I really deserved some praise for not pouncing right then and there.
Order was everything.
First, I pulled Roxanne close, savoring her sweet, thin skin like that of a ripe white peach. I immersed myself in the delight of teasing that delicate layer, slowly peeling it away. There was no need to rush. I could take my time, savoring every moment, and work my way through the proper sequence.
With the Sex Fiend job equipped, that alone was more than enough. More than enough. This was an artisan blade, forged by the hands of Michio Goro Kaga, a resident of the land of Musashi. Throughout my life, I’ve always had a powerful ally in you, my friend.
In this manner, I slowly made two full rounds. I completed the circuit twice, seeing it through to the end with Rutina. Of course, this wasn't going to be a one-night-only affair. We weren't going to be parted. If anything, our bond had been firmly sealed.
The morning after that bonding, we headed back into the Labyrinth.
"I’ve spotted a group of monsters nearby that seems to be a good, large number. What should we do, Master?"
As usual, Roxanne’s soul was clearly tethered to the battlefield. We had only just finished a boss battle on the 44th Floor, and she was already coming out with this. What the hell did "a good, large number" even mean? Usually, a small number was what people considered "good."
"It’s only been a day since we started this floor. We can take it slow. It’s not like we're in a race."
I tried to reason with Roxanne and led the way back to the 44th Floor.
"The monsters from before are getting closer. This is a perfect chance."
And yet, after we finished the boss battle and did another lap, she was right back at it. Honestly, some other party should have just stepped up and defeated them. It was such a hassle. This time, she didn’t even ask "what should we do." Roxanne was staring at me with sparkling eyes.
No, actually, "glaring" was a better word for it. I felt a terrifyingly strong will radiating from her, as if she were suggesting that any coward who said "no" here didn't deserve to keep living.
"Y-Yeah, I guess you're right."
I didn't really have a choice but to agree, did I?
Forgive me, Lady Sherry. I shall strike now!
"Understood!"
Roxanne looked absolutely delighted as she took the lead. Following behind her, the monsters soon came into view. Yes, there were six of them. So that’s what she meant by a "good number."
I’d known it would be six, but the number of Nepenthes seemed unusually high. After spamming my Thunder Magic, I confirmed that four of the six were Nepenthes. So this was the "opportunity" she was talking about.
"We did it, desu!"
In the end, we emerged victorious from the fierce battle against the 45th-floor monsters, largely due to Miria’s efforts. It really was tough, though.
"That was quite the struggle. Do you think the 45th Floor is still a bit too much for us?"
"No, not at all. Thanks to your magical power, Master, we were able to sweep them aside with ease. You were magnificent."
It seemed that even the enemies of the 45th Floor weren't enough to satisfy Roxanne’s bloodlust.
"I agree. I wouldn't call it a struggle, per se. I don't believe any accidents that might threaten our safety will occur."
Sherry was on that side too? Well, looking at it objectively, maybe we hadn't struggled that much. But still, they could at least try to meet me halfway.
"Will do more, desu!"
"I think we'll be fine."
Right. I see. If even Sherry was saying that, then I knew where I stood. I had zero expectations of finding an ally in those two.
"Even though I am a beginner who has only just started, I believe I can handle this level of combat. More than anything, this is necessary if we are to conquer the Labyrinth. I will prove my worth. Please, do not worry about me; I will be fine."
Even Rutina was proving to be a handful. Was this level of aggression just the standard for people in this world? I really wished someone would worry about me for a change.
"I-I see. Then let’s continue fighting on the 45th Floor, cautiously and bit by bit."
Before they could argue for more, I cut the conversation short and opened a Warp. It felt like the odds were stacked against me.
"Yes! I’m looking forward to the next one!"
Hey, wait a minute. I said "cautiously." That implies care, thoroughness, and high vigilance. I was talking about the kind of caution where you tap a stone bridge to check its safety and then still decide not to cross it.
Regardless, we returned to the 44th Floor to continue our grind. The next time we cleared the boss room and emerged onto the 45th Floor, Roxanne didn’t say anything, which meant there weren't any monsters nearby. I doubted it was because she was being cautious. This was Roxanne, after all.
We had just defeated the monsters near the 45th-floor entrance. Their absence likely meant the area was clear for the moment. This was a tactic I could work with. Since we were only sticking to the entrance area, if we cleared it out, it would stay quiet for a while. Maybe some other Explorers would come by and keep the area clear, too. Since it was right by the entrance, that was a fair possibility.
Hurry up and get here, Goku! Save me!
With that bit of hope, I felt safe. We finished our early morning session without another battle on the 45th Floor and returned home.
"Oh."
"It's a message from Mr. Luke. It says he successfully won the auction for a Skill Crystal: Goat."
