Only the first three teams to conquer it will earn twenty gold coins."
At the mention of the serpent, Veldora grinned broadly. "Kukuku! That beast carries my name well. Let's see who dares challenge it!"
Atem smiled faintly. "Let them try. The serpent's purpose is to humble arrogance before it reaches the depths."
Myourmiles nodded again and shifted to the final section. "The fiftieth floor's guardians will be Gozer and Mezer. They've both evolved beyond Rank A — they'll rotate in holding the position. Anyone capable of defeating them will receive one hundred gold coins. Only the first team to clear that floor each month can claim the prize."
"I see," Atem said thoughtfully. "A fair distribution. That kind of structure will spark competition among nobles, won't it?"
"Exactly as you say, my lord," Myourmiles replied with confidence. "And to push them further, we'll publish the names of the subjugators each month. Since each can only claim the reward once, it prevents endless monopolization. It's both a business safeguard and a motivator."
Atem's expression softened slightly, though his voice remained steady. "Good. They'll compete, but not destroy themselves in the process. I like that balance."
Ramiris tilted her head. "So it's like… gambling with glory?"
"Precisely," Atem said, smirking. "But the house — our house — always wins."
Myourmiles continued with his usual calm precision. "Based on the profits from our first three days, we could even afford to raise the prize amounts slightly. The labyrinth has already exceeded financial expectations."
Atem nodded, fingers steepled. "Excellent. The true goal isn't just gold, but drive. When greed and ambition take hold, the flow of money — and power — becomes endless."
"Exactly my thinking," Myourmiles said with satisfaction.
"Then do it," Atem commanded. "Let's stir the noble houses into action. Once they take the bait, they'll fund their own downfall."
Ramiris blinked. "You make it sound scary, Atem!"
Atem smirked faintly. "It's not scary, Ramiris. It's business."
Myourmiles bowed deeply. "There's one more proposal, my lord… if I may."
Atem gestured for him to continue.
"I'd like to suggest we make the reward even larger — something that would shake the nobles of every neighboring nation. A reward of one hundred Stellars to whoever conquers the final floor."
The room went silent.
"…What?" Atem said quietly, eyes narrowing — though not from disbelief, but intrigue.
Ramiris nearly fell from the air. "EHH?! ONE HUNDRED STELLARS?! That's… that's insane!"
Veldora burst into laughter. "GAHAHAHA! Such boldness! I like this man!"
Atem didn't laugh. He only stared, measuring Myourmiles with the cold, assessing gaze of a Pharaoh. "Do you realize how much that is?"
"Indeed," Myourmiles replied, his grin sly but respectful. "Roughly equivalent to a billion yen, in your former world's value, my lord. But… think of what it will cause."
Atem's smirk returned, small and dangerous. "Ah. You wish to lure the nobles with greed — to make them build our fortune for us."
"Exactly," Myourmiles confirmed. "Once they see that much wealth at stake, they'll hire the strongest adventurers they can find. The labyrinth will become the center of their ambition… and their downfall. The flow of coin will be endless."
Ramiris crossed her arms nervously. "That's too much though! What if someone actually wins?"
At that, Myourmiles simply smiled, glancing at Veldora. "Well… there is one thing standing in their way."
The True Dragon puffed out his chest, laughing thunderously. "GAHAHAHA! Of course! None can best the mighty Storm Dragon, Veldora! My strength is absolute!"
Masayuki blinked. "Wait… Storm Dragon… where have I heard that name before?"
Atem chuckled softly. "Perhaps in your nightmares."
Myourmiles nodded, looking proud of his plan. "That's precisely why the reward can be that high. It's not truly a risk, my lord. It's bait. The chance of someone defeating Veldora is—well, negligible."
Atem tilted his head slightly. "True enough. Though… this labyrinth of ours is so well designed that I doubt anyone will ever reach the hundredth floor, let alone defeat a True Dragon."
Ramiris placed her hands on her hips. "See?! Even Atem says so!"
Veldora laughed again. "Then let the challenge begin! I welcome their futile attempts!"
Atem smirked. "Let them try. It'll only make the legend of Eterna greater."
Myourmiles bowed again. "So, shall we proceed with the reward announcement, my lord?"
"Yes," Atem replied. "We'll go with your proposal. Begin promotions immediately."
Myourmiles brightened. "As you wish! I'll make it sound like a personal invitation from the Demon Lord himself."
