A few days had passed since Milim's sudden visit and departure. The setting of traps was finally complete. All that remained was to await her return with the captured Elemental Dragons.
"Ah, Beretta, Treyni, your diligence is commendable," I said, my voice carrying calm authority as I surveyed the scene.
"There's no need for thanks, Atem-sama. All of this is for you and Ramiris-sama," Beretta replied with his usual humility.
"Indeed. It is an honor to serve Ramiris-sama as well," Treyni added, carefully balancing the tiny Ramiris on her shoulder, who seemed delighted by the attention. She was ready to carry out any command at a moment's notice.
I nodded, satisfied that most preparations were in order—when Beretta interjected.
"Atem-sama, there is something I've been holding onto for a while," he said, presenting a collection of unique-grade weapons and gear.
"These are…" I murmured, eyes narrowing as I examined the items.
"These were liberated from a subordinate magical construct of Clayman, known as Viola. I could not present them earlier, but they are suitable for placing within the labyrinth's treasure chests."
Ah… so it was from Viola, Clayman's masterpiece automaton. I recalled the weapons strapped across its body. Beretta had collected everything as loot and had offered them before, though I declined at the time—his request being permission to move here. He had complied, bringing the spoils with him.
"Didn't you intend these for Ramiris?" I asked, curious.
Ramiris responded with a sly smile, "Hehe! I knew I couldn't truly make use of them. They are powerful, yes, but their modifications are limited. Even so, Beretta and I decided to hold onto them in case they became useful one day."
"Is that truly wise? You could sell these for a fortune," I countered.
"It is fine, Atem-sama. I have duties to attend now. Wealth will follow in time. Right now, securing a proper residence and assisting you is what matters."
Her pragmatism was commendable. I inclined my head, acknowledging her decision. We began placing the treasure chests and conducting a full inspection of the labyrinth, starting from underground level one.
The first floor was a trial area—safe enough for rookies to navigate. Hallways were wide, designed to prevent easy disorientation. Each side spanned 250 meters, providing ample space. Simply traversing the corridors required effort, and loot was scarce but sufficient to maintain interest. Weak monsters patrolled the area, providing magic ore and practical items upon defeat.
The plan was to purchase this loot ourselves. Without a Freedom Association branch nearby—the closest being the distant Blumund Branch—our nation could buy the items cheaply, offsetting transport costs. I intended to discuss establishing a branch within Eterna with Yuuki, but until that was realized, this method sufficed.
Levels one through five remained slightly complex, but nothing dangerous. Beginning with level six, traps increased in lethality. By level nine, adventurers would face vicious hazards, though death was avoidable for skilled individuals. Excessive difficulty risked discouraging customers and reducing revenue. The first nine floors were deliberately beginner-friendly.
Level ten was crucial. This "boss floor" contained a stronger monster that guarded the gateway to the deeper labyrinth.
"Atem-sama, what kind of monster will you deploy here?" Ramiris asked, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
"That depends on what is born naturally," I replied, my tone measured. "So far, no signs have appeared."
Indeed, up to the tenth level, not a single monster had manifested. Even ten days after Veldora released his youki into the labyrinth, no creatures had spawned.
«Answer. Even while hiding his presence, monsters can sense the aura of an individual—Veldora in this case. They dare not approach.»
Ah… that explained everything.
"Veldora's magicules have encouraged monster growth," I explained. "Yet his aura deters them. They are too intimidated to come near."
"Is that why no monsters appeared in the sealed cave?" Ramiris asked, her expression thoughtful.
"Exactly. The creatures are not absent—they simply fear him. This is a natural consequence of Veldora's immense presence," I affirmed.
After I explained the setup, Veldora suddenly seemed to grasp the situation. The weaker monsters simply couldn't endure his overwhelming aura, which explained why none had approached naturally.
"All right," I said, my tone calm but carrying undeniable authority. "Next time you are available, find a suitable candidate. I intend to place at least a Rank B monster—one slightly above average—on level ten."
"Oh—understood," Ramiris replied. "But if it's not intelligent enough, we shouldn't make it one of my servants. Just bring it to the room and place this collar on it."
I accepted the collar, noting its incredible utility. It allowed a creature to revive infinitely, even without forming a pact with Ramiris. This meant that once a boss was defeated, we wouldn't need to worry about replacing it—a practical solution that would save considerable effort.
"Indeed, this is convenient," I remarked, observing the device. "It will save a lot of work."
"Exactly. And in this labyrinth, Atem-sama, reality itself can be shaped as you wish," Ramiris said with a proud smile.
Her words were not exaggeration. Ramiris could alter the properties of any item, customize abilities, and reshape the labyrinth at will. Her versatility was unmatched. I found myself once again admiring the skill I could not replicate.
