REMANTIA'S LABYRINTH, FIFTY-FIFTH FLOOR
Once the store is closed and we've earned about 750,000 yen in total sales, we shift to our usual labyrinth run. And despite Puck having done very well to attract people and boost our sales with its cuteness and fluffiness on its debut today, we leave Puck behind at home for this post-store routine.
Right now, Yomogi, Chantal, Kimberly, Pinna, Salacia, Manas, and I explore the fifty-fifth floor. Manas and Yomogi walk side by side up front with Pinna's Observer Unit floating between them as our new frontliners. Chantal walks in between the front and mid lines. The middle remains the same as Kimberly walks next to Pinna, with the latter's Crawler Unit slithering on the ground between them. And finally, there is me in the rear with Salacia.
Again, we were still encountering old monsters from the labyrinth's "loop" mechanic. After the Charm Roses Mites on the fiftieth floor, the next monsters we defeated were the slimy Goo Frogs, Beggar Dodders, the Spring Olives with their oil drops, and Numb Prawns with their meat drops. Those are monsters from floors 19-22, and they returned to floors 51-54.
And of course, Manas is still holding her massive pavise shield in one hand. Although there's a slight change in Yomogi's appearance, as there is a strip of white cloth wrapped securely around her wrist, her palm, and the base of her thumb.
Yes, those are the hand wraps Yomogi bought this morning, and she's wearing them for the first time here to prevent bruises that Salacia is always concerned about.
Then, Yomogi suddenly stops in our tracks and sniffs the air as Manas turns to her.
"What dost thou detect, Yomogi?"
"Smells like carrots..."
And I lean forward toward Pinna's back for confirmation.
"Drill Carrots?"
"Confirmed. Seven signatures. Species: Drill Carrots. They're approaching fast."
"Thanks, Pinna. Good to know that."
Yup, they've returned from the twenty-third floor, and since their drop items are their carrots, I know exactly what to do. I silently activate [Temporary Boost] and set all our stats to infinity.
Soon after, seven Drill Carrots burst into view, and three of them stab their thick, pointed legs into the stone, and the floor erupts as dozens of sharp carrots shoot out like deadly spikes.
Then, Manas shouts as she turns to Yomogi again.
"Yomogi! Stand with me!"
"Got it!"
And the two women plow forward side by side, growling in unison.
"Hrrrghhh!"
"Grrraahh!"
Manas barrels into the spikes, her pavise shield up like a battering ram, and with a thunderous swing, she slams her shield into one of the Drill Carrots and launches it into the air with a crack. Beside her, Yomogi crashes her own body into the spikes entirely as she lands a vicious uppercut to the second, blasting the monster straight up until it hits the ceiling and bursts apart into shards.
I break into a sprint behind them, dodging left and right as more carrot spikes shoot up around me and Chantal's voice sings out above me.
"Too slow, Motegi-kun!"
I glance up, watching her flipping effortlessly through the air.
"Thank you for the compliment!"
And then...
"Haahh!"
"Double kill, coming up!"
I cut straight through the third carrot's core, falling in two clean halves. At the same time, Chantal lands perfectly in between the fourth and fifth carrots as each of her daggers slices them vertically in half.
Chantal turns to me, laughing.
"Hahaha...! Not just faster, I kill more than you too, Motegi-kun!"
"Yeah, yeah... I admit it. You win, Chantal."
Kimberly raises her hand, aiming for the sixth and seventh carrots.
"Wind… Bullet..."
A wind projectile rips forward through the air in a single line, skewering both the remaining carrots until they dissolve into nothing.
Soon after, seven big, bright-orange carrots drop from each monster as we rush to pick them up. Meanwhile, Salacia dashes over to Yomogi as she grabs Yomogi's wrapped hands.
"So, how does it feel to wear protection now, Yomogi~?"
Yomogi laughs sheepishly.
"Hehehe... actually, it feels way better than just going bare-handed. Thanks for the advice, Salacia."
