This was the perfect storm of bad news. Yet, even in its chaos, clarity emerged. The issues on the floors below fifty-one were now identified. More importantly, all the traps I had prepared were still intact. The immediate focus should be the floors below forty-nine, particularly below forty-one—those were where the real dangers could appear.
"It's just a matter of time before the tempest serpent is subdued. But we need not worry," Veldora said, his confidence now returning.
Ramiris chimed in, her voice slightly awed. "As expected from Atem. Have you already devised a solution?"
I allowed a faint smile. "Indeed. With the arrangements I have made, there is no reason to worry. The intruders will find the labyrinth far less forgiving than they imagine."
At my words, both Veldora and Ramiris visibly relaxed, their earlier anxiety replaced with a cautious optimism.
I addressed them with unwavering authority, my voice carrying a weight that left no room for doubt. "Listen closely. As I have said, all my most effective traps are positioned below Floor 41. Any who enter will face their consequences."
Veldora's massive head tilted, excitement shining in his eyes. "Oh oh… that's reassuring!"
Ramiris nodded rapidly. "Ho—I see, I see…"
"And what kind of traps, exactly?" Veldora asked, his curiosity barely contained.
I allowed myself a small, controlled laugh. "You wish to know? Very well."
"The ultimate trap, located on Floor 49, is a slime-based mechanism. Intruders will pass through certain hallways, triggering an isolation sequence. At that moment, a mass of slimes will emerge—over three meters thick, coalescing into a single, massive form. Physical attacks—slashes, strikes, rams—will prove useless. Magic is limited within the sealed hallways; explosive spells will harm only the caster. Individual slimes may seem weak, but cornered together, they form an insurmountable threat."
Veldora's roar of laughter echoed through the chamber. "GAHAHAHA! Victory is assured!"
I raised a hand, stopping him. "Do not be so arrogant. That is merely the beginning. There are other defenses, and they are far more subtle and dangerous."
I continued, my tone crisp, commanding, leaving no room for misunderstanding:
Slime Pool: Appears soft underfoot, but halfway through transforms into a solid mass.
Slime Rain: Fist-sized slimes rain from above, seeking any exposed flesh. Acidic, corrosive, and relentless.
Slime Doll: Resilient constructs, immune to fatigue. Every attack against them splashes acid onto weapons, eroding their durability. Over time, they exhaust the enemy's stamina.
"These traps are designed not to destroy intruders outright, but to stagger, exhaust, and damage their weapons. The goal is to buy time—time for us to react, to shape the battlefield to our advantage."
Veldora blinked, impressed. "So we don't rely on traps to win directly. Just to weaken them, then strike."
"Precisely," I said. "Without weapons, even the strongest intruders will falter. Only then do we act. Direct confrontation remains a last resort."
Ramiris's voice trembled slightly. "And… with the extra time, what do you intend to do?"
I let the weight of my presence settle around the room, golden light faintly radiating. "Our labyrinth is no ordinary structure. It grows stronger by testing those who enter. First, we will handle Adalmann. He is a cardinal, an archbishop in function. Support, not vanguard. It was a mistake to leave him as guardian alone. I will find him a partner and adjust the environment on the boss floors. Ramiris, your assistance will be required."
"Understood!" Ramiris exclaimed, awed by my resolve.
"Next, the guardian of Floor 70." My tone sharpened. "The Elemental Colossus must be rebuilt. Fortunately, the ideal candidate has returned."
"Kaijin?" Ramiris asked, uncertainty in her voice.
I nodded. "Indeed. His skills in spirit engineering are unmatched. I will provide my research to aid him. The result will be a Colossus greater than before. Even if time is short, it will be a threat to future challengers."
"And floors 80 and below?" Veldora asked.
"Those problems will resolve themselves in due time," I replied, voice firm, radiating authority. "When Zegion awakens, no amateur intruder will harm him. The dragons Milim prepared will evolve over time. Kumara herself is still growing. Patience is key."
I turned to Masayuki. "You will resume your conquest. Secondary objective: break through Floors 41 and below. First, however, gather a complete ogre-set. Your progress will enhance the labyrinth's reputation."
"Understood, Master Atem," he said, swallowing nervously.
"And you, Myourmiles," I said, shifting my gaze. "Observe and assist where necessary. Otherwise, maintain your current role. Do not interfere unless commanded."
