"Cursed Sword," I began, examining the blade laid before me. "A bastard sword designed to absorb life force from the surroundings and convert it into raw attack power. Yet it consumes the user as well. A flawed design."
"And the Cursed Mail?" I continued, lifting the armor. "It maintains a barrier to bolster defense against magic, but the cost is the wearer's life force. Another failure."
Adalmann's eyes glimmered. "Both were meant to achieve ultimate strength, correct?"
"Indeed," I said with measured authority. "Kurobee and Garm pursued raw power, intending a series of such weapons. But the flaw was clear: no living being could withstand them. Only the dead… can wield them without consequence."
I tested my theory. "Adalmann, do you feel weakened while wearing them?"
"We are already dead," he replied solemnly. "So there is no sensation of pain or strain."
Good. The experiment was confirmed. I handed him the cursed sword. The moment he unsheathed it, Shuna and Shion's expressions tightened—its Life Force Absorption had activated. And yet, Adalmann remained unfazed.
"Excellent," I noted. "The sword's function is intact. The unsheathing alone is enough to channel the power."
Next, I presented the surcoat reinforced with Sticky Steel Thread. "This will protect against slashes, heat, and cold. Normally, it would fetch an exorbitant price in Eterna's market."
"I will take it," Adalmann said with pride. "Albert will be overjoyed as well."
I nodded. With Albert as vanguard, Adalmann could maneuver with greater freedom. Then I retrieved a jet-black clerical robe, luxurious and reinforced with a rare regeneration enchantment.
"This is a rare piece," I explained. "Its quality surpasses common magic gear. Royalty would struggle to afford it. It will automatically repair any tears, making it ideal for a floor guardian."
Adalmann fell to one knee, reverent. "Master Atem… I am honored."
"You will wear this and lead the undead army. Your floor will serve as your throne, a stage befitting a Wight King." I gestured toward Ramiris, who had already prepared the room.
"Leave it to me," Adalmann said confidently.
"Very well. Recruit powerful subordinates, and remember: no more companions than challengers."
"Understood! By the will of Master Atem, I, Adalmann, shall defend this land with every bone in my body!"
I suppressed a sigh. Overreaction, as usual, but manageable. "Tonight, we finalize the throne room. Coordinate with Shuna and Ramiris for any additional preparations."
"YES, MY LORD—!" Adalmann bellowed. Shion, looking satisfied, ended the conversation, leaving Shuna at a rare loss for words.
The next day, we reconvened.
"Behold! Adalmann's floor is remade perfectly!" Ramiris announced proudly.
"Excellent," I said, surveying the throne room. "Now he can truly hold his ground."
"Are you certain this is enough?" she asked.
"At the very least, he'll perform far better than before. Against Rank A opponents, he may still struggle, but he can force enemies to reveal their strengths. From there, Solarys' insight will provide the strategies needed. Loss is not catastrophic; adaptation is key."
Our planning was immediate, but chaos arrived unbidden.
"What in the world is happening here?! Did someone defeat my dragons?!"
Milim burst into the room, furious, dragging Gobta along by one hand. Despite the rough handling, he was alive.
"I… I survived…" Gobta mumbled, exhausted beyond reason.
Milim's eyes softened with pride. "You were remarkable! I didn't expect you to endure hell mode and live."
Veldora and Milim immediately began arguing, ignoring Gobta sprawled on the floor. I did not intervene. Fate would determine Gobta's path. For now, the priority was recovery.
"Rest well, Gobta," I ordered. Immediately, he made his way to the lounge, seeking sleep.
Ranga also returned, weary and scarred.
"Master… I have returned," he said, staggering forward. His body bore the marks of rigorous training, much like Gobta.
I reached out, petting his head in acknowledgment. "You both fought well. Recover, for greater trials await. Eterna's labyrinth does not yield to the unprepared."
The Wight King's arsenal was ready, the floor prepared, and my strategy unfolding. Every piece was under my command, every warrior prepared to enact the will of Atem.
