One final matter remained. Several projects that Myourmiles and I had conceived required the cooperation of the Freedom Association. Veldora, subdued under Myourmiles's sharp presence, had grown considerably more disciplined. It was the perfect moment to bring up the proposal.
Myourmiles stepped forward, voice clear and authoritative. "Leader of the Freedom Association, Yuuki Kagurazaka-sama, we have a matter to discuss. It is a favor, or perhaps better described as a proposal."
"A proposal? Elaborate." Yuuki's tone was cautious, curious.
"As I have explained, our nation will provide rewards for the labyrinth walkthroughs. I propose that the Freedom Association handle these matters."
"Handle them? For what reason?"
"The most immediate reason is promotion. Your association maintains divisions in multiple nations. Utilizing your network ensures rapid and effective outreach."
"I understand. That is indeed sensible. But there must be another reason."
"Yes. Managing challengers requires coordination. I intend to use adventurer identity cards to maintain order and track participation."
Yuuki paused, deep in thought, clearly impressed. "Truly… this is a remarkable approach."
Our nation could have issued labyrinth permits, but doing so would demand excessive resources. By outsourcing to the Freedom Association, we reduced cost and borrowed expertise. Exploiting the labor of others efficiently was the essence of Myourmiles's design.
"There are additional benefits for your organization." Myourmiles added, voice smooth.
"Umm…?" Yuuki prompted.
"Under the rule of Atem-sama, monsters of the Great Jura Forest are under control. Our jurisdiction will run along the borders adjacent to the forest. Naturally, there will be less need for extensive extermination campaigns."
"I see. That is indeed a relief."
"Furthermore," Myourmiles continued, "the labyrinth itself will spawn countless monsters. By defeating them, your guild can collect Magic Crystals, fur, teeth, claws, and other resources.
Materials can be farmed consistently, sold to buyers, or managed as transactions through your guild, generating profit."
"…!" Yuuki's eyes widened at the clarity of the plan.
"Moreover, your association could oversee partial management of the labyrinth and collect taxes. This ensures employment continuity for adventurers and multiple streams of benefit for the organization."
Yuuki considered this carefully. "Will Atem-sama provide guidance in future matters as well? I see… Very well, Myourmiles-san. We will establish a branch here and handle operations. Will facilities be available?"
"Certainly. Once your staff are settled, further
coordination will follow."
Yuuki's wry smile acknowledged the thoroughness of the plan. "I am truly defeated here, Atem-sama…"
I turned to Veldora. "Have you heard? The proposal has been approved. Expect more adventurers soon."
"Um… um…" Veldora's massive frame trembled slightly with excitement.
"In the first year, challenges will remain high. But after two or three years, stronger candidates will appear."
"Ho? Evidence for that?"
"The logic is simple," I said. "The labyrinth is low-risk. Participants can practice without fear of death. Skills will naturally improve over time."
Veldora grinned, longevity giving him a relaxed perspective. "As expected from Atem… this will be exciting."
Before further reflection could settle, Hinata raised her hand.
"May I interject?" she asked.
"What is it?" I replied, though the tension in the room tightened. Past experiences demanded caution.
"I have a proposal as well," she said, voice deliberate.
Myourmiles shifted uneasily. "…I'm listening."
"The concern is that habituation to the labyrinth may reduce crisis awareness outside of it."
I nodded slowly. A fair point. Exposure to low-risk danger could breed carelessness in real-world scenarios.
"Then reminders must suffice," I said.
"Do not underestimate this. Life and death are at stake."
"Please, Hinata-san, calm yourself," I interjected diplomatically.
Hinata's expression softened. "…If you accept my proposal, I may approve your plan."
"And that would be?" I asked, tone calm but commanding.
She smiled faintly. "The labyrinth is ideal for training, but to preserve the sanctity of life, I suggest dispatching Priests of the Western Holy Church."
"The Priests?" Fuze's voice cut through the murmurs. Shock spread through the assembly. The Priests were known for mastery of holy magic, including "God's Miracle," capable of restoring grievous injuries.
"Yes. Their secret techniques risk being lost in peacetime. The labyrinth provides an environment to maintain and strengthen their skills. While only some can perform true resurrection, general revival training will improve battlefield survivability and provide me with insight into Luminism's deepest secrets."
I nodded, approving. "Agreed. You may proceed."
Hinata's eyes gleamed. "Likewise, our orders will not inconvenience you unduly."
The agreement was reached. Priests would train within the labyrinth.
Hinata then added, "I also wish the Holy Knights to challenge the labyrinth as part of their training."
Veldora chuckled. "Wha—weren't you selling…?"
"T-that's irrelevant! Focus, please!" he stammered.
Hinata ignored the digression, proceeding. "Newly enlisted Holy Knights will face level 50 challenges in groups of five to six. Veterans and captains may join. Level 50 is guarded strongly, providing realistic combat scenarios."
