Several days had passed since our last meeting, and word spread swiftly through the great city of Eterna—a party had finally broken through Floor 30 of the Labyrinth. And not just any party—it was Masayuki's team.
Exactly as planned.
Their progress matched every projection Solarys, Sovereign of Wisdom, had presented to me. Though the entire scenario was a crafted illusion, it served its purpose well. As long as no one discovered the truth behind the curtain, perception itself would become our greatest weapon.
Masayuki's Unique Skill: "Chosen One" ensured that, even if our plan slipped slightly, fate itself would spin the outcome into his favor. That skill made him the perfect tool for this world's theater of admiration.
Inside the labyrinth, the announcement spread like wildfire—the thirtieth-floor guardian, the Ogre Lord and his five subordinates, had been defeated.
The result was explosive.
Crowds poured into the taverns and inns, their cheers shaking the streets. "Ma-sa-yu-ki! Ma-sa-yu-ki!" The name echoed through every district of Eterna, every syllable dripping with admiration.
Masayuki waved and smiled at the roaring crowd. The smile was forced—I could tell—but to the people, it shone like the light of a divine hero. His popularity was climbing like a comet streaking through the heavens, and I knew it would not stop there.
Merchants moved quickly. Banners went up overnight. "Hero Masayuki-sama's 30th Floor Conquest Commemoration Sale!" Prices rose, profits doubled, and the heartbeat of commerce pulsed stronger than ever. The city glowed with life.
Everything was unfolding exactly as I intended.
We reconvened in the Labyrinth's council chamber—its stone walls glimmering with faint golden glyphs. I sat at the head of the long obsidian table, the faint hum of divine energy filling the air around me.
I turned to the golden-haired hero sitting across the table. "Ara, it seems you've become quite the popular man, Hero Masayuki."
He rubbed the back of his neck, flustered. "Atem-sama, please… don't tease me like that. You're making this harder for me."
I let out a faint chuckle. "Tease you? I only speak the truth."
"You showed incredible courage during those battles, my lord!" said Myourmiles, standing to the side, voice filled with excitement. "Truly, your performance moved the people."
Masayuki sighed, shoulders dropping. "Honestly… I didn't do that much."
"Ah, humility. A trait befitting a hero," I remarked with a smirk, folding my arms. "But don't downplay your role. Even your mere presence carries weight. The people see light when you enter the room. Use it."
He blinked, momentarily lost for words, then nodded weakly. "If you say so…"
"Your team did remarkably well," I continued, leaning back in my chair. "The Ogre King was no small feat—a B-plus ranked monster commanding five B-ranked subordinates. That's a level of threat that could easily wipe out a small nation."
Solarys's calm, resonant voice spoke inside my mind, her tone analytical yet reverent:
"Battle performance analysis confirms synergy between party members exceeded expected limits by 142%. Success probability was maximized through resource allocation and morale optimization."
I nodded slightly, then addressed the group. "Your success was not coincidence. Jinrai's defense, fortified with the mithril full plate armor I gifted him, created the perfect front line. While he drew the Ogre's attention, the others were free to unleash their full magic potential. Bernie's 'Elemental Magic,' Jiwu's 'Spirit Magic,' and your aura, Masayuki—the 'Chosen' factor—all merged into a power that transcended ordinary calculation."
Masayuki shook his head in disbelief. "I swear, Atem-sama, I was just standing there most of the time."
"Standing there?" I tilted my head, amused. "Even still, the air bends to your favor. That is the essence of charisma forged by destiny."
Shion, standing near the door, laughed softly. "It's true! Everyone believes in him so completely, it's almost… scary."
Masayuki groaned. "Please don't say that! I'm not used to all this attention."
Myourmiles smiled, placing a hand on the hero's shoulder. "That attention brings unity, my friend. Eterna thrives on stories—and you've become its brightest one."
I nodded approvingly. "Indeed. The people need hope, and you give it to them. Now… let's discuss the real success: the treasure system."
Masayuki's expression brightened slightly. "Ah, the rare gear drops? I wanted to ask about that! Those Ogre Greaves we found—people are obsessed with them!"
"Good," I replied, steepling my fingers. "That's exactly the reaction I was expecting. The Ogre Series—my design, crafted by Kurobee—was made to awaken humanity's oldest impulse: the desire to collect. Each item in the set grows stronger as it's completed."
Myourmiles nodded eagerly. "And the sales are incredible, Atem-sama. The word has spread already—everyone's talking about these rare pieces."
"Of course," I said. "There are five types of weapons—axe, sword, bow, saber, and knife—and five armor pieces: helmet, chest plate, gauntlets, greaves, and boots. But remember—each drop is determined by chance. Even if a challenger opens twenty-four golden chests a day, rare items will only appear roughly once every two days. That's enough to keep the fire burning in their hearts."
Masayuki blinked, surprised. "That low? Isn't that… kind of cruel?"
I smiled faintly. "Cruel? No. Calculated. Desire is born from rarity. If treasure was easy to find, no one would value it. This way, every victory tastes like destiny."
Solarys's voice echoed softly in my mind again.
"Human curiosity and greed ratios align perfectly with projected behavioral outcomes, Atem. Emotional investment is assured."
"Precisely," I said aloud. "Each failed attempt pushes them to try again. Each success binds them closer to Eterna. The labyrinth becomes not just a trial—but an addiction."