Atem paused, his expression unreadable. Then a slow, regal smile spread across his face. "Do that. But add one more thing—announce that whoever conquers the labyrinth earns the right to duel me personally."
Masayuki nearly choked. "W-what?! Duel you?! Why would anyone want to do that?!"
Atem gave him a sidelong glance, amused. "Relax, Masayuki. Think of it as… insurance. When the fools start goading you into fighting me, use this as your excuse. You'll only need to face me if you conquer the labyrinth."
Masayuki sighed in relief. "That's perfect! I really didn't want to fight you anyway."
"Good," Atem said. "Then it's settled."
Myourmiles nodded with enthusiasm. "Understood, Lord Atem! I'll make the announcement immediately."
He rose from his chair, bowing respectfully. "Then, if you'll excuse me, I'll begin the preparations at once."
Atem gave a brief nod, his expression proud yet composed. "Go. And ensure the world remembers the name of Eterna."
"Yes, my lord!" Myourmiles replied, then hurried out of the chamber, his mind already turning with plans and profit.
Ramiris hovered beside Atem, eyes wide. "You know, you're way too good at this, Atem. It's kinda scary."
Atem glanced at her with a faint smile. "Scary? No, Ramiris. It's called control."
Veldora chuckled in the background. "Kukuku! As expected of Atem! Truly a Demon Lord fit to rule all!"
Atem said nothing—just smiled faintly, his aura glowing like a burning sun as he looked over the map of the labyrinth.
The game had begun.
We watched Myourmiles depart, his confident stride carrying him out of the chamber. The meeting could have been concluded, but my attention immediately shifted to Masayuki. He looked uneasy, his usually bright eyes clouded with concern.
I leaned forward, my presence commanding yet calm. "What troubles you, Masayuki? Speak freely."
He hesitated, then forced a small smile. "It's about what we just discussed… I think people expect me to act on it, but… one day, I'll have to face that guy."
I narrowed my eyes slightly. "By 'that guy,' you mean… Gozer?"
He nodded. "Yes. I've announced it publicly, so I can't back down. But if I were to fight him… I'd surely lose."
He had a point. Masayuki's Unique Skill was extraordinary, a rare tool of ingenuity and subtlety. Yet, in direct combat? Its practicality was limited. He could outthink an opponent, manipulate outcomes, even win without engaging, but the brute force of a direct duel? He wasn't built for it.
I let my fingers lightly tap the armrest of my chair, my gaze fixed on him. "It seems you've placed yourself under a weighty expectation. The audience believes in your victory… and you've always strived to live up to such faith. There's no question of canceling the duel now."
Masayuki sighed, a mixture of resignation and worry. "Would… would you train with me? Perhaps while Hinata is in town?"
A thin smile played across his lips, though I sensed the underlying tension.
I arched a brow. "Hinata? She might indeed be relentless. But if your goal is to survive — and thrive — then training under guidance is necessary."
He shook his head, still smiling faintly. "I… just want to live peacefully, without… all this chaos."
His words resonated with me. Even in the heart of Eterna, amidst schemes and battles, I understood the desire for a peaceful life. And yet, Masayuki's path was entwined with power and responsibility. He could not escape it.
"Understand this, Masayuki," I said, my voice firm, echoing authority, "if you fall in your duel with Gozer, there will be consequences — for you and for all who depend on your success. I will not allow that to happen without preparation."
"Truly? Then I can count on you, Atem-sama?" His tone held a glimmer of hope, almost childlike.
"You will," I assured him. "And in turn, you will prepare yourself to aid me when necessary. Cooperation is not merely courtesy — it is survival."
He straightened, determination slowly replacing worry in his gaze. "Of course. I will."
I studied him carefully. His growing reputation was a tool — one that could prove invaluable in the coming conflicts. If Masayuki were to fail against Gozer, the consequences would ripple through our operations. It was a delicate problem, one that required patience and careful strategy. Convincing Gozer himself would not be an option — too unpredictable, too dangerous. No, this was a challenge to be solved with foresight.
After that, our conversation shifted to lighter matters, though a subtle tension remained in the air. I allowed the moment of casual discussion to linger — a reminder that even in the midst of grand designs and dangerous duels, humanity persisted.
Finally, the emergency meeting drew to a close. As the chamber emptied and Veldora returned to his rest, I turned my gaze toward the labyrinth itself. Plans, structures, and adjustments awaited. Today would mark the beginning of a complete overhaul — the next phase in the evolution of Eterna.
And I would oversee it all.