With the issue of bosses resolved, level ten would consist solely of the boss room. Once the monster was defeated, adventurers would find a save point and the stairs to descend to the lower levels. The design was clean, efficient, and unforgiving only in the right ways.
I turned my attention to treasure chests. There would be no traps inside the basic chests, but I would moderate the drop rate for weapons and gear. Beyond level ten, I anticipated hidden rooms and placed treasure chests with subtle traps. After level twenty, fake chests would appear to test adventurers' caution and discernment.
It was intentionally harsh—some might even call it predatory—but it was a lesson in awareness and strategy. Those exploring the labyrinth would, in time, come to respect and thank me for the challenges. The high concentration of magicules inside the dungeon meant equipment could even evolve into magic swords or magic spears over time. With resurrection collars in play, adventurers would survive the dangers, making the peril exciting rather than fatal. I was eager to witness their reactions firsthand.
"Inspection of level ten is complete," I declared, my voice steady and commanding. "What shall we address next? Should we construct facilities for adventurers to store or sell the items they acquire?"
Ramiris tilted her head, considering. "Do we really need that? Any facility like that would reduce the demand for 'Return Whistles.'"
A valid point. She was perceptive in matters of commerce, as always. "True. If we place such facilities on floors with save points, it defeats the purpose. Perhaps intermediate levels, those ending in five, should serve as safe zones with facilities?"
"Hmm… that should work," she agreed.
I nodded, formulating a plan. These safe floors would allow adventurers to store loot, purchase high-priced healing potions, and perhaps even enjoy a small meal area. Not all facilities needed placement on every floor; we merely had to ensure access from key points, reducing construction complexity. Some adventurers might prefer to rest outside rather than inside the labyrinth itself.
"Return Whistles will remain a premium item," I added, my tone carrying calm decisiveness. "Emergency tools should always hold value."
This part of planning could be finalized after the festival concluded. For now, the labyrinth's framework, its dangers, and its rewards were in place, and the final touches would ensure that every adventurer would feel the weight of their journey through Eterna.
The discussion was lively as we examined each floor of the labyrinth, everyone taking the opportunity to voice their opinions. Arguments, suggestions, and strategies flowed freely, but under my oversight, the work moved with precision. Every trap, every monster placement, and every magicule concentration was carefully scrutinized.
Finally, we reached level 100. Standing atop the final floor, I allowed myself a moment to observe the culmination of our efforts. To describe the completed labyrinth as merely "vicious" would be an understatement.
«Based on the strength of average adventurers, even low-level monsters set within the labyrinth pose a serious challenge. Coupled with cruel traps and high-level monsters, calling it merely vicious would be an insult,» Solarys, Sovereign of Wisdom, remarked, his voice calm but carrying weight.
"Eh, what?" I muttered, raising an eyebrow. Solarys's observation had caught me slightly off guard, though I knew deep down he was correct. Later, I would witness the truth of his statement in a way that would leave a lasting impression.
I decided to select the bosses from among the monsters already spawned within the labyrinth. However, the sheer density of creatures had become overwhelming.
"W-What the hell—!" I exclaimed, momentarily frustrated. Adjusting the difficulty had proven to be far trickier than anticipated. Still, I reminded myself that such miscalculations were minor, and I quickly dismissed the thought.
Between the placement of monsters, traps, and the dragons Milim had captured, much of the workload now rested with Veldora and Ramiris. Both were brimming with energy and determination. The dragons had been assigned to their respective floors, moderating the magicule concentrations in each level. Automatically spawned monsters, influenced by the dragons' presence, were now more evenly distributed. For now, I focused only on bosses up to level 30, leaving the rest to unfold naturally.
Above ground, the colosseum's skeletal framework was progressing at a staggering pace. If construction continued at this velocity, it would be ready by the Founding Festival, following the thawing of the snow.
The underground labyrinth, however, had already become an unprecedented recreational facility. Even with the requirement of a "Resurrection Bracelet" for entry, the labyrinth's allure was undeniable. Anyone with the courage and curiosity would be drawn in, eager to face its dangers and reap its rewards. I intended for it to serve as a central attraction for the festival, both showcasing Eterna's power and drawing visitors in droves.
Ideas still swirled in my mind, innovations yet to be implemented, but for now, the core preparations were complete. Veldora, Ramiris, and I exchanged subtle nods, grins of shared accomplishment spreading across our faces. The labyrinth was finalized, and its potential would soon be tested.
Meanwhile, the festival preparations above ground were continuing at full speed. Visitors from all corners of the Jura Great Forests had begun arriving, some unfamiliar faces already exploring our budding nation. The snow was slowly melting, revealing paths and plazas that would soon host festivities, contests, and celebrations.
The stage was set. The prelude to the nation-founding festival was about to be unveiled, and all of Eterna would bear witness to the grandeur we had created.