"You're welcome, Yomogi~!"
And just like that, we keep hunting more and more Drill Carrots and gathering every carrot throughout the fifty-fifth floor.
REMANTIA'S LABYRINTH, FIFTY-SIXTH FLOOR
Arriving at the fifty-sixth floor, more returning monsters appear, and they're Fall Legumes this time, which are from the twenty-fourth floor. The seven trunks shake themselves violently and launch their heavy fruits toward them like stones.
And Manas's voice suddenly rings out.
"Stand thou behind me! Mine king! Yomogi! Chantal!"
We instinctively obey and form in line behind her, and then...
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
Not a single fruit gets past us, and then, she roars.
"Now!"
We push forward with her, still shielded by the wall of platinum she wields as fruit after fruit slams against it.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
But she keeps plowing ahead, clearing a straight, safe line directly toward the monsters. And once we get close enough, the three of us break off from behind her.
"Rraaahhh!"
"Gimme your tamarinds already!"
"Take this!"
Yomogi growls as she slams her wrapped fist into the first Fall Legume's jaw, her uppercut sending the creature upward to crash into the ceiling. Chantal shouts as her daggers carve through the second one in clean, lethal lines. And I slice across the third one in a swift arc, the blade cutting deep and clean.
"Wind... Boomerang..."
Kimberly lifts her hand, sending a spinning slice of compressed air that slices straight through the fourth monster and curves midflight, whipping around to cut through the fifth.
"Engage."
BOOM! BOOM!
Finally, Pinna commands her Crawler Unit to slither forward, and it launches two explosive marbles at the final pair of monsters, blasting them both.
And since these monsters' rare items are tamarinds, I also keep [Temporary Boost] active on us, so... yeah, now we can get seven ripe tamarinds dropped from each monster, and we rush to pick them up.
Then, Salacia asks everyone sweetly.
"Does everyone want potions~?"
Yomogi sighs.
"Yes, please, Salacia."
Chantal says, already reaching out.
"I'll take one, Salacia!"
Kimberly murmurs.
"Yes… I would like… a sip… Salacia..."
And Manas declares proudly.
"I shall partake also, Salacia!"
Salacia giggles happily and hands a vial to each of them, and then she turns toward Pinna.
"And you, Pinna? Want one too?"
But Pinna shakes her head.
"Negative. My condition remains optimal. All combat functions are at full output, and no restoration is required."
"Ah... alright."
Then, I raise my hand slightly.
"Actually… I want one too."
And her entire face lights up as she tosses one my way, and I grab it midair.
"Of course, darling~! Catch~!"
"Thanks, Salacia!"
Yomogi, Chantal, Kimberly, and Manas drink their potions and exhale deeply.
"Haaah… Salacia's potion is the best as always..."
"Seriously, how the hell did we even survive before she joined the party?"
"Potions… of such quality… like this... would cost... a fortune…"
"For thy potions are the most pleasant concoction this humble world doth possess!"
Salacia beams, practically vibrating with joy.
"Thank you~! Thank you, everyone~!"
Then, she turns to me again.
"And you, darling? How is it~?"
"I like it, Salacia. Always do."
"Yay~! Thank you, darling~!"
As I take another sip, the familiar sports drink taste spreads across my tongue as I slowly enjoy every single cool sweetness sensation. Even though I technically don't need potions thanks to Yamitsuki absorbing HP and MP for me, Salacia's potions are something else. They're comforting and refreshing, so that's why I still need these.
After a brief rest and a few final gulps, we regroup and press deeper into the fifty-sixth floor once again, encountering more and more Fall Legumes and gathering every tamarind in our way.
REMANTIA'S LABYRINTH, FIFTY-SEVENTH FLOOR
As we reach the fifth-seventh floor, I cast my teleportation spell and turn to the girls.
"Shall we go home now?"
"Yes!"
