Published: January 24, 2026
“Why focus on the great labyrinth conquest?”
“Are you aware that in the space where the dungeon core of the Great Labyrinth lies—beyond the hundredth floor at the deepest point of the Great Western Labyrinth—there are geometric strings of characters drawn that are completely different from usual labyrinth magic formulas?”
About a year and a half ago, the explorer party led by His Highness Felix accomplished the great feat of conquering the Great Western Labyrinth.
Since then, the Seeker's Guild has been continuously investigating the Great Western Labyrinth, which had lost its function as a dungeon.
The investigation results have been made public, including the information that the place where the dungeon core once was is inscribed with geometric strings of characters.
I have heard a part of the world’s truth from Orun in Darane.
According to Orun, these are part of a technique used to seal an evil god, so Belia undoubtedly knew about it.
However, outwardly, the Seeker's Guild claims they have yet to decipher the meaning of these characters.
...It’s quite possible that except for Belia, guild members are unaware and might be mentally guided by Philly Carpenter.
“I’ve heard of that, but what’s the big deal?”
“When the flooding of the dungeons happened across regions, our Seeker’s Guild was diligently trying to decipher those characters. And at the very moment the flooding seemed to occur, those characters began to glow.”
““――!?””
Solda’s statement sent shockwaves through the attendees.
Given the situation and how it was said, it’s only natural to suspect some connection between the widespread flooding and that glowing.
—Even if it was a deliberate lead.
In reality, the great labyrinths are what are called sanctuaries, distinct from regular dungeons.
“The incomprehensible characters at the very depths of the Great Labyrinth... So you’re saying the Great Labyrinths are linked to this recent flooding across regions!?”
“There’s no concrete proof of that. However, if similar characters are engraved at the deepest points of the other great labyrinths, having more samples might help in decoding them. This could lead to the answer to the long-standing mystery: ‘What exactly is a labyrinth?’ Understanding this might also reveal a way to stop the flooding.”
“――It’s decided then.”
Gunnar of the Ludain Federation, who had maintained silence until now, finally spoke at this timing.
“Even if there’s no certainty that conquering the Great Labyrinths will stop the flooding, if this is our only lead, then we must devote ourselves fully to the great labyrinth conquest.”
At this critical moment, Gunnar’s words, as a representative of a great nation, became the decisive voice.
Thus humanity set the great labyrinth conquest as its goal to break through the current crisis.
Conquering the Great Labyrinth.
That is synonymous with unleashing the evil god who has brought humanity to the brink of extinction.
The seal on the evil god is already destined to be undone.
That’s precisely why Orun and the group called Amuntzarse have begun preparations to defeat the evil god.
Out of the four great labyrinths—technically three remaining—even if one remains intact, the evil god’s seal will hold.
If all great labyrinths are conquered before Orun’s group is ready to defeat the evil god, it’s game over.
Therefore, what I need to do now is to seize the leadership of the conquest of the Great Southern Labyrinth.
And one more thing—
“――May I make a proposal?”
With Gunnar’s statement solidifying the future direction and the summit meeting beginning to wrap up, I raised my voice.
“A proposal, you say?”
Gunnar slightly frowned.
What I must do now is to clarify the enemy.
Our enemy is the demons who seek to break the evil god’s seal and annihilate humanity.
According to Mr. Orun’s speculation, the demons have already assimilated into ‘that country’ to the point of influencing the government.
I agree with that view.