A sudden flash seared across Piers's vision.
The world stopped for a heartbeat.
Then, letters of molten gold carved themselves into his sight:
You have been teleported to: The Abyss of Kokonei
MAZE 2: OCEAN OF EMBROSIA MAGNA
Abyssal Record: A vast, bright sea of milk stretches to the horizon. In places, the liquid shifts into darker or richer shades, showing variations within the Ambrosia Magna. Large crystal-like plants jut from the surface like scattered islands, and other mana-rich formations give off a faint glow.Its depths hold a range of aquatic creatures—impressive but dangerous. Even the air is charged with ambient magic, giving each breath a subtle, unfamiliar feel.
(you don't have to read this)
Current Objective: Survive and Navigate this alien environment, and successfully Eliminate the 3 Tyrannical Deep Nectar Lords that preside over its territories.
Deep Nectar Lords Slain: 0/3
Duration: 3 Days (Time within the Abyss is known to be distorted. Utilize this period wisely.)
Restrictions:
[STATUS: HIDDEN - Adapt and Discover]
Failure Condition: Failure to complete the maze within the stipulated duration will result in… eternal CONFINEMENT within the abyss (Immediate and Irreversible).
Piers stood frozen, lost in deep thought.
"So we actually got teleported,"
he muttered, brow knotting.
"Tch. We didn't even touch the damn gate… So why Maze Two? None of this makes sense."
His jaw tightened.
Something must've triggered this—what am I missing?
Behind him, Styx had already scrambled onto the deck railing, arms spread like a bird about to leap.
"Wahhh, it's so pretty!" she giggled, leaning dangerously toward the milky waves.
Luci's calm eyes swept the horizon, one hand firmly clamped around Styx's wrist to keep her from falling.
Liel fretted beside them.
"Be careful, you two…"
Mutou's hollow gaze fixed on Piers. "Young Master—"
But Piers was too deep in his thoughts to notice.
"Lord Piers?" Rook tried again, voice timid.
Piers barely registered it.
We all got teleported—that much is obvious.
But why Rook and Styx too? Hmph… I get it. I was holding Styx. And Rook was close. They must've been dragged in.
A flicker of guilt passed across his face.
Ugh… now I actually feel bad for her. Just a little, though.
"YOUNG MASTER. Lord Piers!" The two voices rang louder this time.
Piers jolted.
"Oh—right. …Zoned out for a moment,"
He admitted.
Mutou and Rook exchanged a glance, identical sweatdrops sliding down their temples.
"Wait…" Piers's eyes narrowed.
"Where are Thog and Gyuunyuu?"
Lien's voice echoed from the crow's nest.
"Over here! Poop deck!"
Piers followed his gaze—and froze.
Thog was hunched like a toppled mountain, one hand gripping the railing for dear life.
Perched on his shoulder, Gyuunyuu swayed queasily, both of them a sickly shade of green.
Mutou winced. "It seems my daughter and Thog are… indisposed. Their rainbow affliction has worsened."
Piers grimaced.
Let's definitely not get into details of that.
"...Right. Moving on."
He cleared his throat.
Rook stepped in quickly. "Lord Piers, if you allow me, I can scout the environment.
My kind is attuned to—"
"Hold on, Rook."
Piers lifted his small hand, cutting him off.
"First…. we check what details we have now."
He slipped a hand into his shorts pocket and pulled out the Map of the Abyss.
As he unfolded it, faint light bled across the parchment, illuminating new patterns.
As he unfolded it, faint light bled across the parchment.
Luci stepped closer, Styx perched on her shoulder.
Liel leaned in from the other side as glowing lines began sketching themselves across the map.
[ MAP DATA: ABYSS OF KOKONEI ]
You have entered: Maze 2: Ocean of Ambrosia Magna
Current Time Flow Ratio (Estimated) : 24 hours (Abyss) : ~2 hours (Outside)
Abyssal Clause : 70% of each Deep Nectar Lord is non-negotiable and mandated for consumption.
Failure to follow the mandate condition will result in: Eternal CONFINEMENT within the Abyss.
It took several seconds—head bowed, fists tightening—before Piers finally lifted his chin.
The bizarre words looped in his skull.
70% consumption.
"If not—we rot here forever."
A vein pulsed on his forehead.
He drew a sharp breath, fists clenching.
Damn it.
Whoever's set up this… will pay.
a moment
"Fine!" he declared, slapping his cheeks with a resounding THWACK that left bright red marks on both sides.
His eyes were still half-lidded, but voice rang with newfound resolve.
The crew—who'd been holding their breath, waiting for him to speak—flinched at the sudden outburst.
"Listen up, all of you." This is the second maze.
We've got three days to clear it, If we fail…"
He dragged a tiny finger across his neck in a swift cut.
The gesture landed like a hammer.
Liel's face went pale.
Her pupils rolled up and—with a dainty gasp—she collapsed onto the deck like a fainting noblewoman.