And just like that, we step into the portal together and end our labyrinth adventure for today.
BACK AT MOTEGI'S HOUSE
Arriving home, Puck immediately launches toward me, landing perfectly on my chest.
"Kyuu!"
"Hahaha! We're home, Puck."
"Kyuu! Kyuu! Kyuu!"
Chantal and Salacia gently ruffle Puck's fur, their fingers sinking into the fluff.
"Sorry we were gone so long, Puck. Miss us?"
"Kyuu!"
"Did you feel lonely~?"
"Kyuu!"
Yup, no complaints from Puck at all.
"Motegi-chan, I'll make dinner tonight, okay?"
"Sure. What do you feel like making?"
Yomogi taps her chin, thinking for a moment.
"Hmm… What about shioyaki and miso soup?"
"That's a great idea!"
"Okay, I'll get started right away!"
When Yomogi trots off to the kitchen, I immediately remember something and look over to Kimberly.
"Can I leave Puck with you for a bit?"
"Of course… leave it… to me… Motegi-sama."
"Thank you."
Once I hand Puck over and the girls continue to ruffle Puck again in Kimberly's arms, I head into the kitchen. Yomogi turns, surprised.
"Motegi-chan? What are you doing here?"
"I'm roasting some sweet potatoes."
"Yay! I love those!"
I open the fridge, grab a basket of plump sweet potatoes, and rinse them under cool water, then wrap each one in my handcrafted foil made from Heiligeichen's aluminum ore and Wet Sedges' papyrus using [Blacksmithing]. They go onto a tray, and I place them into the oven as I glance back at her.
"They should be ready after we take a bath."
"I can't wait, Motegi-chan!"
Honestly, this is simply because my sake is finally ready. It's been quietly fermenting for almost a month, and now it's time. And the best way to enjoy it is none other than with roasted sweet potatoes and all of us stretched out on the terrace garden loungers, stargazing together.
And soon after, Yomogi steps out from the kitchen, hands full of dishes.
"Dinner's ready, everyone!"
Everyone gathers at the table without hesitation, and we don't waste time to dig in.
Yomogi mumbles happily, already chewing with glowing cheeks.
"Mmm… it's so delicious!"
Chantal's halfway through her first bowl and holds it up with a grin, and Yomogi scoops more rice into her bowl.
"Seconds, please!"
"Here you go, Chantal."
Kimberly eats slowly as Salacia hums dreamily.
"Sometimes… simple meals… are the most... delightful…"
"I love fish~... and I love wakame~!"
Puck chirps on the table, nibbling adorably on its own shioyaki plate.
"Kyuu!"
Manas chews with delight as Pinna analyzes as usual.
"Mmph… How… doth such mundane fare… taste so wondrous?"
"The flavor profile is balanced and comforting. The shioyaki's salt contrasts with the mild sweetness of the rice. The miso soup provides warmth and hydration, while the tofu and wakame offer soft texture and nutrients. Nutritional analysis confirms: this meal is satisfactory and highly beneficial for physical performance."
I take a bite myself, enjoying everything — the fluffy rice, perfectly salt-grilled mackerel with its crispy skin, warm miso soup, and the sweet-sour tang of pickled cucumber on the side.
"Nothing beats a Japanese home dinner..."
MOMENTS LATER
After dinner and letting our stomachs settle, we drift together toward the bath. The moment we slip into the large soaking tub, the heat spreads through my muscles in the best way.
"Haaahh… this is the best…"
"Kyuu…"
Puck stretches its tiny limbs, lets out a soft chirp, and then begins gliding across the surface like a fluffy little boat.
"Kyuu… kyuu…"
And Salacia, Chantal, and Yomogi are already swooning over it.
"Awwww~ look at it~..."
"Hahaha, I told you… this thing's gonna kill me with cuteness!"
"Hehe… bath time feels even nicer with Puck."
Then, without warning, Puck suddenly stops mid-glide and stares straight at Kimberly, surprising her.
