The planning chamber felt even warmer as the group settled once more around the large round table. Crystal lights glowed softly overhead, casting gentle shadows across the maps and sketches. Milim sat cross-legged on her chair, swinging her legs with eager energy. Ramiris hovered nearby, her tiny form glowing with excitement. Shuna kept her notebook open, pen ready. Rimuru sat with quiet focus, while Benimaru and Diablo stood at the edges, listening carefully. Gobta leaned forward, still tasting the memory of the meal.
Veldora placed both hands on the table and spoke in a steady, respectful voice. "Takumi wishes to share more of his memories from the Malaysian night markets. These details will help us shape the new floor with true feeling. He asks that we listen closely, for each memory carries the warmth of his old home."
Milim clapped her hands once. "Yes! Tell us everything! I want to see it in my mind just like you remember."
Shuna nodded gently. "Please, Takumi. Every small thing will make the stalls feel alive."
Takumi's calm presence flowed through the bond. Veldora relayed the words with clear, measured care so everyone could follow.
"In Ipoh, my hometown, the night markets appeared like magic when the sun set. Small stalls lined the streets under rows of colorful lanterns—red, yellow, and white lights that swayed in the evening breeze. The air carried the rich smell of grilling Satay. Vendors fanned charcoal fires, and the smoke rose in thin curls that mixed with the sweet scent of coconut milk from fresh Nasi Lemak. I would walk slowly between the stalls, the ground still warm from the day's sun under my shoes. People spoke in soft voices, laughing together while sharing plates. Children ran past with skewers in their hands, their faces bright with joy."
Ramiris floated closer, eyes wide. "Lanterns that sway… I can make ours do the same! And the smoke from the grills—should we add a gentle magical scent so visitors feel it too?"
Takumi continued, his voice steady through Veldora. "Further along the street, the Roti Canai stalls drew the biggest crowds. The cooks stretched the dough with quick, practiced hands until it became paper-thin. They tossed it onto hot pans, and the flatbread puffed up golden and flaky. The sound of the dough slapping the pan mixed with the chatter of friends ordering extra portions. I often sat on a low plastic stool, tearing the bread with my fingers and dipping it into rich curry. The taste was warm and comforting after a long day of work. It made me feel part of something larger than myself."
Gobta rubbed his stomach with a happy sigh. "That sounds perfect. I can already imagine the sound. We should have a stall where people watch the cook make it right in front of them."
Shuna wrote quickly in her notebook, her smile soft and thoughtful. "The way you describe the hands moving… I will teach our cooks to move with the same care. It will feel real for everyone."
Takumi's memories grew more vivid. "In Kuala Lumpur the markets felt bigger and brighter. The Bukit Bintang night market stretched for blocks. Neon signs mixed with traditional lanterns, and the crowd moved like a gentle river. The smell of Char Kway Teow filled the air—noodles stir-fried over high heat with shrimp and eggs, the wok giving off that special smoky flavor. Vendors shouted friendly calls: 'Fresh and hot!' or 'Come try our special sauce!' Families gathered at folding tables, sharing plates of Beef Rendang. The beef was slow-cooked until it fell apart, coated in thick coconut gravy that carried notes of lemongrass and spices. I remember sitting with friends after work, the city lights reflecting in puddles from an earlier rain. We talked about anime episodes we had just watched, laughing over favorite scenes while the warm food kept us company."
Milim's eyes sparkled. "Neon lights and lanterns together? That is so pretty! I will add glowing signs that change color when people walk by. And the smoky noodles—I want to smell that every time I visit the floor!"
Rimuru listened with deep attention, his deep golden eyes reflecting quiet understanding. "These details show how the markets were more than places to eat. They were where people connected. We can design resting corners where guests sit together, just as you did with your friends."
Takumi shared another layer. "The best moments came late at night. The crowd thinned, but the energy stayed warm. I would walk past a small cafe playing anime on a large screen. Inside, otaku like me gathered to watch new episodes. The sound of the opening song mixed with the clink of plates and the distant call of a Satay vendor closing his stall. I felt peaceful there—tired from the day yet happy to share stories with strangers who loved the same shows. Malaysia taught me that even in a busy city, simple things like good food and good company could make a place feel like home."
Veldora paused, letting the words settle. Then he added Takumi's final thought. "Those memories carry a gentle longing now, but also great joy. Sharing them here makes the past feel alive again. The night market floor can give that same feeling to everyone who visits—comfort, laughter, and the sense of belonging."
A soft glow appeared above the table as Takumi focused his power. Using the evolved skill, he shaped a clearer, more detailed illusion. The group saw a living scene: lanterns swaying on strings, the golden light reflecting on wet pavement. Vendors fanned grills, sending fragrant smoke into the air. People walked slowly, chatting and sharing food. The faint sound of laughter and distant music drifted through the chamber. The scent of coconut rice and peanut sauce seemed to fill the room for a moment.
Milim reached out as if to touch one of the lanterns. "It feels so real! The lights are warm, and I can almost taste the Satay. We must make every corner like this."
Shuna's voice was soft with emotion. "The way families share plates… I will add long tables where guests can eat together. It will encourage new friendships."
Benimaru studied the illusion carefully. "The flow of the crowd is natural. We can copy the wide paths and hidden resting spots. It will keep the floor safe even when busy."
Diablo observed with quiet approval. "Such warmth can soften even the hardest hearts. Visitors from distant lands will carry these memories back with them. It may ease the tensions with the Western Council more than any formal talk."
Rimuru placed a hand on the table, his expression one of quiet pride. "Takumi, your memories are a gift. They show us how to build more than stalls and lights. We are building a place where hearts open. Let us use every detail you have shared."
The illusion faded slowly, leaving the group inspired. Ideas flowed faster now. Ramiris sketched floating lanterns that would match the ones in the memory. Milim planned a small stage for storytellers to share Malaysian tales. Shuna noted exact ways to arrange the food so the smells guided visitors naturally. Gobta suggested a tasting corner where children could try small portions safely.
Veldora spoke once more for Takumi. "He thanks you all. Seeing his memories come to life in this way fills him with quiet happiness. The night market floor will not only honor his past but also create new memories for everyone in Tempest."
The meeting continued late into the evening. Plans grew clearer with every shared thought. By the end, the group had a detailed vision: lanterns that glowed with the exact golden warmth Takumi remembered, stalls that carried the real scents and sounds, and quiet corners where friends could sit and talk just as he once did.
As they rose to leave, Milim stretched her arms wide. "This is going to be the most wonderful floor ever! I cannot wait to see the first lights turn on."
Shuna bowed her head with gentle gratitude. "And I will make sure every dish tastes exactly as Takumi remembers."
Rimuru looked at each of them with warm satisfaction. "Together we have turned memories into something living. The labyrinth grows richer because of it."
In the quiet hallway afterward, Takumi's presence felt especially close to Veldora. "Bro, thank you for helping me share this. It means more than I can say."
Veldora smiled to himself. "We are partners, my friend. Your memories are now part of our shared story."
Outside the chamber, the labyrinth continued its gentle hum, now carrying the promise of warm lanterns and fragrant nights yet to come. The Malaysian market memories had found a new home in Tempest, ready to welcome all who stepped inside.