"…Liel," Luci sighed, crouching beside her with a faint crease of annoyance.
She pinched Liel's cheek—hard. "Seriously. Not nap time. The adventure just
started."
"Understood, Young Master!" Mutou straightened, hand gripping his black sword's hilt with rigid discipline.
"Give the order. How shall we proceed?"
Luci kept poking Liel's cheek, though her attention remained on Piers.
"Three days. We can handle this, Piers-sama."
Then—like a bell explosion—
Styx raised her sword overhead, wearing a feral, triumphant grin.
"Don't worry, Piers! Big sister will protect you!"
She swung the blade with reckless enthusiasm, barely missing Rook's feathers by an inch.
Rook stiffened—but managed a steady nod..
"I will also aid you, Lord Piers. However I can."
Yes… this is it,
rook inward thought lingered:
The right moment to earn his trust.
Piers watched them rally, betraying no hint of the pride coiled inside him—while Liel lay limp on the floor like a theatrical casualty.
Good. They're ready.
More than ready.
…Even if he wasn't about to share the whole truth.
Better not mention the "consumption" rule. Not until it's unavoidable.
And then—
GRRRRRRRRRMBBL.
Styx's stomach roared like a hungry beast.
She dropped her sword, grabbing her belly with theatrical despair.
"Aghhh… I'm starving!"
Everyone chuckled as Liel finally came to, blinking groggily and exchanging a confused glance with Luci.
Piers sighed.
"Fair enough. Let's… do adventure stuff, I guess."
From the crow's nest, Lien's eyes shone as he spotted his master in that mood, he scrambled down the mast in a clumsy rush.
Piers raised one hand.
Without any fanfare, three fishing rods blinked into existence—dangling lazily like discount store gear.
"Rook, Styx, Lien," He said, handing them over as if distributing laundry clips.
"Catch us some dinner." and don't drown."
"Yesss, Boss!" Styx and Lien chorused, eyes blazing.
Styx immediately shoved her rod into Lien's chest. "Gimme yours! I want the big one!"
Lien grinned and handed it over without hesitation.
"Sure. I can handle this one."
Rook clutched his rod reverently.
"As you wish, Lord Piers."
Piers turned toward his knight.
"Mutou. Helm's yours.
I'll watch the sea and give you directions."
"As you will, Young Master."
The flame atop Mutou's flickered once as he took position at the ship's wheel.
Behind him, a hesitant voice broke the rhythm.
"Um… Piers-sama? Can I request you for something?"
He turned.
Liel stood fidgeting with her hands.
He glanced at her.
"huh What is it?"
Her eyes darted down, flustered.
"The air here… it's so sweet. My hair—my skin—everything feels sticky. It's hard to move. I was hoping I could… maybe take a bath?"
Luci, also having noticed the problem, interjected.
"Yes, the air here is very sweet.
It's making my hair and body all sticky too,"
she confirmed, running a hand through her own hair with a slight frown.
"It's a little uncomfortable.
But if there's no bath, we can't really help Liel.
Piers, hearing their shared plight, fell into thought.
Alright, let me try something.
He expanded his mana sense, mind sweeping through the ship's entire structure—its ribs, its belly, its hidden chambers.
And then—
He found it.
A clear route:
A gate leading to a spacious room in the ship's lower hold.
"Okay, girls,"
He said, a note of satisfaction in his voice.
"I found something. Let's check it out."
Liel and Luci both nodded eagerly, their previous discomfort forgotten.
They ventured deeper into the ship's hold, the air thick with the smell of old wood and dust.
Towering stacks of crates loomed on either side as they wound their way down the narrow corridor…
Up ahead, two doors came into view.
"Yes, that's it," Piers murmured, eyes narrowing with quiet satisfaction.
The area was surprisingly well-lit: one door marked as a restroom, the other a larger bathroom with showers, benches, and even a changing area.
"Girls, go ahead."
He gestured toward the entrance.
"You can bathe here."
They moved ahead.
Liel's breath caught as she spotted a small window.
"Wow… The milk looks so close from here."
Luci was already examining the setup.
"But where will the water come from?"
Piers pointed lazily.
"Scroll that symbol. The null there."
Luci brushed her fingers over the shimmering glyph.
A soft hum filled the room—then crystal-clear water flowed from the showerheads.
Both girls stared in awe.
"It's hot water!" Liel exclaimed, her face brightening.
"This will work perfectly! Thank you, Piers-sama!"
Luci simply nodded in approval.
Take as long as you like,"
Piers said evenly.
He turned to leave—
"Stay with us, Piers-sama.
Luci's voice halted him. shameless as ever.
"Your skin is sticky too. Take a shower with us."
Behind her, Liel shakes her head with surprising determination, silently backing her up.
Piers froze mid-step.
His expression collapsed into pure deadpan.
"…Nope."
He pivoted and bolted.
The door slammed behind him—echoing through the hold like the ship itself gasped.