Masayuki stared at me for a long moment before finally smiling, almost nervously. "You really do think ahead of everything, Atem-sama."
"I do what I must," I replied calmly. "Now, about those Ogre Greaves you mentioned—collecting all five armor pieces will grant the 'Magic Interference' effect. It's the same defense I embedded in the Scale Shield I once forged for Kabal. With it, even poison breath from the tempest serpent would be harmless."
Masayuki's eyes widened. "That powerful?!"
"Indeed. That's why I want you to gather the full set. Use it as our model for the next phase of the labyrinth. Once you challenge the next guardian equipped with the completed series, your victory will inspire countless others to follow."
"Understood, Atem-sama. I'll make sure of it," Masayuki said, standing and bowing deeply.
"Good," I said, my tone low and commanding. "Because once the world sees the power of Eterna's creations, there will be no stopping the flood of challengers. And from their ambition… we shall forge an empire unlike any the realms have ever seen."
A silence fell over the room—heavy, reverent, charged with the weight of destiny.
I glanced toward Solarys's radiant sigil as it flickered above the table, light reflecting in my crimson eyes.
Everything was in motion. Every rumor, every spark of awe, every whisper of glory—all feeding the grand design.
This was no mere success.
This was The King's Design.
"So, if that's the intention… would it be good for me to gather that series too?" Masayuki asked, his expression thoughtful as he glanced at the chart displayed before us.
I leaned back in my chair, my crimson cloak draping across the seat like a shadow of authority. "That's a tough question," I replied calmly, my tone firm yet composed. "The mithril armor I gave to Jinrai is also rare-grade, though it doesn't possess any special ability. Its defense, however, surpasses the Ogre Chestplate. In truth, with your current formation, you could defeat even the Tempest Serpent if you pushed yourselves."
Masayuki blinked, his eyes widening slightly. "The Tempest Serpent, huh…? That thing was supposed to be one of the tougher mid-bosses."
I nodded once, folding my arms as Solarys' calm, divine voice resonated faintly in my mind—her presence always analyzing, always observing. "Indeed, Atem. Statistically, their victory rate exceeds seventy-eight percent with current equipment."
Good. Then this will work as planned, I answered inwardly. Solarys was the Sovereign of Wisdom—my ever-watchful guide through layers of strategy and foresight. Her precision allowed my plans to unfold like clockwork.
"The serpent is powerful," I continued aloud, my gaze steady on Masayuki. "But remember—your team doesn't face it alone. If you coordinate properly, one of your men can draw its attention while the others strike. Heal constantly, manage your resources, and it'll fall eventually. I assume Jinrai will take the front?"
"Yes, that's the plan," Masayuki confirmed.
"Good," I said with a faint, confident smile. "He'll endure it. That man's resolve doesn't waver easily."
Masayuki exhaled, his tension easing. "Then we'll head straight to the next floor. I'll keep this momentum going."
"Perfect," I replied, my tone smooth yet commanding. "Your progress has been a great advertisement for the labyrinth. The people are responding—keep it up."
Masayuki rubbed the back of his neck, chuckling awkwardly. "I think Jinrai and the others are more fired up about it than I am. Ever since the monsters started dropping items, they've become obsessed with the hunt. It's like a treasure chase down there."
I smirked faintly. "That's exactly what I wanted."
Diablo, who stood silently beside me, bowed slightly. "Indeed, Atem-sama. Introducing material drops was a stroke of genius. The adventurers' greed now fuels their courage."
"It's human nature," I said, my tone deepening as my eyes glowed faintly with golden light. "When power and wealth are within reach, they'll chase it without hesitation. The labyrinth feeds that desire—carefully, deliberately."
Masayuki gave a small, nervous laugh. "You make it sound like you're manipulating everyone."
I met his gaze, and the room seemed to quiet instantly under the weight of my presence. "Not manipulating," I corrected, my voice carrying the authority of a king. "Guiding. Eterna thrives because its people strive. Every victory, every rumor of fortune, every tale of challenge—they all serve a purpose. This world moves not by chaos, but by design."
For a moment, no one spoke. The flicker of the torches painted long shadows across the walls, and the hum of Solarys' consciousness brushed faintly against mine, whispering her agreement.
Masayuki eventually broke the silence with a sheepish grin. "Well, if that's the case, I'll do my part. We'll make sure the next floor is conquered properly."
"Good," I said, standing up. My cape shifted slightly as I turned away from the table. "Do that—and don't forget. The people see you as their hero, Masayuki. But in truth, you're my symbol of progress. Don't disappoint me."
He nodded firmly, understanding the weight of my words. "I won't."
As he and his team left the chamber, Diablo chuckled quietly beside me. "Truly magnificent, Atem-sama. You handle even your pawns with grace befitting a monarch."
"They're not pawns," I replied, looking toward the crystal projection showing the labyrinth floors. "They're pieces in a grand design. Each one has a role—and I intend to ensure every move brings Eterna closer to perfection."
Solarys' voice flowed softly through my thoughts once again, serene yet analytical. "Your strategy proceeds flawlessly, Atem. The labyrinth's growth mirrors the order you seek for this world."
Exactly, I thought, a faint smile tugging at my lips. And when the time comes, Solarys… Eterna will stand as the shining core of all realms—a monument to wisdom and will.
The torches flickered, casting their golden glow across the room. The plans of gods and kings moved quietly within the walls of Eterna, and every victory below echoed the will of its true ruler.