If we had to make a comparison, it could probably be understood like this:
The maximum effective upper limit of Eternal Shield is equivalent to the extent of the owner's full-power attack.
In other words, maximum defense is equal to maximum offense.
And as long as the defense value isn't exceeded, it's impossible to harm the person protected by Eternal Shield.
"This skill virtually eliminates any sneak attack-type moves."
Things like a dagger to the heart from behind, toxins that activate when the skin is cut, or fatal strikes aimed at vulnerable spots like the eyes or throat.
All of these lose their inherent danger and become ordinary damage.
And as strength increases.
At Rin's level, even an attack that could destroy the universe wouldn't be able to harm his body.
"As expected of the woman I favor."
"You've given me a truly remarkable ability."
Rin helped Darkness up from the ground and praised, "In any case, I'll be relying on you from now on, Lalatina."
Being called by her real name by Rin, Darkness blushed and quickly pounded his chest with her small fists. "Don't call me that!"
"Hahaha…"
Rin and Darkness bantered for a while before he finally promised to only call her that in private.
"Let's go. I'll take you somewhere interesting."
Now that he had taken Darkness in, Rin no longer needed to hide anything from her.
So he directly brought her to the labyrinth he had set up in the northwest corner of Axel.
"This is…"
Darkness asked, "A labyrinth?"
"Yeah, I built it myself."
"Eh?"
"Don't worry."
Rin comforted Darkness and smiled. "I won't harm the Adventurers here."
Same old principle.
He had no grudges with them. Rin wouldn't randomly harm others.
Besides, everyone in the Adventurers Guild got along well with him. They were like drinking buddies.
If he plotted their deaths, even he wouldn't be able to go that far.
"Although it's called a labyrinth, it's more like a game."
Rin said, "The basic setup is that dying in the labyrinth doesn't mean true death. Instead, you'll be resurrected outside the labyrinth."
"Hmm?"
Darkness looked confused.
After all, resurrection magic in Konosuba World was top-tier and extremely rare.
"In other words…"
Rin continued, "As long as they keep exploring the labyrinth and fighting monsters, Adventurers will eventually get stronger."
This was Rin giving a benefit to the Adventurers of Konosuba World.
"Oh, and one more thing."
Rin added, "The level of the labyrinth scales with the Adventurer's level."
"By defeating the monsters inside, they can also level up."
Of course, to prevent Adventurers from getting too addicted, Rin set a daily entry limit.
"Each Adventurer can challenge the labyrinth up to three times a day."
"If they exceed that, they'll have to wait until the next day."
After saying that, Rin looked at Darkness. "So, what do you think? Want to try it out?"
"Eh? Me?"
"I'll pass."
If it had been the original Darkness, she definitely would've charged in, ready to fight monsters for three hundred rounds.
Well, even if she'd be the one getting beaten up, she'd at least actively participate.
But now, Darkness was just too strong.
990,000 magicules, three Unique Skills, plus Eternal Shield.
There wasn't a single monster in the labyrinth that could stop her.
"Alright."
Rin had already expected her reaction.
After that, Rin and Darkness returned to Axel, getting ready to continue his Adventurer life.
Tonight, Rimuru would help him test the labyrinth.
Which meant, at the latest, by tomorrow—
The labyrinth would officially appear near Axel!
"Ah!! Kazuma~"
"Why? Why did you make me take on a quest yesterday!!"
Just as he entered, Rin saw Aqua grabbing Kazuma by the neck.
"What's going on?"
Rin asked Luna, who happened to be walking over.
"Uh…"
Luna replied awkwardly, "They didn't attend your banquet yesterday, and Miss Aqua is furious because she missed the chance to drink high-class sparkling wine for free."
Rin was a bit speechless. Should he say this really was Aqua?
Speaking of which, since transmigrating, Rin hadn't actually met Aqua face to face yet. He wondered if she still remembered him.
'I suppose she should remember, right?'
'Hmm… not necessarily.'
Rin thought, 'Didn't Aqua forget that guy Mitsurugi?'
Maybe, like with Mitsurugi, Aqua had long since forgotten him.
"Rin!!"
But what he expected didn't happen.
Aqua, who was strangling Kazuma just moments ago, turned her head and spotted that familiar figure.
"It really is you!!"
Casually tossing Kazuma aside like trash, Aqua quickly stepped forward. "I thought it was just the same name, but the rich Rin really is you!"
Rich Rin?
Rin's mouth twitched slightly. What kind of weird title was that?
He glanced at the surrounding Adventurers.
Each one either lowered their head or turned away, pretending not to see anything. Their attitude was clearly: "This has nothing to do with me."
'These guys…'
Rin shook his head internally.
Fortunately, he was already used to how these Adventurers behaved.
'Bastards!'
Rin gave them the middle finger.
Only then did everyone dare to raise their heads, putting on simple and honest smiles, completely unbothered by Rin's scorn.
"Cough, cough, cough…"
Escaping from Aqua's grip, Kazuma gasped for air. "I… I almost died."
Only now did he get a proper look at Rin and Darkness standing beside him.
"Long time no see, Miss Aqua."
Rin hadn't forgotten the Duplicator skill Aqua had given him.
Even though it was Aqua, Rin still gave her the respect she deserved.
"Waaaah~"
Aqua was so emotional that tears welled up. "This is great! I finally don't have to stick with that useless Kazuma anymore."
"Hey!"
"That's way too mean!"
"What do you mean by useless Kazuma?"
"I was the one who suffered and worked hard alongside you!"
Seeing that Rin was someone Aqua knew, Kazuma quickly got up from the ground.
"Kyoudai, I'm Sato Kazuma. Are you also like me…"
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)