The room tensed. "Are you serious?" Arnaud and Bacchus demanded.
"Indeed. This is ideal training. Threats increase as levels rise, testing your limits. Only capable combatants will succeed."
Veldora roared with excitement, completely enthralled.
Arnaud and Bacchus sputtered, pride clashing with reason. "We are the strongest of humanity! Saints! Demon Lords themselves cannot match us!"
"Your confidence is misplaced," I declared, voice absolute. "The labyrinth is guarded by threats beyond mere mortals. Demonstrate your strength or submit to reality."
Their protests faltered. The truth was undeniable. Only those capable of conquering all levels could claim superiority.
Then a thought struck Veldora. "Wait… the guardian of level 100…"
"Kukuku, GA-HAHAHA!" Veldora laughed, pride filling the chamber. "It is none other than me, Storm Dragon Veldora!"
Arnaud and Bacchus paled in shock, the contrast of despair and triumph strikingly vivid.
I observed silently, satisfied. Hinata's proposal had been accepted, the labyrinth training initiative secured. The future of adventurers, priests, and Holy Knights alike was now set under the clear authority of Eterna and the guidance of Solarys, Sovereign of Wisdom.
With the primary matters addressed, the assembly seemed to have voiced all opinions. Yet one final topic remained—one I had summoned everyone for. Or rather, the true reason for gathering all my connections.
"There is one matter I wish to clarify," I announced, voice resonant and commanding.
All eyes turned toward me as I continued. My focus was the eastern merchants—the schemers whose movements could threaten the stability of our interests. Mentioning them served not only as inquiry but as a reminder to all present.
"Dwargon welcomes all who enter. With the flow of merchants from east to west, the eastern merchants have likely passed through as well. However—"
"To answer your concern, King Gazel, all those entering and leaving our nation are under constant observation," Anrietta, spymaster of Dwargon, spoke firmly. Her tone left no room for doubt.
Along the border of the Armed Nation of Dwargon, all would be seen. Any attempt at sabotage would be suicidal. The eastern merchants had no choice but to behave.
"Yet our nation was a weak trading partner, with limited leverage," Anrietta added. "While we have records of goods' movement, sightings of eastern merchants are rare."
"Oi, oi, oi. Your king is standing right here—how can you admit such weakness?" Gazel interjected, though his expression was more amused than angry.
True, few traveled to Blumund, and our surveillance ensured we could monitor them. There was little need for concern.
"So, our nation is secure in that regard?" I asked, eyes scanning the room, seeking confirmation.
"Of course. All foreign imports are monitored directly. The thirteen royal families have no authority over these matters," Anrietta confirmed.
Sorcerer's Dynasty Sarion was effectively sealed off. Communication with other nations was limited, and very few could deceive Elmesia's watchful eyes. Only one nation caused me concern: the newly established Farmenas under Youm.
"Right. Diablo instructed Razen to oversee the trade logs," Anrietta added.
"Seriously, don't put it like that," Razen replied defensively. "Diablo-san had me review all materials, ensuring the influence of eastern merchants is cut off from our nation."
Reassuring. Diablo's competence was unrivaled—his planning precise and efficient. I made a mental note to praise him privately.
"As for the Freedom Association," I said, turning to Yuuki, "the judgment falls to each division."
He nodded, understanding. Not all eastern merchants were malicious; some were legitimate traders. The association could not simply halt commerce without risking livelihoods. Yuuki promised to dispatch personnel discreetly from headquarters.
"The Western Holy Church… or rather, the Holy Empire of Lubelius, has ceased trading with eastern merchants," Hinata remarked unexpectedly.
"Eh?" I glanced at her sharply.
Hinata explained, her tone serious. "I was almost deceived by one Damrada, a prominent merchant. His words seemed trustworthy, but I was manipulated."
"Deceived?" Gazel's voice was incredulous.
"Yes. The night of Demon Lord Walpurgis, an intruder struck Lubelius. I returned in time to repel them, but it appears the enemy met with Damrada in secret."
"It seems likely they were connected," Gazel observed, nodding in agreement.
I added, my voice low but authoritative. "The mysterious rival Hinata mentions—these individuals are linked to the eastern merchants. Moreover, consider the timing of Demon Lord Roy's murder. Could this intruder have been responsible?"
A tense silence fell. Each person digested the implications. My gaze swept the room, meeting eyes filled with understanding and resolve.
"Now, I believe everyone has a clear understanding of the situation," I said, voice calm yet sharp, cutting through doubt. Heads nodded in agreement.
We would strengthen our vigilance against the eastern merchants and anticipate their future movements. Every contact, every trade route, would be observed. Eterna would remain secure.
With the final confirmation, I dismissed the meeting. "This council stands concluded. Act accordingly, and remain vigilant."
The assembly rose, a mixture of respect, determination, and tension filling the chamber. The guardians of Eterna, united under my command, were ready to enforce order and protect the realm.