The day of the Tier Guardian Hunt has arrived.
I pushed myself hard in a row, but after rolling the gacha, I ended up with a surprisingly plentiful supply of potions, and since I used the sanctuary I didn’t use in the labyrinth yesterday before going to bed, my condition is at its peak.
No, it’s even better than that.
Think about all the craziness I pulled off in the labyrinth over the last two days.
Not only did I wipe out countless undead at an astonishing speed, but I even resurrected and controlled the very undead I obliterated.
I might just be the person who’s hunted the fastest and the most monsters since the labyrinth opened, right?
And to achieve such a feat under the domain of the God of Death, using the God of Death’s powers, is an achievement in itself.
I’m not just saying this; this is actually part of the setting I implemented.
Originally, the episode was supposed to feature the protagonist accidentally obtaining the powers of the God of War on the Seventh Floor, which is the domain of the God of War, leading a party and other high-ranking adventurers to victory.
Therefore, considering all these achievements and the growth bonus effect from the Basilieus, my specs have skyrocketed.
Growth in the labyrinth is usually slow but steady, so most of the time, you realize you’ve gotten stronger only after some time.
But with such a wide growth margin, it’s impossible not to feel it. As all my fatigue faded away and I realized the results of my recent trials (which were actually somewhat free rides), I muttered without even realizing it.
“Power… is overflowing…!”
“Jonah, you always say weird things while eating. Is there a reason for it?”
Ellie tilted her head as she prepared a meat-heavy breakfast, grilled to perfection, as if meaning to cheer me on.
“No, it’s just that I can really feel the difference.”
“I get that, but I’m not sure if it’s that huge of a difference.”
“?”
Benny, who was sharing meat with Shadow, let out a deep sigh at Ellie’s remark.
“Hey, Jonah. Don’t mind Ellie’s words too much. She’s so strong that when judging others, she can only classify them as weaker, similar, or stronger compared to herself.”
“Oh?”
Only then did I start to understand some of the seemingly indifferent, almost careless reactions, which were quite delicate in nature.
“If you put it that way, I think I have a more intuitive way of categorizing, Benny. I’ve seen Ellie fight once, and if I think about it based on that… Well, Ellie might just classify things as breakable and unbreakable.”
“Hmm. That makes sense. With Ellie being so physically weak, it becomes believable that her head has to work harder.”
“… If you two don’t want to have your plates taken away, better stop with the nonsense? And Benny, did you just indirectly call me simple-minded?”
“Oh, no, I didn’t!”
“Too bad. I’m not so simple-minded that I can’t catch on to indirect insults!”
“Kyyaaaah!”
Benny squirmed under Iron Claw after interrupting her meal.
Maybe it’s due to Benny’s unique dress clinging closely to her body. As she squirmed, her somewhat modest yet feminine curves were clearly visible.
Today, Benny resembled a star-shaped sticker… Memo, memo.
For a moment, I updated my mental checklist of Benny’s nipple patch collection. After punishing her, Ellie opened her mouth with a satisfied expression.
“So, Jonah, are you all set to take down the Tier Guardian?”
“Almost. I have one left… but I intend to finish that on the way to the labyrinth.”
“Huh? What is it?”
“My powers are strong when used as is, but if I do a bit of preparation, they become much more effective.”
I smiled at Ellie and stood up.
“Thanks for the meal. What about you? Since you’re all set to leave, I assume you’ll just be practicing your skills today… want to come watch me look awesome?”
“… Alright. Let’s go together. But I’ll just be watching, okay? I won’t help unless your life is in danger.”
“Hahaha! That goes without saying. Look forward to it; I might charm you once more!”
Saying that, I flashed her a sultry wink and a sparkling smile, fully channeling my powers.
Although it should be getting familiar by now, Ellie still kept her ears and tail perked up, standing stiffly.
I chuckled at her flushed face and spoke.
“Then let’s meet at the labyrinth entrance shortly.”
“Uh? Yeah…”
We exited the Fairy and Silver Coin. Our next destination was Eden.
*
Ding-dong.