When we got back, a memo from Luke was tucked into the door frame. Roxanne picked it up; it seemed he’d secured the goat crystal. A goat, huh? If fused with a weapon, it would grant the 2x Intelligence skill. I had plenty of Kobold crystals in stock, so I could make the new gear immediately.
"I'll head over there after breakfast."
"Yes, Master."
I helped out by preparing one of the dishes for breakfast, and once the meal was over, I headed to the Merchant Guild. I asked for Luke to be called out.
"Master Michio, I’ve been expecting you."
"Yeah. I heard you got the Skill Crystal: Goat."
"Indeed. Right here."
"Good."
The item was the real deal. I purchased the Skill Crystal: Goat from Luke on the spot.
"Also, I’ve been given a message from Duke Harz. He asks that you show your face at his estate at your earliest convenience. He mentioned that coming alone is perfectly fine."
Of course, there was a catch. A summons from the Duke. He probably wanted to see for himself if Rutina was being treated well. Specifying that "alone is fine" was likely code for "you don't need to bring Rutina." I wasn't sure if Luke understood the subtext, though.
"Understood."
I took the crystal and the message and headed home. Once back, I called Sherry over.
"Is it time for a fusion?"
"Yeah. I'm counting on you for this one."
She’d already guessed why I was back from Luke’s so quickly. It really helped that she was so sharp. I handed over the goat crystal, a kobold crystal, and an earring.
"An earring?"
"Putting 2x Intelligence on an accessory isn't a problem, right?"
"No, not at all."
The earring was a decent piece of equipment, even for something bought from a standard shop. I could probably find something better if I scoured the shops at the Empire Liberation Society Lodge, but there was no sense in waiting. It wasn't like this was the only goat crystal I’d ever find. I might as well make something with what I had on hand.
An earring has a maximum of three skill slots. Since 2x Intelligence works on accessories, I’d put that on first. That way, my magical power wouldn't be tied to a specific weapon. It was a comforting thought, especially since I’d be upgrading to better weapons in the future. Plus, I had Durandal. If 2x Intelligence applied even when I had the holy sword equipped, that would be a massive boost.
Currently, I was wearing a Substitution Misanga as my accessory, so I eventually needed to get the Substitution skill onto the earring as well. If the skill triggered, the item would break, which was a huge waste, but it was a necessary precaution. I had to do what was required. The misanga had never actually broken before, so it was a risk I was willing to take.
It would have been great if I could have handed Sherry a Skill Crystal: Caterpillar right then and said, "I figured we'd need this," but I didn't have one. There was no way I would. Every caterpillar crystal I got was immediately turned into a misanga. I’d heard they were high-demand items at the Lodge, too. I really should start keeping a surplus.
So, for today, I’d just have her add the 2x Intelligence. Even if I added the Substitution skill later, there would still be an empty slot for something like Damage Escalation. That would be more than enough.
"It's not weird for me to be wearing an earring, is it?"
"Not at all. Although, if you have a Substitution Misanga, that is usually what people prioritize for their accessory slot."
"Well, that can't be helped."
Back in Japan, people might have laughed at me for wearing an earring, but that didn't seem to be the case here. Sherry and the others didn't think twice about it.
"Most people use misangas because they're afraid of the item being disposable, but accessories actually raise your defense against magical attacks. Better quality gear, like earrings, provides a stronger defensive boost."
"I see."
"Now, here I go."
Sherry began the fusion. Her hands glowed, and as the light faded, the Rod of Himorogi’s power had been successfully transferred into the new piece of jewelry.
Earring of Himorogi (Accessory) Skills: 2x Intelligence, (Empty), (Empty)
"Oh, it's a success! Excellent work, Sherry."
"Thank you very much."
With 2x Intelligence secured, my combat effectiveness was bound to go up.
"Well, once we're done cleaning up, shall we go give it a test run?"
"Yes! I'm ready whenever you are."
I’d only casually mentioned the test run, but Roxanne jumped on the idea immediately. She had the reaction time of a dog hearing the word "walk." Did she really love Labyrinth combat that much? Well, I suppose she did.
"I-I see. Then let’s head in."
"Yes, Master!"
The whole party headed to the 44th Floor of the Quratar Labyrinth.
"Rutina, let’s swap weapons."
I’d tested it a few times, and just as Sherry had explained, the effects of the Rod of Himorogi and the Earring of Himorogi didn't stack. It would have been nice if two "2x" skills became "4x," but life isn't that easy. If the skill didn't stack, the Holy Spear was the superior weapon for me.
"Y-Yes. This rod looks like a truly incredible weapon, though..."
"It’s not bad, but there’s no sense in letting it sit idle."
"You’re right. I will do my absolute best for the Labyrinth conquest."
Come to think of it, the Rod of Himorogi was valuable enough to be a betrothal gift for a noblewoman.
"Right. I’ll be lending this cane to you for a while, Rutina. Make sure you put it to good use."