"Hm? What's... wrong, Puck...?"
But Puck chirps again delightfully and closes its eyes, making her giggle.
"Kyuu!"
"Fufufu… what was that... about...?"
Manas glances over.
"Oft hath the pilus follis… such moments. Staring… and chirping without cause. I know not… what it meaneth… and lo, I have pondered for centuries."
Pinna observes quietly, eyes narrowed with interest.
"This behavior pattern is peculiar. It may indicate some form of instinctive communication or cognitive reflex. I would like to study it further. Its unpredictability is… fascinating."
"Umm... can you just let Puck do its thing, Pinna?"
"Understood, Master. I will observe without interference."
We continue to soak a while, and when it feels like we've absorbed every bit of heat we need, I straighten up and stretch.
"Alright, let's meet up at the terrace garden."
"Yes!"
We step out from the tub, dry ourselves, and slip into our light bathing robes. The girls part ways at the hall, heading ahead to the terrace. I take a small detour and bring Puck to its crib.
"Kyuu..."
"Good night, Puck."
Puck lets out one last, sleepy chirp before curling into a fluffy ball. Then, I head to the kitchen and check the oven. When I open it, the sweet potatoes are perfectly roasted and their foil slightly puffed from steam. I take them out carefully and set them on a tray.
From a nearby shelf, I grab two ceramic pieces I crafted just for this moment, which are three simple tokkuri bottles and a few small ochoko cups, all made from Terracotta's clay using my [Pottery] skill. After that, I carry everything to the terrace garden.
The moment I step outside, the sight of a sky full of stars and the girls that are already lounging on the sunloungers welcomes me. I set the tray down on the table as I tell the girls.
"Give me a moment, okay?"
I walk to the sake tub and lift the lid, and in an instant, a soft, sweet aroma rises... clean, mellow, and unmistakably finished. I fill each tokkuri with a small amount and return to the others.
Yomogi sits up curiously.
"Motegi-chan, is that the sake you were talking about?"
"Yup, it's ready. Let's dig in now, shall we?"
And all of them answer eagerly.
"Yes!"
They each grab a foil-wrapped sweet potato and peel it open. Steam curls upward into the cool night air as they take their first bites.
Yomogi and Salacia murmur blissfully.
"Mmm… it's so sweet and soft!"
"You're right, it's melting in my mouth~…"
Chantal waves her hand in front of her mouth.
"H-hot... but good... soooo good!"
Pinna chews thoughtfully before speaking.
"Interior texture is fluffy and moist. Surface contains caramelized sugars from extended heating. Nutritional value includes complex carbohydrates, fiber, and potassium. Conclusion: highly satisfactory."
Kimberly's eyes soften as Manas's widen.
"It's like… potatoes… with honey. Warm... and gentle…"
"Verily, I hath never tasted such a wonder! This humble tuber… 'tis delightful indeed!"
I chuckle softly and begin pouring the sake into the ochoko cups. One by one, the girls accept them with both hands and curiously take their first sips together... and a wave of warm reactions follows instantly.
"What is this?! It's incredible, Motegi-chan!"
"Ahhh… I absolutely love this, Motegi-kun!"
"Truly… it's... better... than any alcohol… from Heiligeichen, Motegi-sama..."
"Mine king… this be the finest drink ever crafted by mortal hands!"
"Strong… but that's the best part, darling~"
"Flavor: clean and mild, with soft sweetness and a subtle rice finish. Low acidity. Composition differs significantly from existing alcohols… yet remains fully satisfactory, Master."
Hearing all that, I finally unwrap my own sweet potato, take a warm bite, then follow it with a sip of the fresh sake as I let a deep sigh.
"Haahhh… this is the best."
With that, another delight makes its debut in this world, and it's sake this time. And under the glowing moon and with sweet potatoes in hand, nothing can beat this peaceful hum of night to end another perfect day.