**Side: Mako**
After enjoying the spectacular view of the waterfall volcano on the second floor, we took a short break before descending to the third floor.
The Krater Labyrinth is so difficult that few Hunters venture down to the third floor or beyond. Ancient Hunters visit frequently because the Grand Silk Crawlers, the material for Grand Silk Cloth, inhabit the fifth floor. However, even a few High Hunters would struggle to clear the second floor, let alone the third, which is understandable.
Parasitism sometimes becomes an issue in labyrinths, but at this level of difficulty, it’s impossible. Hunters who can reach this point are highly moral, so problems rarely arise. However, “rarely” doesn’t mean “never.”
“Yamato, is that okay?”
“It’s not ideal, but the structure of this floor dictates it.”
The third floor is similar to a Bestia city, but the path to the stairway to the fourth floor is a single, straight path. This makes it difficult to complain even with the Raid following closely behind us. It’s more compounded by the fact that they are properly defeating monsters.
“So, it’s a straight path, meaning telling them not to follow is pointless, huh?”
“If it were particularly bad, we could kill time in a Safe Area or just waste time on the second or third floor. But it seems there haven’t been any problems here, so we don’t need to worry about it.”
Indeed, I’ve heard that troubles among Hunters are rare in the Krater Labyrinth. Hunters who cause problems often stagnate in the thirties, not even reaching High Class, so they can’t clear the first floor. Even if they somehow manage to descend to the second floor, the difficulty prevents them from leaving the Safe Area. The Krater Labyrinth is notoriously difficult, with High Class Hunters struggling to clear the third floor, and the entire fourth floor being a vast ocean requiring a ship to proceed.
As Yamato predicted, the Hunters following us apologized for their quasi-parasitism once we reached the central Safe Area. Apparently, it was their first time descending to the third floor, and the Goblin attacks were more intense than expected, leading them to consider returning to the second floor. When we appeared, they decided to follow us to gather more accurate information. Yamato didn’t make an issue of it and informed them that the path ahead would have many Garums and Amazonesses. What they do next is up to them.
We proceeded without further rest and soon saw the stairway. However, there was no sign of the Amazoness Queen, meaning an Ancient Hunter must have defeated it. We don’t know when it was defeated or how long it takes for the next Queen to spawn, but it certainly saved us some trouble. We proceeded directly to the fourth floor.
“Wow, this is amazing.”
“It really is a sea of water. What do you think of it as a labyrinth?”
“I had the same thought. I honestly thought it was a convoluted path for a suicide mission.”
I remember thinking something similar when I first reached the fourth floor.
“Well, since only High Class or above come here, they can use Stroraging and Inventoring, and the earnings are good enough to afford a ship. Plus, the fifth floor is easy to earn from, so I think of this floor as a sieve.”
“There’s that way of thinking, too.”
Ah, I see. Yamato’s perspective makes sense. While the monsters on the fifth floor are formidable, the environment on the fourth floor is harsher. Hunters who can clear the fourth floor can earn a lot on the fifth. But to reach it, one must clear the fourth floor, which is difficult even for High Class Hunters. A moment’s carelessness can lead to being sunk along with your ship. Furthermore, even a group of boorish Hunters who have somehow evolved won’t be able to defeat an Amazoness Queen on the third floor, and even with a proper ship, they’d likely be sunk here.
“Doesn’t the labyrinth core want to be managed by humans?”
“That’s what people say, but we don’t actually know if that’s true.”
I understand Maoh’s question, but it’s impossible to fathom the labyrinth core’s feelings.
“If anyone knew, I’d like to meet them. Oh, Yamato, could you prepare the ship?”
“Understood. Uny, stay back, it’s dangerous.”
“Uny-chan, come here.”
“Okay!”
This is Uny’s first time in a labyrinth, and she’s never seen a sea like this, so she’s been incredibly excited. She’s four years old and adorable, so Maoh is doting on her, and Uny has taken a liking to her. We’ll leave them to it.
“I apologize, Maoh-sama.”
“Lumina-san, Yamato and the others are indebted to you, so please don’t mind this. Right?”
“Right?”
To an outsider, we look like a grandmother and her grandchild. Well, according to Yamato, Maoh has always looked younger than her age, and the Helios Orb might be reactivating her cells, so we might even look like parent and child. I won’t say it, though, or she’ll get an ego.
“Well then, Father and Mother, this Beast Carriage moves, but please don’t be alarmed.”
“Understood.”
When Yamato channeled magic into the Tenma Stone, the ship’s hull emerged from the Beast Carriage’s storage space and floated on the sea. The Beast Carriage then floated upwards and slowly connected to the hull. It was surprising at first, but it’s fun once you get used to it.
“This is amazing.”