"I will! Thank you so much!"
Rutina took the rod with a look of pure reverence. I’d tried to sound dignified, considering its value, and it clearly worked. Maybe it worked a little too well. It was super effective.
"T-Then, Roxanne, lead the way."
"Understood. This way."
"Got it."
We started fighting with our new setup. As expected, the Holy Spear’s raw stats were simply better. The battles felt a bit easier. We hadn't been struggling on the 44th Floor to begin with, but this was definitely an improvement.
No. Wait. I can't let myself be fooled. I’ve just gotten used to the 44th Floor. I have to keep my head on straight. I can't let myself be swept away. I have to fight with a constant sense of danger. The Labyrinth is a lethal place.
"Did it, desu!"
Regardless of what weapon I was using, Miria continued to neutralize the bosses. The fact that we could fight so consistently was really thanks to her. My weapon didn't actually change the flow of the battle that much. It felt easier, but that was just familiarity talking.
"As expected of you, Master. Just by changing your equipment slightly, the monsters of the 44th Floor have become like taking candy from a baby."
It seemed I wasn't the only one who felt the shift. But "taking candy from a baby" was a bit of an exaggeration, wasn't it? No matter how you looked at it, that was going too far. It wasn't that easy.
"Now, don't get careless, Roxanne. When things are going well is exactly when we need to stay cautious and not let it go to our heads."
"Yes, Master."
Was this really going to be okay? Had it always been this easy from Roxanne’s perspective? Had she actually been struggling deep down? No, that didn't seem likely. To her, maybe it went from "dealing with a toddler" to "taking candy from a baby."
The idiom wasn't an exaggeration to her. It was a literal description. That was a sobering thought.
"It’s not good to be conceited, but it is certainly true that things have become easier," Sherry added.
Damn. Sherry’s cold, logical assessment was cutting deep. I mean, it did feel easier, but still...
"Will do more, desu!"
"I think we'll be fine."
"I definitely think it’s become easier."
In Rutina’s case, she was definitely just getting used to the rhythm. I could hardly argue with her out loud, though. I like to think of myself as someone who can read the room.
"U-Umu. But remember, I’m not wearing a Substitution Misanga right now. It would be a disaster if anything happened. I want to prioritize caution."
That was the reality. I didn't have my safety net. Wouldn't it be better to just hole up on the 44th Floor for a while?
"Is that so?"
You look disappointed, Roxanne. Didn't you say it was a disgrace for a slave to fail to protect her master? Where did that sentiment go? Do you still feel that way? Wait... did you ever actually feel that way to begin with?
"Umu."
"I honestly don't think anything on the 45th Floor could pose a threat to you, Master."
I really wanted her to understand that "after the fact" is too late. Did she mean that the monsters on the 45th Floor weren't even worth protecting me from?
"Well, I'm sure we'll get another caterpillar crystal soon. Until then, we’ll just slowly increase our time on the 45th Floor."
Somehow, I felt like I was being forced into a series of endless compromises.
"I see. So we’ll head up after that."
Hey, I didn't say we were going up. I meant the 45th Floor. We’re staying on the 45th Floor.
"We will decide based on the situation at the time."
"Yes. Of course, we’ll judge based on the situation."
I really didn't want to rely on the judgment of someone who decided every situation was an easy win.
"Anyway, back to the 44th Floor."
"Actually, it seems some good monsters have just spawned nearby. Since we're already here, let’s go take care of them."
Hey, what were the other parties doing? Someone else should have taken them out!
Before I could even reply, Roxanne was already marching deeper into the floor. Was she just ignoring me now? I specifically said we were being cautious! Was her interpretation that "being cautious" meant "annihilating everything in sight"?
Language is a tricky thing. My meaning clearly wasn't getting through to her. How did it come to this?
Left with no choice, I followed her, and a group of four monsters appeared. Oh, well that’s not so many.
"Did it, desu!"
I layered my magic against the small group, and Miria’s strike finished them off.
"As I thought, four monsters are hardly a challenge. A true 'what-if' scenario would only happen if multiple groups converged at once. But as long as you are layering your magic, Master, that won't happen. Plus, we have Rutina now."
Wait, four monsters is actually quite a lot, if you think about it. Well, maybe not "a lot," but it’s a decent number. Damn it, Roxanne’s influence was getting to me. I’d actually thought four monsters were "few." I was losing my edge.
"Now, back to the 44th Floor."
"Yes."
This time, she actually listened. After that, we settled into a routine of clearing the 44th-floor boss and doing skirmishes on the 45th. My "caution" had apparently vanished into thin air. At the very least, we weren't attempting the 45th-floor boss yet, so that was something.
That routine lasted the rest of the day and into the next morning.
"The Duke has summoned me, so I’m heading out."
After breakfast, I prepared to respond to Duke Harz’s call.
"Yes, Master. Have a safe trip."
