We gathered once more.
It had been ten days since the last labyrinth layout adjustment, and today's meeting was called to address any new issues. Unlike before, the session progressed smoothly; the attendees were satisfied, and I allowed myself a faint smile at the orderly scene.
"Oi, you are Masayuki, right? I knew from the start that you had courage, but it turns out you are a man of extraordinary resolve."
As soon as the meeting began, Veldora—uncharacteristically in a jubilant mood—lauded Masayuki.
"Eh… thank you… I think?" Masayuki's confusion was obvious. His eyes flicked toward me, silently asking, Who is this man?
He had been present during Veldora's prior introduction, but his nerves had likely obscured the memory.
"Didn't we introduce him last time?" he stammered.
"No… actually, the previous meeting… it sort of just started on its own," I interjected.
Ah, that explained the confusion. My oversight. Let me introduce them properly.
"Very well. I shall introduce him clearly. This is my close friend, Veldora—the guardian of Eterna's hundredth floor."
"Umm… I am Veldora, and I recognize you. A pleasure, Masayuki," Veldora said warmly, his massive grin infectious.
Masayuki's expression shifted instantly from polite recognition to shock. "Ehh… um… isn't Veldora that Catastrophe-rank monster that obliterated the Farmus army—?"
Yes, rumors had been spread deliberately. I decided against clarifying further; some truths were better left vague.
"He is indeed formidable. I suggest you not provoke him unnecessarily," I said calmly.
"GAHAHAHA! My heart is vast, my anger rare! Bring me dessert, and my divine protection shall be yours!" Veldora boomed ahead of himself.
With lightning speed, I struck the side of his head with my notebook. Punishment executed. Discipline is necessary—even for dragons. Veldora yelped in surprise.
Turning my attention back to introductions, I continued. "This is Ramiris. She is the fairy who oversees the labyrinth."
Masayuki muttered, "Ah… I remember now…" His voice trailed off. His gaze shifted to Ramiris, fluttering her wings elegantly nearby.
"Y-yes… Ramiris-san, you're a fairy… And yet, to have created such an incredible labyrinth… you are truly powerful," he said, admiring her work.
Ramiris puffed up instantly. "Ohoho! Flattery will get you far, young man! Perhaps you should become my lackey. And, Atem! Did you hear that? He called me strong!" She lunged at me with a flying kick.
Annoying as ever. I sidestepped with ease, my posture regal and unshaken. "Indeed, impressive. If Masayuki wishes to serve you, that is your choice," I replied, my tone measured but authoritative.
Masayuki's face betrayed inner conflict. "Eh… ehh… what… what is Ramiris-san really like?" he whispered beside me.
I leaned close, my voice calm yet carrying the weight of command. "She may appear whimsical, but she is a demon lord, just like myself."
"AHH!" Masayuki froze, caught between awe and disbelief.
Ramiris approached him, sensing his astonishment. Despite my hushed explanation, nothing escapes her ears.
"Yahoo! I am Ramiris, a member of the Octagram. Masayuki-chan, pleased to meet you!" she chirped, eyes sparkling.
Masayuki's knees nearly buckled. "A demon lord… and Veldora… a Storm Dragon… No… this can't be real!"
I reflected on my misjudgment. I should have introduced them properly from the start. Yet, Masayuki's casual demeanor during the last meeting had led me to believe he already knew.
Even the luckiest among men have moments of unwitting recognition—and Masayuki had evidently just experienced one.
Myourmiles intervened on his behalf. "Ramiris-sama, please do not overwhelm him. Masayuki-sama would be troubled."
He likely assumed Ramiris was jesting. To Masayuki, such playful insistence was an emotional burden—something Myourmiles clearly wished to alleviate. His trust in Masayuki was palpable, and Masayuki returned a small, wry smile.
"This is Myourmiles, my reliable consultant. He manages the financial operations of the Eterna Federation—essentially, he is the minister of finance."
"I am Myourmiles. It is an honor," he said politely.
Masayuki bowed slightly. "You are kind, Myourmiles-san," he replied.
"I am merely a black market operator," Myourmiles said modestly.
"I appreciate the sentiment," Masayuki responded to Ramiris. "However, I cannot serve you as a lackey. I have already pledged to assist Mikami—no, to assist Atem-sama." He gestured apologetically.
Myourmiles nodded approvingly. "A fair point. Atem-sama's guidance in recruiting is precise and discerning." His expression was knowing, as if he recognized my strategy perfectly.
Ramiris pouted in playful exasperation. "Then I suppose I must yield… Atem is indeed clever."
