Published: January 22, 2026
"...We've arrived."
As the first squad reached their destination, Ms. Selma murmured.
Today, we had come to the Great Southern Labyrinth to conquer the 93rd floor.
Following the predetermined route, it took us several hours to reach the door to the boss area.
Just like when we headed to clear the 92nd floor this morning, we received cheers from the silver rabbits of the night sky members, but it felt as though that moment was ages ago—the time seemed to have passed longer than usual.
It's no surprise.
Though not as intense as the 91st floor, the 93rd floor also had a considerable number of demonic beasts, so we constantly stayed alert to avoid combat whenever possible.
Thanks to that, our physical fatigue wasn't too severe, but the mental strain had accumulated.
"Everyone, good work. We can't afford to relax too much, but let's recover our spirits while preparing. We'll rotate the surrounding watch, right, Selma?"
"Yes. No problem."
Ms. Rain suggested a brief rest, and Ms. Selma agreed.
"Alright then, I'll take the first watch. The rear guard should get some rest. Orun, is that okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
Will was the first to volunteer to keep watch.
He then pointed to me, but since I understood his intention, I didn’t refuse and took my position a little away from the boss area door, keeping watch.
"The 93rd floor conquest is finally reaching its climax. Let's keep our guard until the end, Orun."
Will called out while maintaining vigilance.
"Right. ...Will, as we discussed, this enemy is quite different from what we've faced before. If the initial strategy works, it might make things harder for you, but in the end, we'll be relying on you."
"Haha! I know. No matter the situation, I'll give it my all. You better not mess up, Orun."
"Yeah. I'll set the stage so you can perform at your best."
"Dependable as always. Counting on you again, ace."
After a short rest for both Will and me, everyone donned their cold-weather gear as final preparation.
It's tricky to balance, since heavy clothing can impair combat, but this level of cold protection wouldn't hinder our fighting.
"Ugh... so hot... it's so humid..."
Lucre grumbled, wearing her cold-weather cloak.
The 93rd floor was warm enough to remind one of a tropical region, with high humidity.
So wearing cold weather clothing there naturally felt stifling.
My own coat had switched from usual three-quarter sleeves to long sleeves with thicker fabric, making it easy to trap heat.
Even without doing anything, I felt sweat starting to form.
Still, since our mission required it, we had to dress warmly for this battle.
"Just a little more patience, Lucre. Stay focused."
"Yeah, that's fine! Rain, I know it's tough, but we're counting on you!"
"Of course. Leave it to Big Sister!"
Rain puffed out her chest and spoke with enthusiasm in response to Lucre's words.
I sensed no strain from Rain.
This battle likely placed her at the center of the action.
Seeing her just like her usual big sister self was reassuring.
This should be fine.
"...Is everyone ready?"
Ms. Selma looked to each of us, confirming our readiness.
We all nodded in response.
"Then, let's go. Time to take down the boss!"
"““““Yeah!!!!””””"
◇
When I touched the door separating the labyrinth from the boss area, it slowly began to open.
Watching the scene, I let out a deep breath, "…Phew."
Then I circulated my qi throughout my body and invoked:
"—【Seal Release (Calmination)】."
I broke free from the bindings holding me.
As the door opened and we could see inside the boss area, I quickly assessed the situation.
It hadn't changed since about a year ago when we visited with the Golden Dawn.
Grass grew thickly on the ground, with several shrubs spaced widely apart.
And at the center of the boss area, there it was.
A massive demonic beast—the White Serpent—coiled and glared at us.
Its body was so thick it could be mistaken for a giant log crawling on the ground, and from the tip of its triangular head, it extended a long red tongue that flickered like a flame.
"The White Serpent is at the center of the boss area! We’ll teleport everyone as planned!"