"He said 'alone is fine,' but do you want to come along, Rutina?"
"No. That man is, for all intents and purposes, my father’s enemy."
"Fair enough."
I’d asked just to be polite, but it made sense she’d decline. I warped to Bode alone.
"He’s in the back."
I was ushered in with the same remarkably lax security as always. Was this really okay? Rutina literally just called the man her father’s murderer. Not that it was my problem. I reached the office door and knocked.
"Who is it?"
"It's Michio."
"Ah, Master Michio! Please, come in."
I entered to find Gosler there as well. Having him present was a relief; the Duke was less likely to say anything crazy with his knight captain watching.
"Please, take a seat."
"Thank you."
"Well then, if you’ll excuse me..."
As I sat on the sofa, Gosler immediately tried to make an exit. You’re leaving? Now?
"Gosler, stay. It’s fine, isn't it?"
"No, I really should..."
"Oh, stay. Don't be like that."
The Duke was being surprisingly pushy about it. Was this a dangerous topic? Something so bad that even Gosler wanted to flee?
"This is about Lady Cassandra, isn't it? I’m not exactly fond of her myself."
I knew it. The Duke was about to drop something on me that even Gosler couldn't stand. Now I wanted to leave, too.
"Actually, I should probably..."
"No, no, Master Michio! You’ve come all this way, you can't leave without hearing us out."
"I think it would be in your best interest to listen, Master Michio."
When I tried to stand, both of them blocked my path. Gosler was just trying to escape a second ago!
"The news of your arrival in Bode will reach Cassandra’s ears almost immediately. If you leave without presenting yourself, who knows what will happen? I really must insist you accompany me."
"Presenting yourself"? That sounded ominous.
"Lady Cassandra is effectively the matriarch of our Elven clan. People of our standing can't easily refuse her requests," Gosler explained.
So she was a high-ranking Elven elder. And apparently, the Duke’s counter-intelligence was so bad that she knew my every move. Terrific.
"I see."
"Naturally, Cassandra considers Rutina a member of the clan as well. From the perspective of Cassia’s side of the family, she is the 'Don' of the women. Cassandra sees Rutina as her own, regardless of her status. And so, the order came down: 'Bring Master Michio to me.'"
"I... see."
This sounded incredibly bad. It was the classic "what have you done to our daughter" scenario. I could almost hear her saying, "I’m going to rattle your back teeth, boy."
"Look, it’ll be fine. It’s not like she’s going to eat you... probably."
He just had to add that "probably" at the end, didn't he?
"I'm sure it won't be that bad. I won't be going, though."
I looked at Gosler, who met my gaze with completely dead eyes. It wasn't that he couldn't go; he just flat-out refused to.
"But if Gosler were there to guide me..."
"I have urgent business in the Imperial Capital."
"I’ll handle that for you."
"No, no, I couldn't possibly trouble you with such trivial chores. I’ll go fetch Lady Cassia instead!"
They were just tossing the hot potato back and forth. Gosler practically bolted from the room.
"Look, the bottom line is this: there’s nothing to worry about."
"If you say so."
"I doubt she’ll do anything worse to you than she’s already done to me."
The Duke’s eyes were just as dead as Gosler’s. What the hell had she done to him? Honestly, given everything, I figured the Duke probably deserved whatever it was.
"What exactly is this meeting about?"
"Nothing! Just a greeting. A simple greeting. You are Rutina’s owner; that fact is set in stone. I have no intention of letting anyone challenge my decision to strip Earl Selmer of his title."
The Duke puffed out his chest, trying his best to look authoritative. It felt more like he was trying to convince himself than me.
"If it’s just a greeting, I don't see why Gosler had to run away."
"The man is a coward. I, however, have no intention of fleeing."
"If it’s just a greeting, there’s nothing to fear, right?"
"N-No one is afraid! Who said anything about being afraid?"
He was definitely afraid. Maybe turning a noblewoman like Rutina into a slave had been a bigger mistake than I thought. Selmer might be ruined, but the relatives were clearly not happy.
"Master Michio, welcome."
As I was spiraling into worry, Cassia entered the room. Gosler was trailing behind her; he must have been the one to fetch her.
"Well then, I’ll leave you to it."
"..."
"Ahem. Since this involves Master Michio’s personal affairs, I really should..."
I gave Gosler a look that asked, "Are you really running away?" but he just mumbled an excuse and vanished. He really was terrified. Dammit, Gosler. The whole point of a man who’s been through hell is that he’s supposed to be reliable in a crisis.
The Duke was also staring at Gosler’s retreating back with narrowed eyes. Well played, Duke. I’ll give you the right to make Gosler’s life miserable later as a reward.
"Master Michio, the matriarch of our clan’s women has expressed a strong desire to meet the man who obtained Rutina. Would you be willing to grant her an interview?"