Published: January 22, 2026
The party was still ongoing, but I had left the venue and was walking behind the leader together with Ms. Selma, heading towards the main building’s reception room.
“Sorry for interrupting your fun,” the leader ahead said apologetically.
“No, I enjoyed it enough. Besides, this is something Ms. Selma and I need to handle,” I replied.
“I see. I’m glad you enjoyed it... Once again, congratulations on reaching the 93rd floor. I’m proud of you all.”
“No, this is just the beginning. Reaching the 93rd floor is only our first step. We will continue to push further.”
Ms. Selma responded to the leader’s congratulatory words.
That’s right. For everyone, revenge against the black dragon was a big goal, but our real objective was to conquer the Great Labyrinth.
This clan will keep advancing deeper into the Great Labyrinth.
“That’s reassuring to hear. We will fully support you all, so please proceed at your own pace without overexerting yourselves. Now, we’ve arrived at our destination.”
While talking with the leader, we reached the reception room. The leader knocked on the door and then entered.
Ms. Selma and I followed in.
Inside the room was an elderly man dressed splendidly.
His name was Lazarus Edington.
He was the former head of the House Edington.
The Edington family was a major sponsor of the silver rabbits of the night sky.
Although he had passed the family headship to his son and was practically retired, rarely appearing in public, he still held great influence.
“Lord Lazarus, sorry to keep you waiting,” the leader greeted politely, and Ms. Selma and I bowed in response.
“No, no, it’s my fault for suddenly showing up. When I heard you reached the 93rd floor, I couldn’t sit still. I know it’s inconvenient, but could you spare some time to chat with this old man?”
Lazarus Edington gave off the impression of a kindly old gentleman.
Despite being a noble, he spoke softly even to commoners like me.
Yet, somehow that was unsettling.
He was someone who had survived the treacherous social circles full of demons and specters.
He wasn’t just a kind old man.
That said, the interests of the silver rabbits of the night sky and the House Edington aligned.
That was why they invested in us; under normal circumstances, they wouldn’t be enemies.
So, it was fine to keep our guard to a minimum.
—Until now, that is.
“Orun-kun, it’s been two weeks. I never thought you’d reach the 93rd floor so quickly. Truly impressive. I guess this result wouldn’t be possible without you?”
“I’m honored, but my contribution was minor. This result was thanks to the true strength of the silver rabbits of the night sky. I alone could never have reached the 93rd floor.”
Using “I” in that formal way still feels odd… but I can’t say “ore” to a noble.
“You’re as humble as ever. Selma-chan, you must be tired today. Were you able to take revenge for Albert-kun?”
“Yes. This was only possible thanks to Lord Lazarus’s cooperation. Thank you for lending us your strength.”
“What I did was trivial. But now everyone has a good story to tell. Thanks for providing such an interesting topic. I’m glad I trusted you.”
I once heard from Marquis Forgus during my hero party days that when Albert died and the hero party surpassed our reached floor, the faction to which the Edington family belonged suggested cutting funding to the silver rabbits of the night sky.
It was this old man who stopped that from happening at the last moment.
There had been almost no news about the hero party over the past month, while the silver rabbits updated their reached floor to the 93rd.
Only three parties, including ours, had reached the 93rd floor in history.
Clearly, the momentum and public interest were with us.
I don’t know if this old man had anticipated this, but his influence in the faction undoubtedly grew stronger.
And the silver rabbits of the night sky gained a huge favor.
If Lazarus Edington makes a big move in the future, there’s a strong chance we’ll be dragged into it.