The labyrinth awaited. And I, Atem, Sovereign of Eterna, would ensure no weakness persisted.
"You fought well. Now rest within my shadow."
Before I could finish, Ranga leapt forward, diving into the protective aura of my shadow. Efficient as ever. I allowed it, my eyes scanning the surroundings with measured authority.
Later, once Gobta had recovered, I asked him to recount their training.
"It was… mostly combat drills," he said, a faint grin tugging at his lips. "Milim arranged for monsters equal or stronger than us to spar with. Fight, repeat, fight again… until we could barely stand."
"And after I mastered syncing with Ranga, we were put against Karion and Midley from dusk till dawn," Gobta continued. "She told me—'No matter how much you push, your magicule can't increase. But your strength lies in uniting with Ranga. Master that, and you will wield the power wisely in battle. Leave the magicule increase to him; your job is to fight and grow.'"
His tone carried pride now. "Then I moved on to special training to hone my battle sense."
I nodded, analyzing him. Good. He had also acquired the Extra Skill Sage, enhancing his thought processing speed. This one was destined to excel. With Milim's intervention, the path forward had become far smoother.
Meanwhile, I had spent the night preparing. After sending Adalmann off with his new floor and gear, I had finalized the next project on schedule.
When I brought out the items, Veldora, Ramiris, and Milim's eyes widened, their gazes fixed intently on the objects in my hands.
"Observe," I said, voice commanding and clear. "These are special creations. I have been refining them for some time, and they will revolutionize our operations in the labyrinth. They will address every current obstacle—and offer new ways to test our abilities."
I handed each of them an item. Milim, who I had not initially expected to arrive today, received hers seamlessly. Perfect timing.
"These… what exactly are they?" she asked, curiosity piqued.
"I've never seen anything like this. Can it be eaten?" Ramiris added, tilting her head, the faintest hint of a challenge in her voice.
Veldora's answer was the most measured. "It seems akin to a soul container," he said, evaluating it with careful thought.
I could not suppress the faint smirk forming at Ramiris's question. Does she assume everything I prepare is edible? Irrelevant. Focus, not amusement, matters here.
"Yes," I explained, lifting one item deliberately. "It functions as a soul container. When consciousness is transferred into a homuncular vessel, specialized magic techniques must establish the connection between the vessel and the soul. I refined this process using 'Analyze and Assess,' modifying it to a near-perfect state. It is the same method I used to create the container for Treyni-san's Chaos Core."
Milim and Veldora examined the containers with keen interest, nodding as they grasped the mechanics. Ramiris continued to scrutinize hers, still uncertain.
"These will allow us to temporarily replace our bodies, granting unprecedented flexibility in the field," I continued. "Control, precision, and power—all will be enhanced if the vessel is utilized correctly. Improper use will waste its potential."
Milim's eyes sparkled. "So… we can fight while in a homunculus, keeping our original bodies safe?"
"Exactly," I said, voice even but commanding. "And if synchronized perfectly, the vessel can amplify your abilities. Ranga and Gobta's training demonstrates the potential of a connected pair. This is the principle: unify, anticipate, and dominate."
Veldora's jaw clenched. "That… is going to change everything."
I gave them a decisive nod. "Indeed. But mastery requires discipline. We will begin trials immediately. Failures are not an option. Only those who wield their new power with precision will succeed in Eterna's labyrinth."
The three shared a glance, the weight of my words sinking in. There was excitement, yes—but also a recognition of the authority behind the proclamation.
With the items distributed, I assessed the next steps. The labyrinth would be the proving ground. Gobta and Ranga were recovering from their previous ordeal, now ready to take the next stage. Adalmann's floor was secured, his army prepared. And I—Atem, Sovereign of Eterna—would oversee it all, ensuring the labyrinth would bend to the order I imposed.
The groundwork was laid. All that remained was execution.