"Finders, keepers," I stated casually, my tone carrying the quiet weight of command.
Veldora, never one to remain silent, boomed from the side. "GAHAHA! There are few as reliable as Atem. Ramiris, do not try to outshine him. Now, let us proceed and formally introduce Masayuki—this conversation has dragged long enough!"
Even though I was acutely aware of how others perceived me, I realized Masayuki hadn't yet completed his self-introduction. Though it seemed everyone already knew his name, proper protocol demanded he finish.
"You are correct. Masayuki, introduce yourself fully," I said, my voice calm yet commanding, leaving no room for hesitation.
Masayuki straightened his back and nodded. "Understood. Some of you may already know me. I am Masayuki. I hail from the same world as Atem-sama, which is why I serve alongside him. People often call me a Hero, but please, take that lightly."
He turned to address everyone, projecting confidence. When he mentioned being a Hero, he seemed ready to clarify it was a running joke—but wisely refrained, given Myourmiles' presence.
Masayuki adapted quickly, his nervousness vanished. Even having faced Veldora and Ramiris before, he remained composed, smiling politely. Such poise in the presence of powerful beings impressed me.
He carries potential beyond his title, I thought. The reactions of those around him were likely influenced by his personality as much as by any 'Chosen One' abilities. His presence alone commanded respect—something that could not be replicated by skill alone.
By the time I finished observing, all introductions were complete. We settled into our seats. Unlike the previous emergency gathering, this assembly exuded calm and casual order.
"Masayuki-chan, you performed marvelously. Our success owes much to your efforts!" Ramiris exclaimed, brimming with excitement.
"And Myourmiles-san, your counsel to maintain the labyrinth's difficulty proved invaluable. Exceptional foresight," Veldora added, his booming voice filled with praise.
I inclined my head slightly. Indeed, such cooperation and shared insight were the foundation of any great achievement.
"You are too kind. I am glad to serve Eterna and all present," Masayuki replied with measured humility.
"The credit is mutual. No single person carries the burden alone," Myourmiles added, his calm demeanor carrying authority.
Once the pleasantries subsided, we turned to the labyrinth's current state. The reports were encouraging. Activity during peak periods was so robust that Myourmiles had been practically shouting with delight. Town inns and restaurants thrived as adventurers rested and refueled—a clear sign that the labyrinth's popularity had grown.
"Here are the reports," Myourmiles said, handing me the documents.
Veldora and Ramiris leaned forward with keen interest. I provided each with a copy, ensuring Solarys, Sovereign of Wisdom, verified the numbers meticulously. Precision and accuracy were non-negotiable.
The labyrinth had been running smoothly since our renovation. The statistics confirmed our efforts had succeeded.
"Promotion efforts are yielding results," I stated.
"Yes, my lord. Activity is consistent; every day is bustling," Myourmiles affirmed, pride clear in his voice.
Veldora and Ramiris scrutinized the reports intently, their focus unwavering. The documents covered finances, adventurer IDs, and other special matters.
Myourmiles had coordinated with Yuuki to verify adventurer IDs and confirm permission to enter the labyrinth. These magical cards also monitored health status, recording data automatically. Most adventurers were familiar with them; the system integrated seamlessly. Mercenaries or unaffiliated bodyguards were rare, simplifying enforcement.
The entry fee was three silver coins per person. Simplified cards issued by Eterna cost ten silver coins. Revenue from these cards alone was substantial.
The report also detailed Ramiris's crafted items.
Resurrection Bracelet: Initially free to demonstrate its value. Subsequently sold for two silver coins. It healed fatal injuries and revived the wearer—ensuring safety without compromising challenge. Placement near the revival point ensured accessibility. Unsurprisingly, it was the most popular item.
Return Whistle: Single-use, instant return to the entrance. Essential for emergencies. Priced at thirty silver coins to emphasize its strategic value. Risking death to save coins meant potential equipment loss—a deliberate penalty.
Recording Crystal: Capable of returning users to the entrance upon death. Sold for one gold coin, roughly a hundred thousand yen. Only the foresighted or extremely stubborn adventurers purchased them. Deep floors posed intense challenges, and checkpoints every ten levels amplified the sense of peril.
The labyrinth's design was deliberate. Deep floors required careful planning; the scarcity of checkpoints reinforced a sense of ascending toward the heavens themselves.
Every measure—the items, the entry system, the financial structure—ensured that challengers were tested, the town thrived, and the labyrinth maintained a balance of risk and reward.
The deeper floors loomed like a gateway to divinity, promising both glory and peril to those daring enough to advance.