The familiar chime rang as I opened the doors to Eden. Upon calling for Eve, she appeared with a dazed expression, as if just waking up, along with some clatter.
But if that was the case, she shouldn’t have done a full makeup job. Obviously, she’s trying to impress me.
Of course, the clueless Eve continued her act, unaware that I was on to her.
…It’s better to go along with this a little, right?”
“Oh? What brings you here, Jonah?”
“Oh dear, did I arrive too early? I mentioned before that I’d be here around now.”
“Hoho, you’re in luck. I just came in yesterday.”
In fact, she was already holding it but brought it out just now to keep from incurring debt at the most crucial moment (X).
Wow! Seeing Jonah’s face first thing in the morning is pure luck! (O)
She shrugged her shoulders after exchanging only a few words, disregarding the faulty translator.
“I’m glad to hear that! It just so happens that I needed something today.”
“I see. So today… I had a hunch about what you needed. The Tier Guardian of the Fourth Floor, right?”
“Oh. Correct. Was the date too obvious?”
“Partly that, but also because I’ve been hearing some interesting stories from other elves lately.”
“Oh?”
Thinking back, what I did on the Fourth Floor was likely regarded as the mad acts of a World Tree worshiper.
I did kind of lead them to believe that, and most adventurers, especially the elves, seemed to genuinely believe it.
So I suppose it’s not surprising that my actions on the Fourth Floor reached the eternal queen, Eve.
“That’s good news for me. Ah, would you mind waiting a moment? I’ll fetch something I set aside so that there won’t be any mix-up.”
“Of course.”
Saying that, I took a seat at the reception table.
As always, Eden’s decor is quite something.
It often feels like furniture has grown from trees. In some cases, branches actually sprout from the ends.
After a brief wait, Eve returned from inside with a small pouch.
She sat across from me, donning a suspicious smile that amplified the air of mystery.
The delicate morning sunlight streaming from behind, along with her resting chin and half-opened eyes, amplified the suspicious atmosphere several times over.
“Hehe. Do you have any idea how much effort it took to bring this seed out of the Elven Forest?”
This will cost quite a bit (X).
Appreciate my effort! And raise my affinity level! (O)
“I’m not sure of the exact amount… but I have a rough idea.”
“Yup. If it weren’t for me, it would’ve been hard to get this item back. When the Cradle Association reached out, I was so surprised…”
How did you figure out the contact route? Just tells me if you don’t mind. (X)
Next time, just come to me directly, okay? (O)
“I was honestly really busy this time and didn’t have the time. I can’t go into details due to confidentiality, but what I’m doing today is just part of my preparations…”
“I see.”
“Yes. So once I finish this task completely, I’ll let you know everything in detail. I’ll settle the payment then as well.”
“Those are ridiculous conditions that wouldn’t apply to anyone else… but you’re an exception, Jonah. Understood, I’ll keep that in mind, and for now, let’s wait a moment.”
“Thank you. I’ll be sure to pay you generously.”
“Hehe. I’m not asking for much. Just don’t take it!”
“Meaning it’s okay to take away if it’s my turn?” (O)
When I flinched at the palpable sense of danger, Eve kindly, but with a hint of unease, offered me the pouch.
“Go on, take it. Today’s a busy day, so you can’t waste time here.”
“See you next time.”
“Yes, see you next time. Preferably with good news.”
Eve flashed a bright smile at me. After giving a little bow, I took her offered pouch and stepped outside Eden.
The timing was perfect, and I didn’t expect her to have prepared so much, so I was quite satisfied with the deal.
I decided to ignore the doll soaked in viscous liquid in the corner of the desk.
…It’s definitely not because I think it’ll notice and freak out on its own soon.
As I headed towards the square with the giant stele,
– Hyaaaah!!
A scream sounded from behind, as if Eve’s world had come crashing down, but I let it go in one ear and out the other.
I no longer had the luxury of time for that.
In the square, adventurers who sharpened their blades for today crowded the area, but two stood out among them.
Ellie and Benny. I waved at the two who were waiting for me.
The hunt was about to begin.
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