“It is. I never imagined they would combine.”
“That’s the reason it’s a multi-functional beast carriage. I heard that some Raids even commissioned ship hulls so they could be used as ships.”
It’s true that many Raids have commissioned them. The Krater Labyrinth is almost a mandatory hunting ground for Ancient Hunters, so all Raids involving Ancient Hunters have placed orders.
“Well then, shall we go?”
“Yes. Oh, but weren’t we supposed to spend a little time here and then return today?”
“That’s the plan. Rika just gave birth, Prim and Flam are pregnant, and Saki and Asuma are also here, so staying too long would be problematic.”
Precisely. We only granted permission this time because we didn’t want to miss the opportunity for a trip with my in-laws. However, as a Healer, I can’t overlook any further risks.
“Besides, in the evening, Father and Mother are invited to Sayuri-obaa-sama’s mansion.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. Since we’re returning tomorrow, she insisted.”
Sayuri-sama’s mansion. I do want to visit at least once. After all, the Ou Renten Street in Amagi Castle is located in the void of the Amagi tree, offering a spectacular view of the sea and cherry blossoms year-round. Honestly, I’m envious.
“Wait, you haven’t been to Ou Renten Street yet?”
“No. I’ve wanted to go, but I believe no one is allowed to enter without an invitation from the Celestial Emperor’s Family, right? So I thought it was impossible.”
“I apologize. I assumed you had already been invited. If I had known, I would have asked my older brother.”
Mana and Yuri looked apologetic at Maoh’s words. Yes, I should have realized this too, and I feel guilty.
“Don’t worry about it.”
“That’s right. We’re also enjoying some quiet time after a long while.”
Well, that’s what they would say. Besides, for the past month, they’ve been involved in defeating three types of Demise Species, as well as training for the Ritter’s Guild and Ancient Hunters. While they’ve been able to relax somewhat, it can’t be truly called restful. I’ve heard that the Seven Celestial Emperors’ work is demanding, and on top of that, they have their shrine’s duties. The absence of those alone must be a relief.
“I can’t say you’ve been able to rest much, but well, with your family shrine’s work and the Seven Celestial Emperors’ demanding jobs, I suppose being freed from those is enough.”
“That’s right. I want to retire soon.”
“No, that’s impossible.”
Yamato seems to agree. Besides, retirement is still at least thirty years away, isn’t it? Not only is he a Divine Artifact Creator, but he’s also one of the strongest individuals in the world; the country wouldn’t allow it. I don’t think it’ll be until death, though.
“Hm? This… something is approaching this ship.”
“Ah, here it comes. It’s a Great Blade Fish.”
“Great Blade?”
“Yeah. Its fins are as big as greatswords. They can easily cut through Magic Silver. I think it’s P-I-rank.”
The Monster Rank is correct. However, it’s Adamantine Steel, not Magic Silver. Or was it said that they could cut through Jade Silver and Blue-Gray Iron as well?
While I was pondering, the Great Blade Fish leaped out directly in front of the Beast Carriage.
“Geh, it was W-rank?”
“W-rank… Ah, right. They become Winged Tribe monsters, like Prim-chan.”
“Yes. Races that originally have wings have surplus magic power manifested as wings. This applies not only to humans but also to monsters, so they are treated as one rank higher.”
Prim, from the Winged Tribe, explained this, and then she unleashed her Unique Magic, Seraphim Striker, cloaked in fiery wings. What are you doing?!
“Hey, hey, Prim!”
“Sorry, sorry. But I’ve been watching Father and Mother fight for this past month, so my body was itching for action.”
So, she took advantage of our lapse in attention to attack a monster. I understand the feeling, but you’re pregnant, you should calm down.
“It’s better than accumulating stress. Well, I felt the same way, so I understand the feeling.”
“I understand too.”
Mana and Maoh are on Prim’s side? Well, I’m sure I’d be the same if I were pregnant, and she doesn’t seem to be overexerting herself, so I’ll let it slide this time.
After enjoying a cruise for about an hour, we returned to the island with the stairway, exited the labyrinth, and headed back to Alka. Upon returning, we decided to give Maoh’s dress – prepared as a gift – to Sayuri-sama a day earlier, as we were going to visit her mansion. Ah, Asuka-kun was wearing a suit when he arrived, so he changed into it. It’s typical of him, but I think a more casual outfit would have been fine. However, they both seemed satisfied with their visit to Ou Renten Street.
They will be leaving tomorrow. When we first came to Helios Orb, I thought I would never see them again, but by some twist of fate, we were able to meet again. But tomorrow, we will truly part ways forever, so I feel lonely. However, I myself decided to live in Helios Orb. So tomorrow, I will see them off with a smile. Before that, tonight, I will have a long talk with Maoh.