"Yes, Master Atem," Myourmiles replied, his respect evident.
I allowed the silence to hang, the authority of my presence filling every corner. "Now, one final matter."
Myourmiles hesitated, then spoke. "Your Majesty… Hinata-sama asked whether the prize for completing the labyrinth would be delivered."
I raised a brow. "Hmph. She expects reward despite her unofficial challenge?"
"She said, 'Since we challenged it fairly, shouldn't you pay us?'" Myourmiles added, worry in his tone.
I leaned back, eyes glinting with supreme authority. "Reject her. She has proven her strength, yes—but the trials I set were far beyond her reach. If she wishes to claim victory, she may try. But failure will be inevitable."
"Understood, Master Atem," Myourmiles said, relief flooding his voice.
"And should she persist," I added, my voice now calm but deadly in its certainty, "let her attempt serve as warning and publicity. Every intruder will know who truly rules the Labyrinth of Eterna."
"Eh, but I don't want to."
I allowed a faint smirk to grace my expression. Of course I didn't want to be disliked; that would only create unnecessary tension. Matters such as these were best handled by the resolute and unyielding Myourmiles. He had the demeanor, the courage, and the presence to reject a request without hesitation.
"But… I heard terrible things happen when Hinata-sama feels offended…" Myourmiles muttered, his voice betraying a hint of unease.
"I'll be counting on you, Myourmiles," I interjected, my tone carrying the full weight of command. "Do not fail me."
With that, I ended the discussion. There was no room for second-guessing. Diplomacy could wait; some things required firmness, decisiveness, and the authority only a sovereign could wield.
I left Myourmiles behind, his expression a mix of dread and determination. That should suffice. Anyone else attempting this task would waver, but with him, I was confident. And that quiet, defeated sigh of, "Then I'll use my own money to make up for it…"—I knew it wasn't meant for me. It was the natural response to someone who dared stand before Hinata and refuse. The matter was concluded.
I left the hall and turned my attention to other tasks. Veldora and Ramiris would meet at a later time; our preparations required first-hand inspection and precise management. But before that, there was someone I needed to speak with.
Shion awaited outside the room, as expected. I did not waste time and made my way to Shuna. She was orchestrating the dinner preparations, her commands cutting through the chaotic kitchen like a conductor's baton. Every corner was alive with activity; various races and craftsmen moved with purpose under her guidance. Her authority was absolute. Even amidst chaos, she commanded respect effortlessly.
Time was pressing, and this was one of those rare moments I could not postpone. I approached her with my customary presence, firm yet courteous.
"Shuna, I require a moment of your attention," I said, my voice carrying an air of command that left no room for refusal.
"Ah, Master Atem! What is it that you need?" Shuna's eyes sparkled with respect, and her tone was brisk, yet filled with warmth.
The kitchen erupted in murmurs as my presence was noticed. Normally, I would engage in tasting, offering my critique on every dish prepared. But today, there was no time for indulgence. My purpose was clear, and none could deter me from it.
"I have urgent matters to address. Your presence is required elsewhere, but I shall partake in your culinary creations at a later date."
"Of course, Master Atem! We will await your judgment eagerly!" Shuna responded, bowing with elegance.
"Our skills have improved significantly," Gobichi added proudly. "Next time, you will be impressed."
I allowed a faint nod. "I trust your word. Continue your work, and maintain this level of excellence. Gobichi, the kitchen is now under your supervision. Ensure discipline and order."
"Yes, Master Atem! I will uphold the standards." Gobichi's pride and competence were evident; in Shuna's absence, he was more than capable of maintaining the kitchen at peak performance.
I cast a commanding glance over the bustling kitchen. Every action, every movement, was being executed with precision and dedication. This, too, was a reflection of leadership. True authority was measured not merely in power, but in the loyalty and efficiency of those who serve under it.
"Very well," I said, turning to depart. "See to it that the preparations continue smoothly. I will return when time allows."
Shuna and Gobichi both inclined respectfully, their eyes reflecting both admiration and commitment. I left, my presence lingering as an unspoken reminder of the order and discipline that governed Eterna under my command.
The kitchen remained in motion, vibrant and full of life, yet every individual understood that the labyrinth, its challenges, and its sovereign were never far from their thoughts.