"…Let's make bread. Handmade is good civilization."
Busy, busy.
"Done. Handmade is indeed good civilization."
'War God Bread'
"…!? This is…"
"…I see. The power of the War God, huh…"
Thunderbolt (Asterios)
After the earthquake subsided, the group returned to the ship to check on the crew's safety.
In short, the ship was fine. All crew members were accounted for.
So, what's the problem?
"No good! The ship's fine, but it won't budge! Like it's been chained down!" Drake raised her hand, back from inspection.
"Can't reach Olga or Roman either… What's going on?"
"…Hero King, could this be related to the earthquake?"
"Hm. Normally, analysis and updates would be their job, but in an emergency, we'll have to step in."
Until communication is restored, they'd take over analysis and orders. No sitting idly in a crisis.
"This is the work of a barrier. It isolates and traps to protect, confuse, and kill. A labyrinth, or its concept. Covering an entire island? Not to be underestimated."
They sensed magical energy. That confirmed it. The source was clear too.
"So, we've gotta crush the barrier's source to sail again, huh?"
"Indeed. Scared?"
"No way! Sounds like a blast! Trouble and treasure go hand in hand! I'm ready—how about you all?"
"No objections!"
"Yes. Identifying the cause is necessary. No objections."
"Alright! That settles it, Governor?"
"Of course. I'll guide."
"Fine by me. I'll lead the way. It's deep and complex, yet crude and childish. Pinpointing the source was easy."
"Deal! Alright, crew, don't laze around! The real show's at sea!"
"Got it! Take care, bosses!"
"A labyrinth after an island? Now it's a proper adventure!"
Heart pounding, the group followed their guide across wilderness, hills, and forts toward a rocky mountain with a strong presence.
"Is this the entrance? Looks carved into the rock…"
A dark entrance loomed ahead.
"This is it. The labyrinth's ruler lies within."
"Don't underestimate my judgment. This is the barrier's core. Hmph, bold of them not to block entry."
The stench of blood grew stronger. A dungeon like this meant trouble.
"Let's go! Hope there's treasure… Whoa!?"
A glowing right hand revealed a refined girl, Kiyohime.
"Master, leave labyrinth conquest to Kiyohime."
"Kiyo!?"
"Another helper? Quite the fancy outfit. A princess?"
"Yes, call me Kiyo."
"I see. Your ability to see through deception—you'll navigate the labyrinth?"
"Yes. Labyrinths deceive. I'll expose every trap and trick."
"Good. Lead us to the true path!"
"Yes… Master, take my hand. Don't stray."
"Got it! Mash, join?"
"Y-Yes, Senpai."
"Wanna hold hands, Governor?"
"Fool, don't let go of your trigger."
"Haha, true. Let's move!"
It was a bit embarrassing, but that's a secret.
Kiyohime's guidance was precise.
"Path splits!"
"Left is false, right continues."
"Another fork!"
"Left is correct."
"A dead end?"
"Trick wall! Lie! Hiss!"
"Impressive. I misjudged you, snake. Everything has its use, haha!"
"Hehe, happy to help! Lie!"
"What?"
"Mimic!!"
"Gil! Don't open chests so casually!"
"Haha, got me there, Governor!"
"Ugh! How dare they! Worse than summer pests! This labyrinth means business!"
The king hates mimics?
With Kiyohime's guidance, they navigated the labyrinth with few mishaps.
"What's with them? Not getting lost at all! Asterios, are you slacking!?"
"Ugh…"
"…I can't be that clever. Trouble—they're coming straight here… Where are you going!?"
"Defeat. Wait."
"I'd rather not! Asterios, don't go! Don't lose, please!"
"We've come far, but the scenery's dull. Should've spruced it up."
"Chaldea's labyrinth is way cooler!"
"A stargazing place with a labyrinth? What's it like?"
"Paradise! My curated resort embodies all pleasures! The ultimate haven, Human Order Infinite Drive Resort—Chaldea!"
All true. Renovations just happened that way.
"Wow, that good? I gotta—"
"Everyone, the source is here. Prepare."
As Kiyohime signaled, it appeared.
"ROOOOAR!!!"
A giant nearly touched the ceiling, wielding twin axe-swords and a bull-adorned face.
"So, it's you, labyrinth's guardian. 'Thunderbolt.'"
"…!?"
"Huge! The boss?"
"Senpai, battle stations…"
"Wait!"
He didn't move. Why? Not here to fight intruders?
"…You."
"Hm?"
Pointing at them. Me?
"You called me… Asterios?"
"That's your name. A natural beast, a hero-monster scorned, Asterios."
"…You… perhaps…"
The tension eased. Was his name significant?
"Asterios! Asterios!"
A lovely, delicate voice echoed.
"That… the treasure?"
"Asterios, don't leave me! I hate being alone! You're a failure as my bodyguard!"
"Huh!?"
"Steno!?"
"You know me, Steno?"
She was almost identical to her.
A goddess stood there.
"…She's really down… You okay? Want sweets?"
"…I'll take some. Recommendations?"
"Shortcake's safe. Can't go wrong."
"Alright. That, not the tricolor one."
"Tricolor? Got it, wait… Tea?"
"Please."
"Alright, sit tight."
"Sweet… good civilization."
"That's a loose standard!"
-------------------------------------------
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